EATON FIRE UPDATE continued from Page 1

Public Works

Arnulfo Yanez, Director of Public Works, says a plan is being developed with long-time Public Works Director 
Chris Cimino to prepare for possible mudflow in Sierra Madre. Cimino retired after 37 years on the 
job. Yanez noted that they also work with the Army Corp of Engineers daily. The city may already be seeing 
the installation of K-Rails in the northern part of the city. There are also 3,000 filled sandbags in the city 
yard to be used by staff to place around town in emergency areas, according to Yanez. Large debris is still 
being removed around town, and if you have items for pickup, please call Public Works at 626-355-7135. 

Director Yanez also mentioned that Public Works would begin a three-phase cleaning process behind 
Sierra Madre Dam along Little Santa Anita Creek to prevent large debris flows. This will start on Monday, 
January 27. L.A. County Public Works will assist in this removal. 

Public Works Management Analyst James Carlson gave an update on wildlife affected by the wildfires. 
Residents will still see coyotes roaming the areas but may see fewer large animals, such as deer, mountain 
lions, and bears, who tend to stay away from burn areas for at least three weeks. Carlson noted that they are 
receiving resources from the Wildlife Conservation Network to help protect species in the area. 

City Council also received updates from Water Superintendent Steve McGee, I.T. Manager Oscar Millan, 
and Assistant City Manager Miguel Hernandez. 

You can watch the full City Council Meeting on the city website at https://www.foothillsmedia.org/
sierramadre#sierramadre1.


2

Mountain Views News Saturday, January 25, 2025

REMEMBRANCE

 


SIERRA MADRE 
WILDFIRE RESOURCE 
CENTER GETS A 
...WELL 100.. HELPING 
HANDS!

On Thursday, January 23, 100 SoCalGas 
volunteers assisted in organizing thousands 
of pounds of community donations 
at the Pasadena-Sierra Madre Y. 

Staffed with YMCA Staff and Sierra 
Madre Volunteers, the center has been 
open 17 days at press time serving those 
impacted by the fire. Volunteers Fred 
Thomas and Russ Meeks have taken 
leadership roles in coordinating those who were making donations and those who came to help. 

Those in need can go to 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd for essential resources, all of the LA Y’s locations are open 
as resource hubs and distribution centers. All those impacted by the fires are welcome to get the support they 
need. 

 

There are also opportunities to support the LA Y’s wildfire relief efforts. If you would like to support, please 
visit ymcala.org/community-response to learn about how to make a financial contribution, donate the most 
needed supplies, or volunteer your time. 

While clothing donations are not needed at this time, the following items are being accepted: 

• Hygiene kits and toiletries (new items only) 

• Diabetic-friendly food, baby formula, peanut butter/jelly, cereal 

• Reusable bags/grocery bags 

• Luggage 

• Sleeping equipment (blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses) 

• Air purifiers 

• Heaters 

HELEN MARGARET (BARELA) BIELY

It is with great sadness that we announce the 
passing of Helen Margaret (Barela) Biely on 
November 8th, 2024 at the age of 93. Helen 
was born August 8th, 1931 in Los Angeles, 
CA to Anthony and Mary Louise Barela.

 

Helen moved to Sierra Madre as a young girl, 
she grew up and joined the United States 
Navy. After serving her country she returned 
home and met her soulmate Walter H. Biely. 
They married and bought their home on 
Alegria Ave where they had nine children. 
Helen loved her home and was able to pass 
peacefully at home surrounded by her children. 
Helen was preceded in death by her son 
Kenneth Charles Biely in November 1985 
and by her husband Walter Henry Biely in 
January 1986. Helen worked several jobs to 
care for and raise her remaining minor children, 
finding her forever job at the Santa Anita 
Race Track. Helen worked at the Track for 
up to 30 years being forced into retirement 
due to the Covid Pandemic at the age of 90! 

Helen loved life and never met anyone she 
didn’t consider a friend or family. She always had an open door, a place to lay your head or a 
hot meal, probably tacos with mayonnaise. Honestly, it would be easier to say who did not live 
at the Biely home than who did. Helen had a love for children, animals, roses, jewelry, windchimes 
and nutcrackers. 

Helen is survived by her children, Ronald (Colleen), Kimberly (Bill), Theresa, Stephanie, 
Mignon (Kevin), Tonia (Todd), Walter, Carmen, 29 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 
cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Being a Catholic who loved Jesus and her faith, a Funeral Mass will be held Saturday February 
15th, 2025 at 10 am, St. Rita Catholic Church (318 N Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre CA 91024.) 
Luncheon to follow at Alverno Heights Academy (200 N Michillinda Ave, Sierra Madre CA 
91024.) All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make a donation for Walter Biely who lost his home 
in the Eaton Fire. Donations may be sent to Tonia Patino, 121 E Alegria Ave, Sierra Madre CA 
91024.


CITY EXTENDS BLOCK GRANT 
FOR SENIOR HOME REPAIRS

By Kevin McGuire

Three seniors in the Sierra Madre community will 
be chosen to receive a grant to make minor repairs 
to their homes, thanks to a long-running program 
being extended through fiscal year 2025-2026.

City Manager Jose Reynoso will revise the Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated 
Action Plan to help persons of low and 
moderate incomes rehabilitate their houses. This 
comes after the City Council adopted Resolution 
25-05 authorizing the allocation of CDBG funds 
to continue the Senior Minor Home Rehabilitation 
Program, established in the fiscal year 2023-2024. 
Resolution 25-05 passed unanimously during a 
public hearing at the regularly scheduled meeting 
on Tuesday, January 21. Clare Lin, Acting Director 
of Planning and Community Preservation, and Assistant 
Planner Katelyn Huang gave presentations.

According to Huang, the city has received 16 interest 
forms from seniors who hope to be considered 
for this grant. Three seniors have submitted complete 
applications, and consultants have started the 
pre-inspection process.

The CDBG program has been around since 1974. 
Over the next fiscal year, Sierra Madre is expected 
to receive an estimated $40,908 and distribute 
$17,255 to three eligible senior households for essential 
home improvements. Approximately $4313 
will be allocated for consultant services for each 
project.

“Wonderful program,” stated Councilmember Edward 
Garcia. “We had a great presentation to the 
Senior Community Commission, and I’m thrilled 
to hear that there’s interest in this.” 

“I anticipate an increase this year,” said Mayor 
Pro Tem Kristine Lowe. “We are looking after the 
needs of our seniors right now…after this disaster,” 
Lowe stated, referring to the Eaton Fire still being 
contained. 

Limited Funds for Limited Work

Though any grant money is helpful and appreciated, 
the CDBG funds are limited. Therefore, the 
focus must be on providing necessities that will assist 
seniors in efficiently handling everyday tasks in 
their homes. 

Initially, the Minor Home Rehabilitation Program 
was set to help six seniors who earn less than 80% of 
their area median income, a metric used by Housing 
and Urban Development based on household 
size, among other factors. However, this meant that 
an average of only $5,000 was available to assist the 
eligible seniors, which was insufficient to cover the 
costs of even some minor repairs. 

The minor rehabilitation work includes wheelchair 
ramps, handrails, grab bars, tub conversions to roll-
in showers, roof, plumbing, and window replacement. 
The 20% consulting fee would cover quarterly 
reporting, applicant qualification, contractor 
qualification, and all necessary documents for reimbursement. 
Sierra Madre has a large senior population. 
Twenty-five percent of them fall into the 
lower income bracket, so programs that assist older 
citizens with minor home improvements could be a 
significant factor for those who want to stay in their 
homes forever. 

Those interested in this program can obtain information 
and forms under the Grant Program section 
of the city’s website at www.cityofsierramadre.com. 


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