Enjoy Claremont* (some exceptions apply)
The Foothill Cities Blog » Claremont | 4/16/09
[Enjoy Claremont*, Originally uploaded by The Marmot]
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Postcard from Mount Baldy
The Foothill Cities Blog » Claremont | 12/19/08
I drove up to Mount Baldy on Wednesday afternoon to enjoy the snow. I was greeted with it snowing. Sideways.
After trying to enjoy things, my girlfriend was miserable so we left (that and I was worried about being able to get back down).
As it turned out, I picked a good time to go [...] Read more...
Sid's Side
Our Own Field of Dreams...
Sid's Side | 2/22/10
I think most people I know do some kind of volunteer work. For some, it?s helping a cause they find worthy or assisting a non-profit organization. It might be helping with an event or just donating a little time or money. And most of us tend to jump in where our kids are concerned, helping out in classrooms or with their sports teams or other extra-curricular activities. The fun starts when you take that extra step and volunteer for a PTA committee or to be the coach of your kid?s team. The next thing you know you find yourself on the board of directors. It becomes part of your life, so you just keep going when they move along to high school.
This year I?m the president of the Claremont High baseball booster club. Overall, the ride?s been pretty fun, but a couple of weeks ago my son Sam decided he wasn?t interested in playing baseball at the high school anymore. He just wasn?t having fun playing anymore. Given my tremendous passion for the game and Sam?s truly natural talent, I?m sure the decision wasn?t easy for him. But it was his decision, and I?m proud of the way he handled it. I?m sad he won?t be playing baseball, but it feels good to see him happy. When the game is no longer fun, it?s time to find other adventures.
Nevertheless, I?m still the baseball booster club president, and that?s still something I enjoy. So as we embarked on the busiest part of our pre-season preparations, I had doubts as to how much I?d still enjoy my role.
Then came our alumni game and opening ceremonies on Saturday, Feb. 20. This event was something I helped revive last year, and I?ve been in charge of getting the former players back to participate in the game. Given the weather forecasts, we figured we?d be rained out. As much of the Bosson family gathered at our house on Friday night to celebrate Marilyn?s birthday, and with the rain pouring outside, we turned up the volume on the birthday party. But the overnight rain cleared on Saturday morning, and I was shocked to find myself headed to the ballpark for what will probably be the highlight event of the season for me.
From an event-planning standpoint, it was a great success, and the entire board and many volunteers who participated made that a reality. What made the event a true success and my day so fulfilling was that so many former players showed up. I felt absolute joy seeing the smiles on the faces of the guys in the alumni team dugout, while they jarred their memories for old stories and shared a lot of laughs.
The real stars of the day where the former CHS players who came back to reminisce and try to make the plays on the field. A few of them had trouble staying on their feet, and I know there were a lot of sore muscles the next day. I sense the experience was probably worth it.
The highlight for me was seeing Ed Wolfe from the class of 1953 throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and then later watching him hit a line drive to second. He told me later that was first time he?d used an aluminum bat.
There were a number of guys who played in the alumni game last year, but quite a few new players this year. The event brought back generations of former players spanning eras from the 1970s through last year, with an especially strong turnout from the mid-1970s and from the class of 1992.
Rather than let me tell the story, I?ll let a couple guys from the class of 1976 reflect on their experiences, as posted on their class Yahoo forum. This isn?t to give myself a pat on the back, but rather to share the events of the day through the eyes of two friends who really enjoyed themselves on Saturday...
From Rob Haerr?
?It all started with Sid Robinson ingesting mass quantities of spiritual nectar and performing anti-rain dances the night before and into the wee hours of the morning. The ceremony was disguised as a birthday party for Marilyn Bosson, but the rain during the night did a superb groundskeeping job in preparing the infield with the perfect amount of moisture. Sid's sacrifice for the team does not go unnoticed. Beth (Bosson) Robinson said his last words at 3 a.m. were..."I-love-you," or something like that. His energy was sapped.
I woke up at about 5 a.m. ... too dark to get up. My return to sleep took me into a dream of seeing some of the CHS ?75 guys at the game...Matt Weinberg, Tim Helton, Danny Thomas, David Aguilera. To my surprise...Danny Thomas did show up. I immediately told him about the dream...funny stuff. Tim Helton passed away shortly after high school from a brain cancer I think...but lots of stories started flowing...great stuff. Other guys from '75 also showed...Brian Fitzgeralls, Mark Robertson. Both look great and it was very cool to catch up with their history.
I woke up again at 7 a.m. and the sun was shining! Before I was fully awake, I checked Facebook...Sid and Mil (Pompa) both said..."GAME ON SPREAD THE WORD!"
Coffee, oatmeal...Aleve.
The highlight of the day was meeting with CHS ?53(!!!) baseball alumnus, Ed Wolfe. He warmed up with Danny Healey and I. We talked about how these kids have 3 or 4 uniforms, batting cages with pitching machines, nice park, dugouts, etc. He said, "I wore the exact same uniform my dad had worn 20 years earlier in 1932. Had his name still inside. It was about ?this thick,? made of wool." He threw out the first pitch. When his turn to bat came up...he hit a line shot to second base. Great stuff. I meant to ask him if our old Pony League field was the field they played on.
Other CHS ?76ers Mike Woodley, Rocky Smith showed up and hung in the dugout. CHS ?77ians Danny Brehaut, Dave Bosson (actually 1978), Paul Sokolowski came out (and Brian Zell was there, too). Great to see Paul...he still has a sweet swing. My brother, Kenny, was the lone CHS ?78er to show up...he pitched and inning and played 3rd.
Brett Vondereith and Trish Young were there. Man, they look great. I have encouraged them both to chime in here. They were up for Mr Young's funeral. Mr Young was a fixture and wonderful man around all of our practices and games in our youth.
My (Ravelers) bandmates, Martie and Hai even came to give me a razzing and a birthday card. There was a nice crowd...and it was very nice to see Paul Sokolowki's parents...also fixtures at practices and games thru our youth.
I lasted an inning. Got a base hit, stole second (that catcher should get razzed for the rest of this season for that), then scored on a base hit down the right field line. As I started to round third, I felt a ?pop? in my left calf...pulled it pretty good. It's not like I was rippin' up the base path or anything...one small attempt at a burst of acceleration took it's toll on my 52-year-old original springs and bushings. My suspension parts are not what they used to be.
While warming up, Danny Thomas asked me, "Haerr, can you still run?"
"No." And I proved it.
Sokolowski did the same thing. Nurse Debinator gave Paul some information if he had torn his Achilles tendon or not. Hopefully he just pulled something like I did. Paul's Mom, "Mrs. Sok" was just shaking her head as she would have 35 years earlier...priceless. Mr. Sokolowski was always a hitting coach to all of us.
Mil looked great on the mound. I will let Mil tell more about the day from his view.
Looking forward to next year and who might walk up.
This is a great tradition that Sid has started!
Rob
...and Debi enjoyed making fun of our "glory days".
Mike Woodley so aptly said..."our brains are writing checks our bodies can't cash."
And here?s the day from Mil Pompa?s vantage point ?
?On Wednesday when I did my last work out I had to do what any man would do. Make sure to watch Jackie Johnson on TV. Watch her weather report of course. I don't know what anyone else could be thinking? As she delivered her gloomy report of rain on Friday, drizzle on Saturday with rain till Sunday I knew there was only one thing to do. Yes, I check in with Swedish Thunder (the late Jon Erickson from CHS '76) and asked for a simple favor. In return I promised to dedicate one inning to him. Deal.
As it started to rain on Friday night I knew it was only going to be the pre-field dusting we would need. I finished my chicken dinner, mashed potato's and green bean dinner went upstairs and gazed out at the rain.
I woke up around 3 a.m. with a crazy dream of Sid Robinson and most of the Bossons huddled around a black cauldron smoking like the vile of Dr. Frankenstein. They were dressed in traditional Native dress and were dancing in a circle around the cauldron waving some smoking sage as they chanted and danced with desire. Beth Robinson read from some old tablet and a giant blue flash made me jump up out of my mid-nocturnal male testosterone period deep sleep. Uh, that's another story...anyway, I looked at the clock; it read 3 a.m. I gazed out of the window and saw the sky. The clouds seemed to be scooted along by some spiritual hand clearing off a table of cotton balls. I could see the stars start to twinkle and had that feeling that my simple favor had been granted and now it was up to me to keep my end of the deal.
My Saturday was filled with the pre-game ritual I had performed for over 22 years in Northern California: Two packs of Oatmeal, 1/2 cup of coffee, 1 cup of juice, two slices of peanut butter toast. Now off to La Puerta to take my daughter to her Opening Day Ceremony for her first softball game. My wife's helping me coach my daughter and due to the fact that we only found out two weeks ago there was no one to coach our team, My wife and I volunteered to coach. I wanted someone who wanted to coach, who wanted to teach the girls (6 and under) and most of all, make sure they all have a good time!
I arrived at the high school just as the this booming voice came over the P.A. system, "all alumni who have not signed in please do so by the cages, thank you." I walked through the gate, sign in and look up to see Danny Thomas! I HAD TO PINCH MYSELF! Then I see Brian Fitzgeralls! ANOTHER PINCH! Then I see Mark Robertson! ONE MORE PINCH AND NOW I BELIEVE IT! Then Rob, Ken, WHAT THE @#%$(*!!, Paul Sokolowski walks up, "hey old man!" What a sight!!
I have traveled back into time to see some of the best athletes come home. It now doesn't matter if I played or not. This was too good to be true and I am so upset with myself for not playing the year before. I now see Rocky (Smith), Mike Woodley and everyone else starts to file in: Davey (Bosson), George (Hernandez)? I could just go down the list! Meeting all the players and getting to sit in the dugout. That would of done if for me. I can't believe it's all real and the feeling of being back in the dugout brought back that old long-wristed magic.
The opening ceremonies were priceless and watching Eddie Wolfe throw out the first pitch was like I had stepped into a lost scene of Field of Dreams. We had a wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by a local Claremont girl (Stephanie Inglese)who sang very well.
Game on:
Now what I have not said is that Sid Robinson has been in five places at once all during this time. He's taking pictures, he's making the lineup, he's getting everyone all the information at once. He's over by the announcer. That dream of the smoking cauldron came back for a flash, how did you do it Sid?! No doubt, the MVP!!!
The game started and it was interesting to see the method of pitching to ourselves. Simply put, when we batted, our pitcher pitched when the high school team was on the field and their pitcher pitched when they were at bat, we were on the field. Runs were scored on both sides and the show got going when it seemed one-by-one we started pulling up lame!! Ha Ha. Rob first, but hey don't think he didn't show up to play! He gave his all, hustled (cough, cough) out to second and I'm pretty sure made the first out defensively for us fielding a ground ball and throwing to first. Ken Haerr hustles out, takes his cuts, throws an inning - what else could he do?!! Oh yeah, give 110% and pull a thigh muscle! BASEBALL - GOTTA LOVE IT!!
Paul Sokolowski was the best hitter I ever played with. Todd Ervin was the best, but I only got to play one year with him and no, he was not at the game. Paul was willing to pitch if we had no one to go. He was willing to go to first or just sit and hit. And hit he still can. His second at bat he singles to right. And during a delayed steal, he collapses in between first and second. He's puzzled why it felt as though during his attempt at a delayed-steal, the catcher threw the ball and hit him in the ankle? When he collapsed, I ran out to help him and in and this is what he told me. He then realized he pulled and Achilles when he tried to walk on it. It was funny ?cause he was tagged out and ended the inning and Dan Brehaut tried to get the fans and teammates to forgive him for falling flat on his face innings earlier while fielding a very routine ground ball! I know there's pictures of that!
Ok, now my turn: I've been waiting to pitch cause I was hoping my wife and kids would arrive from the softball ceremonies to see me play but it's now the fifth inning and we have more than enough guys to pitch. I've been preparing for a month. Throwing the rock in my back yard, the same one I threw at my little brother in high school. Having a little brother was cool cause he was always up to a game of, "Dodge Rock." I also was doing push-ups in the shower and sorry Carrie, the damn camera lens kept fogging up to prove to you I was really doing them! Two trips around the park soccer field and 200 jumps on the jumping stick, everyday, I'm ready.
As I strut out to the mound I have this routine that I do but this time it was different. I just couldn't get that dream picture out of my mind, "those clouds being swept like cotton balls."
Dan Brehaut was first up. He begged me and bribed me to be easy on him and not bring it in on the hands (darn!) I couldn't help but smile as I took my warm ups with the high school catcher. I kind of felt weird flashing back to Cahuilla Park for a moment. Dan Brehaut scooted out of the way on the first pitch, which I tried to throw high and in but came in low! He moved pretty good and I wondered if his big bro, my buddy the late Burt Brehaut played Dodge Rock with him?!!
A couple of pitches later, he ground's out to third, one out. The next alum up I got to strike out on four pitches and the last hitter struck out on five pitches.
I thought to myself as I walked off the field, (geez Thunder, I think I was suppose to let them hit!) It was in slow motion and strangely silent as I walked off the mound. I raised my cap in thanks and got a huge roar from the fans and teams. There's no crying in baseball.
BS.
What a great day! Great weather! Great friends! And topping it off I got to meet Leslie, Robyn Floyd came up and said hello, Jennifer was there as well as lots of kids and to see the Sokolowski's, Rob's true in his words. Growing up in Claremont, if you played baseball, you knew the Sokolowski's! It had to be. There had to be. I'm not going to be convinced easily on this thought: Trish and Bret come to the game. Mr. Young, my mentor, his service was that day. I asked them why they came? "We were in town." No, Mr. Young and Thunder hooked up, made our day and brought together so many wonderful people!! No other way to explain it. Don't try.
CHS Baseball Alumni Game, Opening Ceremonies Set for Feb. 20
Sid's Side | 1/31/10
The Claremont High baseball program will kick off its 2010 season with special "opening day" ceremonies, an alumni game and a family barbecue on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Claremont High School.
The CHS varsity baseball team will take on former Wolfpack players in the annual alumni game Saturday as a preview to kick off the 2010 season. The game will culminate two days of special activities at the CHS varsity field to open the new baseball campaign.
Festivities are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., followed by the game and a home run derby.
The CHS junior varsity and freshman teams will play at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19.
On Saturday, Feb. 20, the varsity will take to the field against Wolfpack players from the past. All former CHS baseball letter winners are invited to participate in the game or in pre-game batting practice.
The Saturday activities also will include special opening ceremonies and introductions on the field of all players on the freshman, junior varsity and varsity team, followed by first-pitch ceremonies.
A family barbecue will take place throughout the day, and refreshments will be available. In addition, Wolfpack baseball merchandise will be on sale. A home run competition will follow the alumni game.
Alumni game participants should arrive at the CHS varsity field on the Claremont High campus by 9 a.m.
Claremont Baseball to Host Annual Golf Tournament Jan. 29
Sid's Side | 1/7/10
The Claremont High School baseball program will host its Seventh Annual Golf Tournament and Auction on Friday, Jan. 29, at San Dimas Community Golf Course.
All proceeds support the Wolfpack baseball program and will help fund current and future projects, including field improvements, equipment purchases, uniforms and other projects.
For additional information or to donate an auction item, contact Bob Miletich at (909) 621-2345. Or contact me and I'll make sure you're part of the group. Thanks.
After another long hiatus away from blogging, it?s time to pick it up again, especially with the start of the holiday season. This time, I decided to lay low for a little while and give priority to the many other assorted activities in my life that keep me busy. I?ll try to get the postings back on track as time permits?
Although the UCLA team managed only a 6-6 record this year, I absolutely loved having season tickets. There?s nothing quite like college football, and the tailgate parties before every home game at the Rose Bowl were tremendous fun, especially with our good friends. Those season tickets were an incredible birthday present from Beth ? and they?ll be the gift that keeps on giving, since I?m sure we?ll continue to renew. Maybe one of these days we?ll get an R.V. and park it out there early and really do it up right. Beth?s response is, ?Not a chance in hell!...? For now, I?ll enjoy the comfort of my fold-up chair and ice chest?and we?ll have more tailgate parties at home, too, when the team is on the road?
Thanksgiving really is a special holiday ? maybe my favorite. The daylong activities at Dave Bosson?s are hard to top, including the annual Turkey Bowl football game. I?ve resigned myself to being a spectator in recent years, but now it?s especially fun watching my boys play along with their cousins and uncles, instead of just trying to keep up with the older guys. They aren?t the little guys any more, and they?re very happy to share their on-field exploits with anyone who?ll listen?
A couple of Sid?s classmates and friends from Upland High distinguished themselves when they were named to the All-Pac 10 women?s soccer team. Both Lauren Barnes (UCLA) and Alyssa Davila (USC) earned second team honors?
A big happy 21st birthday to Sid on Dec. 14?
Best wishes to Upland High?s football team, which escaped with a narrow victory over Claremont in the final game of the regular season and finished fourth in the Baseline League to earn a wild card berth in the CIF-Southern Section Central Division playoffs. The Highlanders then beat Damien and Colony to advance to the division semi-finals against Chino Hills on Friday. The winner of that game will play either Los Osos or Rancho Cucamonga ? two other Baseline League teams ? in the championship game next week?
Seemingly unnoticed in Upland?s come-from-behind victory against Colony was Cole Chapman?s huge gain on a draw play as the final seconds ticked away, setting up the eventual winning touchdown with less than a minute to play?
It?s been so long since I last blogged that I never did post the pictures of Sam as the guy who crowned the Homecoming queen at Claremont High. Dressed as a king, he crowed state hurdles champion Kori Carter as this year?s queen. Coincidentally, I had the honor of crowning the queen when I was at Claremont High, dressed as Superman. As Sam noted, we were both ?men in tights.??
No matter what logic you use, Pete Carroll was wrong. The fact that Rick Neuheisel called time out didn?t mean it was okay to run up the score. Sure, Carroll had the right to run any play he wanted. But a coach with any amount of class would have continued to run out the clock. He should have continued to play and gone for a first down. Having quarterback Matt Barkley (the next Jeff George -- incredibly talented and over-hyped) throw deep was inexcusable. I know I?m a UCLA fan, but I don?t dislike USC, where I earned my master?s degree. My time there was not only valuable, but also enjoyable. I still have many friends from when I attended USC, so I try to see these things from both sides and I just can?t in this case.
Some people have said Neuheisel shouldn?t have called time out. As a coach, what choice does he have? He can?t throw in the white flag, if for no other reason than for the morale of the team. I bet all but a handful of coaches in America ? Carroll included ? would have called time out in that situation, too. The difference is that most opposing coaches in America would have understood the logic and would have continued to run out the clock. Any self-respecting coach wouldn?t have thrown deep, then pumped his fist, leaped in the air like a loon and celebrated like he just won the national title. This game was already over.
I compare this to a baseball team stealing bases with a 10-run lead in the ninth inning, just because the pitcher throws over to first base a couple of times to keep the runner close. Does that all of a sudden make it the right thing to do? Of course not.
Given the score, time remaining and field position at that point of the game Saturday, Neuheisel?s time out call was inconsequential. It wasn?t necessary, but it wasn?t the wrong thing to do. I don?t think the coach or anyone else on the UCLA sideline felt there was a chance to win the game at that point (especially after the awful game by the interim quarterback and the senior backup). The time out wasn?t about trying to win the game. It was about not throwing in the towel.
Carroll, on the other hand, was wrong. No excuses. No justification. No reason. Just go ahead and run up the score.
The victory was not in doubt. Carroll simply showed a complete lack of character and class. Even though I root against USC when they play UCLA, I often root for the Trojans, especially in non-conference games. I always root for them against Notre Dame, and they've brought positive attention to the Pac-10. Sports in Los Angeles as a whole has benefited from USC's success. I always respected their program and their coach. Not anymore.
I'm sure I sound like a bitter fan, but this is more than a game. This was just wrong. And it's time for people to stop saying it was okay because Neuheisel "started it by calling a time out." That's only an excuse. It was a blatant display of what not to do. Heck, I accepted the loss, but when Carroll threw it in UCLA's faces, I was outraged. The whole thing certainly filled my passion bucket.
I suspect there are a few high school recruits out there who might be thinking twice about playing for a coach with that kind of judgment and character, especially after USC?s comparatively disappointing season. Things are definitely starting to get interesting once again in our local major college football battle.
The longer your team plays into the postseason and advances in its port, the harder it is to accept when it finally loses. So I felt the pain a bit sharper when the Dodgers dropped the National League Championship Series to the Phillies on Wednesday, missing out on a trip to the World Series. Actually, the hurt really set in on Monday, when Jonathan Broxton blew the save and Philadelphia took a commanding three-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven series before clinching the title in the fifth game.
Longtime Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo (who was the team photographer when I worked for the ballclub many years ago) posted several shots on his Facebook page shortly after the game. This one says it all.
I suppose if the Dodgers had beaten the Phillies and then lost in the World Series, then it would have been even harder to stomach. But I?ll take the heartache at the end any day over the season-long torture of being a Giants or Padres fan.
I still hold out hope for the Angels ? my second-favorite team ? to give it their best shot, but it sure looks like a Yankees-Phillies World Series. If that's the case, I?ll still watch, because I love baseball. But I?m not really as interested. This World Series is the post-game show.
As Dodger fans have said for decades after so many seasons have come to a heartbreaking conclusion, dating back to the 1940s and ?50s in Brooklyn, ?Wait ?til next year.?...
While we wait, there?s good reason to think a bit more about football. The prospects of an NFL team returning to our area figure to take a huge step forward today. Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the environmental impact exemption, which clears the stadium project from its current legal battles and will allow developer Ed Roski and partners to start to move forward with the stadium project in the City of Industry.
The next major step will come immediately after the season, when Roski is able to court NFL teams to move to the new Los Angeles Football Stadium. I wouldn?t be surprised if a verbal deal is already in place. I?m open to just about any organization moving to Los Angeles, except the Raiders, who should stay in Oakland where they belong. They are an undeniable dysfunctional organization, and would only put a black eye on a great new start for professional football in Southern California?
The CIF is scheduled to approve re-leaguing proposals today, and the most likely scenarios move Claremont High from the Baseline League to the Sierra League, beginning in 2010-2011. The move is supposed to provide relief?especially in the major sports of football and basketball?but the Wolfpack will have its hands full against the likes of Charter Oak,Chino Hills, Ayala and Damien/St. Lucy's high schools, and probably South Hills (or it could be Glendora). This doesn?t look like the relief Claremont wanted? stay tuned...
I?m not ready to say I jumped the gun on my predictions of Richard Brehaut taking over as the UCLA quarterback. He hasn?t emerged as the starter, but he has looked pretty good in his brief time on the field. His body language shows the confidence that the Bruins need in their quarterback, and his mechanics look to be far superior to those of Kevin Prince and Kevin Craft. As soon as Richard gets a better feel for the offense, including the way he judges his offensive line protection, he?ll be in the lineup for keeps?
In the 26 previous years of our fantasy football league, I?ve always managed to put together a pretty competitive team, and I?ve even finished first a number of times, including last year. Well, not this year? The season is six weeks old and I?m already looking ahead to next year. It?s just one of those (really bad) seasons?
Finally, this blog isn?t just about sports. I learned recently that the annual Victoria?s Secret college vote is well underway, with the winning school being added to the campus collection of logo merchandise (yes, they have a campus collection). Looks like Claremont is well represented, as Harvey Mudd College has an insurmountable lead. And Scripps College is in third... Start ordering that lingerie with the Claremont mark soon?
This weekend marks the fourth game of the season for the UCLA football team as it travels to Stanford. It will likely put to rest my earlier prediction that Richard Brehaut would be the Bruins? starting quarterback by the fourth game. I?m not giving up hope that he will be the quarterback by the weekend ? just not in the starting role. Unfortunately, unless Coach Rick Neuheisel decides to have Richard split duty with senior Kevin Craft, then the only way Richard takes over the job is if Craft is injured or has a terrible game. Neither seems like a good outcome for Bruin fans. Let?s just hope the coaching staff wants to see their true freshman QB in a game situation and that he has the opportunity to shine?
Son Sid and a group ? including Karli Moore ? are headed to Palo Alto for the game and to hang out with Megan Moore and friends, who are also going to the game. And I understand UCLA freshman Lauren Seligman is headed north for the game and weekend activities, too. Ahh, I loved college road trips. Hope it?s a great time?
Along with the UCLA-Stanford game, this should be a great college football weekend, with USC taking on Cal on the road at Berkeley. SC freshman Kristen DesCombes is driving up with friends for that game, while Cal alumnus Gordon, along with Sus and Jack, will be at the Homecoming game for the Bears? I love college football season and look forward to being at the Rose Bowl the next two weeks for Bruin games against Oregon (Oct. 10) and Cal (Oct. 17)?
Friday nights are alive with plenty of high school football. Claremont, which won only two games over the previous two years, is already 2-1 and is hoping for two more wins before starting Baseline League play on Oct. 16. The Wolfpack?s Oct. 9 Homecoming game is against Chino High, which is coached by Claremont High graduate Greg Setlich (although he and his family are legendary in Chino)?
Son Sam is having a blast as part of the CHS ASB group organizing a lot of the Homecoming activities. Today he donned his sports coat to introduce the court at the Homecoming rally on campus. Doesn?t seem that long ago that I was doing that stuff?
Hopefully the baseball season will still be going for a few more weeks for the Dodgers, who have sputtered down the stretch against inferior teams. Even though they?re guaranteed a spot in postseason play, it would be awfully embarrassing to lose such a huge Western Division lead and finish second in the division to Colorado, who they have owned throughout 2009 entering the regular season?s final weekend. More importantly, it would be a discouraging way to enter the playoffs, where the teams that seem to have the most success just happen to get hot at the right time. The Dodgers were very hot just over a week ago, but right now they can?t hit the ball?
Can?t say I am terribly surprised that the 2016 Olympics have been awarded to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After all, this will be the first Olympic Games ever held on the South American continent. I was surprised, however, that Chicago was the first of the four final cities to be eliminated from consideration. When the voting reached its final round, Rio received more than twice the votes as runner-up Madrid. Maybe the USOC will finally put Los Angeles back into the running for 2020...
Happy birthday Len?
Enjoyed celebrating Jim and Andi's "100th" birthday last week as they both hit 50 (actually, Andi's birthday is today!). Judy Devens Seligman joined the club a couple days ago, as did Danny Brehaut. Cheers to all of you half-century-old New Year's Eve babies...
This is also the final weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair, which concludes Sunday, Oct. 4. I get the impression that the experiment of extending to five weekends is getting mixed reviews, but it?s really tough to give a fair evaluation in this economy. Hopefully those people making the hard decisions will consider the event a success, despite the tremendous challenges this year?
I enjoyed my visits to the Fair again this year, not only doing the house announcements before the End of Summer Concert Series shows, but as a participant in Upland Day (including a ride in the parade) and also watching Jack Harper honored as a community hero at Claremont Day. Upland High's band is among three finalists to win a spot marching in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade. Those are the kinds of activities that really get local people involved and make the Fair special. Another high point was the annual Child Development Center auction, which is still going strong after its inception in 1992, when I was part of that first organizing committee (and still working for the Dodgers at the time). A year after that I was back working at Fairplex and putting together slide shows for the CDC auction?
Very sad news came from the Fair over the past couple of days. Our prayers are focused on Wendy Talarico and her family right now. Wendy, who replaced me when I left Fairplex in 2000 and has been the public relations manager there ever since, gave birth to a healthy son just a little over a week ago. But shortly afterwards, it was discovered Wendy has a unique heart condition and suffered what was reported to be a heart attack. She?s currently in critical condition, battling with all she has as she awaits a heart transplant. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
As of early Wednesday morning, UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel and staff remained non-committal in announcing the Bruins' starting quarterback for Saturday's game against Kansas State. However, most media reports continue to speculate that Richard Brehaut will get the nod, or at least share the duties with senior Kevin Craft. Either way, Richard has been thrust into the spotlight, as the media links him with other true freshmen who are starting at quarterback for major universities, including Matt Barkley at USC and Tate Forcier at Michigan. Check out these stories from the Los Angeles Times, Daily Bulletin (Daily News) and even USA Today. Notice the references to dad "Daniel."
Thanks to Renee for sending along this story from the Press-Enterprise, too (also posted in the comments section).
This is the only home game that I will miss this year, because it's the same night as Beth's high school class reunion, but at least Sid and Sam will be there. We'll catch the first half on TV somewhere before heading over to the reunion. Read more...
How 'bout that Crystal Ball?
Sid's Side | 9/14/09
When I wrote on July 24 that Richard Brehaut would be UCLA's quarterback by the fourth game of the season, naturally I was only hoping. But now that looks like my prediction might come true, with a game to spare. Starting quarterback Kevin Prince's fractured jaw suffered against Tennessee Saturday will sideline him for three to four weeks, and Richard is preparing to take over the starting role this week against Kansas State -- in the team's third game of the season...
Remember, my prediction was that he'd take over by the fourth game -- not in the fourth game. So this counts.
No official announcement has been made yet, but sources (you know who you are) indicate Richard will get the nod over incumbent Kevin Craft, who tossed a school-record 20 interceptions for the Bruins last year, but has a year of experience under his belt. Actually, the reports that Richard will start have appeared in other blogs as well, and assuming they are true, the decision makes sense. I can't believe that Coach Rick Neuheisel didn't put Richard in the game against San Diego State just to have him hold the clipboard for Craft.
My next prediction is that Prince soon will be linked to Wally Pipp. If the name doesn't ring a bell, he was the first baseman for the New York Yankees who sat out a game because of a headache. A rookie named Lou Gehrig took his place and kept the job for the next 2,130 straight games. Richard won't play that many games, but, as a true freshman, he has a long and promising career ahead as the UCLA quarterback...
It's worth noting, however, that my predictions aren't always on the mark. While I nailed a few other forecasts in that July blog, my standing as a fantasy football draft expert may have taken a serious hit this year. I had one of my absolute worst weeks ever in 26 previous years of doing this, and I don't hold out a lot of hope for the rest of the season. It's going to be a long and painful year (a prediction I hope is completely wrong)...
Lastly, happy 50th on Thursday to my good friend Jim Moore ... and right on his heels with 50th birthdays of their own are Danny Brehaut, Judy Devens-Seligman and Andi Moore. Remember, 50 is the new 18. Cheers! Read more...
Sid's Side | 9/10/09
Congratulations to former Cal State Fullerton, Rancho Cucamonga High School and Upland National Little League star Josh Fellhauer, who wrapped up his first season in professional baseball playing for the Cincinnati Reds? single-A Dayton affiliate in the Eastern League. A seventh-round June draft selection by the Reds, Josh led Cal State Fullerton to another appearance in the College World Series, and then began his professional career with the Dayton Dragons, where he batted .280 this summer. Despite playing just 57 games, he was third on the team with seven home runs in 236 at-bats, while also hitting 16 doubles and driving in 23 runs. He also stole seven bases. Given the natural progression of the minor league player development system, Josh is likely ticketed to play at Sarasota in the high-A Florida State League next year.
There were a couple notes in local blogs earlier this week about Richard Brehaut following his appearance in Saturday's game against San Diego State. Take a look at "Brehaut Not Burned" in the Daily News blogs and The OC Register blog. The Inside UCLA blog even has a poll about whether he should have played. Hey Danny, hang on, the stories will just keep coming. Read more...
Claremont Now
Will Rogers Follies production continues until Sept. 26
Claremont Now | 9/1/10
The Candlelight Pavilion production Will Rogers Follies runs until Sept. 26.
Actor Danny Michaels is Will Rogers, who is spotlighted through his wit and wisdom in the revue during his Ziegfeld Follies days.
The show has won six Tony awards and the Grammy award for Best Musical Show Album.
Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater is at 455 W. Foothill Blvd.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening seating starts at 6 p.m. and shows are at 8:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinees have seating at 11 a.m. and shows start at 12:45 p.m. Sunday evening seatings are at 5 p.m. and shows are at 7:15 p.m.
Prices are $68 to $54 and matinee prices are $60 to $48.
Sponsors and underwriters needed for KidCare International's annual gala
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
There is a need for sponsors and underwriters for KidCare International's annual gala in October, according to a KidCare news release.
KidCare is a a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged children.
Their goal is for 100 percent of ticket sales to go to children's programs, which is what happens when companies sponsor or underwrite the event, according to a news release.
Opportunities for sponsors include:
--$5,000 sponsor underwriter
This features a "balcony room, eight tickets, separate banner recognition, full-page ad with an inside front cover or back cover of program, table and courtyard space to advertise and promote business, featured recognition in newspaper ad space, logo on all advertising material, and website link."
--$1,500 underwriter of Hors d'Oeuvres and Champagne
"Shared balcony room, two tickets, half page program ad, shared banner recognition, and advertised recognition (poster)," according to the news release.
--$1,850 sponsor partner
"Shared Balcony Room, four tickets, shared banner recognition, half page program ad, recognition in newspaper ad, logo on all advertising material, and website link," according to the news release.
The deadline for the artwork and logo is Sept. 8.
--Program advertising rates are a full page that is 4 inches wide and 10 inches high for $400; a half page ad is 5 inches wide and 4 inches high for $200.
For more information contact KidCare International at 909-624-6101 or janice@kidcare.org
Amnesty program announced for pet licensing; vaccination clinic
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
The Inland Valley Human Society and the city of Claremont started a amnesty program for Claremont residents to encourage residents to bring their pet's license into compliance without a penalty."
The fee will be waived from Sept. 13 to 27 when owners license their pets at the Humane Society, 500 Humane Society Way, Pomona.
Residents need a spay/neuter certificate if applicable and a copy of the animal's current rabies certificate.
Unaltered dog licenses are $40 and altered dog licenses are $20. There will be a discount of $5 for seniors on the altered dogs.
In California, every dog over age 4 months is required to have a current license and be vaccinated against rabies.
The Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. monitors the licensing and rabies control program for the City of Claremont.
Numerous dog owners purchase identification tags for their animals under the belief it is the only identification needed but city and state rules require every dog to be issued and wear a valid license.
This license will have a numbered code and contact number of the local humane society where the dog is registered.
The humane society can find a dog's information in the computer if it becomes lost and retrieve the owner contact information including phone number, address and if the dog has a current rabies vaccination.
The Inland Valley Humane Society also assists dog owners with getting a reduced fee rabies vaccine through having vaccination clinics.
From 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 the humane society will have a low cost vaccination clinic at College Park, 100 S. College Park.
There is an 8 p.m. cut-off time and the clinic is held on a first-come-first-served basis.
Humane society staff will also be able to license the pet.
For more information, contact the humane society licensing department at 909-623-9777, Ext. 652 or 653.
Alzheimer's support group meeting
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
Claremont Place Senior Living holds an Alzheimer's Support Group Meeting at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month in the senior living library.
The free meeting open to the public is in the library, 120 W. San Jose Ave.
Janis Seiler and Brandy Sandoval, both Alzehimer's Association certified to lead an Alzheimer's support group meeting, will lead the group.
Claremont Place Senior Living provides memory care and assisted living options for residents and trained staff provide the services.
Integral Senior Living, which manages memory care and assisted living properties, operates the facility.
Integral Senior Living is "founded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents and promotes their independence and individuality," according to a news release.
For more information, contact Judith Jones at claremontmkg@islllc.com, www.claremontplace.com and 909-447-5259.
Sustainable Claremont to hold design workshop; sustainability dialog
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
Sustainable Claremont will hold "Landscaping with Beautiful Native Plants and Efficient Irrigation Systems," a free practical design workshop, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 11.
Experts will give presentations and audience members can ask questions. The workshop will be held in Pomona College's Hahn Building, Room 101, 420 N. Harvard Ave.
Sustainable Claremont will also hold a sustainability dialog on "Project Green Haiti" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13.
The project is Claremont Environmental Design Group's proposal to build and design 50 communities in Haiti to hold 100,000 people.
The communities would be sustainable in agriculture, shippable start-up units, water and energy.
The dialog will be held in Pomona College's Hahn Building, Room 101, 420 N. Harvard Ave.
City manager's report for this week
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
City Manager Jeff Parker issues a report online every week that details happenings in the city. Here is a quick round-up of his report:
- The Human Services Department will host a free Fall Into Fitness Open House event Thursday.
The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Rd.
A newly relaunched Recreation & Activity Guide is the reason for the event, which includes door prizes, instructor meet and greets, entertainment, healthy refreshments, early registration discounts and class demonstrations.
For more information, contact the Claremont Human Services Department at 909-399-5490.
- The Youth Activity Center (YAC) held its "Back to School" opening day Tuesday.
The center is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for ninth to 12th grade students that attend a Claremont high school or live in the area.
A snack bar at the center is open from 2 to 5 p.m. while the center may close early on some days because of special events.
Daily activities at the center include ping-pong tournaments, outdoor sporting activities, leadership projects and more.
For more information, call the center at (909) 399-5360.
-- The TRACKS Activity Center, a free human services after school program, started Tuesday.
The program is for Claremont seventh and eighth graders to learn self growth, health and wellness, social development and leadership through special events and recreational activities.
The center is open from 2:15 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the El Roble Intermediate School campus, 665 North Mountain Ave., next to the gymnasium.
The center's daily activities include pool, arts and crafts, sports, foosball, ping pong, volunteering and empowerment groups, relay races and more.
Registration forms are available at El Roble's main office or the TAC.
For more information, contact Krista Dieringer at 909-399-5491.
- Construction permits are expected to be issued in the beginning of November for the affordable housing project at 111 S. College Ave. after plans were submitted last week.
- The Foothill Boulevard portion of the sidewalk accessibility project will be completed shortly while new street trees are being installed and new irrigation is tested.
The Village portion of the project started Monday and installed will be four street trench crossings to give the new trees irrigation.
Traffic access will be maintained on First Street, Yale Avenue and Bonita Avenue where the crossings are being installed.
Remaining restriping and asphalt work will occur in the area of the handicap ramps in the Village while the city will resurface the entire Village in the area of the Accessibility Project
CGU professor to headline Iowa Latino Conference in October
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
Claremont Graduate University's School of Educational Studies associate professor William Perez will give the keynote address at the Iowa Latino Conference, according to a CGU news release.
The University of Iowa hosted conference will take place Oct. 15 and 16 in Iowa City.
Undocumented students, immigrant justice, health, Latino culture and identity, violence prevention and education will be discussed at the conference.
"The state of Iowa is one of the key destinations of what is know as the 'Immigrant Diaspora,' states that historically have not been immigrant destinations but are so now due to the demand for their labor in the agricultural and meat packing and processing industries," Perez said in the news release. "In this current anti-immigrant climate, immigrant families, particularly undocumented families, face a variety of challenges and increasing hostility in these new immigrant receiving communities."
How national anti-immigration sentiment affects education policy and immigration will be the focus along with other topics including immigrants' economic contributions.
Perez, who researches immigrant youth's psychological and social development, recently wrote the book "We ARE Americans: Untold stories of undocumented students in pursuit of the American Dream."
The book details undocumented immigrant youths lost in the United States' boundaries of culture and laws.
Perez, who also studies Latino students' access to higher education and academic achievement, is in support of the Dream Act, "a proposed federal law that would create a path to citizenship for some undocumented children who are raised in the United States and serve in the U.S. military or graduate from college," according to the release.
Optional applicant information meetings will be held at noon Wednesday at the Foundation office, 205 Yale Ave. and 5 p.m. Sept. 9.
Prospective applicants can reserve a seat and attend through calling 909-398-1060 or email ccf-info@claremontfoundation.org.
The foundation is supported through generous donations and has awarded more than a $250,000 to more than 300 projects and programs since being founded in 1989.
To learn about funding priorities, philanthropic options and volunteer opportunities through the foundation, call 909-398-1060.
Flappers Comedy Club welcomes comedians this weekend
Claremont Now | 8/31/10
Hilarious Hypnosis and host/emcee Joel Bryant will perform at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday at Flappers Comedy Club.
Bryant, the host/emcee for the event, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico but left to become and actor and comedian in Los Angeles.
He attended Pepperdine University and has since performed comedy in the Middle East, one-act plays in Scotland, stand-up in Georgia, Shakespeare in East Texas, classic theatre in the Caribbean, improv in the Arctic and more, according to the Flappers Comedy Club website.
Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 online. There is a two-drink minimum.
Flappers Comedy is at The Packing House, 532 W. First St., Unit 218. For more information, call 818-845-9721 or www.flapperscomedy.com
Pervert in South Claremont
Claremont Insider | 9/4/10
A reader sent us a troubling email late this week relating two incidents of a Peeping Tom at her apartment window near the corner of San Jose and Mountain in South Claremont.
She tells it:
The first incident occurred on Thursday night last week at about 10:45 pm at the Village Apartments on San Jose and Mountain. A man stood starring at me with his face pressed against my bedroom window while I screamed at the top of my lungs for about 5 seconds. The person did not vanish until my roommate entered the room in response to my fear stricken screams.
Unfortunately we did not get a good look at the person, other than his fair skin, young complexion (early twenties), dark brown eyes, dark brown short/balding hair.
There has been a police report filed with Claremont PD, but I received a letter shortly after stating that there were not enough facts to continue with an investigation.
The officers that responded last Thursday [a week ago] were prompt in arriving to the apartment, first searched the area for any suspicious loiterers, but found nothing and soon came to question me. They also looked around the exterior of my bedroom window were the peeper stood crouched next to a bush and in plain sight of my neighbors front windows. The officers found no footprints, and soon left.
As if this wasn't enough, it happened again a couple of days ago:
To our horror, the peeper returned again last night, this time, violating my roommate as she laid in bed. We have been making every effort to keep every crevice shut in our ground floor apartment, but it seems that the peeper has found the shallow window sills and cracks in our blinds, revisiting us twice now, maybe more?
I plan on following up with Claremont PD today with an extended description of the peeper based on what my roommate was able to see, however, it is again very limited in details, and I doubt it will be enough or of any importance to local authorities to pursue. So, whaddya do? Wet down the planter area so tracks are left? Spread dog waste around to make it your window area unappealing? Keep a digital camera at hand and hope you have the presence of mind to use it? Hey, we're not trained in law enforcement. But we do have our own ideas about what we'd do in a case like this:
Friday Night Lights DATE: Fri, September 3, 2010 9:23:53 PM FROM: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx TO: Claremont Buzz
We were down at he skate park tonight (which was fairly crowded). Took this photo from the parking lot behind Taylor Hall. Is this the city or school district that can afford to keep the lights on for 4 unused fields??
Self-Congratulations are in Order
Claremont Insider | 9/3/10
Courier Place
It seems as if no matter how blue we are feeling, what with the City, State, and Country going to Hades in a handcar, the Claremont City Letter can always be counted on to lend a bit of upbeat cheer.
If you want to feel good about your City and yourself, nothing beats the City Letter.
Today's issue arrived in our mailbox and, well, it must be a slow news quarter because the whole front page is devoted to Construction On The Affordable Housing Project Set To Begin. That is exciting news.
[more below the jump]
But even the fact that they are going to start is pretty mundane compared with the news that Jamboree Housing Corp., has named the project Courier Place--because it will occupy the site of the soon-to-be-former building that housed the Claremont Courier.
We had actually been pulling for Goldwater Gardens or--and we really like this one--The High Towers, after Helaine Goldwater or former planner Sharon Hightower who appointed themselves leaders of what we came to know fondly as "The Coalition" for affordable housing.
It's a matter of some regret that Parque Insider wasn't chosen. But we choose not to whine.
It's a nice touch to include a picture of the Courier building complete with plywood covering the formerly attractive casement windows. That's more or less the Claremont way: bulldoze it over and commemorate it with a sign.
Still, we can't help but think this is just a lagniappe to "buy off" the Courier. We remember when Martin Weinberger edited the paper from his cluttered desk in the southeast corner of the newsroom, he was pretty incensed at getting first a big rent increase when his former landlord died, and then getting thrown out when the new owners and City got involved. All of this while he was beginning to face serious health problems. Maybe this olive branch will buy some decent and even fawning coverage from the absentee publisher and managing editor.
We suggest you try to read the article in the image. Click to enlarge it. It's a pretty good example of city-speak at its finest, including "partner" as a verb, all the passive sentences your heart could desire, and a FOG Index that is more or less off the charts.
We got to wondering about that fellow Jared Boigon, who figures so much into the Claremont Unified School District's bond plans. The more we thought about it, the more it seemed that decisions that ought to have been made in public by the CUSD Board of Education have instead been made by the district's Measure CL bond campaign committee and by Boigon.
The bond committee by law is supposed to be distinct and separate from the school district, but as we've pointed out, the three people heading the committee, Bill Fox, Lee Jackman, and Mike Seder, are the same three people CUSD appointed to work with Boigon when the district was deciding whether to pursue a parcel tax or a bond.
Those same four are now working on the Yes on CL campaign, and Boigon is operating as a campaign consultant. We first saw Boigon in June, when he and his company, TBWB Strategies, were under a $25,000 contract to CUSD to conduct polling research to test voter support for both a parcel tax and a bond. Incidentally, the word is that TBWB had a $10,000 cost overrun, so the district really ended up paying them $35,000 - not exactly a good start for a district accused of misspending on its last $48.9 million Measure Y bond.
Boigon appeared again after we and others noticed that the bond resolution lacked a specific project list. When the district voted on that resolution, board member Jeff Stark (photo, left) falsely stated that they could not come up with a list until after the board voted on the bond language. The district approved the bond resolution with no discussion of the projects Measure CL's $95 million would pay for.
As we discovered, rather than trying to figure out what projects needed funding and what the total cost would be, CUSD simply figured that the maximum they could seek was $95 million and went for that. After they were publicly called on that point, they scrambled for a couple weeks and then had Boigon come up with what the Yes on CL campaign calls a project list:
The document, however, fails to give a school-by-school cost breakdown, and Yes on CL committee member Bill Fox lamely explained in the Claremont Courier that any more details would have to wait until after the bond election. This is the typical CUSD response: We have a secret plan to spend the money, just trust us.
This hearkens back to Jeff Stark's earlier prevarications, and came up again a letter to the Courier by former Claremont Faculty Association president Dave Nemer. Apparently, the district and its surrogate Nemer feel you, Mr. and Ms. Voter, just aren't smart enough to hear the details right now. Let them think for you.
So we have an unelected consultant, working with a campaign committee handpicked by the school district, designing an after-the-fact spending list to justify the district's blank check to itself. This all fails the smell test on so many levels - the lack of public discussion, the district's involvement in the bond campaign, the district's and the campaign's misrepresentations justifying their decisions, and so on.
What's emerged is a mostly notional, consultant-created spending scheme designed to justify obtaining as much money for CUSD as is allowed by law. The money, in turn, will flow out to the same vendors and contractors who will be the campaign's largest donors.
This wastefulness, as well the blatant and false emotional appeals to voters by the Yes campaign - save our kids, save our schools, save our teachers - will inevitably lead to a $95 million debt whose final costs will more than double once the interest and principal are paid off. As with Claremont's 2000 Measure Y, the money will be spent long before Jared Boigon's project list can be completed.
Boigon won't care. He'll collect his paycheck and move on, and the damage he's inflicted will be so far off in the future that, even if someone called him on it, he'll have already banked the tens of thousands he'll have billed the district and the bond campaign for.
Don't believe us? Consider the Contra Costa Times' followup stories to the Mt. Diablo Unified School District's $348 million Measure C bond, which voters approved in June. Like our district, MDUSD hired Jared Boigon to oversee a poll looking at financing options. With interest, the bond will end up costing $1.8 billion.
After the election, the public learned that there was at least one other option that would have shaved $1 billion off that amount, but MDUSD refused to release Boigon's poll, which was evidently the basis of the decision to pursue Measure C. Like the Claremont school district, MDUSD played hide-the-ball, according to a 7/26/10 article by Contra Costa Times reporter Teresa Harrington:
District General Counsel Greg Rolen has repeatedly denied access to the voter poll results, saying they are exempt from state laws requiring release of public documents because they were paid for with private campaign committee funds.
Even though some board members received the results, Rolen said the results are not maintained by the district, "and the interest in withholding these documents clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosing them."
One MDUSD trustee told the Contra Costa Times that if he had known of the second, cheaper financing option, he would have considered it, but he wasn't given a chance to review Boigon's poll:
Trustee Dick Allen, who did not receive the poll results, said he was not aware that the board had two options. In hindsight, he said the board should have discussed the two tax rate choices and allowed the public to weigh in.
"I think we should have made the decision with all the transparency that we can provide," he said Friday. "I think in the long run, it's always better to be honest."
In May, the Times asked the consultant who helped the district with the bond campaign whether the poll specifically asked voters to choose between two tax rates. He didn't give a direct answer.
"I don't think it's a fair question," said Jared Boigon, of TBWB Strategies. "I think you have treated this to unfair scrutiny, more than any other bond in Contra Costa County."
The similarities between Mt. Diablo and CUSD continued with the lack of a bond project list, as Teresa Harrington reported in a separate article:
The district's list of improvements to be completed with the bond was not finalized until April, too late to be included in the voter information pamphlet. Voters approved the bond based on a general list of districtwide improvements that was not school specific.
The district posted its final list of projects online, but did not include detailed descriptions or costs for work to be done. This caused some confusion in schools regarding what the money would ultimately pay for.
Chevron Corp. donated $10,000 to a $348 million bond measure four days after it was approved by voters in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District last month.
The San Ramon oil giant donated the money to the Measure C campaign as a San Francisco subsidiary, Chevron Energy Solutions, continued to press the district to award it a $68 million, no-bid solar contract that would be paid by the bonds. District leaders told the company this week they planned to seek competitive bids on the project.
The MDUSD bond campaign raised well over $200,000, and the list included several five-figure donors in addition to Chevron, all of whom could have potentially profited from the bond's passage as the CC Times' Harrington reported on June 7:
$25,000: Seward L. Schreder Construction, Redding $25,000: Northern CA Carpenters, Regional Council Issues PAC $25,000: IBEW 302: Community Issues PAC $25,000: Stone and Youngberg, San Francisco, bond underwriters $15,000: George K. Baum and Co., Denver, bond underwriters $15,000: Sheet Metal Workers International, Local Union No. 04 $15,000: Brandis Tallman LLC, San Francisco, bond underwriters $10,000: Diablo Education Association Political Account
Harrington goes on to note that the MDUSD bond campaign's expenditures were equally large, with the bill from Jared Boigon's TBWB Strategies coming to $85,176.
If one examines these school funding elections closely, one sees the same pattern repeated again and again. Schools in need of short-term cash manipulate public perception with Chicken Little claims of impending doom. Using money from the very people will profit from the bonds, school districts like Mt. Diablo and Claremont hire highly paid professional consultants like Boigon to run the campaigns. The goal is not to raise and spend money efficiently and only where it is needed. Rather, it is to get voters to approve as much borrowing as possible, no matter what the long-term costs are to the community, and to funnel that money back to the parties who funded the campaign.
The lie at the heart of all of this is the premise on which these bond campaigns are built: Bond X is the only solution to our schools' problems. As the Contra Costa Times noted, there are much cheaper alternatives, but then those are never really explored.
These sorts of manipulations should be a public scandal, but they never rise to that level because, unlike with the City of Bell, the reporters who cover school districts tend to fall into a kind of journalistic Stockholm Syndrome and end up identifying with the subjects of their uncritical stories. For years, the Claremont Courier's Pat Yarborough epitomized this phenomena, and Courier reporter Landus Rigsby, who currently covers Claremont schools, seems set on continuing in this tradition.
It's no wonder, then, that all the parties supporting the Claremont school bond (Jared Boigon, the school district, the Claremont Faculty Association, the Yes campaign) are confident that voters are stupid enough to pass the bond. With local media unable or unwilling to question anything presented by the district and its surrogates, lies become facts, and the final costs get deferred long enough for the responsible parties to successfully evade any accountability. Read more...
The Mountain Labored and Brought Forth a Mouse
Claremont Insider | 8/31/10
Or, CUSD Still Playin' "Hide the Ball"
The Establishment finally came out with its much-ballyhooed List of Projects for Measure CL. This so-called "project list" is breathtaking in what it so obviously tries to hide from the voting public. In a few words, there is NOTHING there.
Attentive readers may recall that two weeks ago the Courier published Q and A article with the Bond Support and Promotion Committee, Bill Fox, Lee Jackman, and Mike Seder.
Even though Proposition 39, the law allowing this bond to go forward under the 55% threshold rules, requires that the July 22 ballot resolution by the school board be accompanied by a specific list of projects, well, there was nothing like a specific list. We commented on that issue in an earlier post.
Board member Jeff Stark opined at the July 22 School Board meeting that it was quite premature to expect a list; they needed to get a bond resolution first.
OK, but then the August 14 number of the Courier came out with the aforementioned article.
Courier:What are the specific projects and the estimated costs for each project?
Mr. Fox: "This project list is something that the district has been working on for a couple of years now. And this project list is something that our team--a committee within our team--is working on and narrowing down. So it's not ready to go out to the public yet because we've pared down a list that was $165 million to $95 million and we really are looking at what items on that list will reach the most children in the district."
There was a lame squawk about no project list in the August 18 Courier letters section.
In the meantime, the Mountain labored.
The August 25 number of the Courier contained a letter from Claremont teacher Dave Nemer castigating those with the impatience and impertinence to want some answers. He wrote in part:
Meanwhile, several recent letters to the editor have been critical of our school district because of the upcoming bond issue...The negativity expressed in the letters is unwarranted and based on little understanding of the facts involved.
The details of the bond plan have not been publicized yet, but naysayers have already denounced the plan anyway, preferring their preconceived judgments to informed reasoning...
Before we launch into impassioned debate about the new bond, it would behoove all combatants to wait until the details are announced.. Then we could proceed with a discussion based on actual information rather than ignorance and preconceived conclusions, for a change.
And still the Mountain labored but properly chastised, we waited patiently.
Finally, on August 28, teased by a 36-point all-caps headline on Page 1, above the fold, "NOW THE DETAILS", came what we all were waiting for.
Well, no.
The Courier didn't actually publicize the list, but we have it here. For ease of reading, we've broken it into two parts: the table proper followed by the notes. Click on the images to enlarge.
click images to enlarge
click images to enlarge
The money paragraph in the Courier article--in fact the only paragraph with actual cost estimates, reads as follows: "The current plan for the $96 million bond is to apply the funds in 4 main categories: repair and modernization ($48,412,886), technology ($22,189,862), sustainability ($14,395,562) and debt elimination ($10,000,000). The numbers are approximate figures representing an ongoing plan of spending."
That's it? No cost estimates? No numbers showing the balance among schools? Nothing other than a bunch of check marks? Where are the metrics? How do we measure performance? What is the District actually planning to do?
From the Courier:
Estimates for individual items on the project list were unavailable. Mr. Fox said the estimates for each section were based on looking at the needs of the Claremont schools.
"A estimate [sic] of each item would be done after the bond has passed," he pointed out. "There would need to be architects and project managers that would have to be hired by the district to come out. [Does this guy really talk this way? Re-read the last sentence. We have quoted it correctly. "There would need to be architects...to come out" ???] That is a very costly step and the district would have to use part of the bond money to do that."
So this is the mouse the Mountain labored over: Wait until the bond passes and we will tell you then.
We actually think this spreadsheet had to have come from a version that at one time had numbers in the grid, and like a clumsy FBI-redacted document the author or committee scrubbed the page of any incriminating information. Really, does it make any sense to have a grid, with "totals" column, and subtotals placed just above each group, and precision to eight significant figures, if a prior version didn't have numbers where all we have now are check marks?
We guess the committee, the school district, and the consultants don't really believe all that much in transparency.
By the way, when searching for the author of the "project list", whether it was Bill Fox, or Lisa Shoemaker (the head of the CUSD business office), or Terry Nichols, the Superintendent, or ???, we found an interesting fact. In the Adobe PDF "Properties" the author is saved. And who authored this masterwork?
Look at what we found:
And who is Jared Boigon? CUSD's high priced communications consultant. The priorities are not even set by the committee, they are set by a consultant in San Francisco! Either that or he is the World's Most Expensive Committee Secretary! Mr. Boigon is a Partner at TBWB Strategies--Public Consensus; Winning Propositions. He's not an educator nor a finance guy nor even a construction expert. He's a political hack. Read here about his getting his mother elected to the Denver City Council.
* * * * * * *
The report can be found on the supporters' website, here.
Get on the Bus, Drive it over the Cliff
Claremont Insider | 8/30/10
A reader sent is the snapshot below of a Claremont home. We are not sure if the house is actually a foreclosure, or whether the occupant--if any--has just decided to go with the whole drought-tolerant sustainably dead landscaping look, complete with leaning signs.
click image to enlarge
But whatever, the picture provides a good allegory of the school bond Measure CL situation.
The school district, and its bond supporters, want all homeowners in the district to assume financial responsibility for district mistakes reaching back more than a decade. They propose to do this with an increase in property tax of at least $200 (this is the district projection) per year for the average home--very possibly much more.
(This year's tax rate on Measure Y is something like $300 per year for the average Claremont homeowner, and that bond was only $49 million. Measure CL will be a $95 million bond and--we're not too good at math-- we don't find the district estimate all that convincing. 600 bucks per year seems much more probable to us.)
Add that to the already over-burdened Claremont homeowner-taxpayer, underwater on his mortgage, and you reach the property-tax tipping point, stop sending payments, dead lawns, liens on the property, foreclosure, and auction on the south steps of the County courthouse.
Your lawn can go dead while the bank takes over your house, too!
Church & State, Revisited
Claremont Insider | 8/29/10
From the More Things Change file:
The Insider has learned that the circle of people officially associated with the Yes on Measure CL campaign has widened from the original three - Bill Fox, Mike Seder, and Lee Jackman - to include insurance agent and Claremont 400 heavyweight Randy Prout, former Claremont United Church of Christ pastor and current city Human Services commissioner Butch Henderson (photo, left), and former Human Services Chair Suzanne Hall, wife of the ubiquitous Ken Corhan.
We shouldn't be surprised to see Prout or Henderson or Hall/Corhan, popping up in the Measure CL campaign. All were associated with the 2005 Preserve Claremont campaign that tried to derail the candidacy of Claremont city council member Corey Calaycay. We should also remember that the PC campaign was as much about censoring council member Jackie McHenry and keeping then-City Manager Glenn Southard in charge as it was concerned with barring Calaycay from the council.
That the current school bond campaign and its supporters don't mind twisting the truth shouldn't come as a surprise either. During the 2005 city council election and after, Henderson, who seemed to use his position in our town's main church to unduly influence people to support the Claremonsters' agenda, was a spokesperson for the Preserve Claremont campaign and was quoted in the Claremont Courier on 2/19/05. In that article, Henderson admitted not only that his campaign employed manipulative tactics, but that such games are a natural part of any political campaign, even one involving the Claremont UCC's head pastor:
Mr. Henderson responded to a complaint he had heard that the [Preserve Claremont] ads were "manipulative".
"Of course they are," he said. "That's what politics is all about. Claremonters like things to be real nice. They say, 'Let's do powerbrokering behind the scenes and be real nice.' But politics is about leaders. Mr. Calaycay s running for office and we're trying to get factual information out about him."
Click on Images to Enlarge
It mattered not a whit that the "factual information" Henderson alluded to consisted of nothing more than rumor, innuendo, and outright lies, much of which was supplied by city staff. But, rather than being shocked that a former man of the cloth would engage in such self-acknowledged manipulations, we should expect it.
We can't help but recall the last Claremont Unified School District Measure Y bond campaign in 2000. During that lead up to that campaign, school district officials held a public meeting at which residents who lived near Claremont High School showed up to protest the planned use of Measure Y money to put a football stadium in at the high school.
When it became clear during the meeting that the football facility plans were going to imperil Measure Y's passage, the district officials took a break, held a quick sideline huddle with Superintendent Keeler calling signals, and then reconvened to assure the audience that no Measure Y dollars would be used for the high school stadium. At that meeting, one Butch Henderson, who happened to live very near the high school, stood up and said he was happy with the district officials' plan to accommodate his neighbors.
With no opposition from the Towne Ranch neighborhood, Measure Y passed by a little more than 100 votes citywide. Within a matter of a few years, the district, flush with Measure Y dollars, installed the permanent football field, lights, and bleachers at the high school. In fact construction workers are installing a second course of permanent seating right now.
So, yes, the neighborhood was lied to. But in Claremont anything associated with the school district approaches a certain religious fervor, complete with a kind of priesthood to deliver CUSD's holy word. The truth is whatever that priesthood says it is. As Pastor Henderson could tell them, all's fair in politics and war.
The Insider's investigative arm has been hard at work trying to confirm some information that came in over the transom last week regarding the $95 million Measure CL bond the Claremont Unified School District put on the November ballot. The information would seem to confirm our original hunch that the bond proponents will be following a very familiar game plan for the bond.
You may recall that one of the problems with school district's the bond measure is that they're asking for a boat-load of money without explaining how they intend to spend this. In its bond resolution's fine print, CUSD said that if you wanted to figure out what the projects in question are, you had to consult the district's Facilities Master Plan, an inches thick black binder kept at the school district's offices.
We're hearing that the Master Plan contains a copy of the following document in a pocket on the inside of the binder:
This document is a campaign consultant's template for a generic school bond campaign. It's a concern because CUSD isn't supposed to be be campaigning in favor of the bond. Yet, there the campaign template is, or was, sitting in a district binder. The district will no doubt have the document removed as quickly as possible, but as you can see above, we still managed to obtain a copy.
But is the district really planning on using this road map in the present campaign? It certainly seems thus so far. There are some noteworthy suggestions listed in campaign consultant's document - suggestions the Yes on Measure CL campaign seems to be following closely.
For instance, Item 4 on page 1 of the template suggests that campaign funding should include the district's vendors and that the amount of money those vendors donate can be tied to their volume of business. In other words, the district is saying, "If we've got you under contract, you should kick in a dollar amount commensurate with the amount of work (and money) you're getting from us.
Item 4Vendors who do business with the District also see value in helping the District become stronger in serving the children of the community. District staff members working on their own time can help in this area. See Exhibit 2. Note that contribution goals can be set per volume of annual business with [the] District [emphasis added - ed.]
As with CUSD's 2000 Measure Y bond, the district's surrogates will hit up those vendors for big donations. In 2000, the bond supporters raised over $80,000, the majority of which came from CUSD vendors. They'll do so again and will go over $100,000 if they stick to their usual methods.
On page 7 of the document, we see a sample ballot argument. Precisely the same talking points the Measure CL proponents have used are listed in this sample:
The bond will "provide funding for Classrooms and Facilities." Our district keeps saying that, even though they have admitted that the money will go towards restoring faculty health benefits and reimbursing the district for the time spent by its staff on bond projects.
None of the funds will be used for administrator salaries. The Measure CL bond resolution approved by the CUSD board makes exactly this statement. Yet, as noted, they have also publicly said the money will go to salaries and benefits.
Reasonable cost - $1.00 a day. Isn't this the $365 campaign that was pushed by the Claremont Educational Foundation? Say, if you happened to get on the bus with your $1 a day donation, and then the district succeeds with the bond, you could easily end up paying double that $365 once the bond assessments are made.
The district has created a bond oversight committee to ensure bond funds are spent wisely. Yes on CL committee leader Bill Fox keeps reminding people of that oversight requirement. But he keeps leaving out the part about the last bond oversight committee failing to keep accurate tabs on how the money was spent.
Beginning on Page 11, the document lays out a direct mail campaign with estimates of the voter turnout and the number of votes needed to win. The targets of the mailings are divided into six groups, each with its own specific content.
A couple points of interest here. The district's consultants recommend mailing to property owners a message that gives each homeowner an estimate of their individual taxes for the bond based on county assessed values. The property owner mailing, though, has a ceiling set on the assessed property values. In the consultant's example on page 14, they said they will exclude mailing to voters with assessed value of more than $150,000.
In these times in Claremont, that number might be closer to $400,000. The consultant appears to be trying to conceal how much their bond will affect people with homes above a certain value because they might find the bond prohibitively expensive.
The district's consultant doesn't stop there. Page 14 also lists a mailing to be sent to non-property owners. The pitch to them? "Measure A [the example in the report] costs you nothing." So, despite the district's claim that renters end up paying for the bond, they tell those renters the opposite. The district tells them to not worry, they'll get a pass on any bond payment, so they should vote for it. It's a free ride, the consultant says.
We also learn that the mailings don't come cheap. The consultant's projected budget on page 10 lists $31,000 for direct mailing and, naturally, $30,000 for the campaign consultant. Those two budget items account for $61,000 out of a possible $80,000 in campaign contributions for the hypothetical bond election.
The consultant also recommends getting other local officials (council members, county supervisors) on board, as well as police associations, business men, contractors, vendors, unions, and realtors.
All of this gets us back to the fact of the district having a sample campaign strategy and spending plan stored in its Facilities Master Plan binder at the district office. By law, the district is supposed to refrain from directly participating in campaigns. Yet, let's not forget that the district paid $25,000 for the consulting company TBWB Strategies to conduct a poll that was turned over to the Yes on CL campaign, which consists of the same three people that earlier this year worked together on the district committee that came up with the recommendation to go forward with a bond.
Is it any wonder why we keep thinking the bond was always the goal and that district all along intended the TBWB poll to be used to poll-test bond arguments with voters? CUSD seems to skate awfully close to the line of electoral propriety with some of their actions.
According to the district highlights for its 6/3/10 meeting, the president of the teachers union is even listed by name in support of the district's bond idea:
Superintendent Nichols provided background on the Bond/Parcel Tax Survey Committee and asked Jared Boigon, TBWB, to provide an update on the Bond/Parcel Tax Survey. Mr. Boigon shared highlights from the survey report and committee members, Lee Jackman, Bill Fox, and Mike Seder provided additional background and outlined the committee?s recommendation. Joe Tonan, incoming CFA President shared the association?s support for the committee?s recommendation. Staff and Mr. Boigon responded to Board questions and the Board requested more specific information on a timeline and next steps and requested a defined project list that included staff and committee priorities. This item was for Board information and discussion and no action was taken.
Their actions underscore the reality that CUSD, its board, the bond campaign committee, and the leaders of the Claremont Faculty Association seem to unlimited quantities of contempt for voters, for the spirit of the election rules they should be obeying, and for truth in their campaign statements.
You don't have to be a super-sleuth to get to the heart of the bond matter: If the district is already acting in less than forthright ways before the bond has even been voted on, why should anyone trust them with the $95 million they're asking for? Read more...
First St. Accident
Claremont Insider | 8/26/10
We heard about an accident involving an SUV and a pedestrian on First St. in front of the Village Expansion parking structure yesterday and noticed that the Courier's Tony Krickl had a post about the matter on his blog.
Krickl reported that yesterday morning a vehicle driven by Brenda Monahan, the owner of Three French Hens, accelerated onto the sidewalk on the south side of the street and struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian, whose name was not given, was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital but didn't survive. Read more...
Student in Pomona
Home Buying
STUDENT IN POMONA | 3/6/10
I'm trying to buy a home in lovely Pomona. I put in an offer for one and I really hope I get it. Even though the house has been on the market for a few months i made a really low offer because it needs work and i've seen vandals walk out of the property. Send good vibes or prayers, whichever it is that you do. I'm remaining reservedly hopeful.
Why didn't anyone tell me that home buying is so stressful? Read more...
Congratulations Juan and Susie!
STUDENT IN POMONA | 2/20/10
When I first moved to Pomona I didn't know a SINGLE person living in the area. So I asked a friend in Santa Ana (who i knew knew people in Pomona) who i could talk to so I wouldn't feel like a stranger. She (Teresita) told me about Susie, Juan and Bunny Gunner. It took me a while to ever approach them because well, what was I gonna say? "Hi I'm new, will you be my friend?" Well, it turns out, I probably could have done that and they would have been my friends!
What happened instead is, I started blogging and I started following their blog as well, Pomona's Art Colonists and I began to get the feeling that they were warm and welcoming people whose doors seemed to always be open to people in the community. We slowly became virtual buddies by reading each others blogs and eventually i decided to pop my head into the shop in the middle of the day on a weekday. So I rode my bike over there and finally got to meet them face to face. They were the kindest people and they welcomed me to the community with open arms! I incidentally got to meet REN for the first time during my visit. Although I spend most of my time locked away studying, when I do go out and I see Juan and Susie it always makes my day because they are both such genuinely good people. I thank Juan and Susie for welcoming me to this tight knit community, I never once felt like a stranger and i love them dearly for their kindness.
Congratulations Susie and Juan! I wish you both the best from the bottom of my heart! Read more...
Forgotten Fruits: Cashew Apple
STUDENT IN POMONA | 1/20/10
So, it's the return of the forgotten fruits topic. Today I'm going to talk about the Cashew apple (or marañón). There is a lot to discuss when talking about the Cashew apple and it has a lot of implications as a fruit.
As you could have guessed the Cashew nut and the Cashew apple are from the same tree, and as you can see, the nut actually grows from the end of the fruit (making the cashew apple a pseudo fruit).
You may be wondering why the cashew nut is so prevalent yet the fruit is nowhere to be found anywhere! Because this is a perfect example of a fruit that is unavailable to our markets because it cannot be shipped. The skin of the fruit is too fragile for shipping, so we won't see it in any markets anytime soon. "What about at a farmers market?" you ask. Well, it's a tropical tree that begins to decline at about 50 degrees F and will die if temperatures get close to freezing. Trust me, I tried growing a tree once and it didn't even have a chance. Until I get a large greenhouse, I won't be trying it again.
There are also a lot of arguments against shipping foods overseas, however shipping via boat is actually super-efficient and more greenhouse gases and emissions are emitted from delivery trucks going short distances. So really the best solution is to grow your own food in terms of shipping emissions concerns.1
The fruit is described as very juicy and sweet and juice made from the fruit is fairly popular in Brazil. I suppose the juice could be shipped and sold here, but introducing new foods to existing markets is probably very hard. That is, until someone claims it as a "superfruit"
In a discussion in class recently, we touched on the idea of how people deal with time in relation to their living situation. It really hit home.
Here in Pomona, I've noticed from first hand experience that a lot of people who live here are renting either their apartment or their house. I for one am one of them.
This affects my invested interest not only in my home but also in my city. The uncertainty of my future in this particular home makes it so that I have very little interest in spending money to fix my home. Unfortunately, the house needs a lot of work. A new roof is needed (those who follow my blog will remember the loss of a laptop due to a leaky roof) but all that has been done is that plastic has been placed on top of the roof. I am not interested in paying for the new roof. Seeing as how I sublease, I am not in contact with the actual property owner so my line of communication is already complicated. (Why not just move out? well, as a starving student who is trying to save money to buy a house I have very few options)
If I owned my home my futures have a higher level of certainty so my invested interest in the house would be increased. And the home that I might own, being in a certain city would also increase my invested interest because I am more likely to stay within that city because I live in the home that I own.
To be honest, I don't know how long I will be living in Pomona because I do not own a home here. Also, I do not know what home prices will look like when I have enough saved up to buy a home. Though homes are cheap in Pomona and I really want to stay, there is a chance that I may need to look elsewhere for a home.
SO, like most renters I have a greater likelihood of transience. Thus my invested interest in the city is not as high as it might be due to that. With so many homes "se rente," we wonder why, with a population so high, so many people don't show that they care in this wonderful city of Pomona.
We studied this in relation to environmental issues but it indeed relates to many other issues of concern inside a city.
There are other cities that require that when someone buys a house, they (or sometimes an immediate family member) must live in it for at least a year or more before they can consider renting it out. I'm just saying... it's something worth considering.
Pomona's FIRST Bike Lane!
STUDENT IN POMONA | 1/14/10
Technically it's not the first but I don't think I can justify the roundabout bike lane at the Red Cross building as being of any use to the city since it is probably only used by Cal Poly Students who typically have no desire to be invested in the city.
BUT, Pomona finally has a bike lane! and here it is!
I noticed it a few months back but never reported on it. Unfortunately, that bike lane is very much out of the way for me except when I ride to school. Also, the lane is less than a mile long. A bike lane down Garey would be great, but then we'd lose a lot of parking and street parking is way smarter in terms of walkability than having parking lots. UNLESS we have the bike/car lane hybrids like they have in Pasadena we may never see a bike lane along Garey. But, there are other streets closer to Garey that could fit bike lanes, such as Park and also Palomares. There are also a lot of east west streets that have room for bike lanes such as oh... I don't know, ALL the number streets, 1 through 12th, then grand, phillips, franklin, lexington, philadelphia, and olive.
In fact, until I see bike lanes on all those streets...
There was the link and here is the nearly identical post.
In August myself and some classmates headed down to Peru with some folks from Green Empowerment. We flew into Lima and from there we went to Cajamarca. Cajamarca is in the Andes on the east side of the continental divide. This city is known as the switzerland of Peru because of their well known dairy products. I was pretty excited because I'm a huge fan of cheese and I've heard nothing but good things about Cajamarcan Cheese. What's cool about this town is their old architecture and city plan. There is a plaza in the center of town called Plaza de Arma (turns out just about every plaza in Peru is called plaza de Arma). We stayed in a hostel just a block from the center of town called hostal de Cajamarca. Hostels in Peru aren't like hostels that we think of in the states, Hostels are really just hotels that aren't 4 star hotels. This hostel was really cool because it had a courtyard that we often used as the central gathering location or hang out spot when we were waiting or just chatting. It reminds me of how much I want a courtyard to be the center of my house. Of course this style is of spanish influence, not of the indigenous groups. We spent the first few days here, getting acqainted with what to expect and meeting with various people from the NGO Soluciones Practicas. We were here because me and a few others had spent 6 months preparing a project for a community in the Andes of the La Cocha subwatershed. 6 months is a lot of work to be doing for a place that we had never seen before. We based all our judgements on figures and numbers on everything we could find about the area. We did research on the slopes, the rainfall, the temperature, types of crops they were growing, types of innovations their ancestors employed and a bunch of other things. We came up with as many solutions we could to help them adapt to global climate change and help them survive in a more globally effected climate. But we finally made it out here, and were excited to be able to see what it was really like. Cajamarca is a relatively cold city, but based on our research we new that the town we were going to, Chilete, would be warm or even hot like it was back home. Unfortunaley I had forgotten that the climate and temperature could change in Peru in such relatively short distances. On our way up we found that much of the Andes is being afforested with new trees that never grew here before. Trees like Eucalyptus and pines we being planted along grids, and some of us weren't sure wether they were the best species or not because they could become invasive. The ride was definitely educational and we began to learn more about the Yanacocha mine that was nearby. It is one of the largest gold mines in the world yet the locals do not benefit from it. Once we got to Chilete we presented some of our work to some leaders of the community. It was amazing to finally present our work to the people we intended it for. It being a class project that we had spent 6 months on, it never seemed like it was a real and viable project until that day. Our work was finally coming to life. If only we had really had this feeling earlier we may have been more prepared. Things like understanding that we need to produce our work in spanish for them, and many other language barriers were a problem but we were able to make it through with our classmate Rene. Rene hadn't been part of the project, but he was the most fluent spanish speaker and he became an important part of the project. After our presentation we exchanged contact information with the hopes of keeping in touch. We received a much needed info on the La Cocha sub watershed and we finally were able to see the hillsides we had been so accustomed to seeing on maps.
It was getting closer to our trip to Suro Antivo. Suro Antivo is higher up in the Andes, on the way up we almost hit a Vicuna, a rare species related to the Alpaca. Its fur was once reserved for royalty because it is so soft. There was much concern over how well our bodies would be able to handle the altitude when we got there, so Jason thought it'd be a good idea to play soccer when we got there. The long car ride made me beat so I decided to sit this one out. Suro Antivo is an amazing town to visit. Farmers all own large plots of land and everyone lives no less than a quarter mile apart. Suro is a type of bamboo that was used as a common building material. That plant is no longer found in town. Antivo means ?old? similar to the word antique. The grassland landscape here must have changed a few times over the many years that people have been here. It is likely going to change again. Most of our meetings took place in the school house because it is the only public gathering place. In Suro Antivo many people have just received running water for the first time, and neighboring communities many people do not having clean running water at all. This means the most common causes of death is dysentery from dirty water. Our objective in Suro antivo was to locate and plot the existing springs on a GPS unit and then create tapstands for the existing taps so that they will not break. We split up into a few groups, Some of us checked the flow of water on the existing springs. Some went and did environmental assessments on springs around town. When we returned we shared our findings with each other and began working on plans to keep the newer springs in optimal condition over a long period of time. Here we are working on the plans for the assessments And presenting them to the community. Later on we went to other communities in other parts of the greater Jequetepeque watershed. We assessed other springs and conducted interviews of people that lived there. So many people have no clean running water and so many people are sick every other week because of it. It's truly eyeopening to know how fortunate we are in the US to have clean running water. Our nights were coming to an end in Suro Antivo and our next stop was to be in Alto Peru on our way back to Cajamarca. On our way to Alto Peru I noticed some locals packed in hauling trucks who seemed angry at us. We were driving by in the same kinds of trucks that the miners use so, many of the locals thought we were miners. When we arrived in Alto Peru we spoke with some of the community leaders who voiced extreme concerns about the mine. The irony was that there were many power lines held up by large towers that ran right past Alto Peru and went directly to the yanacocha mine. The only source of power for those in Alto Peru were from their own wind turbines. The road the rest of the way was paved. Again, the road to the mine is paved, but not to other parts of the watershed. When we arrived back to Cajamarca we took a trip out to Cumbe Mayo. Something I have been wanting to see. Cumbe Mayo is the location of a pre Incan aqueduct, the craftsmanship of the aqueduct is just amazing. Back in Cajamarca we met with some more folks from soluciones practicas and discussed our findings and impressions of Chilete, Suro Antivo and the surrounding areas. We said goodbye to our drivers who became our friends and before we knew it we were on our way back to Lima. On our last days in Lima it became easy to become bored because our days previously were so filled. However it was our friend David's birthday and we had a chance to celebrate. (he loves the cuy. Now only a couple of months later I am back in school and still thinking about what kind of impact we may have had on the people we had visited. Read more...
Local Honey in Pomona/Chino!
STUDENT IN POMONA | 1/7/10
One day, I was driving down East End in south Pomona and I noticed a sign outside someone's home that said HONEY. I immediately made a U-turn to get back to the Honey and was pleasantly surprised.
This part of Pomona is in the unincorporated zone so their Address is officially in Chino (12011 East End Ave.). But the street signs around are still Pomona signs.
Because they are unincorporated, they can legally have bees and thus are able to harvest honey AND Bee Pollen.
The great thing about Bee Pollen or Bee Bread is that it is the ONLY food that contains ALL 22 Amino Acids. The Bee Pollen that they have is actually the best tasting and cheapest Bee Pollen I've ever had. It is 10 dollars for half a quart sized ziploc bag and 20 for a full bag. I generally have a spoonful first thing in the morning for my protein fix and allergy reducer.
Their honey in comparable to store bought honey in prices but it definitely tastes GREAT, it is VERY Rich and much tastier than Cal Poly's farm store honey. This jar of honey was purchased for 7 dollars. I think it's somewhere between 20 and 25 Fl oz's.
The owners of this bee farm are Rodolfo and Martha. I spoke briefly with them and they have for boxes of bees. The darker honey is from various trees such as avocado and the lighter honey is from clovers and wildflowers.
I suggest going there. There are many health benefits to local honey and local bee pollen, particularly for allergies. And there's a benefit in knowing exactly where your food comes from. The next time I head out there to buy honey or pollen I'll ask them if I can have a tour of their bees and I'll see if I can post some pictures. Support your local economy and buy some honey!
Now I've got friends and family who are vegetarians and also either have an aversion to soy or are allergic to soy.
Being a vegetarian means one must give up a lot of foods and not eating soy means one must give up even more.
I've often used mushrooms to replace meat, sometimes using a portobello instead of a patty on my burgers, (though I'm not a vegetarian myself). So this great invention was somewhat of a surprise, but not completely.
Unfortunately, you probably won't find it in your local supermarket, you may not even find it in your local asian market. I found this in a chinese market in Rowland heights called SF supermarket. (on google maps it's called Hong Kong supermarket). I will, however, be keeping an eye out for it at the more local markets.
There are 4 different flavors, the green bag is Mustard, and quite delicious. There is also a note on the bag that says GMO FREE, that's always a good sign. Though the ingredients don't state any animal products There is a sticker on each of the bags that says if it has milk or eggs in it. Unfortunately, that sticker is in chinese, so unless you have someone with you that can read chinese, you vegans are SOL. There was one that had no milk or cheese but i don't remember which it was, it was either the red bag or orange. The flavors are also written in chinese so you may be playing a guessing game with that. This particular bag has milk and is the mustard flavor. The only problem is that it is shipped all the way from Taiwan.
While you're there you may want to pick up a bottle of fresh squeezed soy milk over by the butcher(instead of that stuff made from soy flour), something you cannot find in the vicinity of Pomona. The freshest ones are usually pretty warm, almost hot. I must warn you though, if you don't like the taste of soy in your milk, you may not like it.
I recently converted my keyboard to the following keyboard The Dvorak. It is the only other keyboard recognized by ANSI. Th Dvorak Keyboard was developed as a way to speed up typing and efficiency with typing. If you didn't know, the QWERTY was developed in order to slow down typists. Back in the day when typewriters were in use, typewriters would often jam if a typist would type too fast. Hence, QWERTY.
I began using the Dvorak back in October near the beginning of my quarter in school. For the first few weeks I would switch back to the QWERTY when I had papers longer than 2 pages to write. At some point, I don't remember when, I stopped switching back, even for long 15 page papers. That was probably only four weeks into using tho keyboard. One thing I can say, is that i can definitely feel a difference in typing. At work where I use a QWERTY my fingers fly all over my keyboard, but at home my fingers barely move, and at first it felt VERY strange.
I decided to make the switch, even though it created challenges at first because it is a technelegical advancement, that is appropriate for computing and is much more efficient. Appropriate technology and efficiency, if you haven't noticed, are two (of many) things that I try to live by. Read more...
Pomona Massacre of Dec. 11th 2009
STUDENT IN POMONA | 12/19/09
On December 11th in the still of the night, masked bandits made their way into my yard and opened the door to my chicken coop.
Unfortunately I was partly at fault. It was the night that i did not make sure the coop door had latched.
When I woke up in the morning I found that only one of my fifteen chickens and ducks were left alive. It was the sole rooster.
Raccoons massacred all but one of my birds overnight.
Raccoons are jerks. Let me tell you why; they did not eat most of the birds, in fact only one and a half were actually eaten. most of the rest were just killed, many of them with their heads severed.
I have already set a preliminary fence around the coop so that it will be harder for the raccoons to get to them and so that I can let my dog out to protect the birds. (i've successfully gotten our dog Nova to stop chasing chickens thanks to a dog whisperer episode) I will also be setting some humane traps for these bastards and will be sending them to the mountains.
Let this be a lesson, if there are critters in your yard call vector control services and also if you've got birds, keep them safe at night!
p.s. i would share pictures but it's pretty disturbing. Read more...
The Claremontian
Claremont Wendnesdays!
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
Experience an evening of fun for the whole family at Claremont Wednesdays launching on April 29. There will be live music, taste-tempting entrées and specialty finger foods, fresh certified organic produce, quality wares and services of local merchants, gift-perfect local arts and craft items, wellness services, products and new technologies ... Read more...
New Website Coming Soon!
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
Hello Everyone,
I am currently working on making a very user friendly website, which allows users to easily submit content to the website as well as connect with other people who live or have lived in and around Claremont, CA. I highly recommend that you check it out. We will ... Read more...
Claremont High School Student Robbed at Gunpoint
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
From the Daily Bulletin:
A man armed with a handgun jumped out of some bushes and robbed a 15-year-old Claremont High School student of his backpack Wednesday night, police said.
The victim was walking near the corner of Colby Circle and Indian Hill Boulevard about 7:30 p.m. when the man confronted him, ... Read more...
Several Auto Thefts in Claremont prompt warning
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
From the Daily Bulletin:
Several automobile thefts occurred over the weekend in Claremont.
At least five vehicles were burglarized between Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to Claremont's Web site.
The recent thefts happened the 800 block of Decatur Circle, the 100 block of Blue Mountain Way, and the 2200 block of Villa ... Read more...
New Wireless 911 Program Now Working in Claremont
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
There is now a wireless 911 service working in Claremont, which allows users to dial 911 from their cell phone, and be directly connected to the Claremont Police Department Communication Center. The service also allow the Police Department to gain your location through GPS location and longitude and latitude. Read more...
Claremont City Council Discusses Village Trolley Service
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
UPDATE: The City Council Decided, on a 3-2 decision to discontinue the Trolley Service. They will further discuss this matter on May 12, 2009, but it will probably be discontinued by June 30, 2009. Bye.
At tonight's city council meeting, there is going to be an important and much needed discussion ... Read more...
New Stores and updates in the Village
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
A new store is under construction in the village on Yale Ave. where Panoche used to be (next to Amelie and Aruffo's.) The store is a somewhat commercial clothing store called Fresh Produce. It is primarily a women's clothing store, so sorry men only another place in the village for ... Read more...
Claremont High New Bleacher?s
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
On Thursday night, the Claremont Unified School District board passed a new plan to install a 1,000 seat permanent bleacher set-up at Claremont High School. This new plan will cost $300,000.
For more information see the article in the Daily Bulletin. Read more...
Police Blotter March 28, 2009
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
Thursday, March 19
Police received a call about a suspected prowler attempting to gain access to a home on the 2000 block of Wilkes Court. Around 9:30 a.m., the man rang the home?s doorbell about 10 times then left the area. He returned a short time later, rang the door bell ... Read more...
What do you guys think?
The Claremontian | 9/13/09,
We have created a poll for you guys to decide which blog design you like better for the Claremontian. Thanks for reading!
[polldaddy poll=1517901]
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