Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, July 17, 2021

Mountain View News Saturday, July 17, 2021 


HISTORIC WORLD SERIES RUNS UNDERWAY FOR BOTH SIERRA MADRE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL 

July 16, 2021 – This is a story of sweet vindication for two special groups of local kids. Back in March 2020, the COVID 
shutdowns prematurely halted their spring seasons, just as they were getting started. As pandemic conditions improved 
with time, Sierra Madre’s baseball and softball leagues did an outstanding job of implementing safety plans to get the 
kids back on the fields for limited outdoor play, but there still could be no playoffs, no All Stars tournaments, and no 
hope of that magic run to the world series. 

Now in the summer of 2021, life is getting back to normal for these kids. Sierra Madre Girls Softball’s 10U “Madre Mayhem” 
All Stars team (aged 10 or younger) (right) has qualified to play in the USA Softball Junior Olympics tournament 
in Santee, CA. They got this far by placing 2nd in the C Districts tournament in Beaumont, CA in June and finishing 
in the top tier of teams at the C States tournament over the 4th of July weekend in Lancaster, CA. Mayhem is powered 
by talented pitchers, Havana Pagan and Carly Polanco; fierce catchers Saija Baldrica, Emily Cash and Layla Loya; and 
a strong and fast offense driven by Mary Kalea Buchan, Aria Davis, Maya Dixon, Kiley Liang, Emily Lencioni, Camila 
Reyes-Chacon and Mikayla West. In both tournaments, the girls battled in back-to-back games in triple digit desert 
heat, playing with heart, grit and deep skills. For the past decade, SMGSA teams have made a name for Sierra Madre 
on a national level, and Madre Mayhem continues this tradition. 

On the boys’ side, (left) the story could not be more special and promising for the Sierra 
Madre Pony 13 year-olds. These are the boys whose final little league season (as 12 
year-olds) was stolen away by the COVID pandemic shutdown. Their special talent is 
finally on full display. 

Last week, these “Madre 13U” Pony All Stars crushed all competition in the Southern 
California “Super Region” tournament, and have now proceeded into the Western US 
“Zone” tournament now in progress at the West Hills baseball complex at 7001 Valley 
Circle Boulevard. 

Sierra Madre’s first game was a 14-4 thrashing of Long Beach, who was allowed to ad


vance from the super region tournament as one of that event’s top teams. Madre broke 

ahead with 9 runs in the first, highlighted by a majestic lead-off home run by Bradley Loiacono. Later in that same inning, he returned to the plate again and hit an almost identical, mammoth shot – this 

was a bases-loaded grand slam. Talented catcher Quinn Imasaki added a deep bomb to center field later in the game, while Dylan Hoang, Andrew Klien, and Tyler Charvat have also been batting leaders 

in a lineup that continues to pound the ball throughout this post-season run. 

But this Madre 13U team is not only blessed by great offense – they also pack an unusually deep collection of pitching talent. Aiden Mahoney, Bradley Loiacono, and Dylan Hoang have anchored the 
staff as starters. Thus far they have held opponents down in dominant fashion, which has allowed the Coaching Staff to quickly transfer these responsibilities over to the very competent relievers, including 
Zeke Rodriguez, Josh Morales, Tyler Charvat and Andrew Klien. Manager Anthony Loiacono shared, “For good reason, pitch-counts are heavily regulated to limit stress on each of the boys’ growing 
arms. If you throw more than 20 pitches, you can’t pitch the next day. More than 35, and you are pretty much done for the tournament. It is a great advantage that we’ve been able to keep all arms fresh 
while maintaining comfortable leads.” 

To support the All Stars in this special year, a few local businesses stepped up to help cover tournament and family travel costs, without hesitation. Among them were the Pevsner family of Splinter Medical 
Group, and Sandy Duvall of Sierra Fitness and the Shabby Dog, Ixora Flora Design, Andy Bencosme Century 21 Realtors, and more to come. Sandy Duvall shared, “It is so special to be able to support our 
youth again, and restore some of what they lost last year!” Russ Meek, SM Girls Softball President / Coach, SM Pony 13U All Stars 


TRAFFIC MISHAP ON SIERRA MADRE BLVD. 


Breaking News: 

At approximately 10:52 this morning a solo-vehicle accident occurred at 110 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. A 
sedan traveling eastbound on West Sierra Madre Blvd. collided with the safety bollards protecting the 
outdoor dining area of The Only Place In Town Restaurant. The safety bollards worked as expected, preventing 
any damage to the dining area or to any diners. 

Paramedics were called out to an incident nearby and were able to respond immediately to the incident. 
The driver of the vehicle was treated at the scene but not transported to any hospital. SMPD was dispatched 
to the incident; the cause of the incident remains under investigation. 

As a result of the collision, Public Works removed 6 bollards for the most western section of the dining 
area. Concurrently, Public Works crews worked to measure and identify K-rail barriers to temporarily 
replace the bollards that were removed. This quick thinking by Director Cimino and the Public Works 
crews allowed for very minimal financial impact to the affected restaurant. 

The owner of the restaurant and explained that diners could not be seated in the outdoor patio until 
the temporary barriers could be installed. Mr. Kefalas was very understanding and grateful of the City’s 
quick response. 

Traffic control was done by SMPD Officers Ascano and Jaramillo. 

As always, the quick response by City staff is impressive and commendable. I am grateful for their professionalism 
and expertise. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com