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 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, September 7, 2024

GINGERSNAP

• Adorable calico 
female, age four 
months

• spayed, vaxxed, 
chipped

This little girl’s story 
began on a construction site, where her little soul 
found some nice people to help her, as she was all 
by herself, a tiny baby. 

Now, thriving a few months older, this ball of 
energy is always on the go, zooming around and 
discovering everything. You will love her little 
busy-bee, survivor spirit !!!!!! 

She's not much of a cuddler because she's far too 
busy having fun, but her playful antics are sure 
to keep you entertained! Call her an "Energetic 
Explorer!” 

Contact Lifeline for Pets, at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/gingersnap.html.


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

[Nyerges is the author of several books including “Self-Sufficient Home” and 
“How to Survive Anywhere.” He also leads wilderness classes every weekend. 
He can be reached at School of Self-Reliance, Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 
90041, or www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com]


QUALITY OF LIFE – AND BUILDINGS 

IN SIERRA MADRE

 

Some time ago on Facebook, a Mountain Views News animal columnist 
lamented a house that recently was built in Sierra Madre. First, there 
had been a quaint, quintessentially Sierra Madre-style house with trees, a 
beautiful wall built of river stones, and some open space for fruit trees and garden. That 
house was razed, and – well, let’s be blunt – a box was built there that preserved none of 
the old-style quality that had been there before. No more stone wall, no trees, no view of 
the mountains, no yard, just a border to border building with a pool crammed in. Many 
were unhappy with what could be a trend in local building. Of course, it was all apparently 
“legal.” 

 

Many years ago, while driving through towns like Arcadia, and Temple City, and surrounding 
areas, and saw that the charm and quality that once was there is now gone. Homeowners 
sold and moved on when they saw that their neighborhood was being swallowed up by the 
Mammon worshippers, and the developers –in some case the out-of-town flippers – who 
looked only for border to border profit.

 

Yes, all legal, perhaps, and possibly inevitable as more and more people crowd into our 
relatively tiny slice of land on this coastal desert plain called Los Angeles County.

 

I’m fully aware how money controls our lives. It is inescapable, and money is almost as 
critical for life as is oxygen. Still, it is entirely possible to live our lives doing good, and 
thinking about the future generation, and thinking about the earth, if we choose to do so! 
It is really that simple, and yes, sometimes this means you are not maximizing your profit. 

 

Over a hundred years ago, we knew what was necessary to build a house that uses less 
power, and is “friendly” to its inhabitants. Many books were written on this subject, such 
as “Shelter” (1973), published by Ten Speed Press.

 

Then, in the 60’s with all the back-to-the-land interest, people began to do their best to 
incorporate some of these methods into their urban lifestyle. In the 70s with the Arab Oil 
Embargo, and long lines at the gas pumps, it began to hit home that the way we live our lives 
is not sustainable. Furthermore, countless books, magazines, and documentaries showed 
us that there are indeed many ways to live lightly on the land, even in the cities. In fact, 
especially in the cities.

 

For example, every house could be built to face the dominant light of the sun during the 
day so that less electricity would be needed. Light tubes are available today which can bring 
sunlight into the house so that no electricity is needed for lights during the day.

All roofs can and should be painted white to keep the house naturally about 15 degrees 
cooler in the summer. Code should be upgraded so that all walls are thicker, and all walls, 
attic space, and floor space insulated. Roofs can and should be constructed to passively 
capture some of the rain water so that it can be used in the yard for fruit trees and garden. 

 

Local wind patterns should also be taken into account in order to naturally cool down 
a house in summer. Every home – at least every home in the West – should have deep 
southern overhangs, like all the Greene & Greene homes. None of this is in any way “new” 
– in fact, it’s all been around a century and longer.

 

In other words, there are scores of ways to passively build energy efficiency, and beauty, 
into a home, but rare is the architect and builder who is doing this. Yes, it costs maybe 10% 
more to build a home that will save you up to 80% of your energy costs year after year. It’s 
a good long-term investment.

 

But the trend is not in that direction. Rare is the builder who studies the plot of land, its 
sunshine patterns, wind patterns, lay off the land. It’s all about cramming as much into a 
given space as possible. 

 

When the soul of the land is wiped out by a blind devotion to the bottom line, there is often 
very little that can be done for many generations. In the extreme cases, when the

character of a whole neighborhood is altered, and the quality of life is limited, you set the 
stage for new slums.

 

I would love to see the planning commissions of cities begin to recognize that the quality of 
old neighborhoods is as fragile as the quality of certain ecosystems in nature. All it takes 
are a few inappropriate 
actions and entire tiers 
of wildlife are threatened 
and endangered in nature. 
Neighborhoods are no 
different. And those who 
see such a fate tend to be 
the tireless crusaders for 
a quality of life that is all-
too-often not recognized 
until it is gone. This 
means it takes real courage 
to move in the direction of 
what is right and best for 
Sierra Madre, and our way 
of life. 

Pet of the Week


Jimothy is a lively and playful 3-year-old male Husky 
mix with a zest for adventure and a love of the outdoors. 

 Jim is a handsome guy, and he knows it! He seems to 
enjoy having his luxurious coat brushed, and when he’s 
out on a walk, he prances with pride. 

 His friendly and curious nature makes him a favorite 
among the volunteers at Pasadena Humane. They love 
taking him out for walks and hikes, and he takes great 
pride in defending them from the squirrels by chasing 
them up the trees. Whether he's exploring the outdoors 
or curling up for a nap, Jimothy brings joy wherever he 
goes.

 He is also very clever and loves showing off his skills for a treat or two. 

 Jimothy is ready for his next adventure with you!

 The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, 
microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

 Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption 
appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30, and can be scheduled online. View 
photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal 
Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone 
calls or email.


HOT TEMPERATURES CAN 
MAKE CONCRETE AND 
ASPHALT TOO HOT FOR 
YOUR DOG’S PAWS. 

Asphalt and concrete 
temperatures can usually be 20-40 degrees hotter than the ambient 
temperature. If the back of your hand can’t stand the heat on the 
concrete or asphalt for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for a walk.

When it's above 90 degrees outside, bring dogs and cats indoors.


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