Mountain Views News          Saturday, July 23, 2011

4


Mountain Views News Saturday, July 23, 2011


Superscooper 
Approved For 
Duty in L.A. 
County


Vicious Dogs 
Definition 
Expanded

By Dean Lee

 In a move cracking down 
on a rise in dog attacks, 
the L.A. County Board of 
Supervisors voted Tuesday 
in favor of amending the 
law over what constitutes a 
dangerous dog —including 
that a dog does not have to 
bite someone to be labeled 
vicious.

 The new ordinance also 
speeds up the hearing 
process by taking some 
dangerous dog cases out 
of the courts, and instead, 
allows for an administrative 
hearing. This would also 
save money board members 
said.

 The changes now expand 
the definition of “severe 
injury” to include serious 
physical illness, such as 
someone having a hart 
attack after a threatening 
dog encounter. The law also 
includes injuries, other than 
biting, caused by an attack.

 Any administrative 
hearings would now also 
take into account pervious 
determinations, from other 
cities, of currently listed 
dangerous dogs. 

 A vicious dog also includes 
animals that have been 
trained for, or engaged in, 
exhibitions of fighting.

 Administrative hearings 
will be done by a judicial 
officer or an administrative 
hearing officer authorized 
by the department of animal 
care and control. The officer 
would have the authority 
to make finding including 
euthanizing an animal.

 An officer would also 
oversee all reports, 
evidence and witnesses. 
They could also shorten the 
time to produce evidence 
as opposed to the courts 
documents show.

 Pasadena Humane 
Society Spokesperson 
Ricky Whitman said 
individual cities have 
separate jurisdiction and 
laws surrounding vicious 
dogs. The new county 
ordinance does not apply 
to Pasadena although does 
apply to Altadena and 
unincorporated areas near 
Arcadia.

 

 To prepare for the 2011 
fire season, County Mayor 
Michael Antonovich 
announced that the Board 
of Supervisors authorized 
a contract to lease two CL-
415 SuperScoopers fire-
fighting aircraft from the 
Government of Quebec 
for use by the Los Angeles 
County Fire Department.

 “To ensure our County 
Fire Department has the 
tools they need to be fully 
prepared for fire season, 
these vital aircraft have been 
requested to supplement 
the Department’s water-
dropping helicopters and 
other fire-suppression 
machinery,”said Antonovich. 

 SuperScoopers are a fixed-
wing aircraft that can carry 
up to 1,620 gallons of water 
and takes only 12 seconds to 
scoop water from a lake and 
inject it with fire-resistant 
foam – a combination up to 
3 times more effective than 
water alone. They can be 
airborne in as little as five 
minutes and fly three hours 
before refueling.

 The SuperScoopers are 
expected to arrive, Sept. 
1 and will be placed into 
service through November.

Dog Day Afternoon Takes New Meaning

 Police are still asking the public’s 
help in finding two robbers 
involved in the Altadena holdup 
earlier this month that took the 
Internet by storm after video 
released shows a Chihuahua 
chasing the thugs out of Ace 
Smoke Shop on North Lake Ave.

 Paco, nicknamed the Crime 
Fighting Chihuahua, has made 
several national appearances 
this week on Good Morning 
America, Inside Edition and 
George Lopez after his famed 
YouTube appearance.

 Sheriff Deputies said two 
suspects, one armed with a 
rifle, got an unexpected canine 
counterattack on July 7, when 
they entered the smoke shop to 
rob it around 7:30 p.m.

 The men entered with one 
suspect pointing a rifle at the 
victim. Both suspects repeatedly 
ordered the victim to give them 
money, telling him to put it into 
a backpack placed on the front 
counter.

 The robbers got away with an 
undisclosed amount of cash 
police said.

 During the robbery Paco 
attacked the suspects by barking 
and jumping on them. One 
of them even pointed his rifle 
at the dog. The suspects fled 
the location on foot, last seen 
southbound on Maiden Lane 
from Mariposa Street. No one 
was injured during the robbery 
police said. 

 Both suspects are described as 
male Hispanics between 18 and 
24 weighing 150-180 pounds. 
One of the suspects was wearing 
a black jacket with yellow trim, 
dark shirt, dark pants, and a 
black ski mask, armed with a 
rifle and the other, a sweatshirt; 
white shorts; black shoes; and a 
red bandana; carrying a black/
gray backpack.

 Anyone with information is 
encouraged to contact Detective 
Binder at 626-296-2114 or 626-
798-1131.

PCC Goes 
Green with 
Online 
President’s 
Report

 
In an effort to be more 
mindful of the environment, 
Pasadena City College 
recently published a fully 
interactive digital version of 
the “President’s Report to the 
Community.” The biannual 
publication, which in the past 
has been printed and mailed 
to district communities, is 
now available on the Internet 
at www.pasadena.edu/
presidentsreport.

 The summer/fall 2011 
issue features embedded 
video and audio, Flash-
based objects, downloadable 
material, and much more. 
It also includes dialogue 
from PCC President Dr. 
Mark Rocha, an interview 
with filmmaker and PCC 
alumnus John Singleton, and 
an extensive feature on the 
history and future of PCC’s 
Lancer Radio.

 The digital version is 
viewable on both Mac and 
PC platforms, as well as 
tablets such as the Apple 
iPad and Motorola Xoom.

 Additionally, PCC has 
established an online photo 
archive using digital host 
Flickr. The growing collection 
of photographs offers a 
glimpse into campus life, 
including images of athletics, 
graduation, classrooms, 
and an abundance of 
student activities. PCC’s 
photostream can be accessed 
using this link: www.flickr.
com/photos/pcclancer.

 For more information, 
please call (626) 585-7264.

Norton Simon 
Releases Free 
iPhone Apps

Fire Chief Set to Retire 

 Pasadena Fire Chief Dennis 
Downs announced Wednesday 
his plans to retire after serving 
has head of the city’s fire 
department since April 2004. 
His last day will be Sept. 26. 

 City Manager Beck has named 
Pasadena Deputy Fire Chief 
Calvin Wells to serve as Interim 
Fire Chief. 

 “Chief Downs has been a 
tremendous leader and a 
mentor to many of the Fire 
Department members. A large 
percentage of the Department 
has been hired or promoted 
under his command. He is a 
true professional that I value 
as a friend, and hold him in 
high regard for the numerous 
achievements during his 
tenure,” states Michael J. Beck, 
Pasadena City Manager. 

 Over the course of his seven 
and one-half years with the 
Fire Department, Downs had 
oversight of the preparation and 
administration of an annual 
budget exceeding $40 million 
and managed and lead a full 
service Department consisting 
of three divisions and 185 
employees. Additionally, he 
demonstrated the ability to 
successfully manage sensitive 
issues, such as striving to 
employ a diverse work force 
that reflects the community and 
restructuring the Department 
to meet changing needs. 
Some of his key projects 
include the development 
and administration of two 
successive Fire Department 
Strategic Plans, securing funds 
for the Department’s fifth 
rescue ambulance, initiating 
a Standards of Cover study to 
determine whether Fire Station 
locations are located for optimal 
emergency response, enhancing 
disaster preparedness for 
Pasadena community members 
and progressive community 
outreach. 

 “Leadership is engaging 
personnel and empowering 
them to do their job.” Downs 
said in a statement. “Thanks to 
the dedication and commitment 
of the men and women that are 
the Pasadena Fire Department, 
I believe that the Department is 
in a better position today than 
when I started,” states Chief 
Downs. “The first responsibility 
of a leader is to chart a course 
for the future; the last is to say 
thank you.”

 Downs said he plans to travel 
with his wife Dale, also retired, 
and consult, “If the opportunity 
arises in the future,” he said. 

 Wells is a Pasadena resident 
and has served over 30 years 
with the Fire Department.

 
The Norton Simon Museum 
announced this week the 
release of two, free iPhone 
applications. Both are now 
available on iTunes. 

 The Norton Simon Museum 
App is designed to help guests 
plan their visit to the Museum. 
Users of the App can learn 
about the Museum’s current 
and upcoming exhibitions 
and events, browse the online 
collections, listen to podcasts 
and audio stops, watch videos, 
find information about the 
Museum’s hours, admission 
fees and directions, and learn 
about the Museum’s history. 
The Norton Simon Museum 
App is compatible with the 
iPhone with iOS 4. Internet 
connection is required. 

 Designed for use in the 
Museum’s galleries, the Norton 
Simon Museum Audio Tour 
App allows visitors to listen 
to the Museum’s complete 
award-winning Audio Tour, 
developed in collaboration 
with Acoustiguide, in English 
and Spanish. More than 400 
stops are featured in English 
and Spanish, including tours 
for adults and children. Look 
for the audio tour icon and stop 
number on the labels of many 
of the Museum’s artworks. The 
Norton Simon Museum Audio 
Tour App is compatible with 
the iPhone or iPod Touch with 
iOS 4, no internet connection 
required. Because of the App’s 
large size, visitors should 
download it prior to coming to 
the Museum.

Citizen Journalism Meet-up

 

The Pasadena Community 
Network and this newspaper 
are holding a workshop on 
Citizen Journalism. 

 This group is the place where 
aspiring journalists can learn 
from trained professionals 
and support their local 
community by covering 
what’s really happening in 
their neighborhoods.

 We will put 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 online social 
media The next meeting is 
July 26 from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. 
at the Pasadena Community 
Network - Studio G, 2057 N. 
Los Robles Ave.

 For more info call 
626.794.8585 or visit 
pasadenan.com.

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

Pet of the 
Week


National Night Out in Altadena

Scientist to 
Build A Solar-
Powered 
Portable Toilet

 Join the Altadena Sheriff’s 
Station, the Altadena 
Sheriff’s Support Group and 
all the Neighborhood Watch 
Groups for a Community 
Potluck and Barbecue, 
August 2, 2011 5 to 8 p,m,

 Learn about Neighborhood 
Watch Programs, CERT 
training and other safety tips 
to help keep the Altadena 
Community Safe.

 The event will take place 
at Farnsworth Park 568 
E. Mount Curve Ave. in 
Altadena. 

 For further information, 
contact Deputies Greg 
Gabriel, LaMark Williams 
or Sgt. Mike Randenberg at 
(626) 296-2134


‘All I Care About Is Me…’ 
Exhibit on Display at PCC

 Etta, a lovely, five year old, 
cameo tabby cat is such 
a sweet girl. She would 
be a great companion for 
someone in need of a loyal 
best friend. Etta has quickly 
become a staff favorite and 
would love to go home with 
you today. She is already 
spayed and ready for 
adoption.

 The regular cat adoption 
fee is $70 which includes 
the spay or neuter surgery, 
microchip, vaccinations, 
and a free follow-up health 
check at a participating vet. 
Etta qualifies for our Senior 
for Senior program where 
people over age 60 can 
adopt a pet over 5 years for 
just $20.

 Please call 626-792-7151 
and ask about A290066 
or come to the Pasadena 
Humane Society & SPCA, 
361 S. Raymond Ave , 
Pasadena CA , 91105 . 
Our adoption hours are 
11-4 Sunday, 9-5 Tuesday, 
Wednesday, Thursday, and 
Friday, and 9-4 Saturday. 
Directions and photos of 
all pets updated hourly 
may be found at www.
pasadenahumane.org

 Environmental scientist and 
engineer Michael Hoffmann 
of the California Institute of 
Technology (Caltech) has 
received a $400,000 grant 
from the Bill & Melinda 
Gates Foundation to build 
a solar-powered portable 
toilet that could help solve 
a major health problem in 
developing countries. The 
grant, announced July 19 at 
the AfricaSan 3 sanitation 
and hygiene conference in 
Rwanda, will be used to 
complete the initial design, 
development, and testing of 
the unique sustainable system. 
Designed for use by up to 500 
people per day with minimal 
maintenance, the sanitation 
unit will have the added benefit 
of turning waste into fuel.

 “Life expectancy correlates 
to the accessibility of clean 
water and proper sanitation 
practices,” says Hoffmann, 
the James Irvine Professor 
of Environmental Science 
at Caltech, who has been 
working for years on the 
electrochemical technology to 
create a sustainable toilet and 
waste-treatment system. “All 
of our efforts in biomedicine 
may go for naught if we don’t 
take care of sanitation.”

 Artists Tedd Asbille and 
Kirby Israelson will be 
exhibiting their works at 
the Pasadena City College 
Art Gallery from July 28 to 
Aug. 2. “All I Care About Is 
Me And So Should You” is a 
collaborative presentation by 
the two new artists featuring 
multi-medium pieces, as well 
as innovative self-portraits. 
There will be a press preview 
on July 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 
an opening reception from 
noon to 1 p.m.

 There will also be a 
collaborative piece of art for 
exhibit patrons to participate 
in, where individuals 
can create their own self-
portraits to create a collage 
that celebrates “we,” rather 
than “me.”

 Asbille is a formally trained 
product and graphic designer 
with more than 15 years 
of experience in the field. 
He works in a plethora of 
mediums, all of which allow 
him to provide commentary 
on friends, family, politics, 
society, and our place in the 
world. His work touches on 
what makes us who we are, 
how we’re made, and where 
we belong.

 “The newest fad in the 
art world is street art, but I 
believe that it’s real draw is 
making art accessible to the 
public,” said Asbille. “That’s 
what we are going to do with 
this show.”

 Israelson’s work revolves 
around human emotion, 
specifically love and 
heartbreak. She takes 
common experiences and 
reproduces them in an 
approachable manner, 
allowing her audience 
to safely relive and re-
experience emotional 
events. Israelson bases all 
of her artwork on personal 
experiences to give the 
audience genuine insight 
into who she is.

 “Our goal is to shake things 
up and create something 
that Pasadena has never seen 
before,” said Israelson. “This 
really will be a spectacular 
event.”

 The event is free to the 
public. Parking is available 
in any student lot for $2.

 

 
The Tournament of Roses 
Foundation has elected 
Jacqueline Howard as its 
new president. Howard is 
an adjunct professor in the 
Education Department at 
California State University, 
Northridge and an adjunct 
professor in the Graduate 
School of Education at 
National University. She was 
appointed to the Tournament 
of Roses Foundation Board 
in July 2007 when the board 
expanded from nine to 13 
members. She served as 
secretary in May 2008 and 
became vice president in May 
2009. Former Foundation 
President Wellington Chen 
held the office since May 
2009 and will remain on the 
board. 

 In addition to volunteering 
on the Tournament of 
Roses Foundation Board, 
Howard is a member of the 
Pasadena/Altadena Links 
and was recently elected as 
vice director of the Western 
Area of Links, Inc. She 
founded “Pasadena’s BEST 
Program,” a five-year, after-
school program for latch-key 
children. Howard was also 
the co-founder of “Links, 
Inc. Saturday School,” 
an academic enrichment 
program for at-risk students.

Tournament 
of Roses 
Foundation 
Names New 
President