Community as a verb
From honoring service at Veterans Hall to residents speaking up at City Hall, today’s stories reflect how La Verne shows what community looks like in action.
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La Verne honors service and sacrifice at Veterans Day Ceremony
My dad and my uncle both served in the United States Air Force. My stepdad served in the Army and the National Guard; my father-in-law, the Navy, Army Reserve and National Guard; and my best friend from high school still serves in the National Guard. Attending La Verne’s Veterans Day Ceremony was important to me both personally and professionally.
As I walked to my car after this morning’s ceremony, a man walking with a cane turned to let me pass him on the sidewalk. I walked up beside him, noted the USAF symbol on his shirt, and struck up a conversation—heeding advice from California Sen. Susan Rubio who suggested, during her speech at the ceremony, that we need to do a better job recognizing and acknowledging veterans in our community. I didn’t want to turn our casual conversation into a formal interview, so I just enjoyed being in the moment and getting to know one of my neighbors. Nick, it was lovely to meet you today.
Under sunny skies outside Veterans Hall this morning, La Verne residents gathered to honor those who have served—and the families who’ve stood beside them.
The city’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony centered on a shared theme voiced across several speakers: “thank you to all who have served and continue to serve, and thank you to all their families.”
La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn opened the program, gesturing to the large crowd, he said, “You can see by the turnout that we really do appreciate our veterans. But most of all, we also appreciate those families that had to wait in the wings when they didn’t know when—or if—their loved ones would come home. We thank you for enduring, and we thank our veterans for their service.”
U.S. Air Force veteran Maria McKinney, the first female post commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12034 “Band of Brothers,” spoke of the lasting impact of military service and its role in strengthening civic life.
Listen to VFW Post 12034 Post Commander Maria McKinney’s speech:
“Today, we gather not just to honor those who have worn the uniform of our nation, but to reaffirm the sacred truth that the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of our veterans echo far beyond the battlefield,” McKinney said. “Veterans do not wait for change—they lead it.”
California Sen. Susan Rubio also took to the podium, reminding the crowd that support for veterans must extend beyond the day’s celebration. “Sometimes we forget that they still need us,” Rubio said. “The scars are internal, they’re silent, but they’re still suffering from trauma. It’s upon all of us to stop, say hello, and offer support.”
The ceremony also included a special dedication of a new bronze statue honoring military service dogs—an addition inspired by La Verne resident Diane Deal, who passed away earlier this year. Former Mayor Don Kendrick, who helped spearhead the fundraising effort, shared that the idea came from Deal herself, who once told him, “Don, you forgot the dog.” Deal’s niece, former City Council member Donna Redman, said, “She would be so pleased to see so many of you gathered here for its dedication.”
Retired Navy Capt. Gary Deal spoke of his parents, longtime La Verne residents Larry and Diane Deal, whose lives reflected the spirit of service. He described his father, a former football lineman, as “a great leader and a great teammate…who made a difference without touching the ball,” and said his mother’s quiet acts of service inspired those around her.
“Every successful team—on the battlefield, in the community, or on the football field—depends on those who support from behind the scenes,” Gary Deal said. “La Verne is full of people like that—people who make a difference, often without recognition.”
Gary Deal recalled receiving care packages from La Verne residents while stationed in Iraq two decades ago, saying one sailor told him he didn’t usually read, “but since they came from your hometown, I took one. I actually read it. And it was really good.”
“To the City of La Verne,” Gary Deal said, “on behalf of many members of the armed forces, both past and present, thank you. This city is an example of people working together to make a difference in so many ways.”
Listen to an excerpt from retired Navy Capt. Gary Deal’s speech:
USAF veteran Dan Harden reflected on the often-overlooked animals that have served in wartime, from messenger pigeons to mules and dogs. The program for today’s ceremony included several pages of information about the history of military working animals and stories about animal heroes from the past and the present.
“Courage isn’t defined by size or species—it’s defined by heart,” said La Verne Police Corporal Alan Weinreb, who, along with his K-9 partner Tupelo, participated in the ceremony today.
📸 🇺🇸 See La Verne Daily News on Instagram for more photos and video from the ceremony outside Veterans Hall.
La Verne police, City still negotiating contract after June 30 expiration
Negotiations between the City of La Verne and its Police Officers’ Association are ongoing, with both sides continuing “good conversation,” City Manager Ken Domer said Friday.
“I’d have to say there’s good conversation going back and forth, and I hope that we’re getting closer,” Domer said, noting that he and the association’s vice president exchanged emails as recently as Thursday night.
The police officers’ most recent contract expired June 30. Since then, officers have been working under the previous contract’s terms and conditions on a month-to-month basis. “They are getting paid,” Domer confirmed.
Domer said the city is also in active talks with the La Verne City Employees Association, which represents non-sworn and non-management staff such as public works and water department employees. That contract also expired June 30 and is continuing month-to-month while compensation negotiations continue.
“We all want to do contracts,” Domer said. “We just know what our fiscal reality is, and we’re trying to get to that point where we can both agree.”
We’ve reached out to the La Verne Police Officers’ Association for comment, but have not heard back yet. We will continue following this story.
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The power of showing up
When the City of La Verne opened its Nov. 3 Proposition 218 public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate increases, the meeting became more than a policy discussion—it became an act of community.
To comply with Prop 218, property owners received notices by mail and an opportunity to file written oppositions and protests ahead of the public hearing.
In response, residents organized. They parked an RV covered in hand-painted signs in the Trader Joe’s parking lot and gathered signatures. Many also spent mornings and afternoons walking their neighborhoods spreading the word and collecting letters. What began as frustration over costs evolved into something more collective, a shared determination to look out for one another.
Inside the council chambers, the mood was serious. People spoke not only about numbers but about neighbors—the seniors living on social security, the individuals on fixed incomes, the families stretching to make ends meet. The message threaded through every statement was simple: we want fairness, transparency, and community care.
On Nov. 3, residents filled the council chambers and overflow rooms. Some arrived with spreadsheets, others with stories, but all came with conviction. “I am all for an increase,” said former Public Works Director Brian Bowcock, “but I’m against the aggressive increase that we’re talking about. There should be an option three.”
Neighbors spoke for one another. Shirley Baldwin said she came “on behalf of two other families” unable to attend, adding that the proposed increases would “devastate” seniors in her neighborhood living on fixed incomes. Alayna Nord, a homeowner since 2010, said the rising cost of living is “chipping away at our quality of life,” while Doug Shortreed, who walked his neighborhood collecting signatures, told the council, “We’re not in a panic mode. We’re in a worry mode.”
Some residents stood in support. Sherry Shaw, general manager of Walnut Valley Water District, commended the city’s transparency, saying, “I downloaded the full study and reviewed it—they did a fantastic job… I’m here tonight to support the rate increase.”
Others called for accountability and restraint. Rick Bowen, a member of the city’s Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Committee, said, “No one disputes the rates need to go up. It’s the way it’s being proposed…You are the elected officials, and the city manager reports to you, and all of you report to us, the residents.”
A young father stood to speak for the first time, saying he loved La Verne and wanted to “see the council listen to all the perspectives and do the right thing.”
For all the numbers and cost analyses, what stood out from the meeting wasn’t the math. It was the people who came, with letters in their hands, and the reminder that civic life only works when a community keeps showing up for each other.
By the way, local news plays a crucial role in that process—explaining issues, connecting neighbors, and ensuring access to information so that no one is caught off-guard. When a town has access to reliable, community-centered news, it creates space for understanding, dialogue, and accountability.
The City Council voted unanimously to adopt new water and sewer rates following the Nov. 3 public hearing. The first increase of 35 percent will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, with additional increases set for every fiscal year starting July 1, 2026 through July 1, 2029. Sewer rates will also increase 15 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and at the start of every fiscal year through July 1, 2029. The council directed City staff to conduct an updated rate study in late 2026 or early 2027.
Read our previous stories about the water rate increase and the community involvement.
Staci Baird
Staci Baird
Staci Baird
💬 I’m working to compile an FAQ related to the water rate increase. What questions do you have? Please comment below or email them to staci@lavernedaily.org.
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✏️ Draft Mode — What We’re Working On Next
- A proposal for La Verne and Pomona to form a joint fire district (quick update: The proposal has been tabled. We reached out to the LA County Fire Union to learn more, but have not heard back yet.)
- The status of a Metro project from Lone Hill Avenue to White Avenue. Metro says it will be adding a second mainline track here to improve Metrolink service. The project includes updating crossings for safety and supports future Quiet Zones.
- Continuing to follow the status of the La Verne Police Department contract.
🔎What else would you like us to look into? Email staci@lavernedaily.org
Upcoming Events
Bonita Unified School District Food Drive
Nov. 10-21
Donate non-expired, non-perishable items at these locations:
Oak Mesa Elementary School
Grace Miller Elementary School
Shull Elementary School
Allen Avenue Elementary School
Chaparral/Vista High Schools
Ribbon Cutting
Nov. 13, 4 p.m. (followed by a mixer at 5 p.m.)
La Verne Brewing
2125 Wright Ave. C-15, La Verne
Register online
La Verne Bargains, Bites & Boutiques
Hosted by Ramona Middle School Drama Society
Dec. 15 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ramona Middle School
3490 Ramona Ave., La Verne
Blood Drive, boutiques and clothing donation, community yard sale, food trucks and games.
Holiday Wine & Shine
Nov. 15, 2-5 p.m.
Old Town La Verne
Wine, munchies and some early holiday shopping!
Annual Community Wellness Fair
Nov. 16, noon-3 p.m.
San Dimas High School
800 W Covina Blvd, San Dimas
Health and wellness education and resources, student performances, activities for kids.
This is a free event with food available for purchase.
🗓️ Promote your event (for free) in an upcoming newsletter! Email events@lavernedaily.org
Lights & Sirens Toy Drive
Nov. 12-Dec. 12
Donate new, unwrapped toys. Look for the white bins and blue posters.
Drop off at any of these locations:
Public Safety Building
2061 Third St. La Verne
La Verne City Hall (lobby)
3660 D St., La Verne
La Verne Community Center
3680 D St., La Verne
Fire Station #1
2061 Third St., La Verne
Fire Station #2
4785 Wheeler Ave., La Verne
Fire Station #3
5100 Esperanza Dr.,La Verne
More information at lavernefire.org/toydrive.
La Verne All Stars Softball Game
Dec. 4, 5 p.m.
Wheeler Ave. Park, La Verne
Stuff the Sirens
Dec. 6, 8-11 p.m.
Target Shopping Center, La Verne
House of Ruth Holiday Store Wish List
Bring to Pomona outreach by Dec. 12
House of Ruth’s Annual Holiday Store provides new toys and gifts to survivors and their children at no cost. View the Wish List online
More details on donating on the House of Ruth website
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