March 2009 Archives

The Rotary Club of Claremont presents the 10th annual A Taste of Claremont from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 at Taylor Hall. 

Taylor Hall is at 1775 Indian Hill Blvd.

Tickets are $50 through March 31 and $60 afterward. Attendees must be age 21 or older and the event includes an art gallery, live music, raffles and more.

The event supports Rotary International's PolioPlus, African Water Projects and local community organizations, according to a news release.

The Web site, www.tasteofclaremont.org, notes the event has raised more than $175,000 over the last eight years.

There's even two testimonials about the event, with one from Assistant City Manager Tony Ramos:

"This is one of the best events in town!  Great food and wine from our local restaurants and wineries as well as fantastic raffle prizes.  Don't miss it!"

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.claremontrotary.com/Taste_of_Claremont.htm

For more information call (909) 447-7717

Newly certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will have free car seat inspections from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 3 at the Alexander Hughes Center, 1700 Danbury Rd. in the north parking lot

Reservations should be made because of the anticipated interest, according to a Claremont Police Department news release. Call (909) 399-5411.

Before the April 3 inspections, the Claremont Police Department will hold a Child Passenger Safety Technician Training course from March 30 to April 3 which certifies the CPS technicians to meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards.

Claremont police and Alcohol Beverage Control officers targeted alcohol establishments for violations March 17, St. Patrick's Day, and March 23 but found no violations, according to a Claremont Police Department news release.

The March 17 date featured an undercover operation where officers were looking for anyone serving alcohol to minors or using fraudulent identification to get into the seven businesses.

The March 23 date had officers target areas where alcohol violations occurred in the past but no violations were found.   

Pomona College seniors Irene Toro Martinez and Anoush Suni were given the distinguished Thomas J. Watson Foundation Fellowship, according to a Pomona College news release issued Wednesday.

The students, two of 40 chosen from 177 finalists, will each receive a $28,000 grant from the award for a single year of independent travel and exploration outside the U.S., according the release. 

Washington D.C. resident Martinez will travel to Spain, Norway, Chile and Mexico for "All the Time in the World." Ann Arbor. Michigan resident Suni will go to Turkey, Morocco and Armenia for "The Language of the Oud: Cross-Cultural Connections Through Music."

"Each of the four countries that I chose is home to a different natural phenomenon that has shaped people's lifestyles, and therefore how they perceive time," Martinez said in the news release.

Said Suni: "The music of the oud...is expressive of each unique society."

For more information on Pomona Colleges, visit www.pomona.edu.
 

This is long but it's the information I was given in an e-mail from the city about the affordable housing project on 111 S. College Ave ...

College Avenue Affordable Housing Development

  Proposed Project Information

Project Characteristics

• Part senior and part family - each on separate lot

• 75 units (density of 22 units per acre)

  30 senior units

  45 family units

• Bedroom sizes

  30 units - 1-bedroom

  22 units - 2-bedrooms

  23 units - 3-bedrooms

• Income restrictions (see attached sheet for income levels)

  16 units @ 30% of median income

  19 units @ 45% of median income

  24 units @ 50% of median income

  16 units @ 60% of median income

• Most of the 30% units will be senior units

Financial

• Redevelopment Agency contributes land to project

• City carries back note for project impact fees

• Jamboree funds architecture and engineering costs

• Project receives funding from the following sources:

  Federal 9% tax credit program

  "Exchange Funds" under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

  Los Angeles County HOME and City of Industry

Entitlements

• Design review approval by Architectural Commission by end of July

• Tentative Tract Map amendment approved by City Council by JulyWork Force Housing Preference

In the non-senior units, residency preference will be provided to households with at least one-member who is employed within the City of Claremont.

Developer

Jamboree Housing Corporation

Irvine, CA

www.jamboreehousing.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
Proposed Project Timeline

28-Apr-09 Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Jamboree Housing considered by Redevelopment Agency Board

29-Apr-09 Developer begins neighborhood outreach meetings

9-Jun-09 Development agreement with Jamboree Houising considered by Redevelopment Agency Board

10-Jun-09 Architectural Commission -- preliminary design review

7-Jul-09 Planning Commission -- tentative map amendment

15-Jul-09 Architectural Commission -- design review approval

28-Jul-09 City Council -- lot line adjustments approved; tentative map approved

24-Aug-09 Tax Credit Funding Application Due

28-Oct-09 Tax Credit Reservation Awarded

15-Nov-09 County of Los Angeles Funding Application Due

15-Jan-10 Submission of Building Plans to City for Approval

27-Mar-10 Building Permits Issued

28-Mar-10 Start of Construction

15-May-11 Construction Completion

15-Jun-11 Project opens for occupancy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
Tax Credit Income Limits for 2008

30% Median 16 units

  1 Person $15,930

  2 Persons $18,180  

  3 Persons $20,460 

  4 Persons $22,740

  5 Persons $24,570

  6 Persons $26,370

  7 Persons $28,200

  8 Persons $30,030 

45% Median 19 units

  1 Person $23,895

  2 Persons $27,270  

  3 Persons $30,690 

  4 Persons $34,110

  5 Persons $36,855

  6 Persons $39,555

  7 Persons $42,300

  8 Persons $45,045

50% Median 24 units

  1 Person $26,550 

  2 Persons $30,300   

  3 Persons $34,100   

  4 Persons $37,900

  5 Persons $40,950 

  6 Persons $43,950

  7 Persons $47,000

  8 Persons $50,050

60% Median 16 units

  1 Person $31,860   

  2 Persons $36,360

  3 Persons $40,920

  4 Persons $45,480

  5 Persons $49,140

  6 Persons $52,740

  7 Persons $56,400

  8 Persons $60,060

Sample Job Classifications That Fall Within Income Limits (Source: City of Claremont; Claremont Unified School District)

30%

Seniors on SSI Instructional Helper Food Services Helper $10/hour workers  

50%

Groundskeeper I Maintenance Worker I Clerical Helper Custodian Helper Maintenance Helper Campus Monitor I Campus Monitor II Paraeducator I, II Paraeducator III ELD Paraeducator III SE Paraeducator III SE-OH Paraeducator III ResourceJob Placement Specialist Community Resource Liaison Attendance Clerk Clerical Assistant I Receptionist/Clerical AsstInstructional Helper Food Service HelperChild Development Program Assistant I Food Service Assistant Food Service Clerk Food Service Assistant II Clerk Instructional Helper Campus Monitor I Campus Monitor II Food Service Assistant III Physical Development Program Specialist Campus Monitor Lead Community WorkerLibraryMedia Assistant I Attendance/Health Clerk Child Development Program Asst

60%

Tree Trimmer II Solid Waste Operator Maintenance Worker II Groundskeeper II Tree Trimmer I Administrative AsstCustodian I Grounds Maintenance I Computer Instructional Asst Health Services Asst Library Media Asst II Clerical Assistant II District IMC Asst IAccount Clerk ICareer Center Technician Job Placement Spec II Lib/Media Asst II Spec. Educ.Health Svc Asst Clerical Asst II Delivery Driver Food Svcs Kitchen Asst Maintenance Tech I Pool Svc Tech Custodian IIIAthletic Trainer Registrar Office Manager I Account Clerk Clerk Asst IVAccount Clerk III Secretary I Office Manager II Food Services Delivery Driver Maintenance Tech II Grounds Equipment Operator/Mechanic Accounting Tech Secretary II Speech/language PathologySpecialist Transition Specialist

looked outwardly like a hit to me.

Jeremy Cooper, of the Claremont Young Professionals which is under the umbrella of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, said the event on March 19 at the Packing House Wine Merchants was a success with about 120 to 150 people.

The event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and I arrived about 6 p.m. to a line of people standing outside the venue.

Most people, from outward appearance, looked to be enjoying themselves with wine or beer. There was a definite diversity in ages, races and genders.

The only problem I had is a group being called Claremont Young Professionals while including those ages 21 to 39. I think when you hit age 30 and above you become a semi-old professional (and I'm 32 so I feel your pain).

Admittedly I am horrible at mixers but this one was bearable because I was there on assignment, I had a school-board meeting at 7:30 p.m. and the people were friendly enough. 

Finecraft Jewelers' James Drinker said he enjoyed the event and would attend another but as a chamber member he wanted the younger crowd to visit the regular chamber functions also.  

Plan now, or forget and then be surprised later, for the Gypsy Sisters Air Faire in early May.

You might wonder why I'm writing this so early. It's so I don't forget later.

The faire, held with the Claremont Forum and Prison Library Project. donates a percentage of the earnings to send books to U.S. prisoners to help their spiritual life and education.

The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. May 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3.

There will be 28 local artists at the faire including a massage therapist and a psychic. Art includes sculptures, carved and painted gourds, quilting, glass, paintings, prints, jewelry, original hand made toys, clothing, woodcarving and household decorations will be at the faire.

The event takes place on the main floor of the Packing House in Claremont's Village West at 532 W. First St.

The Claremont City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night at the city council meeting to pass its 2009-2010 budget which appropriated $117,000 from the general fund reserve and appropriated $79,000 in one-time revenues. 

In a nutshell, the vote was pretty uneventful. The council thanked all the associations responsible for cutting back wages and benefits before making their vote.  

The council also voted 5-0 to approve Adirondack Lane residential permit parking. But the council decided, after hearing upset Adirondack residents, to change the parking permit to everyday from dawn to dusk.

The original proposal was only on federal holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Councilman Peter Yao recommended in a separate motion to change the entrance for parking to help clear the area. The staff will look into the proposal and come back to council at another date. There was no deadline for the date.

The city's recreation staff will bring arts and crafts, activities and recreation to neighborhoods four days a week for free.

The staff, in a city of Claremont Human Service's mobile recreation Claremont's Recreation Enrichment Weekly (C.R.E.W.) van, will visit neighborhoods for youths age five to 12 or those in first through sixth graders.

Registration is onsite.

Here are the locations the van goes to:

Monday: Blaisdell Park, 440 S. College Ave.

Tuesday: Claremont Village Apartments, 965 W. Arrow Hwy.

Wednesday: Claremont Village Apartments, 965 W. Arrow Hwy.

Thursday: San Jose Park, 660 W. San Jose

 Information: Human Services (909) 399-5490 

Claremont Police, if they have a bicycle registration number, will notify the person and then return the bicycle back to them.

The city charges $4 for a bicycle license and $2 for an annual renewal fee.

Bicycle licenses are at the City Hall cashier, at 207 Harvard Avenue. Those interested can fill out a registration form with serial number, make and model of the bicycle.

Information: (909) 399-5460

The 4th annual fossil fest, part of the Family Science Discovery Days, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, 1175 W. Baseline Rd.

The price of the fossil fest, with learning stations and craft activities, is $3 per person with those age four and under free.

Information: (909) 624-2798 or www.alfmuseum.org

General museum hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays run from 1 to 4 p.m.

The museum is open September through May. General admission is $3 per person and age four and under free.

Wednesdays have free admission.

The City of Hope Blood and Bone Marrow Drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Green Room at Platt Campus Center at Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Blvd.

Information (and appointments preferred):  Kathy Morrison (909) 621-8024

Because of low customer usage, advances in cell phone and PDA technology and increasing costs, the free WiFi access on the Silver Streak service has been canceled.

The WiFi service, started in spring 2007, was started to "provide a unique, onboard amenity not available on any other transit service in Southern California. But recent advances in cell phone and PDA technology have reduced the need and the attraction for this kind of mobile wireless access," according to a Foothill Transit newsletter.

The newsletter goes on to say "seriously, on average we maybe got one person logon per bus ... the cost of the service, which we provided for free, just didn't make sense."

The service ended March 17.  

Metrocards will not be sold starting April 15 but they will be accepted until the fareboxes are replaced, according to a Foothill Transit newsletter.

Customers can instead purchase Foothill Transit Transit Access Pass cards which can be loaded with a cash purse in any amount that the farebox will deduct the fare.

The TAP card is a "hi-tech, micro-chipped plastic card that will hold all your Foothill Transit passes and fares on one, reusable card."  

The Claremont Adult School and the Claremont Senior Program is sponsoring a free lecture from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday geared toward older adults.

Pomona Valley Genealogical Society's Richard Piepho will speak about "Fraud, Forgeries, Hoaxes & Scams," according to city manager Jeff Parker's weekly update.

The lecture takes place at the Claremont Joslyn Senior Center, 660 N Mountain Ave.

Information: (909) 399-5488

When dialing 911 on a cell phone in Claremont, the call will now go from the California Highway Patrol communications center to the Claremont Police Department communications center, according to city manager Jeff Parker's weekly update.

"When a 911 cell phone call is made, the call is displayed on the Police Department's communications center screens, giving the cell phone caller information, as well as the latitude and longitude of the caller. This information is computer translated onto a map of the City, and an icon appears showing where the caller is calling from."

The police worked with six wireless service providers, Wireless 911 Section, the state Office of Public Safety to finish the Claremont project.

The Claremont Senior Program will hold a free health and wellness fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Taylor Hall, 1775 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Health screenings, presentations, informative exhibitors and "lively demonstrations," will take place, according to city manager Jeff Parker's news release.

For those age 60 and over, lunch is $2.

Blaisdell and Joslyn centers will be closed during the event.

A three-on-three March Madness three day basketball tournament will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

The tournament is open to high school age students and competitors can win prizes. There will also be entertainment, half-time competitions and live music.

On Friday, there will be a free barbecue for the first 100 participants.

The YAC is at 1717 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Information: Youth Activity Center (909) 399-5360 

Alissa Petrites received a 2009 Davis Projects for Peach Scholarship for $10,000 to fund her "Promoting Breast Milk Donation" South Africa project.

The scholarship was announced Monday.

Petrites, a humanities major from Oakland, will further breast milk donation in Durban, South Africa and "notes that breast milk donation is a promising new strategy to help address the issues of poverty, deeply entrenched social inequalities," according to a Scripps College news release.

Petrites, who was based in Durban, studied in South Africa's SIT Community Health program from February to May 2008 and learned to speak beginning-level Zulu.

The project will have a promotional campaign, a combined manual and history of the iThemba Lethu breast milk bank and trying to expand the recipient base for donated breast milk.

Petrites is co-director of Challah for Hunger, a student-run organization at Scripps that raises awareness about Darfur genocide and fundraises for humanitarian relief efforts.  

Kathryn W. Davis, 102, launched the scholarship initiative on her 100th birthday in 2007. 

City Editor Ben Demers will speak at "The Future of Print Journalism" from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday inside the Padua Room at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Road.

Demers, who will give a short presentation, will join other panelists in discussing the topic.

The Claremont League of Women Voters has helped put the event together, which costs $10.

Other panelists include:

Meg Worley, Assistant Professor of English, Pomona College

Larry Pryor, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, USC

John Seery, Professor of Politics, Pomona College

Danny Paskin, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, California State University at Long Beach

Eric Richardson, Publisher and Founder of blogdowntown.com

Peter Weinberger, publisher of the Claremont Courier

The fourth annual friends of the Claremont Library Adult Community Spelling Bee takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday March 29 inside Taylor Hall.

Taylor hall is at 1775 Indian Hill Blvd. The event is free and open to the public.

Past winners, according to a news release, include the League of Women Voters in 2006, Sunrise Rotary in 2007 and House of Ruth in 2008.

The event features "open bidding on opportunity baskets, crafts for kids, Claremont cheerleaders and snack bar treats."

Money raised supports the FOCL's goals including supporting the Claremont Library. Donations are welcome.

Information: http://www.claremontlibrary.org/ or email claremontspellingbee@gmail.com. 

A panel will discuss "The Future of Print Journalism" from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday inside the Padua Room at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Road. The Claremont League of Women Voters has helped put the event together.

Panelists include:

Meg Worley, Assistant Professor of English, Pomona College

Larry Pryor, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, USC

John Seery, Professor of Politics, Pomona College

Danny Paskin, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, California State University at Long Beach

Eric Richardson, Publisher and Founder of blogdowntown.com

Peter Weinberger, publisher of the Claremont Courier

The Claremont Young Professionals, under the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, will consist of people between the age of 21 and 39.

They will host a mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Packing House Wine Merchants, 540 W. First St.

Information: (909) 624-1681, or e-mail maureen@claremontchamber.org

The Tri-City Mental Health and National Alliance for Mental Illness Pomona Valley "Care and Share" meetings for caregivers are free and take place on the first Tuesday of every month except August.

The meetings are held from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at Claremont Presbyterian Church at 1111 N. Mountain Ave. and refreshments follow the meeting.

Other meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the BIACO Room at the Tri-City Mental Health Center 2008 N. Garvey Av., Pomona.  .

For more information, call the NAMI Pomona Valley HelpLine at (909) 399-0305.

Camerata Pacifica solo cellist Ani Aznavoorian will perform at 1 p.m. Wednesday for Webb students inside the Copeland Donahue Theater at The Webb Schools, 1175 W. Baseline Rd.

After the performance, Aznavoorian will teach a master class for the Webb Orchestra cello students, according to a Webb Schools news release.

Aznavoorian was a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, the youngest cellist to win the first prize in Juilliard School's concerto competition and a recipient of the prestigious Bunkamura Orchard Hall Award.

The cellist has also appeared with the Boston Pops, the Helsinki Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra among other groups.

The event is the first in a series of music education outreach events between The Webb Schools and Camerata Pacifica.

The Community Emergency Response Team and the Claremont Police Department, in their preparation for situations like fires, flooding or earthquakes, are trying to identify homebound individuals and senior citizens.

The CERT team "would like to be of assistance to these persons should such events occur by responding to the residence and providing a wellness check," according to a city news release.  

If you know of someone homebound, a senior citizen, yourself or simply want more information on the program call Capt. Stan Van Horn of the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5406.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced they're accepting applications for $1 billion in recovery act funds for the Community Oriented Policing Services Program.

According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation release, about 5,500 law enforcement officer jobs will be saved or created in law enforcement agencies nationwide from Department of Justice funding.

Funds awarded from the COPS office to police agencies will provide 100 percent of entry-level benefits and salary for each officer for three years, according to the news release. Those who receive the funding must keep the COPS officer positions for at least one year after the grant ends, the release said.

Information: WWW.USDOJ.GOV   

A special fellowship was named after Drucker School student Dipinder Sidhu, 29, who died in the Buffalo, New York plane crash on Feb. 12.

The Dipinder Sidhu Memorial Fellowship will be given "to a deserving entering student who will be given generous financial assistance and who will be expected to demonstrate leadership and caring for the community," according to a Drucker School news release.

The school will use criteria including community involvement and intellectual excellence, according to a Claremont Graduate University Drucker School of Management news release.

From the news release: "Dipinder was an exceptional young man - smart, enthusiastic, humble and helpful. He was an excellent student and a very fine citizen of the Drucker School, volunteering to assist his classmates in areas where he had expertise and where others had need. Dipinder represented the best of what the Drucker School values most."

He obtained a bachelor's in computer science from the University of Houston.later worked for COADE Engineering Software as an Engineer and Software Developer for five years, according to the news release. At the time of his death, he attended the Drucker School of Management for a dual degree graduate program in financial engineering and a master of business administration.

"He was very popular for his friendly and helpful nature towards students of different nationalities," the news release said.  

Learn more here:  http://www.cgu.edu/pages/4775.asp?item=2747

The Three Valleys Municipal Water District received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award for the 2007/2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), according to a Monday water district news release.

The Certificate of Achievement "is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the District's management and financial staff," according to the news release.

This is the second year Three Valleys has applied for and achieved the award, according to the release.  

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada, a nonprofit professional association, gave the district the award.

David Plouffe, President Barack Obama's campaign manager, will be the inaugural speaker for the Pomona Speaker Series.

Plouffe will speak on "The Obama Phenomenon: What's Next?" at 8 p.m. March 25 at the Pomona College Bridges Auditorium.

How Obama was elected president, the campaign's "historic" movement and how success "hinges on a fundamental belief in the candidate and strategy," will be discussed, according to a Pomona College news release.

A three-year commitment from Denver's Broe family has established the Pomona College lecture series.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the Pomona College Bridges Auditorium Box Office at (909) 621-8031 or picked up at the Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizer Helen Graciano, a Claremont poet, is organizing the free event at the Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

The congregation is at 9185 Monte Vista Ave. in Montclair but the tribute is open to everyone, not just congregation members.

The event will be held in the church sanctuary. People will dress up in costumes and read Frost's poety.

There are 125 to 150 people expected.

Information: Helen Graciano (909) 621-2876

The U.S. war in Iraq and Afghanistan will be protested on its 6-year anniversary.

The protest will be between 4:30 and 6 p.m. today at Indian Hill Boulevard and Arrow Highway.

People are asked to wear black.

High school students in the ninth through 12th grades who attend school or live in Claremont can compete in the ArtX at the Claremont Museum of Art juried art exhibition and contest.

Home-schooled, private and public students can all enter. The deadline for submission is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday April 11 and from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the Claremont Museum of Art. The museum is at 536 W. First St.

The them is a "two-dimensional form of artistic expression, inspired by the theme "What's Next?" ­ a theme with multiple connotations, potentially reflecting both personal views and the more global picture of society," according to a museum news release.  

Southern California photographer Robbert Flick, Claremont Museum of Art Executive Director William Moreno, Chaffey High School art instructor Jeanne Steffan and Claremont Museum of Art Curator Pilar Tompkins will judge the artwork.

The judges will decide the number of awards given, which can include honorable mentions.

The work will be displayed at the museum from April 25 to May 3, 2009.

An opening night and artists' reception open to the public on April 24 inside the Packing House Atrium. All submitted entries will be included in an online exhibition at www.claremontmuseum.org

Submission information: www.claremontmuseum.org

The Democratic Club of Claremont luncheon meeting with Richard Platkin, who worked for 25 years as a senior urban planner for Los Angeles, takes place at noon Friday.

Platkin's topic is "The U.S. Infrastructure Crisis: Its Causes, Consequences and Possible Solutions." He'll focus on the Los Angeles region and give his opinion on the stimulus package.

The lunch is $10 including a meat or non-meat entree, tip, tax and beverage.

Interestingly, the meeting will be held inside the private banquet room of the El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant, 984 W. Foothill Blvd. "because the old location Captain K J Restaurant closed without prior notification."

Information: http://www.claremontdems.org/news.php or (909) 626-2858

Xavier Alvarez, south Pomona's elected representative to the Three Valleys Municipal Water District board, is accused of illegally signing up his ex-wife for district-paid health benefits.

Alvarez had a jury trial set for April 29 at Los Angeles Superior Court in Pomona.

The director, who entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday at his arraignment, said he had no comment before the arraignment and did not answer questions afterward.

The nine-month program is scheduled to start in late spring, 2009 and includes clinics in the Long Beach and Los Angeles areas.

According to a Claremont Graduate University release sent Monday, The California Healthcare Foundation gave CGU the $80,000 grant to start a program for greater Los Angeles area low-income health clinic patients

The program is called HealthATM and CGU's School of Information Systems and Technology researchers developed it.

More information: http://www.cgu.edu/pages/4546.asp?item=2700 

The Mariachi Divas will hold a musical celebration in honor of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday March 25 at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum at Claremont McKenna College.

Mariachi Divas have appeared at the Universal Amphitheater, Staples Center, the Greek Theatre and accompanied artists like Paulina Rubio, Jenny Rivera, Joan Sebastian and others.

The event is free and open to the public on a first-come basis.

The Ath is at 385 E. 8th Street.

Information: Claremont McKenna College (909) 621-8244 or http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/news/pressreleases/article.asp?article_id=689

Harvey Mudd College President Maria Klawe was picked to serve on the board of directors of Microsoft Corp. on Monday.

Klawe is the second woman and tenth member to serve on the current board.

Here's the release from Harvey Mudd: http://www.hmc.edu/specialinterestfeatures/inthenews/klawe_microsoft.h
tml

Here's the release from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/mar09/03-09BODPR.mspx

The monthly Edge of LA Comic Convention will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 21 at the Packing House.

The Packing House is at 532 W. 1st St.

Featured will be Southern California collectibles and comic book dealers, costumed characters, professional comic book and fantasy artists and writers, private collectors and more.

The event has free admission and free parking.

Information: www.losangelescomic-con.com

The 7 p.m. March 19 Active Claremont meeting will have city manager Jeff Parker discuss Claremont budget issues.

Parker will detail how the poor economy is affecting the city.

The event will take place at the Claremont Public Library Community Room Apt. 208, Harvard Ave.

An annual membership fee is $7.50 for an individuals and $15 for a family. For those on limited incomes the dues are $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

Membership includes a monthly newsletter, ability to participate in community volunteer projects and attend social events.

Information: http://activeclaremont.org/index.html

City of Hope Blood/Bone Marrow Drive will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 3 inside the Green Room of the Platt Campus Center at Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Blvd..

Information/Appointments preferred: Kathy Morrison (909) 621-8024

at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Claremont Public Library, 208 Harvard St.

Nickole Brown, who holds a master's in creative writing from Vermont College, has published a collection of poetry titled "Sister" in 2007. Brown also co-edited the anthology "Air Fare: Stories, Poems and Essays on Flight" in 2004. Brown, whose work has appeared in publications like "The Writer's Chronicle," is an adjunct faculty member of Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville.

Claremont resident Helen Graziano runs the writers' group Scriblerus Salon and is the author of "Woman On Paper," a book of poems. She is writing her second book "Women At Work" and her work has appeared in "Emerging Urban Poets Anthology," "Phantom Seed" and other publications.

Information:

http://www.colapublib.org/libs/claremont

This is from Claremont's Web site and is something to keep in mind.

The Census Bureau is hiring.

To schedule an appointment to take the test an apply for a job call (866) 861-2010.

Is there one you liked best? I don't think any of them were really great to be honest (and that doesn't mean my site is much better :-)

Among the high/lowlights of each site:

Larry Schroeder's site has a blog titled "From the Campaign Trail!" that he never updated. No reason to start now.

Bridget Healy's site lists a number of good volunteer services such as Karousel Kids Board of Directors, Project Sister, etc. but then there's one called Room mother. Is this when her kids are invited inside?

Corey Calaycay's site lists reasonable principles such as fiscal prudence and business but then under the Active & Responsive listing he has "Corey solves problems for many citizens." Could you be a little more vague, Corey? 

Here are the sites:

http://larry4claremont.com/

http://bridgetforcouncil.org/

http://coreycalaycay.com/

that I forgot to post earlier this week. These were updated at 4:35 p.m. March 4.

Incumbent Corey Calaycay: 3,195

Community services commissioner Larry Schroeder: 2,853

Former assistant city manager Bridget Healy: 1,900

Claremont's municipal code prevents overnight parking of any vehicle on a city street between 2 and 6 a.m. for more than one hour.

If residents have to park on the street during those hours, requests can be made for up to three exemptions a month per household, according to a Claremont E-Watch release.

If requesting an exemption online on or after March 5, a resident's computer will be "recognized" on later visits. 

The exemption form will automatically be filled out and residents can just confirm the information is accurate and select the night of the exemption request/

Residents can also make specific changes to location or vehicle.

Go to www.claremontpd.org to request the exemption online at the police department and click on the car icon in the left column or go to www.claremontparking.com

The exemptions can be made up to 60 days in advance. For those without online access, call the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411 or (909) 399-5415.

Wednesday March 4 at Hip Kitty, 502 W. First St.

Settle's band will play "ol' school R & B Texas style," according to the band's news release.

Settle's band features Andrew Ford on bass, Sergio Ganzales on drums, Robin Swenson on keyboards/vocals and Settle on guitar and vocals. Special guests are scheduled to perform also.

Information: Hip Kitty (909) 447-6700 or www.philsettle.com

takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday March 8 at Claremont United Methodist Church.

The church is at 211 W. Foothill Blvd. behind Pacific Western Bank.

Wesley Hawks, clarinet and saxophone, and Jamie Caridi, pianist, will perform music that influenced New Orleans music or is influenced by New Orleans music.

The concert is to build homes in and around Waveland, Miss. for victims who are still unable to build.

Concert is free but taking donations.

Information: (909) 624-9021.

Scripps College assistant professor of anthropology Lara Deeb will detail the subject of women in Shi'i Lebanon at noon Tuesday March 3 inside the Hampton Room, Malott Commons at Scripps College, 345 E. 9th St.

The presentation is part of the Tuesday Noon Academy. Those interested can bring their own lunch or purchase one at the Malott Commons Dining Hall.

Information: (909) 607-9372 or go here.

submitted a resignation letter to parents and students on Feb. 20.

Northrop was principal during the Thanksgiving feast protest in November that drew national media coverage (which started here).

Northrop said in a letter to parents and students he needed "to respond to the needs of my family as a husband and father."

"This fall both of my sons will be attending college and each has the opportunity to play baseball at their respective schools. Baseball has been a major part of our family's lives. The prospect of not being able to watch them play, due to my administrative responsibilities, has led me to consider at least a temporary career change. At this time I have decided to relinquish my role as administrator and move back into the classroom as a teacher at one of the schools in the district. This change will allow me and my wife greater flexibility in supporting our sons and their respective baseball teams." 

He wrote that his resignation as principal will be effective June 30.

will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday March 28 at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

The Garden is at 1500 N. College Ave.

The botanic garden and the Claremont Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a safety, emergency preparedness and health expo.

Information: (909) 624-0074 or www.claremontredcross.org

The Claremont Police Department co-hosts the event, which is held in rainy or sunny weather.

will take place at 2 p.m. March 21 through May 17.

The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is at 1500 N. College Ave.

Meet at the entrance for a guided tour through the native plant collections and spring wildflower displa.

Daily admission to the park takes effect March 29 and prices will be $8 for non-members; $6 for seniors ages 65 and older; $6 for students age 13 to 17 or full-time college students; $4 per child ages 3 to 12 and children under 3 are free.

Actually, today depends on if you're reading this Monday night or Tuesday or later.

But if it's Tuesday March 3 you can find your polling place locations call (909) 399-5460 or click on www.lavote.net.

Results will be posted after the polls close at 8 p.m. on the city's Web site at http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/ or call (909) 399-5460.

Officials expect results to be known between approximately 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. today.

will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday March 21.

The starting poing is the Seaver House, 305 N. College Ave.

Admission is $8 per person to tour the six colleges including Pomona College, Scripps College for Women, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont Graduate School, Harvey Mudd College and Pitzer College.

While audiences can learn about the colleges' people, architecture and history there will be some favoritism.

According to the Claremont Heritage news release, Pomona and Scripps will get the most attention.

The reason is Pomona is the oldest and largest college and Scripps is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Information and reservations: Ginger Elliott, executive director of Claremont Heritage at (909) 621-0848 or heritage.91711@verizon.net

businesses will spend March preparing for a re-grand opening celebration in mid April.

Home decor accessory and item business Three French Hens, at 141 Yale Ave., will move to floral design studio Wisteria Grove at 319 W. First St.

Wisteria Grove: (909) 625-9840 or http://www.wisteriagrove.com/ 

Here is the Three French Hens Web site at http://www.shopthreefrenchhens.com/home.htm and number at (909) 398-1004.

at 6 p.m. Thursday March 5 at the Richard S. Kirkendall Education Center.

The center is at 170 W. San Jose Ave.

On the agenda is a budget update, a reequest to reduce or eliminate a "particular kind of service of certificated employees" and a "criteria for order of termination."

For more information, go here: http://www.cusd.claremont.edu/boa/pdfs/agenda_new.pdf or call the district at (909) 398-0609

Looks like Edible Arrangements inside the Packing House at 560 W. 1st St. reopened after a change of ownership in the franchisee several months ago, according to city manager Jeff Parker's city manager report. Available for for pick-up or delivery are fresh-fruit baskets, chocolate covered strawberries and gift bouquets.

Information: www.ediblearrangements.com or (909) 621-9700

The Burger Bar, 425 W Foothill Blvd., has opened next to Trader Joe's and offers burgers you can actually get custom made. Pick your own meat, which includes a vegetarian option, condiments, sauce and cheese. Customers can sit inside or outside under an umbrella.

Information: (909) 626-8880

meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. March 4 has been cancelled.

The meeting was to take place in the City Hall Conference Room, 207 Harvard Ave.

Information: (909) 399-5440