Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, April 4, 2026

MVNews this week:  Page 12

Mountain View News Saturday, April 4, 2026 
1212 
SPORTSSPORTS 
Mountain View News Saturday, April 4, 2026 
1212 
SPORTSSPORTS 
LASALLEBOYS’ TENNISCLINCHESTHIRD STRAIGHT 
LEAGUE TITLE, IMPROVES TO 9–0 

The La Salle boys’ tennis team has officially cemented its place at the top of the Del Rey League once 
again. With a perfect 9–0 record, the Lancers secured their third consecutive league championship, 
overcoming early-season uncertainty to deliver one of the program’s most impressive runs to date. 

“It means a lot,” said Coach Javier. “We started off so bumpy—to the point where I thought we weren’t 
even going to be able to compete. To turn that into an undefeated season so far… it made me feel justified 
in the decisions I made early on, especially the tougher ones.” 

The defining moment of the season came in a tightly contested 10–8 victory over Bishop MontgomeryHigh School, a match that ultimately secured La Salle’s position as the top team in the league. 

Known for his consistency in lineup decisions, Coach Javier made a rare strategic adjustment in that 
match. 

“We took a risk,” he said. “Everyone knows I don’t like to deviate from the plan, but we knew we had to 
‘run the numbers’ to give ourselves the best chance to win. We stacked our doubles and made a plan to 
win all nine doubles sets and just one singles set.” 

The calculated gamble paid off, as La Salle executed the strategy to perfection and came away with the 
narrow victory. 

Just days later, the Lancers returned home for an emotional Senior Day matchup against Bishop Amat 
High School. With the league title on the line and their seniors taking the court for the final time 
at home, La Salle delivered once again—clinching the championship in front of family, friends, and 
teammates. 

“All five of my seniors have been with me since their freshman year,” Coach Javier said. “It’s going to be 
bittersweet when the season ends. They’ve been through a lot with me, and I’ll forever be grateful for 
everything they’ve done for this team.” 

Beyond the results, this season has been defined by the team’s chemistry and connection. “It’s been 
good,” Coach Javier said. “This team, although new in some ways, has been flowing well together all 
season. That was definitely the difference maker in the match against Bishop Montgomery, and it’s going 
to be the key to our success going into playoffs.” 

This year’s title run is a testament not just to talent, but to resilience and belief. After roster turnover and 
early adversity, the Lancers stayed committed to their identity—prioritizing team chemistry, accountability, 
and trust in one another. 

Now, with one final regular season match remaining after spring break, La Salle turns its attention toward the postseason with a clear mindset. 

“Belief,” Coach Javier said. “I think that’s what held us back last year and what’s been pushing us this year. We need to believe in ourselves first… then no one can stop us.” 

With momentum, unity, and confidence on their side, the Lancers are once again poised to make a deep postseason run—and this time, they fully believe they can finish the job. 


The Mount Wilson Trail Race 
1908-the Present 
Wednesday, April 22, 6 p.m. 
Hart Park House at Memorial Park 
Our speakers will be 
Jeff Lapides, the Early Races 
Pete Siberell, the Modern Race 
and Bob Spears, Trail Update 
Free admission • Refreshments will be served 
The Sierra Madre Historical Preservation SocietyPresents
SCARE THE BEAR 
Why and How to Safely Haze a Bear 

Bears typically avoid people whenever possible, but easy access 
to garbage, bird seed, pet food and other food sources can attract 
bears. Scaring the bear can temporarily stop unwanted behavior 
and give you time to remove or secure attractants.

 . . . . . . . BearWise® Hazing Rules . . . . . . . 

#1 -Never approach, corner or chase the bear. 
#2 -Stand in a safe place (bring kids and dogs inside). 
#3 -Be sure the bear has an escape route, away from you. 
#4 -Stop hazing when the bear runs away or climbs a tree. 
#5 -If the bear approaches, do not run. Use bear spray. 
#6 -BE CAREFUL. Any hazing is done at your own risk.

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 

Safe Ways to Scare a Bear 


Assert Your Dominance – Make eye contact with the bear. 
Wave your arms above your head to look bigger. 

Make Noise – Blow a whistle, air horn or car horn. Clap your hands. 
Bang pots. Yell, shout, talk loudly…your voice is a powerful deterrent. 

Shoot Paintballs (where legal) – Aim at the rear end of the bear, 
NOT the head. Never use bird shot, rock salt or BB guns; you can 
cause injury or death. Avoid red paintballs; someone may think the bear is injured. 

Use Motion-Activated Lights, Alarms 
and/or Water Sprinklers 


When to Scare a Bear 
4 
YES If the bear is anywhere it should 
not be, such as eating garbage, 
bird seed or pet food; near a vehicle, 
building or chicken coop; in a garden 
or campground. 

8 
NO If hazing the bear would chase 
it into people, dogs, a busy road 

or another unsafe situation. 

NO If the bear is in a natural area 
where bears belong. 
8 
NO If the bear is running away or 
up a tree. 

8 
NO If the bear is a cub. You could 
easily injure the cub and cause the 
mother to react defensively. 

8 


When to Call the Wildlife Agency 
• 
The bear is highly agitated, sickly 
or injured. 
• 
The bear is approaching people. 
• 
The bear does not leave after hazing. 
Be BearWise Keep Bears from Coming Back 
Learn How to Use Bear Spray: 

BearWise.org/bear-safety-tips/bear-spray/ 

Use the How BearWise Are You? Checklist. 
Remove / secure everything that attracts bears. 
Alert neighbors to bear activity. 

Learn More: 

BearWise.org 


BearWise® is a program of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies © 2025 


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