February 2009 Archives

from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Call the city clerk's office at (909) 399-5460 to find your polling place or go to www.lavote.net (the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County clerk Web site) to find out where to go.

A free prescription drug discount card will be available in mid-March, according to the city's Web site.

The National League of Cities is sponsoring the discount card program, which offer an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of "commonly prescribed drugs."

There are no restrictions on a resident's income level, age or existing health coverage to obtain a discount card.

The NLC card can be used to purchase prescription drugs at roughly four pharmacies in Claremont and at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies nationwide.

According to the city's Web site at http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/index.cfm, "A future announcement will provide information on how and when residents may obtain the cards."

scheduled for 7 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 225 West Second St. has been cancelled because of a lack of quorum.

Information: http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=25971

will speak at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum at noon Wednesday March 11.

Google's Jonathan Rosenberg, who graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 1983, was the founding member of @Home's product group. 

He also managed the eWorld product line for Apple Computer and also served as director of product marketing for Knight Ridder Information Services in Palo Alto where "he directed development of one of the first commercially deployed online relevance ranking engines and menu-driven Boolean search engines for consumers."

The Ath is at 385 E. Eighth St. Seating is available on a first-come basis.

Information: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/mmca/cur_spring_09.php

to spteak at 6:45 p.m. Monday March 9 at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum at Claremont McKenna College.

Princeton University's Thomas Christensen will speak on "The Obama Administration and China Policy: Some Recent Lessons for the New Administration" and the discussion is free and open to the public.

Christensen is director of the Princeton-Harvard Chino and the World Program at Princeton University and has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs with responsibility for relations with China, Mongolia and Taiwan.

The U.S. Department of State presented him with a Distinguished Public Service Award in 2002.

The Ath is located at 385 E. 8th St.

Information: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/mmca/cur_spring_09.php

will be held at 7 p.m. March 5 at the City Council Chamber, 225 W. Second Street.

There will be an award of excellence recognition; Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Driving Under the Influence Award Presentations; a discussion on changing the frequency of police commission meetings; and ad hoc committee report among other items.

Here is the agenda: http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=25889

presents "Circle Them With Care" on Friday March 6 at Candlelight Pavilion, 455 Foothill Blvd.

Featured will be the musical "42nd Street" with numbers including "42nd Street," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," "Lullaby of Broadway" and "We're In the Money."

5 p.m. appetizers, champagne and silent auction; 6 p.m. dinner seating; 8:15 p.m. show.

Tickets are $55 for general seating and $65 for preferred seating.

RSVP: (909) 624-6101 or www.kidcare.org

at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden with a large variety of native plants.

The new nursery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday with proceeds going to botanic garden programs.

The nursery is located east of the general parking lot and is free to enter.

The garden is at 1500 N. College Ave.

Information: www.rsabg.org  

will start to charge daily admission for the first time in its history on March 29.

The poor economy is a primary reason for the change, said spokeswoman Ann Joslin.

Admission would be $8 adults; $6 seniors age 65 and older; $6 students age 13 to 17 or full-time college students; $4 per child age 3 to 12; free children under free; members free.

The garden moved to Claremont in 1951.

The botanic garden is at 1500 N. College Ave.

Information: www.RSABG.org

had its representatives request a special event permit, memorandum of understanding and fee waiver for a volunteer network to conduct the event Tuesday night at the city council.

The item was passed 5-0 by the city council but not without lots of debate about the issue from those for and against because of where the street would be closed and if the event would take away parking from neighboring businesses.

The festival would be on portions of First Street, Second Street and Oberlin Avenue located west of Indian Hill Boulevard and east of Crnell Avenue.

The streets would be closed every Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. while the event would take place from 5 to 8 p.m.

The launch date is scheduled to be April 29.

for a Senior Talent Showcase: Parade of Talent to be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday April 4.

The event will take place at Taylor Hall, 1775 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Tom Hatten, a well-known radio and television spokesperson, will be master of ceremonies.

Inter Valley Health Plan will sponsor the event with Pomona Valley area senior centers.

Tickets and applications for the event available through the cities of Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas and Chino Hills,

Information: Joslyn Senior Center: (909) 399-5488.

at 7:30 p.m. the Casablanca Bar & Grill inside the Packing House, 500 W. First Street.

The group leans left but "we have no agendas, no speeches and no dues; just good conversation. You don't even have to be a liberal - you just have to enjoy stimulating discussion. And, of course, nondrinkers are equally welcome."

You don't have to be a "political junkie" or "policy wonk," according to their release.

Information: drinkingliberally.org/chapters/CA/claremont (but interestingly it will switch to livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/CA/claremont) or e-mail them at claremont@drinkingliberally.org

Dr. Joseph C. Hough, Jr. was named as interim president Monday.

The appointment is effective March 10, according to a Claremont Graduate University e-mail sent to faculty and staff.

Hough "is a widely recognized scholar and academic administrator and will be returning to CGU following nine years as president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The Board of Trustees is delighted that Dr. Hough has agreed to lead CGU for the next 18 months while a formal search for a new president is conducted," the e-mail said.

Claremont is looking for people who want to be a Volunteer Reserve Park Ranger.

The positions includes monitoring and providing information about the activity of park users which includes the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and assisting the Claremont Police Department to enforce city codes and policies in city parks.

The work is on weekends but "some work hours during the weekday maybe required," according to the city's Web site.

Those interested must be at least age 21, a high school graduate or have a GED certificate. Related experience in fauna/flora is "highly desirable."

Needed is proof of a valid Class C California Driver's License, auto insurance and a good driving record besides a current certificate in First Aid and CPR.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through FridayApplications are available at the Community Services Department, 1616 Monte Vista Ave.

Information: Community Services Department at (909) 399-5431.

From the city's Web site:

"Various private companies are sending mailings to property owners offering their services to pursue a reduction in their property taxes. These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value on behalf of the property owner. Some companies are even imposing late fees if the application is received after an arbitrary deadline."

Solicitations from private companies "offering to pursue a reduction in property taxes must clearly indicate that they are NOT a government agency and that their services are NOT approved or endorsed by any government agency," according to the city's Web site.

Failure to provide such notice is a violation of California law.

If you or someone you know receives an illegal solicitation, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs by phone at (800) 973-3370 or visit their website.

Here's more:

"Property owners receiving legal solicitations from private companies that properly identify themselves as not being a governmental agency, should be aware that their property may be included in a review the Assessor's Office will be doing in 2009.

Over 500,000 single family houses and condos that were purchased between July 2003 and June 2008 will be reviewed. In some areas, earlier purchases will be looked at."

This is most important: "There is no reason to pay for a review that will be done for free."

"All 500,000 owners whose homes are reviewed will receive a letter by the end of June notifying them of the results. Owners who disagree with the results of the review or were not included in the review, may file an application through December 31.

The Decline-In-Value form is simple to complete and readily available online or at one of the Assessor's District Offices.

The Assessor's Office will review the application and if a reduction is warranted, the taxable value will be reduced. Please note that there is no charge for a review. Owners are urged to wait until July to decide whether to file an application.

Information obtained from the Los Angeles County, Office of the Assessor Web site.
Additional valuable consumer protection information is available on the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs Web site"

The committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Road.

On the agenda is the 2009 budget; firework show; a proposed handmade craft booth area; and reports.

The next meeting will be March 26 at the Hughes center.

The agenda can be viewed here: www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=25961

Enjoy a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. March 4. The cemetery is between Mills Avenue and Sycamore Avenue.

The main entrance is at the east end of Oak Park Drive.

Information: www.claremontchamber.org/Event-Info.30.0.html?&tx_calendar_pi1[F1]=512&cHash=309726755d

Dining With Democracy: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will speak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 26 inside the Gold Student Center Multipurpose Room at Pitzer College.

The best selling author, in honor of Black History Month, is a professor of Sociology at Georgetown University and is an acclaimed public intellectual.

Pitzer College is at 1050 N. Mills Ave.

Information: (415) 640-3775 or www.collegescalendar.org/popup.cfm?task=description&module=1&template=19&title=Events&imagefile=%20&imagewidth=0&imageheight=0&imagealt=%20&launchpage=index%2Ecfm&ID=229207

The Spring 2009 Lecture Series: "Muslim Women: Contemporary Realities:" will feature Pardis Mahdavi on "'But What If Someone Sees Me?' Women, Risk, and the Aftershocks of Iran's Sexual Revolution"

Mahdavi is a consultant for the International Women's Health Coalition and Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Pomona College.

The lecture is at noon Thursday Feb. 26 inside the Hampton Room at Malott Commons of Scripps College.

The address is 345 E. 9th St. at the cross of 9th and Columbia.

Information: (909) 621-8326 or www.scrippscollege.edu/campus/humanities-institute/index.php

The recital will take place at 8:15 p.m. today Feb. 25 inside Lyman Hall of the Thatcher Music Building at Pomona College.

Pomona College Music Department's students will present the music they've studied this semester.

The college is at 340 N. College Ave.

Information: (909) 607-2671

Robin Miskolcze will detail "Women and the Sea in the Antebellum U.S.; or Why Titanic is the Highest Grossing Film of All Time" at 7 p.m. today Feb. 25.

The discussion will take place at the Humanities Resource Center (HRC)at Claremont Graduate University, 131 E. Tenth St.

Information: (909) 621-8612 or www.cgu.edu/pages/5231.asp

Elisha Nuchi and the orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Friday Feb. 27 inside the Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College, 150 E. 4th St.

Nuchi, winner winner of the 2008 Pomona College Orchestra Concerto Competition, will perform Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, according to a university release.

Guest conductor Raymond Burkhart will also perform Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A Major "Italian."

Information: (909) 607-2671 or www.music.pomona.edu/calendar.shtml

will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 19 inside the Padua Room at the Alexander Hughes Community Center.

The center is located at 1700 Danbury Road in Claremont.

Represenatives from the Inland Valley Humane Society and the California Department of Fish and Game will attend to give information to "peacefully co-exist with wildlife, such as coyotes, bears, raccoons, and other animals that live in and adjacent to our foothill community," per a city news release.

which is on April 30, May 1 and May 2.

So you have a lot of time to find some books. The library will give you a tax-deductible receipt if needed and all donations are welcome.

The tax I.D. number is #95-3823649

Just bring them to the Claremont Library circulation desk. The library is at 208 N. Harvard Ave.

Information: (909) 621-4902 or www.colapublib.org

This was e-mailed to me ...

Scam Alert - No Fee Necessary for Property Value Review

Owners are urged to wait until July to decide whether to file an application.

Information obtained from the Los Angeles County, Office of the Assessor website.

at 8 p.m. Friday Feb. 20 at Bridges Auditorium.

Black's' show is titled "Lewis Black: Let Them Eat Cake."  He is known for his stand-up performances on Comedy Central and his appearances on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart during a segment called "Back In Black."

Check out Black's bio here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/castBio.jhtml?castId=14277 

Tickets are $40 for the general public through www.ticketmaster.com or Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont.

Information: (909) 621-8032

at 3 p.m. Feb. 9 in Decker Hall at Pilgrim Place, 730 Plymouth Road.

Dr. Sheryl F. Miller, Pitzer College professor of Anthropology, will speak about "Preserving Culture: The Importance of Ethnographic Museums."

Information: (909) 399-5504 or www.pilgrimplace.org

will be at 4 p.m. Sunday Feb. 22 at the Claremont Unified Church of Christ, Congregational.

Gospel songs, show tunes and folk music will be performed, according to a church news release.

The Symposium Ringers and Choral Bells bell choirs will represent the Claremont United Church of Christ Music Department under William Waggener's direction.

Earl Richards will direct the Chancel Choir.

Soprano Clarissa Chan, tenor Timothy Gonzales and baritone Abdiel Gonzalez will perform vocal solos.

Violinist Wendy Waggener, violinist Linda Tajima and handbell(ist?) Susan Hitch will perform instrumental solos.

Organist Carey Robertson will end the show performing Dick Hymen's "Millennial Countdown III" on a Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ. 

The church is at 233 Harrison Ave.

Information: (909) 626-1201

From the Neighborhood E-Watch on Friday Feb. 6 ...

On 02-04-09, at approximately 1:15 pm, an 11 year old female Sycamore School student was possibly followed home from school by a male subject. 

The subject is described as Hispanic, 20-30 years old, 5 foot 10 inches tall, wearing a camouflaged patterned shirt. 

The suspect stayed 20 feet behind her and did not speak to her. 

If you have children, please remind them not to speak to strangers and report any similar suspicious activity immediately to the Claremont Police Department.

Claremont Police Department: 909-399-5411

This is a Neighborhood E-Watch release sent from the Claremont Police Department

In November, 2008, a 79-year-old Claremont resident received a telephone call from a person claiming to be her grandson.  The caller told the resident that he had been arrested for a DUI traffic collision in Canada and needed to have $5,000 wired to bail him out.  He asked her not to tell his parents as he wanted to do so in person after release. He gave her instructions on how to go to a WalMart, deposit the funds, and obtain a wire transfer reference number.  He called her later and obtained the reference number which allowed him to get the funds.  The caller's voice was not inconsistent with her grandson and she believed it was him. 

The caller telephoned the resident again stating he needed an additional $3,500 to pay a passenger in the car for lost wages to avoid a lawsuit.  The resident made a second wire transfer as requested.  Her grandson spoke to her a few days later and it was discovered to be a scam.

Claremont residents have also been victim to the "Canadian Lottery" scam.  In this one the caller states they are a Canadian Lottery official, that the victim has won a large amount of money, usually several hundred thousand dollars or more, and that they need only pay the taxes to have the money delivered to them.  Again the victim is asked to wire several thousand dollars to Canada.  If the victim falls for the initial scam a frequent follow up is that the messenger with the money is stuck at the US border and needs a sum of money wired to cover US Customs charges.

The callers on these scams are very good at what they do and sound very convincing.  It is sometimes difficult for the police to convince victims that they been victimized as they are sure that the next wire transfer will result in the big payoff.  Any time you are called and asked to wire money out of the country you should be very suspicious.  If you are asked not to tell someone about the situation or told that time is of the essence it should further alert you to a possible scam.  If you are ever in doubt don't send the money.  If you are tempted to send money call your local law enforcement agency for advice or how to detect a scam.  They may already be aware of the one you are about to be a victim of and be able to save you a lot of money

but if you look at the city's Web site for the event, it lists the year as 2006. So does this calendar.

Maybe the 2006 date is why the service is free.

Anyway, AARP volunteer tax preparers are scheduled to help with tax returns and be at the center from Thursday Feb. 9 through April 6, 2006, according to the city's Web site.

The service is for seniors age 60 and over. At least the city recommends that people call for event times. And if you get placed behind people scheduled back in 2006, you know they're not going to show. 

The center is at 660 N. Mountain Ave.

Information: (909) 399-5488

The club, which welcomes all levels of walkers, will start at 9 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 7 at the Joslyn Senior Center.

The club always meets at the same time on Tuesdays unless there is rain, which cancels the walking.

The center is at 660 N. Mountain Ave.

Another walking group meets at 8:15 a.m on Wednesdays weather permitting.

Information: (909) 399-5488

that starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday Feb. 6 inside the Pomona College Rose Hills Theatre.

The theater is at 170 E. Sixth Street. The festival will continue every Friday through February.

The schedule is as follows:

Feb. 6 Heading South (35 mm format)

Feb. 13 Flight of the Red Balloon (35 mm format)

Feb. 20 Before I Forget (DVD)

Feb. 27 Her Name is Sabine (DVD)

March 6 Persepolis (35 mm format)

between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday Feb. 7 at the Claremont city yard, 1616 Monte Vista Avenue.

The Los Angeles County sponsored roundup is open to all residents of Los Angeles County so it could get packed.

Hazardous waste includes light bulbs, motor oil, household batteries, etc.

Don't bring explosives, radioactive materials, ammunition and appliances like refrigerators.

Information: (800) CLEAN LA or the city's community services department at (909) 399-5431.

I missed this last week when it came out but there is some interesting information from city manager Jeff Parker's update.

Specifically, Parker mentions about Claremont businesses including Village East where Down Under Leather on Harvard closed and has transitioned to online sales only. Second Story Books on Yale Avenue will close on Feb. 28, which has been reported before.

At College Center, Sylvan Learning Center, River of Tradition Karate and DNet Computers have either opened or are opening.

At the Packing House, Legacy Martial Arts will take over the space formerly held by Crybaby's. In March, EWM Limited Editions Art Gallery will take the atrium-area space previously occupied by Abodes & Beyond.

The full update is here: http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=25884

are taking place in February.

The vaccine clinic is from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 11 and Feb. 25. Get ready to stand in a long line, according to a humane society news release via Claremont's Web site.

The next low-cost spay/neuter clinic is on Feb. 24, where there is a cat neuter day (just don't tell your cat in advance) for male cats only.

Space for the neuter clinic is limited so call (909) 623-9777, ext. 696.

The humane society is at 500 Humane Way in Pomona. I threw this on the blog because if it's good enough for the city to put on their Web site, it works for me. 

Go here for more dates: http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=25852

will affect the southwest area service in the Claremont Village.

The outage, which is Southern California Edison planned, will take place from 9 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday, according to a Claremont news release. 

SCE will change out two ram switches, and I have no idea what that is either, and it will impact traffic signals at Indian Hill Boulevard, Arrow Highway and the city parking structure on First Street,

The outage will also affect businesses in the southwest section of the Village including:

"Even numbered addresses (100-400 blocks) on south side of W. First Street. 100 and 200 blocks S. Indian Hill Blvd. Peppertree Square on the southeast corner of W. Arrow Hwy. and Indian Hill Blvd."

Power could be off for the whole time or may be turned off more than once and "some conditions may cause this planned outage to be postponed."

Information: www.sce.com/outage or (888) -759-6056 and reference the planned outage number 331677 and/or 361666

The Association of American Colleges and Universities has named David Oxtoby vice chair.
Since 2003 Oxtoby has been president of Pomona College. Officials announced Oxtoby's vice chair role on Monday.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities is a leading national educational association with more than 1,150 accredited private and public colleges and universities.

The AAC&U focuses on public standing, quality and vitality of undergraduate liberal education.

Oxtoby served as a physical sciences dean at the University of Chicago before coming to Pomona and was on faculty for approximately three decades.

The Human Services Commission and Committee on Human Relations listed the winners of the 19th annual 'Making Change' contest to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

The contest, which is to increase Claremont youths' knowledge of human rights activists, is based on submitted entries for a grade level as a group or individual.

Entries were judged on:

How well they incorporated the students' personal insight or experience

Originality

How effectively they demonstrated the students' understanding of human rights and equality

Here are the winners:
Hayden Rodgers, Grade 4
Oakmont Elementary School, teacher Mrs. Taylor
Emmanuel Limbe, Grade 5
Vista Elementary School, teacher Mrs. Uy
Hans Masten, Grade 6
Condit Elementary School, teacher Mrs. Simpson
Kahler Verrill, Grade 8
El Roble Intermediate School, teacher Mrs. Lyn
Alexandra Hernandez, Grade 10
Claremont High School, teacher Ms. Kao

Group category winners:
Ms. Anna Sanchez, Ms. Debbie Stockdale, Ms. Linda Wallace and Ms. Denise Klinovsky's Kindergarten class, Sumner Elementary School
Ms. Lord's Kindergarten class, Sycamore Elementary School
Mrs. Labarrere's 1st grade class, Sumner Elementary School
Ms. Whiting and Ms. Carr Handley's 2nd grade classes, Mountain View Elementary School
Ms. Rus' 2nd & 3rd grade class, Sycamore Elementary School
Students from Mrs. Lyn's junior high school class, El Roble Intermediate School. Jessica Chang, Joyce Kim, Kelsey Johnson and Mina Bloom.

More information: http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/ or Human Services Department at (909) 399-5490

The California Public Utilities Commission will hold two public hearings about Golden State Water Company's rate increase application.

The hearings are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. inside the Padua Room at the Alexander Hughes Center, 1700 Danbury Road.

Claremont believe's the water company hasn't given a "compelling reason" why the increase is needed and a full CPUC process is needed before a rate increase is proposed.

The city needs as many residents to come out as possible, as city manager Jeff Parker has said in city council meetings.

For more information on the issue, go to the city's Web site at http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/
Claremont residents are also encouraged to immediately e-mail/write to the Public Utilities Commission to protest Golden State Water's interim rate increase:

Email: public.advisor.la@cpuc.ca.gov

Send correspondence to:
CPUC's Public Advisor's Office
320 West 4th Street, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90013

will be a University Club of Claremont program held at noon Tuesday Feb. 10 inside the Padua Room of the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Road.

Linton, who has performed for various Los Angeles region opera groups, will sing opera music selections for Valentine's Day.

She has performed for the University Club of Claremont previously and teaches music locally. Linton also has a degree in vocal performance and in music from Lawrence University.

A full buffet lunch, which starts at 11:45 a.m., is $12. Coffee and dessert is $5.

No fee is charged for the program attendance only.

7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 5 in the Mudd Theater.

Malveaux is the 2009 Martin Luther King lecturer and is a civic leader, economist and activist who is a commentator on ABC, CNN, PBS and BET. She also writes newspaper columns and her most recent book is "The Paradox of Loyalty: An African American Response to the War on Terrorism," which she co-edited, 

Mudd Theater is on the Claremont School of Theology campus, on Foothill Boulevard near Indian Hill Boulevard.

Before the lecture, a 5 p.m. $15 dinner will be held in the Haddon Conference Center. For information and reservations, contact Charles Jordan (909) 447-2595 or Elaine Walker (909) 447-2510.

Also on Feb. 5 is a 10:30 a.m. worship service in Kresge Chapel featuring associate professor of constructive theology and African American religions at the school Monica A. Coleman.