On Monday June 30 at about 9:45 pm, we received calls of a mountain lion in the back yard of residences in the 1900 block N. Mills Ave. Responding officers could not locate the mountain lion.

Mountain Lions
More than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions generally exist wherever deer are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California's human population expands into mountain lion habitat.
 
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active, and don't allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active --dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Don't leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Do not approach a mountain lion.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
• If attacked, fight back.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

• CA Fish & Game Information on Mountain Lions

The following laws regulating the use of cell phones while driving become effective on July 1, 2008:

Minors Use of Wireless Devices While Driving Prohibited: Persons under 18 years of age are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, including a hands-free device, and/or a mobile service device (pagers, texting devices, laptops, etc) (CA Vehicle Section 23124).

Adult Use of Wireless Devices While Driving - Hands Free Only: Persons 18 years of age and older are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless a hands-free device is used. The law provides an exemption if the devices are being used for emergency purposes, or by an emergency services professional operating an authorized emergency vehicle (CA Vehicle Code Section 23123).

Residents interested in taking a more active role in the City's decision-making process are encouraged to apply for appointment to the City's Police Commission. There is a possibility that the Police Commission will have vacancies later this summer.

Claremont uses the Police Commission to advise and assist the City Council in dealing with issues related to the police department. The Police Commission does this by gathering pertinent information, hearing arguments, weighing values, and making recommendations to the council.

Commissioners are appointed by the City Council based on the results of application reviews and personal interviews. Qualifications for commission service include; Claremont residency (with certain exceptions), a strong interest in the community and the work of the commission, and the ability to give generously of one's time when serving. It is the council's goal to appoint commissioners who reflect the diversity of the community.

Residents wishing to be considered for a Police Commission appointment must submit an application to the City Clerk. Applications are available by calling the City Clerk at (909) 399-5460, submitting an e-mail request to contact@ci.claremont.ca.us, or opening the printable PDF file on the City's website (click on 'Home', then 'City Government', then 'Commissions'). Please return your completed application to the City Clerk's office by July 7.

We experienced six thefts from unlocked vehicles overnight from Sunday night to Monday morning, June 22-23. All thefts occurred north of Baseline Rd., and from the west City limits to approximately Indian Hill Blvd. Property stolen includes electronics, such as an IPod, GPS unit, laptop computer, and TV monitor.

This serves as a reminder to remove valuables from your vehicle and to always lock your vehicle when left unattended.

Claremont's recently adopted solicitation ordinance becomes effective Thursday, June 12, 2008. This ordinance replaces a prior ordinance that was determined unconstitutional by the courts. The new ordinance requires all persons, businesses, and organizations wishing to solicit in the City for any money, funds, or contributions to obtain a permit. Solicitation also includes persons approaching others asking for money, asking for donations, and distribution of fliers and leaflets offering services or products. The permit process is less extensive for political, religious, and charitable organizations. Permits are not required if the contact does not involve the solicitation of money, funds, or contributions, or for the delivery of items ordered by resident or business.

City residents and business persons can sign up for their address to be listed on the "Do Not Knock" Registry by completing a form at City Hall or the Police Department. The form will also be mailed with the July refuse bill, and can also be downloaded from the Police Department website. An updated list of "Do Not Knock" Registry addresses will be posted on the City website on the 1^st of each month and will be available to the general public. Addresses listed on the "Do Not Knock" Registry will automatically expire and will be removed from the list after one year unless renewed. Stickers indicating inclusion on the "Do Not Knock Registry" and "No Solicitation" signs will soon be available for purchase at City Hall. A sticker or sign is not required for those listed on the registry, but may be helpful to prevent unwanted solicitors.

All solicitors are prohibited from soliciting at any location listed on the "Do Not Knock" Registry, or from any location with a sign posted prohibiting solicitation. Solicitation is also prohibited from dusk to 8 a.m., and at the following locations: bus stop, public transportation vehicles or facilities, public parking lots or parking structures, outdoor dining areas, or within 50 feet of an ATM. Violators are subject to arrest and a $1,000 fine.

More information about the new solicitation ordinance is available on this website from the "Crime Prevention" menu.

• Click Here for More Information

The following related robberies occurred on Monday, May 12, 2008.

At about 3:40 pm, two female teens were walking south on Mountain Ave. north of Bonita Ave. when they were confronted by the passenger of a white four-door pickup truck. The suspect demanded an Ipod carried by one of the teens as he held a handgun at his side. The teen handed over her Ipod and the suspect left in the truck north on Mountain Ave.

At about 3:50 pm, a male teen was walking south on Mountain Ave. near Santa Clara Ave. when two suspects approached him on foot and demanded his electronic game. The suspects pushed the victim around and the victim felt one of the suspects press against his side an object that felt like a handgun. The victim surrendered his game and the suspects fled in the suspect vehicle west on Santa Clara Ave.

Suspect #1: Male Hispanic, 16-19 years old, 5'-6" to 5'-9", 150 to 180 lbs, shaved head, white t-shirt turned inside-out, baggy shorts or blue jeans.

Suspect #2: Male Hispanic, 16-19 years old, 180 lbs., shaved head, black t-shirt with "g-unit" logo, blue jeans.

Suspect Vehicle: Newer white 4-door Chevy Silvarado, tinted windows, chrome low profile rims/tires.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at about 12:55 p.m., two burglary suspects entered a residence in the 600 block of south Sycamore Ave. (just west of Mills Ave. and north of I-10) through an unlocked rear window. They began to load items into their vehicle that was backed into the driveway when the resident arrived home. The suspects fled in the vehicle south on Sycamore Ave. and then west on San Jose Ave.

Suspect Vehicle: Teal Mini Van, possibly a KIA or Ford with sloping front hood, late 90's or early 00's.

Suspect #1: Male Black in his 20's, thin build, wearing dark clothing.

Suspect #2:: Male Hispanic in his 30's, heavy build, clean shaven, wearing dark clothing, driver of vehicle.