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After a much welcomed reprieve, dangerously strong winds returned to Claremont and the rest of Southern California on Monday. “Everyone needs to be on high alert,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference. “Los Angeles and partner firefighters are pre-deployed, and we ask Angelenos to be prepared in case they need to evacuate.” The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings from noon Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday in foothill and mountain areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

Here are several helpful links for wildfire/wind information and assistance, courtesy of Courier reader Bob Gerecke. Photo/by Jhovany Quiroz

Afternoon winds and swirling leaves didn’t deter the Gutierrez family from their regular picnic and wiffle ball game at Memorial Park on Monday, January 20. Under clear blue skies and with temperatures in the low 60s, most family members took advantage of the day off in observance of MLK Day. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

The dangerously high winds predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday were milder than expected, giving firefighters and residents a much-needed bit of good news in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, though fire danger in those areas remains critical. At press time Thursday the death toll from the wildfires had risen to 25, the Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 22% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena had consumed 14,117 acres and was at 55% containment. Photo/by Jhovany Quiroz

The dangerously high winds predicted for Tuesday were milder than expected, but fire officials say gusts up to 30 mph will blow through parts of northwest Los Angeles and southern Ventura County through 6 p.m. today. Fire danger in those areas remains critical. The death toll from the wildfires has risen to 25. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, The Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 19% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena had consumed 14,117 acres and was at 45% containment. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

The death toll from the windstorm-fueled Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24, with several people still unaccounted for as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 17% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena has consumed 14,117 acres and is at 35% containment.More strong winds are in the forecast through Wednesday, leaving fire officials on edge and fire conditions severe. The winds are forecast to blow from the northeast, with the strongest gusts up to 70 mph affecting the western San Gabriel Mountains/5 Freeway corridor; the northern San Fernando Valley, and mountain passes in Ventura and northern Los Angeles counties, including Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Santa Paula. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Though Tuesday’s jarring windstorm left its mark on Claremont in the form of downed trees, limbs, and some property damage, the city and the surrounding communities were clearly spared the worst. Violent wind gusts up to 90 mph drove fast-moving firestorms through several other Southern California communities, resulting in at least 11 deaths and more than 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures destroyed. Among those structures lost are national landmarks and regional treasures. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

“I think we couldn’t just sit there and do nothing,” Herrera said, “and our hearts were very, very heavy so we felt very called to make an impact. We know a lot of people that know people that have been affected by it, and that’s what called us. We couldn’t just sit back and not do anything.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Donation drives to help residents affected by the fires in Los Angeles will take place through 5 p.m. Friday, January 10, and from 8:30 to noon Saturday, January 11 at PETCO, 915, W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont. Items accepted include water bottles, snacks and non-perishable goods, socks, underwear, blankets, dog and cat food, hygiene items, first aid kits, baby care products, gift cards, and backpacks. Photo/courtesy of Susan Brunasso

Christmas came early for Claremont resident Alexander Harris, 23, who recently got a much-needed piece of adaptive sports equipment to help him snow ski for many winters to come. Harris, a paraplegic, received grant money for poles and a “monoski,” a single ski with a wide base, adjustable springs, brakes, and a chair, which will allow him to continue his newfound passion. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

In what has become an annual event at Padua Hills Theatre, the Cielo Rojo Dance Company entertained an enthusiastic, packed house on December 12. The evening included traditional Mexican holiday dancing, a marketplace, food, gifts, music, and plenty of cheer in the courtyard throughout the evening. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

Pilgrim Place resident Donna Orange, who died last month at 80 after being struck by a car while riding her bicycle, was honored in a “ghost bike” ceremony Saturday at the site of the collision in Upland. Friends, family, and more than 70 cyclists attended the late morning memorial at the southwest corner of 16th Street and San Antonio Avenue, where Orange was gravely injured on November 12. She died from her injures November 16. The motorist remains at large. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Two new Claremont Lewis Museum of Art exhibits, “Home in Aztlán: The Garcia Collection of Chicanx Art,” and “One of Your Girls or Your Homies: Tan Jazz Mont,” are spotlighting the works of the Hispanic community through Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 200 W. First St., Claremont. The shows open Saturday, December 7, at a […]