Sierra Madre News Net

Tuesday May 30 2017

Scene Around the Mt. Wilson Trail Race – Non-race Photo Gallery

Posted 5/30/17 – Hope you enjoy these photos.  Click to enlarge.

Saturday January 07 2017

Benches to Memorialize Former SMEAC President Laurie Cooper at Bailey Canyon

Press Release posted 1/7/17 - The Sierra Madre Environmental Action Council mourned the loss of their beloved member, Laurie Cooper in 2016.  Laurie’s long involvement with SMEAC began just after the formation of the organization in 1971.  She managed Southern California’s first community recycling center, located in Sierra Vista Park.  She also spear-headed SMEAC’s stewardship of [...]

Wednesday January 04 2017

Rose Float at Kersting Court Until This Afternoon – Photo Gallery

Posted 1/4/17 – Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s “The Cat’s Away”. winner of the Mayor’s Trophy in the Tournament of Roses Roses Parade, is currently in Kerting Court until this afternoon.  What time this afternoon is still up in the air, since the float has water sensitive equipment on it, and the forecast calls for [...]

Monday January 02 2017

Rose Float Kersting Court Schedule, Weather Permitting

Posted 1/2/17 – According to a post on the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s Facebook page, Post Parade ends officially on Tuesday, Jan 3rd at 5PM. Once the Tournament folks release SMRFA and The Cat’s Away, the float will head to Sierra Madre, likely between 6PM and 8PM. WEATHER PERMITTING, the float will stay overnight at [...]

Saturday May 07 2016

Siberell Named Grand Marshal, Lowe Named Hometown Hero for 2016 4th of July Parade

Press release posted 5/7/16 - The volunteers of the Sierra Madre 4th of July Committee are pleased and excited to announce that the 2016 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal will be Sierra Madre’s man of many hats Pete Siberell. “The Grand Marshal is a person or persons whose efforts over a long period of time [...]

Sunday April 10 2016

Get Out and Vote This Tuesday – Polling Place Locator

Posted 4/10/16 - “It’s heartbreaking that so many hundreds of millions of people around the world are desperate for the right to vote, but here in America people stay home on election day.”  –  Moby “As free citizens in a political democracy, we have a responsibility to be interested and involved in the affairs of the [...]

Wednesday March 23 2016

Letter to the Editor Re: UUT Tax on Ballot

Posted 3/23/16 – We have received numerous mailings recently regarding the UUT tax on the upcoming ballot.  All of those mailings emphasize the need for a 10% UUT, but mention nothing about the “Franchise Fees” that are currently being charged and collected by “utility” service providers and passed on to the City, as a revenue [...]

Saturday February 13 2016

Letter to the Editor Re: Domestic Terrorism

Posted 2/13/16 – We have had intensive information about the government’s investigation into the Islamists’ shooting in San Bernardino, including a report earlier this week.  It is good that it is properly investigated, including to avoid comparable incidents in the future.  It is my understanding that the investigators have concluded that the shooters “self radicalized” [...]

Thursday January 21 2016

SMPD Seeks APD Assistance to Ensure No Lapse in 24/7 Patrol – Council to Consider Temporary Contract

Press Release posted 1/21/16 – At the Tuesday, January 26, 2016, City Council meeting, the City Council will review an agreement for the City of Arcadia to temporarily provide police patrol services, seven days a week between the hours of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am beginning Sunday, February 7, 2016. Staffing levels within the Sierra [...]

Tuesday January 05 2016

Sandbag Materials Available At City Yard

Press Release posted 1/5/16 – To assist with rain preparations, the City is providing residents with free sand and sandbags. Supplies are available at the City Yard and can be found outside the front gate. The City’s Public Works staff will be closely monitoring supplies and replenishing inventory as needed. Due to the high demand [...]

Friday January 01 2016

Rollin’ On The River takes Animation Trophy, 10th Award in 11 Years!

Posted 1/1/16 – “Rollin’ On The River”, Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s 2016 entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, was the town’s 84th entry, going back to 1917. And for the tenth time in eleven years, SMRFA’s entry has won an award, The Animation Trophy, described by the Tournament as “Best Animation and Motionl.” [...]

Tuesday December 29 2015

Harabedian, Capoccia Pull Papers to Run for Re-Election

Press Release posted 12/29/15 – Former Mayor and current Councilmember John Harabedian has announced that he plans to seek reelection to the Sierra Madre City Council in the upcoming April 12, 2016 election. Harabedian, along with Mayor Capoccia, was elected to a four-year term on the City Council in April 2012, and desires to return [...]

Wednesday December 23 2015

Frosty’s Back!

Posted 12/23/15 – Every year since 1988, with the exception of 2010, Frosty has arrived in Kersting Court at some time during the holiday season. Originally, he was on Sierra Madre Blvd. up near the west end of the park by the crosswalk, for some time now he’s been on Baldwin Ave.. He’s arrived on [...]

Wednesday December 09 2015

City To Begin Using City Water Wells Again As Partial Source

Press Release posted 12/9/15 – On November 24, 2015, Sierra Madre City Council directed staff to begin operating on the City’s wells; a move that would return Sierra Madre to its historic water source. Due to low water levels in the aquifer, the water being pumped from the ground will be augmented with imported water [...]

Sunday November 01 2015

Alegria Avenue on Halloween Night, Photo Gallery

Posted 11/1/15 – Photos by Bill Coburn – Despite speculation by some that there would be inadequate law enforcement presence to allow for a safe and fun night at Alegria on Halloween, thanks to the Ham Radio operators, volunteer and reserve SMPD, and Captain Ortiz and Chief Giannone, the event went off swimmingly, at least [...]

Sunday November 01 2015

Sierra Madre Kiwanis Sponsored Annual Costume Contest – photos and video

Posted 11/1/15 – photos and video by Bill Coburn  As usual, the Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club sponsored and judged the annual Costume Contest in Memorial Park.  Mistress of Ceremonies duties were again handled by Lisa Spigai.  You’ll find a photo gallery below the video, click an image to enlarge.  

Monday September 28 2015

Alverno High School Starts New School Year With Increase In Enrollment

Press Release posted 9/28/15 – The halls of Alverno High School are a little busier this year as Alverno is reporting an increase in enrollment over last year. “We are thrilled, and grateful, to report that Alverno’s enrollment is up 7.75 percent from last school year. Alverno has made a number of improvements over the [...]

Monday September 28 2015

Deadline for Halloween Window Painting Contest Approaches

- Applications and guidelines for Sierra Madre’s Halloween Window Painting Contest were distributed the week of September 7 and can also be picked up at the front desk of City Hall and from the YMCA at the recreation center.  Please note that completed applications are due back to the front desk of City Hall by [...]

Tuesday September 15 2015

Traffic Advisory for Wed. thru Friday

Press Release posted 9/15/15 – WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH -18TH – Please be aware that there will be intermittent traffic impacts in Kersting Ct. between the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Filming) Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Tuesday September 15 2015

Power Outage Disrupts Sierra Madre – Update

Posted 9/15/15 – updated 4pm: SCE outage map shows only one outage in northern Sierra Madre, with 10 customers affected, caused by equipment upgrade, expected to be restored by 4:30pm. updated 12:55 pm: SCE outage map last updated at 11:17am shows 3146 still without power.  There is no estimated time for restoration.  We understand power [...]

Tuesday September 08 2015

Former SM Paramedic Shot in Alleged Murder/Suicide

Press Release posted 9/8/15 – “We lost a wonderful deputy last night,” said Sheriff Jim McDonnell. “Deputy Cecilia Hoschet impressed everyone she met at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with her positive and helpful approach to her work. She enjoyed being a deputy and really liked people. She leaves behind a 6 year-old son, [...]

Saturday August 15 2015

Updated: Celebration of Captain Morrison’s Life to be Held Aug. 22nd

Updated 8/15/15 - This was posted through GoFundMe.com/chrismorrison this morning: Please join our community in a celebration of Captain Chris Morrison’s life. A celebration of Chris’s life will be held @ the Memorial Park band shell Sat. Aug. 22nd @ 5:30 pm (222 Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre) Bring blankets, chairs, & a picnic supper. Water, [...]

Monday August 10 2015

Regarding Your Thoughts on Captain Chris Morrison

Posted 8/10/15 – One of the flaws in the theme I chose to use for this website is that you cannot tell when comments are posted on the feature article. It is not until the article is the second article on the page that it lets you know that people have commented, and in fact, [...]

Monday August 10 2015

Rest Easy, Captain Morrison

Posted 8/10/15 – It is with great sadness that we must report that Capt. Chris Morrison, Ret. passed away last evening at his home, surrounded by family.  Chris had been battling cancer for some time, and had been told he had beaten it, only to then be diagnosed with an aggressive Stage IV lung cancer. [...]

Sunday July 12 2015

Sierra Madre 4th of July 2015, Picture Page 1

Posted 7/12/15 – Click a photo to enlarge

Tuesday May 26 2015

Budget Cut Alternatives, Webinar Tomorrow 5/27 – Where Would YOU Cut?

Press Release posted 5/26/15 - General Fund Budget Input Webinar, May 27, 7 pm  The City Council is still collecting input on how to close the budget deficit. You can do this from home next Wednesday by registering for General Fund Budget Input Webinar on May 27, 2015 7:00 PM PDT by clicking here. Council Members are [...]

Sunday May 24 2015

Mt. Wilson Trail Race 10th Annual Kids’ Fun Run

Posted 5/23/15 - The 10th Annual Kids Fun Run was held at this year’s Mt Wilson Trail Race. After the grown-ups hit the trail, two races for the kids are held. Kids 3 to 6 years old run from Kersting Court up to Highland Ave. and back, and kids 7 to 12 run up to Mira [...]

Tuesday May 12 2015

2015 Kids’ Fun Run T-Shirt Design Contest Winner Announced

Press Release posted 5/12/15 – A winner has been selected in the Mount Wilson Trail Race Kid’s Fun Run T-shirt Design Contest. The winning artwork is titled “The Kids Fun Run” and was submitted by Sierra Madre Elementary School student, Christine Manoukian. Christine’s artwork will be featured on the back of the MWTR Kid’s Fun [...]

Sunday May 03 2015

SMVFA Pancake Breakfast Photo Gallery

Posted 5/15/15 – Enjoy these photos from the annual Pancake Breakfast put on by the Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters’ Association.

Monday April 27 2015

Deadline for 4th of July Grand Marshal Nominations this Thursday!

Press Release posted 4/27/15 – The Volunteer Sierra Madre 4th of July Committee is seeking nominations for the 2015 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal. The Parade will be held as always the morning of July 4th. Parade Grand Marshal Nominees should embody the spirit of Sierra Madre, be an active volunteer in any of the local nonprofit [...]

Sunday March 01 2015

Videos From PUSD School Board Candidate Forum

Posted 3/1/15 – Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Sierra Madre for sponsoring the recent PUSD School Board candidate forum, and thank you to Village Vine Online for providing videotaped coverage of the event.  The audio for those asking questions was not the best, so we have to rely on the questions that Village [...]

Thursday January 01 2015

“I Think I Can” – Forever Young

Monday December 15 2014

Letter to the Editor re: Help Save Sturtevant Camp

Posted 12/15/14 – Hello fellow hikers and canyon-lovers! The Friends of the San Gabriels is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the United Methodist Church to purchase Sturtevant Camp. We are now starting a fundraiser and hope that you will participate. Many of you are familiar with Sturtevant Camp and [...]

Thursday December 11 2014

Services for Brian “Oggie” Eck to be Saturday, Dec. 13th, at St. Rita

Posted 12/11/14 – Brian Keith Eck, aka “Auggie, Oggie, Og,” born on Sept. 5th 1963 to Sheila Joan Eck Pierce and James Clarence Eck, Sr., succumbed to a blood infection on Dec. 2nd, 2014.  He is survived by his mother, father, brother James C. Eck, Jr., sister Melissa Stute, half brothers James Eck and Scott [...]

Saturday November 22 2014

What’s SMRFA Up To, And How Can You Help?

Press Release and FB posts, posted 11/22/14 – As the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association (SMRFA) heads into the home stretch for the 2015 Tournament of Roses parade, please read the following information which shares info about SMRFA, some ways that you can help, and updates on the organization pulled from their FB page and [...]

Saturday September 13 2014

Senior Community Commission to Host Senior Health Screenings

Press Release posted 9/13/14 - Saturday, September 20th the Senior Community Commission will be hosting a health screening event for individuals 55 and older. The event will be held from 9am-12pm at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Stop by and receive free screening services, including blood pressure, BMI, dementia/memory, hearing and more. Flu shots will [...]

Monday September 08 2014

A Hero, A Tragedy, and a Father’s Love – A SierraMadreNews.Net 9/11 Tradition

Posted 9/8/14- Each year as we approach September 11th, SierraMadreNews.Net looks back in memory of those who died on Sept. 11th, 2001, when the US was attacked on its own soil for the first time since WWII.  Nearly 3000 people died that day, 2,996 people, including the 19 hijackers and 2,977 victims. The victims included 246 [...]

Sunday August 10 2014

SMPD National Night Out – Photo Gallery and Video

Posted 8/10/14 – Sierra Madre Police Department participated again Tuesday night in the annual National Night Out community outreach program, now in its 31st year, including the last several here in town.  Memorial Park was filled with booths with educational literature and volunteers to answer questions about many community, police, fire and safety programs.  The [...]

Thursday July 10 2014

Harry Rocks Sierra Madre as Elvis – Photo Gallery and Video

Posted 7/10/14 – Harry Shahoian, who grew up in Sierra Madre and now performs in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget and the Flamingo as Elvis, returned to Sierra Madre Sunday night to a packed Memorial Park.  His appearance, backed by some of Vegas best musicians, was sponsored by the Sierra Madre Rotary Club as [...]

Friday March 14 2014

City Council Candidate Gene Goss

Gene Goss Lived in Sierra Madre: Nineteen Years Occupation: Professor of Political Science at Long Beach City College Sierra Madre Participation: Manager/Coach Sierra Madre Little League Vice-Chair of Sierra Madre Library Board of Trustees Founder and Chairman of Village Vine Online (local radio station) Volunteer for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Website: www.genegoss.com Gene’s Facebook [...]

Tuesday March 11 2014

Sierra Madre Restaurant List for Wistaria Festival Dining

Posted 3/10/14 – Here’s a list of the places to eat in town (I think they’re all here, if I missed one, let me know in the comments).  There are a couple that are new enough I don’t have phone numbers for them yet, but they’ll be too busy to answer the phone Sunday anyway. [...]

Tuesday February 11 2014

Couples to Renew Vows Together for Valentine’s Day

Posted 2/11/14 – Nearly a dozen couples have signed up to renew their vows this Valentine’s Day, and you still have time to join the crowd.  Friday  at the Villa del sol d’Oro on the campus of Alverno High School, Sierra Madre Rotary is hosting a Wedding Vow Renewal event, for couples that have been [...]

Monday January 20 2014

Letter to City Council re: Water, a Longer View – from Eric Olsen

Posted 1/20/14 – Sent to City Council, cc:ed to local mediaTo the Sierra Madre City Council Re: Water, a longer view. January 20, 2014  No one wants their water bill to go up.  On the other hand, everyone knows that the covenants we gave in connection with our water bonds are hopelessly in default and [...]

Friday October 25 2013

Reduction of Staff at Post Office Not Supposed to Affect Service, Post Office Says

Posted 10/25/13 – If you’re wondering why the parking lot at the Sierra Madre Post Office is so empty tonight, totally devoid of Postal Service delivery trucks, even in the evening, the answer is, they’re in Arcadia.  Trucks that left Sierra Madre’s office to go out on their Sierra Madre delivery route today didn’t return [...]

Saturday October 12 2013

Jason Williams Promoted to SMFD Battalion Chief

Press Release posted 10/12/13 – Fire Chief Steve Heydorff is proud to announce the promotion of Jason Williams to the position of Battalion Chief for the Sierra Madre Fire Department effective September 20th, 2013. Battalion Chief Williams has been with the SMFD for almost four years and brings a wealth of education, training and experience [...]

Tuesday September 10 2013

A 9/11 Message from John Napolitano

Posted 9/10/13 – Longtime readers will recall that former NYPD officer  John Napolitano  has been an occasional contributor, and most especially around 9/11, the anniversary of the day his son, Lt. John Napolitano of FDNY was killed in the World Trade Center in 2001.  Through the years, John has provided several articles to the News [...]

Wednesday August 21 2013

Power Outage in the Madruh

Posted 8/21/13 – Power went out about 3:30pm this afternoon and about 500 Edison customers were affected, according to SCE.  My house on Lima was out, and I spoke to a friend on Alegria between Baldwin and Mountain Trail, and their power was out, too, so a large geographical part of the City was hit. [...]

Sunday July 14 2013

Dunk Tank Video from July 3rd and 4th, 2013

Posted 7/14/13 – For the last few years, the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce has had a dunk tank in the park as a fundraiser during the 4th of July festivities.  You can see pictures of people in the dunk tanks by clicking here and here.  Below is a video of folks in the tank, [...]

Friday July 12 2013

VFW Post 3208 Member Cpl. Nathan Kemnitz Honored, Dishonored?, and Honored Again

Posted 7/11/13 – Corporal Nathan Kemnitz of VFW Post 3208 was recently honored at the State Assembly by Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) as the 41st Assembly District’s Veteran of the Year, and a few days later he was honored again with the rest of Post 3208 when they served as Grand Marshals of Sierra Madre’s [...]

Saturday July 06 2013

Sierra Madre 4th of July Parade 2013 Photo Gallery 2 of 6

Posted 7/6/13 – Photo Gallery 2 of 6 from 2013 Sierra Madre 4th of July Parade. Click on an image to enlarge.  This page includes Sierra Madre City College, Local Elected Officials, Citizen of the Year and Older American of the Year, world famous Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team and more.  Return to the 2013 [...]

Friday July 05 2013

Firecracker 5K Draws 200 Runners in Sierra Madre

Posted 7/5/13 – Return to the 2013 4th of July Festivities Index page. For the third year in a row, the Spero Foundation put on a Firecracker Fun Run as part of the 4th of July festivities.  This year there were a couple new twists.  In order to make the run an official 5K, the starting [...]

Tuesday July 02 2013

Schedule, Parade Lineup and Maps for July 3rd and 4th Festivities

Posted 7/2/13 – Click here for a printable copy of the flyer mailed to residents. Click the link  for links to previous year photos and videos.  www.SM4thofJuly.US. Parade lineup is below the maps, which are below the schedule.

Saturday June 29 2013

City of Sierra Madre FREE Concert in the Park Series Presented by The Kensington, an Assisted Living Residence

Posted 6/29/13 – Join the City of Sierra Madre this summer for the Concerts in the Park, beginning Sunday, June 23, 2013 and occurring every Sunday through August 11, 2013. The concerts are FREE thanks to the support of The Kensington, an Assisted Living Residence, along with numerous community hosts. Concerts begin at 6:00pm and [...]

Tuesday June 25 2013

Woman Rescued from Sierra Madre Hillside – Updated

Update posted 6/26/13 – Just spoke with Sgt. Ortiz at SMPD, and got a couple more details.  The hiker’s father called SMPD.  Apparently it was LASD 18 that responded and pulled her up from the canyon (not SMSR, though SMSR did respond and was on the scene if needed) after Glendale was able to locate [...]

Sunday May 26 2013

2013 Mt. Wilson Trail Race, Finish Photos Page 2

Posted 5/26/13 – Click on a photo to enlarge.  I also have high resolution images without the copyright notice. Please note that if I don’t recognize you, I need to have a photograph with a readable bib number to put your name and time beneath your photo.  Please feel free to notify me if you [...]

Saturday May 25 2013

More Photo Coverage of the Start of the Race

Posted 5/25/13 – Kind of cool when you full-screen the video. a a a a a a a a a a

Thursday May 23 2013

Sierra Madre Search And Rescue Team April Rescue Log

Posted 5/23/13 – As our local weather begins to improve, we are seeing an increase in search and rescue activity.  The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR) Team responded to eleven individual calls for assistance in April including a multi-day search in Orange County. Missing Hikers, Trabuco Canyon, Orange County:  The Team was requested on [...]

Monday April 29 2013

Update: Power Restored

Updated 8:45pm, 4/29/13 – As of 8:45pm, the SCE outage map shows no outages in Sierra Madre. Posted 4:25pm, 4/29/13 – As of shortly before 4pm, the City reported on its Facebook page that “We are receiving reports of power being restored throughout the City, including at the Library. Library staff is working to reopen [...]

Monday April 29 2013

1800 Without Electricity

Press Release posted 4/29/13 - Monday, April 29, 2013 (2:00pm). Southern California Edison is indicating approximately 1800 service outages in and around Sierra Madre. City staff is in contact with SCE representatives on this issue. Unfortunately, SCE has not provided any estimates on the restoration of power at this time. Updates will be made as information [...]

Wednesday April 24 2013

CAL FIRE Stresses Need for Preparedness Due to Lack of Rain – Fire Activity up 45 Percent+

Press Release posted 4/24/13 (Editor’s Note – With last week’s Madison fire in Monrovia, and Friday being the 5-year anniversary of the Santa Anita fire in the hills behind Sierra Madre I encourage everyone to take note.  I spoke by phone with Julie Hutchinson of CalFire yesterday, and she stressed to me that it behooves [...]

Tuesday April 09 2013

Looks Like We’re Okay

Posted 4/9/13 – Just spoke (4:02 am) with SMPD watch commander Sgt. Esther Doyle, and she reports that Sierra Madre made it through the winds relatively unscathed.  She says that while there is minor debris in the streets and the light of day will give us a better idea what the total damage from the [...]

Monday April 08 2013

Find the Candles, Charge Up the Cell

Posted 4/8/13 – It’s a little before 10, and the lights at our house near Lima and Sierra Madre have gone out three times in the last ten minutes due to the wind.  I’m going to shut down the computer to minimize risk to the hardware once I post this article.  But I suggest you [...]

Sunday March 24 2013

Doo Dah Queen Tryouts Open to All on April 7

Press Release posted 3/24/13 –  Doo Dah Queen Tryouts WHERE: Royal mayhem takes place at the American Legion Bar, 179 N. Vinedo St., in east Pasadena, Between Walnut and Colorado Blvd. (626) 792-9938 WHEN: Sunday, April 7th, 2013 2:00 pm – Doors Open and live music begins 3:00 – 4:00 pm – Doo Dah Queen [...]

Sunday March 24 2013

February Rescue Log Sierra Madre Search And Rescue Team

Posted 3/24/13 – Search and rescue activity in our local area continues at a very modest level with the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR) Team responding to three calls for assistance in February. Injured Hiker, Big Santa Anita Canyon, Chantry Flat:  The Team received a page at 1:00 p.m. on February 7th to respond [...]

Sunday March 17 2013

SNF Demo to Begin Monday

Posted 3/17/13 – You may have noticed teams from the Arcadia, Pasadena and Sierra Madre Fire Departments drilling at the Skilled Nursing Facility over the weekend.  According to two knowledgeable sources, that’s because demolition on the building prior to construction of the new Kensington Assisted Living Facility is scheduled to begin this week.

Saturday March 02 2013

Editorial – Following Tragedy, a Community Pulls Together to Do Good

Editorial posted 3/2/13 – I want to congratulate two groups of people today, for doing a great thing that shows just how much humans can accomplish when they put their minds to it.  But maybe that’s wrong.  Actually, they showed us what can be accomplished when a group of people put their HEARTS to it. [...]

Tuesday January 01 2013

A New Year’s Message from John Napolitano

Posted 1/1/13 – Long time readers will remember the story of my visit to the International Association of Firefighters’ memorial service in 2002, honoring the fallen firefighters from the previous two years, including the 9/11 firefighters.  Out of that trip came a pen pal relationship with the father of one of the fallen firefighters, John [...]

Sunday December 23 2012

Frosty’s Back in Town – Photo Gallery

Posted 12/23/12 – Andrew Graper, Dave Forrester and Augie Eck continued the tradition of building a snowman in Kersting Court, this year on the same day as the candlelight walk.  The snowman has come to town since 1988 (with the exception of 2010), and people look forward to it each year.  Enjoy the photo gallery [...]

Friday December 14 2012

Editorial Re: Newtown CT

Posted 12/14/12 - An emotional, knee jerk reaction to today’s tragedy is not appropriate. Every time something like this happens, there are lots of calls for a ban on guns. I don’t think that’s the answer. Maybe, just maybe, we should be putting time into educating people about the warning signs of mental illness. Maybe, just [...]

Wednesday December 05 2012

Laura Hillenbrand’s UNBROKEN Chosen for One Book, One City

Posted 12/5/12 –  Unbroken: a World War II airman’s story of survival, resilience, and redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand, has been chosen as the City of Sierra Madre 2013 One Book One City selection by the Sierra Madre Public Library.  In this long-awaited book, Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she used [...]

Monday December 03 2012

Holden Inaugurated, Hits Ground Running

Press Release posted 12/3/12 - Assembly Member Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) was sworn in today as the representative of the new 41st Assembly District, and as the Majority Whip of the California Democratic Caucus. Holden’s inaugural legislative effort, introduced today, is a bill addressing economic development and jobs creation.   AB 9 notes that California workers and businesses [...]

Monday December 03 2012

Sierra Madre Police Department Police Blotter Report, Nov. 25 – Dec. 1, 2012

Posted 12/3/12 - Sierra Madre Police Department Police Blotter Report, Nov. 25 – Dec. 1, 2012 Friday, November 30, 2012 At approximately 7:10 am, police responded to an injury traffic collision investigation regarding a vehicle versus a pedestrian at Baldwin Avenue and Kersting Court. The driver of the vehicle was traveling southbound on Baldwin Avenue and [...]

Monday December 03 2012

Power Restored

Posted 5:45am, 12/3/12 – Edison reports that power has been restored citywide.  Our power went back on just before 1am, while a reader reported power back on at his house about 1:30am.  Another reader reported they had power back as early as midnight.  Edison’s website states only that there were equipment problems.

Sunday December 02 2012

City Suffers Power Outage, Edison En Route – Update

Updated 12:55am – power back on at Lima and Montecito.Updated 12:40am – going to bed, no more updates till morning. Updated at midnight – Power is still out in parts of the city.  Officer Jimmy Ku told me about 20 minutes ago that Edison estimates about 3000 of the city’s approximately 4200 homes are without [...]

Tuesday November 20 2012

Felony Arson and Insurance Fraud Charges Filed on Two Sierra Madre Residents

Press release posted 11/20/12 – In  October of 2011 two suspicious fires occurred at a residence in the 200 block of West Mariposa Avenue. Through the diligent work of Sierra Madre Police Officers and members of the Sierra Madre Fire Department Michael and Suanne Ellis were identified as being responsible for those fires. Police Chief Giannone said, “The teamwork of both Police and Fire Department Investigators led to the identification of property owners Michael [...]

Friday November 16 2012

SMRFA Flower Arranging Workshop Scheduled

Posted 11/16/12 – The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association (SMRFA) will be holding a Floral Arranging Workshop at the Rose Float Barn on Wednesday, December 5th at 1 pm. Attendees will be learning how to copy an arrangement, from soaking floral foam to installing the arrangement on the float. There are approximately 70 arrangements on [...]

Wednesday November 14 2012

Century 21 Village’s Mike Lepore Top Producer For October

Press Release posted 11/14/12 - Andy Bencosme, Managing Broker of CENTURY 21 Village Realty in Sierra Madre recently congratulated Mike Lepore for his sales production in October. The announcement was made at the weekly sales and marketing meeting. Lepore finished the month with just under 4 million dollars in sales. He has been with the CENTURY [...]

Wednesday October 24 2012

Changes to Local Transit, Reduced Hours, No More Gold Line Stop

Press Release posted 10/24/12 - The City of Sierra Madre City Council approved changes to the City’s public transportation services at their Tuesday, October 9th meeting. The changes in schedule will affect the City’s Dial-A-Ride program and Round-A-Bout fixed route provided by First Transit, Inc. The Round-A Bout fixed route will operate Monday through Friday between [...]

Tuesday October 16 2012

SierraMadreSue’s Music News – Rocktober Fun and Festivities

Posted 10/16/12 - TUES. 10/16 – “JC & Friends Songwriter Serenade” @ MATT DENNY’S ALEHOUSE & RESTAURANT IN ARCADIA, 7 – 9:30pm. 145 E. Huntington Dr., between 1st & 2nd Aves. 626-462-0250. Full bar & kitchen, all ages. A weekly acoustic show of songwriters playing original songs, either as a solo or duo act, outside on the [...]

Sunday October 14 2012

Want a Yes on ALF Sign?

Posted 10/14/12 – We are endorsing the Yes on ALF position in November’s election, and I’ll get into that further in a future article.  However, I did want to let you know that if you’d like a Yes on ALF sign for your yard, you can get it through me.  Just e-mail me at Bill@SierraMadreNews.Net [...]

Monday September 24 2012

Another Reader Pic of the Endeavour’s Final Flight

Posted 9/24/12- Thanks to Carolyn Eberhard for sending in her picture of the Endeavour on its final flight, a shot taken from her patio here in Sierra Madre .  

Saturday September 22 2012

Pasadena Humane Society Begins Dog License Canvasing in Sierra Madre

Press Release posted 9/22/12 - The Pasadena Humane Society has begun door-to-door canvasing to ensure that all dogs in Sierra Madre are licensed. By law, every dog must wear a current license tag at all times. The Pasadena Humane Society issues dog licenses for Arcadia, La Cañada/Flintridge, San Marino, and Sierra Madre. Dog licenses may be [...]

Saturday September 22 2012

Sierra Madre Police Department Police Blotter Report, September 10-16, 2012

Posted 9/22/12 - Sierra Madre Police Department Police Blotter Report, September 10-16, 2012 Monday, September 10, 2012 Between 6pm and 9pm, unknown suspect(s) entered an apartment in the 500 block of Sturtevant Drive through an unlocked sliding glass door.  The suspect(s) ransacked the living room closet and removed 3 pneumatic nail guns that were contained in [...]

Friday September 21 2012

Senator Carol Liu Addresses Chamber Breakfast Audience

Posted 9/13/12 - State Senator Carol Liu (D), of the 21st district, who is campaigning to become the Senator for the 25th District under the recent realignment, addressed about two dozen attendees of the Sierra Madre Chamber’s breakfast meeting on Monday, Sept. 10th.  Breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, fresh fruit and potatoes was supplied by Corfu. [...]

Wednesday September 19 2012

Friends of the Sierra Madre Library October Best Used Book Sale

Press Release posted 9/19/22 - Summer sped by and the kids are now back in school which means that the holidays will soon be upon us.  One of the best places to start your holiday shopping is at the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library’s Best Used Book Sale being held in the basement of the [...]

Wednesday September 19 2012

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast This Saturday

Press Release posted 9/19/12 - Hey, all you pancake-loving Sierra Madreans,it’s that time of year again…time for the Annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast in the Park! You can get your tickets in advance ($5 donation), by calling Chris at 626-355-8333, or buy them at the ticket counter next to the pancake stand the morning of. WHEN? [...]

Wednesday September 19 2012

Lunch And Learn At The Hart Park House – Kensington Assisted Living Project Q&A

Press Release posted 9/19/22 – There will be a Lunch and Learn program at the Hart Park House Senior Center today at 12:15pm. Kensington representative Billy Shields will give a presentation on the proposed assisted living project in Sierra Madre that is on the November ballot. This is a great opportunity to gather more information [...]

Wednesday September 19 2012

Health Fair and Wellness In the Park This Weekend

Press Release posted 9/19/22 - Saturday, September 22 is the date of the Sierra Madre Health Fair and Wellness in the Park presented by the Senior Community Commission and Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place in Memorial Park, located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Walgreens [...]

Friday September 14 2012

First Responders Stage 9/11 Memorial

Posted 9/13/12 – At approximately 9:55am on Tuesday, members of the SMFD and SMFD marched out in front of the bay door of the fire station.  One of the men lowered the flag to half mast, and then the group was called to attention.  They stood at attention until 9:59, when an announcement was made [...]

Friday September 14 2012

Kiwanians Thank Sierra Madre First Responders on 9/11 Anniversary

Posted 9/13/12 – The Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club hosted breakfast for Sierra Madre’s first responders on Tuesday following a memorial service at the fire station in memory of the victims of 9/11.  In attendance were members of the SMFD, SMPD, CERT, and the Sierra Madre Emergency Communications Team (SMECT).  Breakfast was held at The Lodge, [...]

Friday September 14 2012

Capt. Chris Morrison of SMFD Retires after Twenty Years

Posted 9/13/12 - At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the City presented a commendation to Capt. Chris Morrison of the Sierra Madre Fire Dept. upon his retirement after twenty years of service to the community.  Capt. Morrison, whose main job is in the construction industry working for a custom home building company, moved to Sierra Madre at [...]

Saturday September 08 2012

A Hero, A Tragedy and A Father’s Love, 2012 Update

Posted 9/8/12 – Each year in September, my thoughts turn to John Napolitano, a friend in New York whom I’ve never met, and his family, particularly his son, John P. Napolitano, one of the heroes of 9/11 who gave his life at the World Trade Center, and John’s wife Ann, and their two daughters, Emma [...]

Thursday August 23 2012

Complete 210 Closures Overnight 8/28 to 8/30, EB Closure 8/31

Posted 8/23/12 – The 210 freeway is scheduled to be closed in both directions next week.  There will be a full I-210 Freeway closure on Tuesday, August 28 beginning at 11 pm and ending on the morning of Wednesday, August 29 at 5 a.m. and again on the night of the 29th starting at 11 [...]

Sunday July 22 2012

Video of Car Show at Albertsons, Hastings Ranch – July 14, 2012

Posted 7/22/12 – I know I don’t usually publish stuff that isn’t Sierra Madre, but Albertsons is right across the street.  And they regularly donate to Sierra Madre events, which makes them a community partner, so I’m making an exception.  Besides, color pictures of hot rods and antique cars always generate interest…

Sunday July 22 2012

SMVFA Presents Ukulady at Library

Press Release posted 7/22/12 - Calling the young, and young at heart, to join the Ukulady at the Sierra Madre Public Library Monday, July 23 at 10 a.m. Join in as she sings songs to promote fearlessness, friendship, and the Downfall of Evil. Ukulady’s interactive and engaging show is part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program [...]

Sunday July 08 2012

Buddy Holly to Open for Elvis

Posted 7/8/2012 – Just drove by the park and saw people on stage.  George Trullinger, who performs in Vegas as Buddy Holly and who has performed here on several occasions with Harry Shahoian, performing as Elvis, was doing sound check on his guitar.  So, we know we’ll be seeing some Buddy Holly tonight.  The concert [...]

Tuesday June 19 2012

4th of July Community Picnic Planning Well Under Way

Posted 6/18/12 – The post parade Community Picnic scheduled for July 4th has changed venue this year, moving from Memorial Park to Sierra Vista Park.  This allows for a lot more activities, since the pool will be open for free swim, there are baseball fields and basketball courts, tennis courts and, thanks to a generous [...]

Thursday May 31 2012

Goss To Interview Harabedian, Discuss Middle School Crisis on Village Intersections

Posted 5/31/12 – We told you last week that Gene Goss has started a political talk show on www.RadioFishbowl.com.   While we do not intend to be giving weekly updates as to the content of each week’s show, we thought this one might be worth mentioning.  For his second show this evening, Gene interviews new City Council member John [...]

Saturday May 19 2012

The Jacarandas Are Coming!

Posted 5/19/12 – Each year, many of the streets of Sierra Madre get an infusion of purple that makes people stop and look, and we are not talking about Wistaria.  The jacarandas bloom each year in May(ish), and there are many more of them along the streets of Sierra Madre than there are of the [...]

Saturday May 12 2012

Carltons Honored as Sierra Madre’s Older Americans, Photos and Video

Posted 5/12/12 –  “From the day Nan found out that she was nominated along with Jerry for the Older American of the Year Award, she has been mad as a hornet,” began Darlene Traxler, president of the Sierra Madre Friends of the Library, ” looking for that person or persons who nominated her… For those of you [...]

Saturday April 28 2012

MacGillivray Says Goodbye to City Council

Pat Alcorn and friends presented MaryAnn MacGillivray with a stock certificate for a defunct Sierra Madre Development company as a parting gift Posted 4/28/12 – At Tuesday’s City Council reorganization meeting, MaryAnn MacGillivray, who was defeated in the April 10th election after serving three split terms on the Council, was recognized by Council and residents, [...]

Wednesday April 25 2012

Waterworks Aquatics to Open a New Location at the Sierra Madre Aquatic Center

Press Release posted 4/25/12 – The City is excited to announce a new partnership at the Sierra Madre Aquatic Center. Aquatic services will be operated by Waterworks Aquatics beginning June 9, 2012. Waterworks Aquatics has extensive experience providing quality aquatic programs. Aquatic programs will be expanded to encompass 12 months a year, offering a full [...]

Monday April 16 2012

210 Eastbound Closure Scheduled Tonight

Posted 4/16/12 – The 210 Freeway eastbound will be closed at the Rosemead, Michillinda and Baldwin onramps beginning at 10pm this evening. Partial closures of up to three lanes will begin at 11pm, and a complete closure of the freeway is scheduled from midnight until 5am tomorrow morning. Please plan accordingly.

Wednesday April 04 2012

Editorial – This is One Definition of “Affiliated With”

Posted 4/4/12 This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 17-year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated. I’ve had several people ask me if I was going to write anything about Chris [...]

Tuesday April 03 2012

SMVFA Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday

Posted 4/3/12 – The Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012, promptly at 10:00am. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held in Sierra Madre Memorial Park, located at the corner of W. Sierra Madre Blvd. and Hermosa Avenue in Sierra Madre. The hunt will be [...]

Sunday April 01 2012

Mt. Wilson Trail to be Closed Permanently – April Fools

Posted 4/1/12 – The CA State Dept. of Forests and Trails announced this morning that it will close the Mt. Wilson Trail following this year’s running of the Mt. Wilson Trail Race in May.  The trail, which has been in use since the 1800s, has become too big a liability concern for the state according [...]

Saturday March 31 2012

Fundraiser for Homeless Scheduled at United Methodist

Press Release posted 3/31/12 – Come to Empty Bowls 2012, an exciting and fun-filled event to support Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley. For $25, you will be able to purchase a beautifully handcrafted soup bowl donated by local artisans and then enjoy a delicious soup donated by local restaurateurs. All proceeds will go to [...]

Saturday March 10 2012

Special Sierra Madre Postal Cancellation For Wistaria Festival, 30 Days Following

Posted 3/10/12 – The United States Postal Service and the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce announce a special postal cancellation to celebrate The Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival. This special postmark will be available at the Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival, Sunday March 25, 2012 at the Wistaria Festival Postal Station located at Kersting Court in Sierra [...]

Friday March 09 2012

UPDATED – Jerry and Nan Carlton Chosen as Older ‘Sierra Madre’ Americans of the Year

Originally Posted 3/7/12, updated 3/9/12 – The City of Sierra Madre Community & Personnel Services Department and the Senior Community Commission is happy to announce that Jerry and Nan Carlton have been selected as the Older Americans of the Year for Sierra Madre 2012. Jerry and Nan are longtime residents, active members of the Sierra [...]

Sunday March 04 2012

“Girls Night Out” to Benefit Sierra Madre School

Posted 3/4/12 – Here’s a great way to support Sierra Madre School and check out fabulous Stella and Dot Jewelry and a Designer Clothing and Purse Trunk Show!  Join in on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at The Stuart, 3360 East Foothill (corner of Foothill and Sierra Madre Villa). It’s an evening filled [...]

Saturday February 25 2012

Community Pepper Tree Photo Project – Win $100 Gift Cert to Cafe 322

Posted 2/25/12 – While there will obviously be many pictures taken of the pepper tree in Kersting Court in its last few days (and we’d love for you to submit them to us for publication, too), we’d like to start putting up pictures of the pepper tree that our readers have taken over the years.  [...]

Wednesday February 22 2012

210 Eastbound Closed (Almost) Nightly Tonight thru Friday, Mar. 2nd

There will be nightly full closures of the eastbound I-210 Freeway lanes for construction of the I-210 bridge from today (Feb. 22) through Friday night, March 2, except for Saturday and Sunday night (Feb. 25 and 26). Each weekday night, eastbound on-ramps at Rosemead Blvd., Michillinda Blvd. and Baldwin Ave. will close at 9:00 p.m.; [...]

Monday February 20 2012

Proposed Kensington Assisted Living Facility Project

Initial Post 2/2012 – Fountain Square Development West, LLC, would like to put an Assisted Living Facility at 235 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., the former site of the Sierra Madre Skilled Nursing Facility. The property sat vacant for more than five years, and FSWD initially brought the plan to the public at a March 8th [...]

Friday February 10 2012

Groundbreaking for Medical Building At SM Community Medical Group

Posted 2/10/12 – Dozens turned out for a reception at Dr. Hani Sami’s Sierra Madre Community Medical Group at the blessing and breaking of the ground marking the beginning of construction of a new 7,000 sq. ft. medical building scheduled to be completed at the end of summer. Dr. Sami welcomed everyone and thanked “our [...]

Wednesday February 01 2012

Mays, Krantz Honored at COTY Dinner

Nearly a hundred people turned out Friday night to the Sierra Madre Room to honor Richard Mays as Sierra Madre’s 2011 Citizen of the Year, and to thank Matt Krantz, owner of Bean Town, for his service to the Chamber of Commerce. Mays was recognized for his service in 2011 on the Community Emergency Response Team [...]

Friday January 20 2012

Citizen of the Year Dinner in Sierra Madre, Friday, Jan. 27th

Richard Mays has been named the 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, which will recognize Mays for his service to Sierra Madre at its annual Citizen of the Year Dinner on Friday, January 27, 2012.  The dinner will take place in the Sierra Madre Room at the Rec. Center [...]

Friday January 20 2012

City Issues Green Flag Warning

Posted 1/20/12 – The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities. The National Weather Service is forecasting an 80% chance of precipitation beginning this evening (Friday 1/20/12) and continuing into tomorrow (Saturday 1/21/2012). A Green Flag Alert is issued when there is an [...]

Monday January 02 2012

Award Streak Ends at Six, It Was a Great Run, Wasn’t It?

The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association major award win streak at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses has finally come to an end, after six consecutive major awards.  We congratulate SMRFA on another great float this year, and on their streak of wins dating back to 2006.  Here’s a look back: 2006 – Wonder of Reading, [...]

Thursday December 29 2011

Auto Club Offers Free Rides for Drivers

The Automobile Club of Southern California is offering its free Tipsy Tow service during the New Year’s Eve holiday for the 15th consecutive year.  The community service is available from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, to 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, to help remove drinking drivers from the road.  Tipsy Tow is available [...]

Friday December 23 2011

Firefighter’s Ball Moves From Christmas to New Year’s Eve

Posted 12/23/11 – The Sierra Madre Firefighter’s Ball is a longstanding tradition in this town, nearly as old as the almost century old Volunteer Dept. itself (technically, with the addition of paramedics, etc., we are now a combination department, but the firefighting crew itself is still volunteer).  See below for video of former mulepacker and [...]

Tuesday December 13 2011

Sierra Madre Man Pleads Guilty in Canada to Possession of Child Pornography

Sierra Madre resident Bob Matheson, 66, pleaded guilty in October to possessing and smuggling child pornography, according to the Chronicle Herald in Nova Scotia.  Matheson, who owns property in Pictou, Nova Scotia, was subjected to a secondary search by border officers at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Oct. 17.  According  to the Herald News, a search of the [...]

Wednesday December 07 2011

Editorial – Remembering Pearl Harbor, 70 Years Later

Seventy years ago, there was no CNN, no Fox News. There weren’t 900 TV stations, and of the ones there were, they weren’t 24 hours, they shut down over night. Many Americans did not hear about the attack on Pearl Harbor till the next day, when newspapers came out. Unlike today, when the slightest hint [...]

Thursday November 10 2011

Veterans Honored at Kiwanis Meeting

The Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club saluted veterans at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, three days prior to Veteran’s Day. Members of Sierra Madre’s Harry L. Embree VFW Post 3208 were on hand and opened the meeting with a color guard presenting the colors (see video below).  Luncheon for the day was “Mess Hall” style and [...]

Sunday August 21 2011

A Hero, A Tragedy, and A Father’s Love – Part 2 in a series

August 21, 2011 – Repost of the second in a series of articles reflecting on the events of 9/11/01 and the five years that have elapsed since, through the words of one victim’s father, originally printed in San Gabriel Valley Weekly, 2006 By Bill Coburn and John V. Napolitano, Sr.  In the first article in [...]

Monday August 15 2011

A Hero, A Tragedy, and A Father’s Love – Part 1 in a series

A Hero, A Tragedy, and A Father’s Love – Originally published in the San Gabriel Valley Weekly in August and September, 2006, I’ll be re-posting one every few days between now and 9/11/11 A series of articles (Parts 1 through 7) reflecting on the events of 9/11/01 and the five years that have elapsed since [...]

Tuesday July 19 2011

What Do YOU Think?

SierraMadreNews.Net has modified the requirements to post a comment on our site.  There is no longer a need to wait for a verification password as part of the process.  From now on, just click on the headline of the article, and that will take you to the article page.  Down at the bottom, there’s a [...]

Thursday July 14 2011

New Firefighters Sworn In

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Sierra Madre Fire Chief Steve Heydorff introduced eight new members of the Department - Tim Hyde, Zachery Hunt, Justin Mollicone, William Birdo, Jeremy Kunkle, Trevor Williams, Michael Rider, and Ronald Zebarth.  All but Zebarth, who was working, were on hand at the meeting.  After their introductions, City Clerk Nancy Shollenberger swore [...]

Thursday July 07 2011

Sierra Madre Police Blotter, June 26th to July 2nd

During the week of Sunday, June 26th, to Saturday July 2nd, the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to approximately 299 calls for service. See crimereports.com for updated information.  Sunday, June 26th: 7:42 AM- Terrorist Threats, Grove St.  The suspect used a knife to threaten to kill his live-in girlfriend, and sent her text messages implying [...]

Friday July 01 2011

Work To Begin Next Week On I-210 Bridge – Expect Delays

Crews are starting work on a bridge over the eastbound I-210 freeway in Arcadia, which will connect the current Gold Line light rail line to the first segment of the Gold Line Foothill Extension from Pasadena to Azusa. The I-210 Bridge is the first element of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project [...]

Wednesday June 29 2011

Supervisor Antonovich Blasts State Budget Realignment Deal

From the office of Supervisor Mike Antonovich… “The state’s realignment plan is a Trojan Horse that will financially break the backs of local government,” said County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich. ”While nationally, Democrat and Republican governors are providing leadership in renegotiating labor agreements, cutting costs and lowering taxes, Governor Brown is taking California in the [...]

Tuesday June 28 2011

Sierra Madre Police Blotter, June 19th to June 25th, 2011

During the week of Sunday, June 19th, to Saturday June 25th, the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to approximately 350 calls for service. See crimereports.com for updated information.  Sunday, June 19th: 3:25 PM- Trespassing W/O Consent of Owner Etc. 100 blk. W. Sierra Madre Blvd.    A business cashier inside a liquor store asked a man [...]

Wednesday June 15 2011

Sierra Madre Public Library Fundraiser Set for June 25th

Pizza Party and Silent Auction to Benefit Children’s Room Food, fashion and fun will highlight the silent auction at the Sierra Madre Public Library Family Pizza Party Fundraiser on Saturday, June 25 from 3 – 6 p.m.  The event will help raise money for the remodel of the Children’s Room. Items included in the silent [...]

Wednesday June 01 2011

“The Solid Gold Cadillac” Drives Your Way Starting June 17 At Sierra Madre Playhouse

At the mega-conglomerate General Products Corporation, a greedy board of directors is about to run a distinguished firm into the ground by looting the company and lining their own pockets.  Does it sound like this comes from today’s headlines? Well, “The Solid Gold Cadillac” was first performed in 1953.             Laura Partridge, a former actress [...]

Monday May 30 2011

2011 Mt. Wilson Trail Race Coverage – Page 14, Race Finish Pics, Runners 91 – 100

Main Trail Race Page and Links to all 2011 Coverage Some runners bib numbers aren’t showing in their photos, and because the chip technology allows people with slower times to finish ahead of people with faster times, I’m doing my best to sleuth out who’s who when it’s not obvious (using age, gender, ethnicity, etc.), [...]

Saturday May 28 2011

Quote for Today, May 28, 2011

“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor [...]

Thursday May 26 2011

Trail Race Saturday, Early Registration Pasta Feed Friday

The 2011 Mount Wilson Trail Race marks the 103rd anniversary of the 2nd oldest race in California! The sold-out Trail Race will take off this Saturday, May 28 at 7:30 am. There will be many booths and activities in Kersting Court including the: Kids’ Art Show, beer garden, a live video feed and the Kids’ [...]

Tuesday May 24 2011

Joke of the Day, May 24th, 2011

Out far away in the himalayas there was a small village that was constantly terrified by this terrible monster named the medecrin.  The medicrin would come down to the village once a week and eat one of the villagers. Now, as you would guess, the population of the village decreased greatly after a few months [...]

Tuesday May 10 2011

Agenda Packet – The Missing Piece

So this morning Sierra Madre Patch announced that it will start posting the Council Meeting Agenda Packets online.  Good for them.  City Hall doesn’t do it, and it would be nice to have all that information available to the General Public, I suppose.  The press has had access to the packets for a long time, but I [...]

Sunday May 08 2011

Town Hall Forum Gives Residents/Stakeholders Opportunity to Provide Input

The General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC) held its second Town Hall Forum today at the Fire Station.  There was a good turnout.  I’m guessing (yes, it’s a guess) upwards of 200 people.  Those who turned out had a great opportunity to share their thoughts on how they feel the City should progress over the [...]

Saturday May 07 2011

SMVFA Pancake Breakfast Photo Gallery, 5/7/11

SMVFA held its annual Pancake Breakfast this morning, here are some photos from the event.

Monday May 02 2011

Editorial – On the Death of bin Laden

by Bill Coburn I have mixed emotions today.  I was raised to believe that it is not okay to rejoice in someone else’s misfortune, and to rejoice in someone’s death is never okay.  Don’t get me wrong, I recognize that Osama bin Laden was an evil man.  I believe that the world is safer without [...]

Friday April 29 2011

Chantry Flat Shooting Update from LASD, 7:17pm, 4/29/11

On 04-28-2011, at approximately 1740 hours, a passerby discovered the victim lying on the side of the road. Deputies from Temple Sheriff’s Station were notified and responded to the location.  The victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives [...]

Wednesday April 27 2011

Remembering the Sierra Madre (Santa Anita) Fire

Three years ago yesterday, at about 3pm on Saturday, April 26th, 2008, a fire broke out in the mountains above Sierra Madre.  The fire burned for several days, ultimately burning 584 acres at the time of its containment on May 1st.  Two hundred thirty eight acres were in the Angeles National Forest, and three hundred [...]

Friday April 01 2011

Menu Upgraded for Huck Finn Day

According to a press release issued by the City, fisherkids that attend tomorrow’s Huck Finn Derby will be eating a little better than usual tomorrow night.  While the settling basins at the City Yards have traditionally been stocked with trout, this year they will be stocked with halibut! According to the press release, when the [...]

Saturday February 26 2011

Weather Update, 5:20am, 2/26/11

Desk Officer Wiggins of SMPD reports that all roads are clear. Wunderground.com is showing the current temp as 44.8, and we’ve had .48″ of rain since midnight.  For those of you who had hopes of snow, it appears as though the temperatures and the precipitation aren’t in sync for that to happen.  Last night, when [...]

Friday February 25 2011

Weather Update, 11:45pm, Friday, 2/25/11

SMPD reports that all roads are open, and we remain on Green Flag. Wunderground.com is showing a temperature of 48.4 (oddly, it’s going up, I saw it as low as 47.1 earlier this evening), and we’ve received 2.09″ of rain since midnight. Those of you that are snow watchers, it would appear that the temperature [...]

Sunday February 20 2011

City Rescinds Green Flag

According to Watch Commander Sgt. Paul Monforte, as of 6:35am, the City is on “No Flag” status as far as rain and mudflow goes, and there are no street closures to report. Bailey Canyon is closed, however Mt. Wilson Trail and Chantry Flat are open. According to Wunderground.com’s station at Baldwin and Alegria, we’ve received [...]

Saturday February 19 2011

Streets Clear as of 8:55pm

Just got off the phone with Desk Officer Wiggins at SMPD who tells me that all streets (including Skyland) are clear, no closures due to mud from the rain. According to Wunderground.com, the Sierra Madre station just west of Baldwin Ave. on Alegria Ave. has received .74″ of rain today.

Friday February 18 2011

A Look at the Architecture of Sierra Madre

We’ve all heard it said, “Good things come to those who wait.”  Abraham Lincoln expanded the saying a little, noting that  “”Things may come to those who wait. But only the things left by those who hustle.”  Well, for years, I’ve been saying I’m going to go around town and take pictures of some of the great [...]

Sunday February 06 2011

GO PACKERS!!!

Friday February 04 2011

Joke of the Day

After Steelers coach Chuck Noll died and went to heaven, God was taking him on a tour of the place. He showed Noll a modest 3-bedroom home with a Steelers pennant hanging over the front door. “This is your eternal home, Chuck” said God. “You should feel mighty proud, because most folks don’t get their [...]

Wednesday February 02 2011

City Selling Old Street Signs

Last month, Public Works staff began replacement of existing street name signs.  The new signs meet current federal requirement for font size and reflectivity. Crews have been working diligently to get the signs replaced as quickly as possible, and have completed most locations south of Grand View Ave.  The replacement process is expected to take [...]

Sunday January 30 2011

Sierra Madre’s Official Community Calendar

If you visit the City of Sierra Madre website, which is currently being revamped and redesigned behind the scenes, and you go to the Community and Personnel Services Department page on the site, right at the top, you’ll see a link to a community calendar.  When you click on that link, it will take you [...]

Wednesday January 12 2011

“On Gold Mountain”—Sierra Madre’s 2011 “One Book One City” Selection

Activities Planned Throughout February  The Sierra Madre Public Library is pleased to announce “On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family,” by Lisa See, as the City’s 2011 One Book One City selection.  With a full schedule of events throughout February celebrating Chinese culture, highlighted by a program and book signing with [...]

Tuesday January 11 2011

Parent/Child Workshops To Be Held At Sierra Madre Library

Sierra Madre Public Library is pleased to announce a new program for families and children from birth through three years of age.  A five-week Parent/Child Workshop will be held at the Library on six consecutive Wednesdays: March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Community resource personnel will discuss parenting [...]

Saturday July 10 2010

Sierra Madre 4th of July, 2010 – Concert Videos

Sierra Madre 4th of July, 2010 Concert Page Saturday, July 3rd Aluminum Marshmallow –“I Got A Line On You” – Spirit Saturday, July 3rd Aluminum Marshmallow – “Get Ready” – Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Rare Earth Sunday, July 4th Rocktail – “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” – Van Halen Sunday, July 4th Rocktail – “Heartbreaker” – [...]

Monday March 31 2008

(3/29/08, modified 3/31/08) City Clerk’s Self-Serving Gesture Shouldn’t Fool Voters

When the City Council (rightfully) rejected Nancy Shollenberger’s offer to reimburse the City for expenses incurred because of her error in preparation of the sample ballot, It would seem the next obvious thing for her to do would be to announce that she would not accept the City’s payment of $6500 for managing (mismanaging?) the [...]

Sunday September 30 2007

2007 Sierra Madre Honors Awards – Photo Gallery

Posted 10/11/14 – The 2007 Sierra Madre Honors Awards were held at Alverno High School on Sept. 29th, 2007.  Among the Honors winners were Danny Osti, the George Maurer Lifetime Achievement Award,  Karen Keegan and Savor the Flavor, the Wistaria Award,  Ted Saraf, the Police Chief’s Special Award, Chris Cimino, the Public Service Award. Click [...]

Monday August 21 2006

Shake Table Tests Prove Structures Can Be Seismically Sound With Less Steel Than Called for by Current California Code

January, 2006, San Diego - University of California, San Diego (UCSD) structural engineers have announced that a violent simulated reproduction of the Northridge earthquake shook a seven-story structure at the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering’s Englekirk Structural Engineering Center, and resulted in only minor cosmetic damage to the building.  The experiment, along with earlier shakes, was conducted to [...]