Opinion

My son started ninth grade Wednesday, his first year at Claremont High School. The youngest of four, he’s the last to wind his way through Claremont’s public schools. We’ve no more middle schoolers, and have long since said goodbye to the sweetness of elementary school. Soon my boy will be driving himself to CHS and staking out his independence before flying the coop for college. Presumably.

“There are caustic people in this world. Sometimes we find that we are related to them. Sometimes it’s a friend who changes, maybe due to some very difficult life event. Sometimes they sit across from us at the conference table at work or school. Their bitterness is insidious and cancerous.”

Governor Gavin Newson, who had been seen as a supporter for compensating news publishers in their fight with Google and other social media platforms, recently promised to veto any legislation calling them a “tax increase.” I didn’t realize a state could tax something stolen. This decision ended a long battle big tech has won. Does this surprise anyone?

by Peter Weinberger | pweinberger@claremont-courier.com The Courier officially began operating as a nonprofit in October 2021. During the nearly three intervening years, we have averaged about $75,000 in donations annually, which has been added to our overall yearly revenue of 10 to 12 times that amount. This incredible generosity has literally been the difference between […]

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. The aim of the annual campaign, initiated in 2001, is to raise awareness of overdose, which has by now impacted every community in the country. Too many families have lost loved ones, but this campaign and others like it can save lives.

“The joy of being a stay-at-home father is the best thing I’ve ever felt. Being in tune with their every utterance, their diets, sleep schedules, doctor’s visits, and of course all that time spent exploring the neighborhood parks, climbing trees, swimming, and laughing, all the while serving as pre- pre-K teacher and caregiver, it just can’t be beat.”

by John Pixley I wanted to go to Ophelia’s Jump’s Midsummer Shakespeare Festival at the Sontag Greek Theatre on Pomona College’s campus last month. I really did, and I meant to. I have long been a fan of this theater company, which originated in Claremont, and thought it was cool that it staged this outdoor event […]

“Despite a reasonable amount of curiosity in staying somewhat engaged with the modern world, technology, and scientific innovation, as a man of a certain age, some things remain out of my grasp. Artificial intelligence is among the advances with which I’m woefully behind the curve.”

I’m not an adventurous or comfortable traveler, and that I lament. When I was younger, I dreamed of faraway travel. I never envisioned myself a jetsetter, but I certainly thought I would get out of California. 

With local news and fact-based journalism at a crossroads during this election year, let’s start by putting to rest rumors about the Claremont Courier’s future: the Courier is not going anywhere, not going out of business, and not laying anyone off.

Few things in life go on forever. Time. The universe. CVS receipts. Parenting. That one’s endless too. The “hardest job you’ll ever love” is not for everyone, and that’s a good thing, because few jobs come with such massive responsibility, or have the potential to affect things so long after you’re gone, as this one.

“It seems the historic building at 129 Harvard Avenue, formerly home to the Press, will remain vacant for the time being. Plans for the prime Village spot, which barring obstacles will be the 11th location of the Finney’s Crafthouse chain, have been approved by the city, and if all goes smoothy, Finney’s could be open early next year. I for one think Finney’s will work pretty well in the Village. The prices aren’t crazy, the menu is diverse, and the food’s pretty good. I’m rooting for Finney’s to add some mid-priced excitement to the Village’s crowded restaurant scene.”