Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, August 14, 2021

Mountain Views News Saturday, August 14, 2021 

CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 
Pet of the Week 
ON THE MONASTERY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 
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
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On Thursday, July 22, at least 100 local SM residents gathered at N. Sunnyside 
to express their displeasure with the plan to build 42 homes on the Monastery 
property. Their objections have been reported in this paper. 
I had been aware of the proposed development by reading about it in the pa-
per, like everyone else. Over the decades, I found that unique parcel of land 
south of the monastery to be a singularly good place to study botany, and to 
find peace. I have sat there many times watching the sun set, and then watch-
ing the stars. I recall with fond memories the “Huell Howser Day” when Howser led his hundreds 
of fans to an event in the monastery property. 
I am acutely aware that the property is privately owned, and that many of the anti-development 
reaction is emotionally based, wanting to preserve a unique bit of Sierra Madre atmosphere. 
I want to see in this discussion ideas for allowing the property owners to earn the money they 
need, while keeping the property open. Can we get ideas? 
Here are some comments I received from readers about the proposed development: 
“I am against the housing development. I don’t think it is appropriate to have any kind of housing 
there. It will destroy the quietude of the Monastery, as well as the adjacent hiking area. In addition, 
it will displace and harm wild life which visit and reside there under the trees. Corrupting the ambi-
ance of what is still natural wilderness will cost exorbitant amounts of money - just to bring in ‘extra 
water’ to run a housing complex.
In terms of water, it would be better to create an urban farm. Who needs more flushing toilets? That 
water would be better if applied to growing fruits and vegetables. I’m sure if it were turned into a 
co-operative business, many young people could get involved, learn about nature and caring for the 
planet — and all us locals could support it to be our own Farmer’s Market! The Monastery already 
has many fruit trees growing… probably part of their original intent was to have a fruit tree grove for 
the monks’ own survival. Someone in this town must have enough money to support /donate to the 
Monastery.” -- Despina Arzouman. 
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I also saw the oppositions from some of the residents. I 
think we should treat the Monastery as a long-time neighbor, instead of an opponent. They have been 
here longer than any of us, and they have been quiet and nice to the town people. We should find a 
resolution to their financial problems, and not be too selfish. Thank you for your effort in trying to 
solve the local problems.” --Yingchao 
“Hi Christopher, I'd like to see that open space used in a different way... community farm and associ-
ated farmer's market (from which the monastery could earn an income).” -- David Arzouman. 
Here are more responses to my request for input. The following have asked to remain anonymous. 
“Currently there is a lot of public attention on restoration in our major regional rivers, such as the 
LA River. We need to remember, however, where our rivers begin. Our rivers do not begin right in 
the channel of our large rivers—our rivers begin at places like this that have high rates of infiltration. 
Undeveloped and vegetated lands are where rainwater soaks into the ground, so that it can continue 
to travel beneath the ground surface, to emerge downstream at the place we think of as the main 
channel of our rivers." 
“This monastery property holds a particularly important opportunity: which is a relatively large ex-
panse of undeveloped land that overlies soils that have high potential for infiltration. Such opportuni-
ties are rare, at least in the eastern portion of LA County." 
“…Alluvial fan areas at the base of the foothills have soils that are particularly suited to allow ground-
water recharge. Preventing development on any remaining alluvial fan area with high infiltration 
should be considered a regional priority. Any large property with a relatively flat area on an alluvial 
fan is an incredibly rare opportunity in this region. This property as a whole is also special because the 
undeveloped alluvial fan area is still directly connected to the canyons, and poised to catch the water 
that flows from those foothills...” 
Another response: 
“Developing single family homes on land with high infiltration potential is short sighted. Single fam-
ily homes are not the solution to the region’s housing crisis. Single family homes equals more urban 
sprawl.…. Currently the push is to incentivize high density housing around public transportation 
nodes. This is seen as an important step towards reducing car dependency, reducing our carbon foot-
print, and transitioning into a more sustainable city with better quality of life (cleaner environment as 
well). For example, some agencies are promoting densification for a mile radius around metro stops. 
With that in mind, here is what I think should be done: 
1. Sell the land to a conservancy and put the income into an interest-bearing endowment. 
2. Sell the land to the city to maintain as a park. 
3. Income to maintain the park can be generated by charging for parking to use the park, and also 
charging event fees (weddings, movies), though the usage should remain public most of the time.” 
Meet sweet 
CASSIUS! 
Do you remember 
the amazing Ameri-
can boxer, Cassius 
Clay? He was ranked 
the greatest heavy-
weight boxer of all 
time, and as the 
greatest sportsman of 
the 20th century! Well, Cassius the Cat is a fighter, 
too, but in the most wonderful way! You see, he 
had a tough life on the streets, suffering from poor 
nutrition, an upper res-piratory infection, and an 
eye infection. It took a lot of strength and fight to survive that! You would think he'd be 
afraid of people, but a very kind family started feeding him and discovered how very sweet 
he is! The family took him to a vet, who treated his issues, but it was discovered that Cassius 
also is FIV+. This is a very managea-ble condition, and only contagious to other cats if a 
deep bite wound. Cassius is too sweet for that! Cassius, age 3, is a beautiful, sweet, wonder-
ful cat that deserves to live a long happy life. So we are reaching out to you - can you please 
offer him a forever home? Cassius will be a loving companion to the lucky person who 
chooses to adopt him. Cat experience preferred. More pix on our website. See our Adoption 
Procedures page to apply. Submit your application now at www.lifelineforpets.org. 
Four-month-old Missy is an adorable tabbykitten who’s looking for her special someone!
Missy has a laid-back personality and showsher friendly side once she gets to know you.
She’ll even lean into your hand for petting!
Missy would do best in a quiet householdwith adults or older kids who can give her thepatience to adjust to her new surroundings.
Missy started her life as a stray, but she’s readyto live that cozy indoor life with you! 
The adoption fee for kittens 6 months andunder is $150. All kitten adoptions includespay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriatevaccines. 
New adopters will receive a complimentaryhealth-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal 
Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled withinformation about how to care for your pet. 
View photos of adoptable pets and 
schedule an adoption appointment at 
pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoptionappointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adoptersby phone calls or email.