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Mountain Views News Saturday, November 15, 2025


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

 

[Nyerges is an educator and author. His many books can be seen at www.
SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.]

 

SCOUTING BUILDS CHARACTER:

Local Scout leader

MEET 

BONNIE & CLYDE – 
THE DYNAMIC DUO!

This adorable bonded 
pair, age about 11 
months, was found 
roaming the streets 
of Palmdale at just 4 
months old, but you’d 
never guess it now—
they’re two happy, 
healthy, and incredibly loving pups! Bonnie (the sleek 
black beauty) and Clyde (the handsome black-and-white 
charmer) are truly inseparable.

They love to play—a lot! Whether it’s chasing toys, 
romping around the 
yard, or goofing off 
together, their joy is 
contagious. When playtime’s over, they’re just as happy to 
snuggle up for cuddles and treats. Both are spayed/neutered, 
in excellent health, and ready to bring endless fun, laughter, 
and love into their forever home.

If you’re looking for double the love and double the smiles, 
Bonnie & Clyde are the perfect match for your family! 

See more at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/bonnie--clyde.
html, or use the qr code.


Francisco Loaiza is kneeling over 
the campfire circle holding a piece 
of steel in one hand and a chunk of flint in the other. 
He begins to whack the flint with the C-shaped piece 
of steel while a group of teenaged Boy Scouts watches 
with full attention. A shower of sparks shoots out 
from Loaiza’s hands and the Scouts say, “Wow,” and 
move in closer to watch. 

Loaiza puts a piece a steel wool in his left hand, strikes 
the flint again, and the steel wool begins to burn. 
Loaiza smiles as the scouts shout their approval. The 
steel wool goes into the fire pit, a few Scouts add pine 
needles and begin to blow, and soon the pine needles 
start to burn. 

Loaiza sits back and smiles as the Scouts coax the 
small fire into a fire big and hot enough to cook their 
evening meal. One by one, the boys try to make fire 
with the ancient method of flint and steel as Loaiza 
watches and offers advice.

Loaiza proves that Scouting is about far more than 
making knots. 

Loaiza is one of the thousands of Scout leaders nationwide 
who volunteers his time in America’s oldest 
scouting movement, now 102 years old. 

Loaiza explains that the founder, Baden Powel, wanted 
to preserve the Indian scout skills for future generation, 
and find a way to keep young boys on the right 
track. Loaiza, who works in the Pasadena area, is a 
leader of a Montebello Troop, taking them on backpacking 
trips, educational day hikes, and works with 
other teachers and parents to keep the Scouts focused 
on learning new skills and achieving merit badges.

“It requires persistence, planning, and cooperation 
to earn each merit badge,” says Loaiza, “and those are 
skills that stay with you all life long. 

“The entire merit badge process teaches Scouts how 
to think, and how to plan, and how to work with others,” 
says Loaiza, pointing out that these are all valuable 
life-long skills. Additionally, boys are often required 
to make presentations to other Scouts, which 
is similar to the training in public speaking that an 
adult might get from the Toastmasters organization.

Loaiza was not a Boy Scout as a youth, though he does 
remember attending several Cub Scout meetings as a 
young boy. He smiles and adds that his parents simply 
could not afford the costs of the uniform and supplies.

In 2004, his own son Benjamin joined Cub Pack 476 
and Loaiza became fully involved. Benjamin eventually 
went on to become an Eagle Scout, the highest 
one can achieve in Scouting.

 “Yes, there is a dollar fee to be a Scout and participate 
in Scouting, but it’s really the volunteer effort of 
the parents and volunteers that makes it all work,” he 
explains.

For example, 
Loaiza’s 
troop meets 
1 1/2 hours 
per week every 
Tuesday 
night, and 
they also do 
at least three 
outings per 
month. A 
typical weekend 
hike will 
last about 5 
hours, and 
they’d go to 
a destination 
such as Henniger 
Flats 
where’d they’d 
also be able to 
practice their 
campcraft. 
The troop 
might do a backpacking trip once a month, typically 
beginning early Saturday morning through Sunday 
late morning. Locally, there are dozens of good hiking 
and backpacking spots within a half-hour drive. 
“It’s really about putting in the time with boys, more 
than about money,” he explains. But does it cost much 
to be a Scout? 

“Yes, and no,” says Loaiza. “Initially, I needed to buy 
all of my camping equipment like sleeping bag, jacket, 
cooking supplies, good boots, heavy duty clothing, 
and other camping supplies. Each boy, or their parents, 
must do the same. But now when we go on outings, 
I just buy some food. Since I already invested 
in my camping gear, I just pack it all up. I always try 
to get the parents to also chip in with costs, and we 
are always trying to get donations from local organizations. 
Plus, we have some fund-raising throughout 
the year as well” explains Loaiza, since there are usually 
more expenses than just camping expenses.

To Loaiza, one of the rewards of being a Scout leader 
is to see a young boy begin to develop into a young 
man and a leader. “We provide the opportunities and 
the experiences for the older boys to lead the younger 
boys and we teach them the ideals of Scouting. 

When we start to see the development of the boys, I 
realize that all of my volunteer hours are worth it. Last 
year, we had two of our Scouts earn their Eagle Rank. 
They were my first Eagle Scouts in the Troop under 
my leadership!” Eagle is the highest rank that a Scout 
can achieved, and it requires performing a community 
project which involves many other individuals.

Loaiza wants people to realize that Scouting works! 
“It is a great character- building organization. Scouts 
are taught to be prepared and do a good deed daily. 
These are some of the laws and ideals of scouting. Can 
you imagine how different our country would be if 
more of us followed these ideals?”

NOTE: These days, Loaiza is retired as a Scouting leader, but 
continues to assist others as time permits.

Loaiza makes acorn pancakes


Pet of the Week

 
Maximus is a 9-year-old brown pit bull 
mix at Pasadena Humane who is all heart 
and ready for a new beginning. An Eaton 
Fire survivor who lost his home, this gentle 
giant hasn’t let hardship dim his spirit. Calm, 
affectionate, and well-mannered – according 
to his beloved foster family - Maximus is 
potty trained, sleeps soundly through the 
night, and is a perfect gentleman in the house.

He enjoys leisurely walks, relaxing in the sun, 
and soaking up affection from everyone he 
meets. Maximus would do best as the only 
dog in the home, where he can be the center 
of attention and love.Come meet Maximus 
at Pasadena Humane — and take him (or 
another senior sweetheart) home for free this 
November during Senior Pet Month!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog 
adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, 
and age-appropriate vaccines. 

 Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for 
your pet. 

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

PASADENA PETS

Pasadena Waiving Adoption Fees for Older Pets

 

PASADENA (CNS) - The Pasadena Humane Society is waiving all adoption

fees for pets aged 5 and older in November in honor of National Adopt a Senior

Pet Month, officials said today.

 The fee waiver is being offered thanks to the sponsorship of the Mericos Foundation, 
and aims to highlight the benefits of adopting older pets.

 ``Senior pets tend to be calmer, often house-trained, and ready to settle in right 
away -- but what really sets them apart is their capacity for love,'' Pasadena Humane 
President and CEO Chris Ramon said. ``They may be older, but they have just as 
much love to give. In return, you'll gain an affectionate, devoted companion.''

 All dogs and cats available for adoption are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and 
have received age-appropriate vaccinations. 

New adopters will also receive a complimentary wellness exam with a partner veterinarian, 
along with a packet of information on pet care.

 Throughout November anyone interested in meeting adoptable senior pets is encouraged 
to visit pasadenahumane.org or visit the shelter during adoptions hours 
daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 


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