🍹 Your midweek plans just filled themselves: from falafel to florals!

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If your group chat has been quiet lately, this is your excuse to wake it up. Between world-class performances in Glendora and art-filled afternoons, there is no shortage of reasons to make plans.

We are also spotlighting a local florist who turned a neighborhood shop into a nationally recognized brand. Stories like that deserve a little extra applause.

Pick one thing from this list and put it on the calendar. Future you will be glad you did.

Diplomat has quickly become the Foothill Boulevard go-to for those who appreciate the snap of a fresh falafel and a genuinely warm welcome. The space feels bright and intentional, making it an easy choice for a midday wrap or a long, lingering dinner.

You’ll want to start with the halloumi (grilled until just soft) and the velvety hummus that locals are already raving about. Between the tender beef lule and the saffron-scented rice, it’s a soulful slice of the Mediterranean right in our backyard.

The Leadership Course helps raise a generation of young men who know exactly who they are in Christ before they ever step off the graduation stage.

• High-adventure capstones that test character and spiritual authority
• Systematic discipleship that mirrors the high school journey
• A servant-leader mindset rooted in integrity and local pride

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

Haugh Performing Arts Center trembles with a distinct energy as we head into spring. It is a point of local pride to have such a grand, 1,400-seat space right in our backyard, where the air conditioning is always crisp and every seat feels like the best in the house.

This season is particularly packed, starting with the powerful harmonies of the Three Italian Tenors on February 21 and the booming, high-octane rhythms of DRUMLine LIVE on March 1. Later in April, the legendary Aida Cuevas brings her 50th Anniversary Tour to our stage, offering a beautiful afternoon of ranchera music.

There is something special about seeing world-class artists share the same spotlight as our own Citrus College Wind Symphony. It makes an afternoon at the theater feel like a shared community celebration.

🎿 Beat the Spring Break Blur

In our canyon communities, the smartest moves happen while the competition is still packing their skis. Capital & Influence can help you sort quality from average.

• Strategic timing for the pre-Spring surge
• Local expertise that respects your home’s unique story
• Clear-eyed conversations about what the market rewards

Let’s chat about a pricing strategy that actually makes sense.

The Gist: Dalel Snider is marking 15 years since she first took over Glendora Florist and began her journey of turning a traditional shop into the luxury brand Los Angeles Floral Couture. After purchasing the business in 2011 to support her family, she has grown the studio into a nationally recognized name known for artistic, high fashion designs that use unique textures like seed pods and kale.

Why It Matters: This milestone celebrates the success of a resilient neighbor whose creative vision has brought beautiful artistry and national recognition to our local business community. You can visit their website or follow their social media to see the latest couture designs for the 2026 season.

The Gist: The Gallery at Hillcrest is hosting a new exhibit featuring graphite portraits and graphic art by Ganesha High School students. Titled Acknowledgement of Influence, the showcase celebrates African American figures who have shaped the lives of these young artists. Each student will present their artwork alongside a personal essay explaining their inspiration.

Why It Matters: This collaboration brings different generations together to celebrate local talent and the rich cultural history of our community. The gallery opening takes place Friday, February 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 2705 Mountain View Drive. The exhibit remains open through March.

🏛️ 100 Years of Science | Clark Humanities Museum | Claremont | until 02/20 | More Archival photos and student projects celebrating a century of local scientific discovery.

🌸 Weekend Flower Market | Glendora Florist | Glendora | 02/20–02/22 | More
Fresh farm-local floral bunches available every weekend for under twenty dollars.

📖 At an Angle to the World | Claremont Museum of Art | Claremont | 02/21 | More
An evening of poetry and conversation followed by a book signing and reception.

🛡️ Guild of St. Helena Meet & Create | Canyon Park | San Dimas | 02/22 | More
Gathering for community fellowship, creative brainstorming, and performance practice.

🌿 SoCal Free Museum Day | California Botanic Garden | Claremont | 02/22 | More Enjoy native flora with free admission; advanced reservations are highly recommended.

🏆 Making Change Contest Ceremony | Alexander Hughes Community Center | Claremont | 02/23 | More
A community ceremony honoring student works inspired by champions of social justice.

🥋 Women's Self Defense Workshop | Chozen Martial Arts | La Verne | 02/21 | More Community event teaching predator mindset cues, body weapons, and striking targets.

⚖️ The Badger Seminar | 301 E Arrow Hwy | San Dimas | 02/21 | More
Practical guidance for navigating and completing legal documentation with confidence.

🎨 Paint ‘N Sip Fun | The Studio | Glendora | 02/21 | More
A relaxing evening of social painting and your favorite beverages in a creative studio.

🦖 Fossil Fest | Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology | Claremont | 02/21 | More
Meet paleontologists and explore hands-on activities during this prehistoric celebration!

🎨 Fête Musicale | Bridges Hall Of Music | Claremont | 02/22 | More
A festive afternoon of classical chamber works performed by faculty and friends.

☕ Women in Business Connection | 180 Via Verde | San Dimas | 02/24 | More Collaborative morning with guest speaker insights for local entrepreneurs & professionals.