Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 16, 2023

REORGANIZATION (continued from page 1)

This will be the first time Mayor Kriebs and Mayor Pro Tem Parkhurst will serve 
in these roles. Edward Garcia, Gene Goss, and Kristine Lowe will return as Council 
Members. 

Though the appointments made by the City Council are mainly ceremonial as part of the 
traditional annual rotation, the roles are essential to this small town. For example, these 
appointments will immediately affect the City’s liaison appointment to the Los Angeles 
County Sanitation District and County Board of Supervisors. 

The primary voting delegate for these agencies is the Mayor, with the Mayor Pro Tem 
serving as the alternate. And, of course, the Mayor signs contracts, resolutions, and 
ordinances after they receive the necessary approval of the City Council. If the Mayor is 
unavailable, these tasks become the responsibility of the Mayor Pro Tem. 

The term for the two positions runs from December 12, 2023, until December 10, 2024. 


3

 Saturday, December 16, 2023 

REMEMBRANCE:

WALKING SIERRA MADRE - The Social Side

by Deanne Davis

AMOS WASHINGTON BROUGHTON, JR.,

“That First Noel’s come ‘round again,

Just like it does each year,

To tell us it’s Christmas, finally it’s 
Christmas, Joyfully it’s Christmas,

The best time of the year, the best time 
of the year...”

This particular song goes on to tell 
us that the tree is in the window, the 
wreath is on the door, and about a million 
ornaments are scattered on the 
floor! Most probably you’re way past 
that stage, the tree is up and gorgeous. 
You finally untangled the lights and 
put the angel up on top.

But here’s the question you’ll be facing 
in a few days when the presents 
are all unwrapped and everything 
you got everybody was exactly what 
they wanted: Why is it that putting 
up Christmas decorations is so much 
more fun than taking them down? 
Also, why is it that the Christmas decorations that seem so few and so light as you 
take them out of the plastic crates have doubled (like wire hangers) in size and 
tripled in weight and you can’t remember when on earth you carried all those to 
the living room.

The picture today, speaking of Christmas trees, is of the absolutely magnificent Sierra 
Madre Christmas Tree in Kersting Court. I have to believe this is the best one 
ever, so beautifully decorated and with the brilliant blue sky behind it, this tree is 
the essence of Christmas. In fact, all of Kersting Court is a perfect place to spend 
a few reflective minutes. You could put down those packages, sit down and take 
a few deep breaths. We are all so rushed this time of year, a rest break can’t hurt. 
You might even consider an ice cream cone from Mother Moo’s. Give yourself a 
moment.

Everywhere I’ve been the last few days some smiling person has asked me, “Are 
you ready for Christmas?” They mean have I spent my very last dime on presents, 
are they wrapped and under the tree and are my cards in the mail? The answer to 
most of that is “No!” Once again this year I’m considering not doing any cards at 
all. My presents are going to the Post Office on Thursday to get them into the mail. 
I, shamelessly, report that I’ve done very little actual “shopping.” I’ve discovered 
that all the small children and, actually, all the big ones, too, who inhabit my world 
like a gift card more than anything else. I love gift cards. You go to Amazon and 
order as many as you like in any amount. Not exhausting at all, unlike tramping 
up and down the mall. For years and years, I baked hundreds of cookies and little 
loaves of bread, which were adorably wrapped with lots of love and then given to 
the children’s teachers. Much to my delight, I now know that they don’t want that, 
no matter how much love you’ve packed into it. So, they, too, are now getting Amazon 
gift cards, which won’t stick to their hips. You know, “a moment on the lips, 
forever on the hips!”

Every Christmas my mind and heart are filled with memories of Santa’s Band, 
which was my wonderful husband, John’s, favorite Christmas decoration. I tell this 
story every year because it gives me such joy to think how happy he was to see it 
put out each Christmas.

Many years ago he went to Costco and came home with his eyes alight and excitement 
spilling out of his every word as he described this wonderful band of little 
musicians attached to bells and electrically driven so every time you turned it on, 
it played a Christmas carol. They had quite a repertoire and the band was led, of 
course, by Santa. John went to Costco numerous times and came home each time 
with more stories of the glories of Santa’s Band. I finally sat him down, took his 
hand, looked deep into his eyes and said, “You know, honey, you can buy Santa’s 
Band yourself, with your own money!”

He had never thought of that. Back he went and Santa’s Band decorated the top of 
one of our bookcases every year from then on. Yes, it got up there after I spent an 
hour untangling all the wires, bells and little musicians. But he loved it. Apparently, 
all the children loved it, too, and there was lively discussion when it came 
time to let our house on Alegria go, as to who should have Santa’s Band. It is my 
understanding that our daughter, Patti, and son, John, alternate years of who will 
put up Santa’s Band. I was only too happy to hand it over to them and let them untangle 
all those wires, bells and musicians. John is listening to God’s Band now in 
heaven where the carols probably sound better than Santa’s Band. Deck the halls!

The song up at the beginning goes on to say:

“But that’s not the reason we celebrate the season...

Oh, it’s that baby in the manger,

Christ child in the manger,

Mary kneeling by his side,

Joseph beaming down with pride.

Peace on earth, good will to men,

We celebrate that night again.” *

I’m hoping all your Christmas memories are merry and bright! To quote Tiny Tim 
from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, “God Bless us every one!”

My book page: Amazon.com: Deanne Davis

Christmas is just days away and my book:

“Sunrises and Sunflowers Speak Hope”

Would be a really nice gift for everyone you know.

You can find it on Amazon.com…you know, like gift cards!

“Star of Wonder” a delightful Christmas Kindle story is there, too.

If you’d like a little preview, take a look at: https://youtu.be/Ka1KYrONrd0


Amos Washington Broughton, 
Jr., age 96, passed peacefully 
into the presence of his 
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, 
on Wednesday, November 22, 
2023.

 

Amos was born in Medford, MA 
on February 11, 1927; however, 
he was raised in the province 
of Nova Scotia, Canada. Having 
dual citizenship, he enlisted 
in the U.S. Navy during WWII 
three days before his 18th birthday, 
serving as a Radioman 
Third Class and was honorably 
discharged in August 1946. 

He enrolled in Northeastern 
University in Boston, MA, and 
graduated with a degree in 
Chemical Engineering.

During his college years, he met 
his wife, Patricia Greene, from Melrose, MA, and 
they married on December 30, 1949. They lived in 
several cities in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New 
Hampshire over the next 12 years and while in New 
Jersey purchased property and built their 2-story 
home. 

In 1961, with their then five children, they made a 
month-long camping road trek across southern Canada 
and down the US west coast to Southern California, 
settling in Temple City, CA where they had their 
sixth child. 

In his late 30’s, Amos and Patricia both made the 
life-changing decision to follow and live for Jesus, 
a commitment which ultimately led to all 6 of their 
children choosing the same life path. 

In 1971 Amos started his own company, Action Engineering, 
Inc. representing various firms and their 
product lines in the industrial equipment field.

He was very active in volunteer Christian missions 
work, using his professional and building skills 
through many visits at hospitals and orphanages in 
Mexico and Africa installing clean water systems, at 
a Christian retreat center in France repairing dormitories 
and buildings, as well as other projects in the 
US. 

He was found in weekly attendance at and participation 
in the ministries of both San Gabriel Union 
Church, San Gabriel, while raising his family and 
later at Sierra Madre Congregational Church in Sierra 
Madre. In his last few mobile years, he could 
be found on Sundays at Victory In Jesus Church in 
Temple City.

He was dedicated to leading Bible studies teaching 
others about Jesus’ love, especially to those who were 
often forgotten – in nursing homes, orphanages, and 
juvenile jail facilities. 

When serving at the LA Central Juvenile Jail he 
found that their 42 hardwood chapel pews were neglected 
and completely carved with graffiti. Loading 
them up in his little truck two at a time over a 
couple of years, he completely restored them, sanding 
out the graffiti carvings and staining them to their 
original beauty. 

He was a licensed small plane pilot, renting planes 
from the El Monte Airport to travel to other airport 
locations in Southern California, often just to enjoy 
breakfast at their restaurants.

 

He was an inventor and secured several US patents 
focused on industrial facility problems including 
waste-water treatment methods. 

He took classes to learn how to repair and upholster 
furniture and for many years could be found on his 
large back porch with his used professional sewing 
machine, transforming a discarded upholstered chair 
or couch into something beautiful and comfortable. 

After the passing of his wife, Patricia, in 2009, he 
continued to live in his Temple City home until 2019 
when health issues required him to move into assisted 
living.

Amos lived his life with drive and gusto, a deep love 
of family, and dedication to living out his faith daily. 
He is survived by four of his five daughters, one son, 
10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. We, 
his family, are eternally grateful to God to have been 
loved by Amos and influenced by his life.

See dignitymemorial.com for updates on Amos’ life 
celebration memorial service date, location and time.

SIERRA MADRE CITY HALL TO REOPEN TO THE 

PUBLIC ON DECEMBER 18TH

Last week, Sierra Madre City Manager Jose Reynoso issued the following statement:

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID and the low staffing levels, we regret to inform 
you that City Hall will be temporarily closed until Monday, December 18th. 

 

Reduced staffing levels are a direct result of the impact of COVID on our workforce. We understand 
that City Hall provides various vital services, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this 
closure may cause. 

During this closure, we encourage residents to utilize our online services and resources for any non-
emergency matters. Many services, including bill payments, permit applications, and general inquiries, 
can be addressed through our official website at www.cityofsierramadre.com or by reaching out 
to the respective departments via email or phone.

 

Senior Center and Emergency services and public safety operations will continue uninterrupted, and 
residents are urged to contact 911 for any life-threatening emergencies.

 

We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, and we appreciate your understanding 
and cooperation. Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates 
as soon as City Hall is ready to resume normal operations.

 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate through this current challenge.

 

As indicated, all city offices are expected to reopen to the public on Monday, December 18, 2023.


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