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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of Diego Rios a homicide. On Thursday, the LA County Deputy Medical Examiner’s office released its autopsy and toxicology findings. Its “summary and opinion narrative” reads in part: “The cause of death is cardiopulmonary arrest due to effects of cocaine and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the setting of prone physical restraint. The manner of death is homicide due to volitional human involvement regardless of the intent of any individuals’ actions.” Click on the story for a link to the full autopsy and toxicology report. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
The Claremont Courier is a nonprofit, independent news organization committed to providing accurate, fact-based local journalism in the public interest.
Claremont Heritage’s Navidad en la Plaza at Padua Hills Theatre on December 11 celebrated the city’s Las Posadas traditions and included a vendor market and a performance by the Cielo Rojo Dance Company, including Lyanna Casares, pictured here. Proceeds benefited the nonprofit’s local preservation efforts and future programming. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
On December 3, 1925 the Courier reported on a major milestone in the city’s history: the construction and opening of the new city council rooms, city jail, and fire hall. The building still exists today on Second Street as part of city hall and houses the council chambers on the first floor, and city offices and a conference room on the second floor. The fire pole can still be seen in the foyer. Photo/courtesy of Claremont Heritage
The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded Cal Poly Pomona a $7.5 million grant for the creation of the college’s Center for Research Advancement in Smart Manufacturing, or CREST-RASM, which will help budding engineers and scientists understand manufacturing systems, according to a news release at cpp.edu/news.
The City of Claremont’s online portal to gather feedback for its 2026-28 priorities and budget process is open through January 8, 2026 at claremontca.gov, search “priorities.”
Matt Pavey has spent more than half his life at Bridges Auditorium. Now 39, he was recently promoted to director of Bridges Auditorium and public programming. His mission? Reestablishing Bridges as a regional live music and performance venue. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Congratulations to Suzanne Hall, one of seven readers who correctly identified last week’s “Where am I?” as the late Barbara Beretich’s bronze bust of Claremont Club founder Stanley D. Clark. Suzanne is now entered into the year-end drawing for a one-year subscription to everyone’s favorite award-winning local newspaper, the Claremont Courier. 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
Friends and family of the 30-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man who died November 28 following a traffic stop by Claremont police were on hand at Tuesday’s City Council meeting to demand transparency as the investigation into the incident unfolds. Diego Rios’ mother, Zarela Boza, father, Victor Rios, and brother, Victor Rios Jr., pictured here, spoke during public comment. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
Claremont’s Public Art Committee voted 5-0 Monday to select Jose Antonio Aguirre to create art for El Barrio Park. Committee Chair Douglas Pearsall, pictured here, called the decision “a historical night for all of us.” Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
Actors from Ophelia’s Jump Productions are in rehearsals for its rendition of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which opens December 18 and runs through 21st. Directed by Beatrice Casagran, the play reimagines the classic Frank Capra film as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with Foley sound effects, music, and audience participation. The cast includes several […]
Kae Bister, winner of Claremont Educational Foundation’s annual car raffle is seen here talking on the phone with former Dodgers great Orel Hershiser, of Claremont’s Legends’ Attic.
The City of Claremont’s 2025 Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting drew a large, festive crowd to the Village Monday evening. The main attraction came at dusk with Santa dancing and the final countdown to illuminate the 25-foot decorated pine tree began. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Pomona College may soon enter into exclusive talks to purchase Claremont Graduate University, possibly bringing an end to CGU’s long-standing financial uncertainty. The negotiations could begin as soon as this week, the Claremont Independent reported Saturday. Photo/courtesy of CGU
“As we were saying goodbye it occurred to me once again that my version of contentment, safety, and happiness does not apply to anyone else. When we first met, I was on a crusade to get Cash healthy and housed. He had other ideas. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. My version of his happiness was an invention of my own making. Who was I to try to convince him I was right?”
