HaPPY HANUKKAH, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KWANZAA 

from your Mountain Views News Family! Best Decorated Houses....Page 2


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

VOLUME 18 NO. 51VOLUME 18 NO. 51

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides 
by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Lic. #01991628. All material presented 
herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources 
deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale 
or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to 
accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are ap-
proximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.EWishing you the 
Joy of Family, 
the Happiness of 
Friends, and the 
Wonder of the 
Holiday Season.
With our 
appreciation 
at the holidaysWarm holiday 
wishes from 
Jan, Judy, and KatieJan Greteman 626.975.4033lic #01943630Judy Webb-Martin 626.688.2273lic #00541631Katie Orth 626.688.0418lic #00942500
Artist Sonny Salsbury created this painting depicting snow in Sierra Madre at Christmas. His caption, “Wouldn’t It Be 
Nice?” reflects the sentiments of many a child and adult alike. Salsbury is also a Grammy nominated musician who was 
born in Pasadena. He is the brother of local businesswoman Judith Brandley, owner of Leonora Moss in Sierra Madre.

‘The Spirit of The Season‘The Spirit of The Season

THE CITY OF ANGELS 

By Craig Haikola

"A true angel is always looking out for others and sharing the kindness of 
Heaven with earth."

The sidewalks of Chicago were dirty that day, just as they exist most 
every day of the summer. My father and I were strolling down a busy 
section of city, as we both stepped over an old tarnished penny. I suppose 
no one had given much thought about the penny, and certainly 
not enough to kneel down to insert a worthless copper piece into their 
pocket. I do not know why my father spoke. Maybe it was one of those 
personal thoughts he was asking himself out loud, maybe 
he want me to think about the value of money and that 
even a penny contained worth as it was earned by another 
person’s work, or maybe it was a combination of 
many things. “I do not know if I would reach down to 
pick up a dime,” he mysteriously spoke into the air. There 
was nothing more he added, and I noticed an expression 
of disappointment in his face. I did not argue with his 
thinking. The sidewalk was trampled by shoes, and a full 
sterilization would be required for any object one dared 
to touch.

The poignant pen of William Shakespeare famously 
wrote, “The eyes are the window to your soul.” We habitually 
forget our conversations with people, but when 
we meet a unique pair of eyes, we seem to remember 
them. One of the most decorated covers of National 
Geographic is of a young nomadic girl with her deeply 
curious eyes. Without a single word, her powerful story 
is compellingly spoken.

I have always been interested in knowing where angels 
are physically found, for certainly, they are all around 
us. During the holiday season, it is part of the Christmas 
story. An angel visits Mary and Joseph, and as the 
shepherds are tending their flocks by night, down into 
their camp enter the angels, announcing the birth of 
Jesus. “The Good Book” is filled with stories of angels, 
and there are times when angels are described as walking amongst us, 
observing our deeds. That echoes true to me, for the one aspect foreign 
to an angel of Heaven would be an imperfect world such as ours. Since 
we, and the visiting angels to Earth, have an important partnership in 
the work of Heaven. 

It is a fascinating idea to imagine that angels learn something from us, 
and in certain circumstances, are given the power to assist. There are 
many times I have been in need of help. I have often thought God stationed 
a personal angel over me to observe the assistance and protection 
I required. The day will arrive when we shall all know the physical 
characteristics of an angel, but until that eternal (continued on page 4)

Eileen Benson626.278.0187CalRE# 01880650Barbara Rogers626.484.8135CalRE# 01169115Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affi liated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All 
Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offi ces which are 
owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offi ces which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing 
Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
Our Homes are only as important 
as the people inside them.
May yours be fi lled with Love, 
Laughter, Shared Memories,
Favorite Recipes, Lots of Treatsand Good Health.
We look forward to meeting you 
all in the New Year and Helping 
to Make Your Real Estate Dreams 
Come True !!!
Warmly, Barbara and EileenHAPPY HOLIDAYSWe Wish you all a Magical Holiday Seasonwith your Family and Friends
INSIDE THIS WEEK

2024 BEST DECORATED HOUSES Page 2

SIERRA MADRE NEWSPage 4

PASADENA NEWSPage 5

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Page 6

EDUCATION & YOUTHPage 7

PUZZLES FOR YOUPage 8

FOOD, DRINK & FUN Page 9

BEST FRIENDSPage 10 

THE GOOD LIFEPage 11

OPINION . Page 12

LEGAL NOTICESPage 13

SPORTS & FITNESSPage 14 

 LOCAL DIV I CHAMPION!- 

 SHOP LOCALPage 15

WEST COVINA $850,000Charming 3-bedroom West Covinahome with pool, family room, andden. Quiet street near shopping,
dining, and freeways!
MONROVIA $400,000Flat, abated lot with partial structurein Monrovia, ready for newconstruction or rebuild. Sellerfinancing available. Investorswelcome!
BIG BEAR CITY $425,0003 Beds, 2 Bath, 1,301 sf HomeTranquil Big Bear home with centralheat, fireplace, balcony, fenced yard,
and wraparound deck. Perfectmountain retreat!
626.355.1451c21village.comLIC# 02119245Serving the Community since 1980follow us on Social Media @c21villageFOR SALEFOR SALEFOR SALE