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From the Library
*******************
From the City
*******************
Sierra Madre Playhouse Reviews by
Fran Syverson
Commercial Properties Available
572
E. Green St., Pasadena, multiple units of various sizes, 340 sq. ft. to 3,250
sq. ft.,
click here for more info, or on the logo above for
more listings.
Contact Dan
Alle or Carole Walker, (626) 795-2255
FOR RENT
Back house, 2
B/R. Hardwood floors, a/c, washer/dryer, refrigerator included. Applications
being accepted. $1250/mo., incl. water and trash. Call for details @ 626 355-8949
Summer Concert in the Park
Schedule
All concerts are free
and held on Sundays from 6 to 8pm at the Memorial Park Bandshell, 232 W. Sierra
Madre Blvd.
| Date |
Artist |
Genre |
Sponsor |
| 7/11 |
Yvonne Perea |
Folk, Blues and Rock Fusion |
The Spero Foundation |
| 7/18 |
Grand Junction |
Country Rock |
Kiwanis and Friends of the
Sierra Madre Library |
| 7/25 |
L.A. Lyon |
Top 40 |
Sierra Madre Woman's Club |
| 8/1 |
Elvis (Harry Shahoian) |
Elvis Tribute |
Rotary Club of Sierra Madre |
| 8/8 |
Mojacar Flamenco (Subject to
change) |
Flamenco |
L.A. County Arts Commission |
| 8/15 |
Silver Beatles |
Beatles Tribute Band |
SMVFA |
| 8/22 |
Joel Penner Jazz Ensemble |
Jazz |
Sierra Madre Civic Club |
| 8/29 |
The Cords |
80s/New Wave |
Community and Personnel Services
Dept. |
Editorial by Bill Coburn
Council Gets One Thing Right, The Other, Not
at All
This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of
Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to
reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.
The
City Council approved Dr. Sami's appeal of the Planning Commission's rejection
of his proposed expansion project. That was the right thing to do.
They had no grounds not to. The only real issue was the parking, and since
Dr. Sami agreed to use the "In Lieu Parking" provision of the City Code, that
issue became a non-issue. The City Council now needs to call a moratorium
on "In Lieu Parking" while a parking study is done, and a Parking Master Plan is
developed. Hopefully, it will include the "In Lieu Parking" provision, but
at a more realistic rate of $10,000 per space.
So
they did a good job of getting something right when there was really no other
way to get it. But man, did they screw up on the General Plan issue.
When it started out, it seemed like only one Council member, Nancy Walsh, was
really leaning toward expanding the General Plan Steering Committee, yet somehow
it ended up that the Council voted 4 to 1 to do just that.
Council Member Maryann MacGillivray, in my opinion, came on a little too strong
at the beginning by asking her colleagues to repeal what had been approved as a
compromise at a previous meeting, the authority to appoint technical advisory
committees to assist the General Plan Steering Committee. I think she asked for
too much, too soon. But she ultimately offered up an obvious solution, one that
would have been an excellent compromise. Her second motion, which died for
lack of a second, was to accept the Steering Committee's work plan, ask for a
time line, accept the Outreach Program, and leave the Technical Committee
appointments on the table. In doing so, the Council could have allowed the
Steering Committee to begin its outreach program and show the council just how
inclusive it would be, and if the Council felt it was being inclusive enough,
they could repeal them at a later date. If they didn't feel it was being
inclusive enough, they could just appoint the Technical Committees.
Instead, they decided to expand the Committee to nine members. I think that was
a monumental error. And they compounded it by then tasking the Committee
with a job that they had just made it impossible to do. How can the
Committee come up with a timeline, when they have no idea how long it's going to
take to find out who is on the Committee?
I hope
that Committee Chair Denise Delmar doesn't become so frustrated that she quits.
She and the Committee did a great job on the work program and the outreach
program, and I think they were off to a good start. If Delmar leaves, the
Council (except Maryann MacGillivray) owes an apology to all the residents in
this town.
I'm
sure there's more that I will think I should have said or that I think I could
have said more effectively or in a more cogent manner. But it's late, and
I'm tired, so that's all I have to say on the matter. For now. It won't
surprise me if I'm still so upset about this an hour from now that I get back up
out of bed and amend it. We'll see. Denise - if you are reading this
- hang in there. Many of us think you are doing a great job and are a
critical piece of this puzzle. I hope this blunder by the Council doesn't
overwhelm your desire to finish the job you've started. To comment on this
editorial,
click here.
Letter(s) to the Editor
Please submit your letters
to the E-ditor here.
If requested, I will post your letters with initials and city of residence only,
however, to be posted, I will need you to submit the letter with a name and
phone number for verification purposes. If you do not want your name
posted, you must say so, and then we will use initials and city of residence
only. Sierra Madre News Net
accepts no responsibility for the content of the letters from its readers.
Sierra Madre News Net reserves the right to withhold and/or edit letters,
though it will make every attempt to express your views with as little
change as possible. Please try to refrain from personal attacks.
Let's try to keep it constructive, and allow others the right to disagree.
(8/10/10)
Charcuterie to Host Chamber
Mixer
The Sierra Madre Chamber's next
networking mixer will be held at Charcuterie, 120 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., on
Tuesday, Aug. 17th, from 5:30 to 7pm. Bring some business cards, enjoy
great food and sample some wine, enter to win door prizes. Cost for
Chamber members is $7, non-member price is $15.
 (8/9/10)
Artists' Show Opening Night
Reception Set for Friday, Aug. 20th
Carol Ann Adams will be the featured
artist in City Hall for the next few weeks, and there will be an "Opening Night"
reception at City Hall on Friday Aug. 20th, from 6 to 8pm. You might
recognize Ms. Adams as the woman who painted faces at St. Rita's Spirit Festival
for nine years, but her artistic talents go far beyond that, as evidenced in the
accompanying painting by Ms. Adams, titled "Big Brother Teach Me to Dance"
(click to enlarge).
According to Ms. Adams' bio:
I started painting
when I volunteered at North Enid Elementary school in Enid, Oklahoma when my own
children were in Kindergarten (1970). I painted back drops for school plays, 40
& 50 foot murals in the cafeteria, and numerous other art projects for a period
of twelve years.
I painted a welcome
mural for the Republican Women’s reception dinner for then Vice President,
Nelson Rockefeller and again for President Nixon at a later event.
I also designed
graphic art pieces including logos for area businesses; wrought iron gates for
estate homes; and other local projects. I judged art at the Garfield County
Fair.
I began painting
fine arts at Phillips University under Dr. John Randolph, MFA (acrylics,
minimalist) and Jim Bray, MFA (watercolor master). Learning to paint for me at
first was a task. There were tools and techniques to master. I found my
passion when I started painting children at play; on the farm in Oklahoma and
later on the beaches in California.
I returned to
California in 1986 and was intrigued by the grays in the June Gloom along the
coast and in the Channel Islands Harbor where I lived at the time. Later, I was
fortunate to study with Efrim Torbati (Master of Art, Iraq) at his studio in
Woodland Hills (for two years). He inspired me to open up; paint large; and
with lots of movement! He taught me to focus on the eyes and to try to portray
thought.
CURRENT
INFLUENCES:
Now, twenty years
later my paintings have gone in very different direction. I have learned to use
rich deep colors to speak to the passion in the moment…not just the child at
play. I am very pleased with the new direction I am headed. For years, I have
been inspired by and have painted important moments in my family’s history and
now I can move on to find passion in a landscape or still life or even in an
abstract with minimal life represented at all.
Art is a big part
of all of my kids’ (and their kids) lives. A best moment in my life as an
artist is when my family (of ten) surprised me by celebrating my birthday with
the one thing they know means the most to me. On the cliffs overlooking Laguna
Beach they set up ten easels; all the brushes and paints necessary; and, had
only one request. “We want a painting lesson from you…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
How can there be
any greater inspiration?
Ms. Adams' family
played a critical role in her being selected as the featured artist at City
Hall, as well. According to Ms. Adams: "My grandson, Ryan Adams (13 year
old student at St. Rita's) and a boy scout...who is 'always prepared!' went
online to find an art show in Sierra Madre because as he told me..."I found the
perfect career solution now that you are thinking about retiring." He printed
the application and I submitted it. He even walked into City Hall one day on
his way home from school...to see the room and to be sure it was "appropriate
for me". I tell people he is my Agent and his little sister Sarah is my Agent
Assistant. Sarah's girl scouts are serving refreshments at the event."
From the City
*******************************
Summer Fun in the Park
Tuesday and Thursday activities are held at the Memorial Park Bandshell from
9:30am-10:30am. All Tuesday activities are education or craft based, and
Thursday activities are fitness based which are provided by CATZ Sports of
Pasadena. All activities are absolutely free and run through July and August.
Please see the attached flyer for specific Tuesday activities. For more
information call 626-355-5278.
**************************
Swim Lessons at the Sierra Madre Aquatic Center
Swim lessons are
available at the Sierra Madre Aquatic Center through Labor Day weekend. Classes
are geared for children as young as 6 months, with instruction focused on swim
technique development for all skill sets. Swim classes are held weekly in both
the morning and evening. One week lessons are $35 per participant for 45
minutes, Monday through Friday. For more information on class times and dates,
contact the Aquatic Center at 626-355-2356.
From the
Library
Fun with Sign Language for Children at the
Library
An Introduction to ASL for
Hearing Children
Emmy-Lou Thomas-Smith, teacher of “My Smart
Hands” children’s sign language classes, will share her expertise with parents
and young children in an active and fun program at the Sierra Madre Public
Library’s Preschool Storytimes on Monday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday,
August 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Thomas-Smith, a Sierra Madre resident, is
herself hard of hearing, and teaches “My Smart Hands” and “Sing & Sign” classes
using American Sign Language for hearing children. Although most babies start
talking between 1 and 2 years of age, they are able to understand and want to
communicate much earlier. Because they have control over their hands before
they develop verbal skills, signing helps them express what they are not yet
able to say, which has the added benefit of reducing frustration and temper
tantrums.
Emmy-Lou explains, “Research shows that babies
who use sign tend to speak and read sooner and have larger vocabularies. Signing
gives them a bridge of meaningful communication while they transition to
speaking language. Our mission is to bring to parents, educators and children a
better understanding of the value of visual communication early in life.”
In addition to the special presentation, each
storytime will also include the regular program of stories, songs and crafts.
**************************
The Sierra Madre Public Library is
located at 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 91024. For more information,
please call Catriona Shafer at 626-355-7186.
Joke(s) of the Day
Thousands of Jokes
An elderly man visits his doctor, and tells him he has "toilet"
problems. The doctor says are you having trouble urinating? The man
replies, no, it's like clockwork, every morning at 7am. The doctor says
oh, then you're having trouble with bowel movements? The man says No,
that's regular, too, every morning at 8am. So the Doctor says well, what
exactly seems to be the problem? The elderly gentleman says, well, you
see, I don't get up till 9am.
Quote(s) of the Day
"In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in
imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool." --
Lord Chesterfield
California Lottery
Winners -
Includes the most recent
winning results / numbers for all games
Games
- Includes links to each game individually, as well as current estimated jackpot
amounts
|
(8/13/10)
Delmar to Remain as Chair of General Plan Steering Committee (GPSC)
In a series of conversations with GPSC Chair
Denise Delmar this afternoon, some by e-mail and some on the phone, Ms.
Delmar informed me that after having conferred extensively with Mayor Mosca
she had decided that she would stay on as Chair of the GPSC. "I have
never quit from a volunteer position, I love a challenge and hard
work. That being said, we need a lot of people to take ownership of this
document, this has to be written with the voice of all the people in Sierra
Madre." There had been speculation that Ms. Delmar might decide to
resign as Chair after the Council voted at its last meeting to increase the
Committee to nine members from five. Ms. Delmar added that she hoped
to see a lot of volunteers at the Outreach Team meeting this coming Monday
(see related story below).
(8/13/10)
General Plan Outreach Planning to Take Place
Folks
interested in volunteering for the General Plan Update Outreach Team are
invited to attend a meeting at De and Pat Alcorn's home at 741 Grandview on
Monday, Aug.16th at 7pm. This is for people who would like to be involved
in reaching out to the community to get opinions on what the people,
organizations and businesses of Sierra Madre envision as the Sierra Madre of
the future. Whether you get along with everyone there is irrelevant in
fact, opposing viewpoints are a necessary, desired part of the process. The
only way to have a say is to be involved, and the first step is showing up.
People that volunteer will have an opportunity to assist in collecting
opinions and working on tasks that the GPSC create as part of the Outreach
Team. This is not a committee that will have assigned tasks; if it was, it
would be subject to the Brown Act. So instead it will be a group of
volunteers that offer to work on the tasks outlined by the GPSC. Input
from these volunteers will also be used to determine what some of these
tasks will be, so if you want to help and/or be involved, your next
opportunity to do so is to come to De and Pat's on Monday.
(8/9/10) Dr. Sami's Proposed
Expansion, General Plan Committee Work Program on Tuesday's Agenda
On
Tuesday, August 10th, Council will consider two projects that could have
long term implications for the Sierra Madre downtown business district. One
is Dr. Sami's appeal of the Planning Commission's rejection of his proposed
project to expand his medical office, the other is the work program for the
General Plan Steering Committee. The Chamber of Commerce has posted on its
website the staff reports on these two items as provided to the City Council
in their Agenda packets.
General
Plan proposed work program
Dr. Sami's
Medical Office Expansion
Report in
smaller parts for faster download
-
Staff Report
(6 pages)
-
Exhibits A and B
Appeal
of Decision of CUP 09-06 and City Council Resolution 10-57
(11 pages)
-
Exhibits C and D Planning Commission
Resolution 10-02 and Letter from Congregational Church, June 17, 2010
(5 pages)
-
Exhibit E
Site
Plan
(14 pages)
-
Exhibits F and G Planning Commission
Staff Report, June 17, 2010 and Project Application
(20 pages)
-
Exhibits H and I
Project
Summary and Site Photos
(4 pages)
-
Exhibit J
Parking Utilization Summary, December 2009
(19 pages)
-
Exhibit K and L Parking Demand prepared
by Applicant and Public Parking Areas Diagram
(6 pages)
-
Exhibit M
Parking
Ordinance, SMCC Chapter 17.68
(19 pages)
-
Exhibit N
Initial Study and Notice of Intent to Adopt a
Negative Declaration
(15 pages)
(8/9/10)
Friday Night Live Continues This Week
Friday Night Live continued with Buck 25 last
week, and continues this week with a group of local musicians rounded up by
Jean Sudbury to perform for your listening pleasure.
Come down and enjoy live music in Kersting Court
each Friday Night from 6:30 to 9pm, take advantage of shoppers' incentives
and receive gifts with minimum purchases, and for some lucky shoppers, win
great prizes at drawings that will be held weekly at the Farmer's Market.
Spend $35, $50 or $75 dollars in a participating
retail store, or $50, $75 or $100 in a participating restaurant, and you'll
receive a tote bag of gifts. The more you spend, the more you'll get
in your tote bag.
Thanks to all the local
businesses that have been so generous in their donations. There are more
than 50
drawing prizes totaling more than $1700 in value to be given away during
Friday Night Live's seven week run. Gold Sponsor Santa Anita Park donated a
pair of tickets to Oak Tree for every tote bag we give out, and several
four-packs to be used as drawing prizes. Other donors for the event are:
ngels Everywear,
Baldwin Jewelers, Barney's Only Place in Town, Bean Town Coffee House,
Belle's Nest, Butterfly Effect Day Spa, Café 322, Casa del Rey, Charcuterie,
Corfu, Drop a Load Laundry, Iris Intrigue, La Bella Rouge, Julia Rocks Skin
Care Professional, Karin's Salon/The Art of Change, Laurel's Apparel
Service/Laurel's Treasures of Sierra Madre, Mailbox & Postal, Mountain Views
News, Savor the Flavor, Santa Anita Park, Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce,
Sierra Madre Farmer's Market, Sierra Madre Playhouse, The Shabby Dog,
Ugo's Café, Village Pizzeria
Here's the entertainment schedule:
|
July 16th |
The Mellow Dz
|
Acoustic
Rock/Pop |
|
July 23rd |
Mercy and
the Beets |
Upbeat Pop |
|
July 30th |
Gem
City Jazz Cats |
Jazz
Swing |
|
Aug. 6th |
Buck
25 |
Rock/Pop |
|
Aug. 13th |
Jean's Music |
Various |
|
Aug. 20th |
Steve
and Steve |
Classic Rock |
|
Aug. 27th |
Jane
Fuller |
Various |
(8/9/10)
“Friends Helping Friends Prepare” at the Library
An Emergency Preparedness Event and Ice Cream Social
On Saturday, August 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., volunteers working with the
Sierra Madre Individual Emergency Preparedness Plan (S.M.I.P.P.) will be on
hand at the Sierra Madre Public Library to help you develop a workable
emergency plan for you and your family. Don’t miss this opportunity to help
ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and provided for, should an
emergency such as an earthquake, fire or mudslide, occur. There will also be
educational and fun preparedness activities for the youngsters starting at
4:30 in the Children’s Room. At 6:15 there will be a drawing of preparedness
supplies, and the Adult Summer Reading Program Amazon Kindle Grand
Prize Drawing.
The dog days of August would not be complete without a Friends of the
Library Summer Ice Cream Social. Everyone is invited to drop by the Library
patio between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. to cool off and enjoy a sweet, refreshing
treat.
The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre
Boulevard in Sierra Madre. For more information, please call (626) 355-7186,
or visit our website at www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us. This program is free and
open to the public.
The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre
Boulevard in Sierra Madre. For more information please call (626) 355-7186,
or visit our website at www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us. This program is free and
open to the public.
(8/9/10)
Sierra Madre UMC Vacation Bible School
A One-Day Praise and Worship Event
On Saturday, August 14, from
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., the Sierra Madre United Methodist Church will be having
a one-day Vacation Bible School for children, teens and adults. Amber-Poteete-Marshall,
Director of Christian Education, will take youngsters on a “Galactic Blast”
adventure, combining faith and fun in a series of Bible lessons, crafts and
lively praise music.
In addition to gaining a new
perspective on the wonders of creation, children will learn the importance
of being good stewards of the earth’s resources, and the importance of
developing a personal relationship with God.
Adults are invited to
attend morning and afternoon Bible Study, and praise and worship sessions,
led by Rev. George R. Crisp, pastor of the SMUMC.
Lunch, provided by Adult
and Family Ministries, will be served at 11:30, at a cost of $5.00 per
person. There is no additional charge to attend the Vacation Bible School,
which is free and open to all.
The Sierra Madre UMC is
located at 695 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre, on the northeast
corner of Michillinda and Sierra Madre Blvd. Sunday morning worship services
are at 9:30 a.m., with an open Communion on the first Sunday of the month.
There is ample parking in the church’s lot, accessed off Michillinda. For
more information or directions, please call the church office at
626-355-0629.
 (8/9/10)
Taste of Sierra Madre Wrist Bands Go on Sale
Thursday
Wrist bands
for Sept. 11th's inaugural "A Taste of Sierra Madre" event go on sale at The
Bottle Shop, Savor The Flavor, Belle's Nest, and Best Buy Drugs this
Thursday. Full
access VIP tickets including the morning’s Coolest Kitchens tour (an adults
only event) and all Kersting Court events on Sept 11 will be $35. Kersting
Court Only Event tickets will be $20 for adults 18 and over; $10 for those
13-18. Children under 12 will be admitted free to the Kersting Court
events, when accompanied by an adult ticketholder.
Area residents
are invited to sample the food, fun, fine arts and music that makes Sierra
Madre so special!
This year’s
fundraising recipients will be both local and far reaching: expanded Youth
Arts Programs offered through the Sierra Madre Youth Activity Center and
cleft palate surgeries for children and adults who would otherwise not
receive this care through the nonprofit
Rotaplast Foundation. This specialized
plastic surgery has been performed by a group of San Francisco based
volunteers since 1993, improving a needy child’s ability to eat, speak, hear
and breathe, and restoring a normal appearance and function.
In anticipation
of the event, a summertime art and essay contest will focus on this year’s
fundraising theme; “Children’s Smiles Around the World” which ties cleft
palate surgeries through this life changing surgery. The contests invite
Sierra Madre residents and student submissions to interpret .
A day of food,
fun and the fine arts will include a morning tour of local “Coolest
Kitchens” beginning at Fred Crockett’s ALNO European Kitchens on Montecito,
fifteen restaurant and culinary stations from local businesses beginning
midday, a chef demonstration and talk about making healthy food fun and
appealing for children, essay and art contest awards plus a fun, Sierra
Madre Fire Department vs. Police Department cook-off. A wide variety of
professional, live music will fill Kersting Court throughout the day. Noted
restaurant critic and television personality, Peter Dills will be part of
the day’s festivities.
Gayle Bluemel,
principal of Sierra Madre School, confirmed her "Late Bloomers" band as the
opening artists, featuring fellow musicians Dan Ames, Scott Shephard, and
Ross Johnsen. Their rich country & blues sound draws inspiration from the
1970's musical genre and attracts a large Sierra Madre loyal fan base. They
will be followed by Katie's Starbucks Band and an array of special guest
artists before the program finale with patriotic songs performed by choirs
combined from local organizations, churches and schools.
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Inside the
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Annual Sierra Madre Events
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Community of Sierra Madre
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The Rest of the News Net
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Better Nanny
A+ Construction
Amperage Electric
Arnold's Frontier
Hardware & Gifts
Bank of the West
Best Buy Drugs
Bill Traxler's Pool Service
Body Shop
Private Fitness Studio
Cafe 322
Carmen Thibault,
Sotheby's
International Realty
Casa Del Rey Restaurant
Rambo, Century 21 Village Realty
Dr. Teresa Smith, Chiropractor
E. Waldo Ward and Son
Epiphany California Realty
Farmer's Market
Four Seasons Tea Room
Gem Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Gwen Gordon, Fine Art/Graphic Design Solutions
Harlequin Art Gallery and Restoration
Highlander Jr. Market
Iris Intrigue
Janette Ledea, Tri-City ReMax
Joe Feeney Painting
Julia Rocks, Prof. Skin Care
Leonora Moss
The Louie Lucero Team
Lucky Baldwin's Delirium
Pub
Mailbox
& Postal
Moe's Automotive Service Center
Once Upon A Time
Real Estate Photography
Reni Rose, Prudential CA Realty
Rotary Club of Sierra Madre
Ruth Richardson, Fine/Portrait Artist
Savor the Flavor
Sierra Fitness
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Company
Sierra Madre Homes For Sale
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The Bottle Shop
The Coburn Group
The
Destination Group
The Shabby Dog
Tres Immune, Inc.
Village Pizzeria
Webb-Martin Realtors
City Stuff
Official City Website
*******************
Press Release from City re: Smoke Free Outdoor Dining
*******************
Press Release from City re:
Powered Gardening Equipment
*******************
Volunteers sought
for Green Advisory Committee
*******************
City's Emergency Blog
********************
The
Wistaria Vine Online (Summer 2010)
**************
Farmer's Market Every Wednesday on Mariposa,
3 - 7pm
**************
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