Sierra Madre News Net - For news and information about Sierra Madre Businesses, Events and People

www.sierramadrewineandjazzwalk.com

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List of Participating Businesses for Wine and Jazz Walk, Oct. 25, 2008

SierraMadreSue's "Music News"

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Glenn Lambdin's "On My Mind These Days"

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Random Observations by Pat Ostrye

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SM Fire Safe Council

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Fran Syverson's Theater Reviews

(8/23/08) Bear Makes Himself At Home In Back Yard on Camillo Received the following e-mail and photos from "Malcolm H." who lives on Camillo. Thanks for sharing Malcolm.

Hi Friends:

Well I finally saw the bear. It startled the hell out of me. I was walking to the back slider, looking down at my cell phone and when I reached to open the door there he was. Needless to say I ran for my camera and went to the bedroom door to take some pictures. Then he came right up to the door looking at the cat, who took off like a shot. I wasn't sure if he intended to break through the door to make himself at home, so I prepared myself for that possibility. Thank goodness he walked around and decided to leave. I watched him climb over the wrought Iron fence, with ease. Here are some pictures and the last one is the bear outside of the fence just before he turned and went down the hill through the oleanders. It happened about 45 minutes ago and I am still shaking from the adrenalin rush. Have a great day.

Malcolm H

(7/30/08) Sierra Madre Rotary Club Donates Funds for State of the Art Radios to SMVFD

By Bill Coburn

View video of the presentation

After the pledge to the flag, an inspirational reading on commitment by Wayne Walters, a rousing rendition of “God Bless America” led by Tom Brady, and breakfast catered by Café 322, it was time for Rotary President Carmen Thibault to get to the heart of this week’s Rotary meeting. She began by introducing Dan Alle, who chaired this year’s Program Committee. The annual Program, which is generally used to fund Community Service efforts, this year had been designated to fund one major project, the purchase of state of the art radios for the Sierra Madre Fire Department.

Former president Alle began by noting the special relationship between Rotary and the Fire Dept., recalling a post 9/11 memorial service that had been held at the Fire Station back in September of 2002, and the help that the Fire Dept. had provided to Rotary in finding, purchasing, restoring and donating a fire truck to a community in Mexico. He thanked the Fire Dept. for allowing Rotary into its “home” for the meeting.

Read the rest of the story, with photos and link to video...

Random Observations... by Pat Ostrye Pat Ostrye is a Sierra Madre resident with a long history of service to the San Gabriel Valley, including serving as one of Southern California's first female City Council members, and as Monrovia's first elected mayor.

Shades of Herbert Hoover!

In my research, I discovered that in 1929 when the Great Depression hit with a resounding crash, President Herbert Hoover actually said that the root cause was psychological and that it would work itself out! What's more, the government could only help indirectly, meaning don't let the "good ol' boys" lose anything. Not four days ago, even with IndyMac, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac leading the downward crash, President Bush stated that American productivity and the economy remain sound and there's nothing anyone can do about the price of gasoline! He should have added: and there's no FDR waiting in the wings to start the comeback!

Although prosperity has never been the hallmark of any Republican Administration, even the rank-and-file voter has had enough smarts to see the handwriting on the wall long ago. And so I am rerunning most of the column I wrote in this newspaper six months ago, on January 25th, when President Bush proclaimed that there was no recession, only slow-growth:

"It is hardly news to hear the "powers that be" announcing that we may be heading for a slight recession. Really, now!! The price of gas has gone beyond reason, the prices of homes have been too ridiculous to consider for the past ten years, leading to the current mass foreclosures on those purchased with sub-prime mortgages, and today's Dow was down 306.95 points! No matter what you call it, it spells disaster for millions, with no end in sight.

However, these same financial experts would have us believe that this isn't a Recession, it's only Slow Growth! What's more, they advocate turning it around just like that if we would all get out and do more buying to really move the economy. With half the country on strike every other week for one benefit or another, and right now determined to stay that way until someone says "uncle", where would the money come from to spend? In this day and age, strikes for whatever lofty purpose, help noone but the heads of unions, who do not risk losing their homes or cars, trying to feed their families on a pittance from the union, or losing their health benefits altogether.

One thing we could say, comparing it to the Great Depression in the 1930s, noone has been seen jumping out of a window in despair (yet), or lining up at soup kitchens. We like to think that this is a more civilized way of losing everything we've worked and planned for in this land of plenty. No amount of talk will change what is happening now. Everyday we hear "too little, too late".

Comparatively speaking, today's "slow growth" may have a more devastating impact on the nation because we're dealing with billions and trillions of dollars and palatial mansions, as opposed to hundreds of thousands of dollars at the most in those other Depression days and ordinary family homes. Besides, this is a more highly-sophisticated and educated society that is reaching for and expecting the moon in all its glory!"

By the time this hits the printed page a week from now, there could be developments we haven't even thought possible. We can only stand by for the next press release from the Oval Office!

postrye@netscape.com

From the Library

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The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre Boulevard in Sierra Madre. For further information, please visit the Library’s web site at www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us, or call (626) 355-7186

Joke of the Day

While crossing the US and Mexican border on his bicycle, a man was stopped by a guard who pointed to two
sacks the man had on his shoulders. "What's in the bags?", asked the
guard. "Sand," said the cyclist. "Get them off - we'll take a look," said
the guard. The Cyclist did as he was told, emptied the bags, and proving
they contained nothing but sand, reloaded the bags, put them on his
shoulders and continued across the border. Two weeks later, the same
thing happened. Again the guard demanded to see the two bags, which
again contained nothing but sand. This went on every week for six months,
until one day the cyclist with the sand bags failed to appear. A few days
later, the guard happened to meet the cyclist downtown. "Say friend, you
sure had us crazy", said the guard. "We knew you were smuggling something across the border. I won't say a word - but what is it you were smuggling?"

"Bicycles!"

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A water-garden company wants a load of frogs delivered, but they have to be delivered in a special bog-like container that will fit in a pickup truck's bed. They'll pay in food, which is exactly what the cat likes best! For each load delivered, the company will provide one enormous home-baked casserole with a crust of middle-eastern flat bread. Mmmmmm! That's right: a pita pie per pickup pack of puddle peepers.

Quote of the Day

"Everybody has barriers and obstacles. If you look at them as containing fences that don't allow you to advance, then you're going to be a failure. If you look at them as hurdles that strengthen you each time you go over one, then you're going to be a success." -- Benjamin Carson

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

(8/22/08) Art Show Opening Tonight The Sierra Madre Community Arts Commission is pleased to present its newest show in City Hall "Exceptional Art" featuring the work of Mary J. Martz and Steven Drolet.

Opening Night Reception

Friday, August 22 from 6-8 p.m.

Sierra Madre City Hall

Free, Open to the Public

Refreshments Served

Try and stop by just for a few minutes. These are artists who have overcome tremendous odds and approach their art with joy and passion. Spread the word to other Sierra Madreans, art lovers, etc.

Fritz Coleman, SCLT Headline Big Weekend in Sierra Madre by Ward Calaway

Sunday, August 24 will be a big day for entertainment in Sierra Madre! Fritz Coleman will be doing two comedy shows (2:30pm and 7:30pm) at the Sierra Madre Playhouse and SCLT will present its fourth annual Fairytales and Fantasy concert at 6:30pm in Memorial park. I recommend seeing Fritz at 2:30pm and taking a picnic dinner to the park to catch some beautiful music.

Everyone loves Fritz; he has that ingratiating warmth that makes you feel that he is part of the family, and he is just naturally funny. He loves doing comedy, and it shows. You can't help but have fun. The last show he did at SMP, we had complaints - sides were sore for days.

Fritz' show is a benefit for the Midnight Mission www.midnightmission.org, which provides direct services to the people and families on Skid Row with meals, lodging, showers, clothes, haircuts, and a safe haven for those at risk. Fritz has done many benefits for the mission, and has asked us to host this one, which we are proud to do. All proceeds go to the Mission.

Tickets are $30 each, and are available online www.sierramadreplayhouse.org, by calling the reservation service (626) 256-3809, or by sending a check to the playhouse (be sure to include your name, address, phone, and the performance you wish to attend).

Fairytales and Fantasy is a free musical variety show featuring the Southern California Lyric Theater Troubadours and some very talented youngsters from director Alison Kalmus' youth theater classes. Music is likely to include Disney, Broadway, swing, and even a little opera. Seating is on the green, so bring along a blanket or beach chair.

(8/16/08) Wistaria Thrift Shop to Re-open Sept. 4th!! By Phyllis Chapman

The Wistaria Thrift Shop, run by Sierra Madre Woman’s C1ub, will hold its Grand Re-Opening Thursday, September 4, 10 am to 3 p.m. The shop is located at the rear of "Essick House” the Woman’s Club’s historic clubhouse, at 550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre.

Closed during summer to refurbish and restock, now all new merchandise will be featured for the opening - and at dream prices

for bargain shoppers.

Always bursting at the seams, the shop also recently underwent a remodeling to double its size, giving it much more room to display the great quantity of quality merchandise on sale. Since 1956 shop income has been the main source for the club's annual generous philanthropy giving.

Shop hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call the shop at 626-355-7739.

(8/12/08PR) Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Set For Sept. 13 The Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser will happen on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Memorial Park. The breakfast will feature delicious pancakes, succulent sausage, healthy OJ, and lots of wide-awake coffee! Breakfast will be served from 7 to 11 am.

Kiwanis President Hank Landsberg remarked “This fundraiser will pay for a new state-of-the-art sound system in the Hart Senior Center. It’s our major service project for 2008, and fits perfectly with Kiwanis’ purpose of helping the kids and seniors of Sierra Madre.”

Tickets cost $5 each, and are available from any Kiwanis member or from many local merchants who will have tickets for sale. Just look for the “Pancake poster” in their windows. Tickets are also available by calling Hank at 355-3656.

(8/12/08) SMRFA Releases Rendering of 2009 Float "Bollywood Dreams," Float Construction Hours at the Barn Extended Following is the contents of two e-mails I received from Don Mills of the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association: Everyone -- Our 2009 float, “Bollywood Dreams” is starting to take shape.

Charles Meier just completed the rendering (click image above to enlarge). As a reminder, “Bollywood Dreams” salutes the world's most prolific film industry: the cinema of India - known around the globe as "Bollywood." Annually, India produces more than 800 films which attract a worldwide audience of 3.6 billion. Fans love Bollywood movies for their romantic storylines and spectacular song and dance numbers. In this exotic entry, Sierra Madre recreates a classic Bollywood wedding scene. The bride rides in a "dholi" carried by twelve men. Her groom follows atop an ornately adorned elephant. Bollywood dancers portraying wedding guests perform alongside the float to the beat of a contemporary Bollywood soundtrack. Six real waterfalls cascade over lush floral gardens.

The proposed floral plan includes fiery orange-red and magenta roses carpet the floor of the Indian jungle. The landscape glows with magnificent sprays of heliconia, anthurium, ginger and protea. Tens of thousands of orchids create the dramatic flowering trees. The design incorporates over twenty different varieties of orchids, including: dendrobium, cymbidium, oncidium, phalaenopsis, cattleya, mokara, vanda and paphiopedilum.

The elephant is decorated in ming moss and its elaborate headdress and blanket are embroidered with 8,000 jewel-tone carnations, roses, orchid florets, habanero chillies, Chinese lanterns, kumquats and orange halves.

The minarets towards the rear of the float are decorated in ironed cornhusk and detailed with white beans and purple carnations.

The egrets on the float are feathered in coconut flakes and the albino python at the front of the entry is painstakingly decorated in white beans and yellow lentils, all of which have been applied with tweezers one at a time.

Float construction is well-underway and the various elements are taking shaping in pencil steel. Stop by the Barn and take a look at what promises to be a spectacular float.

Don

Everyone -- In addition to weekends, the Barn will be open for float construction on Thursday evenings, starting this week, August 14^th, 6:00PM to 10:00PM.

Don

Letter to the Editor from SM Police Chief Marilyn Diaz

This is not what I would normally send, but I was deeply touched by the letter that Jennifer Robi sent. She and her family live in Hastings Ranch. The photograph depicts the molded body brace that Jennifer has had to wear since the April 2007 DUI crash in Sierra Madre at Hermosa Ave. and Orange Grove. The defendant had three previous DUI arrests and was coming from one of our local bars just before the collision.

Their story is one of strength and resolve. It is a reminder to the community about the importance of responsibility, sound social policy, and the need to enforce and eliminate drunk driving. I am donating $200 and encourage you to make a contribution or work to support her cause.

Thank you.

Here's the Jennifer Robi letter

(PR8/11/08) Churchwomen Olson and Melzian Receive Honorary Awards

Lannea Melzian and Jackie Olson were recent recipients of honorary awards presented by the United Methodist Women (UMW) of Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia. UMW President Lynne Rivera presented handsome gold pins and certificates to the honorees. The awards are bestowed annually to women who have given outstanding service to the church community, and donations are made on their behalf to the church’s mission projects.

Lannea Melzian

For decades, Lannea Melzian has been instrumental in sharing her talents by bringing artistic events to the church. A nonagenarian, she chuckles when she says the award may well signify “endurance.” Sheaves of aging press clippings and programs attest to her creativity. An Easter program featuring various cultures…an art exhibit of a potpourri of media including sculpture, paintings, leather, mosaics, and floral arrangements…a worship through sacred dance…a brotherhood theme for an arts afternoon featuring Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish participants—these are but a sampling of projects Lannea has helmed.

She and her husband Mel were among those who launched and supported the Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre. Lannea also taught Sunday School, was and is an active member of Elizabeth Circle, and helped with church dinners and festivals, always sharing her artistic touches. Most recently, Lannea’s passion is offering greeting cards of her original paintings at UMW brunches, and donating the proceeds to FINCA, the Foundation for International Community Assistance, a micro loan organization that benefits women in impoverished nations.

Jackie Olson

Jackie Olson joined the Church of the Good Shepherd upon her retirement from a nursing career. As vice president of the UMW for two years, she has organized the group’s quarterly programs, including a quilt show, musical presentations, an innovative “apron” brunch, and displays of and talks on lace and china collections. Jackie is the driving force behind a book-exchange fundraiser in the church lounge. Fittingly, she is active in Good Shepherd’s Health Ministries, contributing her career skills. Jackie serves on the women’s Retreat Committee, and is an avid participant in the Wednesday night craft group, which also supports FINCA. Every Thursday finds her as volunteer receptionist in the church office. Her other interests include reading, knitting, stamping, ceramics painting, and attending the theater.

Adding to the excitement of the awards ceremony—and a big surprise for Jackie—was when all four of her children and five of her seven grandchildren appeared at the ceremony to congratulate her and enjoy her moment of honor and recognition.

(8/14/08) City Council Agenda, 8/19/08 Meeting

(8/22/08) Chief's Corner

by Sierra Madre Police Chief Marilyn Diaz

Since May, residential burglaries have gradually increased. The crimes have occurred in the following areas:

500 blk. N. Michillinda Ave
600 blk. Fairview Ave.
300 blk. E. Alegria Ave.
400 blk. E. Grandview Ave.
200 blk. S. Mountain Trail Ave.
200 blk. E. Orange Grove Ave.

In most burglaries the suspect (s) entered the homes by breaking a rear sliding glass door or window to gain entry. The burglarized homes had foliage that obscured the front or back yards from the neighbors’ view. In all but two of the incidents the residents were on vacation. One victim had left to go out to dinner, and the other victim was at work when their burglaries occurred. The loss has been jewelry, a DVD player, a computer hard drive, and other easy-to-carry items. The thieves used pillowcases to carry away the loot.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, slim, short dark hair, about 20 years old. He was seen driving a white 2003-era Toyota Scion, square back, with black rims.

Be alert to the presence of anyone matching the description of the suspect and vehicle and do not hesitate to call police. To prevent crime, consider the following:

None of the homes had burglar alarms;
None of the victims who were on vacation had notified the police to ask for a vacation check. To ask for a vacation check, call the Police Department at 355-141. Officers will regularly check your home and property while you are away.
Most of the victims had not participated in a Neighborhood Watch program. Call 355-1414 and ask for Off. John Ford or any supervisor to set up a Neighborhood Watch presentation. You may also email Off. Ford at jford@ci.sierra-madre.ca.us
Most of the burglarized homes were on or adjacent to major streets leading in and out of the city: Michillinda, Grandview, Orange Grove.

Call the police whenever you see suspicious people and vehicles. Sometimes burglars will case a neighborhood by asking for work, offering to sell a service or product, seeking a fictitious neighbor or address, or young kids asking to retrieve a ball or pet in the back yard.

Officers are vigilant in looking for suspicious people and circumstances; however, we must rely on the public to share our responsibility. Keep Sierra Madre safe by calling the Police Department any time you see someone or something suspicious.

(8/12/08) New Advertiser Sierra Madre Playhouse Added to News Net Website Effective today and for the next year, Sierra Madre Playhouse will be advertising with SierraMadreNews.Net. You'll be able to find reviews, scene shots, contact information, and a link to ticket ordering by phone by visiting the Playhouse's new web page on the News Net. Their next production, Rose's Dilemma, opens Aug. 29th, and you can read a preview synopsis by visiting their web page and clicking on coming attractions. Be sure to let them know you saw them on the News Net, and welcome Sierra Madre Playhouse!

(8/8/08) New Advertiser Gem Plumbing Added to News Net Website Effective today and for the next year, Gem Plumbing will be advertising with SierraMadreNews.Net. You'll be able to find their address, phone number, hours of operation and a list of some of the services they offer by visiting their new web page on the News Net. Be sure to let them know you saw them on the News Net, and welcome Gem Plumbing!

Bruce Inman's Presentation to Fire Safe Council re: Preparation for Rain Following Santa Anita Fire - PowerPoint Presentation (Internet Explorer Only, does not work in Netscape or Firefox)

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Video of Fire Safe Council Meeting Presentation by Bruce Inman

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Article re: Fire Safe Council Presentation by Bruce Inman at bottom of this column

Police Blotter

City Stuff

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Official City Website

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Concerts in the Park

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(5/29/08) City Asks Residents to Reuse Sandbags, Sandbag Instructions

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(5/29/08) Sandbag Volunteer Crew Members Needed

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This summer, ENCOMPASS will be working in collaboration with the City of Sierra Madre to offer a powerful youth art program for teens called BRIDGE.

Here's the APPLICATION to participate in the BRIDGE program

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The Wistaria Vine Online

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Pool Schedule/Aquatics

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Farmer's Market Every Wednesday Behind the Bottle Shop, 4 - 8pm

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Fund Established to Help Pay for Firefighting Efforts

A Santa Anita Fire Fund has been set up with the Sierra Madre Community Foundation to help the City pay for the cost of fighting the Santa Anita Fire. If you would like to donate, you can download the attached form and mail it with your donation to:

SIERRA MADRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PO Box 716, Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Checks should be made out to SMCF/CCF with "Santa Anita Fire Fund" in the memo.

City of Sierra Madre Official Calendar (click on the flag)

(6/20/08, posted 6/28) On My Mind These Days

By Glenn Lambdin

Past Glenn Lambdin Columns

Losing My Religion, Conclusion

Excerpt: I certainly don’t want to take anything away from or minimize the loving acts of faithful worshipers. If fact, if it wasn’t for the generous believers of St. Rita’s Church in Sierra Madre, my mother and her family would never have made it to America from Nazi Germany some sixty years ago as displaced citizens. And I don’t believe an endless supply of good deeds by believers can atone for a single atrocity performed in the name of religion. I also believe it is important to recognize that great deeds of sacrifice and loving acts of kindness are and have been routinely given to the world by non-believers for no other reason than their love for humanity. Kindness is universal and is experienced equally outside of religious belief...To read the entire column, click the link above.

Losing My Religion, Part II

Excerpt: As I mentioned last week, I have lost my religion. So where does that leave me? It leaves me finding myself going back to the concept of logic and reason and how that plays into our existence as humans. Logic and reason seem to be the golden stitch that connects the universe and keeps it in perfect order. In our Western societies, we demand logic and reason in all things; our governments, laws, schools, medical care, to name just a few. We demand it in all things except in our religions. Religion, it seems is the one place where we can totally ignore logical and reasonable thought and justify our actions and behaviors regardless of our absolute departures from critical thought.

For many, we allow inherited religious beliefs to mold our behaviors...To read the entire column, click the link above.

Losing My Religion, Part I

Excerpt: I recently came to the conclusion that I’ve lost my religion. After spending twenty years as a fundamentalist Christian and the last six years dissecting and re-evaluating my faith, it’s time for me to admit that I have lost my religion. The very institution that guaranteed me eternal bliss, now guarantees me an eternity of torment, sorrow, and gnashing of teeth. I am a heretic. For some odd and uncanny reason, however, I am more at peace with my after-life now than I have ever been.

Shortly after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, I embarked on a six year soul-searching quest that questioned many aspects of my faith that I, like almost all Christians,...To read the entire column, click the link above

(5/21/08) Community Arts Commission Issues Call for Artists For Upcoming Local Shows

Click here for details

(6/6/08) Straight Talk on Expected Debris Flow at Fire Safe Council Meeting by Bill Coburn

Video of the meeting, part 1 Video of the meeting, part 2

In front of a much smaller crowd than May’s post-fire meeting (though still with a much larger turnout than any pre-fire meeting), the Fire Safe Council’s featured speaker, Director of Public Works Bruce Inman, presented a slide show and some sobering figures about the anticipated debris flow from the recently burned hillsides, and the City’s ability to prepare for and deal with that debris.

Inman gave a fairly comprehensive presentation discussing each of the burn areas, their size, the percentage of the area that burned, the amount of debris that is anticipated from each area, the capacity of the debris basins into which they will flow, and in some cases, the lack of a basin or under-capacity of the basins into which the debris will slide in the event of a storm.

Estimates for debris were based on a ten-year storm, which is defined as a storm that the City is likely to see on average every ten years. No figures were provided as to the debris should the City experience a twenty-five year, fifty years, or longer storm.

Inman has been working closely with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works (LACDPW), the California Conservation Corps, the US Forest Service and the Angeles National Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation service, and other agencies to assess the damage and prepare for the future. According to Inman, the County Preliminary map defines 16 areas that are likely to discharge mud and debris into Sierra Madre. Five of the areas drain into debris basins, with one of those five debris basins considered to very likely be inadequate for the anticipated debris flow. Eleven of the areas drain into public and private property.

Inman pointed out that his department consists of a staff of twelve, and that during emergencies, the staff goes into twelve hour shifts, meaning that at any given time, there are a total of six public works employees to deal with emergencies. Unspoken by Inman was the fact that he is currently not fully staffed, having only nine employees, meaning if an emergency were to occur right now, there would be five staffers or four, depending on what time of the day it is. Alex Jarvie, of LACDPW’s flood control maintenance division, noted that he has double Sierra Madre’s staff, or twenty-four employees, to deal with the entire county.

According to Inman, the County’s map defines Area 3a, on private property at the top of Auburn Ave., as being 6 acres, with 83% burned, and an estimated 2,100 cubic yards of potential debris. To provide some perspective, Inman noted that each of the large 3-axles dump trucks seen hauling mud during the last emergency holds 10 cubic yards of debris. Read the rest of this story...

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