SIERRA MADRE EDITION


SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 


VOLUME 11 NO. 12


VIDEO RELEASED OF SUSPECT IN CHEESECAKE 
FACTORY EXPLOSIONPhoto and Story By Dean Lee/MVNews 

 Pasadena Police Detectives 
and the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation released video, 
Friday morning, of the man 
investigators say committed 
the Cheesecake Factory 
explosion in February.

 The video and photos, shown 
at the press conference, depict 
the suspect wearing a white 
shirt, carrying black or dark 
clothing, which he discards in 
a trash can at Ralphs Grocery 
Store in the 300 block of West 
Colorado Blvd. The video was 
taken the same day as the 
explosion.

Pasadena Police and the FBI are asking for 
the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

 “The FBI is offering a reward up to $20,000,” 
said Deirdre Fike, assistant director for the 
FBI. “For any information that leads to tips, 
information that identifies the individual 
or groups involved in this act.” 

 According to Police Chief Phillip Sanchez, 
on Thursday, February 2, at about 6:08 
p.m., Pasadena Police Officers and Fire
Department personnel responded to a call 
of an explosion at a Cheesecake Factory 
restaurant at 2 West Colorado Blvd. Police 
Officers immediately entered the restaurant 
and evacuated customers and employees 
and located a detonated homemade 
pyrotechnic device. 

Sanchez said they were keeping information 
about how the device was made secret. 

 He did say, “we know the device was 
homemade, it was incendiary, we know he 
detonated it, the evidence was recovered 
and then look at for forensics evidence.” 

Witnesses described the suspect as a male, 
possible of Hispanic or Middle Eastern 
descent, 6’0” tall, thin build, with a heavy 
beard and wearing all black clothing and a 
black beanie. 

 No customers or employees were seriously 
injured during the incident.

 A tip line has been established to receive 
calls 24 hours, 7 days a week. The tip line 
number is 1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-
5324). 

 Police and FBI remind the public not to 
detain or contact the suspect. This person 
should be considered dangerous. If seen, 
please contact local law enforcement 
promptly. Persons may also contact the 
Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241.

There are only a few spots available, Register Today! 

 Saturday, May 27, 2017 celebrates the 109th anniversary and 51st 
running of the Mount Wilson Trail Race (MWTR). The 8.6 mile 
running race is a unique, historic event, revered by the Sierra Madre 
community and by the 350 competitors who measure themselves 
against the mountain. As the second oldest run trail race in California, 
the Mount Wilson Trail Race is rich in history and has over the years 
developed strong ties to community members and organizations 
alike, making this event one to look forward to year after year.

 This Memorial Day weekend tradition brings together over 1,000 
runners, volunteers, and spectators. Activities include training runs 
for adults and kids, Kids’ T-shirt Design Contest, Pre-Race Pasta 
Dinner and Raffle and much more. Runners enjoy the small town 
charm of Sierra Madre prior to and after their grueling, yet scenic 
climb of the Mount Wilson Trail. From novice to elite runners, this 
event has something for everyone!

 Participants can register in person at Sierra Madre City Hall or on 
line at ActiveCommunities.com. Be sure to register early, as the race 
usually sells out in the first few days.

 Sponsorships packages are still available and information can be 
requested by contacting Clarissa Lowe or Tim Shepard at (626) 355-
7135, clowe@cityofsierramadre.com or tshepard@cityofsierramadre.
com

Adult Race Entry- $70

Youth Entry-$38

Entry fee includes official 2017 MWTR Tech Shirt and goodie bag

Additional information regarding the race is available at www.
mountwilsontrailrace.com

2017 SIERRA MADRE EASTER EGG HUNT


SENIOR COMMUNITY 
COMMISSION VACANCY

 

 Applications are now being accepted for an upcoming vacancy 
on the Senior Community Commission. The three-year term will 
begin on July 1, 2017. Applications may be obtained from City Hall 
or the City’s Website. 

 The City of Sierra Madre encourages residents to apply for positions 
that have vacancies. This is a great opportunity for Sierra Madre 
residents to get involved in the community. You can download 
the application from the city’s website and return it to City Hall. 
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. 

Children 12 years of age and younger are invited to Memorial Park 
to meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and candy. The Egg Hunt is 
a free event and begins at 10 am sharp.

 Due to the large number of participant’s early arrival is encouraged. 
Those who are driving to the event should plan to walk roughly a 
block or more from their car.

 Sponsored by the Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters’ Association

Saturday, April 15th, 10am @ Memorial Park, Sierra Madre CA

ATTENTION CLASSIC CAR OWNERS!

4TH OF JULY GRAND MARSHAL 
NOMINATIONS

The Volunteer Sierra Madre 4th of July Committee is seeking 
nominations for the 2017 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal. The 
Parade will be held as always the morning of July 4th. 

 Parade Grand Marshal Nominees should embody the spirit of 
Sierra Madre, be an active volunteer in any of the local nonprofit 
organizations or in some way contributed to the betterment of 
Sierra Madre. Nominees may be an individual or volunteers or an 
organization. 

 Nominations must be submitted in writing by Thursday, 
April 27th and should be sent to the 4th of July Committee, 
PO Box 1073 Sierra Madre CA 91025 or emailed to 
4thofjulysierramadre@gmail.com. Nominations should be no more 
than 1 page but at least a paragraph explaining why the honor should 
be given including contributions to the Sierra Madre community. 

 Previous Grand Marshals have included 2016 Pete Siberell and 
Hometown Hero Kris Lowe, 2015 Clem and Nina Bartolai, 2014 Pat 
& DeAlcorn & Hometown Heroes Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, 
2013 VFW Post 3208 & Hometown Hero Mama Pete; 2012 Nel and 
Bob Soltz (Wistaria Vine owners); 2011 Gayle Bluemel & Hometown 
Hero John Shear; 2010 Lew Wantanabe; 2009 Midge Morash; 2008 
Sierra Madre Fire Department; 2007 Ward Family (E. Waldo Ward 
& Sons); 2006 Judy Webb Martin & Toni Buckner & Hometown 
Hero Barbara Wamboldt; 2005 Police Chief Wayne Bailey; 2004 
Doug Berkshire; 2003 John Grijalva; 2002 Bob Quamstrom; 2001 Ty 
Gaffney; 2000 Dr. Bill White; and 1999 Jim & Barbara Heasley. 

 This All-American friends and family event is made possible 
through the wonderful contribution of donors and sponsors. If you’d 
like to help please visit http://sierramadre4thofjuly.com/ or follow us 
on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/4thofJulyInfo


ADVANCED WATER METER INFORMATION

Advanced metering systems allow customers to monitor utilities 
such as such as electric, gas, or water remotely. 

The systems are comprised of state-of-the-art electronic/
digital hardware and software, which combine interval 
data measurement with continuously available remote 
communications. 

To request a water service meter upgrade to the Automated 
Metering Infrastructure (Smart Meter) technology for the 
property of which you are the owner please click below to 
download an application form and return to City Hall along 
with a one-time $25.00 application fee. 

Replacing water-consuming, high-maintenance, traditional 
landscapes and lawn with California native plants can reduce 
the average homeowner’s water consumption by 60%. For more 
information and the application go to: www.cityofsierramadre.
com

 Interested in showcasing your classic car and chauffeuring 
community dignitaries for the Sierra Madre Fourth of July parade?

Please contact Tim Shepard or Clarissa Lowe for details and to 
register your hot rod today.

 Tim Shepard or Clarissa Lowe, Community Events, City of Sierra 
Madre 626-355-7135 ext703

2017 BOOKMARK CONTEST: 
WHY IS SIERRA MADRE 
SUPER? 


Local students are invited to enter the City 
Bookmark Contest and win cash prizes this 
month; March 1 – 31, 2017. 

 “Why is Sierra Madre Super?” is the theme. 
Children are asked to draw and write about what 
makes Sierra Madre unique and special to them. 
Artwork may be designed with any tools but must 
be completely original work. Entries should depict 
and describe specific places, events or people in 
Sierra Madre and express a love of the City. 

 Children in grades TK through 8th that attend 
school in Sierra Madre, live in Sierra Madre, or 
who have a Sierra Madre Public Library card are 
eligible to enter. Winning entries will be displayed 
in the Library and winners will receive a certificate 
and cash prize at a ceremony in their honor. 
Selected winning entries will be professionally 
printed. 

 Entry forms are available at the Sierra Madre 
Library, in the Library page of the City’s website, 
and at schools in Sierra Madre. Entries are due by 
March 31, 2017 at the Library. 

SCOUTS NEEDED FOR 4TH OF 
JULY PARADE

The Sierra Madre 4th of July Committee in conjunction with the City 
of Sierra Madre has begun planning for the 2017 Sierra Madre 4th of 
July Celebration. Events will take place July 3rd and July 4th. 

 The Committee is seeking special assistance from local Girl Scouts 
and Boy Scouts in grades 6th – 12th to assist with this year’s 4th of 
July Parade. This specific request is for any interested Scout in the 
required grade who would like to march in the parade on the 4th 
of July carrying banners for award recipients and dignitaries. Scouts 
will be required to be in dress uniform and able to carry a banner 
during the two mile parade route. The parade begins promptly at 
10:00 am sharp with staging activities beginning at 9:00 am. This is an 
extraordinary opportunity for young leaders to represent themselves 
and the scouting community while participating in a small town 
celebration representing an All American City. 

 Interested scouts should contact the Committee by emailing 
4thofjulysierramadre@gmail.com 

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