Don't Forget to Spring Forward - Sunday, March 13, 2022 

VOLUME 16 NO. 11 


ROTARY INSTALLS A NEW CLOCK 
IN KERSTING COURT - JUST IN TIME 
FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME 
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2022 
Pictured above at Saturday's rainy ceremony are, l to r, Former Mayor Rachelle Ariz-
mendi, Mayor Gene Goss, Rotary President Marc Garlett, Rotary Treasurer Georgia 
Carpenter and Immediate Past President, Karen Swisher. Photo by MVNews 
SIERRA MADRE CHAMBER PREPARES 
FOR WISTARIA FESTIVAL 2022 

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Sierra Madre’s renowned Wistaria 
Festival will kick off at 9:00am. This year’s festival highlights Historic 
Sierra Madre, including a shuttle tour of 30 historic locations 
throughout the city. This tour is being done in cooperation of the 
Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society. 

Also unique to the 2022 Festival will be not one, but two automobile 
shows. On the west side of town will be the Sierra Madre Classic 
Car Show and in the center of the city will be the Packard Motor 
Car Club Showcase. 

In addition, the festival will showcase our local restaurants and 
shops as well as more than 75 crafters. This will also be the ‘spot’ to 
learn more about our local non-profit organizations, our First Responders 
and much more. Fun for the entire family! 

Shuttle tickets for the tour are available at: https://www.eventbrite. 
com/e/291370104827 

CITY EXCEEDS BUDGET 
EXPECTATIONS AS 
GENERAL FUND REVENUES 
INCREASE 

By Kevin McGuire 

City Council approved proposed adjustments to the Fiscal Year 
21-22 budget due to the expectation that General Fund revenueswould decrease due to the pandemic. 

In a presentation on Tuesday, during the regular City Council 
meeting, Finance Director Hillary Guirola-Leon gave a summary 
and analysis of the budget and asked for the adoption of Resolution 
22-12 approving Fiscal Year 21-22 budget adjustments 
appropriating the amounts projected. 

After meeting with the city’s property tax and sales tax consultants, 
General Fund Revenues are expected to increase compared 
to current budgeted amounts. The proposed adjustment to total 
revenues is now an increase of $905,000. In addition to underselling 
property taxes (by $120,000) and sales taxes (by $280,000), 
the adopted budget foresaw lower expectations on utility user 
taxes, service charges, license and permit charges, and other miscellaneous 
revenues. 

The budget also highlights reimbursements of $63,000 from 
FEMA for the Bobcat Fire and $86,000 in reimbursements from 
CAL Office of Emergency Services due to deployments from July2021 to September 2021. 

EXPENDITURES 

The General Fund is proposed to increase expenditures topping 
over $1.1 million. The budget will increase by about $302,000 due 
to merit increases, staffing, and Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) changes. Due to COVID exposures, public safety over 
time, and part-time wages will see an increase of $374,800. 

But despite increases in expenditures, after adjustments, The 
General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a net positive 
change in fund balance of about $2.1 million. 

WATER/SEWAGE FUNDS 

Due to service charge increases and the FEMA reimbursement 
for a generator rental, water fund revenues are expected to increase 
by $534,000. 

Of course, the ongoing Water Main Replacement Project is responsible 
for a $154,300 increase in the investment in capital assets. 
But, as a result of staffing reorganization, salary budgets will 
see a decrease of $15,149. 

The investment in capital projects is expected to be around $3.2 
million. That money includes $2.3 million reinvested from the 
positive change in the Water Fund at the end of the fiscal year. 

Charges to services increased revenue for the Sewer Funds by$35,000. There were also payroll adjustments of $6,700. The 
Sewer Fund is still expected to have a change in net position of 
+$1,700. 

City Council unanimously approved the proposed budget adjustment. 
The public can view the full report on the City’s website at 

www.cityofsierramadre.com. 

SIERRA MADRE RESIDENTS, ALVERNO 
HEIGHTS ACADEMY AND THE CITY OF 
SIERRA MADRE MAY BE VICTIMS OF 
UNSCRUPULOUS SIGNATURE GATHERERS 

In the news this week, including coverage on ABC TV Channel 7, allegations 
have been levied that resident's signatures on a film permit 
application in January were forged. According to resident Leesa Puleo, 
who first reported this matter to the Mountain Views News, the signature 
on the application was not hers. Upon receipt of a copy of the form 
via a public information request from the city, it does appear that the 
name next to her address is not hers. According to other news reports, 
there are other residents who also make the same accusations. 

Alverno, which has been in the crosshair of many resident in the immediate 
area of the school, for a variety of reasons, had given permission 
to Paramount Studios to film episodes of the mini-series "The Offer", 
about the making of "The Godfather". 

In order for a filming permit to be issued, 51% of the residents who live 
within 250 feet of the school, must sign a document authorizing the activity. 
It is that aspect of the production that has created the controversy. 
It appears that there are at least 3 tiers, Paramount, the Production 
Company, and a canvassing contracter who ultimately are responsible 
for obtaining permission from the residents. Initial review of the permit 
documents seems to suggest that the last tier, the collection of signatures 
by the canvassers is where the problem lies, where the signatures 
are in question.. 

The Sierra Madre Police Department has launched an investigation 
into the matter. SMPD Sgt. Charles Kamchamnan is quoted as saying,
"We're looking at all aspects, identity theft to actual misdemeanor or 
felony forgery". 

Filming and other activities such as weddings help supplement the 
schools income and enables the school to offer Financial Aide. 

S.Henderson/MVNews 

AZUSA $1,099,000 PASADENA $2.50-$2.75/sf SIERRA MADRE $2,000 / Mo 
4 beds 3.5 baths 2,995 sf 3 Commercial Leases 446-1154 sf 1 bed 1 bath 700 sf 
Newer home in the Rosedale Office / Retail / Restaurant Private upstairs unit with balcony 
Community of Azusa and private gate and entrance