Conservation on slate for Tuesday Coffee Talk

Learn about energy and water conservation at this month’s Coffee Talk series taking place on Tuesday, November 5 at 10 a.m. at the Joslyn Senior Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave. Coffee talk is a free interactive discussion series open to the public. For more information, call the Joslyn at 399-5488. 

Reminder: Set your clocks back this weekend

Claremont residents get a post-Halloween treat this weekend thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time. Before heading to bed on Saturday, November 2, set your clocks back one hour. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!

Packing House honors El Dia de los Muertos with evening celebration

All Hallow's Eve may be over, but the ethereal events continue at the Claremont Packing House. 

The Colony at Loft 204, a local gallery located on the second floor of the Packing House, 532 W. First St., is hosting a Day of the Dead Celebration tonight, Friday, November 1, to keep the party going. 

From 6 to 9 p.m., guests will be able to browse festive photography, art and boutique items while listening to a live musical performance by Curt Philips. Dia de los Meurtos face painting, a photo booth and fortune-teller will also be included in the celebration. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.loft204.com. 

Claremont 'hero' seeks community's help in national campaign

Hal Hargrave, Jr.—Claremont resident and Be Perfect Foundation founder—is asking for the community’s help to win $10,000 for his foundation as a part of the  “Vote for your favorite Safeco Insurance^® Community Hero” event.

Mr. Hargrave is one of 16 Community Hero Award winners selected from across the country by Safeco Insurance to be in the contest. Through an online voting event, currently open to the public, the top three heroes will be chosen to receive up to $10,000 for their charities.

The Vote for your favorite Safeco Insurance Community Hero event ends on Monday, November 4 at 10 a.m. PST. To participate, click on the Safeco Community Hero ad on the home page of www.Safeco.com or click on the Community Hero tab on the Safeco Insurance Facebook.

Safeco Insurance Community Hero Awards honor hometown heroes and nonprofit organizations that have a positive impact in education, health and safety or civic engagement, and the award program supports the community involvement of independent insurance agents across the country. Safeco Insurance already has donated $5,000 to Be Perfect Foundation on behalf of Mr. Hargrave and Brad Kessler, president at Kessler Alair Insurance Services, Inc. in Upland, who nominated Mr. Hargrave for the award.

Village Venture takes over Claremont Village this weekend

Photo Courtesy//Steven Felschundneff

The crowds are coming to Claremont tomorrow, Saturday, October 26 for the 32nd annual Village Venture Arts and Crafts Faire.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, 500 vendors will take to the Claremont Village with their crafts, jewelry, clothing and other assortments for the yearly fall staple. For a map of this year's offerings, visit the Claremont COURIER booth at Second Street and Yale Avenue, in front of Pizza 'N Such.

While parents shop, the kids can play. This year's faire includes a pumpkin carving contest at Shelton Park, located at the northeast corner of Bonita and Harvard avenues. Bring a pre-carved pumpkin to the park between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Make sure to fill out a registration form. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Pumpkins must be picked up between 2 and 4:30 p.m.

The kids can also participate in the always-anticipated kids costume parade, which kicks off at Bonita Avenue and Harvard at 9:30 a.m. The El Roble Marching Band will lead the procession.

Claremont freshman to host sale for the needy

Claremont High School freshman Cara Clonts is asking for the community’s help as she strives to give back to others.

In addition to balancing her high school studies, Cara is working toward the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Young Womanhood Award, an endeavor that takes an estimated 4 to 6 years to complete as young women better understand the churches 8 virtues/values.

Cara is currently working toward the value of integrity, which involves making a difference in other people’s lives. As part of her work on better understanding integrity, she will be hosting a yard sale and bake sale this Saturday, October 19, from 8 a.m. to noon. All proceeds will help bring clean water to third world countries. The sale takes place at 2332 Bonnie Brae Ave. in Claremont. 

City postpones discussion of 60 foot sign

City officials have indefinitely delayed discussion of a proposed 60-foot retail sign to be erected on the corner of Base Line Road and Towne Avenue.

The review was originally set to take place at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 15. However, City Manager Tony Ramos has asked for the discussion to be postponed in order for city staff to conduct further analysis, according to Brian Desatnik, director of community development.

“It was really just a request for some additional research on the sign issue, the type of sign, the requirements of commercial users and various other things,” Mr. Desatnik said.

It is unknown when the review will take place.

The sign being proposed would support a potential small retail development at the southeast corner of Base Line and Towne. The development is located within the city’s mixed-use zoning district, which calls for “commercial uses to be located on the corner.” The zone does not, however, allow tall signs for those developments.

To support the potential retail center, staff believes a 60-foot sign would be necessary in order to be seen over the freeway grade and other site constraints such as tall power lines.

Community members are invited to comment on the decision. Comments may be sent to PO Box 880, Claremont, CA 91711. For more information, contact Associate Planner Luke Seibert at 399-5483.