Police investigating a homicide

Claremont police are investigating a homicide after the body of a man was pulled from an empty field at the northwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue.

Upland police originally received a call from a witness on Monday, December 27 about a subject seen dragging a dead body in the field. Upland and Claremont Police arrived at the scene to find the subject standing next to the dead body.

They determined the death occurred in Claremont jurisdiction but the body had been dragged over 170 feet to the area of Foothill Boulevard and the drainage tunnel that runs under Foothill and Monte Vista.

The Claremont Police Department began its homicide investigation with the assistance of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. The subject seen dragging the victim was initially arrested but later released pending further investigation. The Coroner has is withholding the name of the victim until he can be positively identified. The exact cause of death is unknown at this time.

DUI checkpoint

The Claremont Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed in the city this Sunday, December 19. The checkpoint will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 2 a.m. Drivers will be stopped long enough to ensure they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They will also be checked for valid driver licenses and to see if they are wearing safety belt. Police received funding for the checkpoint through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Vons in La Verne closing

A tip for grocery shoppers. The Vons at 2340 Foothill Blvd. in La Verne, just next to Target, is closing. As of this morning, everything in stock is 50 percent off. But get there soon. Merchandise is running out quickly.

More pull papers for city council election

Potential candidate for the March city council election have a week to file their paperwork. So far, a total of 11 residents have pulled papers from the city clerk's office. The filing deadline is next Wednesday, December 15. Here's the latest list, courtesy of City Clerk Lynne Fryman.

Joseph Armendarez
Parker Emerson
Robin Haulman
Rex Jaime
Michael Keenan
Ed Leavell
Douglas Lyon
Joseph Lyons
Opanyi Nasiali
Sam Pedroza
Jay Pocock

Ice skating on Indian Hill

There aren't many opportunities for outdoor ice skating in southern California. But a small ice rink at Indian Hill Boulevard and Second Street will be open to the public until 9 p.m. today. Just a warning though, the ice is not real. It's actually a polymer compound sprayed with a non-toxic glide enhancer called "synthetic hybrid ice." Either way, the kids are definitely enjoying the experience and won't get cold if they take a tumble. Skates can be rented on site for $5.

Tonight is also the holiday tree lighting ceremony. Head down to the Claremont Depot for the event featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers and family activities. The event begins at 5 p.m.