City holiday closures

Claremont City Hall will be closed for the holidays this Monday, December, 26, as well as the following Monday, January 2. The Hughes Community center will also be closed through Friday, January 3.

Despite city closures, the city's trash delivery will still proceed as scheduled. In addition to normal trash collection, Claremont residents can place Christmas trees on the curb for pickup during their regular collection day starting Monday, December 26 through January 5. Trees must be stripped of all decoration and cut if larger than 6 feet tall. Call Community and Human Services at 399-5431 for more information.

Village business vandalized, woman arrested

A Riverside woman was arrested Tuesday evening after being accused of vandalizing an antique at Viva Madrid, located at 225 Yale Ave.

Witnesses say Irma Nugent, 29, stumbled into a wooden confessional on display with a sign that forbid entering. Once inside, witnesses say Ms. Nugent began to destroy the antique.

Police located Ms. Nugent shortly after the incident walking along Second Street. Police arrested her on charges of vandalism and being drunk in public. The cost of repairs is unknown. Ms. Nugent says she only had 2 drinks and is not guilty of the vandalism charge.

See the COURIER's Saturday edition for more on the Police Blotter.

Studio Claremont holiday camp starts next week

Keep the kids entertained during the holiday break at Studio Claremont’s Candy Ice Castle Art Camp Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The morning art class will teach those of all ages how to make your own holiday Candy Ice Castle. The class is $110 with an additional $20 registration. All materials are included.

Studio Claremont, led by artist Gabrielle Heide, provides art instruction for students ages 4 and up. Studio Claremont is located on the first floor of The Packing House at 522 W. First St. To reserve your child’s place in the camp, visit www.studioclaremont.com, call 626-6137 or e-mail info@studioclaremont.com

Senior Holiday party tomorrow

The Claremont Senior Program will host its annual holiday party tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, located at 1775 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Participants will be served a festive lunch and enjoy live entertainment, door prizes and a special visit from Old Saint Nick. Tickets are $5. For more information contact 399-5488.

Donations wanted for TRACKS toy drive

Claremont’s TRACKS Teen Activity Center (TAC) is hosting its first annual toy drive now through Friday, December 16. All donations will be packaged and sent to a nearby shelter.

Donated toys may be dropped off at TAC located on the El Roble Intermediate School campus at 665 N. Mountain Ave. For more information call 399-5378.

Golden State Water Company hearings tomorrow

Claremont’s Taylor Hall will host the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) public hearings on the Golden State Water Company’s proposed rate increases on Tuesday, December 6 at 2 and 6 p.m. An administrative law judge will preside over the hearing and all comments will be included in the company’s general rate case.

The public may comment or protest the rate increase at the public hearing, by e-mail, or writing to the Public Advisor's Office. All public comments are provided to the CPUC Commissioners and Administrative Law Judge assigned to the proceedings. Comments may be sent to 
the Public Advisor's Office
 at 320 W. Fourth St., Ste. 500 
Los Angeles, CA 90013
 or by e-mail to public.advisor.la@cpuc.ca.gov

Council Priorities Workshop tomorrow

Claremont City Council will hold its yearly Priority and Goal Setting Workshop tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chamber at 225 Second St.

The public is invited to listen to the council review last year's plans and discuss new goals for the coming year. Visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us for more information.

Holiday Promenade tonight

The City of Claremont will be hosting its annual Holiday Promenade starting tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Claremont Village. The event will continue through tomorrow.

A tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. tonight at the Depot. Other holiday festivities will include entertainment from the Claremont High School Chamber Singers, the Moultrie Academy, and holiday carolers. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at City Hall from 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. for photos. An outdoor skating rink will be open at Indian Hill Boulevard and Second Street from 1 to 9 p.m. for $5 both today and tomorrow.

Resident will have the opportunity to fill the Metrolink with donated toys at 6: 30 p.m. on Saturday for the "Spark of Love Toy Drive," sponsored by ABC7 and Southland Firefighters.

For more information on this 2-day holiday event, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us.

Tony Ramos hired as city manager

City council announced Wednesday night that Tony Ramos will be promoted from his
current role as assistant city manager. He will begin as city manager in late December.

Mr. Ramos will replace Jeff Parker, who announced his resignation earlier this month. The Claremont City Council's decision to promote Mr. Ramos was unanimous.

“I am committed to this community and the public administration profession,” Mr.
Ramos said. “I pledge to all of you with every bit of my being that I will continue to work
tirelessly with commitment and with the passion I have had for this city for the past 6
years.”

According to the approved 3-year contract, Mr. Ramos will make a yearly income of
$198,000. He will also receive an additional $1000 a month in deferred compensation
plus an extra $1194 monthly to be used for medical benefits. Fifty percent of the medical
benefits that remain unused will be placed in Mr. Ramos’ deferred compensation plan.
Mr. Ramos’ total for salary and benefits is $224,328 annually, up from his current salary
of $176,806 as assistant city manager.

He will contribute his 8 percent Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
contribution and will receive cost of living adjustments similar to other employee groups.
Mr. Ramos will also receive a vehicle with maintenance and insurance covered by the
city.