Claremont's latest news

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.”

Back in the black, Claremont separates community and human services

Three years after the merging of the city’s community and human services departments, the Claremont City Council has ordered the departments be separated once more. Community and human services were first combined in 2011 as the city of Claremont looked to reduce its spending in times of financial uncertainty. The corresponding commissions were also merged. “While it is a credit to all our staff...that operations have continued and minimum concerns or complaints have been heard regarding the initial merger, executive staff has observed the strain that having only one director over such a wide responsibility area has had on overall department operations,” said city manager Tony Ramos.

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