Sierra Madre is curled up in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain range. It is a small, quaint, safe, friendly village with storefronts reminiscent of the 1920's and 1930's.   
    Founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1907, Sierra Madre was developed by an ambitious entrepreneur named Nathaniel Carter, who purchased the land from Lucky Baldwin in 1875.  He laid out plans for a Utopian community that would be called "Nature's Sanitarium".  By the turn of the century, Sierra Madre was a well established, prosperous town with its own orange groves, water system, post office, city hall and amateur drama society.
    Sierra Madre is well known as a haven for artists, poets, and creative types.  Locals and visitors can be found nightly strolling through town, visiting the many coffee shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, which often feature local musicians.
    Driving down the street, you will find many types of homes ranging from Victorian and California bungalows to Traditional and Ranch.  Some homes are actually nestled in the hills.  You immediately notice the tree lined streets and gardens that bloom year around.  Due to its "lost in time" appearance, the city is often used for filming movies and commercials.
    The business district has one of almost everything. Most of the old buildings have been renovated back to their original historic structure. Sierra Madre has a mid-western quality that offers a sense of place and belonging.  It is an unforgettable, colorful link with years gone by and truly a village distinct from all others in Southern California.

Local Private Schools

Alverno High School (Catholic Girls); 9-12	626.355.3463
The Gooden School; K-8	626.355.2410
St. Rita's Catholic School; K-8	626.355.6114

Community Events

January	Rose Float Viewing, "Citizen of the Year", Chamber of Commerce Installation
February	Antique Show and Sale, Friends of the Library Wine Tasting
March	Wistaria Festival, Library Book Sale, Huck Finn Fishing Derby, St. Patrick's Day Dance
April	Creative Arts Home and Garden Tour, Easter Egg Hunt, Arbor Day Celebration, SMEAC-Earth Day, Little League
May	Mt. Wilson Trail Race, Sierra Madre Community Nursery School Carnival, Friends of the Library Art Sale, Pool Dance
June	Family Festival, Pancake Breakfast, Book Sale
July	Concerts in the Park, 4th of July Parade and Community Dance, Games in the Park
August	Sunday Concerts in the Park
September	Back to School Activities, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
October	Tennis Tournament, Book Sale, Halloween Parade and Events, Jazz on the Green, Pioneer Days
November	Pioneer Days, Women's Club Prayer Breakfast, Rose Princess Coronation Ball, Creative Arts Sale
December	Sierra Madre Fireman's Dance, Downtown Business Open House, Christmas Tree Lighting, Candlelight Walk, Rose Float Completion

Q: Are there family activities sponsored by the community?
Every quarter, the Sierra Madre Recreation Department publishes a schedule of adult and kids' activities that include:  Mommy and Me swimming, swim club, ballet, Tennis Tournaments, and Little League.  In addition, the Sierra Madre Playhouse runs continuous live productions.

Q: Is there a good police and fire department in Sierra Madre?
The city has its own police department with 25 sworn personnel within a three minute response time.  Sierra Madre has the only volunteer fire department in L.A. County.  It has been in existence for over 75 years and still holds an excellent reputation.

Q: What sports activities are located near Sierra Madre?
Within a few miles you would find the Santa Anita Race Track, Rose Bowl, Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Center, and two public 18 hole golf courses.  It is also a short commute to the Great Western Forum, Dodger Stadium, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, and Angel Stadium.

Q: Are there restaurants in the area?
There are many restaurants in the city including American, Californian, Thai, Greek, Seafood, fast foods, and a variety of coffee and tea houses.