Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, February 26, 2022

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 26, 2022 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 

MATER DOLOROSA AND THE VATICAN!

 Since 1924 the Passionists and the Mater Dolorosa Retreat League have sponsored retreats, 
days of prayer and other spiritual programs to enable all those who are seeking a deeper 
relationship with God to experience His presence in the peace, beauty and wonder in this 
remarkable place. If this is their mission then why would they want over forty houses on their 
property not to mention the many visitors to the park they also hope to build. Instead of ruining 
the beautiful area of the entrance to the retreat why don’t they get a little help from the 
Vatican instead. See below for the Vatican’s wealth. The Vatican hoards their art objects. They 
could sell one and give the money to the retreat so it can stay as it is.Or they could just write 
a check. Mater Dolorosa is a Catholic organization. 

The еntіrе wеаlth оf Vаtісаn еѕtаtе іѕ соnѕіdеrеd tо bе аrоund $20 bіllіоn аѕ оf Fеbruаrу 2022. 
Іtѕ lеgасу wіll nеvеr fаdе аwау, ѕо thеіr wеаlth аnd rеаl еѕtаtе wіll іnсrеаѕе еасh раѕѕіng dау.
The Vatican has big investments in banking, insurance, chemicals, steel, construction, real 
estate. Between the church's priceless art, land, gold and investments across the globe, it is 
one of the wealthiest institutions on Earth. The Vatican Museums house one of the most expansive 
and spectacular collections in art history, with a whopping 70,000 works. Well what 
do you think? "As the Beatles said lets "Get a little help from my friends" .

Allen B., Sierra Madre 

A NEW LOW FOR SIERRA MADRE CIVIL DISCOURSE 

In his malicious attack on all Sierra Madre residents, R. Gjerde writes ‘NIMBYS Seek To Vote 
Away 
Religious Rights’ in the February 19th issue of Mountain Views News. This article is an insult 
to all and a clear attempt to inject religious dissension into a secular controversy. 

Discontent with engaging in reasoned discussion of the merits of the 42 unit housing 
development proposed by New Urban West, Mr. Gjerde Takes a path where he sinks to name 
calling and making a transparent attempt to divide Sierra Madre residents against each other 
by invoking the idea that those opposed to the Project are anti-religious/anti-Catholic. Mr. 
Gjerde writes ‘These NIMBYs will almost do anything to stop the project’. According to Mr. 
Gjerde, opposition members are religious bigots capable of anything (implying violence) to 
promote their objective.

 But what are the objections to the Project?
Simple and straight forward: This housing project disregards the provisions of the General 
Plan developed by volunteer Sierra Madre citizens and substitutes it with a developer-created 
Specific Plan that overrides the building codes and zoning that all Sierra Madre citizens are 
required to follow. It builds in a very high fire severity zone, destroys wildlife habitat and 
negatively impacts the environment. New Urban West fails to develop a thoughtful project 
that would ensure community compatibility with our distinctive small town. Simple and 
straight forward: No need for insulting, name calling and stoking religious dissension. 

Mr. Gjerde would try to bully and intimidate voters from open discussion by suggesting their 
motivation is grounded in religious bigotry. By contrast, opponents of this project are asking 
for respectful and open discussion, more dialogue and full community input. Introducing the 
idea that citizens that refuse to adopt Mr. Gjerde’s position are selfish, self-centered NIMBYs 
harbouring religious bigotry is divisive and undermines everything Sierra Madre values. 

 Mr. Gjerde should be ashamed of himself and take time to reflect on why he would interject 
such a divisive topic knowing full well that such inflammatory rhetoric could split our 
community. 

John Clarke, Sierra Madre Resident 


WALKING SIERRA MADRE - The Social Side 

by Deanne Davis 

“Until further notice, celebrate everything!” David Wolfe 

I’m writing Walking Sierra Madre on February 23rd, which 
would have been my mother’s 102nd birthday, had she 
stuck around this long. Quite frankly, she would not have 
enjoyed being 102. 

Did you realize next Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, the next day 
is Ash Wednesday and, just like that, we’re into the Lenten 
Season. Time certainly does fly…whether you’re having 
fun or not! If we were in New Orleans, we could go to Mardi 
Gras and see how many bead necklaces we could collect 
when the party animals throw them off the floats. Here’s a 
good piece of trivia: The beads are gold, green and purple. 
Why, you’re asking? These colors represent the Christian 
symbols of faith, justice and power. Speaking of purple, the 
picture today is of these amazing purple flowers I walked by a day or so ago. I have no idea 
what they are, but they made me think of Sierra Madre’s astonishing Wistaria Vine. 


“Time flies...but memories last forever.” 
“When hours feel like moments, you know you are with good friends.” 
“Time flies…when you’re not on the treadmill.” 
“Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what on earth happened!” 

Speaking of Lent, I don’t know about you, but the idea of giving up something for forty 
days and then the minute Easter comes, diving right back into it, leaves me kind of “meh.” 
One year I gave up daytime TV. Then went right back to it the day after Easter. Did I fill 
that time with devout prayer and good works? No. I talked on the phone more. One year 
our pastor gave up radio in the car for Lent and about lost his mind. Chocolate, coffee, ice 
cream. Seriously! Does that make any kind of impact on ourselves or the world at large? 
Not so much. 

Around the world, all sorts of Lenten traditions persist. For example, in the Middle East, 
folks go without meat, dairy, fish, olive oil, eggs and alcohol for the entire period. Which 
leaves butterless bread and salad. Here’s a better one: On the fourth Friday of Lent, Mexicans 
celebrate La Samaritana where people will give water, ice cream and fruit to passersby 
in homage to the Samaritan woman who gave Jesus water at the well. In the British Isles, 
they make Hot Cross Buns which should be made and eaten on Good Friday only. Once 
again, it seems to be all about food, doesn’t it. 

OK, let’s talk about food…specifically, Mexican Lasagna. Every night, or almost every 
night, (there are those golden moments when you go out to dine and someone else has 
to plan it, cook it, serve it, and clean it up) we have to come up with something good to 
eat, that goes further than a lamb chop and a baked potato, doesn’t cost a fortune and that 
everybody loves. There now, that’s the challenge most of us face when we walk into the 
kitchen and try to come up with something new. This casserole meets all my criteria: Easy, 
doesn’t take too long to make, not hideously expensive and, yes, kids will eat it. 

1-3/4 lbs. ground beef (go ahead and buy the 15% stuff, which costs a little less)
1 1-oz. package taco seasoning mix15-oz can diced tomatoes (with jalapenos or whatever you like in ‘em)
2 8-oz cans tomato sauce 
1 4-oz can diced green chiles1 15-oz can whole kernel corn 
1 16-oz container ricotta cheese 
2 eggs, beaten12 corn tortillas 
2-1/2 cups shredded jack cheese or the Mexican blend. 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
• Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked 
through. Drain off fat. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chiles and some 
salt. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. 
• Combine ricotta cheese and eggs in a small bowl. Spread ½ the meat mixture in a 
greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Place six tortillas (overlapping them) over meat mixture, 
spread ½ the ricotta cheese mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle half the cheese over 
the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers. 
• Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 
minutes or so. 
• Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving. You know, just like 
lasagna! 
This takes less than an hour to put together and served with a green salad is a delightful 
dinner. 
When it’s cold and rainy, like it’s been a lot of the time lately, this dish smells and tastes 
delicious. And you can have a little more tomorrow. 

Laissez le bon temps rouler, friends and neighbors! Let the good times roll! 

My book page: Amazon.com: Deanne Davis 
Easter is on its way and “The Crown”
My story about what happened to that crown of thornsIs now a real book in addition to a Kindle! Also available on Amazon.com 
If you want to check it out, here’s the link where you can see a short video:

https://youtu.be/Y_pC0X286T8 


SIERRA MADRE POLICE BLOTTER 

February 13 to February 19, 2022 

The following represents a summary report of some of the major incidents 
handled by the Sierra Madre Police Department during this period. This list is not intended 
to be considered exclusive or all-inclusive. 

Calls for Service Formal Investigations 
Feb 13 to Feb 19, 2022 117 8 
Total Year to Date for 2022 1276 101 

Monday, February 14 Recovery of Stolen Property

At 8:00 am, an officer responded to the station regarding found property in the 200 block 
of W. Sierra Madre Blvd. During a follow-up investigation, the officer determined that 
the property belonged to a resident in the City of Pasadena. The Pasadena PD was contacted, 
and it was determined that the property was stolen from a resident’s home within 
the Pasadena city limits. Pasadena PD ultimately took custody of the property. 

Tuesday, February 15 Theft

A victim made an online report of an unknown suspect(s) who stole their Amazon delivery 
from the porch of their residence in the 100 block of E. Sierra Madre Blvd. The loss is 
estimated at approximately $425.00. The Detectives' Bureau is following up on this 
incident. 

Wednesday, February 16 Grand Theft 

In the 200 block of San Gabriel Ct, a victim reported an unknown suspect(s) stole the 
catalytic converter from their vehicle. The loss is estimated at approximately $4000.00.
The Detectives' Bureau is following up on this incident. 

Thursday, February 17 Fraud / Identity Theft 

In the 200 block of Santa Anita Ct, a victim reported an unknown suspect(s) illegally 
altered a personal check and cashed that check in the amount of $6,200.00. The Detectives' 
Bureau is following up on this incident. 

Saturday, February 19 Vehicle Burglary

In the 700 block of W. Sierra Madre Blvd, a victim reported that an unknown suspect(s) 
forced entry into their parked vehicle. The loss is undetermined at this time. The Detectives' 
Bureau is following up on this incident. 

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