Claremont

Jennifer Stark is an incumbent who has been in office since 2018. She is running on a platform of protecting Claremont’s environment, emergency preparedness, affordability, quality of life, transparent leadership, and planning ahead for Claremont’s future. While in office, she has supported tenant protections, supported emergency response from natural disaster damage in winter 2022, and has been appointed by Hilda Solis for the governing board of Public Authority for the County’s in Home Supportive Services.

Jennifer Stark’s campaign is grounded in a forward-looking vision that honors Claremont’s strong foundation while proactively preparing for the challenges ahead. The campaign emphasizes thoughtful planning, livability, climate resilience, inclusive growth, and transparent governance.

We appreciate the record as she outlines it on her campaign website:

PROTECTING CLAREMONT'S TREES & ENVIRONMENT

• Strengthened tree protections and transparency after the 2022 windstorm

• Advanced climate-resilient policies to preserve our urban forest

• Supported long-term sustainability planning

Result: A greener, cooler, more resilient Claremont

PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN

• Chaired the city’s Emergency Preparedness Committee

• Helped develop a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan

• Brought together fire, utilities, schools, and community partners

Result: A safer city that is ready for wildfires and disasters

KEEPING CLAREMONT LIVABLE & AFFORDABLE

• Supported tenant protections and housing stability programs

• Helped move forward the city’s Housing Element

• Advocated for smarter, data-informed housing decisions

Result: Practical steps to help residents stay in Claremont

INVESTING IN PARKS & QUALITY OF LIFE

• Supported long-term planning for parks and recreation

• Advanced improvements to sports fields and community spaces

• Backed safer streets and neighborhood infrastructure

Result: A city that works for families, seniors, and everyone in between

TRANSPARENT, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP

• Expanded community input through forums and engagement

• Known for collaboration and bringing people together

• Focused on listening and delivering results

Result: A city government that works with residents—not just for them

LOOKING AHEAD

• Planning ahead for climate, infrastructure, and growth

• Keeping Claremont livable at every stage of life

• Strengthening our local economy and workforce

• Continuing transparent, community-driven leadership

Her challenger is Sonja Stump, a small business owner who describes the need for affordability, community connection and youth pathways without much substance. Stump exclusively includes police support and encourages community policing and dialogue when describing her platform on public safety without any nuance.

Neither candidate lists any organizational endorsements. We recommend Stark for re-election.

The District 4 seat on Claremont City Council is open, as incumbent Jed Leano has chosen not to run for re-election. We recommend that voters choose Anna Jacobsen to succeed him.

Anna Jacobsen is the founder of the Better Claremont Playgrounds community organization that vied for more inclusive playgrounds across the city. She’s endorsed by the Democratic Club of Claremont and the LA County Democratic Party.

We appreciated that her campaign website describes the need for Black and Brown community members to have their voices heard in city leadership, the need for disabled residents, renters, and long time owners to be able to share their concerns.

Two other candidates are running. Aundre Johnson is in the film and television industry and a Police Commissioner for the City of Claremont. Johnson exclusively describes the police department and proactive approach to public safety, although does not expand further when describing public safety. Lawrence Mueller is an advocate of rent stabilization, removal of Flock cameras, and is funding the campaign on his own. Lawrence includes an updated tracker of doors knocked, how many people he has spoken with, and topics discussed with voters along with answers to their concerns live on his website he created.