2014 wilderness passes now available

Hikers can now claim their 2014 parking permits for the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.

Passes are available at both city hall and the Hughes Center. Before stopping by, fill out a permit application, available on the city website, and bright it with you. For those living outside the city of Claremont, passes may be renewed each calendar year and are pro-rated.  The cost of an annual parking permit is $100 until April 1. From April 1 to July 1, passes cost $75. From July 1 to October 1, the cost is $50. After October 1 until the New Year, passes are $25.

Claremont residents may receive two free resident permits per household. To obtain a resident permit, Claremont citizens must fill out an application and show proof of residency. An acceptable proof of residency may be a vehicle registration, utility bill, car insurance policy, lease agreement or driver's license. Resident passes are valid until December 31, 2015. 

Openings for Claremont's Sustainability Committee

The city of Claremont is looking for residents interested in serving on the city’s Sustainability Committee. The Sustainability Committee was established to provide broad oversight of the Sustainable City Plan by reviewing annual grade cards and making recommendations on the scope and timing of future updates to the plan. Members should be supportive of the goals of the Sustainable City Plan and be knowledgeable in sustainability matters and/or represent a significant stakeholder group that is directly impacted by sustainability measures. Interested Claremont residents are encouraged to file an application with the city clerk by 6 p.m. on Monday, January 6. Applications and information are available in the City Clerk’s office at 207 Harvard Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on the city’s website, www.ci.claremont.ca.us. For more information, call 399-5461 or 399-5463.

Claremont PD holds holiday checkpoint

The Claremont Police Department will host another sobriety checkpoint this Sunday, December 15 at an undisclosed area in the city. Between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. officers will stop cars to ensure drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to make sure motorists are driving with a valid driver's license. Officers will also be checking to make sure seat belts are being worn.

Kiwanis kicks off holiday Sees sale

The Kiwanis Club of Claremont is helping locals heed their need for chocolate this holiday season without searching for a parking spot at the local shopping mall. The Sees Candy holiday sale is back, with proceeds benefitting the Kiwanis’ community service projects, many of which support local youth and education.

The Chocolate sales’ headquarters are located in the Sprouts shopping center at 911 W. Foothill Blvd., open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday. Other locations include in front of Vons at 550 E. Base Line Road, open Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday all day, as well as at Sonja Stump Photography Studio, 135 W. First St. For hours, call (909) 626-1147. For more information on the Sees sale, contact Tirzo Tec at (909) 973-4008. 

Claremont organization looks to provide warmth this holiday season

The members of Claremont’s New Mind Meditation Society are putting practice into action this holiday season. The group is doing their part to channel the spirit of giving by hosting a holiday coat drive at the Claremont Forum, located in the Claremont Packing House at 560-2504. Coats will be collected for Pomona Valley Youth Employment Services, Inc. through December 31.  Drop off your frocks between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call Johnathan Thomas at 560-2504. 

Claremont Senior Program hosts holiday meal

Join the Claremont Senior Program for festive holiday meal, live entertainment and a visit from Santa, among other surprises, on Tuesday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 1775 N. Indian Hill Boulevard. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. For more information, contact the Claremont Senior Program at 399-5488 or joslyncenter@ci.claremont.ca.us.

Get in the holiday spirit in downtown Claremont tonight

The city of Claremont kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 6 with the yearly Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place in the Claremont Village.

The seasonal festivities commence at 5 p.m. with opportunities to take pictures with Old St. Nick and his missus at city hall. One of Santa’s reindeer helpers will also be on scene for a photo op or two. The Claremont High School Chamber singers, Moultrie Academy, The Wonderelles and 210 Sax Quartet will help set the tone with live music, along with the accompaniment of holiday carolers.

At 6 p.m. head to the Claremont Depot for the city’s tree lighting ceremony. While you’re there, exchange incandescent holiday light strands for new LED bulbs. One strand per household, while supplies last. For more information on this year’s yuletide celebration, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us or call 399-5490.