School Board votes for second time against nurse Cindy Estep-Tonan

At last night's Board of Education meeting, the CUSD Board voted to bring charges against Estep-Tonan to seek her termination. Board member Steven Llanusa was the lone voice of opposition on the Board, while Beth Bingham did not vote, citing a conflict of interest because she presided over Estep-Tonan's wedding.

In his first vote as a Board Member, Jeff Stark voted against the longtime school nurse along with Mary Caenepeel and Hilary LaConte. Stark was sworn in shortly before the closed session report on Estep-Tonan.

According to an article for tomorrow's paper written by my colleague Landus Rigsby, Estep-Tonan was "shocked" over Stark's vote. The issue of her employment status first came Before the board at the November 19 meeting when Stark was still sitting in the audience.

“I'm shocked and I don't know how Jeff Stark could have voted if he just came onto the board,” Ms. Estep-Tonan said. “They've rushed through this and I guess this is what they do to people they don't like. Justice will be served though.”

For a full report, be sure to read Saturday's issue of the COURIER.

School Board Candidates Forum

The lawn signs are beginning to pop up around town and that means another election is heating up in Claremont.

The race has begun for the CUSD Board of Education featuring 4 candidates running for 3 open seats. Candidates include incumbents Steven Llanusa and Mary Caenepeel and challengers Jeff Hammill and Jeff Stark.
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Tomorrow, you can get to know the candidates and the issues at the first candidate's forum hosted by Active Claremont.

The forum will take place Wednesday evening at the Claremont Library beginning at 7 p.m.

City council agenda for Tuesday

Expect a long meeting on Tuesday for the city council. There's a lot to cover on the agenda.

The council will be considering the speed limit recommendations for Base Line Road. A new speed survey has been completed due to recent revisions in striping and median installation on the roadway.

Staff is recommending that the existing speed limits be retained on Base Line Road, with the exception of the segment between Indian Hill Boulevard and Towne Avenue, which will be raised to 45 mph. It will be necessary to raise the speed limit in that segment to comply with state law.

The council will consider a proposed Water Conservation Ordinance recommended by Metropolitan Water District. If adopted, the water conservation ordinance would identify restrictions, penalties and other provisions for private water use in the community.

Also on the agenda is a discussion over the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Jamboree Housing Corporation. The development company has been identified to construct an affordable housing project at the old COURIER site on College Avenue.

The council will also discuss funding for Community Based Organizations and homeless programs. The regular meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 12 at the city council chamber beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Those interesting in parking issues around the Claremont Colleges should attend a study session by the council that will begin at 4 p.m. in the council chambers on Tuesday. Here's the link to a staff report.

Also, the council will meet Monday night in a joint session with the School Board to discuss a couple of items relevant to both the city and school district. See here for the agenda. That meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the new District office on San Jose.