SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 
Don't Forget To Spring Forward:DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY! 
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 
Don't Forget To Spring Forward:DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY! 
HARRY WONG 
APPOINTED 
FINANCE 
DIRECTOR 


Sierra Madre City Manager Mike 
Bruckner has appointed Harry Wong 
to the position of Finance Director following 
a competitive recruitment process. 
Currently serving as the Director 
of Finance & Administration for the 
City of Lynwood, Mr. Wong has nearly15 years of municipal finance experience—
including service with the cities 
of Monterey Park, Buena Park, and Garden 
Grove—developing and managinglarge city budgets and leading teams of 
finance professionals in challenging financial 
environments. 

“I'm excited to join a community known 
for its safety and rich history,” said Mr. 
Wong. “I look forward to supporting the 
City Council and the City’s leadership 
team to enhance fiscal stability, navigate 
current budget challenges, and support 
the high level of service residents 
expect.” 

With extensive experience in operating 
and capital budget administration, debt 
management, complex accounting, payroll, 
and other areas of financial management, 
Mr. Wong will support the 
City as it navigates a challenging budget 
environment and works to maintain 
current service levels supported by the 
General Fund. (continued on page 3) 


Conrad (seated) was taken by surprise when Sierra 
Madre Chamber President Chris Cimino and VP 
Rachelle Arizmendi announced the selection. 


VOLUME 20 NO. 10 

TODD CONRAD 
NAMED 2025 
SIERRA MADRE 
CITIZEN OF THE 
YEAR 

The Sierra Madre community will honor 
longtime volunteer Todd Conrad as this 
year’s Citizen of the Year, recognizing decades 
of dedicated service that have quietly 
strengthened the fabric of the town. 

The announcement was made recentlyduring a meeting of the Sierra Madre 
Events Committee, where volunteers 
were gathered to begin preparations for 
the city’s upcoming Fourth of July festivities 
and the community’s plans to 
celebrate America’s 250th birthday next 
year. During the meeting, Sierra Madre 
Chamber of Commerce President Chris 
Cimino, Vice President Rachelle Arizmendi, 
and Chamber Board Member Michelle 
Keith surprised Conrad with the 
announcement of his selection. 

Conrad is best known for his 33 years 

with the Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire Department, 
where he served from 1981 until 2015 as both an Engineer and Captain. Duringhis time with the department, he earned a reputation not only as a dependable responder 
but also as a mentor to younger firefighters. His commitment to training and developing 
new members led to him being named Firefighter of the Year in 2006. In 2011, he was also 
awarded the Public Safety Award at the annual 
Honors Dinner. 

Todd's leadership extended beyond emergency 
response. Conrad served on the Sierra Madre 
Volunteer Firefighters Association and later as 
its president, helping organize many of the department’s 
long-standing community traditions 
and fundraising events. He also volunteered as 
a trainer for the Sierra Madre Fire Academy and 
served as the department’s liaison to the Community 
Emergency Response Team (CERT), helping 
residents prepare for emergencies. Continuing 
that commitment, Conrad is returning this year 
as a trainer for the city’s current CERT program. 

Regionally, Conrad also served as president of the 
former San Gabriel Valley Firemen’s Association,
further demonstrating his dedication to public 
service across the broader community. 

While his years with the fire department represent a major chapter of his service, Conrad’s 
volunteerism extends well beyond emergency response. He has been active with the Sierra 
Madre Events Committee and the city’s beloved Fourth of July celebrations. During the 
holiday season, many residents know him best in another role — Santa Claus. Over the 
years he has volunteered to bring holiday cheer through appearances with the fire department, 
at the Sierra Madre Senior Center, Winter Village, St. Rita Church’s CLIMB program,
The Gooden School, and the Pack Station in Santa Anita Canyon. 

Conrad is also active at St. Rita’s Church as a member of the Men’s Club and serves as both 
a lector and usher. In neighboring Arcadia, he volunteers his time with the Arcadia High 
School Music Department by driving the semi-trailer used to transport band equipment to 
performances and competitions. 

His past community involvement also includes leadership with CARE (Children’s Advancement 
Through Racing Environment), a mentoring program designed to support and 
guide young people. 

Friends and neighbors say what truly sets Conrad apart are the many acts of service that 
happen quietly and without recognition. Whether repairing equipment for a neighbor, 
helping someone move, assisting with a home project, or responding when someone simply 
needs a hand, Conrad is known throughout town as someone who always shows up. 

Todd Conrad and the other honorees will be formally recognized in May at the annual 
Sierra Madre Honors and Citizen of the Year Dinner, where the City of Sierra Madre and 
the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce come together to celebrate the dedication, volunteerism, 
and community spirit of those who give so much back to the town. 

By naming Conrad Citizen of the Year, the community is recognizing not just a lifetime of 
formal volunteer service, but also the everyday kindness and willingness to help others that 
continues to define his legacy in Sierra Madre. MVNews/SMCC 

In 2011 he was also awarded the Public 
Safety Award for his dedicated service. 


354 N Cañon Avenue 
Sierra Madre 
Listed for $2,949,000 

4 BD | 4 BA | 3,006 SF | 38,897 SF LOT 

Judy Webb-Martin 
626.688.2273 

DRE #00541631 

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equa

Housing Opportunity laws. Lic. #01991628. All material presented herein is intended for

informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been

verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No

statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage

are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation. 

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