SIERRA MADRE EDITION

 SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019 

VOLUME 13 NO.10

Breaking News:

SIERRA MADRE POLICE CHIEF JOE ORTIZ TO 
HEAD SOUTH PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT

WISTARIA FESTIVAL 2019 
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2019 
9:00 AM TO 5 PM (Last shuttle to the Vine leaves at 4:00pm) 
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY 
Take a Shuttle to the Guinness Book of World Records Vine 
Send a Greeting with the Official Wistaria POSTMARK 
Visit Local Shops and more than 100 Crafters & Food Vendors 
See the 
THE SIERRA MADRE AUTO SHOW 
For more information and shuttle tickets go to: 
www.sierramadrechamber.comST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION 
5 TO 8 pm 
Featuring: 
a free concert with the 
GEM CITY JAZZ CATS and visit theWISTARIA BEER GARDEN 
in MEMORIAL PARK, 
Sierra Madre 
SMPD Chief Joe Ortiz is leaving the Sierra Madre Police 
Department - he's moving up to what some might say 
is a higher calling. Ortiz, who was sworn in as SMPD 
Chief in April, 2017 is leaving Sierra Made (population 
approximately 11,000) for the position of Police Chief 
in South Pasadena, (population approximately 26,000).

In a statement sent to city staff by CM Gabe Engeland, 
said, " Chief Ortiz did a fantastic job in each of the positions 
he held in Sierra Madre, starting as a Sergeant, prior 
to a promotion to Captain, and finally Chief. I know 
our residents will miss him as much as South Pasadena’s 
residents will love him. Please take the time to tell him 
how much you appreciate his hard work and dedication 
prior to his departure on March 28th."

 It was also announced that James Hunt, former Chief 
of Police in Monrovia accepted the position of Interim 
Police Chief in Sierra Madre. 

SIERRA MADRE POOL FUNDED FOR 
IMPROVEMENTS - ADVISORY BOARD A BUST

By Kevin McGuire

Back on September 25, 2018, City Council proposed forming a Community Advisory Board (CAB) 
at Waterworks, which was part of the requirement of the lease agreement with the City. The objective 
was to implement a mission statement, make pool program improvements and advance the overall 
experience at the pool facility. Despite promoting the idea on the City’s website, the Village View 
Newsletter and through social media outlets, no applications for CAB members were received. 

During Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting, Community Services Manager Rebecca Silva-Barrón, 
recommended discontinuing the search for CAB members, due to lack of interest, and suggested the 
City staff work directly with the Waterworks’ team on proposed repairs to the pool facility. Currently, 
$40,000 was allocated in the FY 2018-19 budget for pool improvements. 

Some of the suggestions by users for repairs to the pool include updates to the pool heater, addition 
of indoor heat to the facility, bench repairs, and an improved PA system. Some additional amenity 
suggestions included dryers for towels and swimsuits, heat lamps outside and coffee/tea for patrons.

Though suggestions will be considered, City Council would ultimately decide on any improvement 
projects upon review. The current contract with Waterworks is up for termination on September 30, 
2020. It’s unclear whether the City will renew with Waterworks or seek another company to handle 
pool operations. 

For now, the City will work with Waterworks on future improvements and discontinue the search for 
CAB members. 

WistariaThrift Shop 
INVITES YOU 
TO THEIR ANNUAL 
Breath of Spring Gifts, Toys, Jewelry & Surprises 
Books, DVDs, CD's, Stationary, Pictures, 
Clothes, Shoes & Accessories; Kitchen, Linens & Housewares 
Toys & Stationary, Easter & Mother’s Day Decorations 
Thursday - Saturday 
April 4, 5 & 6 
9 am – 2 pm 
WISTARIA THRIFT SHOP 
550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 
626 355-7739 
Proceeds Benefit our 
Community Charities & Scholarships 
~ STOP BY, BROWSE & Buy ~ 
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays + 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10 - 3 thru May ‘19 
Clean Usable Donations Accepted 10 am-2 pm Weekdays 
BETHANY CHURCH OF SIERRA MADRE

A Waystation for the Wisteria Festival

We welcome you to stop by 93 N. Baldwin 
Avenue in Sierra Madre for a cold bottle 
of water or to use our restrooms as 
you participate in the Annual Wisteria 
Festival. 

Our parking lot on West Highland 
Avenue is also available for use. We hope 
to have you stop by along your way up to 
the beautiful vine or on your way down 
into town. 

If you happen to be staying longer 
in town, or are from the area, we also welcome you to stop by on a 
Sunday for our service at 9:30am. We have a wonderful pre-K through 
8th school as part of our ministry and a great weekly youth group and 
children’s program. See you Sunday!


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