REMEMBER: ALL Fireworks in Sierra Madre Are Illegal

REMEMBER: ALL Fireworks In Sierra Madre Are Illegal

WHERE YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS COMES FIRST Friday, June 29 - July 5, 2007 Volume 2, No.26

Volunteers Behind The Scenes The Good Ole’ Days: City Council Council Appoints New Commissioners The Roess Family Strolls Down Memory Lane Update By Susan Henderson Th e Sierra Madre City One of the factors that assisted Sierra Madre in clinching Council met on Tuesday the All America City title is the extraordinary level of with a full council present. volunteerism in the city. Th ousands of hours are given Absent was Interim City to the community by citizens from a wide variety of Manage Don Hopper. Bruce backgrounds through their service on commissions. Inman, Director of Public Commissioners assist Works, sat in for Hopper. with research, planning Th e meeting was convened Reappointments and development of following a day of interviews Community Arts Commission programs and ideas by the council for a new Barbara Wamboldt to help maintain city manager. Mayor Joff e Library Board of Trustees the character and indicated that a decision Pat Hall effi cient operation and announcement would Tree Advisory of the town. Th ey be made soon. Nan Kaeser also help resolve very Th e Hillside Management challenging, diffi cult Zone Environmental Impact New Appointments and oft en controversial Report was pulled from the problems. agenda by the Mayor, citing Community Arts Sierra Madre has six insuffi cient time to review Lisa Spagai Perez commissions: the contents of the report. Erica Blodgett Arts: Th e Art Th e matter will be on the Dave Culwell Commission promotes next council agenda. Community Services Th e daughters, daughter in law and granddaughters of Mary and David Roess, the community’s owners of the old Sierra Madre Roess’ Market, came to town last week to participate Kelly Hartman (Youth) interest, appreciation in the Sierra Madre Historical Society’s Oral History project. Th e Reiss family lived Citizens Speak Out Against Natasha Green and participation in here from 1938 - 1984 on Highland Avenue and maintained their market at the Adult Businesses Jennifer Jukie the arts. corner of Lima and Sierra Madre Blvd. Th eir trip included lunch at Th e Only Place During community Planning Community Services: In Town and a view of the old family home which is currently on the market again. communications, Sierra William Pezsner - Provides oversight In town for the project were Grandaughter Michaela Nunn of Santa Barbara, Madre resident and father, Senior of the city’s parks and Daughter in Law Patty (Fred) Roess, Capistrano, Granddaughter Kaitlin Nunn, and John Carter, expressed Alice Hultsman recreation programs daughters Joy Roess Van Wickle – Santa Barbara, Ruth Roess of Valencia. Joining outrage over the soliciting William Robinson the family are long time family friends Georgina “Snooky” Greger, Marjorie “Mama of young women to including the facilities. participated in an adult web Library Board of Pete” Peterson and Joanne Walters, Carmen Walters, Julie Walters. Brother Fred Roess was unable to make the trip. Brother Frederic passed away in October, 2000. site by someone identifi ed Trustees: Provides -Photo by Susan Henderson as Jim Snider. Carter oversight on all library policies, programs and fi nances. produced email exchange Planning: Monitors land use issues such as conditional between a young woman use permits, tract maps, variances, and appeals of Protect Your Friends This Week named ‘Selma Ritter’ and staff land-use decisions Senior Commission: Th is Snider which discusses the commission attends to the needs of Sierra Madre’s production of the site, in senior population including identifying resources and Sierra Madre. Carter asked coordinating activities. Th ey also serve as advocates for the council to look into the matter. Mayor Joff e then senior issues to the council. asked city attorney Sandra Tree Advisory - Th e Tree Commission works Levin to review the Adult closely with city staff including the Director of Business Ordinances and Public Works in making recommendations on the see if they were adequate. preservation and care of all city own trees and trees in Ms. Levin agreed to report undeveloped areas. back to the council on what At the meeting, Councilman Watts thanked all is currently in the code applicants and asked that those not chosen continue for possible amendment. seeking appointment in other areas. “Don’t feel Resident Faye Angus, who slighted,” said Watts. “We had many fi ne applicants and has been victimized by making decisions was very tough.” Former Mayor John Snider on his web site in the past also expressed Buchanan agreed and noted that when he fi rst applied concerns. “Th e council for a commission a few years ago, his application was would be well advised to turned down. make a statement” against Th ere are still several unfi lled vacancies on the Tree (cont. pg.. 10) Commission. A search of applicants who applied to other commissions and were not chosen will be made to INSIDE THIS WEEK see if those vacancies can be fi lled. For a complete list of all commissioners and their Brenden, Katie McKiernan show off their pets with sister Gracie. responsibilities visit the cities website at: 1 New Commissioners City Council www.cityofsierramadre.com In our exuberance to celebrate the country’s 2 4th of July independence, we often Celebrations create situations that put our friends in danger. Dogs NEW: and cats often become 3 Coffee with Joffe frightened and end up in the pound during the 4th of July holiday because 4 Fire Safety Tips of the sound of ﬁ reworks. SMEAC In the photo on the right, with Pasadena Humane 5 OBSERVER Society spokesperson Ricky PASADENA Whitman, is an adoptable dog wearing his patriotic 6 Opinions attire. Below, two Sierra Madre pooches , Phoebe and Annie, discuss their 7 East Side/West Side upcoming plans. More Photo by Daniel Bellis; Clymer’s Close stories and pics inside. Photo below by Susan Henderson Encounters 8 Trisha’s Truth PUSD Peter Dills Don’t Forget To Get Your 9 Table For Two 4th of July T-shirt features Centennial Th eme Th e shirts include a banner with “All-America City” 10 TechKnowledge 4th of July T-shirts cost $18 each, and are now Unsung Heroes available at Th e Bottle Shop in downtown Sierra Madre. Proceeds from shirt sales help pay for the 4th 11 One Of A Kind of July Parade and other Independence Day festivities Bird’s Eye View in our town. Contact: Hank Landsberg 626-355-3656 12 SMSG Tournaments

Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 2 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007 WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS Weather Wise Farmer’s Market Every Saturday to 12:30 p.m. 5-Day Forecast for Sierra Madre, Ca. B-B-Berries. Lili’s herbs, honey, menudo & tamale stand. Bring the Longitude W118.0, Lattitude N34.2 kiddies. PHS parking lot Volunteers Needed: 2925 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Friday: Sunny Hi 90s Lows 60s Saturday: Sunny Hi 90s Lows 60s We will need any help Café 322 Sunday: Sunny Hi 90s Lows 60s you can provide to Monday: Sunny Hi 90s Lows 60s rd Sunday Nights support the July 3 & Let’s Sing Opera & Broadway Tuesday: Sunny Hi 90s Lows 60s 4th Sierra Madre Parade Forecasts courtesy of the National Weather Service Pianist Danny Guerrero & Friends and Community Picnic. 322 Sierra Madre Blvd. Help will be needed in Sierra Madre (626) 836-5414 prepping 900 roses on the 3rd and selling them Beantown 45 N. Baldwin along the parade route on the 4th. Time for Ice Cream Also, help is needed for (626) 355-1596 the hamburger booth on the aft ernoon/evening of Lucky Baldwin’s rd 21 Kersting Court July 3 and following the (626) 355-1140 parade on July 4th. Please save the dates. Mary’s Market Any help you can 561 Woodland Drive provide will be greatly (626) 355-4534 appreciated. Th e Harvey Hyde Show Let’s Celebrate! Contact Bonnie Coulcher Every Sunday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Phone: 626-355-7005 or Hard-hitting, high impact sports talk radio Saturday, June 30, 7pm. sierramadevolunteers@ KSHP Las Vegas - 1400 AM yahoo.com Foot-stompin’ jazz under the stars with the Crazy Rhythm Hot Live! from BURGER CONTINENTAL Society Dance Band! Th is superb band plays the best hot jazz of 535 South Lake Avenue Pasadena the 1920s and 1930s! Grandma’s 78s never sounded this good! Th e downbeat is at 7pm in the Memorial Park band shell, sponsored by FREE COMPUTER Summer 2007 Concerts in the Park Series the Sierra Madre Centennial Committee. CLASSES Th is summer the Community and Personnel Services Sunday, July 1, 10am – 4pm Th e Sierra Madre Public is off ering “Spectacular Summer Sounds” a series of Library off ers free concerts in Memorial Park. Th ese events, every Sunday Band Organ Rally! Remember old-fashioned merry-go-rounds, computer classes year night starting July 8th, are great for families, couples with that big machine in the middle that plays music? Th at’s a “band round to the public. If and friends! Due to high popularity last summer, the organ”! Th ese amazing mechanical music-making machines will you’re contemplating concert series are back, with a variety of music ranging fi ll Memorial Park with marvelous melodies! Hear band organs, buying your fi rst PC, from folk to rock and roll to jazz. Bring your blankets calliopes, music boxes, and other turn-of-the-century musical classes are available and lawn chairs as seating is on the green. Spectators marvels. in Basic Computer I are encouraged to support local organizations who will & II, to help take the be providing refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Tuesday, July 3, 5pm – 10pm anxiety out of learning Concerts are Sunday nights from 6:00pm- 8:00pm from Celebration Concert In Th e Park! Food booths and Beer Garden essential computer July 8- August 26, 2007 at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. open at 5pm. functions. Basic Th ank to all of the sponsors and the Woman’s Club of Internet I & II will Sierra Madre for sponsoring this event. Th e concert At 6pm Th e Aluminum Marshmallow returns to Sierra Madre with teach you the ins-and- schedule is as follows: an all-new show! Rockin’ oldies and lots of classic rock from the 60’s outs of email, and how and 70’s…. and those talented brothers Th e Sheds will also play, for to navigate smoothly July 8: Th e Folk Collection non-stop music till 10pm! Don’t miss Th e 4th Annual Bubble-Wrap through cyberspace. Friends of the Sierra Madre Library “Fireworks-O-Rama” on the dance fl oor…it’s cheesy, but loads of Beginning, Intermediate fun! and Advanced levels of July 15: Cynthia and the Sweet Potatoes Word are also off ered, Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefi ghters Association Wednesday, July 4 as well as classes in WOMAN’S CLUB HOSTS JULY 4TH PRE-PARADE OPEN HOUSE Excel and Desktop July 22: Jumpin’ Joz Band * Publishing. Community Services Sierra Madre Woman’s Club, for the 31st year, extends a very red, white and blue Registration forms invitation to the community to attend their July 4th Pre-Parade Open House from are available at the July 29: Pecos Brother Band 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Th is will be held at their clubhouse, historic “Essick House”, 550 Library’s Circulation Kiwanis Club W. Sierra Madre Blvd., corner of Sunnyside Ave., which is also the starting point of Desk. A $20.00 deposit Sierra Madre’s hometown parade which begins promptly at 10 a.m. per class is required August 5: Ken O’Malley & the Twilight Lords A free light brakfast will be served to all who attend. Th ey will also have their popular when you register, Civic Club Patriotic Sing-A-Long. which is refunded upon Th e club was organized 100 years ago. Th e festive tradition to say “Happy Birthday attendance. August 12: Pasadena Crown City Chorus USA” is the fi rst event to begin their second century. Th e Sierra Madre Public Centennial Committee Library is located at August 19: Elvis and the Heroes of Rock Rotary Club 10am…Th e 4th of July Parade is led by Th e Ward Family, our 440 West Sierra Madre 2007 Grand Marshal in this Centennial year. E. Waldo Ward and Son Boulevard in Sierra Madre. August 26: Fairytale & Fantasy III has been in business in Sierra Madre since 1891! Southern California Lyric Th eater Postal Stamp Cancellation at Memorial Park For further information, please visit *Th is concert series is sponsored by the Los Angeles the web site at www. County Arts Commission and the Recording Industries’ Aft er the parade, it’s our Community Picnic in Memorial Park. Join sierramadre.lib.ca.us or Music Performance Fund through the assistance of the the fun with games on the south lawn. More great food, fun and live call (626) 355-7186 Professional Musicians Union Local 47. music! At noon, enjoy fantastic dixieland jazz by Th e Night Blooming For more information, please contact the Community & Jazzmen. Personnel Services Department at 626-355-5278

CIVIC CLUB’S 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITY IN THE PARK

Sierra Madre Civic Club Members, once again, will be going all out to add to the fun on July 4th in Memorial Park. Shortly aft er our hometown parade rolls by the very popular Games in the Park get underway, again chaired by Th eresa Smith and her committee. Th e club will also have a booth selling their confetti eggs, a hot sell item among the young set and always a sellout. Providing the eggs is a year long process for the group. Th e operation begins in their kitchens when eggs are used. Members become skillful in cutting a large hole in one end of the shell, draining the egg, then washing the shell and returning it to the carton. Cartons are collected all year long. On egg stuffi ng day, before the holiday, members and anyone who can help, will gather in the cool of Jean Coleman’s patio to stuff the shells with confetti. Coleman and Ann Bixel, Ways and Means Co-Chairs are in charge of the operation.

CENTENNIAL PINS are now available for $5 each at various shops in town. CENTENNIAL CALENDARS listing commemorative events throughout 2007 in the community have been sent to every home in Sierra Madre. Additional copies of the beautiful commemorative calendars are available at the library.

SAVE THE DATE Tuesday July 10

Th e Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club will present a fascinating program about falconry. Steve McNall, President and CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society, is an experienced falconer and will present the program. He will bring a falcon, talk about training the birds, and even do a few demonstrations of their capabilities. Mr. McNall has also trained owls. Th e Kiwanis Club meets at noon at the Th e public is invited; lunch is $8 per Masonic Temple at 33 E. Sierra Madre person. Reservations are required; Blvd. in Sierra Madre. please contact Paul Neiby at 355-1291.

Coffee with Joffe With Kyle McClure We Are the Champions HYDROCHLOROFLOUROCARBONS! Th e loud cheering you heard coming It’s funny because just the other day I was thinking the ozone-hole suddenly came charging back into the from Anaheim on June to myself, “Self, whatever happened to the hole in the news - which is to say that it showed up on, like, page 8th wasn’t just for the ozone layer?” I was pretty sure that I had heard that it 94 of the New York Times and in a couple of articles Ducks victory on their was smaller. But where had I heard that? And when? written by the mysterious gnomes in the dungeon of way to the Stanley Cup that Sierra Madre had Do you remember when the ozone hole was, for a the “Associated Press.” Apparently a report issued Championship. It was the largest delegation while there, the number one impending environmental by fi ve American and European (no word on how the roar that greeted the at the competition. disaster that was most likely to kill us all? Th is was many of each) scientists in the “Proceedings of the announcement by the Not only did all of sometime aft er nuclear power plant meltdowns, but still National Academy of Sciences” shared the fi nding National Civic League us make new friends before Global Warming became a proper noun written that the dramatic cutbacks in emissions of ozone that Sierra Madre had from Sierra Madre, with capital letters. Remember everyone became all depleting gases (like hydrochlorofl ourocarbons – the been selected as an All we also meet engaged agitated and concerned about hairspray and spray-on best science word to yell out of your car window at America City. Aft er only citizen volunteers from deodorant? confused pedestrians) have been way more eff ective our second application, communities all over the Now, OK, sorry but I have to interrupt myself here. at preventing global warming than the requirements our foothill village was country. People, if it requires an end-of-the-world doomsday of the Kyoto Protocol, which happens to be the very recognized with what has Why do we care about scenario of the ozone-hole type for a nation to agreement that was actually aimed at limiting global been called the “Nobel the All American City become concerned about spray-on deodorant, there warming. Th e Montreal Protocol, negotiated and Prize for Constructive designation? Aft er all, is something deeply, fundamentally, wrong with that signed in 1987 somewhere in Canada, reduced the Citizenship.” Th e we know what a great nation. Th ere is absolutely, categorically, nothing emissions of HYDROCHLOROFLOUROCARBONS! competition included community we have. worse (from a daily hygiene perspective) that you can in developed nations to such an extent that it has communities from And we certainly aren’t do to yourself than spray a freezing cold chemical into proven to be 5.5 times more eff ective than the Kyoto Clinton, North Carolina trying to attract chain your armpits fi rst thing in the morning (as if there is Protocol. to Lewiston, Maine. businesses or big box athlete’s foot in there) and then wait for it to dry and Th is has prompted a diplomatic crisis between Canada Th e process started with retailers. For me, it was come off in itchy fl akes. Oh! that spray-on deodorant and Japan. Japan has banned the import of all Canadian a lengthy application a matter of civic pride. is nasty nasty stuff , and I (who was not old enough to cars and has refused to take part in any future curling that focused on three Aft er all the heated debate vote, or care about issues beyond the design of my Lego meets. Canada, meanwhile, continues to reluctantly community projects. about Measure V and fortress for my GI Joe anti-insurgent SWAT special import Japanese cars, but intends to punish the cars Th is year we highlighted the discouraging news forces football team) refuse to take any responsibility by putting lots of salt on the roads from now on, and the Senior Master Plan, about the city budget, for the fact that you people somehow found this refuses to take part in the Japanese national pastime Youth Activities Center it was heartwarming to product to be worthy and acceptable. Shame on you. of baseball. Montreal has, in fact, already eliminated and the community’s see our young people, Th ere should have been laws way before the hole in the its team. (Goodbye Expos. Your accomplishments will commitment to City Council members, ozone layer. never be forgotten). preserving open space. city staff and dozens of So anyway, everyone stopped using the spray-on Other than this friction between well-educated Th e twenty fi nalists volunteers come together deodorant and hairspray (and remember, this was industrialized nations whose people eat lots of fi sh, participated in an intense and work so hard to back when hairspray mattered) because a vast hole the results of this whole ozone-hole report thingy are three day event that achieve a goal. was opening in the fragile layer of our atmosphere that excellent news. Want to fi ght global warming? Don’t included a presentation Th e achievement of protected us from strong and violent solar radiation. worry your little head about carbon neutral life styles. to a distinguished panel being designated an All We were all going to die. But we didn’t (not all of us), No need to be all vegetarian and depressed. All that of judges. Winners were America City is just the and the ozone-hole issue pretty much went away. is really required is that you stop spraying disgusting selected in part for their beginning. It provides a Why, you ask, is that “funny” (see paragraph one, white stuff into your armpits. Easy. It’s 5.5 times more ability to engage a broad golden opportunity for us fi rst sentence)? Well, it’s “funny” because last week eff ective. cross section of the to showcase what Sierra community, including Madre is all about. Th e youth, business leaders, All America City Award Keeping Pets Safe By Dean Lee elected offi cials, city staff is a confi rmation that, no and nonprofi t groups in matter how diffi cult the Th e Pasadena Humane Society advised this week by the loud noises of fi reworks and will be happier civic dialogues leading to issues and how divisive against taking pets to any of this year’s 4th of July safely confi ned at home. To add to your pet's comfort, tangible results. the debate, we can come festivities including the Sierra Madre parade, Th e Rose play a radio to diff use the loud sounds of fi reworks. Sixty plus volunteers and together as a community Bowl’s AmericaFest, or even the park to see fi reworks. • Make certain that your pet's identifi cation is current. city staff put their heart with a common purpose Th e 24 hours aft er Independence Day becomes the Update your pet's microchip information if necessary. and soul into this event and WIN! Humane Society’s busiest time of the year. A visible form of identifi cation is the easiest way to and I am proud to say “Leave them at home,” said Pasadena Humane Society ensure that your pet can be returned home to you. & SPCA spokesperson Ricky Whitman, “Aft er the • If you think your pet may become extremely agitated fi reworks our offi cers will go around picking up dogs or stressed, consult your veterinarian and discuss the and other animals.” possibility of sedatives or overnight boarding. You may Fun - Sierra Madre Style Whitman also said that even the more aggressive wish to call an animal behavior specialist to work with dogs can become scared and agitated when they are your pet, but do that someplace they don’t know. All of their animal control well in advance. offi cers will be on patrol July 4 and 5. Th ey will also get • If your dog runs extra help from surrounding areas. “I’m not sure how away, search the many more offi cers we will have but every year we get a kennels of the shelter lot more,” she said. closest to you. Many Sierra Madre city staff said the Pasadena Humane shelters post photos of Society had also requested a list of all registered dogs the animals that come in the city and animal owners can now be contacted into their facility on directly by the Humane Society regarding a runaway their web site. PHS' web pet. Whitman said she was unaware of the list but said site, www.phsspca.org, she thought it was great. Whitman said having tags is updated hourly so on the dog was critical in returning lost pets. She also that lost animals may advised micro-chipping something also required by be quickly reunited State law. with their lost owners. “It puts a small chip about the size of a grain of rice in Post signs and call Glen Springer and Kia Raab enjoy a few visiting friends the shoulder blade of the animal,” she said. “Th ey can neighboring shelters at last week’s Summer Solstice in Bailey Canyon. be easily tracked with a computer that way . for the next month. The event was so successful that there are plans for Police Chief Marilyn Dogs can run farther another in August. Diaz said police are asking than we imagine people not to call their when they are badly local department if animals frightened. run away or if they see wild • If your cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for several animals. She said they days or weeks, so put plenty of food and fresh water should call the Pasadena outside your door. (Pick it up at night so you don't Humane Society 626-792- attract unwanted wild animals) Post signs and check 7151. Although Diaz said, your local and neighboring shelters in person and “If you think your animal on line; your description of your pet may fi t several has been abducted or animals in the shelter. any other crime has been Diaz also asked that Independence Day/City committed in the process of Centennial parade goers do not throw hard candy, the animal going missing, bring water guns, silly string, or anything else that then yes, call us.” You can might be considered unsafe. also visit 761 S. Raymond “Our concern is that kids can get hurt trying to get Avenue in Pasadena Whitman said. Th e Pasadena the candy or cars get damaged,” she said. “We have had Humane Society offi ce will be closed on July 4 but will complaints that silly string or even the water ruins the open at 7:30 a.m. on July 5 to reunite pets with their paint on these unique antique automobiles.” owners she said although, animal Control offi cers do Note: At this week’s meeting, council member Don Watts Dane Lenton, Elva Johnson and George Grijalva have respond to animal emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days announced this year’s city dog licensing reminder. All a good laugh while collecting tickets for Saturday’s a week she added. licenses expire June 30th, Dog licensing is done through Film Fest. city hall and anyone needing to do so should call 818-355- Here is a list of fi ve easy 7135. Both city staff and the things to do in keeping a Humane Society assured pet pet safe. owners their animals would • Keep your pet inside be taken care of regardless Ben Martin, Camille Bent, during Fourth of July of the licensing status. and Judy- celebrations. Many cats Webb Martin and dogs are frightened get ready for a little croquet at lthe Centennial Lawn Party

-Photos by Susan Henderson

Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 4 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007

SIERRA MADRE POLICE BLOTTER During the week of Sunday, June 17th, to Saturday June 23rd, the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to approximately 202 calls for service. Sunday, June 17th:

1:09 AM – Fight in progress, 70 West Sierra Madre Blvd. Offi cers were dispatched to the rear parking lot of the Buccaneer Bar regarding a fi ght in progress. Upon arrival, a crowd of 10-15 was dispersing and one man appeared intoxicated and unable to care for himself. Offi cers arrested the man for being drunk in public and took him to the Pasadena Jail for remand. Monday, June 18th: 7:25 AM – Vandalism, 611 East Sierra Madre Blvd. A city employee reported damage to the men’s and women’s restrooms at Sierra Vista Park. Green and gold paint was sprayed on several restroom fi xtures. No loss estimate was available. 7:36 AM – Vandalism/graffi ti, 611 East Sierra Madre Blvd. A city employee reported damage to the men’s restroom at Heasley Field. Th e suspect used a blue marking pen to write graffi ti on four stalls. Th e letters “TDAC” were legible. No loss estimate was available. 10:55 AM – Th eft from vehicle, 430 North Grove St. A resident reported her Peruvian purse and black Danz shoes were stolen from her unlocked car. Th e loss occurred between 1:00 PM Tuesday, 6/12 and 9:00 AM Sunday, 6/17. Th e loss was valued at $131.00. 4:27 PM – Arrest, 12 West Sierra Madre Blvd. A female pedestrian was stopped and determined to be under the infl uence of a controlled substance. She was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Jail for remand. 11:57 PM – Traffi c collision/DUI arrest, Orange Grove Ave and Mountain Trail, Offi cers were dispatched to a traffi c collision involving a parked car. During the investigation the driver was found to be driving under the infl uence of alcohol. Th e driver was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Jail.

Tuesday, June 19th: Fire Safe Council TIP OF THE WEEK 9:01 PM – Under the infl uence of a controlled substance, 50 Auburn Ave. An offi cer From Caroline Brown stopped a vehicle for a traffi c violation. During the investigation the driver was found to be driving under the infl uence of a controlled substance (methamphetamines). July 9, will be the next Fire Safe Council meeting, at 7 p.m. Th e driver was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Jail. in the City Hall Council Chambers. We will be organizing 6:13 PM – 145 East Grandview Ave. A resident reported a package delivered by volunteers to work with the Fire Marshall for the Red Flag Fire UPS was missing. Th e package, containing two oil drain plugs, gaskets and one Patrol. As you may have noticed, Bailey Canyon gates have injection clamp, was delivered Monday, 6/18 at 1:27 PM and discovered missing been closed recently when there were Red Flag Alerts called 11:00 PM Wednesday, 6/20. Th e loss was estimated at $24.00. due to high temperatures, low fuel moisture and expected winds in the canyon passes and foothills. Chantry Flat Road gate will be closed as conditions warrant. Saturday, June 23rd:

A disastrous fi re is burning in the South Lake Tahoe with diffi cult conditions 12:28 AM – Arrest/drunk in public, Highland Ave and Baldwin Ave. Patrol offi cers facing fi re fi ghters trying to gain ground for containment. Th e news continuously saw a man crouching between vehicles and stopped to investigate. Th e man was refers to brush clearance eff orts, either present or missing, in their reports. determined to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Jail for remand. As you work on your property to clear brush pay careful attention to where you put 9:56 AM- Th eft of Mail, 100 block East Highland Ave. A resident reported a your hands. Rattlesnakes in our foothills will strike in defense or when searching package containing her birth certifi cate and US passport were stolen from her front for food. While using their heat sensors a snake will mistake the warmth of a human porch. Th e package was delivered at 2:37 PM Wednesday, 6/13 and was discovered hand for that of the rodent-sized meal. Keep your hands at the end of a rake or hoe missing at 6:00 PM while you scrape away leaves and brush. Contact us at: 355-0741, 355-7135 or 355-9350, or e-mail us at: smfi [email protected] Environmentally Speaking, “Did You Know?” Aluminum was discovered in the early 1820s and is the most abundant metal on earth. Th e fi rst all-aluminum beverage can appeared in 1963, and today accounts for the largest use of aluminum. Th e cans are the ultimate recyclable material as they are 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over again. Th ey go from the recycling bin back to the retail shelf in as few as 60 days. Other Benefi ts of Recycling Aluminum Cans: * It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than to create it from raw materials. * Recycling one can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours or a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. * Recycling 40 cans conserves the same energy as one gallon of gasoline. * Recycled aluminum requires less energy, so it produces 95% less emissions, such as greenhouse gases. It’s a win-win situation…you get ca$h for the energy you expend in your recycling eff orts as you help conserve and preserve the environment… Remember…One aluminum can that is thrown away will still be litter 500 years from now! www.recycle.alcan.com Brought to you by: Sierra Madre Environmental Action Council (SMEAC) P.O. Box 85 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91025-0085

CLARIFICATION - Th e Sierra Madre Mountain Conservancy was a co-sponsor with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for acquisition of Proposition A funds that Sierra Madre voted for in 1992, namely: $3.1 million to acquire natural lands and wildlife habitat and develop scenic viewpoints in the mountains. We did not participate in the transfer of these funds acquired for our stated purpose. Th e city decided to add a second story to the recreation center, creating the Youth Activity Center (YAC), requesting the transfer from the County Board of Supervisors. Th is decision came over the Conservancy’s appeal to allow us to continue negotiations to acquire two parcels for Open Space. Th e City Council in 2003, along with the City Administrator, Tammy Gates and the Recreation Director, were determined to redirect the remainder our Proposition A funds to build a second story to preserve park space. Th ere was no deadline. Many cities are still using their Proposition A funds for their original purpose. Moe’’s Automotiive Serviice Center Serviice Fiirst,, Qualliity Allways Specializing in repairs of domestic & foreign automobiles

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The Mt. Wilson Observer PASADENA City Agrees, Chinese Human Right’s Violations should be looked into before Rose Parade Visit Senior Pets and Senior People, a Good Mix for Pet Adoption By Dean Lee By Dean Lee

“Learning Falun Dafa is easy,” reads council chambers as Chen held back Now in its fi ft h year, the Pasadena don’t want is a 70-year-old adopting the web site falundafa.org banned in tears. Two of the women had been in Humane Society’s Seniors for Seniors a puppy that’s going to be very high China. “Th e practice is simple, powerful, the labor camps one year, while Zhao free pet adoption program is going energy and they can even become very and absolutely free.” Th at is unless you had severed fi re years before making the strong as ever although there were a destructive.” live in communist China and have a trip to the United States. number of older dogs and cats just this She said at fi rst what happens is someone week, droopy eyed, pushed up against will come and look and see if there is their cages and begging to go home with a dog or cat they like and then they someone, anyone. will come back to see if anyone else in “What we off er is free adoption for any interested. Th en the potential owner will dog or cat that is fi ve years or older set down with an adoption counselor to to anyone 65 or older,” said Pasadena ask any questions. Th ey then meet the Humane Society & SPCA spokesperson dog or cat spending time to make sure Ricky Whitman. “All the fees are paid they are right. If all goes well the new and they get free mandatory microchip owners take the animal home. and registration. Cats get the fi st set Whitman said the Humane Society has of shots, also free.” Owning dogs and other animal up for adoption including cats promote health for seniors and rabbits which she said make good pets psychological well being as well as but cautioned that rabbits are very social interaction according to Humane diff erent from owning a cat. “Th ey Society handouts. Th ere are also the are prey where a cat or even a dog is a practical benefi ts of walking dogs such predator,” they are very jumpy.” as encouraging owners to get up and She also said they have senior cats exercise Whitman said but at the time there was only one cat Whitman said they have a number adoptable through the Seniors for of senior dogs ready to be adopted Seniors program. Whitman said cats including a 14 year old Shepherd mix were the reverse of dogs having way Photo By Dean Lee - Pictured left to right, Bin Li, Wen Chen, Yaning Liu, Jie, Li, who was found as a stray. Whitman said more kittens than people to adopt and Lingyun Zhao. The women made a plea with the city of Pasadena Monday most of the dogs are not give names due them. “Th is is kitten season,” she said. to help alleviate human rights violations in China as Communist leaders are to the short time they are with them. “everyone wants to adopt a puppy when expected to take part in this year’s Rose Parade. Pasadena is also sister cities Th e Shepherd mix has a microchip and they fi rst come in.” with the Xicheng District in Beijing. she said walks well on leash and even She also said they update their website knows “sit” and “shake.” hourly showing the most current lost She also said they had another six year pets. “We try to make it easy for people bizarre concept of “free”. Th is is what Chen said the Chinese Communist Party old, German Shepherd mix who walks to fi nd their lost pet, she said. “I also fi ve women —three of whom are here in considers the practice of Falun Dafa to really well on a leash and loves people. encourage people to come down and exile for the practice,— told the Pasadena be “free thinking” and therefore a threat Th is dog may prefer to be the only dog take a look.” City Council Monday night during their to their system. Th e teachings have been in the home and has been neutered. All Regular (non senior) adoption fees go regular meeting. described as spiritual, religious and dogs and cats are spayed and neutered as follows “We have deep concerns over the metaphysical. Some say it is similar to before leaving the Humane Society she - Dogs - $85 (+ $20 for optional microchip, 2008 Rose Parade inviting the Chinese Yoga and although it is not known how said. includes 1st year registration) government here to Pasadena,” JPL many practitioners there might be, it has Whitman said anytime a dog or cat - Cats - $65 (includes mandatory scientist and Pasadena resident Wen been estimated at 70 million she said. goes up for adoption they fi rst evaluate microchip and registration) Chen said. “You want to allow them Falun Dafa is also more commonly the animal’s personality. Runaways left adopt a 2nd cat for just $10 more to have a fl oat in our peaceful parade known as “Falun Gong.” She said. “Th ey aft er fi ve days become their property - Rabbits $25 when they have a terrible human rights are the same thing.” and matching the pet with a good owner Guinea Pigs/ Hamsters $10 record.” Th e Xicheng District in Beijing China becomes their priority she said. For more information call 626-792- Mayor Bill Bogaard told the fi ve women is a sister city to Pasadena and Beijing “What we don’t want is a bad match 7151 or visit them on the web at www. the city was not responsible for picking is slated to host next year’s Olympic because then the dog will end up back phsspca.org. Or in person at who participates in the Rose Parade. Th e Games. A fl oat is also set to ride down here.” Whitman said. “What you 361 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. women also accused China of having Colorado Boulevard New Year’s a fl oat as a political stunt. Bogaard morning honoring the Chinese and the suggested they contact the Tournament Olympics. Li is being held in the Daxing of Roses. “Th e Tournament goes through District which is next to Xicheng. Both MTA FARE INCREASE a process in which certain participants are in Beijing. are invited,” Bogaard said. Although this year’s parade is themed By Dean Lee Councilmember Chris Holden later “Passport to the World’s Celebrations,” said the city should look into the matter Chen told the council of something that and suggested that the city denounce the sounded more like the novel “1984.” As of July 1 MTA bus and rail fares human rights violations even though She spoke of China’s Ministry of Public will change with the most notable allowing the fl oat was not “offi cially” Security Secret Directive to investigate being a Day Pass now costing $5, their decision. Other council members and bar Falun Gong practitioners from MTA trip facts: up from $3, which to most riders If You Buy A: Day Pass ($5) agreed including Councilman Victor the Beijing Olympics. All paraphernalia said makes it worthless. Bus riders Gordo. He said from the viewpoint of for teaching the practice is prohibited You Save Money: aft er 4 others the decision looked as though it and those found accessing it simply said the New Day Pass price is not boardings was our’s. “disappear in the night.” She later said worth buying now for simple two per day “Th ey are putting as many people in aft er the meeting. round-trips in which one other labor camps as they can before the Th e directive lists 43 categories transfer may be needed. Although, Olympics so when people go they including Falun Gong and others. Listed If You Buy A: Senior Day Pass Seniors and Disabled persons are ($1.80) cannot tell anyone what is happening,” are, Th e Dalai Lama and all affi liates, now free during off peak hours. Chen said. “We are asking Pasadena, Roman Catholics (not sanctioned by You Save Money: aft er 3 with a sister city in China, to help make the state), key individuals in ideological Weekdays 9am – 3pm and 7pm boardings everyone aware. We ask you to send fi elds, overseas hostile forces, counter- – 5am; All day on weekends and per day letters to the Chinese government.” revolutionary fi gures and individuals Federal holidays. Th e base fare of Yaning Liu a resident of Baldwin Park who instigate condemnation toward $1.25 will stay the same. told the council of her mother; Shuying the Chinese Communist Party through If You Buy A: Weekly Pass ($17) Li, a 63-year-old retired physics high the Internet among other non specifi c You Save Money: aft er 13 school teacher sent to a labor camp for groups. boardings per week 2.5 years without any type of hearings, Chen said she is also part of Pasadena and urged them to help. Amnesty International Group 22 and If You Buy A: Monthly Pass ($62) “December 15, 2006 at 8 p.m. three said Amnesty’s fi ndings released this You Save Money: aft er 49 policeman broke into my parents’ year show that China’s Communist Party apartment in Beijing…” Liu said. “Once has harvested organs from living Falun boardings per month they found Faun Gong materials, they Gong practitioners, 3,000 of which have immediately arrested my mother.” later died she said. Liu also said the police wanted to know “Here it takes months if not years to fi nd If You Buy A:Student K-12 if she was practicing Falun Gong here in an organ donor,” Chen said. “In China Monthly Pass ($24) the United States. Liu said this was the it takes less than 24 hours because they You Save Money: aft er 19 second time her mother was kidnapped. known who the Falun Gong practitioners Th e fi rst was in 2000 when she was taken are.” boardings per month on her way to Tiananmen Square. She Bogaard apologized later for not having was then imprisoned for three years. enough time to hear all the speakers and If You Buy A:College Monthly Liu said she has also sent a letter to agreed with Holden that at a later time -Photo by Daniel Bellis Pass ($36) Bogaard asking personally for his help. the issues should be fully looked into You Save Money: aft er 28 Th ree other’s currently in exile, Bin Li, and an appropriate stand be taken. boardings per month Jie Li, and Lingyun Zhao all sat in the If You Buy A: Senior Monthly Pass ($14) You Save Money: aft er 25 boardings per month Got News? Call 626-355-2737 (Senior base fare is 55 cents)

Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 6 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007

OPINION “Reach for the Stars” Around The Town With Sir Eric Maundry Congratulations Class of 2007 By Hail Hamilton “I never awarding him with considerable wonder to praise and moral support. This site, was beginning to learn those see men which listed such local luminaries I important lessons my father wicked, as former mayors (Clem Bartolai), know lovingly taught me: but I often (Bart Doyle), (Doug Hayes), (Glenn when • life is a gift to be cherished wonder Lambdin), (George Maurer) and I was and that every day should be to see (Rob Stockly) as sponsors, became 12 or lived to the fullest; them not a place where the Cumquat’s fans Publisher/ Editor 13 • cheaters don’t prosper—in ashamed.” would gather to voice their support Susan Henderson years old it was impossible to the real world, there are no - Jonathan and vilify critics. Jim Snider has believe that my parents were shortcuts to success; Swift also been an outspoken supporter Production/Layout ever kids themselves. I mean • respect is something you earn of embattled City Councilman (Joe Joe Russo parents were so “out of it”. by your example—a person’s Mosca), offering free “I Support They didn’t know what was word is their bond; It would appear that Sierra Mosca” lawn signs to anyone asking Photography “happening” or what was • all of us have a duty to leave Madre’s very own (Jim Snider), for one. The offer remained on the Felix Orona “cool”. They didn’t approve the world a better place than proprietor of the controversial Cumquat site for months and was Buddy Windsor of the way we dressed or the we found it. (Cumquat) blogsite, has not been only removed after Mosca took Jacqueline Truong music we listened to, and I was proud of all our kids quite forthcoming about the true some pointed criticism about it at Steve Padilla particularly the “friends who culminated from Sierra nature of his day job. On his site Jim a City Council meeting ... At the Linda Ott-Albright we chose”. They “worked” Madre Upper Campus. Just claims to be a producer of “animated time this article was written The Daniel Bellis because they were parents and walking the stage is a big films, TV spots, web animation, Cumquat sported a banner ad with that’s what parents did—and achievement, especially in fine art, comic strips,” which may the following offer: “Website Seeks City Desk they “liked it”. We “went to today’s world filled with so or may not be true. I personally Models - Do your girl-next-door school” because we had to— many distractions. Success Dean Lee think it’s malarkey. But what we can looks hide a restless spirit? - Contact not because we “liked it”—our in school is an achievement now add to this list without any fear Us And Learn More. Talent@Rock. Contributors parents made us go to school! that should be rewarded and of contradiction is the profession Com.” If you click on this banner Stefan Bund We were all lectured by our encouraged every day by of (pornographer). We here at ad your e-mail is activated with Stanley J. Forrester parents about the importance parents and teachers. I was (Maundry Muckraking Inc.) now the ‘[email protected]’ address as Paul the Cyberian school, about how important proud of the high achievers possess e-mails unwittingly sent to the recipient. “Selma Ritter” took Madeline Miller getting an education is to our like Student Council President us by Mr. Snider soliciting a “(Selma the challenge and typed in the Kyle McClure futures, but we lived in the and Vice President, Olivia Ritter)” for possible (“adult site”) following message: “OK, I’ll bite. “now”. We were kids—we Horowitz and Alex Mercier. I Pat Birdsall appearances. A XXX site apparently Restless? Sure, who isn’t? Girl next stubbornly knew better! was proud of the performances being developed by none other than door? Depends on what door you’re Bob Eklund th The fact of the matter is by the 8 Grade Singers and Mr. Snider himself ... Let’s set this talking about. So tell me, what door Caroline Brown everything we do as kids is in the Junior Thespians. I was proud remarkable story of local infamy is it?” The reply came back, and David Smith ”moment”, every day is a new of the Valedictorian Speeches up, shall we? ...During the recent it was from none other than Jim Rich Johnson adventure to be experienced by Austin Crocketiere and (Measure V imbroglio) Mr. Snider Snider himself. “Selma, we’re not Chris Bertrand with friends—yesterday is Shawn Wi. I was proud of Aysa became something of a hero to many looking for Angelina Jolie types. Peter Dills gone and tomorrow hasn’t Hollins for winning the Jeff (No on V) Sierra Madre dignitaries. If you look like her, fine. But what happened yet. That’s what Varn Memorial Mathematics In an article that ran in several local we’d rather see is more of a ‘good Student Correspondents makes being a kid such a Award. I was especially proud dailies, including the (Pasadena looking girl who you might run Pasadena High School wonderful and carefree time. of my son, Kenny Hamilton, Star News) and penned by (Molly into in the grocery store’ kind of Alverno High School But even as kids we knew because he is my son and I Okeon) herself, the praise for both look. And you must provide us with Oak Crest Institute of Science deep down in our hearts that love him dearly. Jim Snider his Cumquat blog was valid proof of your age. We prefer Grace Persico someday we would grow up I want to thank Principal effusive. “Dripping with satire... you to be at least 21. If you’re 18 or Trisha Collins and become “adults”—just Gayle Bluemel, Assistant written in the vein of the satirical younger, please don’t reply to this Editorial Cartoonist like our parents did so many Principals, Garrett Newsom newspaper (The Onion), with a response. And if you live in the San years ago. Someday the world and Ruth Richardson, and Ann Cleaves touch of the sort of humor found Gabriel Valley area, that’s a plus. The would be ours! the contributions by teachers on (Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily San Fernando Valley is full of adult Web Master Wednesday, June 20, 2007 I Janet Graff, Daniel Martinez, Show),” gushed a dazzled Molly. sites. We want to make our site the Gary Miller witnessed the birth of a new Jim Lauritson, Debby Combs, And apparently then (Sierra Madre first legitimate FIRST CLASS adult generation of adults—well, and Patrice Yocum. I want to For Advertising Inquiries Mayor John Buchanan) got caught site in the Pasadena/Sierra Madre/ contact: maybe not adults yet—but thank Police Chief Marilyn up in Cumquat fever as well. Molly Arcadia area. If this interests you, kids successfully crossing that Diaz for being this year’s JULIE PUTERBAUGH Okeon: “Sierra Madre Mayor John please respond to talent@rock. 626-836-6524 bridge from middle school to Guest speaker, Principal Buchanan answered Snider’s online com.” ... Just what Sierra Madre high school. One step closer Emeritus Ty Gaffney’s for request for an interview, producing needs, right? A XXX “adult site” JOSEPH RUSSO to college and one step closer his words of wisdom, and 626-354-3093 a piece that Buchanan called ‘light- with a politically well-connected in their “reach for the stars.” Pasadena Women’s Civic hearted and fun.’” More Molly: pimp working hard to coerce local MASTROMEDIA INC. When the 8th Grade Singers League Armine Aghajani 626-799-7129 “Buchanan was a fan of the site young women to appear on it. And performed their rendition of and Sierra Madre Rotary even before he was chosen as the honestly, shouldn’t John Buchanan “Seasons of Love” from the International Ron Stockley The Mt. Wilson Observer is a subject of one of its posts. He said do this town a favor and just resign publication of Deuxamis Publishing, Tony Award winning Musical for their Character Awards. a political environment like Sierra for all the support he has given to Inc. established and copyrighted and motion picture Rent, tears Most of all, I want to thank of in 2006. This paper is published Madre’s, where ‘substantial tension’ this guy’s disreputable career? Talk weekly with offices in Sierra Madre, welled up in my eyes—tears of all the parents who chose to exists, is exactly where websites like about a serious lapse of judgment. California. All letters to the editor and sadness because my son was attend this year’s culmination corresponence should be sent to: the Cumquat can flourish. ‘They This is unethical and reckless becoming a man and I knew and personally congratulate provide a kind of comic relief that behavior in an elected official. Mt. Wilson Observer that someday I would have you for your kid’s success this all human beings need to cope with What’s next, John Buchanan is 280 W. Sierra Madre Bl. #327 to let him go to live out life year. “It takes a village to raise life on a day-to-day basis,’ Buchanan going to cut the thong at the Grand Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Phone: 626-355-2737 on his own terms. But also I a child”—GOOD JOB SIERRA said. ‘A little humor and a little Opening of Sierra Madre’s “very Fax: 626-604-4548 shed tears of joy that my son MADRE! poking fun is good for politicians first legitimate adult site?” And it’s email: deuxamispub@aol.com so we can maintain a perspective.’” not like he wasn’t warned about Jim All submissions become the property The Mayor’s strong support for Snider ... Note: a subsequent e-mail of The Mt. Wilson Observer the Cumquat was also evident from Mr. Snider has been received. when, upon being questioned We cannot reprint it here as its We reserve the right to refuse about whether or not he was aware content is entirely too descriptive of publication of any material of the site’s oftentimes lewd and what it he expects of “Selma Ritter.” that conflicts with the mission of this paper. defamatory content during a City ... I was going to write this week Council Q&A session, fired back “I about Senator Bob Margett’s take on refuse to let anyone tell me what our local SCAG issue. I will cover is funny.” (Beth Buck), former that next time ... As always, your (Mountain Views) publisher and very own Lt. Columbo can be outspoken hostess of the now reached at eric.maundry@yahoo. defunct (Downtown Dirt) blog, com ... Cheers! also supported Snider’s efforts,

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East and West Sierra Madre The Mountain Clymer By Rich Johnson By Kim Clymer Kelley

Close Encounters of the Furred Kind “Let’s be reasonable. Th e Yes people can have the canyon. Th ey’re already mostly It has all there anyway! And it would take a lot Th e Welcoming Committee Part 2 string that was threaded through the come to less concrete to seal off Sturtevant Drive.” eyes running up one side of the stick. this reporters Local activist attorney and longtime Aft er climbing up on a nearby bench, attention Canyon resident Stuart Tolchin worried he shook the fridge hard and the snake that there is a about being cutoff . “I suppose we could darted out the back of it rattling loudly. group of local airlift food and other supplies into the It curled up in a corner in a defensive citizens currently on a mission canyon if necessary”, stated Tolchin from posture…head raised, fangs bared, tail in Washington D.C. Th is group, led by the patio of the Nano Café in Hastings in the air rattling frantically. I shrieked local activist minister Barney Hamady, Ranch. “We’d need an airport though”, and ran in the house and slammed the has petitioned the federal government to he pointed out. Tolchin also voiced door in anticipation of the next move. establish a partition dividing our small concerns about the environmental hamlet into East and West Sierra Madre. impact hundreds of helicopter take-off s Xoxa, perched on the bench overlooking Th ey claim this action is desperately and landings would have on the canyon’s our visitor, reached out with the stick needed to help quell the brewing ill delicate ecosystem. “Preserving wildlife and slipped the loop around the snake will and stave off anticipated violence in the canyon must be a priority,” and quickly pulled the cord. Caught!!! between the Yes and No on V factions. snickered Mr. Tolchin’s wife Irene. He gingerly stepped off of the bench, Th ese concerned citizens have further Sierra Madrean Richard Krier, known arms fully extended, keeping the snake recommended the erection of a 28 foot as Dick in some circles, enthusiastically as far from his body as possible. As he high concrete wall to run along Baldwin supports the Baldwin Wall. Krier, carefully made his way to the steps, and from Carter to Orange Grove. Th is coincidentally, is a concrete contractor headed down them, I stepped out the wall, running down the middle of the and has volunteered to give us a really On the second night we spent at the door to get a closer look, peering over street, would have the added benefi t of good deal on the construction of the station, my boyfriend at the time (a Xoxa’s shoulder as he left the porch eliminating the rampant u-turning that wall. Krier further volunteered to build native American man named Xoxa… with the snake writhing at the end of the plagues the downtown business district. a sun deck on top saying it could be pronounced ho’ha) and I had gone stick. Th e snake’s struggle to free itself Reaction to this news has been swift . In accessed by all the Sierra Madreans to bed at about 11 pm…“bed” at that fi nally paid off and it dropped from the a hastily arranged press conference in who were undecided on Measure V. time, was a mattress on the living room noose, sliding quickly under the bench the alley behind Bean Town, Yes on V Finally, local hack blogger Jim Snider fl oor since we had gutted the bedroom at the bottom of the steps. I screeched spokesperson, Billy Hatfi eld announced totally gummed up the discussion asking, for renovations. It was a very warm and again ran back into the house…sure his group has retained the law fi rm of “Why does it have to be East and West? night so, aft er trying unsuccessfully to that the snake would leap back onto the Montague and Capulet. “We believe Th at’s so European. Let’s make it North get to sleep for a bit, Xoxa decided to porch and bite my bare toes. “He’s not this may be a sinister plot devised by the and South in true American tradition. get up to get a drink of cold water. Th e going to hurt you….just stay away!!!” enemy, err, I mean No on V people.” Wouldn’t that be the ‘Civil’ thing to do?” refrigerator that was left behind at the Xoxa scolded…with just enough panic in Over at No on V headquarters in the What’s my position? All I can say station by its previous owner, Dennis his voice to puncture his fearless, “tough Belfast Building, spokesperson Randy is, “Ich bin ein Sierra Madrean.” Lonergan, had been moved to the front guy” façade. Standing on the steps he bent McCoy thought the idea of a partition You may contact me [email protected] porch so that we could paint the kitchen. over to see where the snake had gone. was a good idea. He went on to say, Th e front porch of the house was home Having located it, he slipped the noose to a little country store that served the back around it and got a fi rmer grip on Scene One, Take One - DVD Reviews hikers, bikers, picnickers, and cabin it than he had before. Again he hoisted it Th is new review will cover available DVD’s for home viewing that I feel are well owners of the canyon. Th e fridge sat in a up and headed off across the parking lot, done and good entertainment!! corner of the store and was to hold cold down the driveway, and out to the public parking lot near the ranger station where beverages for the store...unfortunately Th e award winning Picket Fences is married to the town doctor, Jill (Kathy it had decided not to work once it was he dropped it over a wall and down the hillside…far away from the station. one of the greatest American TV series Baker), his second wife. Th ey attempt to moved. We had ordered a new one for ever produced. Created by David Kelly bring up their three children, Kimberly the house from Sears, but it had not yet who also produced Ally Mcbeal, Th e (Holly Marie Combs) Matthew (Justin been delivered. Consequently, the only “Poor thing”, I lamented upon Xoxa’s triumphant return, “probably just Practice, Boston Legal, Chicago Hope, Shenkarow) and Zachary (Adam Wylie), cold storage we had were the antique Doogie normally. Lauren Holly and Costas coke cooler and a small, and almost as stopped by to welcome the newcomers to his neighborhood and he’s met Howser, Mandylor play impulsive and young ancient, commercial freezer chest…they as well as sheriff ’s deputies. Th en there is the were both left behind for the store and at the door by some surly bouncer, escorted from the premises at the end worked on bombastic lawyer Douglas Wambaugh still functioning. We had stored all of L.A. Law (Fyvush Finkel), who usually irritates our food and water in them. Xoxa got out of a stick and tossed over a wall.” My remark was met with an icy stare. for many Judge Henry Bone (Ray Walston), whose of bed waking me from a sound sleep. years. rulings seemed to be directed more by Picket his own moral thoughts than by the “Where are you going?” I asked. “I could have been killed and you are worried about off ending the neighbors?” Fences law. Other actors include the wonderful he replied. ran from Don Cheadle, Kelly Connell as the “To get some water from the cooler.” 1992- medical examiner, Carter Pike, Zelda he answered as he opened the door and “He lived here fi rst.” I answered. “Th is is 1996 for Rubenstein as the police dispatcher stepped out. I heard something that 87 episodes, and has something for Ginny, and Marlee Matlin. Th e show sounded like a lawn sprinkler turning his home, we are just visitors. YOU were the one who told ME that, remember?” everyone: drama, comedy, family in it’s short run was nominated and on and then Xoxa yelling, “Oh Sh**!!!” moments, moral questions, children, won many awards including 2 Emmy’s I never thought that I would ever feel teens, funny moments, emotional for Best Drama.. Season 1 was just “What?” I asked as it began to dawn on moments. Week aft er week this show released and a bit hard to get, but is me exactly what it was that I was hearing. sorry for a snake…especially a rattler… but it was becoming clear to me the tossed out thought provoking questions currently available on DVD at Netfl ix in all areas of our society and routinely and Blockbuster Home delivery and for “Stay there!!!” he ordered. importance and the truth of that bit of wisdom…it was one of the Mountains’ tackled complex and controversial issues, purchase on Amazon.com. Netfl ix and “Oh, my god!!! A snake???” including abortion, homosexuality (and Blockbuster Home delivery represent “Just stay there!!!” most valuable lessons. Living in closeness to the Earth has a way of making this homosexual adoption), trans-sexuality, a new system where for a monthly fl at lesson more understandable...a way of belief in God, medical ethics, polygamy, fee, depending on what plan you set Th e sound continued, growing more cryogenics, the Holocaust, sexual issues, up, DVDs are delivered to your home intense and angry. I tentatively illustrating the place we humans hold in nature...a way of humbling a person. As moral issues, law and constitutional with no mailing charges. I started with tiptoed toward the door to take a look. rights. Illustrative of the subject matter 3 DVDs. When I’m done with one I “Where is it?” I asked through the open beings of higher reasoning, we tend to think of ourselves as a mightier and more is that the regular cast included a judge, send it back in a pre-stamped envelope window on the door. two lawyers, a sheriff ,, a doctor, and a and two days later I have another one. important part of our world because we have the ability to use our gift of coroner. Religious issues were frequently Th e advantage to this system besides “It went under the refrigerator.” he discussed by the town’s Catholic priest the gigantic catalogue to choose from answered from the storage room off intelligence to obtain power over nature. But we overestimate that power greatly. and Anglican priest. Any aspect of our is you don’t have to drive to get them. of the porch. I opened the door and society and life were fair game! However, one advantage Blockbuster cautiously stepped outside, keeping a Anyone who has spent time alone in the wild cannot leave without being much Th e series follows the lives of the has over Netfl ix is you can exchange healthy distance between me and the residents of the small town of Rome, your DVD at a store location if you hissing fridge. Xoxa immerged from the more aware of their place in this world and much more respectful of the place Wisconsin, where unusual things want it quicker. Any recommendations back with the “snake stick” that Dennis happen to say the least. Attempting to of favorite movies or productions you’d had left behind. Th e “snake stick” was of others. It is forever imprinted on one’s soul. keep order in this strange community is like to share with readers please send to a broomstick rigged with a collapsible a very talented cast consisting of Sheriff [email protected] wire loop at the end of it. It was operated Jimmy Brock (Tom Skerritt) who is by lassoing the snake with the loop and tightening the noose by pulling a The Book Report with Jeff Brown Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries By Neil deGrasse Tyson (2007)

For those of you looking for some good frozen stretches of the Oort Cloud and the lectures at the enjoyable science writing here it is! universe’s farthest reaches, in both space Planetarium. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and time. Th ese cosmic happenings emerge Each of the with the American Museum of Natural as a strange, awesome, mind-boggling, book’s 42 History, where he serves as director of the bizarre, and dangerous cast of characters. chapters fi rst world-famous New York City’s Hayden He also discusses some of the great names appeared, Planetarium. in the history of astrophysics: Nicolaus on the pages He has written a wonderful account of the Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Johannes of Natural evolution of the universe: its past, present, Kepler, Sir Isaac Newton; Albert Einstein, History and future, from the beginning with the big Max Planck, the founding father of quantum magazine bang to its probable ending with a whimper. mechanics, and Werner Heisenberg, under the In Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic proponent of the uncertainty principle. heading “Universe” and span the period of Quandaries, Tyson sees the universe “not Tyson in the 320 pages divides his work into 1995 through 2005. as a collection of objects, theories, and seven sections: “Th e Nature of Knowledge,” Tyson states, “Each of these essays that form phenomena, but as a vast stage of actors “Th e Knowledge of Nature,” “Ways and these chapters were handpicked from the last driven by intricate twists of story line and Means of Nature,” “Th e Meaning of Life,” 12 years. Each essay was the sum of everything plot.” Tyson introduces a diverse company “When the Universe Turns Bad,” “Science I knew at the time as an astrophysics, educator who perform on the universal stage: solar and Culture,” and “Science and God.” and all I could bring together to make it real. systems, stars, galaxies, quasars, black holes, Tyson in discussing astrophysics, chemistry, Writing these essays was one of the greatest supernovas, comets, asteroids, planets, cosmology, and other scientifi c areas, conveys pleasures of my life. My goal was that you moons, and meteorites. He takes us from his knowledge easily to the non-specialist, with could read any paragraph in this collection Earth’s hot springs, where extremophiles lots of wit and humor. He is a bit of a showman and feel good!” Enjoy!! fl ourish in hellish conditions, to the and is well known for his enthusiastic fun

Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 8 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007 Alverno, Arroyo Pacifi c Academy, La Salle, Maranatha, Pasadena High School, St. Francis, Sierra Mesa Middle School, Th e Barnhart School, Th e Gooden School, Field Elementary, Sierra Madre Elementary School, Bethany Christian, St. Rita’s, Wilson Middle School, Odyssey Charter School, Norma Coombs Ed Alternative School, Weizmann Day School and the PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

KIDS IN THE COURTYARD TRISH’s SCHOOL DIRECTORY A MONTH OF FUN FOR KIDS TRUTH Arroyo Pacifi c Academy Th ursdays in July at 11:00 a.m. Free!!!! Cell Phones: A Teen’s Best Friend 41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia One Colorado and the Armory Center for the Arts By Trisha Collins (626) 294-0661 are ready to celebrate the summer with the acclaimed children’s series Kids in the Courtyard, which consists Alverno High School of participatory, live performances followed by art It’s a device that can “…I text everyday, like, 200 N. Michillinda workshops led by the Armory Center for the Arts every occupy any teen for all the time. Whenever (626) 355-3463 Th ursday in July. All performances and activities take hours at a time. It can I’m bored, I just break place under the big umbrellas in the One Colorado have almost anything out my Sidekick 3 (a cell Bethany Christian School Courtyard, and are free and open to the public. a person would fi nd at phone complete with 93 B. N. Baldwin Ave. Children of all ages are welcome. Free baby stroller a local Best Buy. One a hand-held keyboard, (626) 355-3527 parking is provided. would think this piece camera, and internet) Each week children will be treated to great of technology would and text somebody, its Th e Gooden School entertainment including juggling, magic, music and be huge. No, they’re no fun.” 192 N. Baldwin Ave. comedy. Following each performance, children are bigger than your hand, Another thing you can (626) 355-2410 invited to create their own artwork, supervised by and in almost every teen’s do on your phone is www.goodenschool.org expert instructors from the Armory Center for the Arts. hand in America. Th ey surf the web. A popular Workshops begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. and call it a cell phone, aka: website that teen’s go LaSalle High School are inspired by the theme of that day’s performance, every teen’s life. on continuously is the 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. with a new program each week. Art projects run until Some adults would say, infamous MySpace. So Pasadena approximately 12:30 p.m. Each child can take home “Don’t be so dramatic!” when you combine the (626) 351-8951 their artistic creations! or sigh and comment, internet with a phone JULY 5 - Michael “Tuba” Heatherton Th ings get into a “Kids these days…” with texting, the result is Odyssey Charter School delightful mess when Tuba discovers what’s Odd as it may sound to addictive. “It’s like, you 725 W. Altadena Dr. inside his suitcase. Kids will be delighted some, cell phones play can be on MySpace at Altadena, CA by the things he fi nds. What does he a big role in teen’s lives. home, and then go to the (626) 229-0993 fi nd? Juggling? Magic? Live music? Th ey are not only used store and get on it again in www.odysseycharterschool.com Come see for yourself. You’ll for communication, but the car, it’s cool,” said Eric, fi nd him hilarious! also for entertainment. one teenage boy. Some Pasadena High School JULY 12 - Drumtime - What happens when you mix kids Th ough some may be people can’t put down 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena with drums and percussion?....Th e magic expensive, cell phones their phone because so (626) 798-8901 happens when Drumtime Drum Circle, can have everything from much can happen. Break- a hands-on, total-audience participation internet to MP3 players. ups, make-ups, news, Sierra Madre Elementary School rhythm-based event, leads everyone in Oft en, it’s cheaper to and more all happen 141 W. Highland Ave. an expressive drum circle. get a cell phone with on MySpace and AIM (626) 355-1428 JULY 19 - Suzanne Haring aka the Soozi Show! “Bubble everything on it, than to and teens don’t want to Trouble!” Physical comedy, slapstick & buy all the technology miss out. Th ings spread Sierra Madre Middle School magic combine in a high energy show based separately. fast and teens want to 160 N. Canon around a slightly inept adult having trouble Diff erent cell phones be “in the know” all the (626) 836-2947 with bubbles. Kids are empowered as they have diff erent things time. All this as close as help solve “problems” that arise. that apply to diff erent the palm of your hand St. Rita’s Catholic School JULY 26 - Hope Street Youth Circus Th e fast-paced teens. No matter the or as far as your pocket, 322 N. Baldwin Ave. Hope Street Youth Circus show features diff erences, there are amazing. (626) 355-9028 talented kids who juggle, ride the unicycle, standard requirements Aside from pictures and stiltwalk and tumble. You’ll be fascinated every phone must music downloads, cell Weizmann Day School and inspired when you see all the amazing have: text messaging. phones are also (can 1434 N. Altadena Drive things that kids can do. Th is is one of the many you believe it?) good for Pasadena, CA 91107 Th e One Colorado Courtyard is located on Colorado things that can keep any talking. It’s not as fun as 626-797-0204 Blvd. between Fair Oaks Avenue and DeLacey teenager’s hand glued to instant messaging but it Lisa Feldman Head of School Avenue. Convenient parking is located in the adjacent their cell phone. Texting is faster. multi-level structure at Fair Oaks and Union. Call is a fun, fast, and easy As technology advances 626.564.1066 for further information. way to chat with a friend further, cell phones will Th e Armory Center for the Arts is a Pasadena- or a group of friends. probably become less and based community arts center that off ers innovative Many juicy secrets and less known for talking. As Sierra Madre’s approaches to creating, exploring, and presenting events go through texts for now, cell phones are a 2nd Annual the visual and performing arts to students of all ages. which is what makes it so big part of our social and In addition to providing an outlet for contemporary much fun and sometimes economical lives. But Kid’s Public Safety art exhibitions and performances, the Armory off ers addictive. Some teens can hey, we’re teenagers what studio art classes and a variety of educational outreach text for hours at a time. do you expect? Academy programs to schools and the community. Joy, a teenage girl, said, Have you ever wonder is my child safe? Does your For more information about the Armory Center for child know what to do in an emergency? Is your child the Arts, visit www.armoryarts.org safe? Really Safe? Th anks to the generous sponsorship of the Sierra Madre Community Foundation a free program for kids and their parents is happening this $400,000 in Legal Fees as Part of this Year’s Adopted PUSD Budget, summer throughout Sierra Madre. Charter School Once Again Denied Location Th e City of Sierra Madre KIDS Safety Academy, By Dean Lee an eight week program for KIDS ages 5 to 11 and their parents to learn about safety in the following Th e PUSD broad unanimously passed this year’s diff erent cars in diff erent directions. areas playgrounds, internet, bikes and skateboards, budget Tuesday night with total revenues adding up to Th e meeting ended at almost midnight, denying a mountain animals, hiking, water, as well as recycling $195 million but not before someone fi rst asked why petition for the establishment of the International and so much more. Presentations will be made by they budgeted over $400,000 in legal fees for special Charter Schools of Pasadena and denying an amended the Sierra Madre Police Department, Community education needs prompting many to ask for a full off er to Rhythms of the Village charter school for & Personnel Services Department, Department of Public Works, Sierra Madre Search & Rescue, and review of all district litigation costs with an annual almost $350,000. Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire Department. amount only given as “signifi cantly more.” Superintendent, Edwin Diaz, said he though $250,000 Th is year’s budget was down from almost $212 million was too much money in one-time costs to give Rhythms Parents and children will meet at diff erent locations last year, a drop of 7.8 percent. Not only was there no of the Village added to the $96,000 annually the school throughout the City on seven consecutive Saturdays, explanation as to why? PUSD business manager Cherie would have gotten for an off district property site at beginning July 7 - August 25, 2007 from 9:00 to Moreno said Wednesday any explanation would have 2029 Lincoln Avenue. He asked the board to go back 11:00 a.m. Registration for the program is now to be sought through the Public Records Act. to square one looking for a district owned site for being accepted for this amazing program with the Many in the district have also been asking why the only Rhythms even aft er months of being embattled with Community & Personnel Services Department. copy of the budget, available to review, is in the district local neighbors of other proposed sites within the Space limited to 30 kids and their parents and remember it’s FREE. Please call 355.5278 to register offi ce and not online, or a summery there of, as well as district. Blair High School principal, Rich Boccia, – TODAY or come by and see us at 611 East Sierra why the video minutes for the last three consecutive accused Diaz of blindsiding his school with a proposal Madre Blvd. A week before the program begins all meetings, with some pertinent information to this aft er a last ditch eff ort to place the school there days confi rmed participants will be mailed-out the class years budget, have not been archived. before an April deadline. schedule with locations. Th e districts IT department has failed, since May, to Rhythms of the Village is schedulable to open in return any phone calls or respond to emails regarding September with 200 students. the situation but did respond at press time this week only saying that a web person was on vacation? Th e missing videos were posted Wednesday night aft er a complaint was made. Moreno also failed to return any phone calls asking again for a budget summery. PUSD parent Monica Watts, and mother of a special needs student, said at Tuesday night’s meeting she received a summery aft er paying $25 for a copy of the budget. Another parent at the meeting also mumbled that it was ridiculous they charged $25 to look though a budget that included hidden purchases of things like bras made by PUSD employees with unaccountable credit cards. Allegations by an anonymous Target employee claimed that district employee spent thousands of dollars at a local Target store buying everything from Coca-Cola to R rated movies to the bras. Someone also said that any interested board members should investigate all purchases made at local Costco aft er personally watching two district employees fi ll New Customers - First Haircut shopping carts full of stuff and then drive away in

TABLE FOR TWO by PETER DILLS Is a fi nished an entire sandwich on my own. Here are a Sandwich few of my recent lunches: Th e Big “B” Roast Beef - Shop cheddar, lettuce, tomato with Russian dressing on a worth a French Roll; Th e “Chicago” Corned Beef - Pastrami, review? Swiss, cole slaw (it’s triple decker on rye); and again, Sure. I good luck in fi nishing one!!! Th e Sheepherder - Corned know a Beef, Pastrami, Turkey, Salami, Swiss - it’s another lot of you triple decker on Rye. enjoy You can mix and match meats and breads or you can making even order “Trust Th e Cook” whatever Steve feels like one at making. My suggestion is bring a friend to share. home. So, Platters are available, and the restaurant off ers chips where do I and soda. Eat In or take out is available. like to go Peter’s Tip: Th ey have spicy beaver mustard, it’s a for a good must!! sandwich? Two of my favorite places in Pasadena are All and all a pretty good place for lunch in East Pasadena. One being Whole Foods, yes they Pasadena Sandwich Company 259 Sierra Madre Villa, make a great sandwich, and you can pretty much direct Pasadena (626) 578-1616 the maker to fi x it any way you like. Th e sandwiches Hours: Open daily at 9 AM closes at 3PM No dinner. run about $7.50. Saturday opens at 11AM closes at 3PM. Th e second spot I like is Th e Pasadena Sandwich Shop. You can sit down or go right to the deli case. I usually ***Th ree Stars go directly to the case. Steve the owner and head sandwich maker is always an ear shot away so aft er Look for me in Th e Sierra Madre 4th of July Parade, ordering the sandwich from one of the employees you can see Steve making your sandwich. I’ll be the one eating in the Car!!! Our own food critic Peter Dills judging the Lawn Th e Pasadena Sandwich Shop has done what Jerry’s Party Pie eating contest in Sierra Madre. Deli and Ben’s Deli weren’t able to do. Stay in business. Th e restaurant itself is small; in fact it is located in a small offi ce building, sandwiched between a dry cleaner and a real estate offi ce and across from Bed Bath and Under New Ownership Beyond. Th e prices range between $6 and $8. I have never

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Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 10 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007 Looking Up TechKnowledge With Bob Eklund Technology Science Business Unsung Heroes of the Sky For our trip home, we rode an American Eagle plane, which seemed not much bigger than a Lear Jet. Th e small size of WorkForce the plane—with what looked like very with Madeline tiny wings, seemingly too small to be able to hold us all up—left me feeling quite exposed to gravity. I could sympathize with the fears of the young girl in the seat Q: I’m a workaholic. I say that in a negative way. Even when I’m away from the ahead of me, as we accelerated toward offi ce, my thoughts are on my work. My strong desire to succeed is causing me to takeoff speed. Aft er all, air is so thin! spiral out of control. Th is is beginning to negatively aff ect my marriage and young Th e girl’s mother was incredibly wise children. Can you give me some suggestions for getting my life in order? I really enjoy and helpful in the way she comforted the your column and respect your advice. child, helping to turn fears into thoughts of high adventure. I thought: She is a A: First, you need to organize your life and set priorities. Of course, work is hero! As we approached LAX, on the important, but so are your wife and children. You have to learn to say to yourself Photo by Jean Boenish fi nal glide-path only a few hundred feet at 5 or 6 o’clock in the evening, “Okay, I’ve put in 10 hours of work. Now it’s time above the ground, the plane suddenly for my family.” Life does pass by quickly and children grow up too fast. You don’t In my June 15 column, I mentioned lurched, tilting its wings sharply right want to look back in 30 years and regret all the things you’ve missed. that the International Space Station and left before regaining its normal Are you sure you need to do everything you’re undertaking at work? Is there (ISS) and Space Shuttle Atlantis were attitude. Perhaps we had hit a wave of someone else in the offi ce who can take on some of your job tasks and ease your expected to be visible from the L.A. area turbulence in the air caused by a larger load? the following week. As it turned out, plane ahead on the same fl ight-path. they were visible on three nights aft er Scary! Th e little girl, who had been Q: Learn how to say “no.” According to Carl Selinger, author of Stuff You Don’t their undocking: on Tuesday, June 19, airsick before the shock, now redoubled Learn in Engineering School: Skills for Success in the Real World, there are people they were just far enough apart to see her crying, while the mother continued who feel that saying no shows a weakness or lack of team spirit. However, if it would their separation, and on Wednesday and to comfort her. Th at little girl is a hero be too diffi cult to assume another assignment, then assert yourself. Respond to a Th ursday nights, Atlantis was leading too, I thought, facing her maiden fl ight request by answering, “I’m really busy now. Can it wait until later when my work the ISS by increasing amounts. toward a wider universe as bravely as load eases up?” Around 1 p.m. on Friday, June 22, as she can. Don’t be a perfectionist. As a perfectionist myself, I know how much time is wasted Laura and I were preparing for our own Th en the thought came to me: But aren’t on trying to get things perfect when a little less than perfection will do just fi ne. venture into thin air, Atlantis landed at we all heroes—all of us passengers, who Perfection is usually in that person’s eyes and generally not noticed by others. Edwards Air Force Base (diverted there have faced down our fears enough to Many workaholics eat lunch at their desk or claim they don’t have time for lunch. from its planned Florida landing by bad go out into that third dimension called Get away from your desk. Go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Take a walk. Talk weather). At the time, we didn’t even sky? with co-workers (but not about work). You’d be surprised at how 30 minutes away know that the astronauts were landing, As Laura and I stepped off the plane from your desk will raise your spirits. preoccupied as we were with packing onto the comfortingly solid ground, we A: Treat yourself to a vacation. Clear your mind of your job. When you start for our annual vacation weekend to walked into the remote terminal at the thinking about work, divert your thoughts to something else. I’m certain you will Northern California. In the rush of west end of the airport, which services return to your desk with a healthier and more productive attitude. it, we threw our little AM/FM radio the short-range American Eagle fl ights. Th ink about that wonderful Harry Chapin song, Cat’s in the Cradle. (which we had intended to use to track On the terminal’s windows we saw, the progress of the Atlantis) into the etched into the glass as though it were a I’ve long since retired; my son’s moved away. largest of our suitcases—forgetting that blackboard, the mathematical equations I called him up just the other day. this radio has an annoying tendency to that govern an airplane’s fl ight. I I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.” turn itself on at the slightest touch. thought: All of us who have fl own—ever He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can fi nd the time. On completing our fl ight from LAX to since the Wright Brothers—have trusted You see my new job’s a hassle and the kids have the fl u. San Jose, we went to the United baggage our lives to the faith that these equations But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad. claim area only to discover that our won’t let us fall. It’s been sure nice talking to you.” larger suitcase was not there. Inquiring, If I, like the Wizard of Oz, could give out we were told that the U.S. Transportation “hero” medals, I would pin one not only And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me Security Administration (TSA) at LAX on each of the Shuttle and Space Station He’d grown up just like me. had detained that bag for a hand-search. astronauts—who face incredible risks to My boy was just like me. Aft er being told that the bag would be give all of us a foothold in the future— delivered to our hotel later that night, but on every one of those unsung heroes Remember, it’s up to you to change bad habits and establish a happier and more we went on to our destination in Palo Laura and I saw on our weekend venture meaningful life. Alto—driving a brand-new rented Prius into the sky. with only 16 miles on its odometer. For Flatland dwellers, Direct your questions to Madeline at [email protected] or 888-489-8372 (Learning to drive the hi-tech car was Trying a new dimension (8 AM – 6 PM, Monday – Friday) an adventure in itself, but that’s another Takes a lot of heart. story.) (Unless otherwise attributed, poems At our hotel, I was pondering why TSA used in this column are by Bob Eklund could possibly have considered our bag and copyrighted by him.) “suspicious,” and settling into a peaceful night’s sleep (with unbrushed teeth and wearing a pair of my wife’s pajamas) when, at about 1:30 a.m., the bag arrived at our door. Th e strange thing about it was that the suitcase was emitting a loud noise—something between a buzz and a hiss. Did we dare open it? We did, and there, giving off static in considerable volume, was our radio. We could only guess that the radio must have turned itself on before it went through security at LAX. I had to admit that even I would have insisted on hand-searching a bag that made such a noise.

shuttle, which operates mornings and COUNCIL evenings between the Sierra Madre (continued from pg. 1) Villa Gold Line stop and the city; and the ‘Loop’ which goes to sites such as the the proliferation of such businesses library, youth center and parks. Keith in Sierra Madre. “I have lived in this town for 45 years and to my knowledge indicated that over the next few months we have never licensed such an entity.” there would be a review to see how we Angus feels the site is in violation of the can improve these services and expand community standards of Sierra Madre. the public’s knowledge of them. Resident Mayor Joff e when asked for a response Heather Allen asked that instead of the EAST PASADENA to the events at Tuesday’s meeting said, three part time drivers that handle our “Certainly I think pornographic material current services, that at least two full has no place in our community, but we time drivers be hired specifi cally for the must deal with it within the boundaries Dial A Ride for seniors. SHADE CO. of the law.” SINCE 1965 Ad Hoc Committee on Finance Stonehouse Development Th e council voted unanimously to CUSTOM WINDOW Resident Angelin Moore asked the establish an Ad Hoc Finance Committee council to include the homeowners to explore remedies to the city’s current TREATMENTS bordering the west side of the property, fi nancial challenges. Th e committee will along Val Vista, be considered in consist of the City Treasurer, Richard DRAPERIES negotiations. Inman agreed and also Mays, Councilmen Zimmerman and agreed to make site visits of the residents Buchanan, and fi ve residents, one MINI-BLINDS yards in an eff ort to understand their appointed by each councilperson. Th e ROMAN SHADES concerns. council also agreed that the top priority for the committee will be the funding WOOD BLINDS Transportation of the city’s police, fi re and paramedic programs. Appointments for the Michelle Keith, Director of Community committee will be announced at the next and personnel services presented the council meeting. Anyone interested in 626-793-9101 council with staff recommendations serving should contact city hall. WE MOVED to continue the city’s transportation contract with Laidlaw. Th e contract was 2548 E. Colorado Blvd. approved by the council unanimously. Sierra Madre currently has three transit Pasadena, CA 91107 programs: Dial A Ride, which takes residents by appointment to specifi c door to door locations; Th e Gold Line

Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007 11 One of a Kind: BIRD’S EYE VIEW By Pat Birdsall Featuring unique homes & gardens... One Stop Shopping . . . and the people who create them Story and Photos By Chris Bertrand I have an appointment this week with pardon the pun. Costco also off ers food my doctor to discuss what medication and beverages, so how far off can the Late blooming gardener has more than just a green thumb he wants to put me on to lower my blood actual “Funeral at Costco” be? pressure. Actually it won’t be much of a I frequently shop online at Amazon. spray to discourage the animal diners. discussion, as I will probably just pick com and aft er choosing something I She took it all on… Trucks full of dirt, up a nearly illegible, little piece of white want to purchase; I just click “Add to creating her own compost, planting, paper that I will be forced to take to the Shopping Cart.” Guess what? Costco pruning harvesting, and even the pharmacy of my choice. has the same option! You can add a hardscape. Since she had watched Knowing that this was looming, I casket or an urn to your cart and even concrete workers in her childhood, thought I would go to the Costco web request expedited shipping. Who Marie surmised that she could just as site to get some information on these delivers these things? I’m sure that easily read the directions on the bag, types of medications since they have a most will go to a funeral home of one’s and do it herself. Brick, concrete, stone pretty comprehensive list of all types choice, but what if you are preparing patios, ponds. You name, and it seems of drugs. Aft er logging on, but before for your own inevitable demise and she’s done it. Sometimes with help; clicking “Pharmacy,” something else want to plan ahead so the kids won’t be sometimes on her own. She needed caught my eye…the word “Funeral.” traumatized by the experience. Alas, I a meditation garden with the sound FUNERAL! Curiosity overwhelmed me hardly think UPS will prop a casket up of water, so she created one. Now a and I clicked on the button. I couldn’t by your mailbox if you’re not home. The golden gates lead to the Springer’s believe it… I was looking at a variety Th roughout the entire experience, gardens, revealing only a little at a time, gurgling pond and massive ferns create a private place to think and pray under of caskets available for purchase! Aft er especially aft er seeing the prices…only like a delightful package to be unwrapped I got over my initial shock, my warped $2999.99 and $1299.99 for example, I slowly. the towering Deodar. Th e list goes on… multiple vegetable gardens tucked in the sense of humor took over. could only think of one person. Th at few places with enough sunshine, the Th e top-of-the-line caskets were person for those of you old enough to priced at only $2,999.99. Th ere is a remember, was Earl Scheib of the “I Every week, I ask for suggestions from arbor, the chicken coop (did you know that city code allows a few of these?), the little something for everyone. Th ey can paint any car for only $29.95” fame. our readers for interesting subjects for off er “Th e Mother Casket,” “Th e Lady Th is would be perfect for him. Th en I this column. When I go for an interview, poolside garden, the dining patio, the back yard pond and waterfall. I’m sure of Guadalupe,” and the ever popular remembered that Earl is no longer with sometimes I’m not sure what to expect “In God’s Care Casket” which, by the us. You know what? He just might have when I arrive at the door. I got an I forgot a few. Th e unusual part is that the design of the half acre parcel reveals way, is on special this week for the low chosen the “In God’s Care Casket”… email recently from local resident, Joe price of only $924.99! If cremation is an with expedited shipping. Springer, saying I might be interested itself only a bit at a time, like rooms in a pleasant maze, or a delightful gift to be option, urns are also available for people R.I.P. Earl. in his wife’s beautiful garden… So I and pets. Th ey leave no stone unturned, opened the golden gates to their garden unwrapped very slowly. on Lima. She laughs that all her garden plans Marie Springer just married Joe seven stay in her head, as she doesn’t have the years ago. She joined her new husband inclination or patience to do a drawing here in Sierra Madre at his family’s home, fi rst. She just looks and thinks and looks aft er pursuing a career as a psychologist some more. She ferreted out how to took her from Costa Rica, to Europe, obtain permits to “harvest” big Arroyo to Florida and fi nally Sierra Madre stones in Azusa, then delineating to be near her son. Th ey soon began transition areas with stones loaded in the revamping many things at the property, back of a pickup. How very fi tting that expanding and updating the home to this gardener would ask for a boulder as accommodate two families, and, this a recent birthday gift ! part is really understated, landscaping Th e Th ompsons, gardener neighbors the property. As Marie says, “It was dirt and big trees. Just dirt.” In her late fi ft ies at the time, Marie had never, ever gardened in her life, focusing her energies on her psychology practice and family life. But being the do-it-yourselfer that she is, she bought books, she got to know the garden staff by name at the neighborhood Home Depot, and she dug in… literally. She quips that she didn’t know any better at fi rst, and planted grass everywhere. Which mostly died. Little by little, her knowledge grew, and she drew on a lion-hearted dose of courage somewhere and took it all on. Today, a scant six years later, I can safely say she has developed not One of many trees grown from seed only a green thumb, but green hands towers over Marie Springer after and arms. It seems just about anything only six years. Marie touches grows, except perhaps the ill-fated grass that just wasn’t meant to grow under those trees. As we slowly who have since passed away, noticed toured her garden, she mentioned that her joyful toil, and presented her with this or that tree came from a piece of a magnifi cent purple magnolia and fruit that she or her family enjoyed, orchids from their extensive, garden. deciding to grow one from the seed. At Marie’s one self-perceived defi ciency, least twenty fruit trees, most happily it seems, is the Latin names for her bearing their exotic fruit, many of which special plants. Somehow, though, she are unfamiliar to this American palette. manages beautifully without them. She fondly remembers her Costa Rican She’s been too busy planting and caring childhood, where they drank an array of and learning from each one personally fruit juices diluted with water, instead of to keep those names in her head. Marie the American style, nutritionally devoid speaks very highly of the guidance sodas. A practice she follows today and encouragement she received from with Central American and Caribbean Sherry and the staff at Home Depot’s varieties of citrus, guava, cherimoya, garden department in Monrovia. I, kumquat, loquat and more. She crushed too, have sought her advice on several and off ered me leaves from her sweet occasions. lemons used for a tea, and sour oranges Wonder what email will bring me to used by Cubans for marinating pork. another hidden garden treasure next Absolutely heady! week! Keep ‘em coming! Marie is pragmatic about the deer Have an interesting story idea? Contact that happily and voraciously chomp Chris at whatever unprotected fruits they can, [email protected] though she now utilizes an organic

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CLASSIFIEDS 714-654-8105 Don Wilson Call 488-1524 Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com 12 THE MT. WILSON OBSERVER | June 29 - July 5, 2007 SPORTS Sierra Madre Girls Softball Pump It Up The Important Things In Life

Photo Courtesy of The Tiger Woods Foundation Clockwise from right: Taz (Border Collie), Tiger Woods, Elin Woods, New Arrival Sam Alexis Woods and Yogi (Labradoodle) The SMGSA 10 and Under Girls and 12 and Under Girls will play July 6-8, 2007 in the ‘B’ State Championships. The games will be played at the “Big 8 Softball Complex” and Skytower Park in Lancaster, CA AND Best of the West Softball Complex in Palmdale. For more information visit their website at www.smgsa.org. View From The Couch - Photo By Lynda Ott-Albright By Stanley J. Forrester

A word from Sierra Madre Fire Marshall Rich Snyder: Please don’t forget: IN SIERRA MADRE ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL! RETHINKING

Th e tragedy of this past weekend professional football player Also, when cooking outdoors: of the murder-suicide of a pro- testifying before Congress wrestler Chris Benoit and his regarding the need to improve Watch Kids – No Playing Near Grills family has caused me to pause, benefi ts for the retired player. Watch for Grease Flare Ups reconsider, and revisit the issue of Badly needed medical benefi ts are Place Lid Back on BBQ the use of steroids by professional not being provided. Young men Don’t Wear Long Sleeves athletes. Many would even who make their teams millions challenge the WWE (World tell tales of how they no longer Wrestling Entertainment) being stand up without assistance, a considered a sport. Nonetheless, malady caused by playing pro Aft er enjoying your charcoal barbecue, remember that briquettes remain extremely those deaths in Fayetteville, football and yet medical benefi ts hot, even aft er you are fi nished cooking. Hot coals can result in severe burns if not Georgia have caused a shock are not provided. handled properly. wave throughout the nation and Th is is wrong. Whatever the the entire sports’ world. Did sport, each player when he retires the use of steroids contribute to should have life time health When disposing of your barbecue briquettes, always make sure that they are the actions of the well respected benefi ts. Congress should not completely cooled. Use water to make sure that briquettes are completely athlete? Th at is a question which have to tell the owners to take extinguished and never bury hot coals or place them into a trash can. must be answered. Th e taking care of their own. Th e action Store unused charcoal in a Cool Dry Place of human life, your own or to clean up professional sports, someone else’s is always a tragedy monitoring the use of drugs and If you catch fi re, don’t run – stop-drop and roll to smother fl ames of epic proportion, but what provide for the injured athlete happened at the Benoit home should come from the owners. defi es comprehension. Everyone knows that pro sports Many of the commentators can be dangerous. In football, for have been discussing the high example, the life expectancy of a numbers of deaths of members player is shortening depending of the WWE under the age of upon the position that he plays. Don’t Forget: 47 in the last decade. From the Th e owners are lagging in Bands Will reports that I have heard it seems meeting their responsibility. that the number is just under Th is behavior from owners is not Rock 30. A very high number for a new. When it came time to pay Memorial very small group. Congressional players, in baseball, the owners Park concerns are legitimate but if took their time causing Curt steroids are at all involved in the Flood to sue. Many took off ense actions of this man, then they to Flood’s statement when he said should be taken out of sports, but that when playing professional not by Congress. ball, one was a slave - a well paid Owners of professional sports slave, but a slave nonetheless. See Page 2 details teams make millions of dollars Even though they are well paid, based upon the abilities of the for owners to ignore the needs of professional athlete. Th erefore, athletes and turn a blind eye to the health and well being of the drug abuse for the sake of a dollar athlete should be their primary is unconscionable. Th e health concern. Unfortunately, in most and well being of the players is instances that is not the case. a matter which must take the Just this week we saw a former highest priority.

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Mt. Wilson Observer - A Deuxamis Publication 280 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. #327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Ofﬁ ce: 626-355-2737 Fax: 626-604-4548 www.mtwilsonobserver.com