Mountain View News May 30, 2026 


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

[Nyerges is the author of “Urban Survival Guide,” “Extreme Simplicity,” 
and other books. Information about his books and classes is available at 
www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com] 

ENCOURAGING YOU TO VOTE 

Years ago, I was very active in the neighborhood during election times, encouraging 
people to vote. I was a member of the non-profit which organized a few “voter discussion” 
meetings. We began by making a flier for such an event, and then we walked to 
every house in our immediate neighborhood to give them the flier. This also gave us the 
opportunity to talk with neighbors as well. Our neighborhood already had some sense of 
organization because we conducted periodic Neighborhood Watch meetings, and several 
of the neighbors had expressed an interest in a voter discussion. 

We told everyone to read the voter information booklet that they received in the mail 
before the meeting. As some of you might know, those booklets have the pros and cons 
for each proposition, and a little about each candidate for the various offices. 

When the evening came, we all gathered in the living room of one of the neighbors with 
about a dozen neighbors who showed up. I first asked if everyone had read the voter 
information booklet, and most had not. I guess I was not surprised. They came to the 
meeting because they didn’t want to take the time to read all the details of that booklet. 

I had actually read most of the booklet, and, as the conductor of the meeting, I made 
it clear that we were in no way going to try to influence anyone’s vote. We began with 
highest office, and then moved through the ballot. 

The goal was just to help our neighbors be informed, and the propositions and the local 
judges and local offices generally has a far greater effect on each of our lives than does the 
president, for example. It was important to know the local issues well. 

When I had read the booklet before our meeting, I took the time to mark key points on 
each of the propositions, things that I felt were the essence of each proposition. What 
actually results would occur if that proposition passed? How much would it cost? Who 
would pay for it? Were there other laws or agencies that were already in existence that 
could be doing the same work? These are the ways we tried to pick apart each proposition. 
It wasn’t easy and we didn’t all agree. But each of us had a better idea of what we 
voting on after our discussion. 

Our voting meetings were always very civil, and we had many of them. A few were conducted 
by our non-profit in the local library, where members of the community joined 
in. We always emphasized that we were not there to argue, but to try and shed light on all 
the diverse issues that we had to vote upon. 

Voting is a sacred right to be taken seriously, and I really hope that each of you can find 
the time to do something similar with your friends, family, and neighbors. 

One year, after the election, a neighbor (who was also a member of the high IQ groupMensa, and who did not attend our meetings), said to me, “Well, are you happy with 
who you elected into office?” He then went on to tell me the bad things about a few of 
the newly-elected officials. I told him that I did not vote for those people he mentioned, 
but that I did vote. This Mensa neighbor told me that he rarely votes because “nothing 
changes.” 

I was about to read him the riot act, but I was tired that night, and merely explained that 
you don’t always get what you want, but if you don’t even take the time to vote, you have 
forfeited your right to complain. I told him that many Americans were like him, and that 
I felt the average turnout in the U.S. for elections is pathetic. Those who choose not to 
vote could have completely altered the outcome of most U.S. elections. 

I also mentioned how many countries do not have the right to vote. In some cases, when 
they finally got that right, nearly 90% of the eligible voters took the time to vote for their 
leaders. I told my neighbor that he should not take his right to vote for granted. 

To read a little more about the sacred aspect of the vote, read “Democracy is Self-
Government” by H.W. Percival. Then, if you want to be shocked into voting, read “On 
Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder. 


OLLIE IS 
OUTSTANDING! 

Handsome Ollie is a young, 
sleek boy who looks just like 
a little cougar! He’s playful, 
curious, and confident, with 
a soft spot for snuggles—
especially with his kittysiblings. 

Ollie enjoys being around 
other cats and does best with 
calm companions who match 
his easygoing energy. 

He’s a social boy who loves 
attention. 


While Ollie has a confident personality, he also has a 
sweet and affectionate side that shines through when 
he’s spending time with his humans. 

With his big-cat looks and loving heart, Ollie is sure 
to bring beauty, fun, and affection to his forever 
home. 

Apply to meet him at https://www.lifelineforpets.
org/mindys-kittens.html, or use the qr code. 

Pet of the Week 

Meet Pasadena Humane’s gentle guy, Koda! Thissweet 8-year-old cattle dog is looking for a calmhome where he can settle in and enjoy the simplethings in life — easy walks, soft company, and plentyof sniff breaks. 

While shelter life has been a little overwhelming forhim, Koda truly shines once he’s outside enjoyingfresh air and quiet walks. He can be sensitive toloud noises and new environments, but he leans into 
his people for comfort and has such a kind, gentlenature. He enjoys treats, enrichment, and being close 
to his people.Koda would thrive in a home where 
he can relax, decompress, and get the comfort andcare he deserves. If you’re looking for a loyal walkingbuddy with a sweet side, come meet Koda and givethis deserving senior his next chapter.The adoptionfee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spayor neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from

9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos of adoptable pets atpasadenahumane.org. 
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA AnimalHospitals, 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 callsor email. 

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! 
Call Patricia 626-818-2698
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