Claremont's latest news

Look up in the sky...

Midday Sunday, the nearly lost art of skywriting appeared in the blue skies overhead in Claremont. The message, and approximately 1-mile diameter smiley face were rendered by Steve Oliver, of Olivers Flying Circus, a husband-wife aerial acrobatic team which also includes Suzanne Asbury-Oliver, the nation’s only female professional skywriter. The display promoted next weekend's L.A. County Airshow, which takes place Friday and Saturday, March 21st - 22nd, at William J. Fox Air Field in Lancaster. For more information about the airshow, visit lacountyairshow.com. Photo by Grace Felschundneff

Claremont inches closer to eminent domain in water fight

The Claremont City Council will take a vote on Tuesday, March 25 to begin eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of the city’s water system. The city’s legal team issued a notice of hearing this week declaring its intent to take a vote on eminent domain during the regular open session of the city council, being held at Taylor Hall, 1775 N. Indian Hill Blvd. The city will also be taking public comment on an environmental impact report regarding the water system acquisition. With the council’s vote, the city would adopt a resolution of necessity, setting into motion a six-month deadline to file an eminent domain lawsuit.

City and residents have differing views on Foothill Blvd changes

Spring forward was characteristic of more than just this week’s time change. The city got off to a roaring start on preliminary recommendations for its Foothill Boulevard master plan on Monday with more than 50 people crowding into the city’s Citrus Room to provide input on proposed changes to Claremont’s historic highway. “The one aspect of Foothill Boulevard that I like versus other communities is that you have a different look to the street as you pass through the city. The volunteer trees, its all a part of that spontaneity,” said Claremont resident Douglas Lyon. “The plans we have here are just sort of cookie cutter or over-regimented and it doesn’t give you a sense of belonging to the place anymore. I don’t want to lose that sense.”

Students get creative heading outdoors

The grounds of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden served as a living classroom for 68 Oakmont Elementary School upper graders on Monday, who visited the campus as part of the Claremont Museum of Art’s expanding ARTstART program. ARTstART, launched in the fall of 2011, trains college and Claremont High School students in the realm of arts appreciation. These newly-minted mentors then share the wealth, setting up arts education programs for the budding artists of local elementary schools. “It’s important not just because of Claremont’s cultural heritage,” said Rich Deely, director of the ARTstART program. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff

CALENDAR: Your week in 9 days; Claremont Museum of Art presents ARToon

ARToon student cartoons from El Roble Intermediate School are being printed onto vinyl that will be installed onto the 8 ft. by 24 ft. “Art Wall” located on the east patio next to the Claremont Packing House. 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Light refreshments will be served.

Claremont's changing of the guard

Outgoing Mayor Opanyi Nasiali exchanges seats with newly-selected Mayor Joe Lyons on Tuesday during the Claremont City Council meeting. Council Member Corey Calaycay, in front, was chosen by his colleagues on council to serve as mayor pro tem. Mr. Calaycay noted that with the appointment of Mr. Lyons, it was the first time in Claremont history that all sitting council members had at one time been mayor. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff