A New Walk in Old Town Is Sharing La Verne’s History
Meet the inaugural inductees of the Pride of La Verne Walk of Honor. Plus get highlights from the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.
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Pride of La Verne Walk of Honor Recognizes 10 Community Members
Old Town La Verne gained a new landmark last weekend as the community marked the debut of the Pride of La Verne Walk of Honor, a recognition program rooted in a simple idea: shining a spotlight on the people who quietly shape the City.
“A lot of people are kind of the silent contributors that just do what they do and aren’t always recognized the way they probably should be,” said Craig Walters, chairman of the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Advisory Board, and part of the group that helped create the program.
According to Walters, the concept emerged from former mayor Don Kendrick, who, as a longtime resident and community volunteer, had often reflected on how many contributors “deserve some recognition” but aren’t always acknowledged. Kendrick approached Walters, who is also a lifelong resident and former council member, about creating a permanent tribute in Old Town.
Ally Brantley, associate professor of history at the University of La Verne, described the Walk of Honor as a strong example of public history in action. “The honorees reflect both Brethren/Euro-American and Latino history in the story the City tells about itself, bringing the diverse histories of La Verne into public space,” she said.
The inaugural class honors community founders, volunteers, educators, veterans, athletes, and families whose impact spans more than a century.
2025 Walk of Fame Honorees
- Jon Blickenstaff
- Harvey M. Case
- Glenn Davis
- Marlou & Norm Faustini
- Dan Harden
- Delia Heredia
- Mike Montes Morales
- Dr. Peggy Deal Redman
- John Marion Roynon
- Dave Zylstra
Each plaque includes a QR code linking to lavernewalkofhonor.com, with biographies contributed by the honorees’ families. The website notes the organizers are, “dedicated to creating a meaningful connection between the past, present, and future, fostering a sense of community pride and gratitude.”
A six-member committee representing different parts of the community selected the first class. Walters said narrowing the list was difficult. “When you start thinking about it, there’s too many. We could probably do 100 without blinking an eye right now,” he said. The committee used broad categories, including education, religion, sports, community leadership, and volunteerism, to ensure diversity. Honorees were not asked to contribute financially, and four of the 10 are still living.
The City handled installation of the pavers, while an anonymous private donor covered all other costs. The walk is currently roped off as the grout around the pavers finishes drying, but crews expect to remove the delineators and ropes on Monday, Public Works Director Danny Wu said.
Organizers plan to add 10 new plaques annually during Old Town’s Holiday Stroll, Walters said. A nonprofit organization is also being formed to sustain the program.
Brantley said adding new honorees each year will help keep the community connected to the project.
For Walters, the Walk of Honor is ultimately about celebrating what truly defines La Verne.
“What La Verne is, is a community, and it takes people to make a community,” he said.
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Serve Your Community: Apply for La Verne’s Seat on the Tri-City Mental Health Board
The City of La Verne is accepting applications for its Community Representative seat on the Tri-City Mental Health Authority Governing Board. The seven-member board includes four City Council representatives from La Verne, Claremont and Pomona, along with three community members appointed by each city. Members serve without compensation and meet monthly to guide the agency’s policies and long-term direction. Learn more about Tri-City Mental Health at tricitymhs.org.
La Verne officials encourage residents with experience in behavioral health, knowledge of state laws and regulations, or a strong interest in advocating for mental health services to apply. The Community Representative will help shape regional mental health efforts and ensure La Verne’s voice is represented in key decisions.
Application deadline: 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12
How to apply:
Online: Complete the online application form.
In-person: Submit this form to the City Clerk at City Hall, 3660 D St., La Verne.
Via email: Complete this form and email it to cityclerk@laverneca.gov
Bonita Chamber Singers Set to Sleigh at L.A. County Holiday Celebration
The Bonita High School Chamber Singers will perform at the 66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration on Dec. 24. The 32-member ensemble will join nearly two dozen Southern California artists at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles). The event highlights music, dance, and cultural traditions from across the region.
Each group will perform a five-minute set during the live show.
The Holiday Celebration is free to the public and will be livestreamed on PBS SoCal’s broadcast channels, website, and app 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. The Chamber Singers are scheduled to appear between 5 and 6 p.m. The event is free, however, if you plan to attend in-person you must reserve tickets in advance at holidaycelebration.org.
City Council Highlights
The La Verne City Council on Dec. 15 unanimously approved an urgency ordinance that updates the city’s fire code, which includes changes affecting high fire hazard zones, residential fire sprinklers, accessory dwelling units, and roof materials. The updates align local regulations with current fire safety standards, including requirements that largely limit roofing to fire-rated materials. The council approved the item in a single motion on a 5-0 vote. A second, “conventional ordinance” will have a second reading at the City Council meeting on Jan. 20. Residents planning home projects may want to weigh in during public comment on Jan. 20.
🔗 Urgency Ordinance (pdf, page 38)
🔗 Proposed Ordinance (pdf, page 53)
La Verne City Council also unanimously approved the introduction of a new ordinance regulating the use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones a the Dec. 15 meeting. The council voted 5-0 to introduce the ordinance by title only and waive further reading, adding Chapter 8.37 to Title 8 of the La Verne Municipal Code. This creates La Verne’s first-ever local rules on drones.
🔗 Proposed Ordinance (pdf, page 64)
👉 Have your say! Share your thoughts in La Verne’s Community Survey
The City of La Verne is urging residents to participate in a community survey designed to inform its upcoming Strategic Plan. City Council will use survey feedback to establish goals and guide decisions in the strategic plan, which aims to address community needs and municipal priorities.
Take the survey online at laverneca.gov/633/Community-Survey-2025, or call (909) 596-8726 or email survey@laverneca.gov to request a paper copy.
Business Briefs
The use for Grocery Outlet was approved in September, and the associated façade improvements were approved in November, according to Assistant Planner Valerie Chin. Sign plans have been submitted; however, they have not been approved yet. The City does not have any additional updates or information regarding an opening date.
The City approved Grocery Outlet’s use in September and associated façade improvements in November, Assistant Planner Valerie Chin said. Sign plans have been submitted but not approved yet, and no opening date has been set.
Chin also said no applications have been submitted for the old Amazon Fresh space.
Bath & Body Works is slated for a January debut at 2418 Foothills Blvd., space #3, but a specific date has not been announced.
This House in Claremont Really Blew Things Up This Year
Got a favorite holiday house in (or near) La Verne?
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Upcoming Dates to Note
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection – Saturday, Dec. 20 at Brackett Field, Fairplex Drive & West McKinley Ave., La Verne. More information
- Christmas Morning Event – Thursday, Dec. 25
🎅 Santa’s rolling through La Verne on Christmas morning! Beginning at 7 a.m. Dec. 25, sirens will announce his arrival as he passes by homes to share holiday greetings. Visit laverneca.gov/ChristmasMorning for maps and estimated sighting times. - Bonita Unified School District Winter Break - Dec. 22-Jan. 4
- City Hall Holiday Closure – Dec. 24–Jan. 4
- Next City Council Meeting - Tuesday, Jan. 20
In Case You Missed It
Staci Baird
This newsletter leveraged ChatGPT, and Grammarly for transcription, research, organization, and copy editing, with all facts verified through city documents and a human editor.
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