Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 29, 2010

3

AROUND THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

 Mountain Views News Saturday, May 29, 2010

Sierra Madre

REMEMBRANCE:

Correction:

Richard Otho 
Wimmer 

The photo of Richard Otho 
Wimmer that appeared with his 
obituary last week was actually 
taken at Ascension Parish Day 
School, at Church of the Ascension 
in Sierra Madre, possibly by Joe 
Hinojos. According to his mother, 
each year one girl from (probably) 
the eighth grade class was chosen to 
portray the Virgin Mother for the 
annual Nativity Pageant. In 1956 
my younger sister Sharon K. Lord 
(now Gregory), was chosen and 
because she had a baby nephew, at 
the time, Richard, I was asked if it would be possible for him to 
serve as the Infant Child Jesus.

 Richard was a large baby, rather placid. The Sisters marveled, 
after the second performance, at how quiet and well behaved 
he had been. They said the only movement he made during the 
entire production was to lift his chubby little hand at just the 
right moment, as if giving a blessing.

JPL’s Dr. Bill Patzert’s To Discuss Drought and Rainfall Issues


On Tuesday, June 
1st, the Sierra Madre 
Kiwanis Club will 
present a fascinating 
program by JPL 
research scientist Dr. 
Bill Patzert who will 
speak about climate 
change, drought, 
and rainfall.

Dr. Patzert, a 
climatologist and oceanographer, has 
been conducting research on the ocean’s 
role in climate changes and serves as JPL’s 
media spokesperson for ocean and climate 
related activities. During his career, he has 
served as a consultant to NASA, the U.S. 
Department of Commerce, United Nations 
and many scientific and environmental 
groups. He has received many awards for 
scientific accomplishments, including 4 
NASA Exceptional Service Medals and 
the Medal of the Centre National d’Etudes 
Spatiales (highest award of the French Space 
Agency). 

Area residents who are interested in 
climatology and how it affects our local 
weather and water resources shouldn’t 
miss this opportunity to have the science 
of climate explained by a trusted and 
credentialed expert in the field. 

The meeting will be Tuesday, June 1 at 
noon at the Masonic Temple, 33 E. Sierra 
Madre Blvd. The public is invited. Lunch 
will be served. The cost is $11 per person; 
reservations and exact change are required. 
For reservations, please contact Harriet Lyle 
at 355-6786 no later than noon the preceding 
Monday. Guests who have difficulty hearing 
the PA system should bring a portable radio 
with headphones, and tune to 104.7-FM to 
hear the PA sound.

About Dr. Patzert:

Often called the “Prophet of California 
climate,” Dr. Bill Patzert is a scientist at 
the California Institute of Technology’s 
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 
Pasadena, Calif.

 
His research is focused on the application 
of NASA satellite data to improving our 
understanding of our planet’s climate 
and important environmental problems 
ranging from developing El Niño, La 
Niña and longer-term climate forecasts 
to monitoring the health of coral reefs. 
The author of many scientific and popular 
articles, Bill works with undergraduate and 
graduate students from all over the world, 
and lectures at many local universities. 
A media favorite, he is often sought out 
by reporters and is regularly seen on 
local and national television representing 
NASA and JPL. In a recent article, he was 
named as one of the West’s most influential 
individuals in dealing with water issues. 
He is a graduate of Purdue University and 
went on to earn a Ph.D. in oceanography 
at the University of Hawaii. Bill began 
his career on the research faculty of the 
University of California’s Scripps Institution 
of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif., and 
then moved to JPL, where he has been 
employed since 1983. During his career, he 
has served as a consultant to many respected 
organizations including NASA, the U.S. 
Department of Commerce, United Nations 
and many scientific and environmental 
groups. He has received many awards 
for scientific accomplishments, as well 
as communicating science to the public, 
including 4 NASA Exceptional Service 
Medals and the highest award of the French 
Space Agency. 

Ron Polidan Speaks to MWOA 
May 30 On “Future Space 
Telescopes”

The Mount Wilson Observatory Association's monthly public 
lecture, on Sunday, May 30, at the Altadena Library will feature 
Ron Polidan, Director of Civil Space Advanced Systems at 
Northrop Grumman, speaking on “Future Space Telescopes.”

NASA is about to begin a new era of space telescopes with 
the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2014. This 
telescope, currently under construction at Northrop Grumman 
Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, will be discussed in 
detail both as the scientific and technological marvel it is and 
as the pathfinder for a family of even larger telescopes of the 
future. In addition, other telescopes and related systems will be 
discussed in the context of the science they will perform and the 
technology that will be needed to enable them.

Dr. Polidan currently manages Northrop Grumman’s 
Environmental Systems and Space Science and Exploration 
Business Areas. This includes Civil Space strategic planning, 
technology investment strategy, and the development of 
advanced mission architectures and concepts for NASA and 
NOAA science business. He received a Ph.D. (in astrophysics) 
from UCLA and has worked for over 30 years with NASA 
science missions of a wide range of sizes and disciplines. He is 
the recipient of a number of NASA awards including the NASA 
Medal for Exceptional Service.

Please note that for this month only, the MWOA lecture/meeting 
will be on the 5th Sunday, May 30 (Memorial Day weekend), 
instead of the 4th Sunday as is usually the case. This change was 
made necessary because the library had scheduled an event of its 
own in the meeting room on Sunday, May 23.

The lecture begins at 2:30 p.m. It is free of charge, and all are 
welcome. Refreshments will be served before the talk, beginning 
at 2:00 p.m. 

The Altadena Public Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street in 
Altadena, two stop signs west of Lake Avenue at the corner of Mariposa 
and Santa Rosa Avenue (“Christmas Tree Lane”). Exit the 210 freeway 
at Lake Avenue in Pasadena and go approximately 2.5 miles north to 
Mariposa Street in Altadena. Turn left on Mariposa, go to the second 
stop sign, turn left on Santa Rosa, and turn into the parking lot at the 
first driveway on your right.

Monsignor Krekelberg

St. Rita Church Pastor Elevated By Pope Benedict XVI

In April, Pope Benedict XVI accorded the papal honor of “Prelate and Chaplain of His Holiness” to fourteen 
priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, carrying the title of Monsignor in the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Rita Catholic Church pastor, Rev. Richard Krekelberg, was included in this honor. Krekelberg has served 
the Catholic community in Sierra Madre for six years. 

 On Sunday, June 6 at Noon, an Investiture Mass will formally bestow this title on Fr. Krekelberg. Bishop 
Gabino Zavala, Auxiliary Bishop for the San Gabriel Deanery region, will preside.

The St. Rita community is absolutely delighted that the Church recognizes the exemplary work and service of 
their pastor in this way and invites the community to attend the Mass and investiture. Both will be held at St. 
Rita Church, Baldwin at Grandview, in Sierra Madre. The investiture will be followed by a reception onsite 
in Garra Hall, on the lower level of the church. For more information, contact the church at 626-355-1292. 


Sierra Madre Woman’s Club Presents Annual Games Tea

An afternoon games tea with bridge or a game of your choice is being hosted by the Woman’s Club on Saturday, June 12, 2010 1:00 - 
4:00 p.m. in the Essick House, the Woman’s Club’s historic clubhouse, 550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

 You are invited to come and bring friends and play together or come alone and join a group. The lavish tea refreshments will be 
available all during the afternoon with the opportunity to “take tea” at any time.

Tickets are $16.00 each with proceeds supporting club charities. For reservations or more information call 626-355-0606

Pasadena

PUSD - Teachers Reach Agreement

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education approved a tentative agreement with the United Teachers of 
Pasadena (UTP), the union that represents district teachers. If approved by the UTP members, the agreement will extend until June, 
2012. The Board also approved revisions to its agreement with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), which represents 
administrative, clerical, para-educator and security employees. The UTP agreed to furlough days, reducing their paid work year by 
five days in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The furlough days will result in the loss of three professional development days and two instructional 
days, reducing teacher work days to 181 and student days to 178. The agreement provides no salary increases from 2008-09 through 
2011-12, and requires UTP members to cover any increased benefit costs beginning in January, 2011. The agreement establishes the 
calendar for one year; calendars for 2011-12 and 2012-13 will be negotiated after input sessions with all stakeholders. The 2010-11 
calendar will be available in early June.

“A TASTE OF SIERRA MADRE” 
REGIONAL ART COMPETITION DEADLINE: JULY 30th 
AWARDS PRESENTED ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2010 in Kersting Court 9:30 – 4:30 pm 
Sierra Madre, CA 91024 
2010 Theme: CHILDREN’S SMILES AROUND THE WORLD 
OPEN to all students who reside in Sierra Madre or attend one of the following schools: Alverno High School, 
Bethany Christian School, Gooden School, La Salle High School, St Rita School, Sierra Madre Elementary School, 
Sierra Madre Middle School or Pasadena High School. All students are encouraged to apply. All net proceeds 
equally support the Rotary Club fund for cleft palate surgery and the Sierra Madre Youth Activity Center. 
ENTRY RULES 
Create an artistic piece in drawing, watercolors, paint medium, B&W photography, color photography or mixed 
media to reflect our 2010 theme. All pieces will be on display during the summer for viewing by local area artists 
and judges. Art is to be mailed or hand delivered to: Moira Love, Schools Art Coordinator by July 30th 2010. 
The Destination Group 
66 East Montecito Avenue 
Sierra Madre, CA 91024 
All entries must be postmarked no later than July 30th. All art entries must be submitted on a minimum 8 1/2 x 11” 
paper with a maximum size of 12” x 16” Include your name, phone number, email address, name of school and 
teacher with your entry. There is a $5.00 entry fee per submission and only one entry is allowed per student. Make 
all checks payable to the Sierra Madre Community Foundation or include $5.00 cash, or $20.00 if adding a T-Shirt. 
The art contest will be judged in the following at each grade level: A) Kindergarten, B) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th 
Grades, C) 7th and 8th grades; D) 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Therefore all students are competing at the same 
grade level. For example, our 3rd graders will compete will all other 3rd graders in town. 
SAVINGS BONDS AWARDS: 
Each division will have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winner and Honorable mention. All awards are supported by private 
donation. Art work will be archived and registered by a student number for judging purposes. All participants 
release their rights and grant permission to submit submissions into a publication for print or electronic mean for the 
purpose of showcasing the best artists and writers in our Sierra Madre community. All participants will receive a 
certificate of recognition. The winners will be awarded savings bonds prizes donated by the local Sierra Madre 
merchants, donors and friends after the final judging has been completed. All art and essay entries will be available 
for pick up within 10 days after judging. We will not be responsible for items unclaimed after September 21, 2010. 
I, ___________________________________authorize The Rotary Club of Sierra Madre to use my art work in any 
publication. 
- - - 
• This form is to be attached to the back side of your art work for identification purposes. 
• 
NAME__________________________________________ GRADE_____________ 
SCHOOL ________________________________________ TEACHER_____________________________ 
ADDRESS ________________________________________ [ ] I want a T-Shirt for $15.00 S – M – L - LX 
HOME PHONE___________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS _______________________ 
For further information email: smile@dgrp.com or call (626) 355-3471 Tom Brady, Chairman 
A Taste of Sierra Madre, a group of local volunteers, our 501c3 non-profit tax status is pending 
www.atasteofsierramadre.com 
Monrovia

SAFYMCA’s Youth Alliance Leader Speaks to 
LegacyMakers

 on ”Leading from Ground Zero”

 Ulises Gutierrez, 
Santa Anita Family 
YMCA Youth Alliance 
Coordinator with 
Marion Skeete, 
founder and president 
of LegacyMakers, 
International Ministries. 
Gutierrez spoke at a 
LegacyMakers luncheon 
meeting in Pasadena 
on the topic, “Leading 
from Ground Zero”. 
SAFYMCA’s Youth 
Alliance program helps 
at risk teens in Monrovia, 
Duarte and Arcadia with 
homework, tutoring, 
mentoring, drug and 
alcohol counseling and 
leadership training to help them develop the tools and behavior 
required to fulfill their dreams. LegacyMakers is a multicultural 
leadership and discipleship development network that trains and 
equips individuals and organizations, locally and globally, to both live 
and leave their God-defined legacy through personal and community 
transformation.


Duarte

HATS OFF TO DUARTE!

 
The tree shaded grounds of Westminster Gardens Retirement Community 
was the site of the 15th annual “Hats Off to Duarte” business Expo presented 
by the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. More than 500 people enjoyed the 
western-themed event featuring live entertainment by the Cactys Fire 
country and western band, food from 17 area restaurants and displays by 
some 40 local businesses. Event sponsors included Foothill Workforce 
Investment Board, Southern California Edison Co., The Gas Company, 
Royal Oaks Manor, Performance Nissan, Old Town Sign Co., Wells Fargo-
Duarte, Burrtec Waste Services, SCE Federal Credit Union, and OneWest 
Bank.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com