INSIDE THIS 
WEEK 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 VOLUME 20 NO. 6VOLUME 20 NO. 6 
ASSEMBLYMEMBER 
JOHN HARABEDIAN 
LAUNCHES HISTORIC 
LEGISLATION 
(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Last week, Assemblymem-
ber John Harabedian (D - Pasadena) alongside Speak-
er Robert Rivas (D - Salinas) announced the launch 
of the Outcomes Review project featuring AB 238(2025), a law designed to protect homeowners from 
foreclosure after the Los Angeles Wildfires by requir-
ing mortgage servicers to offer up to a year of forbear-
ance while families recover. 
The Outcomes Review is part of a first-in-the-nation 
new Assembly tool focused on accountability and 
oversight, designed to take a closer look at how en-
acted laws are implemented and whether they are de-
livering for Californians. 
The oversight process allows lawmakers to identify 
what is working, where barriers exist, and how out-
comes can be strengthened. 
“Wildfire survivors shouldn't have to fight their mort-
gage company while they're trying to rebuild their 
lives,” said Assemblymember Harabedian. “AB 238 
was meant to provide real, immediate relief after di-
saster strikes. This Outcomes Review will help ensure 
the law is being followed and identify ways we can 
strengthen protections for families still at risk of los-
ing their homes.” 
“The Outcomes Review project reflects our Assembly’s 
shared commitment to accountability and oversight,” 
said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “I appreciate As-
semblymember Harabedian for his willingness to ask 
the hard questions and dedication to making sure the 
laws we pass deliver results for Californians.” 
Additional information and next steps will be an-
nounced as the Outcomes Review of AB 238 moves 
forward. 
Assemblymember John Harabedian, former Sierra 
Madre Mayor, now represents the 41st District com-
posed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, 
Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Di-
mas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamon-
ga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan. 
Rafael Vasquez- May 30, 1939 – January 31, 2026. 
Rafael Vasquez was a long-time Sierra Madrebusiness owner and respected craftsman whoselife’s work centered on his furniture business and 
the community he loved. He began his careeraround 1980 with a small upholstery businessknown as Magdeleno’s Upholstery, which laterevolved into Rafael’s Interiors. Through decades ofdedicated work, Rafael became known for his skill 
in custom furniture design, fine upholstery, andfurniture restoration. His craftsmanship, attentionto detail, and commitment to quality earned himthe trust and loyalty of countless clients throughoutSierra Madre and the surrounding areas. To most 
everyone in town, he was simply known as “Rafael.” 
Rafael’s work was more than a profession, it was his 
passion. He devoted long hours to his clients, oftenworking late into the night to ensure furniture wascompleted in time for meaningful occasions suchas Thanksgiving and Christmas. He took immensepride in his work and in the relationships, he built 
with his customers, whom he deeply appreciated. When the COVID-19 pandemicbegan, Rafael chose to retire, marking a significant transition after a lifetime ofdedication to his craft. 
Family and community were at the heart of Rafael’s life. His daughters attendedAlverno High School, and later his daughter Evie decided to live in Sierra Madre,
continuing the family’s strong ties to the town. Rafael was a devoted grandfather toAdam, Dylan, and Santi. He faithfully picked up Adam and Dylan from St. Rita Schooleach day, often bringing them back to his shop until they were picked up. In doing so,
he formed close friendships with teachers and staff and became affectionately knownas “Adam and Dylan’s grandpa.” After school, he loved treating his grandchildren tosnacks at local favorites such as Sierra Madre Pizza Company, Subway, Starbucks,
and Happy’s, simple moments that became lasting memories. 
Rafael’s impact extended beyond his family and business. His grandsons honoredhim in their essays submitted for the Sierra Madre Civic Club college scholarshipawards, reflecting the influence he had on their lives and the pride they felt in theirgrandfather. Sierra Madre. a small town known for its beautiful mountains, wildlife,
and close-knit community was the perfect location for Rafael’s Interiors, and Rafaelcherished both the town and his wonderful clients. 
Rafael Vasquez passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He is survivedby his wife, Evangelina; his daughters, Evie and Heidi; his sons-in-law, Jerry andAlfonso; and his three grandsons, Adam, Dylan, and Santi. His legacy lives onthrough his family, his craftsmanship, and the many lives he touched in Sierra Madre. 
Funeral Service Date: Saturday. February 28, 2026Church: St Rita Catholic Church, 318 N. Baldwin Ave,
Sierra Madre, CA 91024Time: Mass at 1pm: Viewing at 12 pm, Rosary at 12:30 pmPrincipal Celebrant: Fr. Tom Baker 
Light Reception to follow at Gara Hall at St. Rita Church- 2-4pm 
LONGTIME BUSINESS 
LEADER RAFAEL VASQUEZ 
PASSES AWAY 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 VOLUME 20 NO. 6VOLUME 20 NO. 6 
ASSEMBLYMEMBER 
JOHN HARABEDIAN 
LAUNCHES HISTORIC 
LEGISLATION 
(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Last week, Assemblymem-
ber John Harabedian (D - Pasadena) alongside Speak-
er Robert Rivas (D - Salinas) announced the launch 
of the Outcomes Review project featuring AB 238(2025), a law designed to protect homeowners from 
foreclosure after the Los Angeles Wildfires by requir-
ing mortgage servicers to offer up to a year of forbear-
ance while families recover. 
The Outcomes Review is part of a first-in-the-nation 
new Assembly tool focused on accountability and 
oversight, designed to take a closer look at how en-
acted laws are implemented and whether they are de-
livering for Californians. 
The oversight process allows lawmakers to identify 
what is working, where barriers exist, and how out-
comes can be strengthened. 
“Wildfire survivors shouldn't have to fight their mort-
gage company while they're trying to rebuild their 
lives,” said Assemblymember Harabedian. “AB 238 
was meant to provide real, immediate relief after di-
saster strikes. This Outcomes Review will help ensure 
the law is being followed and identify ways we can 
strengthen protections for families still at risk of los-
ing their homes.” 
“The Outcomes Review project reflects our Assembly’s 
shared commitment to accountability and oversight,” 
said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “I appreciate As-
semblymember Harabedian for his willingness to ask 
the hard questions and dedication to making sure the 
laws we pass deliver results for Californians.” 
Additional information and next steps will be an-
nounced as the Outcomes Review of AB 238 moves 
forward. 
Assemblymember John Harabedian, former Sierra 
Madre Mayor, now represents the 41st District com-
posed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, 
Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Di-
mas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamon-
ga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan. 
Rafael Vasquez- May 30, 1939 – January 31, 2026. 
Rafael Vasquez was a long-time Sierra Madrebusiness owner and respected craftsman whoselife’s work centered on his furniture business and 
the community he loved. He began his careeraround 1980 with a small upholstery businessknown as Magdeleno’s Upholstery, which laterevolved into Rafael’s Interiors. Through decades ofdedicated work, Rafael became known for his skill 
in custom furniture design, fine upholstery, andfurniture restoration. His craftsmanship, attentionto detail, and commitment to quality earned himthe trust and loyalty of countless clients throughoutSierra Madre and the surrounding areas. To most 
everyone in town, he was simply known as “Rafael.” 
Rafael’s work was more than a profession, it was his 
passion. He devoted long hours to his clients, oftenworking late into the night to ensure furniture wascompleted in time for meaningful occasions suchas Thanksgiving and Christmas. He took immensepride in his work and in the relationships, he built 
with his customers, whom he deeply appreciated. When the COVID-19 pandemicbegan, Rafael chose to retire, marking a significant transition after a lifetime ofdedication to his craft. 
Family and community were at the heart of Rafael’s life. His daughters attendedAlverno High School, and later his daughter Evie decided to live in Sierra Madre,
continuing the family’s strong ties to the town. Rafael was a devoted grandfather toAdam, Dylan, and Santi. He faithfully picked up Adam and Dylan from St. Rita Schooleach day, often bringing them back to his shop until they were picked up. In doing so,
he formed close friendships with teachers and staff and became affectionately knownas “Adam and Dylan’s grandpa.” After school, he loved treating his grandchildren tosnacks at local favorites such as Sierra Madre Pizza Company, Subway, Starbucks,
and Happy’s, simple moments that became lasting memories. 
Rafael’s impact extended beyond his family and business. His grandsons honoredhim in their essays submitted for the Sierra Madre Civic Club college scholarshipawards, reflecting the influence he had on their lives and the pride they felt in theirgrandfather. Sierra Madre. a small town known for its beautiful mountains, wildlife,
and close-knit community was the perfect location for Rafael’s Interiors, and Rafaelcherished both the town and his wonderful clients. 
Rafael Vasquez passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He is survivedby his wife, Evangelina; his daughters, Evie and Heidi; his sons-in-law, Jerry andAlfonso; and his three grandsons, Adam, Dylan, and Santi. His legacy lives onthrough his family, his craftsmanship, and the many lives he touched in Sierra Madre. 
Funeral Service Date: Saturday. February 28, 2026Church: St Rita Catholic Church, 318 N. Baldwin Ave,
Sierra Madre, CA 91024Time: Mass at 1pm: Viewing at 12 pm, Rosary at 12:30 pmPrincipal Celebrant: Fr. Tom Baker 
Light Reception to follow at Gara Hall at St. Rita Church- 2-4pm 
LONGTIME BUSINESS 
LEADER RAFAEL VASQUEZ 
PASSES AWAY 
INSIDE THIS 
WEEK
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Page 2 
SIERRA MADRE NEWS Page 3 
PASADENA NEWS Page 4 
AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Page 5 
EDUCATION & YOUTH Page 6 
PUZZLES FOR YOU Page 7 
FOOD-DRINK-FUN Page 8 
THE GOOD LIFE Page 9 
BEST FRIENDS Page 10 
Nyerges....On Black History Month 
HEALTHY LIVING & FITNESS Page 11 
OPINION Page 12 
Stuart Tolchin 
Rich Johnson 
Howard Hayes 

Christine Flowers 
LEGAL NOTICES Page 13 
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES Page14