In this second of two interviews with Mark Ralph, President of Claremont Tutors, one of their best tutors, Baili Zhong, joins the program to describe and discuss the next phase in pursuing his passion to help others improve their Financial Literacy. Upon graduating from Claremont's Pomona College with a BS in Chemistry, Baili chose to pivot and tur…

In this informative, inspiring and often touching interview, Mark Ralph, the president of Claremont Tutors, brings to light one of the many real-life, transformational success stories CT has had a hand in over the last decade and more. Claremont High School star student Julene Carson and her mother, Kelly, describe Julene's path from struggling wit…

The Claremont Village Marketing Group (CVMG) is one of the key organizations that make Claremont's Village commercial area , and to a large degree Claremont itself, unique, interesting, attractive and a quality experience for residents, visitors and merchants. In this interview, Yvette Hart, CVMG's personable and articulate President, opens up abou…

In advance of an event at the Packing House, Uncommon Good's Farm Program Manager Johanna Larios took a few moments to introduce herself to Claremont Speak's listeners, highlight some of the constructive contributory activities in which UG is currently engaged, and invite Claremont to visit their presentation at the Claremont Packing House for The …

Claremont Speaks gets a much-needed jump-start from two of Claremont's best and brightest Dodger and baseball fans, Steven Haskins and Jed Leano, respectively. Even though the Dodgers didn't ascend to the World Series this year, it was an extraordinary season of highs and lows driven by unforeseen events, trades, management strategy, injuries and m…

Our guest for this episode is Claremont's own Dr. Monica Blied, the co-author of 12 journal articles, 4 book chapters, and over 60 conference presentations, and is an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University. She serves the public through her work on the Medical Advisory Board for Lupus LA (as a Lupus Warrior) and the California Psychological Ass…

Mick Rhodes is an award-winning journalist, prolific songwriter, talented and popular musician. Mick's writing and reporting has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Reno Gazette Journal, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza.. He has likely been read or heard by nearly everyone in Claremont at some point, and is enjoyed every w…

This episode features Mel Boynton, someone whom, at first look, most might say is an "average citizen." In the relaxed and conversational interview, Mel touches on his worldwide travel experiences, passion for pursuing incrementally improving Claremont through local community activism, his contributions and accomplishments in bettering the communit…

By many in the art world, Claremont is regarded as being one of the centers of the Mid-Century movement. Claremont native Catherine McIntosh grew up in Padua Hills with father and renowned ceramist Harrison McIntosh and mother Marguerite, founder of the Claremont Museum of Art. As a child up through college age, she was surrounded by other artists …

Lydia Bouroumand is one of the quiet, seldom heralded but nonetheless true heroes of Claremont. In this disarmingly casual yet touching interview, Lydia outlines the events and influences in her life and career that have brought her to now serve as the President of Claremont Meals on Wheels, and Senior Case Manager and Director of Resource Speciali…

In a fascinating and informative interview, Nancy Mintie, the Executive Director of Uncommon Good - a Claremont-based organization focused on "Empowering families through education, medicine, and the environment", recounts her selfless and generous, lifelong path of service to, and advocacy for those in our society who often need help the most and …

Adam Pirrie discusses the high points of his multi-continent, multi-cultural, global journey to becoming Claremont's recently appointed City Manager. He discusses the life lessons, opportunities, challenges, fate, and successes that brought him from South Africa to Perth, Australia, to Central California to earning the opportunity to become Claremo…

Claremont Speaks often features those among us, from all walks of life, who are different, interesting and tenaciously working to achieve success on their own terms, whether in education, politics, business, the arts, or other pursuits. This episode's guests have chosen paths not everyone does, nor would even think possible. Mario Garcia, born blin…

Long-time Claremont resident, child star and successful entrepreneur Emily Moultrie weaves a fascinating and revealing account of becoming a popular, successful childhood actor and accomplished singer - including winning Star Search - to making award-winning beers and ales in one of Claremont's best-loved and most iconic start-ups, Claremont Craft …

Dodger and baseball uber-fans Steve Haskins and Jed Leano return to Claremont Speaks to review and critique the many moves the Dodgers have made in the off-season, evaluate the money spent and potential value received, remember Tommy Lasorda and reveal their expectations and predictions for the 2021 season in an interview that shows a depth of know…

The engaging, charming and extraordinary art expert, Victoria Sancho Lobis, Director of Claremont's New Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, discusses the many fascinating facets of The Benton museum, including the incredible works and exhibits that will be on display, the talented and unique artists that are contributing to the upcoming showing…

This timely and inspiring episode features Smoke-Free Claremont/NCADD representatives Shae Green and Erika Gonzales in an informative, insightful and, ideally, motivating interview spotlighting the great work that Smoke-Free Claremont has done and the progress they've made, the important services that The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dep…

This extraordinary episode features one of Claremont's favorite daughters, Madam Mayor Jennifer Stark. Mayor Stark converses openly and honestly about the travel, education, family and life experiences that comprise the foundation of the community leader she has become today. In a relaxed and personable dialogue, Ms. Stark relates what has driven h…

At the January 12, 2021, City Council Meeting, a proposal for a pilot program was made to evaluate the viability of collecting and delivering Claremont's Green Waste to Athens/American Organics and forking over $85/ton to get them to take it. In this episode, Russ presents a few ideas that could turn the expense into a considerable revenue opportun…

The Claremont representatives of the ADEM/DSCC - the California Democratic Party's 41st Assembly District - discuss and explain the positives and the opportunities for adding value and effecting change for the better. In this episode, Phalana Tiller, Joe Salas, Larissa Marie and Josue Barnes take a deep dive into who they are, what motivates them, …

This engaging episode features an in-depth and informative conversation with three Claremont residents and prominent leaders of Project Rebound and the Prison Education Project; Romarilyn Ralston, Dr. Vanessa Ovalle Perez and Ernst Fenelon, Jr. These accomplished and driven community contributors are part of the driving force behind Project Rebound…

Murray Gilkeson, Claremont resident and loyal Dodger fan since about the time they moved to LA, was converted from the depths of Yankee-dom to becoming one of the most enduring Dodger fans since watching none other than Sandy Koufax during his first season here in Los Angeles. He has followed the Dodgers and been a completely committed fan ever sin…

Steve Haskins, Claremont resident, lawyer, lifelong Dodger fan discusses his introduction to the Dodgers, his favorite players and games, how several came to mean so much to him in his life, and shows just a preview of a level of insight and knowledge for which the word "astonishing" would be a severe understatement. This conversation contains the …

Patti Havens, born near Dodger Stadium as it was being built, reveals how she became a serious Dodger fan in her youth, her favorite Dodger experiences and games, and a surprisingly thorough and deep knowledge of the teams, the players, what it takes to be a Dodger. She offers additional insight with her review of the 2020 team and her predictions …

To take a "fun break" from politics and other serious issues, Claremont Speaks tried to find and talk to the most serious Dodger fans in the city. Jed Leano, City Council member, lawyer, and full time seriously addicted baseball fan, joins Russ in "talkin' Dodgers" with the top three respondents. Each contender stepped squarely up to the plate and,…

Andy Dale and Paul Henry, long-time Claremont residents, local business owners, community activists and leaders of the Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club, highlight the unique, charitable and important programs the CSR supports, both in Claremont and around the world. The engaging pair discuss this year's Claremont Turkey Trot - an iconic event that has…

In an in-depth interview, current Council member and three-time mayor Corey Calaycay, the only incumbent in the current election, discusses his journey to first being elected over a decade and a half ago and the challenges, hurdles, and successes of his time serving Claremont on the City Council and as mayor. He brings into sharp focus the underlyi…

Of the many upsides of living in Claremont, few rival the quality and value of the education students receive in our schools. This episode's featured guests, Claremont Tutors, are dedicated to, and passionate about helping students make the absolute most of this already considerable advantage. In this open and honest conversation, Claremont Tutor's…

Christine Margiotta, a tenacious, driven activist and successful organizer/advocate for social and environmental change through non-profit programs such as the United Way, Sustainable Claremont, and CHERP, is the Executive Director of Social Ventures Partner - and a mother of two - has taken the next logical step: run for Claremont City Council. In…

Joe Salas, a Claremont resident for over 35 years, a continuously active contributor to the community, a tireless homeless advocate, and Special Education teacher has accepted the challenge to fill the vacancy in the Citrus College Board of Trustees as the Claremont/Area 2 representative. In a conversational, thoughtful and informative interview, J…

In Claremont, Sam Pedroza can be associated with many, many contributions to, and leadership positions within the City of Claremont; he has served/chaired on the Claremont Community Services Committee and the Youth Sports Facility Commission, was the first Latino to be elected to the City Council and served twice as Mayor. He continues his stream o…

Throughout an informative and engaging interview, Citrus College Area 2 Board of Trustees candidate Laura Bollinger - a quarter-century Claremont resident and one of several Citrus College graduates in her family - brings light to how her depth of knowledge, valuable and enduring accomplishments, and hands-on experience in key roles with the Clarem…

Randy Lopez, a long-time Claremont resident, business owner and Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce discusses his early years working locally and launching iconic businesses in Claremont, his professional successes and prevailing over very personal hurdles. He relates how they all combine to drive him to help make Claremont's business com…

Sal Medina, a Claremont resident and successful business-owner for over a dozen years and former Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, gives a very personal, yet direct and honest interview discussing his family's move to America and the lessons learned from the challenges of owning the Packing House's remaining original business. Sal then opens up …

In an informative and articulate interview, twenty-one-year Claremont resident and Community College Association President Eric Kaljumagi reveals his background, unique and substantial experience, accomplishments, and many strong qualifications that support becoming the next Citrus College Board of Trustees member for Area 2. He presents logical an…

In an extraordinary, engaging, and in-depth interview, Ethan Reznik, Candidate for City Council, District One, illustrates the unique value of his upbringing, his experience assisting in his family's bed & board care facility, his early political experience, and the strengths and benefits to Claremont of his education. He explains his passion and p…

In an interview about the new programs, the accomplishments and culture of Claremont's Alternative San Antonio High School, Teachers Jessica Ly and Melissa Gaw discuss and highlight their path to becoming teachers at SAHS, their accomplishments, some of the key advancements they have helped institute at the school during their time there, and some …

Chris Naticchia is a twenty-five year Claremont resident, California State University professor, has served on the Claremont Unified School District's parent advisory committee for the Local Control Accountability Plan and is a city commissioner. He is a parent of a student entering Claremont High School this year, and active in the Claremont commu…

Kathy Archer is a longtime Claremont resident, an accomplished local school teacher with over two decades of experience in the classroom and has served as Leadership Chair, Department Chair, District Technology Committee Member and WASC Accreditation Chair, as well as one of the driving forces behind the successful Measure G Bond Campaign. In a one…

In a candid and timely interview, Bob Fass discusses his background as a Claremont native and graduate of the Claremont School System, his path post-graduation, and the primary reasons he returned to Claremont with his family. He reveals how and why he has served the community since, and the key values, considerations and objectives that are the pi…

Anne K. Turner, Director of Human Services for the City of Claremont engages in a genuine, serious yet entertaining discussion about her unique early exposure to the leaders of the civil rights movement when growing up helped shape the person she is today and provide the drive to accomplish all that she has so far. Additionally, she illustrates the…

A personal, open and revealing interview with Michael Ceraso, Candidate for Claremont City Council, District 5, in which he brings to light his struggles growing up, the help he received, how those experiences shaped the person he is now, and his visions, goals and perspectives regarding his goas and the value he can bring to Claremont as a member …

An honest, open conversation with Rolondo Talbott, an outspoken and outstanding member of Claremont's Police Commission, about his life-path, accomplishments, the incident that sparked his joining the Police Commission, his perspectives on BLM, defunding the police, improving communication and his goals and visions for Claremont's future. Feedback,…

Bennett Rea, Grassroots "Man of the People" Candidate for Claremont's District Five discusses his background, his views on racial Justice and profiling, dismantling systemic racism, solving environmental and economic racism, civil rights and more regarding his objectives for being a City Council member and his core list of target accomplishments. H…

An introduction to "Claremont Speaks..." and the host, explaining how the podcast came to be and establishing its target achievements. 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 …