tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32105707967103115052011-11-27T16:14:36.857-08:00A Sierra Madre oriented blog.BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.comBlogger1051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-7874966038565353452011-01-03T14:57:00.000-08:002011-01-03T20:39:51.380-08:00

Press Release dated January 3, 2011On Monday, December 27, 2010, the first Sierra Madre victim reported an identity theft to police after using her credit card at EVG Quality Gas, 50 S. Baldwin Ave. As of Monday noon, January 3rd, Sierra Madre police officers have taken over 175 fraud reports linked to EVG. The total loss exceeds $49,000. These numbers do not reflect others who have been

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-80801108231654010862011-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-03T20:55:19.132-08:00

Due to predictions of steady rain throughout the day, Sierra Madre's award winning float will not be on display in Kersting Court as it usually is. Head down to the Barn at 587 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. (behind the park, next to Pioneer Cemetery) and you can see the float up close and purchase flowers (a major fundraiser for the organization). Be sure to head down and enjoy the float up close, and

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-46467825303681361182011-01-01T07:40:00.001-08:002011-01-01T07:42:47.665-08:00

For the second year in a row, SMRFA won the Governor's Trophy for Best Depiction of Life in California, with this year's entry "Suenos de California"!! Congratulations to SMRFA! Please feel free to leave a congratulatory comment.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-57536285395933192052010-11-18T06:17:00.000-08:002010-11-18T08:00:52.252-08:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.While I really had no idea what to expect, the meeting far exceeded any expectations I might have had. The water rate forums, as outraged as people were, drew very few people. I went to

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-35059309622368167142010-11-14T06:13:00.000-08:002010-11-14T07:16:02.820-08:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.Last Tuesday night at City Council, four members of the Council again rebuffed Council Member MaryAnn MacGillivray, and in doing so, they cost the City money, and overlooked what I

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-84693503230673504232010-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:002010-10-28T14:09:04.484-07:00

At Tuesday night's Council meeting, City Council gave direction to Staff regarding the Water Dept.'s proposed Water Rate increase. Staff had asked for direction on seven different items. Those items were: 1) Should the City comply with the bond obligation to achieve 120% net revenues ratio, achieved after operations, capital expenditures and debt service, and by when? 2) Should the Water Utility

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-71416332329692856732010-08-10T23:44:00.000-07:002010-08-10T23:46:33.214-07:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.The City Council approved Dr. Sami's appeal of the Planning Commission's rejection of his proposed expansion project. That was the right thing to do. They had no grounds not to. The only

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-75275620531992188382010-07-29T21:37:00.000-07:002010-07-29T21:41:13.486-07:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the City Council did the right thing by setting the proposed water rate increase aside. Not only was it the right thing, it was actually an

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-810356975604504452010-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:002010-07-25T15:27:00.889-07:00

Editorial by Bill CoburnThis editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associatedThe results of the verification of resident protest letters regarding the water rate increase is to be reported to the City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting. That

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-19761270287849132132010-07-20T09:58:00.000-07:002010-07-20T10:10:55.886-07:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated Last Tuesday night at City Hall, City Clerk Nancy Shollenberger announced at the beginning of the meeting that she had 1829 letters of protest against the City's proposed water rate

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-81602506781321601592010-06-07T07:46:00.000-07:002010-06-07T07:50:48.364-07:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.Prop. 13 - LIMITS ON PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT. SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - Support. Seems like a good way to encourage building

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-1517198049736152432010-04-17T17:32:00.000-07:002010-04-17T17:39:01.028-07:00

Post-Election, 2010By Bill CoburnThis editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.Okay, it’s been a couple days. Frankly, I think what I posted on my blog more or less said it all: Yes, Yes and YES! Congratulations to our next Mayor,

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-39588643113658172182010-04-14T06:34:00.000-07:002010-04-14T06:36:59.740-07:00

Congratulations to our next Mayor, Joe Mosca, and to new council members Josh Moran and Nancy Walsh. The good people of Sierra Madre have spoken, and I think what they've said is: Enough is Enough!

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-65225007616229149062010-04-07T05:58:00.000-07:002010-04-07T06:02:49.033-07:00

Editorial by Bill Coburn This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.In a move that is being seen by many as an attempt at damage control, John Crawford yesterday announced that he is considering eliminating the comments section of

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-63713746808004566542010-04-03T00:40:00.000-07:002010-04-03T00:42:56.959-07:00

This editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated.In the days following the Santa Anita Fire in April and May of 2008, the grateful residents of this town made no secret of their gratitude to the heroes who stood along the fire lines and

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-89605043838985113912010-03-30T07:36:00.000-07:002010-03-30T08:44:26.842-07:00

I doubt anyone is going to be particularly surprised by my endorsements, but you might be surprised to learn that I was inches away from endorsing four candidates for the three spots, or endorsing three with an honorable mention. But then the candidate in question, Pat Alcorn, sent me an e-mail that actually made me realize that the reasoning she was providing to me for endorsing the other

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-81110357264458040432010-03-27T08:27:00.000-07:002010-03-29T06:14:33.351-07:00

Editorial - These People Walk Among YouBy Bill CoburnThis editorial is the opinion of Bill Coburn, publisher of Sierra Madre News Net and 15 year Sierra Madre resident. It is not intended to reflect the views of any other person or entity with whom I am associated. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t feel that a person is responsible for things that other people say. However, in this election, Candidate John

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-10085573202661831432010-02-06T19:06:00.000-08:002010-02-06T19:07:44.454-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has moved to a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities.Mandatory Evacuation orders have been lifted for all areas in the City of Sierra Madre.City officials are closely watching local rain forecasts. The National Weather Service has posted an 80% chance of rain for this evening (Saturday, 1/6/2010).A Green Flag Alert is issued when

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-55258398027423411922010-02-06T13:31:00.000-08:002010-02-06T13:34:53.402-08:00

The City Council will be meeting at 4:30pm to declare a state of emergency, which will make us eligible for additional services and money, especially if the Governor does the same thing. I went and took a look around, it doesn't look as bad as I thought it would. The Public Works folks are doing a good job cleaning up, but we're still on red flag. I tried to upload real time pics from the

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-89406593118194562372010-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:04:48.043-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Red Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The Los Angels County Public Works Department issued a Phase 2 Mud Alert. A Phase 2 Alert indicates moderate debris and mudflows at widespread locations. Phase 3 – the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Mandatory evacuations are in place.The following

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-20352111844090783892010-02-06T05:14:00.000-08:002010-02-06T06:31:45.062-08:00

(Saturday, 2/6/10, 5:05am) Just spoke with SMPD Watch Commander Kamchamnan who informed me that within the last hour there was mud flow at 801 Skyland. Skyland at that location is now closed. Sgt. Kamchamnan also informed me that the City has upgraded to Yellow Flag alert status, and we will be receiving notices from the City to that effect shortly.For official information about mudslide and

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-36205140917040703122010-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:49:30.377-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has received a "No Phase" forecast from the L.A. County Public Works Department this afternoon. The Red Flag Alert is rescinded and the City will go to a Yellow Flag Alert. At this time, all Mandatory Evacuation Orders are lifted, and residents are allowed to return to their homes. Voluntary Evacuations are still in effect for the entire "Upper" canyon areas, "Lower"

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-19487760215019543752010-01-20T11:37:00.000-08:002010-01-20T11:38:45.220-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has expanded the Mandatory Evacuation Order to cover the entire “Upper” canyon areas and the entire “Lower” canyon areas.Additional locations for Mandatory Evacuation Orders are possible for the next 48 hours.Road Closures will take effect at various locations leading to the Mandatory Evacuation Order locations. These closures will be strictly enforced by the Sierra Madre

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-45096455049223311432010-01-20T08:19:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:21:14.552-08:00

City of Sierra Madre: Red Flag Alert 1/20/2010, 8:00AM.Sierra Madre has made it through the first round of this week’s major storm event. There have been no reports of any injuries or major property damage. Skyland Drive has once again experienced the largest amounts of debris flows in the City.The City would like to advise all residents that we have now issued a Red Flag Alert as a result of a

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-45220172637449458372010-01-01T06:16:00.000-08:002010-01-01T06:24:29.907-08:00

Congratulations to the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association, whose float "California Girls" won for the Association its FIFTH CONSECUTIVE AWARD. This year's float won the Governor's Trophy, given for Best Depiction of Life in California. Way to go SMRFA!! Click above photo to see it larger. Click the following link to view video of the final judging of "California Girls." http://www.youtube.com/

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-86230089166987329542009-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:002009-12-13T08:47:12.897-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has rescinded the Yellow Flag alert and is now at a "no flag alert" situation. The Los Angeles County of Public Works has posted a message early this morning that their debris and mudflow potential forecast is not warranted at this time. Crews are working to clean up the mud that has been deposited on city streets. The City would like to thank everyone for their diligent

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-88883878689688152292009-12-13T08:11:00.000-08:002009-12-13T09:00:51.139-08:00

Sent from iPhone. For more detail and additional (better) photos, visit www.SierraMudre.info

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-73536449213811453722009-12-13T07:11:00.000-08:002009-12-13T07:13:46.766-08:00

LACDPW has announced at 6:49am that “WATER RESOURCES DIVISION HAS DETERMINED THAT A DEBRIS AND MUDFLOW POTENTIAL FORECAST IS NOT WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.” In other words, Phase I alert for Sierra Madre has ended. This should also result in the City announcing shortly that Yellow Flag alert has ended.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-84143378483795375772009-12-12T22:06:00.001-08:002009-12-12T22:06:10.319-08:00

Went up Stonehouse by search and rescue. Dead end looks like potential for mud but the street is clear as of now. LACDPW is here too.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-46058092640899585712009-12-12T21:52:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:52:56.517-08:00

Camillo, Lotus and Sunrise Hill all clear. LACDPW coming down as I went up again. They're all over.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-2648222684405501832009-12-12T21:41:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:41:02.115-08:00

Woodland, Alta Vista and Yucca Trail all clear. LACDPW truck coming down Woodland as I we t up.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-6950504199706733522009-12-12T21:33:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:33:11.578-08:00

Mud on Skyland pretty much stops at Idlehour.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-7119792031656285422009-12-12T21:25:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:25:43.371-08:00

Skyland is closed due to mud.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-52137185761461333512009-12-12T21:18:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:18:11.704-08:00

1 Carter and 1 Carter east all clear. Truck pulling out from behind closed gates at top of Baldwin as I went by so somebody is monitoring it.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-10518650235325224242009-12-12T21:10:00.001-08:002009-12-12T21:10:42.003-08:00

Auburn debris basin looks good. LACDPW truck driving up as I left.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-10344361434839397712009-12-12T17:54:00.001-08:002009-12-12T17:55:40.683-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Yellow Flag Alert effective immediately. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has issued a Phase 1 Mudflow forecast as of 8:00 AM, Saturday, December 12, 2009.A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations. Streets may once again be flooded or blocked by debris. Woodland Drive, Skyland Drive, and

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-11838645160728263792009-09-11T09:54:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:57:45.479-07:00

I've posted on the News Net site a seven article series that I first ran in 2006, for the five-year anniversary of 9/11. It's quite long, and in places repetitive, but it tells the story of two amazing men, and a father's love for his son. You can read it here. http://www.sierramadrenews.net/napolitano.htm You may want to split it up into a few readings, it was spread out over seven weeks

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-79454328364517584272009-09-02T17:12:00.000-07:002009-09-02T17:14:01.974-07:00

A community meeting will be conducted by the Station Fire Incident Management Team (IMT) on Thursday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m., to update residents of Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia about the Station Fire that has been burning since last Thursday. City of Sierra Madre officials will be present as well.The meeting will be at Pasadena Church of the Nazarene’s Lee Chapel, 3700 E. Sierra Madre

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-27537902024059210922009-09-02T16:08:00.000-07:002009-09-02T17:14:26.528-07:00

Spoke with Chief Heydorf around 2:30, who told me that the fire is a couple ridges away, nothing imminent. I pointed out that in the last several days, I'd seen it look much closer than it does now, yet today the news keeps reporting that they ar trying to make sure it doesn't get to Sierra Madre, Monrovia and Altadena. Chief told me that at the briefing this morning, they were told that if it

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-62479826120045202512009-08-30T14:17:00.001-07:002009-08-30T14:17:04.223-07:00

Tonight's musical theater in the park is postponed due to air quality health concerns. Check back here soon for rescheduling info

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-76450397669938453092009-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:002009-08-29T15:43:50.764-07:00

In two interviews with Sierra Madre Police Chief Marilyn Diaz Thursday and Friday, the Chief informed me that approximately two weeks ago she received word from the District Attorney that in the SMPD Officer Involved Shooting on Jan. 30th, the D.A.’s office “declined to press charges, because they found no criminal intent.” As reported on SierraMadreNews.Net on Jan. 30th, an unidentified SMPD

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-15981117197866289052009-08-05T22:42:00.000-07:002009-08-05T22:48:14.902-07:00

An item on an upcoming Sierra Madre City Council meeting agenda has caught my attention, and I suspect possibly the attention of many of the readers of this newspaper. The Council is being asked to consider whether or not Sierra Madre should continue its membership in the Southern California Association of Governments, (SCAG). According to SCAG’s website, “Over the past four decades, the

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-76855794082837043492009-08-05T12:44:00.000-07:002009-08-05T13:33:04.157-07:00

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-24690651733838460512009-07-04T05:50:00.000-07:002009-07-04T05:52:11.132-07:00

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-32454696441899301422009-05-26T22:53:00.000-07:002009-05-26T23:47:21.520-07:00

Reactions of some of the Gubernatorial candidates to the State Supreme Court's ruling upholding Prop. 8.Democratic CandidatesSan Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom -- "California at its best is a beacon of equal rights and equal opportunities. If we want to prosper together, we must respect each other. That's why we must resolve to overturn this decision. Let this work start today." Source: San Jose

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-45871679539945609862009-04-28T22:52:00.000-07:002009-04-28T23:02:41.256-07:00

After about an hour or so of listening to the residents of Sierra Madre who had come down to participate in the democratic process, making often impassioned speeches stating the reasons why they thought our next mayor should be Council Member Joe Mosca or Mayor Pro Tem Maryann MacGillivray, Council Member Don Watts ultimately decided that neither the opinions of the electorate nor the democratic

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-38740788674636424492009-04-03T01:50:00.000-07:002009-04-03T01:51:22.763-07:00

The Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce April Mixer will be held at Santa Anita Park in the Baldwin Conference room on Thursday, April 9th at 7:30am. The Baldwin Conference room includes views of morning workouts which will be taking place at the same time. Attendees will have a chance to observe some of the horses at the track being put through their paces as they enjoy the continental breakfast

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-53084641845067529562009-03-28T10:33:00.001-07:002009-03-28T10:33:33.255-07:00

Public works open house and SIerra Madre Social going On at city yard right now through noon. Sent from field via cellular phone.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-22053757955213225982009-03-26T07:16:00.000-07:002009-03-26T07:17:49.601-07:00

After nearly three hours of discussion, most of it by proponents and opponents during the community comment portion of the decision making process, City Council added the following words to the City's ordinance that prohibits smoking in certain places: "No person shall smoke in any part of any restaurant, bar, cafe, deli or other public place where food or beverage is sold, served or offered for

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-54402467977589229572009-03-24T13:54:00.000-07:002009-03-24T13:58:09.889-07:00

I received a letter to the editor today in regards to the smoking restriction on tonight's City Council Agenda. The letter writer is unable to access my blog for some reason, and asked that I post her letter on the blog for her while she tries to figure out what is stopping her from posting herself. Unfortunately, this means that unless she figures out what the issue is, she may not be able to

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-69576553253237251882009-03-06T04:38:00.000-08:002009-03-06T05:16:42.019-08:00

With a Little Consideration and Civility Toward Each Other and Respect for Each Other's Rights, Sierra Madre Can Handle This Smoking Issue Without Having to Legislate ItFirst, let me say that I’m writing this editorial as a 15-year resident of Sierra Madre and publisher of SierraMadreNews.Net. The opinions you will read here are my opinions, and they are not intended to be representative of the

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-68538795334706908212009-03-05T17:31:00.000-08:002009-03-06T10:02:03.502-08:00

I spoke this morning with the press department of the LA Sheriff's Dept. regarding the Officer Involved Shooting of Jan. 30th. They again read me the same press release that was issued the day of the shooting. I pointed out that this is five weeks later, and I'm still hearing the same thing I heard the day of the shooting. I was again told that maybe I could get more information from the

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-18604995404877106472009-03-04T11:37:00.001-08:002009-03-04T11:37:14.421-08:00

Channel nine will broadcast live from vine at twelve thirty ish.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-58127952528806614122009-02-16T18:09:00.000-08:002009-02-16T18:12:01.441-08:00

The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has declared a no phase mudflow forecast from the Santa Anita Fire burn area.The City would like to thank the residents for their continued preparation and due diligence during this rainstorm.Additional information on how to

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-55374032977272970842009-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:002009-02-15T18:56:03.510-08:00

LACDPW has issued a Phase II watch for Sierra Madre, and the City has upgraded to Red Flag Alert Status. Both notices are posted at www.SierraMudre.Info. The City's emergency blog address is http://sierramadrepio.blogspot.com

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-73827659535032238882009-02-13T11:22:00.000-08:002009-02-13T11:29:09.843-08:00

2/13/09 10:45AM - Pulled from National Weather Service website, emphasis mine Latest models have slowed down the next significant storm system that was due to affect the forecast by Sunday. However...the progression has slowed nearly 8 to 12 hours. Therefore the  much stronger...storm system will begin to move across the area by Sunday  afternoon to the north and through Ventura and Los Angeles

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-56111425970783240902009-02-12T05:38:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:55:07.733-08:00

Pulled from the National Weather Service website, late Saturday and Sunday are of particular concern:ON FRIDAY...The first storm will move into the area with rain tapering off Friday night. Forecast mdls have begun to trend up the precip amounts with this storm as the front is forecast to hold together fairly well as it moves across the area. Current rainfall forecasts call for a half inch to an

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-20669041830034787342009-02-09T13:21:00.001-08:002009-02-09T13:21:06.394-08:00

CELL PHONE UPDATE City extended yellow flag alert at nine this morning

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-71285625602611034552009-02-03T14:42:00.000-08:002009-02-04T06:48:30.356-08:00

Sierra Madre News Net's Wistaria Festival page has now been updated with a video that features nearly 100 photos from the 2007 Festival (I was working in the park all day in 2008, so I have very few photos from last year. But that's okay, the vine was in better shape in 2007 than it was last year, so the pictures are better). The video soundtrack is audio I pulled from a video I shot of Horses on

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-40808738799458981612009-01-21T17:44:00.000-08:002009-01-21T17:47:06.197-08:00

At 4:52pm, I received notice that LACDPW had issued a Phase 1 watch, and at 5:34pm, I was notified that the City has upgraded to a Yellow Flag Alert status. Both notices have now been posted at www.SierraMudre.Info.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-61699277825507305342009-01-20T10:51:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:53:15.325-08:00

Posted at SierraMudre.Info:The National Weather Service has posted an 80% chance of rain for Wednesday, with enough precipitation to produce debris flows. Thus, the City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert. For more information please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-59764585951267857382009-01-16T17:37:00.000-08:002009-01-16T17:42:28.607-08:00

From Assemblyman Anthony Adams: Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) offered the following comments in response to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's annual State of the State address, which he delivered to a joint session of the Legislature on January 15, 2009.''There is no doubt the challenges before us are great. But great challenges provide the opportunity for great success. Now is the time

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-51818293202265895032009-01-16T06:38:00.000-08:002009-01-16T06:42:53.781-08:00

Dread Zeppelin will appear at the Sierra Madre School Auditorium in the First Annual Family Concert on Friday, Feb. 6th at 7pm. There will also be special appearances by The Late Bloomers and DC3. Funds generated will benefit the Sierra Madre School Annual Fund. For more complete information, click here to view the flyer.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-35627680133113497322009-01-12T23:00:00.000-08:002009-01-12T23:26:47.206-08:00

In Sunday's NY Times, columnist Thomas Friedman discusses the need for America to use part of the economic stimulus to change the current education system. Unlike California, where the latest plan is to cut five days out of the school year to save money, Friedman argues that money should be invested in education, so that more Americans will be prepared to create the innovations that will lead to

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-3798863818933845862009-01-01T07:07:00.000-08:002009-01-04T06:23:21.330-08:00

The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association and float designer Charles Meier were again awarded the Lathrop K. Leishman Award for Most Beautiful Non-Commercial Float. This is the fourth year in a row that the Sierra Madre float has been a winner. In 2008, "Valentine's Day" won the Princess' Trophy. In 2007, "Our Wonderful Wistaria" also won the Lathrop K. Leishman Award. In 2006, "Wonder of Reading"

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-47687627363570889512008-12-29T07:13:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:01:48.104-08:00

I've posted "A Look Back at 2008" on the SierraMadreNews.Net website, with links to somewhere in the range of one hundred events that the News Net covered in the past year which took place in Sierra Madre or involved Sierra Madreans. I have about a dozen events that I'm still working on posting, but there's enough posted to keep those that are interested busy for a little while. Be sure to check

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-37280207387698845292008-12-25T21:22:00.001-08:002008-12-25T23:30:11.357-08:00

Just discovered a message from the city from the five thirty range that the city has downgraded to green flag alert status. Posted from cellphone.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-13929055804423264832008-12-25T13:24:00.000-08:002008-12-25T13:26:30.352-08:00

12/25/08, 1:20pm - Just took a drive around, shortly after we'd had a bit of a downpour, probably the hardest rain of the "storm" so far. Went up by One Carter, up to Skyland, over by Mary's Market up past Yucca Drive to Skyland, then up Camillo onto Sunrise Hill. Everything looks pretty good. Saw some dirty water on Woodland, looked like it came down off Yucca Trail, but it was just dirty

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-2807356924845424962008-12-25T08:34:00.000-08:002008-12-25T08:35:19.531-08:00

Just received word from City staff that they are in the process of downgrading to Yellow Flag alert. Should be official any minute.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-20743692854302104272008-12-25T07:05:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:16:29.537-08:00

LACDPW Extends Alert through 4am, 12/26/08, Downgrades to Phase I, received at 6:25am, posted at Sierra Mudre.Info at 6:56am.LACDPW has extended its Mudflow Alert through 4am tomorrow, December 26th, with a change in status to Phase I, The notice can be viewed at www.SierraMudre.Info.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-1656986326269281252008-12-25T04:05:00.000-08:002008-12-25T04:06:29.986-08:00

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-65882227090528971952008-12-24T18:29:00.001-08:002008-12-24T18:31:00.727-08:00

LACDPW Extends Phase II Alert through 4pm, Christmas, received 6:07pm, posted at Sierra Mudre.Info at 6:21pmLACDPW has extended its Phase II Alert through 4pm tomorrow, Christmas day. No change in status, just an extension of the time frame. The notice can be viewed at www.SierraMudre.Info.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-24759048589223798052008-12-24T10:51:00.000-08:002008-12-24T10:53:10.607-08:00

The LACDPW has issued a Phase II alert, and the City of Sierra Madre has upgraded to Red Flag status. Both notices are posted at www.SierraMudre.Info.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-45133459006307439052008-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:002008-12-23T14:21:08.479-08:00

Received from the City of Sierra Madre at 1:37pm, 12/23/08, posted on www.SierraMudre.Info at 2pmThe City of Sierra Madre spoke this morning with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works who is expecting a Phase 1, possibly a Phase 2 mudflow prediction for Christmas Eve. LACDPW will not actually make the forecast until the National Weather Service provides a more accurate rainfall

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-76418222344193541342008-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:002008-12-22T10:18:54.807-08:00

Received from the City of Sierra Madre at 10am, posted on SierraMudre.Info at 10:13am:Today’s National Weather Service forecast calls for 70% chance of rain, albeit the amount of rainfall should not exceed 0/3” in any 6 hour period.The forecast for the week shows at least a 20% chance of rain every day through Christmas. If we do get rain every day, soil saturation levels may generate mud flow

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-71509631552748604162008-12-18T09:17:00.000-08:002008-12-18T09:21:51.675-08:00

At 9:10am, the City's emergency blog noted that the City has repealed the Yellow Flag warning. At 9:12, the www.SierraMudre.Info website was updated to reflect the new status.Here's the City's announcement:The Los Angeles County of Public Works has removed the Phase 1 mudflow alert and the National Weather Service is not predicting any chance of precipitation for today, Thursday, December 18,

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-77550192026583719922008-12-17T07:41:00.000-08:002008-12-17T07:43:29.201-08:00

LACDPW Extends Alert till 4am 12/18/08, received 7:29am, posted at SierraMudre.Info at 7:40amNo change in status for Sierra Madre, but the alert has been extended through 4am tomorrow. The document is available for viewing at www.SierraMudre.Info.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-76100938926338604512008-12-16T19:21:00.000-08:002008-12-18T11:29:45.383-08:00

LACDPW has upgraded mudflow alert status to phase 1, and the City of Sierra Madre has upgraded to Yellow Flag Alert status. For more information, visit www.SierraMudre.Info. Please note that SierraMudre.Info will be the first location I will update as news and information becomes available during an event. This blog and SierraMadreNews.net may not be updated, depending on how things are going, so

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-5298804182303585342008-12-15T17:42:00.000-08:002008-12-15T17:44:57.790-08:00

The following was posted on the City emergency website at 3:49pm."The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. There is still a 20% change of rain through this evening and residents are encouraged to remain diligent. The National Weather Service has also posted a 40% chance of rain for tomorrow (Tuesday 12/15/08) day

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-70288305902592241932008-12-14T17:44:00.001-08:002008-12-14T17:45:56.798-08:00

LACDPW Extends Mudflow alert till 1600pm on 12/15/08 - received 4:44pm, posted 5:38pmNo change in status for Sierra Madre, but the alert has been extended through 4pm tomorrow. Here's the document.

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-72867357820402106722008-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:002008-12-14T09:25:50.670-08:00

City of Sierra Madre Issues Yellow Flag Alert Warning, 9:02am, 12/14/08, posted on SierraMudre.Info at 9:12amThe City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is saying light rain will start at 4 pm today, Sunday, December 14, turning to heavy rain at 10 pm. NWS has issued a flash flood watch. It is

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-47561840326275391872008-12-14T08:07:00.000-08:002008-12-14T08:14:08.192-08:00

LADPW Debris and Mudflow Forecast Alert, 7:03am, 12/14/08 - posted on SierraMudre.info at 8:03am Received the following from LADPW mudflow alert system via e-mail: Duration time period 4am 12/14/08 - 4am 12/15/08 referencing National Weather Service at 3am on 12/14/08 - MUDFLOW Forecast Level - Phase I - It is recommended that emergency response entities monitor the following areas for

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-30326441811633752032008-11-27T09:24:00.000-08:002008-11-27T13:38:34.485-08:00

I was talking with James MacPherson of PasadenaNow.com the other day, and he was talking about possibly doing a live webcast of the DooDah Parade, and we were discussing announcers. I suggested it would be great if he could get Stephanie Edwards to do it. James told me that she is back on the Channel 5 broadcast this year. I hadn't heard anything about it, but KTLA's website confirms it!! I was

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-58965922961236235802008-11-27T07:37:00.000-08:002008-11-27T07:45:46.145-08:00

I'm thankful for many reasons on this Thanksgiving day. Here are just a couple... I'm thankful that despite the nearly brush free hills behind us, we survived what is reported to be 1.5" or more of rain, with very little damage (I know those of you in the muddied Skyland area probably don't consider it little damage, but when I think of what might have been....). I'm thankful that my wife and

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-48131480608892004462008-11-26T20:21:00.000-08:002008-11-26T20:31:15.430-08:00

I was out of the office most of the day, and didn't get around to see things, but people sent me stuff and posted, so here's an update. At 11:15am, a post was made to my blog that Mary had mud at 801 Skyland. At 4:17, I received an e-mail with two pictures from Mary Dotson, who lives up on Skyland and commented that the "City is doing a wonderful job of cleaning up. These Public Works guys are

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-41872459198843211482008-11-26T06:20:00.001-08:002008-11-26T06:20:52.804-08:00

6:20am - I didn't go everywhere, but where I went, everything looks so good, I think it's safe to say we dodged a bullet. When I went to bed around 1am, it was raining pretty steady, and had been since shortly after midnight. Got up this am, and the clouds are pretty well breaking over the SGV, and the streets are clear. Went up Churchill, checked out Canyon Crest, Skyland, all clear. Went up

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-50643472484262318472008-11-26T00:08:00.000-08:002008-11-26T00:10:38.287-08:00

Just posted the following at SierraMudre.Info. If you want to view the pictures that I reference in the post, they're posted there.11/26/08, 12:05am - Started out at the City Yard, where there were a couple hundred filled sand bags, and lots of empty ones there for folks who need them. Left and went up Woodland to Yucca Trail, everything is clear there. There was a small stream of water

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-16579401295562960662008-11-25T22:18:00.000-08:002008-11-26T00:11:07.810-08:00

The rain started coming down just a little after 8pm. It's about 10:30 now. I'm going to head out and drive to a couple of the areas that are of concern, just to see how things are holding up, maybe talk to some of the City people monitoring things to see what I can learn. Not sure how far the police will let me go, though I haven't received notice of any closed streets or anything. Just checked

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-74301209463493517542008-11-19T12:18:00.000-08:002008-11-19T12:34:13.020-08:00

Just received this press release from Congressman Dreier's office... Photo at left from the 2008 Memorial Day Service at Pioneer Cemetary, photo by Bill CoburnCongressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) was unanimously reelected by his colleagues today to continue serving as Chairman of the California Congressional Delegation in the 111th Congress. Dreier said he will continue to advocate for

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-11108398313929142242008-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:002008-11-18T17:37:43.316-08:00

Spotlight on Sierra Madre Volunteers is a new weekly column that will spotlight the people who donate their time to help keep their city ticking. Check back each week to see which of the folks you work side by side with is being recognized in the latest edition.Photo by Bill Coburn"Sierra Madre is unique. My impression is that Sierra Madre has more volunteers per capita than anywhere else." --

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-15653508462058388062008-11-18T12:40:00.000-08:002008-11-18T14:50:04.109-08:00

www.SierraMudre.info

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-21378999257090004402008-11-17T10:29:00.000-08:002008-11-17T10:39:41.306-08:00

I've posted on my Sierra Madre News Net website the Public Works Department's most recent (updated 11/6/08) PowerPoint slideshow that details the City's preparations for the anticipated debris flow. Because PowerPoint is Microsoft, you'll want to view it in Internet Explore (Mozilla Firefox shows the information, but everything is smaller, pictures are out of position, etc.). The presentation

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-36874506613117584632008-11-17T08:15:00.000-08:002008-11-17T08:59:41.281-08:00

Over at the Crime Scene Blog, Frank Girardot has posted a link to SGVN's recent Disaster Awareness Guide publication. It's kind of a long download, at 14mb, but definitely worth the wait, as it is filled with all kinds of information about preparation for fire, quakes, floods and terrorism. It goes into far more detail in getting ready than anything I've seen. It also has lots of links to

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-66932685896175739492008-11-12T12:31:00.001-08:002008-11-12T13:05:57.418-08:00

I've just posted a new edition of "Catching Up With..." on my SierraMadreNews.Net website. Catching Up With... is an occasional interview column where I chat and/or carry on an e-mail dialogue with people that I think might hold an interest for News Net readers. This edition of the column includes a telephone interview I conducted with Sierra Madre Police Chief Marilyn Diaz.Catching Up With…

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-64635841703214596652008-11-12T08:46:00.000-08:002008-11-12T08:53:37.816-08:00

There's been a lot of talk the last few days about the danger to the US economy if the big 3 automakers continue on their downward trend and go under. A lot of people are calling for a bailout, which would cost at the minimum tens of billions of dollars. In today's NY Times, Thomas Friedman writes about the crisis, noting that automakers have turned their back on innovation in order to continue

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-71671606695041030902008-11-11T03:02:00.001-08:002008-11-11T03:21:47.625-08:00

At the VFW Post 3208 Veteran's Day Memorial Service on Sunday, two American heroes spoke. Bill Newbery (bottom photo) spoke about his WWII service, which earned him numerous decorations and awards. Along with his other service, Bill was at the Battle of the Bulge. Gordon Caldwell (top photo) was aboard the USS Saratoga when it withstood 7 bombs and 5 kamikaze hits. These are just two of many WWII

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-5834136386184116022008-11-07T10:29:00.000-08:002008-11-07T11:02:39.459-08:00

Click here for the complete breakdown of how Sierra Madre voted in Tuesday's election, but here are a few results that I thought people might be interested in...Sierra Madreans voted for President-elect Barack Obama over Senator John McCain by roughly a 3 to 2 margin, 3,053 to 2,185. Ralph Nader picked up 53 votes from our village, and Bob Barr, Alan Keyes and Cynthia McKinney also all got some

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-76462022098075251912008-11-07T06:59:00.000-08:002008-11-07T07:17:33.553-08:00

Alfred Lee over at the Star News reports that the Sierra Madre Police Officers Association (SMPOA) has taken a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Marilyn Diaz. According to Lee, the officers cited a lack of leadership and invasions of privacy. The SMPOA recently filed lawsuits against the Chief and the City citing the same issues. Lee quotes Mayor Kurt Zimmerman as saying "I can only speak for

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-2613532796191423752008-11-07T06:42:00.000-08:002008-11-07T06:57:29.982-08:00

According to an article by Rebecca Kimitch in the Pasadena Star News, Governor Schwarzenegger has called for slashing the K-12 budget by $2.5 billion, and increasing sales tax by 1.5% for three years, extending the tax to areas that are not currently taxed, such as amusement park tickets, greens fees and services such as auto repair. The education cuts would not be made by laying off teachers,

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3210570796710311505.post-30001214668092961162008-11-06T13:50:00.001-08:002008-11-06T13:59:27.115-08:00

A recent publication by the City in regards to the anticipated mud and debris flow from this winter's rains had the following statement: "Homeowner ResponsibilityAs homeowner’s (sic), we all have the responsibility to protect our own property, and we cannot rely on the City to individually aid our homes during a rain event. What each of us does (or does not do) to protect our own property can

BillCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02918787975315964367noreply@blogger.com0