SPORTS THIS WEEK: A PERFECT GAME AND AN INTERNATIONAL CHAMP.........Page 11


VOLUME 8 NO. 29

SATURDAY, JULY 19. 2014

COMMUNITY IS SHAKEN BY SUDDEN DEATH OF 
ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ROBERT 
YOUNG

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE 
IN SIERRA MADRE 


Recently, Sierra Madre 
Police Chief Larry 
Giannone held a Town 
Hall meeting in which 
he brought residents up 
to date with issues that 
his department handles 
on a regular basis. One 
of those is the growing 
problem of Traffic 
incidents in Sierra 
Madre, a town which 
prides itself on not 
having any traffic lights.

Distracted drivers, 
driving ignoring the 
posted speed limits, 
and drivers under the 
influence account for the 
almost 400 traffic stops 
that have occurred in the 
last 30 days. According 
to Chief Giannone, 
“What that means is 
that the motoring public 
in town is committing 
some type of vehicle code 
violation to get stopped. 
215 were cited for the violations while 141 warnings were issued.” Fortunately, while there have been 
accidents as a result of the violations, as of this date, none have resulted in a fatality.

“Traffic Officer Berry has indicated that he has seen an increase in cell phone violations over the past 
several months” says Giannone.

So Where Are These Accidents Occurring? All over town! 

Traffic Incidents June 18 – July 18, 2014 (Stats and Chart From crime reports – partial listing)

Sierra Madre is no different than 
other cities in that technology 
has brought on a new set of 
problems, or exascerbated 
existing problem. In this case, 
the driver answering a cell 
phone, texting, or otherwise 
engaging in activities on ‘not so 
smart’ phones, have become a 
real problem.

SMPD, in keeping with its 
responsibility for keeping the 
town safe will continue to 
crack down on drivers who are 
breaking the law. Says the chief, 
“ The point we are trying to get 
across is just to have people pay 
attention to their driving.”

 
There are few 
residents in Sierra 
Madre who have 
viewed one of the 
city’s Rose Parade 
entries in the last 15 
years or so, that did 
not encounter the 
energetic, charming 
and enthusiastic 
leader of the SMRFA, 
Bob Young. And, if 
you didn’t know him 
from the Rose Float, 
you may have known 
his home on Sierra 
Madre Blvd., where 
the lawn was adorned 
with two flamingos 
year round.

 On Thursday, to the 
shock and dismay to 
all who knew him, 
Bob was found in his 
home dead of what 
appears to be natural 
causes.

 A ‘young at heart’ 
vibrant individual, he was a few months shy of his 64th birthday.

 According to his dear friend Illona Linden, after she had been unable to contact him the evening 
before, she went to his home and discovered Bob in his favorite recliner with his remote control in 
his hand. There was no evidence of foul play.

 Known for his quick sense of humor and hard working ways, he epitomized the spirit of volunteerism 
that Sierra Madre is known for.

 Bob served as President of the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association for as long as anyone can 
remember, more than 15 years said one source, and supported many other community organizations 
as well.

 A lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley, he was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pasadena on 
Friday the 13th, something he loved to joke about. He was an alumni of Arcadia High School.

 Professionally, Bob was a mechanical engineer and the owner of Robert M. Young & Associates 
since 1978. 

 Bob is survived by his mother, Mary Young, well known for her volunteerism and philanthropy in 
Sierra Madre, his son, Robert Reid Youn, a twin sister and a brother. He is also survived by his dear 
friend Illona Linden. 

 Bob was a man that was truly loved by the community 
he served for so many years and it is difficult for many 
to imagine life in this village without him. 

 At press time, no information was available regarding 
services. S.Henderson/MVNews 

This accident ocurred on a Sierra Madre street last year. 
Fortunately, there were no severe injuries. Accordingt to SMPD 
Sgt. Ortiz at the time, it appeared that the young driver lost 
control of his vehicle, hit the curb, and the car flipped over. 

Photo by Merrill Joan Gerber

Photo courtesy SMRFA


Inside this week: 

 

CALENDAR Pg. 2

SIERRA MADRE NEWS

 Pg. 3

CITY COUNCIL 
CONSIDERATION TO 
EXTEND THE INTERIM 
MORATORIUM SET FOR 
AUGUST 12TH

On July 8, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance 
No. 1357U, establishing an Interim Moratorium 
Ordinance Pursuant to Government Code Section 
65858 on the issuance of all building permits and 
any discretionary approvals for construction of 
new development requiring new water service 
connections. The interim ordinance was an urgency 
ordinance, making it effective immediately. The 
Interim Ordinance 1357U will expire on August 22, 
2014, unless the City Council takes action to extend 
the moratorium before it expires.

Originally, the City Council’s consideration of 
extending the interim ordinance was scheduled for 
the July 22nd meeting. Instead the City Council will 
meet on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 6:30 pm, in the 
City Hall Council Chambers, to consider extending 
the moratorium for an additional 22 months and 15 
days (until July 5, 2016). 

The delay in the City Council considering the 
extension of Ordinance 1357U, has no impact on 
the applicability of the interim ordinance. Urgency 
Ordinance 1357U remains in full force and effect 
until August 22, 2014. Additionally, the other two 
related actions the City Council approved on July 
8th, are not impacted by the rescheduling of the 
public hearing. Resolution 14-58 declaring Phase III 
Water Conservation and declaring a moratorium on 
new water service connections, along with Urgency 
Ordinance 1356U, declaring the existence of a water 
shortage emergency and imposing a moratorium on 
the issuance of new water service connections, do not 
need to be extended, as they remain in effect until 
modified or rescinded by formal action of the City 
Council.

A fact sheet is being prepared to provide answers to the 
various questions we have received about Ordinance 
1357U, Ordinance 1356U and Resolution 14-58. The 
fact sheet should be available on the City’s website by 

PASADENA/ALTADENA

 Pg. 4

ARCADIA NEWS Pg.5

MONROVIA/DUARTE 

 Pg. 5

07/18/2014 300 Block SIERRA MADRE

07/07/2014 SIERRA MADRE BLVD. & AUBURN AVE.

07/05/2014 BALDWIN AVE. & GATE

07/05/2014 100 Block BALDWIN

07/02/2014 400 Block SIERRA MADRE

07/02/2014 GRANDVIEW AVE & SUNNYSIDE AVE

07/02/2014 BALDWIN AVE & LOWELL AVE

07/01/2014 BALDWIN AVE & ESPERANZA AVE

06/30/2014 SANTA ANITA AVE & GRANDVIEW AVE

06/30/2014 SIERRA MADRE AVE. & LIMA ST.

06/29/2014 MICHILLINDA AVE. & GRANDVIEW AVE.

06/28/2014 SIERRA MADRE BLVD. & MOUNTAIN TRAIL AVE.

06/28/2014 1 Block BALDWIN

06/27/2014 ORANGEGROVE AVE. & BALDWIN AVE.

06/27/2014 1 Block SIERRA MADRE

06/22/2014 GRANDVIEW AVE & WILSON ST

06/21/2014 SANTA ANITA AVE & GRANDVIEW AVE

06/21/2014 SANTA ANITA AVE & GRANDVIEW

06/20/2014 200 Block SIERRA MADRE

06/20/2014 500 Block ACACIA

06/18/2014 GRANDVIEW AVE & STONEHOUSE RD

06/18/2014 ELKINS DR. & VISTA AVE.

EDUCATION & YOUTH

 Pg. 6

FOOD & DRINK

 Pg. 7

BEST FRIENDS

 Pg. 8

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

 Pg. 9

THE GOOD LIFE

 Pg. 10

SPORTS

 Pg. 11

“DROUGHT, ARE WE IN OR OUT?”

CLIMATOLOGIST DR. BILL PATZERT TO SPEAK

SECTION B 

 On Tuesday, July 22, 2014, Dr. Bill Patzert will address the 
Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club on the current drought.

 Often called the "Prophet of California climate," Patzert has 
been a scientist at the California Institute of Technology’s 
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. 
for 31 years. Working on numerous NASA space missions, 
his research is focused on improving our understanding of 
important environmental problems ranging from El Niño 
and La Niña to longer-term climate change. 

 The author of many scientific and popular articles, and 
recipient of many honors, Bill works with 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.

 Lunch will be served at noon and is $10. The program will begin at 12:30 and is free. Reservations 
are requested. Call 626-355-0728. Kiwanis meets at The Lodge (formerly the Masonic Temple)

33 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, Ca. Ample parking in the back of the building.


AROUND SGV Pg. B1

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE MARQUEE -SMPH

 Pg. B2

 BUSINESS NEWS Pg. B3

 OPINION Pg. B4

 LEGALS Pg. B5

SMTV CHANNEL 98

 B 10