Interview with Sam Pedroza - Former long-time City Council Member and Twice Claremont Mayor

Claremont is exemplary in its charitable efforts.  Claremont's chapter of the Children's Foundation of America is among the most enduring and effective  of our charity organizations.  In this informative and uplifting interview,  CFA's Volunteer Coordinator, Christina Garcia, highlights some of their many community-based programs that help children in need so that they may lead healthy, productive lives. 

Many events that residents and visitors attend each year are put on by Claremont's CFA, with the invaluable help of Christina's many dedicated volunteers.  The events are all aimed at filling the gap between the children's true needs and what public funding is able to provide.   In this episode, Christina describes how these events - the Toy Drive, The Beer and Wine Walks, Holiday Heroes gift drives and the popular CFA Charity Golf Classic, as examples - have become anticipated, well-attended annual traditions enjoyed by Claremont residents and visitors while providing opportunities to measurably improve children's lives.   Listen to the episode, then maybe contact Christina or meet her at one of the events.  When you do, mention how much you liked her turn on Claremont Speaks, of course, and take her up on her invitation to volunteer or support the CFA - something you'll never regret.

Visit the Children's Foundation of America Website
https://childrensfoundationofamerica.org/

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Everyone in Claremont is affected by the growing homelessness population in one way or another.  At a recent Claremont meeting with representatives from Claremont PD and the City Staff, one key question was "What can be done - right now?" to solve the homeless problem in the Village business district.   Anne Miskey, President and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services and a nationally recognized expert on ending homelessness, took a turn at the microphone to help answer this and other important, related questions.  Spend an hour with Anne to understand how the right temporary and permanent housing programs really can work; truly be the catalyst to changing the lives of the unhoused and improve the quality of the community as a whole.  As objective proof that these programs perform so well, she invites those who would like a tour of other successful programs, or just to ask questions, to contact her directly.  And when you do, don't hesitate to mention how her episode persuaded you to investigate further, get the facts, and think critically about this growing problem in Claremont - and all across the country.

Anne Miskey's LinkedIn profile, which highlights her many credentials and accomplishments: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-miskey/

Contact information:
Email: amiskey@unionstationhs.org
Website: https://unionstationhs.org/
Address: 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104

General Inquiries
Email: info@unionstationhs.org
Phone: 626.240.4550
Fax: 626.798.1640

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

The US, and Claremont specifically, have experienced an increase in reported instances of antisemitic and other hate crimes recently.  Most Claremont residents condemn such actions, but there are still those who cling to the mistaken and irrational beliefs that have been around for thousands of years.  The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, led by their Executive Director, Jason Moss, firmly believe that antisemitism and all forms of hate and "othering" can be overcome.

Jason and his dedicated staff are taking a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to stopping antisemitism and defending, supporting and improving the lives of the Jewish communities in our area,  The Jewish Federation's efforts are paying off, however he cautions that success will be found in playing "the long game" - tenacious and consistent efforts over time -if they are truly to educate and change the hearts and minds of those who don't understand that everyone is more similar than different.

In this candid and forthright interview, Jason details the many creative and effective ways their dedicated staff pursues in helping their members live the best Jewish life they can and combat antisemitism (and all forms of "othering" hate) where it arises.  They seek to build relationships, educate and and work towards forming a coalition of groups to counter those who commit the damaging and atrocious acts that make the news all to often lately, and invite listeners to join their fight on whatever level they can.

After listening to this episode, take a moment to visit the Federation's website and learn more about all the different community activities they offer, from cooking to stand-up comedy, to see if there is something right for you.  When you do contact Jason or anyone at the federation, please mention that this podcast led you to do so.

Visit their website at https://www.jewishsgpv.org/
Contact the Federation by email at: federation@jewishsgpv.org
Or call at: (626) 445-0810

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Dr. Evaggelos Vallianatos, one of Claremont's many authors and resident authority on broad spectrum of topics, including zoology and the history of science, has worked on Capitol Hill and at the US Environmental Protection Agency for almost three decades.  Dr. Vallianatos took a break from his research and writing to give Claremont Speaks some insight into how the EPA started and what the early days were like, and the corruption and duplicitous research that has happened since, including how President Biden might best make the most on his pledge to rebuild and restore the EPA to being honest, transparent and effective - in short, fulfilling its original purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Vallianatos focuses on the over-use of pesticides and the deleterious effects that multi-billion dollar corporations' "EPA-Approved" neurotoxins have on bees and other animals, and human children and adults.  As a counter measure, he highlights the many advantages of consuming exclusively Certified Organic food,, including recommendations for the CUSD to help our students be as healthy and able to learn as possible.

A returning guest on Claremont Speaks, Dr. Vallianatos never fails to bring new perspectives and valuable insights on his topics, relating what one might think are only national/federal issues back to Claremont, his home of many years.  Invest in listening to this episode and taking Dr. Vallianatos' recommendations to heart, and enjoy the ROI in terms of a longer, healthier life.

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Key questions in selecting a candidate include "Do I really know them, and will they truly represent my vision, values and objectives for the  school district?"   In this candid and personal interview, Aaron Peterson reveals his path to this point, his personal stake in CUSD's success - including the education of his own children - and answers those questions in sharing his hopes and vision for the direction and future of the Claremont Unified School District.  

Vying for the vacated Trustee Area 4 board seat, Aaron, without hesitation or equivocation, eloquently provides insight into his positions on some of the most important and often controversial issues facing the CUSD today, including DEI,  book banning and "teaching to the test."

For anyone who has yet to make a choice, or is genuinely concerned as to who, really, they are putting at the helm of their student's education, this episode is required listening.  Aaron's extraordinary interview will be of value to anyone looking to decide which candidate is best to earn their vote.  Enjoy the interview, then take Aaron up on his invitation to "Please talk to me; let's have a real conversation - no soundbites." 

Campaign Links
www.Peterson4CUSD.com
www.instagram.com/@Peterson4CUSD
www.twitter.com/@Peterson4CUSD

Or email Aaron:
peterson4cusd@pm.me

Other links/references from the podcast:
https://www.outkick.com/pfizer-white-people/
https://rufo.substack.com/p/dei-swallows-texas-a-and-m
https://thepostmillennial.com/nyu-to-implement-segregated-dorms-in-the-name-of-equality
Https://www.yaf.org/news/university-of-nevada-says-white-students-cant-live-in-minority-dorm-communities-for-safety-of-residents/
https://twitter.com/MythinformedMKE/status/1399005610511945728
https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/3/7/14637626/implicit-association-test-racism

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

In the ongoing evolution of the housing project slated for the site of the former La Puerta school, many aspects have changed, some several times.  Eric Nelson, Vice President of Community Development at Trumark Homes, has been collaborating with Claremont's schools, city staff, residents and other stakeholders for over three years, aiming to get a project most everyone will like and approve to construct.  Eric was previously a guest on Claremont Speaks (April of 2021,  Click here to listen)   

Eric has returned to Claremont Speaks to provide updates on the project's evolution, clarify the current status (May, 2023) and de-bunk some of the misinformation surrounding the project.  He then provides a look at the different directions the project may take in the future, given Trumark's stated intent to file a supplemental building application under a provision of Senate Bill 330, which guarantees expedited approval if the developer sets aside 20% of the new units for low income buyers.  Although Mr. Nelson describes this as a "bookmark", he elaborates on why it is not Trumark's preferred option.

For anyone affected by this project - whether neighbors, prospective home-buyers, or those concerned about the funding to the Claremont School District, Eric Nelson's insight into the project and what they are aiming to do for the community should be on your "required listening" list of podcasts.  And don't hesitate to take Mr. Nelson up on his invitation to contact him regarding project-related questions and concerns.

Visit the La Puerta - Claremont website for information on the project, updates and more.
https://www.lapuertaclaremont.com/

Contact Eric Nelson directly at
(949) 510-2070

Visit Trumark's main site for more information:
https://trumarkhomes.com/

Listen to Eric's previous Claremont Speaks Episode
https://www.claremontspeaks.com/s2e9

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Sometimes the catalyst that drives an epiphany is almost accidental, yet can bring out the very best in people, and puts them on the course to what they are sure is their true purpose.   For Dr. Wen Chen, her awakening happened after a conversation with one of her colleagues regarding the events of Tiananmen Square, in 1989.  Until that conversation, she believed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) line; that nothing much had happened, and the students and people were the ones who attacked the soldiers.  After seeing the videos, she realized all she had been told had been a lie,  investigated further and discovered the limitless deceit and corruption of the CCP.

She simply could not do nothing.  After learning the truth - experiencing a kind of "awakening" - Dr. Chen is now actively educating people about the real conditions and practices in today's China.  Claremont Speaks was fortunate to have Dr. Chen tell her story to this point, then discuss the state of the situation in China today and the CCP's goals for the future.   Anyone who believes communism is, somehow, the better system, owes it to themselves to listen to Dr. Chen's recounting of the unbridled evil - murder for profit - which is conducted daily by the CCP.   Conservative estimates are that upward of 80 million lives have been taken by harvesting organs, which are then provided to the CCP's elite or sold to wealthy transplant patients in China, the US and around the world.

Dr. Chen has much more to tell, and Claremont Speaks would like to have her back.  She asked that listeners suggest what they would like to know about the real China, which will be the topic for her next visit.  Please contact us at Claremontspeaks@gmail.com or email Dr. Chen at wenchenspeaker@gmail.com

Dr. Chen's blog about her life's journey
https://wenchenview.blogspot.com/

Famous Tiananmen Square "Tank Man" video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSbx352cn8A

Read "The Slaughter: Mass Killings, Organ Harvesting, and China's Secret Solution to Its Dissident Problem
https://www.amazon.com/Slaughter-Killings-Harvesting-Solution-Dissident/dp/161614940X/ref=sr_1_1

Visit Stop Organ Harvesting's website
https://www.stoporganharvesting.org/

Documentary on Organ Harvesting.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12409742/

The Epoch Times
https://www.theepochtimes.com/

Shen Yun; a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage
https://www.shenyun.com/

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

There is a direct relationship between the value of living in Claremont and the quality of Claremont's schools.   In an effort to maintain and strengthen that link, Alex McDonald MD is  running for Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) in the Special Election for Trustee, District 4 to be held on July  25, 2023.   Alex was able to take a short break from his busy schedule as a CUSD parent and his practice as a family and sports medicine specialist to answer some of the most pressing questions about his perspectives, plans and strategies should he be elected.

In this very personal and forthright interview, Alex reveals that he, by personal experience, knows what it is like to be a patient with critical needs and a student with special educational requirements.  As a physician, more than most, he sees the direct and collateral results and benefits of a good education ,  as well as the disadvantages and damage that poor education can cause.  As a result, as CUSD's D4 Trustee, he can focus on solving the many crucial issues facing the students, faculty, administration and board.  Alex openly and honestly takes on a variety of very direct questions about the toughest current topics, such as critical race theory, gender identification, gun control and shooter/lock-down drills, childhood obesity and diabetes due to today's diet and exercise habits, drugs in the schools, and the immediate, if not crisis-level need for increasing the physical, emotional and mental health of our students. 

As a physician who has made a career of healing others, he believes that his education, experience and his many successes bring an extra layer of unique qualifications that he can apply directly to improving the quality and effectiveness of the education which CUSD students receive.  For anyone who has or, actually is, a student in the CUSD system, and especially if you are in District 4, this interview should be considered required listening before meeting him at a public meeting or Candidate Forum, and certainly before casting your vote.
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For more information, visit Alex McDonald's CUSD campaign
Website:
https://www.mcdonald4cusd.com/   
Email:
mcdonald4cusd
Platform:
https://www.mcdonald4cusd.com/dr-alexs-platform

On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/McDonald4CUSD

On Twitter
https://twitter.com/mcdonald4cusd

On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mcdonald4cusd/

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Political activist/Grass Roots advocate Mike Netter joins Claremont Speaks to discuss key topics, including the recall efforts of Governor Gavin Newsom and District Attorney George Gascón.  Energetic, informed and interesting, his passion is to create a better political landscape for California and the "ordinary" people in it.  Mike is one of the driving forces behind the recent recall efforts of Gavin Newsome and George Gascon.  Mike, along with others, decided to launch a recall of Gavin Newsom when they noticed California was going downhill.

In this ultra-candid and honest conversation, Mike unreservedly emphasizes the importance of ordinary people using common sense and the low-cost/free data and other tools at hand to take action in order to make a difference.  He covers many of the issues California is facing, such as a lack of water, a poorly protected power grid system, crime, and homelessness; and stresses the importance of people taking action on these issues in order to continuously improve California - and particularly Claremont - and get us off the slippery slope on which we find ourselves.

Mike is the Vice Chair of Rebuild California, a non-partisan grassroots, groundswell movement. Their mission is to take action where government officials have failed the voters and citizens.  The goal is to stop looking to our government for solutions to the problems we all face and take constructive corrective action and rebuild California.  After listening to this episode, take Mike up on his invitation to explore Rebuild Californa and learn what you can do to effect the changes you want to see.

Visit the Rebuid California website
https://www.rebuildcalifornia.com/

Reach Mike On:
 Twitter
https://twitter.com/nettermike
Facebook - Rebuild California
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2445527419052666


Contact Mike at
Rebuild California
PO Box 7053
Folsom Ca 95763
rebuild@rebuildcalifornia.com

Watch "Grid Down, Power Up"
https://griddownpowerup.com/

Listen to Mike on KABC
https://www.kabc.com/grid-down-power-up-with-david-tice-mike-netter/

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.

Three members of the activist group Claremont Streets for People - Ross Pringle, Buff Brown, and Nic Lucio - took the opportunity to introduce themselves and the Streets for People group, then explain their strategy to reach their goal of making the city and its streets safer and more enjoyable.  As strong advocates for bike and pedestrian safety, they put forth how residents have a proven pent-up demand for cycling in Claremont, and that safer streets would help  achieve that, along with a multitude of collateral upsides, including the benefits of exercise, lowering congestion, reducing transportation and living costs, and increasing the amount of economic activity in the city.  

As long-time cyclists and Claremont residents, they are stakeholders - as are most residents and visitors to the city  - in increasing bike ridership, much as has been done in Culver City, for example,  The progress and improvements are directly attributable to many factors, including smart, focused leadership and bike-conscious street and thoroughfare engineering.   Streets for People hopes to help change Claremont by breaking California's long-time focus on moving cars at the expense of cyclists and pedestrians.  

The group invites everyone to join them, in any capacity, to help elevate Claremont to becoming and inspiration and aspirational standard in this regard.  There is conclusive and convincing evidence that this can be done, and is well worth the efforts.  Visit their website, attend  their monthly meetings and find out how you can be a part of one of the most essential  and beneficial changes Claremont can make. 

========================

Website
http://claremontstreetsforpeople.org/

Email
ClaremontSP@gmail.com

Resource Page

CLICK HERE to Sign up to join this important and timely movement

Help make Streets for People a reality in Claremont! Next Meeting - May 8 @ 7 PM

Feedback, questions, comments, constructive criticism are all welcomed and encouraged.
Send to claremontspeaks@gmail.com with Feedback in the subject line, or go to the appropriate page on Claremont Speaks' website - https://www.claremontspeaks.com

Claremont Speaks is a Paradise Road Media production. PRM is dedicated to helping you create, launch and produce your own podcast, allowing you to focus on being the creator while PRM does the rest. To explore using the power of your own podcast for your self or to promote your business, charity, political group...or any other reason...email paradiseroadmedia@gmail.com.