SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023 

“The strength of 
a nation lies in 
the homes of its 
people.”
-Abraham LincolnHAPPY 
4THOf JULYwebbmartingroup.comreal estateJan Greteman 626.975.4033lic #01943630Judy Webb-Martin 626.688.2273lic #00541631Katie Orth 626.688.0418lic #00942500
Sierra MadreSierra MadreBuyers have accepted higher 
interest rates as the new standard 
and the supply of available homes 
is insufficient to meet the demand 
of buyers. This is a moment that 
calls for action! Instead of getting 
sidetracked by uncertainties, pay 
attention to the actual developments 
in our local market, stay committed 
to your objectives, and reach out 
to a knowledgable listing agent for 
expert guidance.
OUR HOME
VOLUME 17 NO. 26VOLUME 17 NO. 26

Happy Independence 

Day to All!

Fellow Sierra Madreans, family, 
friends, and visitors, 

Greetings on this Independence Day! 
Let us celebrate the spirit of freedom 
and reflect upon the journey of our 
great nation. Today, as we come together 
as one, we are reminded of 
the ideals that inspired our founding 
members to strive for a better future.

Independence Day is not only a time 
for our annual 3rd of July festivities 
in the park and our 4th of July parade, 
but also a moment of profound 
gratitude.

We are fortunate to live in a country where dreams can be realized, where 
we can express ourselves freely, and where every individual has the potential 
to make a difference. This Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to 
upholding the values that define our nation and to working together towards 
a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and harmonious.

So, let the stars and stripes fly high, let the celebrations 
bring happiness, and let our hearts be filled with 
gratitude for all the blessings that we have. Happy Independence 
Day! May our nation continue to thrive 
and shine as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

God bless America!

~Ed

Edward Garcia, Mayor - 

Sierra Madre

ATHENS SERVICES FEE 

INCREASE ACCEPTED - NEW 
CONTRACT RATIFIED 

 

In response to California's SB 1383 which created a 
complex array of mandatory requirements for cities 
requiring all residential and commercial premises to 
comply with a rigorous organic waste recycling program, 
the city and Athens Services entered into an 
agreement in which Athens would assist with implementation 
of the necessary elements required by the 
state. Those elements, however would require a fee 
increase and on the advice of the City Attorney, it 
was determined that the prudent action of doing the 
process for this agreement amendment and rate increase 
is in the best interest of the City through the 
Prop 218 process in which residents have the opportunity 
to protest any proposed fee increase.

On May 5, 2023, the city mailed ballots to 3,413 eligible 
voters and allowed recipients 53 days to protest 
the proposed increse. State law only requires a 45 day 
protest period, however city officials allowed additional 
time to give voters the opportunity to study 
what was being proposed and whether or not they 
wanted to protest it. In order for a protest to prevail, 
more than 50% of the eligible voters would have to 
protest the increase.

 On Tuesday, the Sierra Madre City Council, certified 
the results of the Proposition 218 Ballot and 
subquently formally adopted the amendments to the 
Athens Services contract. At the meeting, City Clerk 
Laura Aguilar presented the council with the final 
ballot tally. Of the 3,413 ballots mailed out, only 70 
were returned in protest. As a result, the council ratified 
their earlier approval of the contract.

 The contract which will become an amendment 
to Athen's current 'evergreen' contract with the city 
contains key elements that will help residents comply 
with the state's new organic waste disposal mandates 
and assist with efforts to discourage bears from foraging 
through trash cans.



In the amended agreement, Athens will: (partial 
listing)

Athens will provide all SB1383 compliance programs.

Athens will provide a new bear-resistant organic barrel 
to every residential account citywide.

Athens will modify from bi-monthly billing to 
monthly billing.

Athens will provide the City an annual $30,000 payment 
to the City’s Environmental Fund.

Athens will provide a one-time payment of $200,000 
upon execution of the Amendment.

Athens will provide two annual compost giveaway 
events.

Athens will provide an annual Household Hazardous 
Waste and E-Waste dropoff event.

Athens will provide a 40-yard recycle roll-off at Sierra 
Vista Park.

(continued on page 3)


SIERRA MADRE KIWANIS INVITES YOU 
TO BECOME MEMBER FOR A DAY

8 Contestants To Compete In 

Boot Skootin' Chili-Cook Off

Peter Dills, Celebrity Judge

Henry Duenas, DJ/Line Dance 
Instructor

Saturday, July 1, 2023 6:00 pm

Sierra Madre Recreation Center

611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.

Get your tickets now at:

www.sierramadrekiwanis.com


As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to 
those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars.
Eileen Benson626.278.0187CalRE# 01880650Barbara Rogers626.484.8135CalRE# 01169115Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affi liated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All 
Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offi ces which are 
owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offi ces which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing 
Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
38 Years of Combined Experience Representing Buyers and SellersMemorial Day is the unoffi cial 
start of the Summer Real 
Estate Market. This is a great 
time to sell your house!
We experienced Renewed 
Buyer Con dence in our 
Spring 2023 Real Estate Mar-
ket fueled by low inventory, 
high demand for properties 
and stabilizing interest rates. 
 e scarcity of properties 
for sale has created a very 
competitive environment 
where Buyers are willing to 
pay top dollar to secure their 
dream home. 
Call us, we would love to 
meet with you to discuss how 
we can help you achieve your 
2023 Real Estate Goals.
Now is the Time for 
Veterans to take advantage of 
special home buying  nanc-
ing. Call us for more details!
INSIDE THIS WEEK

Sierra Madre News ............... ......Page 3

 Walking Sierra Madre

Community Calendar ................Page 4

Pasadena News ...........................Page 5

Altadena/So. Pas/San Marino.....Page 6

Arcadia/Monrovia/Duarte..........Page 7

Around SGV ...............................Page 8

 Peter Dills

Education & Youth.....................Page 9

Best Friends ...............................Page 10

The Good Life ............................Page 11

Sports - Harvey Hyde................Page 13

CELEBRAATING AMERICA

SECTION B

Opinion .....................................Page B9

Public Hearing/Legal Notices.....Pg B10

July 4th Activities...................Page B12

LAWNDALE $749,000 
3 beds 2 baths 1,214 sf Home.
ALHAMBRA $3,600/Mo 
3 beds 2 baths 1,400 sf Home.
SIERRA MADRE $999,999 
3 beds 2 baths 2,237 sf Home. 
626.355.1451c21village.comLIC# 02119245Serving the Community since 1980FOR LEASEFOR SALEFOR SALE