Readers’ comments: November 28, 2025

Thank you, Laemmle family
Dear editor:
As the local theater transitions to a new owner [“Laemmle Claremont 5 theater is sold,” November 21], the community should honor the Laemmle family for their near century long commitment to the movie industry and for their investment in Claremont.
The theater stands as the cornerstone of an eclectic Village and has provided a montage of fond memories.
Confronted with a pandemic and an entertainment terrain in flux, the theater bore the financial consequences and carried on.
Although a new operator will assume command, the role of the Laemmle organization will be fondly remembered.
Vince Turner
Upland
Turner is the founder of the Claremont Film Festival.

There’s room for all at farmers market
Dear editor:
I was disheartened to read the article regarding the removal of several vendors at the farmers market [“Shake up at Claremont farmers market,” November 21] due to the fact their presence violates the special permit for the market, which does not allow the sale of hot, un-prepackaged foods.
Undoubtedly, making a success out of a small business is difficult given the many rules and regulations under which they operate, but likewise, the vendors at the market have their own set of rules and regulations they must follow, as the Courier’s article reported. Businesses in the Village have seven days of the week to operate and, for most, as many hours as they care to be open in order to make their profit while the vendors at the market are there five hours one day a week. Is it really a make-or-break situation for Village businesses to endure competition from vendors who are in Claremont for such a short period of time?
Furthermore, the vendors at the farmers market do not offer the same products as the enterprises in the Village, even if they seem the same. Take Magnolia Coffee; every coffee drinker knows that the coffee at one place is different than coffee at another. Nosy Neighbors’ coffee is different from Starbucks or Philz. Thus, the implied argument that people who patronize the market vendors would go to the businesses in the Village is specious at best.
Finally, the farmers market vendors bring more tax revenue into Claremont. Why shoot ourselves in the foot by denying the city that money?
City Council, please change the special permit ordinance as soon as possible so all the vendors at the farmers market can continue to serve area residents. And a big ol’ raspberry to those Village businesses who have complained.
Denise Spooner
Claremont

Truth in advertising
Dear editor:
Telling the American people that there is no affordability problem when grocery prices are too high, is like telling people experiencing famine that there is plenty of food around.
Opanyi Nasiali
Claremont

Waxing poetic about the coyote/pet interface
Dear editor:
Dear Editor, lend me your keenest ear,  
A crisis approaches — bring your pets near!  
For coyotes have gathered on Maple and Elm,  
Acting like kings of the canine realm.

We go for a walk, the leash starts to quiver,  
My pup looks at me with a shake and a shiver.  
Coyotes peek out from the bushes and trash,  
Planning the menu for their midnight bash.

My poor dog is nervous — she’s had quite enough,  
Dreams now in caution signs, fur standing up.  
We called City Council, we begged, and we pled,  
But our pleas found their way to the voicemail instead.

Press one for advice, press two for jokes,  
Press three if you think coyote threats are a hoax.  
What we’d like is some action, a plan with some bite,  
Instead of coyotes out prowling all night.

If Council won’t tackle the pack in our park,  
Citizens may swap them for councilors with bark.  
United in laughter, and dodging each snout —  
We’re pawsitive voters will sort this mess out!
Peter Kavounas
Claremont