HAPPY NEW YEAR!HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2024

VOLUME 18 NO. 52VOLUME 18 NO. 52

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
VOLUNTEERS PUT FINISHING 
TOUCHES ON SMRFA'S "FIESTA"

SIERRA MADRE MAYOR’S 
2025 PRIORITIES – 

The budget, infrastructure, the 
environment, and your safety

By Robert Parkhurst< Mayor

Happy Holidays 
and Season’s 
Greetings to all 
Sierra Madreans. 
Thank you for 
electing me to 
serve this City 
for another 
four years. It 
is an honor to 
represent you. 

This year I am 
additionally 
blessed to 
serve as your 
Mayor. As we 
look ahead, I have identified four key priorities for 
Sierra Madre. These priorities align closely with the 
City’s Strategic Plan, adopted by the Council in July: 
developing a long-term balanced budget, completing 
the library renovations, accelerating our response to 
climate change, and protecting our residents.

To start, we must address the financial challenges 
facing our City. We are projected to have a $400,000 
budget deficit in 2025 increasing to more than $2.2 
million by 2028. Just as each of us have to balance 
our household budgets, the City must balance it’s 
budget every year. Our City Manager, Jose Reynoso, 
has formed a task force to look at our current 
revenues and expenditures, and explore options 
to raise additional revenue. Every option to bridge 
the gap between ongoing expenditures and revenue 
will be explored. The ad hoc committee will bring 
recommendations to Council later this year and we 
will use it to develop a long-term budget that meets 
the needs of our residents. 

Transitioning to infrastructure, we are excited 
about the ongoing renovations to our library. After 
breaking ground in September, we are on track to 
complete the upgrades by the first quarter of 2026. 
The Council and I will continue to work closely 
with staff and contractors to ensure this state-of-
the-art project remains on schedule and within 
budget. Delivering a modernized library is critical 
to preserving our City’s commitment to education 
and community resources.

Moving from infrastructure to environmental 
sustainability, addressing climate change is an urgent 
priority. Sierra Madre has already made significant 
progress as a member of the Clean Power Alliance, 
which provides us with 100% renewable energy. 
Building on this momentum, I will focus on further 
electrifying City operations and explore incentives 
for residents to voluntarily electrify their homes and 
vehicles, reducing each of our carbon footprints.

Finally, our community’s safety remains a top 
priority. This year, I will work with neighboring 
foothill cities to develop comprehensive plans 
to mitigate human-wildlife interactions. The 
progress we’ve made in reducing bear break-ins is 
considerable, and I am committed to expanding 
these efforts. Additionally, I want to prioritize safe 
streets by enhancing active transportation options 
such as walking, biking, and using our local shuttle. 
These improvements will make it easier for residents 
to travel safely and sustainably, whether to school, 
downtown, or elsewhere in the community.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve 
the City and I look forward to working with all 
residents to make Sierra Madre the best place to live 
and raise a family.


The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association's 2025 entry to the Rose Parade is almost done! 
The 2025 float depicts a vibrant celebration that kicks off with the festive allure of piñatas! 
Accompanied by the lively melodies of the Grammy Award winning Mariachi Divas de 
Cindy Shea and the dynamic energy of our Sierra Madre Princesses Kendra Buchok, Julietta 
Hutt, and Milania Thomas.

 This year’s entry promises to be nothing short of extraordinary — a true embodiment 
of the "Best Day Ever!” It's a moment of pure delight, reminiscent of cherished 
celebrations like birthday parties, New Year's Day festivities, and the warmth of Christmas 
gatherings.

 This will be the 94th volunteer-built float entry from the SMRFA. Over the last 
19 years, float entries from Sierra Madre have won a remarkable 18 float awards in 11 
categories. 

 On New Year's Day, watch for No. 15 in the parade line up. That will be the SMRFA 
float. 

Following the Rose Parade, walk within feet of the floral and animated masterpieces at 
FLOATFEST along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena. . Comfortable 
walking shoes and early arrival are suggested for this exhibit, spanning over 2 miles of city 
streets with a moderate incline. No pets or bikes allowed. Admission is $25 and free for 
children 5 and under. Tickets are only sold online at sharpseating.com.

Where can you see the Sierra Madre Rose Float???

On December 31st, the Float Departure Ceremony to commence at approximately 6:15 
p.m., leaving the barn at approximately 6:45 p.m., heading towards Kersting Court, arriving 
at approximately 7:00 p.m, for 30 minutes, then continue on to our line-up spot on
Orange Grove, where it will sleep overnight before the parade. If it’s inclement weather,
we’ll wave as we sail by without stopping.

After the Rose Parade, the float will be in the post parade viewing area, the remainder of
January 1st and all day January 2nd and 3rd. On the evening of January 3rd we will move
the float back to Sierra Madre when we’re allowed to leave post parade/FloatFest.

If there is rain, a prediction of rain or unexpected issues, we will take the float straight to
the Float Barn at 587 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. On the morning of January 4th, 
approximately 9:30 a.m., we will open the barn for viewing and may have excess flowers
available.

If all goes well, the float will be in Kersting Court overnight and available for viewing the
evening of January 3rd. On Jan. 4th we’ll be there with any excess flowers from about 9:30
a.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m.


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

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW Page 3

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Pgs. 12-15

OPINION . Page 16

LEGAL NOTICESPage 17

SPORTS & FITNESSPage 18

SHOP LOCALPgs 19=20

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