MEET THE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES....Page 2 


VOLUME 14 NO. 39

 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 

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JUST LISTED2 Beds + Den | 1.5 Baths | 1,344 sfRecently Sold1530 Loma Alta – represented the buyer430 North Alta Vista – represented the buyer230 West Montecito – represented the seller381 Montecito #B – represented the seller901 Cabrillo Drive #32A – represented the seller180 South Michillinda Avenue – represented the seller162 East Sierra Madre Boulevard – represented the seller1115 Cordova – represented the buyer451 Camillo Drive – represented the seller690 Oak Crest Drive - represented the buyer381 Mariposa Avenue #B – represented the seller118 East Laurel Avenue #C – represented the seller60 Rancho Road – represented the buyerWe're still here for you! We can 
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BELOVED SIERRA MADREAN, BUD 
SWITZER, PASSES AWAY

LIBRARY TRUSTEES PUSH FOR 
REPAIRS/NEW FACILITY 

The Sierra Madre Library Board of Trustees met with the City Council 
to discuss the future of the library including needed updates and repairs, 
use of the adjacent lot and the chance of putting the construction of a 
new building on the ballot in either 2022 or 2024. 

As of today, a parcel tax to replace the current library does not have 
the necessary votes to make it on the 2020 ballot, according to a survey 
conducted by FM3 Research. Approximately 55% of those surveyed said 
they would vote “yes” on a ballot measure, which is well below the two-
thirds needed for passage. 

Fifty-three percent of Sierra Madre residents, who were surveyed back 
in 2018, were in favor of making needed repairs to the current library 
with only 33% in favor of the construction of a new library. City Council 
members expressed concern over spending funds on repairs to a building 
that could be replaced by a new facility if such a project was approved 
on a ballot in the next four years. The City is already dealing with added 
expenditures as a result of COVID-19 and the Bobcat Fire. Estimates for 
repair to the library and adjacent lot range from $800,000 to $3.5 million, 
depending on the scope of the project.

Full repairs to the current library would include ADA modifications, 
seismic retrofitting, and electrical wiring. Cost for repairs would come 
from fundraising or a property tax. The trustees will also want to maintain 
access to the adjacent lot for outdoor activities and programming. They 
are hoping to obtain funds for outdoor seating, improved lighting and 
stage upgrades. 

City staff have also considered using the adjacent lot for low-income 
housing options. 

Despite whether trustees receive approval for repairs, there is an ongoing 
push for a new facility to be built in the future and hopes to see it on 
the ballot in 2022 or 2024. A new facility would cost approximately $17 
million, a 40-year bond and an annual tax parcel of $236.

Of the over 1,700 surveyed, 89% said they had a favorable opinion of the 
library and felt it was an important part of the community. 

As of now, the direction is to review necessary repair options and costs 
with the acknowledgement of keeping the adjacent lot for library use. A 
future meeting will be set to discuss progress and next steps. 

Kevin McGuire/MVNews




It is our sad duty to report that Glidden "Bud" Switzer peacefully passed 
away on September 23rd, shortly after his 92nd birthday. The 2006 Citizen 
of the Year and a former 4th of July Grand Marshal, Bud was best 
known for his pumpkin carving, which led to an annual Halloween 
event on Alegria that brings visitors to the City from miles around. Active 
in the VFW 3208, Bud was an avid runner for many years, and was 
an active supporter of the Mt. Wilson Trail Race. He worked with John 
Grijalva on the establishment of the Memorial Park Veteran's Wall. 

Bud was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Donna Mae, and his son 
Kevin. He is survived by a son Cam, and daughters, Debbie and Lisa. 

Bud was a beloved member of the Sierra Madre community for decades, 
and we will have much more to say in a future article on Bud. 
He will truly be missed. Photo and Caption by Bill Coburn

HALLOWEEN WINDOW ART!

All Sierra Madre households are invited to create Halloween art for 
display on our local merchants’ windows. All ages from a single 
address are welcome to draw or paint any Halloween theme on a paper 
‘canvas’ provided to you by Sierra Madre Civic Club. 

 Create your visions of Halloween using pencils, markers, paint, ink 
–any medium you want. The art will be displayed on pre-approved
downtown merchants’ windows from October 23 until November 2. 
Civic Club members will mount your artwork on the windows.

 Sign up on-line at sierramadrecivicclub.org before October 8. High 
quality craft paper, 36” x 36”, and further instructions will be delivered 
free to your front door. One per address.

 Important Dates:

October 9-10 Paper and instructions delivered to your front door.

October 20 Deadline to return completed art in labelled box at 
184 South Lima.

 For further questions, please contact Karma Bell, Halloween Chair 
for Sierra Madre Civic Club, at 355-6487. 


INSIDE MOUNTAIN VIEWS 
NEWS THIS WEEK

Hello Sierra Madre,

I would like to take this opportunity to personally express my 
most sincere gratitude! Let me lead off with a very heartfelt 
thank you to all City staff. WOW, what an absolute illustration 
of what true teamwork looks like. It was amazing to uncover the 
hidden talent that some folks possessed, as well as the relentless 
dedication to provide the utmost service to our community. The 
City is extremely fortunate to have such devotedness.

Secondly, to our Public Safety, in both Fire and Police, I am 
proud to work alongside each and every one of you. When 
called upon, you all answered with an astounding “How can I 
help?”. You had to leave your families to protect and serve those 
families that we have sworn to safeguard. You should be proud 
of yourselves. I know I am very proud of you and your efforts,

Lastly, and most prominently, to the residents of Sierra Madre. 
These past 6 months have been tremendously difficult for many, 
and with the added stress of the Bobcat Fire, I know some were 
overwhelmed with emotion and apprehension. I was so happy 
to see the true compassion of Sierra Madre come out. Neighbors 
were checking on neighbors, and people were offering to assist 
strangers. Sometimes life has a funny way of showing us what 
genuinely matters, and that is that we have consideration for 
one another. These are the values that make this town special! 
Keep casting this forward. I would like to thank you for your 
unwavering love and support, we are tremendously honored! 
Please take care, and take care of each other!

Sincerely,

Brent Bartlett

Interim Fire Chief

SIERRA MADRE 4 YEAR COUNCIL RACE...PAGE 2

COVID 19 UPDATES .........................PAGE 7

SIERRA MADRE NEWS.................................Pgs 3, 4

PASADENA NEWS...............................,.......Page 5

ARCADIA/MONROVIA & MORE..... .Page 6

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY.................Page 7

EDUCATION & YOUTH.................................Page 9

BEST FRIENDS.............................................Page 10

THE GOOD LIFE..........................................Page 11

OPINION..........................................,,,.......Page 12

CONVERSATIONS......................................Page 13

LEGAL NOTICES...............................,,,.......Page 14


A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Sunday morning 24-25 firemen had breakfast at Nano's. A woman called 
in and paid for their meals. She wants to remain anonymous. That's saying 
thank you, Sierra Madre style! (Submitted by an eyewitness!)

Walter Cailleteau, DVM Free Exam!
927 N. Michillinda Ave. For New Clients 
Pasadena, CA 91107 Bring this coupon to save! 
(626) 351-8863