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“This is not a screed against that favorite aspect of our Fourth of July celebrations, the boom-sizzle-pop of countless fireworks and the elongated “oohs” and “ahhs” that accompany a gorgeous, multi-hued pyrotechnic display. Who doesn’t like those technicolor pinwheels? What concerns me, however, is the toxic aftermath of the countless legal and illegal skyrockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers — what one friend described, after the window-rattling, sleep-disturbed night this Fourth, as World War III.” Photo/by Char Miller

At age 17, Constance Cassinelli came across letters dated as far back as 1899 addressed to her great-grandfather, Nicola Cassinelli, from his siblings. When she held them, she said it was as if the letter’s authors were giving her instructions: “Remember us. Remember us.” The Claremont resident describes her decades of discovery in her book, “Caro Nicola: Promise Kept.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

We worked with women who had never attended school, including some who had not been allowed to leave their homes. They were unaware of their rights and lacked skills beyond household chores. Our goal was to educate them to the best of our ability. Many eventually joined schools and later, universities. But sadly, history repeated itself: on August 14, 2021 I was on my way to work when a man dressed in the garb of a Taliban member stood in front of me and shouted, “If you don’t want to die, go back home; a woman’s place is at home.” Photo/by Hamed Painda

Claremont Courier event calendar: March 8-16, 2024

Incumbent California Democrat Judy Chu made a strong showing in yesterday’s 28th Congressional District primary race, which includes Claremont, with 60.2% of the vote with 67% of the ballots counted. Republican challenger April Verlato was second with 35.6%. Chu was particularly strong in Los Angeles County, with Verlato taking San Bernardino County. Chu and Verlato will face off in the November 5 general election. Courier photo/Matthew Weinberger

I don’t count sheep, but I count lots of other things. While out for my walk, when it isn’t too hot, too cold, or too wet, I find myself counting my steps. I count calories, but more often count the number of cookies I have in a day’s time. Suffice it to say, too many. 

A March 1 investiture ceremony to officially recognize Harriet B. Nembhard as Harvey Mudd College’s sixth president was delayed by a “die-in” protest by Claremont Colleges students calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. As HMC’s Board of Trustees Chair James Bean conferred the presidency to Nembhard, her daughter Naomi tied a ceremonial pendant around her neck. Video of the ceremony is at hmc.edu/inauguration. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

What keeps people from getting the help they need? Too often it’s the stigma around mental illness. When people are afraid, ashamed, or just don’t understand mental illness, it makes it hard to talk honestly about this incredibly important health issue. When they can’t talk about their struggles with those closest to them, it makes it hard for them to seek help. These challenges can increase when dealing with more severe mental health issues. There are programs and services available to help those with severe mental illness heal with compassion and dignity. And the first step toward healing is to reach out for help. Photo/courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez

Diann Ring, former Claremont mayor and City Council member died from complications after a recent fall. She passed at the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s ICU on Saturday morning.

As publisher of the Claremont Courier, the financial decisions I make come with enormous highs and lows. When times are difficult, weighing the needs of the individual with the needs of the company can be excruciating. And there are rarely any good answers.

Rancho Cucamonga Fire District announced a Rosenbauer RTX Electric Fire Truck will join its vehicular fleet once Fire Station 178, located near the Tierra Vista Towne Center along Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga, opens in spring. The agency will become the third in North America to house an electric engine.

Super Tuesday, March 5, is fast approaching, and in-person voting centers are open at Condit Elementary School, 1750 N. Mountain Ave.; El Roble Intermediate School, 665 N. Mountain Ave.; Claremont Unified School District offices, 170 W. San Jose Ave.; and Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd. Centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional polling centers can be found at locator.lavote.net/locations/vc. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Two groups of students and five individuals took home high honors Monday as part of the 34th annual Making Change contest. The annual competition by the City of Claremont and Claremont Unified School District asks CUSD students to submit essays and multimedia projects highlighting change-making figures throughout history. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Claremont Courier event calendar: March 1-9, 2024

History is beset with artists who got their due long past their heyday, or worse yet, posthumously, and pop music might be the form most prone to this sin of omission. Here in sleepy little Claremont, we have our own entry: long beloved but criminally unheralded local rock band Rex Holmes, who, though together for a relatively short time, 1999 to 2007, left an indelible mark on the lucky few who loved them. And now a wider audience may finally find the heretofore local heroes: Rex Holmes’ very first record, “Live” will be released March 10. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

The third Claremont Art Walk of 2024 runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Here’s what’s on tap.

Claremont’s 2024 Independence Day committee invites local youth to participate in the city’s 74th annual Fourth of July celebration theme and national anthem contests.