Happy Thanksgiving


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024

VOLUME 18 NO. 47VOLUME 18 NO. 47

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides 
by Equal 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 ap-
proximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.E
Happy 
Thanksgiving! 
We are 
thankful 
for your 
business & 
referrals! 
Jan Greteman 626.975.4033lic #01943630Judy Webb-Martin 626.688.2273lic #00541631Katie Orth 626.688.0418lic #00942500
BELOVED SIERRA MADREAN

ROD SPEARS PASSES AWAY

48 YEARS OF COMMUNITY PRAYER & 
THANKSGIVING Story and Photo submitted by SMWC

 The Sierra Madre Woman’s Club’s 48th Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, held November 
20 at The Lodge for the second year, once again provided a quiet moment in space and time 
before the holidays hit, to thank our town’s many wonderful people who do so much to keep 
our town’s environment “special”. Dr. Patricia Jessup Woodlin, SMWC President, greeted 
everyone and Mistress of Ceremonies and event coordinator, Mary Carney introduced this 
year’s honored guests: John Harabedian, our own former mayor and now “our own” District 
41 CA Assembly Member, Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, PUSD Superintendent, (continued on pg 3) 


RODNEY BEN SPEARS

 August 12th 1938 To November 12th 2024

 Rodney Ben Spears passed away on November 
12th 2024 at his home in Sierra Madre 
California He was born in Los Angeles to Mary 
Karbach and Ben Spears.

 Rod worked his way through college as a 
LA County lifeguard where he caught the eye 
of Joan Marie Sheldon, a member of the LA 
Athletic Club swim team They were married in 
1957. 

 Rod completed his degree in Civil Engineering 
at Cal State LA and went to work for one 
of his profes-sors. His first project was working 
on the iconic Space Needle in Seattle. He 
continued his studies at Pacific Oaks College 
pursuing a Masters Degree in Sociology. During 
his long and diverse career he worked on 
the Disney Castle at Walt Disney World, the 
Queen Mary in Long Beach and served for 
many years as a forensic structural engineer. 
Rod was also a member of the LA County Urban 
Search and Rescue Team and served with 
them in Oklahoma City after the bombing of 
the federal building.

 Rod’s lifelong activism led him to participate 
in the Selma to Montgomery march with Dr 
Martin Luther King in 1966. 

 While raising their own family Rod and Joan 
created a summer pre-school program at All 
Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena for children 
from the local communities. The program 
was extended to St Mark’s in Altadena. 
For their endeavors All Saints recognize the 
Spears as Congregants of the Year

 Rod and Joan raised their five children in La 
Quinata where he was instrumental in starting 
(continued on page 2)


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.
We AreBringing Out The Big Dogs To 
Help Make Your 2024/25Real Estate Dreams Come True.
Fall Is The Perfect Reminder OfHow Great Change Can Be.
Is It Time To Sell Your HomeAnd Make The Move You’ve Always 
Dreamed Of?
CALL US! 
We Want To Help You 
Achieve Your 2024/25 
Real Estate GoalsRecord Low Inventory Continues To Cause A Strong Sellers Market. 
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO SELL!
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􀁈, -rNEWS WILL ONCE •" 
AGAIN SEND OUR 􀁉 -:; 
PHOTO SANTA TO 
LOOK FOR THIS YEAR' 􀁊BEST DECORATED 
HOME. 
Make certain you have your decorations 
up by: DECEMBER 16, 2024.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Photo Santa will 
drive all over town looking for the very best! 
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE 
DECEMBER 21st EDITION OF THE PAPER!
SUBJECT: BEST
INSIDE THIS WEEK

SIERRA MADRE NEWSPage 3

PASADENA NEWSPage 4

NEIGHBORING CITIES Page 5

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Page 6

EDUCATION & YOUTHPage 7

PUZZLES FOR YOUPage 8

FOOD, DRINK & FUN Page 9

FROM OUR KITCHENPage 10

 THANKSGIVIND MENU IDEAS

BEST FRIENDSPage 11 

THE GOOD LIFEPage 12

OPINION . Page 13

LEGAL NOTICESPage 14

SPORTS & FITNESSPage 16 

 Michele Kidd - 

 Thanksgiving Dinner Calorie Counter

SHOP LOCAL Page 17

DUARTE $449,0002 Beds, 2 Bath, 993 sf, TownHouseDuarte gem on quiet ground floorcorner lot with patio, pool, hot tub,
modern kitchen, and 2-car garage.
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fireplace, balcony, mountain views,
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626.355.1451c21village.comLIC# 02119245Serving the Community since 1980follow us on Social Media @c21villageFOR LEASEFOR SALEFOR SALE