Opinion
Look in the mirror, Joe Dear Editor: As members of the committee that led the opposition to Measure CR, we recognize that many residents of Claremont reasonably supported the proposed increase of our local sales tax to 10.5 percent. We also believe that vigorous debate is the hallmark of a healthy civic culture. We are disappointed […]
by Joe Lyons As we begin a new decade filled with many challenges on all fronts, particularly those created by our collective failure to approve Measure CR in November, I am compelled to speak out on the state and fate of our city. In doing so, I hope to put in stark relief the far […]
An important election year is ahead, join the League of Women Voters Women’s right to vote was achieved through a long and hard-fought struggle that is not yet over. This past election marks the 99th year since women in America voted in a federal election for the first time. One hundred years ago, on November […]
I recently attended a talk at Pitzer College by Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, and left thinking how his words apply not only to the trust and community that he has established with mostly former gang members, but also with the mission of the Claremont Homeless Advocacy Program (CHAP) and […]
by Mellissa Martinez Despite being a bona fide Christmas curmudgeon, I recently headed out for a night of caroling. To be clear, my participation came with the promise of flowing spirits, saucy jokes and forgiveness for my off-pitch crooning. As it turns out, our boisterous group was no different from the carolers of old. […]
Claremont civility Dear Editor: I thank the Claremont COURIER for an opportunity to contribute to a community dialogue for improving our city’s feeling of civility. There is no question that this nation, from coast to coast and states beyond, is less tolerant of our differences than what many of us grew up with. Beginning […]
Have you ever wondered what Claremont would be like if the COURIER didn’t exist? This isn’t going to happen on my watch, but local news companies are dying all over America, and community newspapers are taking the biggest hit. The Claremont COURIER is not immune to these issues, but we are ready to tackle these […]
by Chris Naticchia Now that the state has released its new housing unit allocations and assigned Claremont responsibility to zone for over 1,600 units—a quarter of them low- and very-low income—we’re likely to see increased attention from residents to housing affordability. Clearly, affordable housing is a pressing, humanitarian issue: people who can’t afford housing often […]
There’s no denying Claremont is in a tug-of-war. Like most cities in California, we are growing and changing, and I get the sense we’re all struggling with it a little. So as we move full force into the holidays—a time of gratitude and celebration then, with the new year, renewal—I’ve found myself trying to make […]
A thank-you from Podges Dear Editor: After 23 years of making gourmet sandwiches, a big variety of smoothies, delicious soups, and healthy juices, Podges Deli and Juice will be going out of business. Our last day to serve food will be Saturday, December 14. We thank our loyal customers and friends for supporting us these […]
Once in a while there’s an adventure so unusual, it ends up being an experience you never forget. My wife Betsy and I had such an experience when managing our bed and breakfast, Gold Mountain Manor, near Big Bear Lake over the Thanksgiving weekend. It was no surprise a large snowstorm was marching toward Southern […]
“You’re alive!” I thought my traveling companion would die trying not to laugh or fall over in shock when the woman exclaimed this as he and I entered the motel’s front office. I had made reservations for the night, and this was the first night of his first trip with me. When he had taken […]
“Thank you for making dinner, Mommy,” my toddler says frequently as we sit down for our evening meal. The meal is usually nothing fancy, and my picky-eating toddler usually only eats a few bites before asking for a peanut butter sandwich. Still, his expression of appreciation, a practice he learned from my husband, always warms […]
Contracting with the sheriff Dear Editor: Some Claremont residents want us to contract with the LA County Sheriff to presumably reduce our public safety costs. Unfortunately for their proposal, a few days ago it was news that sheriff’s deputies are harassing and threatening the family members of individuals whom they have shot. That’s in addition […]
Early memory: my mother propped up in bed, licking her lips, as she thumbed through cookbooks. We always ate well at home. My mother liked roasts, stews, plates of good breads, baked potatoes as well as “foreign” foods that no one I knew ever ate. She cooked rabbit, escargot (snails), curries and fondues as well […]
No-fault evictions Dear Editor: After viewing last week’s city council meeting on November 12, I was disappointed to witness the way council members blatantly ignored the reasonable concerns of locals. This was evident in the public comment segment regarding the proposed ordinance of “no-fault ordinances” on Claremont tenants who are vulnerable to home evictions. Three […]