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Claremont police responded to multiple 911 calls at 4:30 p.m. Thursday about a shirtless man with a bottle of laundry detergent dancing around a grey Tesla in the in the middle of Indian Hill Boulevard. When officers arrived at Indian Hill and Harrison Avenue, 30-year-old Newbury Park resident Diego Nocedal got in his car and drove north. The low-speed chase ended three minutes later at Sixth Street and Mills Avenue when police utilized a PIT maneuver to stop the car. But the drama, it turned out, was just beginning. Courier file photo
Congratulations to Alfred Cramer, who was chosen at random among the 30 readers who correctly identified last week’s “Where am I?” as the gigantic Santa near Iron and Kin Coffee in the Claremont Packing House. Alfred is now entered into the year-end drawing to receive a copy of the Courier’s new coffee table book of photography, “Timeless Claremont.” Here is the final “Where am I?” of the year. We’re going to take a two week hiatus before starting 2025 by announcing 2024’s winner, and kicking off a new contest with a one-year subscription to the Courier as the prize. So, “Where am I?” in this final entry of 2024? Email your answer, full name, and city of residence — and suggestions for future mystery photos — to contest@claremont-courier.com for your chance to win. Courier photo/Tom Smith
As the rest of the country deals with snow, ice, and bare trees, Southern California is basking in sunshine and enjoying the best of fall color, even in early winter, where it’s peak time to check out Mother Nature’s annual show in the City of Trees. Hot spots include tree-lined Indian Hill Boulevard, College Avenue, and the Claremont Colleges. Other gems include June Vail Park, Sebastopol Street and East Miramar Avenue from Mills Avenue, heading west. Courier photos/Betsy Weinberger
The Claremont City Council voted on 140 consent calendar items, four ordinances, addressed nine council items and 20 administrative items, and held seven public hearings in 2024. Concerns ranged from a Lewis Park playground update, e-bike program funding, housing, where the council stood on the Israel-Hamas War, and commemorating Claremont resident Samantha Bosco, picture here, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com Over the years, Mount San Antonio Gardens resident Lee Goldstein has participated in the Rose Parade as a float decorator and a spectator. Come January 1 he will join the big show as part of a group of Rotary Club members from around the world who will be walking the […]
The December 19 Claremont Unified School District Board of Education meeting had a bit of everything, including Kathryn Dunn, pictured here, elected board president, Richard O’Neill named vice president, and Alex McDonald clerk; a surprise appearance by recently elected state Senator Sasha Renée Pérez; and the swearing in of new Trustee Area 5 representative Cheryl Fiello, and Kathy Archer for a second term. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
Restructuring
To kick things off
The board then established its new look for 2025. Moving up from vice president, Superintendent Jim Elsasser remains board secretary.
Jennifer Eccles is Harvey Mudd College’s new vice president for advancement.
Claremont’s new website launched December 12 at claremontca.gov. Designed with community input, it boasts enhanced search and accessibility features and a new design.
“I never saw a bear in the nearly three years I lived in Tahoe. They seemed to want nothing to do with humans back then. They were certainly around; we reported on sightings and reminded folks to keep their exterior trash bins locked up, especially during fall when our ursine friends were bulking up for their winter nap. But while their potential for mayhem was certainly respected and well established, aside from a few knocked over trash cans or the occasional midday stroll across State Route 28 they were regarded as peaceful symbols of the nearby wilderness, almost loveable mascots. But that was 30 years ago. Tahoe has changed.”
Sixth-grader Maggie Medero raised concerns to the CUSD Board of Education about Sycamore Elementary’s lunch trays, suggesting the Styrofoam models should be replaced with compostable, recyclable cardboard. On November 18, the new trays were in use. “I didn’t know how many people actually realized this was a problem and cared about it,” Maggie said. “I think it made me realize how many people actually cared, and that was cool.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
“Though it may seem surprising to consider theater education as a means of preventing violence,” said William Braniff, director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, in a statement, “this creative, multidisciplinary strategy utilizing theater arts to teach conflict resolution skills effectively tackles the underlying systemic issues that contribute to violence, all while enhancing the safety and resilience of local communities.” Photo/courtesy of NorCal Arts
Congratulations to Jo Hardin, who was chosen at random among the 15 readers who correctly identified last week’s “Where am I?” as the Mary Estella Seaver and Carlton Seaver Laboratory on the Pomona College campus at 610 N. College Ave. Jo is now entered into the year-end drawing to receive a copy of the Courier’s new coffee table book of photography, “Timeless Claremont.” So, “Where am I” this week? Email your answer, full name, and city of residence — and suggestions for future mystery photos — to contest@claremont-courier.com for your chance to win. Courier photo/Tom Smith
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
“California’s recently passed Senate Bill 98 is a necessary step toward providing more equitable funding in our education systems. I’m not sure how many parents are aware of the power of this bill and what the results of the report mean for the future of equitable funding, thus I wanted to share my thoughts on the policy and why it is important.” Photo/courtesy of Anastasia Shuraeva
Longtime Claremont resident Janet Myhre began hosting annual Santa Lucia holiday celebrations in the 1970s, when she was a professor at Claremont McKenna College. The event was both a way to give back to friends, family and noted community members, and a fundraiser for what was then known as Claremont Museum of Art (now Claremont Lewis Museum of Art). The COVID-19 pandemic changed all that, stopping the decadeslong tradition in 2020. At the urging of her sister, Janet once again held the event at her home on December 15. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Cars were not the only hot item on the Claremont Toyota lot Sunday. More than 340 children were invited to choose a new toy at the dealership’s inaugural toy giveaway event. Kids came from Claremont, Pomona, and Ontario-Montclair school districts, and from foster and shelter care programs. “I’ll tell you the way it started was I was one of these children,” said Jane D’Amelio of Claremont Toyota. “I was in a shelter off and on from 2 years old to 18 years. I empathize with them. I was them, you know?” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
Pomona resident Rome Cornell, 36, the driver involved in a November 16 traffic collision in Upland that left three people dead, including a Claremont High School student, was arrested by California Highway Patrol officers Wednesday and charged with felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter, according to CHP spokesperson Rodrigo Jimenez.