Mountain Views News          Saturday, July 31, 2010

4

 
Mountain Views News Saturday, July 31, 2010


Crash Test 
Dummy 
Makes History

ARTS Sunday Services Nixed

By Dean Lee

 A dramatic 18 percent drop in 
sales tax revenue over the last 
two years has now led the city 
to eliminate all Pasadena Area 
Rapid Transit System services 
on Sundays —the popular 
citywide bus system is almost 
entirely funded by decades old 
Propositions A and C sales-tax 
surcharges. 

 “In 2008 we received $2,334,000 
in Prop A sales tax,” said Cathi 
Cole the city’s Transportation 
Manager. “In 2010 it was down 
to just a little over $1.9 million. 
Between those two sources 
[Propositions A and C] it’s 
been real difficult for us.” 

 The change takes effect August 
1. Cole said, on average, 1,200 
people ride the busses on 
Sundays. Ridership weekdays 
averages 5,800 she said. 

 “We’re fairly confident 
that there is another service 
alternatives on Sundays,” Cole 
said. “We think that with the 
Metro service in place, and 
Foothill Transit, that people 
will have alternatives.”

 The city was operating six 
ARTS bus lines on Sundays. 

 Los Angeles County 
Metropolitan Transportation 
Authority bus fairs are $1.50, 
having gone up last month, 
compared to the 75 cents for the 
city’s ARTS bus. The Foothill 
Transit fair is $1.00 and routes 
are limited to Colorado and 
Foothill Boulevards. 

 Cole also said the city’s Dial-
a-ride was also an option 
for seniors and people with 
disabilities. She said there is 
a registration process for the 
service.

 She also said that First Transit, 
who operates the busses, had 
to layoff drivers. The city’s 
contract did not have to be 
renegotiated.

 “We’re allowed under the 
contract to adjust service levels 
up to 15 percent one way or the 
other.” 

 She also said drivers were 
offered employment at other 
First Transit locations. 

 The cuts in service may not be 
permanent. 

 “If the economy improves, 
and we can get back to our sales 
tax base being what it has been 
in the past, we can add service 
back.” Although she explained 
that because the decision was 
tied to next year’s budget that 
would not likely be in the 
foreseeable future. 

She also said that although 
they took in 19 percent more 
in “cashbox” money last year in 
fairs, as a direct result of being 
raised to 75 cents, the money 
accounts for only 13 percent of 
the total operation cost. “That’s 
a very small portion of our 
revenue.”

 She also said they looked at 
other options to reduce service 
hours including eliminating 
bus lines altogether something 
done last year with the 
elimination of route 70 from 
Old Pasadena to Avenue 64. 
“That was a stopgap measure,” 
she said. 

 “One of the options we also 
had was to go to an hourly 
headway on the weekends,” 
she said. “The frequency of the 
busses, change that to an hour 
or more.” 

 She said both would have 
had more impact than the 
elimination of Sunday.

 Cole said other ARTS service 
changes include a restructured 
route 10 that will now travel 
on South Lake Avenue better 
connecting Old Pasadena and 
the Playhouse District. The 
route has also been changed to 
run every 25 minutes weekdays 
compared to 15 minutes 
previously. 

 A news release sent Wednesday 
added that, new limited 
Saturday service on Route 51 
will travel to the Rose Bowl 
Stadium from the Memorial 
Park Gold Line Station. The 
service from Raymond Avenue 
and Holly Street will start at 
7:30 a.m. with the last bus 
leaving the Rose Bowl Stadium 
at 7:57 p.m.

 For more information visit 
www.cityofpasadena.net/
artsbus or call (626) 398-8973.


Art on View: Three Founts 
Installation by Lynn Aldrich

 Whitney Rydbeck, Pasadena 
City College assistant 
professor of theatre arts, 
participated in a ceremony 
at the Smithsonian’s National 
Museum of American History 
last month recognizing his 
pivotal role as “Larry” in 
the award-winning crash 
test dummy public service 
announcements. He donated 
his well-worn costume to an 
exhibit highlighting 75-years 
of auto-safety innovation 
alongside fellow actor Tony 
Reitano, who played the role 
of “Vince.”

 Rydbeck’s tenure as Larry 
began in 1990 when a friend 
referred him to the audition. 
“The main challenge was if I 
could fit into the helmet/head 
piece,” Rydbeck remembers. 
“It was custom-made and 
would have been expensive to 
rebuild.” Fortunately, his head 
was just the right size and he 
landed the part. Rydbeck’s first 
spot was “Celebrity Roast,” 
where Vince and Larry were 
roasted by comediansHenny 
Youngman, Jack Carter, 
Charles Nelson Reilley, 
and Phyllis Diller.

 As crash dummies -- or safety 
crash devices -- the accident-
prone duo have sacrificed 
piles of arms, suffered battered 
chests, and endured countless 
cases of whiplash, all in the 
name of protecting drivers 
and passengers. Now, some of 
their body parts and costumes 
belong to the Smithsonian’s 
National Museum of 
American History, which on 
July 14 accepted a donation 
of several objects that reflect 
the evolution of automobile 
safety from the 1920s to the 
present.

 “I was so honored to hear 
from Roger White, an associate 
curator at the Smithsonian, 
that we would be a part on the 
exhibit in D.C.,” Rydbeck said. 
“It seems the Department of 
Transportation’spublic service 
campaign with Vince and 
Larry ‘You can Learn a lot 
from a Dummy’ was pivotal in 
getting people to buckle-up.”

 Along with the Vince and 
Larry costumes, the museum 
also received literature from 
theAmerican Automobile 
Association, a seat with a 
three-point seat belt from a 
1961 Volvo, and a padded 
dashboard invented by a 
reconstructive plastic surgeon.

 Three Founts, a new site-
specific work by artist Lynn 
Aldrich, is on view in the 
courtyard at One Colorado. 
Aldrich draws from Pasadena 
history to create a fanciful and 
tranquil fountain that acts as a 
respite for visitors to beat the 
summer heat. The piece will be 
on view through November 7.

 Inspired by the numerous 
bronze plaques in Old Pasadena 
that tell of the history of 
select buildings and alleys, 
Aldrich came across one at 
One Colorado that read “...
at this location, in 1888, the 
Salvation Army held its first 
meeting in Pasadena.” She was 
encouraged to know that over 
120 years ago, a force for good 
was at work on the existing 
cobblestones of the commercial 
space. The Salvation Army 
went on to become, and still is, 
a much needed and admired 
organization in Pasadena. Three 
Founts honors the dedication 
and service of their men and 
women by recalling one of 
the old Protestant hymns they 
famously played in their street 
brass bands -- “Come Thou 
Fount of Every Blessing”. 

 In her signature style, Aldrich 
creates the work out of clustered 
hoses in multiple shades of blue 
and green, which sprout out of 
three flower pots on fabricated 
plant stands. From most of their 
tiny, brass hose ends, a trickle 
of water will fall into the pond 
covered in floating plants. It is 
Aldrich’s hope that the people 
of Pasadena will consider the 
fountain a “blessing” - a site 
to slow down and take a break 
from working, shopping, dining 
or visiting before returning to 
their activities with renewed 
energy.

Los Angeles Sparks to Host 
2nd Annual Pasadena Night

 Sparks Promote 
Water Conservation 
Awareness As They 
Take On Chicago Sky

 The Los Angeles Sparks 
will host the 2nd Annual 
“City of Pasadena Night ” 
Wednesday, August 4th, 
when they take on the 
Chicago Sky at 7:30pm at 
STAPLES Center . 

 The Sparks have partnered 
with Ideal Youth, Inc. to 
present “City of Pasadena 
Night ” to promote Pasadena 
‘s commitment to the 
community and highlight 
local youth programs and 
campaigns. The night will 
also spotlight the 2010 Water 
Conservation Awareness 
campaign of Pasadena Water 
and Power (PWP).

 “The youth have been 
impacted by the cutbacks 
in their school and after-
school programs,” said 
Ishmael Trone, Pasadena 
CDC Commissioner. “I 
am thankful to the Sparks 
for providing the City of 
Pasadena the platform 
to showcase and support 
Pasadena ’s youth, this will 
be an unforgettable evening. 
It is also encouraging 
that the Sparks share 
in our commitment to 
educate the community 
of the importance water 
conservation.”

 During “City of Pasadena 
Night ” Sparks fans will enjoy 
performances by Pasadena 
youth groups including the 
Sue B. Dance Company, 
Muir High School cheer 
squad and Drum Line, the 
Jr. Sigma Betas, Neighbors 
Empowering Youth (NEY), 
Program Robotics Club and 
youth basketball programs. 
The festivities will continue 
with on-court recognition of 
Ideal Youth’s 2010 internship 
program graduates by 
Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard 
and Pasadena Unified School 
District Superintendent 
Edwin Diaz.

 “I am so proud to represent 
Pasadena for this very special 
Sparks event,” said Phyllis E. 
Currie, General Manager 
of PWP. “This is a truly 
exciting occasion that will 
bring attention to two very 
important issues in Pasadena 
, water conservation and the 
professional development 
of young adults. I’m really 
hoping that Pasadena will 
turn out to show their 
support for two great causes 
– and of course cheer on our 
Sparks team too!”

 A VIP Reception hosted by 
Pasadena Councilmember 
Chris Holden will take 
place in the Chairman’s 
Room welcoming Pasadena 
‘s new Police Chief Phillip 
Sanchez. PWP General 
Manager Phyllis Currie and 
Assembly Member Anthony 
Portantino will serve as 
honorary coaches for the 
Sparks game.

 “We are thrilled to be able 
to continue our relationship 
with Pasadena for a second 
year and to support the youth 
of Pasadena and highlight 
their accomplishments,” 
said Sparks Co-owner Kathy 
Goodman. “Empowering 
and educating the youth of 
Southern California is central 
to the Sparks commitment 
to community and working 
with the city of Pasadena to 
accomplish this is something 
that I hope we continue to do 
for years to come.” Pasadena 
residents can reserve special 
floor tickets for only $17.50. 
For more information, visit 
www.LASparks.com or 
contact Greg Mundweill at 
213-929-1318.

Supervisors 
Calls for Audit 
of County’s 
Child Protection 
Safety Net

By Dean Lee 

 Although a move Monday 
night by the city council 
to suspend their annual 
compensation increases 
had nothing to do with a 
media frenzy surrounding 
the town of Bell, where the 
city manager was making 
nearly $800,000 a year, it 
did however spark interest 
in what Pasadena’s elected 
officials make annually. 

 According to requests for 
information, Bogaard’s salary 
is $24,615.48 a year. The 
seven city council members 
each make $16,410.72 a 
year. City Manager Michael 
Beck makes $264,999.90. 
Newly hired Police Chief 
Phillip Sanchez has a salary 
of $214,999.82. Nether 
assistant city managers 
or City Attorney Michele 
Bagneris were listed. 

 Reports show Pasadena as 
average in compensation to 
other communities. 

 Pasadena Public 
Information Officer Ann 
Erdman said Thursday that 
public records requests 
from news organizations 
have been pouring into city 
hall since the news broke 
July 15 that Bell city council 
members where making 
nearly $100,000 annually 
along with a $787,637 salary 
for city manager Robert 
Rizzo. Bell is a small town 
to 40,000 people. It was also 
reported that Bell assistant 
city manager Angela Spaccia 
made $376,000 and Police 
chief Randy Adams made 
$457,000 annually. 

 Erdman said none of the 
public records requests came 
from local residents. She also 
said the council’s decision to 
forgo raises was a good faith 
effort related to challenges 
to the City’s budget. 
Bogaard and the council 
also suspended annual 
compensation increases 
last year after asking nearly 
500 city employees to take 
pay cuts to reduce the $11 
million budget deficit. 

 A unanimous vote forgoing 
the increases will save the city 
$3,978.86 for the next fiscal 
year city staff said. Mayor 
Bill Bogaard was absent from 
Monday’s meeting. 

City Officials 
Salary 
Information 
Released 

Supervisor Michael 
Antonovich, along with 
Supervisor Don Knabe, 
introduced a motion Tuesday 
ordering an independent audit 
and recommendations to 
protect children during abuse 
investigations.

 “Recent tragedies are the 
failure of a coordinated 
protocol of County 
departments who come into 
contact with abused and 
neglected children and their 
families,” said Antonovich.”

 “Ensuring the safety, 
permanency and self-
sufficiency of abused and 
neglected children requires 
the coordination of the 
Department of Children and 
Family Services as well as other 
departments that touch the life 
of that child or family during 
a child abuse investigation 
including Health Services, 
Public Health, Mental Health 
and Public Social Services,” he 
said. 

Get Up and 
Moving With 
the Mayor

Pet of the 
Week

 Mayor Bill Bogaard, along 
with officials from Kaiser 
Permanente’s Pasadena-
based Southern California 
headquarters, will lead a 3.3-
mile walk around the Rose Bowl 
Loop at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, as 
part of Up & Moving Pasadena.

 Meet at Gate A at the stadium. 
Free parking is available. 
All levels of ability will be 
accommodated.

 Find walking tips, start a 
walking group and track your 
progress at www.upandmoving.
org or call (626) 831-2980.


‘City Beat’ 
Topics Include, 
Police Chief, 
Fields at 
Hahamongna

 Chesterton, a four-year-old, 
Whippet mix loves to play 
fetch! He actually loves all toys 
and needs a home where he 
will receive plenty of attention. 
He knows several commands 
and gets along well with other 
dogs. He would prefer a home 
without small children. He’s 
already neutered and ready 
for adoption. Come visit with 
Chesterton today!

 The regular dog adoption 
fee is $120, which includes 
medical care prior to adoption, 
spaying or neutering, 
vaccinations, and a follow-up 
visit with a participating vet.

 Please call 626-792-7151 
and ask for A270581 or come 
to the Pasadena Humane 
Society & SPCA, 361 S. 
Raymond Ave , Pasadena 
CA , 91105 . Our adoption 
hours are 11-3 Sunday, 
9-4 Tuesday, Wednesday, 
Thursday, and Friday, and 
9-3 Saturday. Directions and 
photos of all pets updated 
hourly may be found at www.
pasadenahumane.org

 Topics on the latest edition 
of “City Beat” on KPAS 
and the Internet include a 
summer programs for at-
risk youths in Pasadena, 
Police Chief Phillip 
Sanchez and some of the 
issues he faces, and fields 
at Hahamongna Watershed 
Park. 

 Moderator Barry Gordon 
is joined by Pasadena City 
Councilwoman Jacque 
Robinson, Pasadena Weekly 
reporter André Coleman 
and Pasadena Star-News 
editor Frank Girardot. 

 KPAS is on channel 3 on the 
Charter Communications 
cable system in Pasadena. 
Streaming video of all 
KPAS programming can 
be accessed by going to 
www.cityofpasadena.net/
publicaffairs and clicking 
on Video Streaming on the 
right side of the screen.

Old Pasadena Film Festival 
Includes Zombie Contest 

Citizen Journalism Boot Camp 

Get hands-on multimedia 
journalism training! What 
makes news? Is it better to 
use a video instead of a still 
photo? How can I get this 
story out?

 Pasadena Community 
Network and this newspaper 
are holding a seminar on 
Citizen Journalism. Putting 
the news in your hands. 
Learn how to find the story, 
the tools needed to capture 
the story and the means to 
tell the story using the power 
of video, audio and print 
along with the internet. Free 
orientation August 17, class 
from 11a.m.- 1p.m. at the 
PCN studios 2061 N. Los 
Robles Ave. #109. For more 
info contact Aaron Wheeler 
(626) 794-8585. Cost of the 
six week camp is $10 which 
covers all instructional 
materials and equipment. 

 

 The Old Pasadena Film 
Festival’s last movie in the 
series takes place Saturday, 
but don’t say you weren’t 
warned if Central Park is 
taken over by zombies as 
Night of the Living Dead 
is the featured film. A $100 
gift certificate for spending 
anywhere in Old Pasadena 
will also be awarded to the 
most creative movie goer 
to show up in a zombie 
costume.

 Old Pasadena Film Festival 
screenings, appearances and 
events are free. Bring your 
own chairs and blankets. 
The movie starts at 8:30 
p.m. in Central Park, 120 S. 
Raymond Ave. 

 Night of the Living Dead 
is the first of six “Dead” 
films directed by George 
Romero, this 1968 black-
and-white zombie movie is 
considered groundbreaking. 
It tells the story of Ben and 
Barbara’s efforts, along with 
five other people, to survive 
the night trapped in a rural 
Pennsylvania farmhouse 
avoiding the mysterious 
reanimation of the recently 
dead. Arguably the classic 
horror film, Night of the 
Living Dead is on American 
Film Institute’s list of 100 
Most Thrilling Movies.


Learn not just how 
to blog but how to 
report the news

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