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FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, November 30, 2024


PETER’S HOLIDAY 

SURVIVAL TIPS

1. Ask for help, but don’t expect it.

Families aren’t fair, and work is rarely divided equally. 
That’s just the way it is. Personally, I prepare to do everything 
and am pleasantly surprised if someone pitches 
in. Don’t waste energy being mad at the one person 
who always seems to be sitting on the couch—it’ll only 
ruin the experience for everyone else.

2. Don’t try to be right about everything.

Family gatherings can turn toxic when someone insists 
on winning every argument. Even though I am always 
right (of course), I don’t feel the need to rub it in everyone’s 
faces. Let things slide and focus on the bigger picture: enjoying time together.

3. Avoid criticism.

Few things are as painful as watching someone get criticized in front of others. Whether it’s your spouse, 
your kids, or your sister, holidays are a time to suspend judgment and embrace the spirit of the season. If 
discipline is necessary, pull someone aside for a private and respectful conversation.

4. Enjoy yourself.

If you’re doing all the work, make sure you also take time to sit down, take breaks, and connect with people. 
So what if dinner is a little late? Use the time to have meaningful, one-on-one conversations with the people 
you care about.

5. Lay off the liquor.

I haven’t had a drink in 10 years, and I don’t serve alcohol in my home. It’s amazing how much smoother 
family dinners go when no one’s had too much to drink. If guests bring their own wine, that’s fine—but the 
fact that they’re the only ones drinking often helps them stay in control.

6. Embrace the family resemblance.

The things that drive us crazy about our relatives are often traits we’ve inherited ourselves. Whether we like 
it or not, we’re all destined to turn into our parents one day. Recognizing this can help us laugh instead of 
scream when those quirks start to surface.

The Bottom Line

Holidays are a time for connection, celebration, and letting go of the little things that might otherwise drive 
us apart. Remember, no family is perfect—but with a little patience, humor, and perspective, yours can still 
have a wonderful holiday season.

As my dad would say, “Keep your lip tight, enjoy the company, and don’t argue about the things you’ll never 
win.” Wise words for the season—and for life.

For more tips, tune in to my Saturday radio show at 7 PM on AM 870!

ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown 

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK: A CALIFORNIA HIDDEN GEM

The park is located in central 
California, is known for its 
unique geological formations, 
diverse wildlife, and a variety of 
recreational opportunities.

1. Location and Overview

• Location: Pinnacles National 
Park is in the Gabilan 
Mountains, roughly 80 miles 
southeast of San Jose and 120 
miles south of San Francisco.

• Size: The park covers 
about 26,000 acres.

• Established: It was originally a National Monument, designated in 
1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was officially designated as a National 
Park in 2013.

• Divisions: The park has two main entrances – the East Entrance 
near Hollister, CA, and the West Entrance near Soledad, CA.

2. Geology and Rock Formations

• The park's iconic features are its towering rock spires, cliffs, and 
caves, formed from the remnants of an ancient volcanic field that erupted 
about 23 million years ago.

• The Pinnacles are part of the San Andreas Fault system, and over 
millions of years, tectonic forces have shifted the volcanic rock formations 
over 200 miles northward.

• Some of the most popular geological formations include:

• Balconies Cliffs

• High Peaks

• Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave

3. Flora and Fauna

• Pinnacles is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 400 species of 
plants. The wildflower bloom, typically in spring (March to May), is especially 
popular.

• The park's landscape includes chaparral, oak woodlands, and riparian 
habitats.

• Wildlife includes deer, bobcats, gray foxes, bats, and more. It's also 
known for its birdwatching, especially for: California Condors, Prairie falcons, 
red-tailed hawks, and other raptors.

4. Popular Activities

Hiking: Pinnacles has over 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to 
challenging hikes. High Peaks Trail:,Bear Gulch Reservoir Trail: Condor 
Gulch Trail: Balconies Cave Trail:

Rock Climbing: Cave Exploration: The two main talus caves, Bear Gulch 
Cave and Balconies Cave, There are dark skies for stargazing and also 
Camping

5. Climate and Best Time to Visit

• The park has a Mediterranean climate Spring (March-May) Fall 
(September-November)

• Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, 
and a chance to see waterfalls after rai Summer (June-August): Temperatures 
can exceed 100°F, so it's less ideal for hiking; mornings and evenings 
are the best times for outdoor activities.


BEST USED BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library announce that the December Best 
Used Book Sale will take place on Friday, December 6 (3:00-7:00) and 
Saturday, December 7 (10:00-2:00). It will be held on the parking lot 
behind the temporary library, 350 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

Look for our special GIFT table; we’re featuring NEW and UNUSED 
books, puzzles, games, DVDs and activity kits, perfect for gifts. In addition, 
we’ll have a number of Nearly New thrillers, mysteries and fiction 
books, some signed, which have recently been on the Best Seller List. 
Check out our “Table Books” with many beautiful Art, Contemporary 
Culture and History selections. And for the collector, a complete set of 
The Works of Charles Dickens and a lovely Nancy Drew mystery set. For 
teachers, you might be interested in class sets of 

A Christmas Carol and Roll of Thunder, Hear Me Cry.

Did you miss a best-seller a year or two ago? You can probably find it in 
our Bargain Books for only $1.00 each. Small paperbacks are $.25 each 
or 5/$1.00 and Children’s and Young Adult books range from $.50 to 
$5.00, including holiday titles. DVDs and CDs are also available for only 
$1.00 and Audio Books for $3.00 each.

Remember our BAG SALE on Saturday, Dec. 7th! Fill a large grocery 
bag with Bargain Books and/or Media for only $5.00 and save even 
more! All proceeds from this sale will go to acquisitions, services and 
programs at our library. Talk books and authors with our jolly, helpful 
volunteers at the Best Used Book Sale!

 
SSiieerrrraa MMaaddrree WWoommaann’’ss CClluubb 
550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 
355-7739 
& Upstairs in EEssssiicckk HHoouussee 
Thurs, Fri. Sat., Dec 5, 6, & 7 
9 am – 2 pm 
Come One & All . 
For those Special Decorations & Gifts . 
550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, 91024 
626-355-7739 
Thrift Shop Proceeds Help Support SMWC Scholarships 
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