Suspected car burglars nabbed by Claremont Police

A man seen peeking into cars in the 400 block of Mount Carmel Drive caught the suspicion of neighbors late Tuesday afternoon, April 23.

Without breaking into any of the cars, the man got into his own vehicle and drove away. Police stopped the car off Base Line Road. The occupants claimed that they were lost and just driving around. However, several car stereos with cut wires were found inside, and the men could not explain their origin. Jimmy Troy, 46, and Andrew Briceno, 28, both of Pomona, and Phillip Gonzales, 40, of Upland, were arrested for stolen property.

Mr. Troy was additionally arrested for driving with a suspended license and Mr. Briceno for initially giving a false name to police. No victims have been located yet, but Claremont Police are in contact with nearby police departments to match the car stereos, according to Lt. Vander Veen.

See Saturday's edition of the COURIER for more from the Claremont Police Blotter. 

Changes to COURIER website

A note from Publisher Peter Weinberger about important changes to story readability on the COURIER website:

In an effort to bring you a better website experience, the COURIER staff is feverishly working to make these changes as quickly as possible without interrupting your service. But you may encounter difficulties logging in or with some links to stories. Please bare with us during this time. We are confident our readers will enjoy the improvements which center around the readability of our PDF pages and use of straight text (HTML) for the jumps of stories. If you need something, please email Peter at: pweinberger@claremont-courier.com. Thanks.

Claremonters join fight against cancer

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. This weekend, Claremonters and millions across the world will do just that at the annual Relay for Life, a philanthropy walkathon for the fight against cancer. The event begins this Saturday, April 28, at 9 a.m. and concludes at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 29.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life began in 1985 as a way to raise cancer awareness in the community and provide necessary funds for continued cancer research. Today, that fight continues. Survivors, friends, family and supporters alike will gather at the Claremont High School Football field in a 24-hour march for the cause, symbolizing the battle that cancer patients and their families fight every day.

“It is a very powerful event, said Nusha Shishegar, co-chair for the Claremont event. “It’s a time to make a difference in someone’s life as a community."

Beyond raising money for cancer research, Relay for Life is about providing a source of comfort and support for those who continue to be affected with the 24-hour battle with cancer, according to Ms. Shishegar. “It brings a sense of connection and happiness to people who really need it,” she said.

While the field will be filled with at least one walker at all times, participants are also invited to take part in special scheduled laps. The event kicks off with a survivor’s lap, recognizing those who have fought and won the battle against cancer. Their caregivers are invited to walk in solidarity with them. A special “Luminaria Ceremony” later that evening will take place as a remembrance to those loved ones lost or those who have touched by cancer in some way. Throughout the day participants are invited to purchase luminaria bags, which can then be decorated in honor of their loved ones. These bags will be filled with sand and a lit candle, then placed around the field during the evening remembrance ceremony.

 The walkathon will conclude Sunday morning with a Fight Back Ceremony, pledging a continued commitment to taking action against cancer.

This year, Claremont Relay For Life will be using technology to help spread the word about the walk. Festivities include a Twitter lap, during which walkers are Claremont Relay for Life walkers will be invited to simultaneously post tweets sharing their experiences with other participants at different Relay For Life events across the nation. Participants will also get the chance to visit “the purple couch,” located near the field, and record a personalized message on a video camera set to record throughout the 24-hour event.

“The idea is to create a moving movie picture about what the relay is all about,” Ms. Shishegar said. “We hope that not only participants, but visitors who stop by will take the time to talk about their experience at the relay has meant to them.”

Food trucks, another new addition this year, will be available for both participants and bystanders with a 20 percent donation of all proceeds to the American Cancer Society. The trucks will be available at lunchtime from 12 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items will be included.

“We are hoping even those who don’t plan on walking will come out and support us by purchasing food,” Ms. Shishegar said.

Participants can register online at relayforlife.org/claremontca or purchase an all-access pass to the event for $10 at the gate on Saturday. To make a donation or for more information, visit relayforlife.org/claremontca.

“Cancer never stops, and it is something we have to actively battle,” Ms. Shishegar said, “But we are pushing back, standing up and fighting.”

Claremont to hold design awards Wednesday

The Claremont Architectural Commission will recognize the winners of the city’s 31st annual Excellence in Design awards this Wednesday, April 25th, at 7 p.m. The ceremony will take place in the City Council Chamber, located at 225 W. Second St.

The design awards aims to recognize recently completed building projects in Claremont that best exhibit the city's standards of exceptional design. The Claremont Architectural Commission recognizes construction in several different categories including new construction, restoration, landscaping, signs, and sustainable development.

Here's a look at the winner’s being recognized: Amistad Apartment & Pitzer Friendship Court, Pilgrim Place; Joan and David Lincoln Ceramic Art Building, Scripps College; South Campus Parking Structure & Athletic Field, Pomona College; North Campus Residence Halls (Sontag & Pomona), Pomona College; Courier Place Apartments, 111 S. College Ave.; Norms Restaurant, 807 S. Indian Hill Blvd.; Administrative Campus Center, Claremont University Consortium; Union on Yale Restaurant, 230 Yale Ave.; Prather Residence, 443 Yale Ave.; Searing Residence, 131 W. Seventh St.; Kravis Center, Claremont McKenna College.

City announces oversight board members

City officials, school and county representatives will gather tomorrow, April 18, at 6 p.m. in the first meeting of the Claremont Oversight Board, successor for the city’s dissolved Redevelopment Agency. The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the Citrus Room at Claremont City Hall.

The 7-member panel is comprised of City Manager Tony Ramos and Finance Director Adam Pirrie, Sue Keith of the Citrus Community College District Board, Claremont Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Lisa Shoemaker, as well as Suzanne Manriquez and Carol Jacques representing Los Angeles County. One spot, reserved for an LA County representative, remains vacant.

Among items on tonight’s agenda is the election of a chair and vice chair, adoption of board rules, the administrative budget and the obligation payment schedules for the dissolved Redevelopment Agency.

Those who wish to attend the meeting are asked to enter through the City Council Chamber, 225 W. Second St., after 6 p.m. Check out the COURIER website for an update on tomorrow's meeting.

Auto Center Drive development on Claremont Planning agenda

The Claremont Planning Commission will meet tomorrow night, April 17, to review a conditional use permit for a new martial arts studio to be located in the Claremont Promenade shopping center.

The proposed new business is part of the city's continued efforts to revitalize the shopping centers along Auto Center Drive.

If approved, Tao Martial Arts Center will take its place just west of the new Super King Markets and a soon-to-be-built Chase Bank with drive-thru, which received approval in January. The bank will be located on the southwest corner of Auto Center Drive and Indian Hill Boulevard.

The commission will also be presented with an update on the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study.The study corresponds with an act passed by Congress in 2003, requesting that the National Park Service evaluate whether any section of that surrounding area might be eligible to be a part of the national park system.

Since that time, a special resource study and community feedback sessions have been conducted on how to proceed. In February, the city drafted a letter of support with its recommendations for the option that includes a city-owned area of the Foothills, in hopes of continued maintenance of the city's undeveloped land.

The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 225 W. Second St. To view the full agenda, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us.

Claremont hosts first Successor Agency meeting this Wednesday

Claremont’s Oversight Board, successor after the dissolve of the city’s Redevelopment Agency, will have its first meeting this Wednesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the Citrus Room at Claremont City Hall.

Items to be discussed include the election of a chair and vice chair, adoption of board rules, the administrative budget and the obligation payment schedules for the dissolved Redevelopment Agency.

Those who wish to attend the meeting are asked to enter through the City Council Chamber, 225 W. Second St., after 6 p.m. The full agenda will be published on the city’s website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us.

Claremonters to commemorate Earth Day 2012

City officials are joining with Sustainable Claremont, the Claremont Interfaith Committee on Sustainability and more than a billion others across the globe on Saturday, April 21 to commemorate Earth Day, a worldwide celebration stressing the importance of protecting the environment.

This year’s Earth Day Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. across the Claremont Village. The environmentally conscious event will include children’s events, workshops, demonstrations, speakers and various booths presenting information on sustainability.

For more information on how to participate, visit www.sustainableclaremont.org.

International Festival takes place tomorrow

International Place of The Claremont Colleges invites the public to join them this Saturday, April 14, in the multicultural celebration of its annual International Festival. The free event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Claremont McKenna College Quadrangle.

Guests will be treated to a wealth of food and entertainment from across the world. International cuisine, music and dance are among the offerings. Admission to the event is free with a modest price for food.

For more information, visit http://iplace.claremont.edu, contact International Place at 607-3910 or ipoffice@cmc.edu.

Claremont nonprofit to celebrate with sneaker extravaganza

Stand up comedian James P. Connolly, and singer/songwriters Rachel Belman and Emi Meyer will entertain at the first-ever Shoes That Fit Sneaker Ball on Saturday, April 21, at the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

The ball commemorates Shoes That Fit's one millionth pair of shoes donated to schoolchildren in the United States and the 20th anniversary of the Claremont-based nonprofit organization.

"Southern California's philanthropic community will come together for this spectacular evening of inspiration and entertainment with gourmet dining, silent and live auctions and many surprises," said Shoes That Fit Executive Director Roni Lomeli.

Sponsors for the evening include long-time partner Nordstrom, and shoe giants New Balance and Cole Haan.

Shoes That Fit will also unveil its 20th anniversary video by Emmy-nominated videographer Todd Covelli, celebrating their work of the first 2 decades. Three special guests, who were instrumental in the organization's success, will also be honored.

For information, visit www.ShoesThatFit.org or call 800-715-4333.

Claremont Council Member shares on bike safety, his story

City Councilmember Sam Pedroza will be the keynote speaker at the 35th Anniversary Celebration for the Foothills Toastmasters on Wednesday, April 11 at 7 a.m. Mr. Pedroza will share the story of his "rise and fall and rise" as the former mayor who never stopped biking to work despite a serious crash that irrevocably altered his life in August 2011.

Foothills Toastmasters will also honor Claremont speakers Dr. Janice Adelman and Joe Farrell with certification as Competent Communicators. The public is welcome to the event at Claremont Place Assisted Living, 120 W. San JoseAve. For information contact, Glenn Miya at 263-5399.

Claremont's water bill collection continues

Claremont officials continue to collect water bills from citizens who have seen their water utilities surmount the total of their other combined utilities. The collection will be ongoing through Tuesday, April 24.

The collection, taking place at Claremont City Hall ((207 Harvard Ave.), is the city’s latest initiative to provide evidence to the California Public Utilities against Golden State Water Company’s requested water rate spikes, proposed to begin in January 2013.

Claremont residents can participate by making a copy of their water bills from within the past year, and deliveries those copies to the city hall lobby, where a utility payment drop box has been placed. A statement of protest may also be added to another drop box found directly next to the bill collection. Letters should be addressed to:

Catherine Sandoval, Commissioner

California Public Utilities Commission

505 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

The letters and bills must be submitted by 4:45 p.m. on April 24. An informal meeting will begin at 5 p.m. City officials will be on hand to discuss recent events and answer questions. The letters will be presented to the Claremont City Council at its meeting that night at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.