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Mountain View News Saturday, March 8, 2025


Meet Nigel

The Purrfect Playmate!

Nigel is a sleek, all-black bundle of 
fun and affection. Rescued from 
a coyote-infested yard, this little 
survivor has emerged with nothing 
but a love for life! Playful, curious, 
and full of energy, Nigel is 
always up for a zoomie session or 
a friendly wrestling match with a 
fellow feline, or one who will happily share his toys.

But don’t let his playful side fool you—Nigel is also a total lovebug. 
He’s happy to be held and cuddled—until he spots something 
intriguing that he just has to 
investigate! He adores people and 
will happily snuggle up when playtime is over. He thrives with 
other cats, especially those who enjoy his high-spirited antics. If 
you’re looking for a fun-loving, affectionate companion who will 
bring endless joy and laughter into your home, Nigel is your guy!

Curious, playful, charming, loving are all words that describe 
him. He's really quite irresistible!

Could you be the lucky one to give Nigel his forever home? Apply 
to meet him today!

See more of Nigel at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/nigel.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]


HOMELESSNESS

 Homelessness is a large and growing problem in L.A. County. If you 
happen to be homeless, it’s not a “problem,” it’s a personal crisis. Among 
other things, the insane cost of housing is a factor in the increase in homelessness, 
though not the only cause.

 Perhaps I feel real empathy for the homeless because I know what it’s like to be adrift in 
the urban sea with no house or home. I was homeless for about 6 months in 1984, an experience 
that I wrote about extensively at that time. I know that with deter-mination, and with the 
help of loving friends, it is possible to overcome this very real threat to survival.

 I was once asked during a radio interview what advice I’d give to someone who was 
homeless. My response: I would first take the time with the homeless person in or-der to determine 
precisely how they become homeless. We would look at each point by uncomfortable 
point in order to see how their thinking, their actions, their inactions, led to homelessness so 
we could chart a path to changing those habits. Determining the cause is of paramount importance, 
since each and every homeless case is unique.

 It has been well-demonstrated there is no actual physical shortage of places for people 
to live, even in the big cities. In fact, especially in the big cities. 

 The problem is complex, but we can state that homelessness is the result of one or more 
of the following: rapidly rising cost of living, unemployment, psychological problems, drug 
and alcohol use, and maybe “other.” If you are an alcoholic or a drug user, you need to do 
whatever is possible to stop those habits. Period. The alcohol and the drug use is a threat to 
your basic physical survival. 

 The solution to homelessness involves the cooperation of local community or-ganizations, 
and the homeless individuals themselves. 

Though there is no shortage of people willing to assist, never forget that “assistance” is a two-
way street.

Mark Holsinger, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Mission, wrote a "Letter to the Editor" 
in the March 14, 1992 Los Angeles Times. He said, "As frustrating as it is that not all homeless 
people accept help, we should not forget that many gratefully ac-cept the opportunity to 
change their lives. The problem for most of the homeless isn't a lack of services or affordable 
housing or jobs. Their problem is their lack of desire to change [emphasis mine] -- to get off 
drugs, to function in a way that is acceptable to society, to respect others and themselves.” He 
adds that it’s not easy to get off the streets, but certainly possible to become a productive citizen 
because he works daily with those who’ve made that change."

 

 Let’s assume you have lost your home, you have no job, and you aspire to get back to 
work and find a home. What do you do? Where do you start? 

 

 Number one: If you are taking drugs, or drinking alcohol, stop! If you know you cannot 
stop without help, do whatever it takes to get that help.

 Number two: Do whatever it takes to change your attitude. Quit viewing yourself as 
a victim of circumstances. Quit blaming anyone else. Quit feeling negative towards anyone.

 Next, wherever you are, improve it. Make it better. If you are with others, teach by 
your example. If they ask what you are doing, explain to them that you are practicing the 
uplifting Principle of “making every place better for my being there.” This is known as true 
Appreciation.

 Also, do not steal or take that which is not yours, regardless of your “very good 
justification.”

 Begin to give to the charity, non-profit, or church of your choice.”Giving” can al-so be 
of your time. Give without the expectation of “getting” anything back. Don’t give foolishly, 
but give intelligently to help further the work of a charity. The principle at work is “As ye give, 
so shall ye receive.” 

 As you practice these simply principles – which some people will ridicule as “simplistic” 
– you can expect Miracles to occur.

 This, of course, is just the very bare-bones beginning. Part of the solution also involves 
caring people, and the assistance of the City of Los Angeles, and local non-profits. 

 The solution also includes realistic employment training, and financial education, such 
as how to budget your money, and how to determine (Thoreau-style) how to differentiate 
“want” from “need.” I have met SO many folks who have lost their homes, even though they 
continued to use a credit card to buy stuff they didn’t need, and continued to use credit even 
as they could barely make the minimum payments.

 I intend to address each of these related topics in future columns, and I welcome your 
comments and questions.


Pet of the Week

HARRY

 Harry is a handsome year-old red and white 
husky, who was found as a stray in Pasadena. 
This lovable guy is playful, friendly and 
appreciates a good belly rub! He is very smart 
and even knows commands such as “sit”, “stay” 
and “leave it”. He would do well in an only-pet 
home that can give him lots of attention and 
keep up with his abundant energy!

If you are looking for an affectionate and 
intelligent companion, then come meet Harry 
at Pasadena Humane! He is eager to become 
your new best friend and can't wait to cuddle 
up with you.

 Walk-in adoptions are available every day 
from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

View photos of adoptable pets at 
pasadenahumane.org. 

 The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog 
adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, 
and age-appropriate vaccines. Adopters will 
receive a complimentary health and wellness 
exam from a participating veterinarian and an 
information packet on caring for your new pet.

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


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