Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, January 13, 2024

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Saturday, January 13, 2024 

SIERRA MADRE LIBRARY ANNOUNCES 

2024 ONE BOOK ONE CITY

The Sierra Madre Public Library is honored to announce the 2024 One Book One City 
selection, Humankind: a Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. 

One Book One City is a community reading program that invites everyone in Sierra Madre to 
read and discuss the same book during February 2024 and participate in exciting programs 
and events. 

This fabulous coMmunity program includes a dinner with “The Human Library,” a 
kindness book where you can write about the kindness you’ve received, various donation 
drives throughout the month, an “Off the Page” stage reading at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 
Valentine’s Day card making for a local hospital, and so much more! 

In the hopeful 2021 nonfiction Humankind, Dutch author Rutger Bregman focuses on how 
humans can use our inherently good nature to build a better society. Follow this journey 
through human history, which demonstrates that people’s belief in their generosity and 
collaboration isn’t just optimistic, it’s realistic. 

Throughout the month of February, Humankind will be available for checkout at the Library. 
Connect all month long through engaging themed programs that are free and fun for the 
whole family. Call the Library at (626) 355-7186 for more information. 

WALKING SIERRA MADRE - The Social Side

by Deanne Davis


THE SIERRA MADRE CHAMBER OF 
COMMERCE ANNOUNCED THEIR 
SELECTION FOR 

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS NEWS!!

I am delighted to have been a part of this wonderful 
newspaper almost since the beginning.

Susan Henderson persuaded me to try writing a column 
and it became a regular thing around 2012. This is 
probably the best thing I get to do, to share my life and 
my family with you dear friends and neighbors. Sierra 
Madre is simply the best and most beautiful place to live. John and I came to live here 
in 1967. We raised our family here in the 100-year-old mansion at 86 E. Alegria, next to 
wonderful neighbors, celebrated Halloween and cleaned up after wind storms together. 
The Mountain Views News has given us the news and so many incredible, awesome 
pictures through the years and I am proud to be a part of this community and this 
newspaper.

The special section in last week’s News was so inspirational. Volunteering is not only a 
good and useful thing to do, but one meets really neat people wherever one volunteers. 
My husband, John, now volunteering in heaven, I’m sure, volunteered through our 
church to do Church in the Park on Sundays down in the park across from the Pasadena 
Library. They served chili, grits, burritos and whatever else could be gathered together 
to feed these hungry, mostly homeless folks. John served grits and hope. Grits and 
encouragement. Grits and love. He met people he wept over, people he prayed for, people 
he brought books for. Being a volunteer changed his life.

For several years I volunteered at the Red Cross blood collection center across from 
Huntington Hospital. I interviewed people at the front desk and met delightful folks 
ready to give a pint of their precious blood. I also got the best spinach quiche recipe from 
one of the nurses which I will share with you soon.

Monday is Martin Luther King Day; a school holiday and I’m hoping Monday will be a 
pleasant day for all the celebrations and parades that will go on to honor this remarkable 
man. No, he was far from perfect but he wanted all people to have good lives.

You probably already know this, but just to refresh your memory, here are a few facts 
from Wikipedia: Dr. King was born in 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He was 
a Baptist Minister and one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement. 
Inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, he led 
nonviolent marches for the right to vote, desegregation, labor rights and so much more. 
He made many unforgettable statements that are still widely quoted today:

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right!”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. 

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Be the peace you wish to see in the world.”

And, of course, from the famous, “I have a dream” speech:

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its 
creed: 

‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will 
not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

The quote about “be the peace you wish to see in the world” brought to mind one of my 
favorite pieces of music, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” This was written in 1955 by Jill 
Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller.” You’ve heard this before…

“Let there be peace on earth,

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth,

The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, 

Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With every step I take

Let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth.

And let it begin with me.”

In a world where you can be anything you want to be…Be KIND!

The picture this week is simply of flowers. I can’t think of anything that can bring more 
peace than flowers. Just looking at them calms the heart and mind. Flowers are one of 
God’s best gifts.

My book page: Amazon.com: Deanne Davis

Take a look! There are interesting goodies galore for

You Kindle readers and even an actual book or two for you

“I need to hold it in my hands” readers.


COMMUNITY COMMISSION ARE 
SEEKING YOUR COLLABORATION TO 
FIND THE 20 24 OLDER 'SIERRA MADRE' 
AMERICAN OF THE YEAR. 

Nominations are now being accepted for this renowned 
honor. Note that although worthy, Senior Community 
Commissioners are not eligible. Additionally, nominations 
will only be accepted for new candidates who have not been 
honored in years prior. 

The nomination form is available on the city's website at: https://www.cityofsierramadre.com/
cms/one.aspx?portalId=212393&pageId=241945 and return it to the Hart Park House Senior 
Center, or mail/walk in to City Hall, Community Services Department, 232 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 prior to. or no later than. Wednesday. March 13th• 2024. 

The Commission will review nominations and select an honoree at their regularly scheduled 
meeting on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. 

The individual selected by you or your organization must live in Sierra Madre, while 
demonstrating outstanding community service and be at least the age of, or older than 60. 
The honoree will be recognized at a reception held in their honor on Wednesday., May 8th., 
2024. 

Previous Honorees: Dick Johnson, Joan Crow, Jerry & Nan Carlton, Pat Alcorn, Fran 
Garbaccio, Ken Anhalt, Eph Konigsberg, Russ Anderson, George Throop, Loyal Camacho, 
John Grijalva, Joylouise Harte-Smith, James Heasley, Midge Morash, James Tyler, Isabella 
Paegal, Bonnie Garner, Rose Fafach, Ed Wellman, Celeste McCleary, Dorothy Tillquist, Doris 
Webster, Elsie Dammeyer, George Mauer, Karl Teigler, Laurie Cooper, Lucille Flanders, Ann 
Tyler, Jay Whitcraft, Darlene Crook, Paul Hagen and Clem and Nina Bartolai. 

Thank You in advance for your support and assistance with this spirited community event. 
Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Lawren Heinz, Administrative 
Analyst at (626) 355-5278 x704. 


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