Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 4, 2012

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 4, 2012 

MAYS, KRANTZ HONORED AT COTY DINNER

REMEMBRANCES

 Nearly a hundred people 
turned out Friday night to 
the Sierra Madre Room to 
honor Richard Mays as Sierra 
Madre’s 2011 Citizen of 
the Year, and to thank Matt 
Krantz, owner of Bean Town, 
for his service to the Chamber 
of Commerce.

 Mays was recognized for his 
service in 2011 on the Community 
Emergency Response 
Team (CERT), the Sierra 
Madre Police Department’s 
Auxiliary Traffic Control 
Team, the UUT Oversight 
Committee, the Sierra Madre 
Historical Preservation Society, 
and as Deputy Treasurer 
(a volunteer position). 

 In addition to his 2011 service, 
Mays also served for 32 
years on the SMFD, served 
as a Board member and officer 
for the SMVFA, and as a 
Board member for the Sierra 
Madre Girls Softball League.

 Mayor John Buchanan may 
have summed it up best when 
he said “Richard never seeks 
recognition, he just deserves 
it.”

 Matt Krantz served on the 
Board of Directors from January 
2008 through January 
2012. He served as president 
from April 2009 until January, 
2012.

Both men received commendations, 
proclamations, 
or certificates of recognition 
from the US Congress via 
Congressman Dreier, the CA 
State Senate via State Senator 
Bob Huff, the CA Assembly 
via Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, 
the Los Angeles County 
Board of Supervisors via Mike 
Antonovich, and the City of 
Sierra Madre, via the Council. 
One of the more entertaining 
parts of the evening was some 
humorous banter between 
Mayor Buchanan and Supervisor 
Antonovich’s representative, 
Rita Hadjimanoukian, 
over who had the “better” certificates 
for the honorees.

Dinner was provided by several 
local eateries, Casa del Rey, 
The Only Place in Town, Cafe 
322, Corfu, Bean Town and 
Starbucks.

 This was the first year in a 
while that the dinner was held 
in Sierra Madre. 

 In the crowd that night were 
several former Citizens of the 
year, including: Louise Neiby, 
2009; Pete Siberell, 2007; Bill 
Messersmith, 2003; Carol 
Canterbury, 2001; Marilyn 
McKernan, 2000; Jan Reed, 
1994; Phyllis Chapman, 1980; 
and George Maurer, 1974.

Story and Photo by B. Coburn


MIKE DELGATTO

Mike Delgatto, former Captain in the Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire Dept. and 
former president of the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, passed away in 
Monrovia on Jan. 27th at the age of forty-nine.

He was born on April 1, 1962, in Arcadia, California, and was the son of Vera 
and Joe Delgatto, brother of Tony and (Ginny) Delgatto, uncle of Angela and 
(Jimmy) Arms, Lucy, Vinny, and Frankie Delgatto, and brother of Maryann 
Griffin. 

Michael was proud to be a Retired Captain of the Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire 
Department. He served for many years as manager of the Pantorium Cleaners 
in Sierra Madre. He was a Past President of both the Sierra Madre Chamber of 
Commerce and the Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, 
February 3rd, 11:00am, at St. Rita Church in 
Sierra Madre, California. By family request, the 
inwas private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests 
donations be made to the Sierra Madre 
Volunteer Fire Department and the Passionist 
Fathers Retreat Center in Sierra Madre.

Captain Delgatto was recalled on the Facebook 
page of fellow firefighter Kristine Lowe, 
who observed the following with the picture 
to the right: On October 27th, 1993, a brush 
fire that started above Kinneloa Mesa in Pasadena 
and L.A. County, began to burn toward 
Sierra Madre.The closest call on the first day 
was when Captain Mike Delgatto had to make 
a stand behind the parking lot overlooking Bailey Canyon. The big oak trees were in the fire’s path, but 
Mike and his crew; Eric Peterson, Pat Ferguson and Rich Snyder, made a stand and turned the fire north. 
This was the beginning of the plan to move the fire to the Northeast and have it avoid the town. 

Courtesy Bill Coburn & MVNews files


Photo courtesy of Kris Lowe

AKSEL PEDERSEN

Aksel G. Pedersen, beloved husband and father, 
lost his long, hard-fought battle with cancer 
on January 29, 2012 at the age of 82. He was at 
home, surrounded by his loving family.

The elder child of Danish immigrants, Aksel 
exemplified the highest ideals of honor, duty 
and service in all aspects of his life: as a husband, 
father, first-generation American, United States 
Marine, sheriff’s deputy, investigator, auditor, 
instructor and published author. Aksel also 
served the Sierra Madre community as a Cub 
Scout leader, girls’ softball coach, City Council 
candidate and volunteer usher at St. Rita’s 
Catholic Church.

Aksel spent the majority of his youth in West 
Hollywood with his parents Aksel Sr. and 
Helga, and his younger brother Kenneth. At just 
17, Aksel left Hollywood High School to enlist 
in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a radio 
operator in the waning months of World War II, 
and he was later recalled during the Korean War 
and served as an instructor at Camp Pendleton 
in Oceanside, Calif.

Upon discharge from active duty in 1951, Aksel 
enrolled at Woodbury College where he earned 
his B.A. in Business Administration, and later 
studied criminal justice at Los Angeles City 
College. Aksel then joined the Los Angeles 
County Sheriff’s Department, patrolling the 
Malibu area during the mid-1950s.

Through a mutual friend, Aksel met the 
stunning Marie Leroy, and six months later 
they exchanged vows on October 20, 1956 
at Our Mother of Good Council Church 
with a reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel. 
The marriage lasted 55 years, produced five 
children—Dana (and husband Mark), Aksel, 
Kirk (and wife Susan), Lynne (and husband 
Paul) and Erik (and wife Jocelyn)—as well as 
eight grandchildren: Derek Pedersen, Alec 
Pelsone, Walker Pedersen, Ford Pedersen, Paul 
Butler Jr., Egan Butler, Luke Butler and Amber 
Butler. It was a union marked by respect, shared 
partnership and a strong desire to raise not just 
good children, but good people.

Aksel later transferred to the Los Angeles 
District Attorney’s office as an investigator 
where he helped establish a cutting-edge white-
collar crime and consumer fraud unit. His line 
of work as a fraud investigator led his youngest 
to tell a teacher that his father was “a fraud,” 
which Aksel never ceased to find hilarious.

Embarking on a career change, Aksel went on 
to establish consumer protection protocols for 
Mobil Oil, before taking his investigative and 
business administration skills to the savings 
and loan industry. Focusing on government 
compliance, internal audit and security, Aksel 
found that his law enforcement and business 
backgrounds made him a go-to resource for 
navigating the changes in the system, leading 
him to research, write and publish several 
compliance and audit manuals used by credit 
unions nationwide. As well, he took great pride 
in being consulted on law enforcement issues by 
friends and family members long after leaving 
the field. 

Aksel continued to work long past the age 
when most people crave the peace and quiet 
of retirement. He finished his career as a vice 
president for the Los Angeles Federal Credit 
Union in Glendale. When he reluctantly retired 
three years ago, he took solace in the many 
kind messages sent to him by his friends and 
coworkers.

Throughout his life, he was a passionate reader 
of detective fiction and spy thrillers, reading 
several books a week and donating many of his 
favorites to support local libraries. Aksel played 
boogie-woogie piano in his youth, and was a fan 
of big band swing and jazz piano trios, especially 
those led by Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner and 
Bill Evans. Aksel was also a dog lover his entire 
life, adopting and caring for countless strays. 
In his later years, a white mixed-breed named 
Stewart became his constant companion.

When asked how he liked to be remembered by 
his family, Aksel more than once said, “That I 
was always there.” But he often liked to add with 
his signature deadpan humor, “That is, unless 
you need bail money, in which case you’re on 
your own.”

Aksel Pedersen—husband, father, lawman and 
U.S. Marine—will remain in the thoughts and 
prayers of all who knew and loved him. Aksel 
can now rest in peace and be reunited with his 
late wife Marie, his loving spouse of 55 years, 
who passed on December 21, 2011 following 
her own brave battle with brain cancer.

In lieu of flowers, Aksel’s family requests 
donations be sent in his memory to La Salle High 
School, 3880 E Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, 
CA 91107, c/o Irene Santucci. Donations will 
provide tuition assistance to La Salle students 
in need.

All services will be held at Cabot & Sons, 27 
Chestnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626-
793-7159). Visitation will be February 6, 2012 
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chapel services will be 
February 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. with reception on-
site to follow. Burial at Sierra Madre Pioneer 
Cemetery will be private.


Sierra Madre Search & Rescue Log

During the month of January Sierra Madre 
Search and Rescue (SMSR) responded to five 
calls for assistance. 

Overdue Hiker, Chantry Flat: The Team was 
called out on a report of a dayhiker missing 
overnight in the Chantry Flat area. SMSR 
members immediately set out to search high-
probability areas. Assistance was requested 
from Altadena Mountain Rescue, Montrose 
Search and Rescue, and an L.A. County 
volunteer search dog team. The Los Angeles 
County Sheriff’s Department Air-5 helicopter 
conducted an aerial check of several possible 
trails. The subject returned home safely while 
search teams were in the field. While on a 
search assignment an SMSR crew was able to 
assist another hiker who had an ankle injury.

Medical Emergency, Big Santa Anita Canyon: 
SMSR was called out on a report of a medical 
emergency in Big Santa Anita Canyon. While 
Team members made their way toward the 
location on the ground, an L.A. County Fire 
Department paramedic was inserted near the 
location via helicopter. The subject was located 
and flown to the hospital. While heading 
back to the trailhead, SMSR team members 
encountered hikers engaging in high-risk 
activities in the canyon and were able to 
practice their PSAR -- or Preventative Search 
And Rescue -- skills, advising the hikers on 
how to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Missing Bikers, Mt. Wilson: A report of overdue 
mountain bikers sent Team members up Mt. 
Wilson on a nighttime search, while members 
of a neighboring search and rescue team began 
searching the area around Mt. Wilson’s summit. 
The cyclists were located safely and the search 
was secured.

In 2011 Sierra Madre Search and Rescue 
commemorated 60 years of service to the 
community; it was also one of the team’s 
busiest years on record. SMSR volunteers 
responded to 95 calls for help in 2011, coming 
to the aid of 108 people. And since one of the 
Team’s core missions is education, members 
also participated in 25 PSAR events, where 
they educated nearly 2,000 adults and children 
about wilderness safety.

SMSR members live by their motto: “Anywhere 
in the wilderness that someone needs help…” 
and the Team never charges for any of its 
services. For more information or to arrange 
a wilderness safety demonstration for your 
school or group, visit www.smsr.org.

Sierra Madre Police Blotter

During the week of Sunday, January 22nd, to 
Saturday, January 28th, the Sierra Madre Police 
Department responded to approximately 252 
calls for service. See crimereports.com for updated 
information.

Sunday, January 22nd:

12:35 AM- Warrant Arrest, 100 blk. N. 
Rosemead Blvd. Officers conducted a consent 
stop on two subjects. One subject was on 
probation for drug violations and the second 
subject had recently been arrested for forgery. A 
records check revealed $150,000 in warrants for 
one of the subjects. The subject was arrested and 
transported to Temple Sheriff’s station.

5:33 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

11:13 PM- Arrest, DUI Driver, Foothill 
Blvd. and Whispering Oaks Dr. An officer 
stopped a motorist for a traffic violation. The 
driver of the vehicle was found to be driving a 
motor vehicle while under the influence of an 
alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and 
transported to the Pasadena Jail.

Monday, January 23rd:

2:34 PM- Petty Theft, 400 blk. Madre Ln. 
Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked car 
and stole three new curtains, shampoo and 
conditioner.

2:49 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

3:00 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

Wednesday, January 25th:

12:24 AM- Arrest, DUI Driver, 00 blk. N. 
Baldwin Ave. An officer stopped a motorist 
for a traffic violation. Further investigation 
revealed the driver was driving a motor vehicle 
while intoxicated. The driver was arrested and 
transported to the Pasadena Jail.

4:31 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves an unknown suspect(s) that 
used the victim’s credit to obtain a loan for 
$11,100 without the victim’s permission.

7:14 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

8:55 PM- Residential Burglary, 500 blk. E. 
Laurel Ave. Unknown suspect(s) entered 
the residence through a broken window and 
stole three computers and a printer worth over 
$1,650.

Thursday, January 26th:

8:38 AM- Arrest, Unlicensed Driver, Sierra 
Madre Blvd. and Hermosa Ave. This incident 
involves a vehicle being stopped for a vehicle 
code violation. The driver was driving on a 
suspended/revoked driver’s license with service 
needed. The driver was cited and released in the 
field and the vehicle was released to a licensed 
driver.

9:54 AM- Arrest, Unlicensed Driver, Baldwin 
Ave. and Hampton Rd. This incident involves 
a vehicle being stopped for a vehicle code 
violation. Further investigation revealed the 
driver did not have a valid license. The driver 
was cited and released on a written promise to 
appear. 

11:28 AM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

11:46 PM- Arrest, Unlicensed Driver, Foothill 
Blvd. and Michillinda Ave. This incident 
involves a vehicle being stopped for a vehicle 
code violation. During the investigation a 
records check revealed the driver did not have a 
valid license. The driver was cited and released 
in the field and the vehicle was released to a 
licensed driver.

Friday, January 27th:

3:58 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

10:15 PM- Arrest, DUI Driver, Foothill Blvd. 
and Whispering Oaks Dr. An officer contacted 
the driver of a vehicle found in the middle of 
the roadway. Further investigation revealed 
the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. 
The driver was arrested and transported to the 
Pasadena Jail.

Saturday, January 28th:

8:47 AM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

2:45 PM- Use of Another’s Personal 
Identification to Obtain Credit/Etc. This 
incident involves the unauthorized fraudulent 
use of the victim’s credit/debit card number 
obtained from the Valero gas station.

9:09 PM- Arrest, Unlicensed Driver, Baldwin 
Ave. and Grandview Ave. This incident 
involves a vehicle being stopped for a vehicle 
code violation. The driver was driving on a 
suspended/revoked driver’s license with service 
needed. The driver was cited and released in the 
field and the vehicle was impounded.

SHIRLEY MORGAN YOUNG

April 14, 1920-Jan. 18, 2012 

 Shirley resided in Arcadia, California for the 
last 46 years. She enjoyed volunteering for 
many groups around town. She was involved 
with the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, Sierra 
Madre Rose Float Assn. and volunteered her 

time for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. 
Her favorite pastime was playing bridge 
with her many friends. Shirley will be greatly 
missed by many. 

 Shirley was predeceased by her husband 
Gregory. She is survived by her son Chip and 
his wife Karen of Monrovia, CA. A private 
service is being planned.

With Sincere Thanks

 Thank you for all of the comforting expressions of sympathy received from my 
Mountain Views family and friends while my family and I dealt with the passing of 
my brother Billy. God Bless all of you. H. Susan Henderson

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