Claremont is exemplary in its charitable efforts.  Claremont's chapter of the Children's Foundation of America is among the most enduring and effective  of our charity organizations.  In this informative and uplifting interview,  CFA's Volunteer Coordinator, Christina Garcia, highlights some of their many community-based programs that help children in need so that they may lead healthy, productive lives.  Many events that residents and visitors attend each year are put on by Claremont's CFA, with the invaluable help of Christina's many dedicated volunteers.  The ..read more

Everyone in Claremont is affected by the growing homelessness population in one way or another.  At a recent Claremont meeting with representatives from Claremont PD and the City Staff, one key question was "What can be done - right now?" to solve the homeless problem in the Village business district.   Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services and a nationally recognized expert on ending homelessness, took a turn at the microphone to help answer this and other important, related questions.  Spend an hour with Anne to understand how the right temporary an ..read more

The US, and Claremont specifically, have experienced an increase in reported instances of antisemitic and other hate crimes recently.  Most Claremont residents condemn such actions, but there are still those who cling to the mistaken and irrational beliefs that have been around for thousands of years.  The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, led by their Executive Director, Jason Moss, firmly believe that antisemitism and all forms of hate and "othering" can be overcome. Jason and his dedicated staff are taking a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to ..read more

Dr. Evaggelos Vallianatos, one of Claremont's many authors and resident authority on broad spectrum of topics, including zoology and the history of science, has worked on Capitol Hill and at the US Environmental Protection Agency for almost three decades.  Dr. Vallianatos took a break from his research and writing to give Claremont Speaks some insight into how the EPA started and what the early days were like, and the corruption and duplicitous research that has happened since, including how President Biden might best make the most on his pledge to rebuild and restore the EPA to being hon ..read more

Key questions in selecting a candidate include "Do I really know them, and will they truly represent my vision, values and objectives for the  school district?"   In this candid and personal interview, Aaron Peterson reveals his path to this point, his personal stake in CUSD's success - including the education of his own children - and answers those questions in sharing his hopes and vision for the direction and future of the Claremont Unified School District.   Vying for the vacated Trustee Area 4 board seat, Aaron, without hesitation or equivocation, eloquently provides insig ..read more

In the ongoing evolution of the housing project slated for the site of the former La Puerta school, many aspects have changed, some several times.  Eric Nelson, Vice President of Community Development at Trumark Homes, has been collaborating with Claremont's schools, city staff, residents and other stakeholders for over three years, aiming to get a project most everyone will like and approve to construct.  Eric was previously a guest on Claremont Speaks (April of 2021,  Click here to listen)    Eric has returned to Claremont Speaks to provide updates on the project's e ..read more

Sometimes the catalyst that drives an epiphany is almost accidental, yet can bring out the very best in people, and puts them on the course to what they are sure is their true purpose.   For Dr. Wen Chen, her awakening happened after a conversation with one of her colleagues regarding the events of Tiananmen Square, in 1989.  Until that conversation, she believed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) line; that nothing much had happened, and the students and people were the ones who attacked the soldiers.  After seeing the videos, she realized all she had been told had been a lie,&n ..read more

There is a direct relationship between the value of living in Claremont and the quality of Claremont's schools.   In an effort to maintain and strengthen that link, Alex McDonald MD is  running for Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) in the Special Election for Trustee, District 4 to be held on July  25, 2023.   Alex was able to take a short break from his busy schedule as a CUSD parent and his practice as a family and sports medicine specialist to answer some of the most pressing questions about his perspectives, plans and strategies should he be elected. In thi ..read more

Three members of the activist group Claremont Streets for People - Ross Pringle, Buff Brown, and Nic Lucio - took the opportunity to introduce themselves and the Streets for People group, then explain their strategy to reach their goal of making the city and its streets safer and more enjoyable.  As strong advocates for bike and pedestrian safety, they put forth how residents have a proven pent-up demand for cycling in Claremont, and that safer streets would help  achieve that, along with a multitude of collateral upsides, including the benefits of exercise, lowering congestion, redu ..read more

Assembly Bill 1482 (“TENANT PROTECTION ACT OF 2019″) and Claremont's proposed ordinances, which could further enhance the level of tenant protection provided, have presented Claremont's City Council with some unique opportunities and some difficult decisions.  Katie Wand, the city's Assistant to the City Manager, is one of the key researchers on this topic and chief organizer of Claremont's public outreach efforts on this matter.  Katie and the City's staff have made every effort to reach out to those most affected by these ordinances, all to support fact-based, fair and reasonable r ..read more