A Sustainable Future for South Village

Sustainability Dialog: Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

Please join us for a discussion on imagining a regenerative and sustainable future for Claremont’s South Village. You will hear from the sustainability team from the South Village Development that is dedicated to creating a resilient and sustainable neighborhood. Drew Shula & Kanika Sharma of the Verdical Group, and Kaitlin Morris of Village Partners, will present a comprehensive overview of the available opportunities and challenges in the South Village.

Hahn Bldg, Rm 101, Pomona College, 420 N Harvard, Claremont

The Green New Deal

Sustainability Dialog: Monday, November 04, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

Join us for a conversation about the promises and challenges of confronting the climate crisis, including renewable energy, a green economy, and social justice.

Panelists will include:

Jason Neidleman, University of La Verne
Devon Hartman, Claremont/Pomona Locally Grown Power
Ben Reicher, Sunrise Movement
Sheheryar Kaoosji, Warehouse Workers Resource Center

Hahn Bldg, Rm 101, Pomona College, 420 N Harvard, Claremont

Latest Dialog video: How to Deal with Plastics

Watch our latest Dialog video at:

https://youtu.be/9tOn4F9bWvs

Plastic is plastic, right? So why is it so hard to recycle it? What do the numbers 1-7 mean? Why is plastic in the ocean? What would happen if we banned all plastic packaging? Why can’t I put all plastic in my blue bin? Why is food security linked to plastic packaging? I've tried to remove plastic packaging from my life, but it's hard. I feel guilty, but don't know what to do ... so I'm angry at the companies who put me in this position. Who are the companies and what are they doing?

Terry Grill, Director, Sustainability - Americas at Sealed Air Corporation, a founding director of Sustainable Claremont, and a board member of the Catalina Island Conservancy, discusses this complex problem and possible solutions.  She is joined for Q&A by Kristin Mikula, Community Services Manager for the City of Claremont.

How to Deal with Plastics

Sustainability Dialog: Monday, September 16, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

Plastic is plastic, right? So why is it so hard to recycle it? What do the numbers 1-7 mean? Why is plastic in the ocean? What would happen if we banned all plastic packaging? Why can’t I put all plastic in my blue bin? Why is food security linked to plastic packaging? I've tried to remove plastic packaging from my life, but it's hard. I feel guilty, but don't know what to do ... so I'm angry at the companies who put me in this position. Who are the companies and what are they doing?

Come hear some answers and consider the complex solutions we face as a society. Terry Grill is Director, Sustainability Americas at Sealed Air Corporation, a founding director of Sustainable Claremont, and a board member of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Hahn Bldg, Rm 101, Pomona College, 420 N Harvard, Claremont

Sustainable Claremont's 2019 Annual Gala

Monday, Oct 14, 6:00-8:30 pm

Join Sustainable Claremont for an elegant evening at the beautiful Padua Hills Theatre for our Annual Fundraiser Gala.  The evening will include a Sunset Cocktail Hour, Slient Auction, and our Sustainability Champion Awards! Tickets may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-claremont-annual-gala-2019-tickets-71414054359

Film series: the Biggest little Farm

Thursday, August 22, 2019, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Rose Hills Theatre, Pomona College, 170 E. Sixth Street, Claremont

Because of popular demand, this event is currently SOLD OUT!

Click HERE to check availability.  Reservations are required.  Tickets will not be available at the door.

Join Sustainable Claremont to celebrate local, sustainable food production with a special showing of the award-winning film, The Biggest Little Farm.

Before the film, meet pioneers of the locally grown food movement – Uncommon Good, Di Stefano Cheese, Amy's Farm and more – sample their goods and learn how supporting locally grown food is good for the environment, and good for the community!
Doors open at 6:00 pm. The film will begin promptly at 7:00pm and is approximately 90 minutes long.

This is event is generously co-sponsored by Pomona College. Parking is available in the structure located at 295 E. First Street.

Latest Dialog video: Home ground: The San Gabriels in the Anthropocene

Watch our latest Dialog video at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLcD5eR5zeQ

In 1877, Sierra Club founder John Muir said that the rugged San Gabriel Mountains were “full of hidden beauty.” But over the last century much has changed. Today almost four million people visit the steep and awe-inspiring San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Angeles National Forest each year, and millions now live in its foothills and canyons. Can Los Angeles’ massive backyard survive the explosion of recreation, the crippling lack of resources, and the accelerating and intersecting challenges of climate change, drought, wildfire, and urbanization? In this Dialog, Char Miller, W. M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History at Pomona College, probes the history and current state of the San Gabriels and then paints a vivid picture of what the next hundred years might be like.

Home Ground: The San Gabriels in the Anthropocene

Sustainability Dialog: Monday, August 5, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

In 1877, Sierra Club founder John Muir said that the rugged San Gabriel Mountains were “full of hidden beauty.” But over the last century much has changed. Today almost four million people visit the steep and awe-inspiring San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Angeles National Forest each year, and millions now live in its foothills and canyons. Can Los Angeles’ massive backyard survive the explosion of recreation, the crippling lack of resources, and the accelerating and intersecting challenges of climate change, drought, wildfire, and urbanization? Join us as Char Miller, W. M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History at Pomona College, probes the history and current state of the San Gabriels and then paints a vivid picture of what the next hundred years might be like.

Hahn Building, Pomona College, 420 N Harvard Ave, Claremont.

Latest Dialog video: Can Village South Achieve Net-Zero Energy?

"Can Claremont's Village South Development Achieve Net-Zero Energy?"

Sustainability Dialog: Monday, July 15, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

Latest Dialog video: Update on the Clean Power Alliance

Latest Dialog video: Gerrymandering and Voter Suppression

A “Kaleidoscope" of California Butterflies!

Wednesday, June 12 2019,  6:30pm -  8:30pm

David Bryant, Director of Visitor Experience at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, will give the Garden Club a closer look at these winged beauties and the native plants they rely on! He will discuss those that can be seen in Claremont and the best plant species to grow to support and attract these remarkable pollinators.

Napier Center, 660 Avery Road, Claremont

See photos from Green Crew at the BFS!

The Green Crew's "California Invasive Species Action Week" event at the Bernard Field Station was a great success!

See photos from the event on our Facebook page and the BFS blog.

"Gerrymandering and Voter Suppression"

Sustainability Dialog: Monday, June 3, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.

Join Green Crew & BFS for Invasive Species Action Week!

Latest Dialog video: Action Through Effective Climate Communication

"Action through Effective Climate Communication"

Latest Dialog video: Claremont’s Choices for Clean Energy – Clarified!

Watch our latest Dialog video at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-BV65dhoHY

Representatives of Clean Power Alliance and Southern California Edison answer questions and clarify opportunities for clean energy use in Claremont.

Dialog March 4: Claremont's Choices for Clean Energy - Clarified!

Representatives of Clean Power Alliance and Southern California Edison have been invited and will be on hand to answer questions and clarify opportunities for clean energy use in Claremont. Participate and make an informed choice that works best for you! Click here to see or download a flyer!

Monday, March 4, 2019, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Rm 101, Hahn Building, Pomona College
420 N Harvard Avenue, Claremont

CPA vs SCE?

Want to understand more about the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and whether to choose CPA or SCE?  Read Freeman Allen's "Demystifying Sustainability" article from the Claremont Clourier – here.

11th Annual Earth Day Celebration April 14!

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Volunteer for Earth Day 2019!

On April 14, Sustainable Claremont will be hosting our 11^th Annual Earth Day Celebration in the Claremont Village! Are you interested in volunteering? Please click here for more info or to sign up: Earth Day Committee 2019

Green Crew Tree Planting

Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019

Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Where: Chaparral Park, 1899 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

 

Meet Sustainable Claremont's Green Crew to plant flowers, trees, and tidy the park for an all-in-one Saturday! Please bring transportation, shovels, and gloves for a fun-filled, family-friendly morning! RSVP Required! greencrewintern@
sustainableclaremont.org

Sustainable Landscape Design: A crash course for creatives and the rest of us!

Wednesday, January 9 2019, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Napier Center, Pilgrim Place, 660 Avery Rd, Claremont

Design is often seen as the most mysterious part of working with landscapes, but it doesn’t need to be that way. At the January Garden Club meeting Scott Kleinrock, Conservation Programs Manager at Chino Basin Water Conservation District, will show us a new and approachable way to develop designs for beautiful, productive, habitat-rich, and easily maintained landscape projects.

Annual Letter and Year-End Fundraising Campaign!

Dear Sustainable Claremont Members and Friends,

Sustainable Claremont has had a fantastic 2018, including:

•  • 25,000 people who came to Earth Day
•  • Standing room only at our City Council Candidate Forum
•  • Two new City Council members with active roles in Sustainable Claremont
•  • More than 500 trees planted in the last year thanks to over 730 volunteers
•  • 35% more visits to the C. Freeman Allen Sustainability Resource Center
•  • The first ever SC Sustainability Film Fest
•  • More than 3,000 volunteer hours to help make Claremont a greener community

We look forward to doing even more in 2019!  But to achieve our goals Sustainable Claremont needs you – our members, volunteers, and yes, financial supporters.  To recognize the importance of your support, the Sustainable Claremont Board will match every dollar raised (up to $3,000) from now until December 31, 2018, to help us achieve so much more in the coming year. If you give today, your donation will have DOUBLE THE IMPACT!

Click HERE to read Sustainable Claremont's 2018 Annual Letter in its entirety and find out about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign!

SUSTAINABLE CLAREMONT seeks a Part-time EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Qualifications/Skills desired:

•  • Passionate about the mission and programs of SC
•  • Thoughtful leader/supervisor of SC Staff (3)
•  • Excellent communicator with Staff, Board, Membership, City officials, & Public
•  • Visionary fundraiser & strong writer
•  • Familiar with financial best-practices and budget oversight

For a full job description of the SC Executive Director, please see http://tiny.cc/SCED2018.

SC current programs/interests:

•  • Green Crew/trees/urban forest management plan
•  • Waste management/composting/urban agriculture
•  • Schools/gardens/environmental literacy curriculum
•  • Garden Club/open space
•  • Green Business Certification program
•  • Water conservation: DRIP/water-wise landscaping/Thompson Creek Spreading Grounds
•  • Energy conservation/alternate energy/climate change
•  • Environmental education/community engagement

Applications should include a letter of interest/qualifications & CV. Please submit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by January 1, 2019. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Latest Dialog video: Safe & Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting

Watch our latest Dialog video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhTV4cvvim8

Guest speakers from Rain Barrels Intl. and San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District joined Sustainable Claremont on November 5, 2018 to discuss the benefits of rain barrels and tanks, design and installation, mosquito prevention, and rebates.

GIVING TUESDAY!

November 20, 2018

Thank you, Rio de Ojas, for partnering with Sustainable Claremont for 2018's #GivingTuesday!

Please consider making your holiday purchases on Tuesday, November 20th at Claremont's Rio de Ojas! (250 Harvard Ave, Claremont). A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sustainable Claremont!

Claremont's Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to supporting groups who make positive, social change possible in Claremont and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.claremontvillage.com/giving-tuesday.

Claremont Garden Club: Camellia Impressionism!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Napier Center, Pilgrim Place, 660 Avery Rd, Claremont

Dr. Bradford King, vice president of the American Camellia Society, will present a history of how the different varieties were named and speak about camellia culture, flower sizes, forms and colors as well as ideas about where to plant them and which camellias to add to our gardens.

Claremont Garden Club meetings are free and open to all. They are held on the second Wednesdays of most months at the Napier Center in Pilgrim Place, 660 Avery Rd, Claremont, 91711. Meetings start at 6:30 pm for refreshments and socializing, and the talks begin at 7pm.

For more information: https://claremontgardenclub.org/activities/meetings

Join Green Crew & the City Of Claremont's Green Crew Tree Planting Event!

"Safe & Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting"

Vanishing of the Bees - Film Event

Thursday, November 8, 2018 7:00–9:30 pm

"VANISHING OF THE BEES", narrated by Ellen Page, takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. This documentary examines our current agricultural landscape and celebrates the ancient and sacred connection between humans and honeybees. To view the film trailer, visit https://vimeo.com/219013246.

Congratulations to our 2018 Sustainability Award Winners!

Congratulations to our 2018 Sustainability Award winners, who were announced at the 2018 Annual Gala!

Sustainability Champion: Kristin Miller (left)

Green Business: Pizza N Such, owners Sue and Mike Verbal (right).

Check out our Facebook page for more photos from the Gala!

Latest Dialog video: City Council candidates forum

Did you miss the City Council candidates forum?  Don't worry!  You can watch the whole forum on YouTube!  Click here.

Freeman Allen named Community Activist of the Year!

Congratulations to Freeman Allen, Sustainable Claremont's founding co-chair, for being named activist of the year by Congresswoman Judy Chu! Congresswoman Chu cited Freeman's instrumental leadership in making Sustainable Claremont become a reality and the vital organization it is today. You can read a nice article about the award in the Claremont Courier.

THE NEED TO GROW - Film Event

This event is a fundraiser for Sustainable Claremont. Tickets for the general public are $25; member tickets are $20. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.laemmle.com/theaters/purchase/17/5529919.  For member pricing, please email outreach@sustainableclaremont.org or call (909) 625-8767 x238 for discount Promo Code.

PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE ANNUAL GALA

Tuesday, Oct 2, 6:00-9:00 pm

Join Sustainable Claremont for an elegant evening at the beautiful Padua Hills Theatre for our Annual Fundraiser Gala.  The evening will include a Sunset Cocktail Hour, Annual Awards, Raffle, and More! Tickets may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planting-seeds-of-hope-annual-gala-2018-tickets-49969628504

Green Crew - Walk the Town

Join our Green Crew, a group of hands-on Sustainable Claremont volunteers, as we begin our educational canvassing efforts for the City of Claremont! Speak with neighbors about FREE street trees they will receive and ask for their commitment to water their trees!! The first event will be held September 22nd, and a complete listing of dates can be found here.

Sustainability Dialog - City Council Candidate Forum

On Friday, September 21, Sustainable Claremont and Claremont Heritage will jointly host a Claremont City Council Candidates Forum at 7:00 pm in Hahn Hall on the campus of Pomona College. All six candidates have been invited to dialogue with you about Claremont issues in light of its heritage and future sustainability. Each candidate will give a brief presentation and then have an opportunity to answer questions drawn from the audience. Participate and become an informed voter!

Garden Club meetings

These start up again on September 12th, and everyone is welcome! You can find the list of talks scheduled for 2018-2019 at www.claremontgardenclub.org.

Latest Dialog Video: "The Latest on Claremont's Village South Specific Plan"

At the July Sustainable Claremont Dialog, Principal Planner Chris Veirs brought us up to date on plans for the 17-acre Vilage South Development.  If you missed it or would like to see it again, click here to see the video!

Dialog July 23: What's the plan for Village South?

At the next Sustainable Claremont Dialog, Principal Planner Chris Veirs will bring us up-to-date on plans for the 17-acre Vilage South Development, which will take advantage of the Goldline extension and will likely be trend-setting in terms sustainable development. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion! Click here to see or download a flyer!

Monday, July 23, 2018, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Rm 101, Hahn Building, Pomona College
420 N Harvard Avenue, Claremont

Latest Dialog Videos: "Greywater 101"

Although the June 4 dialog was not recorded, Greywater Action has graciously made two videos available – Greywater 101 & Greywater & Fruit Trees for Southern California

Latest Dialog Video: "Measure SC - the Police Station Bond"

Photos from Earth Day 2018

Please check out our Earth Day photos on Facebook!

Claremont's 10th Annual Earth Day Celebration was an amazing success!

A letter from Steve Sabicer, Executive Director, Sustainable Claremont

On behalf of Sustainable Claremont, I want to thank everyone who made it out to ride, have fun, learn, share, volunteer, visit local business, direct traffic, keep folks safe, and simply enjoy the fantastic sunny day we had at this year's Earth Day...  Read more.

10th Annual Earth Day T-shirts and Posters Available!

A letter from Steve Sabicer, Executive Director, on Sustainable Claremont's 10th Annual Earth Day

On behalf of Sustainable Claremont, I want to thank everyone who made it out to ride, have fun, learn, share, volunteer, visit local business, direct traffic, keep folks safe, and simply enjoy the fantastic sunny day we had at this year's Earth Day!

They are still tallying how many people visited Claremont yesterday, but it was certainly thousands, maybe tens of thousands. I, for one, can tell you that there were smiles on every face as bicyclists, pedestrians, and pets took over the Village. It was truly inspiring to see our town embracing a greener way of getting around, improving our air quality, saving energy, getting exercise, all while enjoying each other's company. One young woman said, "this is the Claremont I want every day." I couldn't agree more! This is the Claremont we can continue to build together.

THANK YOU City Of Claremont, Claremont Police Department, and CicLAvia for the amazing job of working with all four cities to ensure the bicycle route was a success. THANK YOU Golden State Water Company and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for your gold sponsorship of the Earth Day Celebration. THANK YOU Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market and Claremont Museum of Art for making this a true partnership. THANK YOU to the more than 80 business, non-profits, churches, schools, and other community organizations that shared "green" messages with our community. That is what Earth Day is all about, and you made it happen.

And THANK YOU to the more than 50 Sustainable Claremont volunteers who set up, staffed, answered questions, and made this Earth Day Celebration the largest ever in our city! THANK YOU!!!!

I have not seen a better community-oriented, friendly, and fun day in the Village...ever! Thanks again for being the community I knew we always were, and here's to doing more as a community to keep our town, state, nation, and planet cleaner, safer, richer and more sustainable for all.

Thank You Claremont!

Steve Sabicer
Executive Director
Sustainable Claremont

Please check out our Earth Day photos on Facebook!

Latest Dialog Video: "Are You Ready to Drive Electric?"

Thinking of buying an electric car? Want to know the ins and outs of owning one? Check out the latest Dialog Video to hear personal experiences by Tom Bleakney and Tom Helliwell, fellow physicists and electric car enthusiasts, to find out how far electric vehicles have come and learn about the positive impact that driving electric has on your carbon footprint!

Garden Tour Tickets now available!

"Claremont Eclectic: A Tour of Six Local Gardens" will take place on Sunday, April 14, 1pm to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online now. All the info you need is on the Garden Club website. A chance to see gardens, talk to the owners, get ideas, and have fun!

Home Energy Workshop February 19

Solar power? Electric vehicles? How will YOU save energy in 2018? Learn about all the latest trends and technologies in the clean energy industry at this Home Energy Workshop featuring displays, demos, a presentation, and a discussion session to provide an inside look at solar, battery, electric vehicle, and energy efficiency solutions for your home! Monday, February 19,7:00-8:30 PM, Hahn Building 101, 420 N Harvard Ave. Check out the Calendar Listing for details!

Latest Dialog Video: "Tips on Proper Pruning of Fruit Trees"

Want to know how to prune your fruit trees? Check out the Video of the February Sustainability Dialog on "Tips on Proper Pruning of Fruit Trees" by Dave Roger, City of Claremont Community Services Deputy Director.

Garden Club March 14: Growing Great Tomatoes Easily!

Please join us for an entertaining talk by Dave Freed, The Tomato Guy!  See the calendar entry for more info. We hope to see you there!

2017 Annual Meeting: Plant Seeds of Hope!

You are invited to the…
Sustainable Claremont
Annual Meeting 2017
“Plant Seeds of Hope”

Monday, October 2, 2017
6 PM: Social hour
7 - 8:30 PM: Meeting
Padua Hills Theater,
4467 Padua Ave, Claremont

PLEASE RSVP
Sustainable Claremont
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(909) 625-8767 ext. 238

SPONSORSHIP and EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

All Sustainable Claremont Annual Meeting Sponsors are invited to host an exhibit regarding Planting Seeds of Hope in the lovely Padua Hills Theater lobby during the social hour from 6 PM to 7 PM. Approximately 100 guests, including local environmental, government, college, business, non-profit, school, and community leaders, will enjoy appetizers, live music, and discussing their interests with you. We want you to showcase the work you are doing to Plant Seeds of Hope!

Sustaining Hope Sponsorship Benefits

Larger logo in all print publicity materials including flyers and newspaper ads
Larger logo and recognition in event program, signs, and slide presentation
Larger logo and recognition on Sustainable Claremont website, social media, and newsletter
One Year Sustainable Claremont Organizational Membership at the Silver Level
Premiere exhibit space with 2 chairs and a table at Padua Hills Theatre during the Annual Meeting social hour

Seed of Hope Sponsorship Benefits

Logo and recognition in event program, signs, and slide presentation
Logo and recognition on Sustainable Claremont website, social media, and newsletter
One Year Sustainable Claremont Organizational Membership at the Silver Level
Exhibit space with 2 chairs and a table at Padua Hills Theatre during the Annual Meeting social hour

Nonprofit Sponsorship Benefits

Name recognition in event program, signs, and slide presentation
Logo and recognition on Sustainable Claremont website, social media, and newsletter
One Year Sustainable Claremont Nonprofit Membership
Exhibit space with 2 chairs and a table at Padua Hills Theatre during the Annual Meeting social hour

Just Want to Exhibit, Please

Exhibit space with 2 chairs and a table at Padua Hills Theatre during the Annual Meeting social hour

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Please contact Sustainable Claremont as you wish at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(909) 625-8767  x238

Claremont Flower Show March 23 and 24

The Garden Club's juried show is free and open to anyone who wants to participate or just to stop by and view the entries.

Latest Dialog Video: Alternative Energy

The City Council will soon be considering whether Claremont should alter the way we get our electricity. You can find out more by watching the video of the July Sustainability Dialog.

Toward Ecological Civilization: Where's It All Heading?

Join us at 420 N Harvard Ave, 7pm on Monday, June 5, for our latest Dialog. Phillip Clayton will present a summary of initiatives from Ecovillages to food justice, national policy changes, and the environmental movement in China--put together they reveal a roadmap to the civilization of the future. More info about this organisation at EcoCiv.

Claremont Flower Show: March 10th and 11th

All gardeners are invited to participate in this fun, free, juried event sponsored by The Woman's Club and The Claremont Garden Club.

Show off your skills with living and cut flower arrangements,garden blooms and more!
Or visit on Friday noon to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm at the Woman'ts Club, 343 W 12th St to see the entries.

Fill out the online entry form (no form is necessary but sending one in by Thursday eve guarantees a space). The flower show rules are here (PDF, 136KB).  If you have any questions, just email theThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..                         

Watch Sustainability Dialog Videos!

We now have equipment to record the Dialog talks! To see them, go to "Articles and Dialogs" in the menu at left or check out YouTube.

Claremont Teachers' Association donates $1000 to SC!

The CHS production of "Our Town", whose cast included both students and community members, designated school gardens as one of four programs to benefit from the proceeds of the play. The photo shows Kara Evans (center), presenting the check to Steve Sabicer, SC Chair, and Peggy Kelly, Schools Action Group Chair.

2016 Annual Meeting and Resource Center Dedication Ceremony: Rooting for our Community

Please join us for our
C. Freeman Allen Resource Center Dedication Ceremony
and
Annual Meeting 2016

Monday, October 3
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Padua Hills Theater
4467 Padua Ave, Claremont

Our annual meeting will feature awards, exhibits, and presentations about past and future work, along with delicious refreshments!

A highlight will be the dedication of the Resource Center to C. Freeman Allen, one of the founders of Sustainable Claremont. Among many other accomplishments, Freeman has worked to implement
motor vehicle smog regulations, preserve Thompson's Creek Spreading Grounds, and establish
the Claremont Home Energy Retrofit Project. Please click HERE
if you plan to join ius for this exceptional evening.

Green Drinks!

Join the next meeting of the Green Drinks crew! Families (and pets!) are invited for a little education and a lot of fun, conversation, and camaraderie! Details on the calendar; more info on the Facebook page.

Green Drinks: Solar Energy!

Thursday, November 15, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Claremont Craft Ales

Wonder what it's like to own solar panels?
Do you have questions but aren't sure whom to ask?
November Green Drinks is your chance to ask questions!

Meet with other solar panel owners, as well as representatives from PICK MY SOLAR, a company whose mission is to make your experience easier, hassle-free, and to save you money!

Claremont Green Drinks is casual and fun, and everybody is welcome! For more info, visit our Facebook page!

Energy Tips!

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the new coordinator for the Claremont Energy Challenge, if you'd like to get emails about how to save energy and help Claremont make it to the final round of the competition for the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize.

Are You Spring Cleaning?

Old medications, batteries, razor blades, e-waste, and just general junk tend to pile up. Get info about how to get rid of them safely on our waste management page.

See the Video! We are the Coolest California City!

Take a look at this VIDEO review of the Cool California Challenge! As the first place city, we won over $51,000 to use for sustainability projects in Claremont. Many thanks to all participating individuals and teams!

Program Contractor for Claremont Energy Challenge Sought!

We are looking for an independent contractor to help us implement our commitments to the Claremont Energy Challenge, our proposal for winning the Georgetown University Energy Prize (see below). If you are a passionate advocate for energy efficiiency, please apply! Click here for details of the position.

The application period ends Friday, March 11, 2016.

Amazon Smile

Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible items to SC, so if you are going to buy from Amazon anyway, go to www.smile.amazon.com, sign in or create an account, and choose "Sustainable Claremont" as the charity. (Of course, we are delighted to get direct donations from our members--just use the "Donate" button above.)

Help SC win the Cool California Challenge!

The Cool California Challenge is on again but ends this month! It's easy to do--go to the Energy Upgrade site to sign up and get more info. Help SC and get a better idea of where your energy dollars are going. You can see more info on the city page.

Changes to the SC Board

SC officers are chosen after the Annual Meeting in October: Our new Chair is Steve Sabicer, who has rejoined the Board; Richard Haskell has agreed to serve as Vice Chair; Katie Gerecke will contiue as Secretary; and John Heitkemper has been elected to the Board and will serve as Treasurer. Thanks to them all! New at large Board members are Sorrel Stielstra and Kristin Miller. Susan Schenk is returning to the Board and will be the Garden Club representative.

2015 Annual Meeting: Energize Claremont!

Join Sustainable Claremont for our 2015 Annual Meeting
as we celebrate our  past year'smany accomplishments
and look forward to another year of sustainability!

There will be booths featuring local green businesses and organizations,
refreshments, and a green awards presentation! For more info,
check the flyer or contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Low-Water Landscape Expo

Want a Claremont-friendly garden? Want to eliminate your lawn? Keep your trees? Come to a FREE landscaping expo!

• Meet contractors ready to give information and estimates!
• Hear from experts about turf removal, landscape design, water-efficient irrigation, maintenance, and more!
• Learn about the new drought restrictions!
• Live music, kids’ activities, and a food truck!

Sunday, October 4th, from 11am to 3pm at the Sustainability Resource Center -- in the Lenz Building at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave.  See you there!

➤ Service Providers and Nonprofits: you can use this form to reserve a spot.

Check out this flyer to see the schedule of events and a list of useful resources!

New Sustainability Coordinator Sought!

Application period closed.

Sustainable Claremont is seeking a part-time employee (with the potential to become full-time) to work 20-25 hours per week at an hourly rate between $15-$19. The employee shall have a keen interest in sustainability and will staff the Sustainability Resource Center office and support the activities of the organization.  Desired capabilities include organizational skills, ability to interact effectively with the public, a background or demonstrated interest related to sustainability, media and computer skills, a creative perspective, and a ‘Can-Do’ attitude. For more information or to apply, use the website contact form.

Claremont Colleges Ranked Highly!

The Claremont Colleges are all on the Forbes list of America's Top Colleges! Pomona ranked #1, CMC #18, HMC #57 Scripps #80, and Pitzer #109. Colorado State, Green Mountain, and Colby State ranked highest on BestColleges.com's list of Greenest Universities,. Although none of the 5Cs made that list this year, all are working hard to become more sustainable --we hope they are included soon!

Low-Water Landscape Expo

Want a Claremont-friendly garden? Want to eliminate your lawn? Keep your trees? Come to a FREE landscaping expo!

• Meet contractors ready to give information and estimates!
• Hear from experts about turf removal, landscape design, water-efficient irrigation, maintenance, and more!
• Learn about the new drought restrictions!
• Live music, kids’ activities, and a food truck!

Sunday, June 14th, from 11am to 3pm at the Sustainability Resource Center -- in the Lenz Building at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave.  See you there!

➤ Service Providers: you can use this form to reserve a spot.

Claremont exceeds mandated water reduction

Claremont has  considerably exceeded the mandated 32% reduction in water use--Kudos to everyone who has helped.

The following restrictions remain in efftect: No watering between 9 am and 5pm. Even-numbered houses can water M and Th; odd-numbered houses can water T and F. Watering is limited to 15 min in a day for each set of sprinklers. No restrictions on length of time if using drip irrigation or a hand-held hose with a shut-off valve.

Please note that our municipal code requires citizens  to water their street trees. For some info on how  to do this while reduciing overall water usage, see the watering guides posted on this site.

For up-to-date information on many aspects of water reduction go to the State Water Resources Control Board's Water Conservation Portal.

Caring for Trees in the Drought

Save Water or Save Trees? We can do both! A new Tree Coalition has produced a flyer with information about how to make sure we remain a City of Trees while we reduce our water use. More info on the Garden Club pages here and on the Tree Action Group website. Questions can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or you can phone the Sustainability Resource Center (see left).

The Case Against Artificial Turf

TreePeople and Sustainable Claremont have written about the adverse affects artificial turf has on our environment.

Current Landscape Water Regulations

Claremont residents will need to comply with special water-use restrictions to help the City reach its mandatory 32% reduction in water use.

The current restrictions include: no watering between 9am and 5pm; odd-numbered houses can water on T and F; even-numbered houses can water on M and Th; each set of automatic sprinklers can only run for 15 minutes in a day; the 15 minute limit does not apply to drip irrigation or hand-watering with a shut-off nozzle.

More information can be found in the City's staff report.

Sustainability Resource Center Officially Opens!

Our new Sustainability Resource Center is now open Tuesday through Friday, from 9 am to 1pm, in the Lenz Building at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave.   Stop by and meet Alexis Reyes, our sustainability coordinator. The phone is (909) 625-8767 ext 238.

The 2015 Claremont Garden Club Tour

The Garden Club tour, "Claremont Eclectic: A Tour of Six Local Gardens" was a great success --many thanks to all who helped. A good time was had by all and we hope to see you next year. 

The 2016 Claremont Garden Club Tour

The 2015 Garden Tour was a great success! If you'd like to suggest a garden for next year's tour, please email your suggestion to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Urban Farm in Claremont

Temple Beth Israel has converted lawn into an urban farm managed by UnCommon Good. This will provide jobs for unemployed farmers, along with produce for their families and for the public to buy at UnCommon Good's headquarters behind the Methodist Church. You can order a weekly box of sustainably-grown produce at www.uncommon good.

Sustainable Claremont's Food Waste Challenge

The goal in Claremont's Sustainable City Plan is 70% waste diversion by 2015. We're close, but we should do more. One thing we can improve is the amount of food waste going to landfills. Residents and restaurants can have a huge impact, but we need your help! Read The Food Waste Challenge to get involved.

New Book on Urban Protected Areas

Dr. Ted Trzyna of Claremont's InterEnvironment Institute has published a new book "Urban Protected Areas" which profiles natural areas near urban centers located all around the world. Included is the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. This PDF has more information.

Featured Article from Interfaith Sustainability Council: Fair Trade News

Fair Trade ensures that every product is economically, socially, and environmentally responsible. A couple of years ago Claremont became the first "Fair Trade Town" in Southern California. Now Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church has become one of the first "Fair Trade Congregations" in the nation.

2013 Sustainability Report Card

The Sustainability Report Card tracks progress in key areas concerning Claremont's sustainability. Overall, Claremont continued progress on 85% of the areas tracked, but we still have some areas to work on, namely water and energy. Read the full report (PDF, 2.7MB) to see how Claremont performed in 2013.

SC Presents at Harvey Mudd's Engineers for a Sustainable World Conference

Sustainable Claremont presented at Harvey Mudd’s ESW Conference. The topic was "Sustainability Initiatives in Claremont", with a focus on "Leveraging the Power of Schools". Check out the full powerpoint presentation (7.9MB).

Individual Control Leads to Lower Energy Use

A "Plugwise" study by Carnegie Mellon University found that employees who monitored their energy use, and could control when specific devices turned on and off, cut their energy consumption by nearly 40%. This mirrors results from the recent Cool California Challenge where Claremont residents gained significant energy savings simply by monitoring their energy use, comparing it to that of their neighbors, then taking action to reduce consumption in their homes. The Providence Journal has an article with more details on the study and its results.

What is Claremont's Water Future?

Click here to see some thoughts on that.