💌 Valentine vibes, local gems, and really really good onion rings

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Love it or ignore it, Valentine vibes are officially here. We rounded up a few local favorites that make gift-giving and date planning feel less stressful and a lot more thoughtful.

Add in great neighbor stories and a full slate of events, and this issue feels like a solid excuse to put the phone down and go explore. Bonus points if food is involved, of course!

The Stubborn Mule balances a massive draft wall with a kitchen that treats alehouse staples like a craft. The wood-toned interior provides a steady backdrop for an evening out, especially while the bar is shaking up drinks for your Hearts Day date.

Service is intuitive and the energy remains consistent, making it a reliable choice for a mid-week meet-up, too. The blackened chicken club is a standout, though the house-made melts paired with those signature crispy onion rings are the true insiders’ choice.

Between the twenty cold taps and the house-brewed specialties, there is a distinct pride in the quality here. It is a straightforward, polished destination that focuses on well-executed comfort and a menu that always manages to over-deliver on the details.

Time to think beyond the temporary. The Leadership Course offers a four-year roadmap for young men to discover their God-given identity and the "why" behind their life.

• Four stages of growth: from freshman curiosity to senior conviction
• Christ-centered grit: blending spiritual depth with outdoor resilience
• Servant leadership: training the next generation to lead with humility

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

WYLDFLWR Beauty + Boutique in La Verne is a bit of a marvel, blending a curated clothing shop with a peaceful collective of self-care experts.

You can find a custom-embroidered sports jacket on one rack and a seasoned stylist working on a perfect buttery blonde in the next room. For the upcoming Valentine’s season, their ninety-minute steam pedicure is a standout gift, offering a quiet moment in a heated massage chair far away from the daily rush.

Whether you are stopping in for a quick lash session or a personalized massage, there is a distinct sense of pride in how these women support one another and their neighbors. It is a lovely spot to find a new outfit and leave feeling entirely refreshed.

💫 Love the home, not the mortgage?

The Valentine’s flowers will wilt, but your equity is forever. While the national news cycles through "will they/won't they" on interest rates, the Foothills market is quietly rewarding the prepared.

• Selective market strategy (quality homes are still winning)
• Data-driven pricing that beats the "halftime" slump
• Purpose-driven results that move the Kingdom forward

Need a clear-eyed look at your home’s 2026 value?

The Gist: Claremont Unified School District is opening a dedicated resource center at Oakmont Outdoor School. This quiet, private space offers mental health counseling, a computer lab, and a therapeutic garden. It is designed to provide direct support to students and families, including those navigating foster care or recent moves to the area.

Why It Matters: This center provides a safe, welcoming spot where our neighbors can find specialized help and community resources in one location. A public ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 120 W. Green St. on Thursday, February 19, at 4 p.m.

The Gist Nineteen year old David Nguyen is channeling his lifelong love for waste management into a successful local business. After struggling to find traditional employment, the La Verne resident began helping his neighbors by moving their trash cans to the curb for weekly pickup. David enjoys supporting his community and hopes to one day work as a professional waste management driver.

Why It Matters This neighborly service provides a helpful hand to local households while supporting a young entrepreneur’s professional goals. David continues to serve his neighbors every week as he grows his business and works toward his dream of driving a truck.

Join the Leader of Men, a local circle dedicated to loving their wives and children with a greater, more grounded love.

• Quarterly retreats on a private 5-acre mountain site
• Weekly check-ins to keep your leadership sharp
• Authentic brotherhood through and through

Give your family the version of you they actually deserve.

🐶 Dog Adoption Event | Pet Food Express | La Verne | 02/14 | More
Meet pups and explore foster opportunities during this special Valentine’s Day rescue!

🧧 Lunar New Year Gathering | Tzu Chi USA National HQ | San Dimas | 02/15 | More
Celebration featuring Dharma practice, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, & floral arrangements.

🐦 Family Bird Festival | California Botanic Garden | Claremont | 02/15 | More
Interactive bird-watching stations and educational crafts set amidst beautiful native flora.

🍎 Sunday Farmers Market | Harvard Avenue | Claremont | 02/15 | More
Stroll through historic streets for produce, artisanal crafts, and neighborhood vibes.

👶 Water Wings Baby Day | Water Wings Swim School | La Verne | 02/17 | More
Free monthly workshop for parents to learn infant water techniques and socialization.

💡 Teen IDEA Lab | Glendora Public Library | Glendora | 02/19 | More
Teens design innovative solutions for real-world environmental and community challenges.

💖 Valentine's Day Sale | Heart of Haute | San Dimas | 02/14 | More
Vintage-inspired fashion with custom measurements, sweet treats, and in-store pricing.

🕯️ Valentine’s Candlelight Concert | United Church of Christ | Claremont | 02/14 | More
Intimate string and vocal arrangements performed amidst hundreds of glowing candles.

🎶 Love at First Pint | Highpoint Brewing Co. | San Dimas | 02/14 | More
Amy Winehouse tribute and lobster rolls for an evening of soulful live music.

🏛️ State of the City | ULV Campus Center | La Verne | 02/18 | More
Breakfast presentation regarding the future development and goals of the community.

✂️ 15-Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting | Glendora Florist | Glendora | 02/18 | More
Celebratory morning milestone marking fifteen years of floral service in the Village.

🎨 Art Night Out: Catching Shadows | Claremont Lewis Museum of Art | Claremont | 02/19 | More
Cyanotype printmaking workshop with local brews & guided photosensitive art creation!

🤝 After Hours Mixer | Sheriff's Station Booster Club | San Dimas | 02/19 | More
Session for local business leaders to build community connections and partnerships.