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AROUND TOWNAROUND TOWN

Mountain Views News Saturday, May 3, 2025


DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Library Renovations are More than Meets the Eye

It may appear as if nothing is happening at 440 W Sierra Madre Boulevard. Peeking 
through the construction fence shows a glimpse of dirt, some heavy equipment, and 
the mid-century design building still intact. However, it is what’s happening on the 
inside that counts. While keeping the outer shell of the Library, the interior has been 
stripped down to the studs, but will soon be built back up better than ever! 

The Sierra Madre Public Library received $10,669,210 in state and federal grant funding 
to accommodate a 5,000 square foot expansion, ADA and seismic upgrades, improved 
green space, new HVAC, new electrical, new plumbing, asbestos abatement, window replacement, and the addition 
of fire suppression equipment. 

With rising costs over the last few years, grant funding did not cover the total cost of renovating the Library. The City of 
Sierra Madre decided to allocate $1.8 Million from the city’s reserve funds to ensure the Library Meaningful Improvement 
Project could proceed with construction. 

 

The $12,499,210 available for the renovation’s design and construction portions does not cover the furniture, fixtures, and 
equipment (FF&E) needed for the interior of the building. Thankfully, local non-profit organizations and the community 
itself have stepped in to help. 

In June 2023, the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library pledged $400,000 from the Mary Tumilty fund, $145,000 from 
the Partners’ fund and $150,000 from their general fund to go toward FF&E costs. Starting our interior fundraising with 
$695,000, what a wonderful way to start! 

The Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society has donated proceeds from programs to support the library’s FF&E goals. 
In addition, to the generous pledge from the Friends of the Library and sponsored programs from the Historical Preservation 
Society, Robert S. Day created a trust for the Library. Effective January 2020, the Library receives $25,000 per year for 
capital or operating costs. 

To date, the trust has grown to $125,000, which the Library intends to use for FF&E 
needs. This brings the starting total to $820,000 for purchasing all interior needs like 
desks, tables, chairs, computers, shelves, and more.

The Sierra Madre Library Foundation continues to work steadfastly to raise more 
funds for the library’s furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The Library Foundation 
is helping to provide our community with a 21st Century library that will be a vital 
space for civic engagement for generations to come. 

 For more information on the renovation and/or to stay up-
to-date on new developments, visit the Library Renovation 
Transparency page: https://www.sierramadreca.gov/cityhall/
city_manager_s_office/transparency/library_survey 


Photos and rendering courtesy City of Sierra Madre

TOWN HALLINVITEMAY 146:00 PM 
LET’S TALK WEBSITETOGETHER...
222 W SIERRA MADRE BLVD., 
SIERRA MADRE, CA 91024HART PARK HOUSE SENIORCENTERTHE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE IS REFRESHINGITS WEBSITE—AND WE’D LOVE YOUR INPUT! 
JOIN US FOR A TOWN HALL TO LEARNMORE AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED.
WEBSITE INPUT SESSION
“The Sierra Madre congregation is a close-knit, 
authentic, and welcoming community striving 
to serve God and neighbor. I enjoy the intimate 
bonds and the serious study of God's plan for 
our lives.” —Doug Hurley 
212 N Lima St, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 
626-355-1817 
www.sierramadrechurch.org 
Sunday Worship, 10:00am, Refreshments and Talk Back, 11:15am 
An Easter Sermon Series – Sundays, March-May 2025 
“The Prelude to the Cross in the Old Testament” 
The heart of God that we have seen in the past is most 
intimately revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ. 
Come join us for the final month of our Easter series! 
Speakers – Check out sierramadrechurch.org for the list of dates. 
Dr. Ron Cox is Dean of 
International 
Programs and 
Professor of 
Religion at 
Pepperdine 
University. 
Dr. Tim Willis is 
Old Testament 
Professor of 
Religion at 
Pepperdine. 
Doug Hurley is 
Associate Dean of 
Student Affairs at 
Pepperdine. 
Dr. Allen Jang is a retired science 
teacher and 
presently Sifu of 
our Tai Chi class 
that meets on 
Saturdays at 
8:30am. 
SIERRA MADRE POLICE DEPARTMENT WEEKLY ACTIVITY 

REPORT APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2025

 Calls for Service Formal Investigations

April 13 to April 19 2025 264 15

Total Year to Date for 2025 4,421 202

The following represents a summary report of some of the major incidents handled by the Sierra Madre 
Police Department during this period. This list is not intended to be considered exclusive or all-inclusive.

Tuesday, April 22 Fraud

At approximately 5:30 PM, officers responded to the police station lobby in regards to a fraud investigation. 
Based on the officers investigation, an unknown person used the victim’s identity to open a phone 
account and charged thousands of dollars to the account. Officers took a report. This case as been forwarded 
to the Detective’s Bureau for further investigation.

Wednesday, April 23 Fraud

At approximately 7:00 PM, officers responded to the police station lobby in regards to a fraud investigation. 
Based on the officers investigation, unknown suspect(s) used the victim’s bank card in multiple 
fraudulent transactions totaling over $4955.00. The victim is desirous of prosecution. Officers took a 
report. This case as been forwarded to the Detective’s Bureau for further investigation

Friday, April 25 Criminal Threats

At approximately 9:00 AM, officers responded to the 400 block of E Sierra Madre Blvd in regards to a 
report of criminal threats. Based on the officers investigation, the victim was receiving multiple threatening 
text messages from unknown suspect(s). Officers took a report. This case as been forwarded to 
the Detective’s Bureau for further investigation.

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