No, Sierra Madre Isn't Altadena

This is response column to the article , published January 10 on Patch.

As a native Sierra Madrean, it is hard for me to know what it is like to live somewhere else. I've lived here all my life.  Not too much has changed from the time that I was growing up.

The biggest reason that Sierra Madre has preserved its character is that the residents make sure that it does. The residents are invested in this town. If it were not for the community involvement, we would no longer have the services and events that we enjoy today. The community organizations raise lots of money and provide volunteers so that the city can continue the , the , and the to name a few. These organizations also raise monies for other necessities of the different city departments, organizations or businesses. For example, air conditioning for the or equipment for the . The residents approved a utility user’s tax so that we could retain our own police and fire departments.  It costs a lot for a small town to stay financially solvent.

I do not live in a million dollar home and neither do my family members that live here in town.  I believe that Sierra Madre has retained some its working-class roots despite recent real estate trends. 

I can have a hearty lunch for $6 at .  I’ve had BIG dinners there with girlfriends for less than $12 each including tips because we can bring in our own wine or beer. still has good, old fashioned friendly service. has a homey, “stick around for a while” atmosphere.  I love that the women from Sierra Madre Civic Club knit there on Wednesdays and sell what they make to raise more funds.  (I am a member but I don’t knit.)

Altadena cannot be like Sierra Madre or any other place.  It is unique and there are strong reasons that someone chooses to live there. Price may not be the strongest reason. My college roommate and her husband have chosen Altadena as the place to raise their family. They are extremely happy with that choice. 

I believe that no matter where you live, community involvement is what makes the difference.

About Maria: Maria was born in the Sierra Madre Community Hospital so she considers herself a true Sierra Madre native.  She has lived here all her life except for time away while she attended UCLA and when her husband was promoted to position out of state.  She is proud to live in Sierra Madre, raise her family here and have friends and family within walking distance.

Related: