Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 27, 2011

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 27, 2011 

CPUC Responds to Sen. Hernandez Letter on Duarte 
Concerns Over Construction of Massive Transmission 
Towers Near Homes


DUARTE, CA, August 25, 2011 – While 
the City of Duarte continues to pursue every 
avenue to secure relief and mitigation in regard 
to the impact on the community over Southern 
California Edison’s Tehachapi Transmission 
Project, the California Public Utilities 
Commission has once again dismissed Duarte 
concerns, this time in a response letter to State 
Senator Ed Hernandez (24th Senate District). 

Senator Hernandez met with a group of 
concerned residents at the site of one of the 
towers on June 23, after having received 
numerous complaints from residents in Duarte 
concerning construction of the massive towers 
in close proximity to homes. The project was 
approved for construction by the CPUC. A 
portion of the project runs through a two-mile 
corridor in the City of Duarte. Towers over 200-
feet have been erected between Tocino Dr. and 
Greenbank Ave., and at Hacienda Park. Another 
is under construction on east Sunnydale Dr., west 
of Brookridge. After meeting with the residents, 
Senator Hernandez sent a letter to request the 
CPUC send an official to inspect the tower 
placements and meet with residents.

Michael R. Peevey, president of the CPUC, in 
his response to Senator Hernandez, defended the 
CPUC approval of the SCE project, noting that 
approval was granted “following two and a half 
years of intensive review”. 

Peevey wrote: “This review, which received 
considerable public scrutiny, included a 
thorough environmental analysis as mandated 
by the California Environmental Quality Act 
(CEQA) where engineers and environmental 
specialists reviewed the project and its effects on 
the environment.” Peevey further stated in his 
response to Senator Hernandez:

“Included in this analysis was a robust public 
participation process with over 15 public 
meetings and/or open houses throughout the 
project area, including two in the city of Duarte. 
Public comments were received and given serious 
consideration in the decision-making process, 
when the project was approved.” 

Duarte residents told Senator Hernandez 
that they felt misled by initial renderings of the 
project. Many were under the impression that 
Edison workers would only be adding height to 
the old towers at the original location, and were 
shocked to see them moved closer to their homes. 
In one case, Edison erected a 200 foot high tower 
seven feet from a resident’s property line. There 
have been additional concerns expressed by 
homeowners, including the overall effect of the 
project of their property values and physical 
safety. After the project was re-designed, the 
closer proximity of the towers to homes has 
prompted objections to the towers as eyesores. 
Those homeowners closest to the towers have 
also voiced their fears over the potential risk 
of injury/and or property damage given that a 
known earthquake fault line runs underneath the 
new tower locations.

Regarding safety, Peevey responded: “both 
lattice structures and tubular steel poles are built 
to strict engineering standards and government 
codes and are designed to withstand severe ground 
movements. The transmission line does cross 
an earthquake fault line near Duarte, similar to 
many transmission lines in California. However, 
it crosses the fault line in a perpendicular fashion, 
rather than running along the fault line. This is 
the preferred engineering solution.”

To the request for a CPUC representative to 
visit the project area and meet with residents, 
Peevey responded:

“CPUC staff is quite familiar with the project. 
As part of the CEQA process, CPUC staff toured 
the project area many times and CPUC staff and 
its field monitors continue to visit the project 
area during construction. SCE has agreed to hold 
a meeting in Duarte to meet with residents and 
hear their concerns.” Peevey said the CPUC will 
send a representative to the meeting.

“Although the CPUC’s response is not what 
we hoped for, we are somewhat encouraged that 
they will participate in a meeting led by SCE with 
the residents. It will give our residents another 
opportunity to voice their very valid concerns 
over the size and placement of the towers. It is 
the CPUC’s job to listen and respond fully and 
respectfully to the public,” said Duarte City 
Manager, Darrell George.

For more information, contact the office of 
Senator Hernandez at (626) 430-2499, the City 
of Duarte at (626) 357-7931, ext 223, and for 
more information about the Tehachapi Renewable 
Transmission Project (TRTP), call (877) 795-
8787 or visit www.sce.com/tehachapi. 

Do you want to start leading a Healthy Living for LIFE?

Monrovia– On Saturday, September 10, 
2011, from 11:00am – 3:00pm, families in the 
Monrovia/Duarte and surrounding communities 
of the San Gabriel Valleywill have access to FREE 
Screenings during the 7thAnnual SET for LIFE 
“Healthy Living for LIFE” Expo. The event will 
be held at the Fannie M. Goodwin Educational 
Center, 925 South Shamrock Avenue in 
Monrovia and is sponsored by the City of Hope, 
Foothill Dental Center and Wells Fargo. Seniors 
and families will have access to FREE screenings 
for breast cancer, oral cancer, bone density, low 
vision, hearing, cholesterol,

blood pressure, stroke and more.

With the rise of diabetes, cancer and other life 
threatening diseases affecting African Americans 
and Latinos, and the rising cost of healthcare, 
SET for LIFE is providing an opportunity for 
families to receive these health screenings during 
the Expo. The Healthy Living for LIFE campaign 
launched

earlier this year during the kickoff of Zumba 
Fitness classes. During the Zumba classes, seniors, 
adults and even children come together and learn 
how to lead and active lifestyle through dance. 
To date, over 400 families have participated in 
the fitness classes. To help continue its Healthy 
Living for LIFE

campaign, the organization was recently 
awarded a smoking cessation grant from the 
County of Los Angeles, Department of Public 
Health, “Pioneers in Tobacco Control,” in 
partnership with Second Baptist Church. The 
grant will help the organization increase the 
communities knowledge about the

negative effects of smoking and designate the 
church campus as a “Smoke-Free” zone.

In addition to the health screenings, the 
event will also bring together dozens of regional 
and national vendors to provide healthy living 
resources and workshops to families. There will 
also be raffles, live entertainment, face painting 
and a bouncer for the children. The entire 
event is FREE and open to the public. If you 
are interested in receiving a FREE screening or 
attend a workshop must register online at www.
setforlifenews.org. While supplies last, individuals 
who register and complete a screening or attend 
a workshop will receive a FREE lunch ticket for a 
delicious hot healthy meal served by Skewers of 
Duarte. Bring your entire family and spend a fun-
filled day getting a head start on leading a Healthy 
Living for LIFE. There will be something for 
everyone who wants to starting leading a Healthy 
Living for LIFE! Translators will be available in 
Spanish and Chinese. For additional information 
visit SET for LIFE, www.setforlifenews.org or call 
(626) 644-7672.

Monrovia Police Blotter

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department 
handled 659 service events, resulting in 103 investigations. 
Following are the last week's highlighted issues and 
events:

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision - Suspect 
Arrested

On August 13 at 12:46 a.m., a female driver in an 
SUV was traveling south on Mayflower when another 
female driver in a sedan pulled out in front of her in 
the 1300 block of South Mayflower. The driver of the 
SUV was unable to stop and struck the sedan. Her SUV 
drove over the front end of the sedan, she overcorrected, 
and then struck a wall under the freeway overpass. 
The SUV was occupied by a 12-year-old female and her 
mother. The child sustained a broken femur and the 
mother sustained a broken left foot; both were taken 
to a hospital for treatment. The driver of the sedan was 
determined to be under the influence and was arrested. 
She was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Residential Trespassing

On August 14 at 12:15 p.m., the owner of an apartment 
complex located in the 100 block of Montana discovered 
that one of the empty units at the complex is being 
used by what appears to be transients. The transients 
left evidence of possible identity and the investigation 
is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

On August 14 at 7:45 p.m., a stolen 1993 Nissan Altima 
was located at a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington. 
The vehicle had been stolen out of Azusa on 
July 28. No suspect information is known. The owner 
responded and recovered the vehicle. Investigation 
continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On August 14 at 8:25 p.m., a green, 1997 Honda was 
stolen from a carport area in the 400 block of West Duarte 
Road. The victim last saw the vehicle at 9:30 p.m. 
the previous night. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

On August 15 at 8:20 a.m., an officer was dispatched 
to the 1600 block of Radford Place regarding a suspicious 
vehicle. The officer located the vehicle parked on 
the street. It was a reported stolen vehicle and it was 
unlocked and intact. The victim was notified and responded 
to recover the vehicle. The victim did not find 
anything missing from the vehicle. A witness reported 
seeing a male Hispanic, 25-30 years old, 5'10", 200 
pounds, with short hair and clean shaven. The subject 
drove the vehicle to the location and parked it. He then 
left the location in a Chevy Tahoe that had followed 
the stolen vehicle and was being driven by a female 
Hispanic, approximately 25-30 years old. The vehicle 
was returned to the victim and the investigation is 
continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On August 15 at 1:54 p.m., an officer responded to the 
200 block of South California on the report of a vehicle 
burglary. The victim reported that her locked vehicle 
was broken into and her property was stolen.

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Traffic Accident

On August 15 at 4:07 p.m., officers responded to the 
100 block of North Mayflower Avenue regarding a 
traffic accident. The incident involved a vehicle that 
struck a 77-year-old female pedestrian. The Monrovia 
Fire Department paramedics were on scene and readying 
the victim to be taken to a hospital. The driver of 
the vehicle was apparently backing up his van, using 
only his mirrors, and did not see the female victim and 
struck her. The female subject fell backward onto the 
roadway and hit her head on the street. The victim was 
taken to the hospital and was in critical care overnight. 
She passed away the next day. 

Criminal Threats - Suspect Arrested

On August 15 at 8:09 p.m., police received a call reporting 
a disturbing subject at the skate park in the 
800 block of East Olive. The caller reported that a male 
subject was threatening people and said he had a gun, 
which was not seen, but he repeatedly reached into his 
waistband. The subject left the area prior to the arrival 
of officers. The suspect was claiming that the subjects at 
the skate park had taken his wallet, which he believed 
he had lost there. A short time after the officers left the 
area, the subject returned and confronted three people 
at the skate park. He pointed at them and threatened 
to shoot them. Officers responded and the suspect 
was positively identified by the victims, arrested, and 
charged for criminal threats. The suspect did not have 
a gun.

Attempt Burglary

On August 17 at 10:00 p.m., a resident in the 400 block 
of South Mayflower reported an attempted burglary. 
Sometime between August 16 and 17 an unknown 
suspect attempted to pry open the front door of the 
residence. There was no loss and the investigation is 
continuing.

No-Bail Warrant - Suspect Arrested

On August 17 at 1:04 p.m., an officer on patrol observed 
two suspicious subjects standing next to a vehicle in a 
parking lot in the 800 block of West Huntington and 
a third subject was crouching next to the vehicle. One 
of the standing subjects nudged the subject who was 
crouching down as if to alert him of police presence. 
The officer continued driving, but then went back to 
watch the three subjects. The officer believed the subjects 
were tampering with parked vehicles and detained 
them. Warrant checks revealed one of the subjects 
had two no-bail warrants for grand theft auto. He 
was arrested for the warrants. The other two subjects 
were identified and released. 

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up: Identity Theft

 On Tuesday, August 16, Monrovia detectives served 
a search warrant in the 200 block of West Palm on an 
identity theft suspect's apartment. Detectives found 
evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Monrovia 
detectives also found evidence of three additional 
identity theft victims. The suspect was arrested and the 
handling detective is continuing his investigation by 
contacting the three additional victims. This case will 
be presented to the District Attorney's office for filing 
considerations. The suspect will be facing a minimum 
of 10 identity theft allegations/charges. The investigation 
into the additional victims may produce even 
more allegations/charges of identity theft.

Residential Burglaries Committed While the Residences 
Were Tented/Being Treated for Termites

On Thursday, August 18, Monrovia detectives served 
a search warrant at a public storage facility in Arcadia 
in connection with two burglaries. The investigation 
led the handling detective to believe that one of the 
suspected burglars had a storage space at this storage 
facility. The search warrant allows the detectives to 
enter the storage space and to obtain information and 
records from the office regarding this space. This investigation 
is still ongoing.

CHILD MOLESTATION SUSPECT 
CONVICTED 

 The suspect was arrested on December 15, 
2009, for child molestation. The suspect, a 
registered sex offender, had allegedly molested 
his live-in stepdaughter repeatedly 
over an eight-year period, beginning when 
she was only 4 years of age. The case was assigned 
to a detective for further investigation 
and the District Attorney's review. During 
the course of the detective's investigation, 
he was able to locate a previous victim of the 
suspect, an ex-girlfriend's daughter. She, too, 
was the victim of repeated sexual molestation 
by the suspect, which began when she 
was 6 years old. This case occurred in West 
Covina in 1995, while the suspect lived with 
the victim's mother. Three felony charges 
were filed against the suspect for the Monrovia 
case by the Pasadena Superior Court and 
a jury trial began on August 10. On August 
16, the case went to the jury, and in a short 60 
minutes, they returned with a verdict: guilty 
on all counts. Each of the three counts holds 
a 25-year-to-life sentence, due to his prior 
felony sexual assault conviction. 

City of Duarte to Honor the 10th Anniversary of 9-11 
With “Honor Among Ashes – A Memorial Tribute”

DUARTE, CA, August 25, 2011 – The City of 
Duarte will join the nation in commemoration of 
the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks 
with a memorial ceremony Friday, Sept. 9 at 8:15 
a.m. at Andres Duarte School, 1433 Crestfield. 

“Honor Among Ashes – A Memorial Tribute to 
the Victims of 9-11,” will include a tree planting 
ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives 
in the attacks. The public is invited to share in 
a time of inspiration and reflection that will 
include representatives from the City, School 
District, County, State, and members of the Los 
Angeles Sheriff’s and Fire Department. Students 
from Andres Duarte School and State preschool 
will sing, conduct a memorial flower ceremony 
and perform reflective readings. Dignitaries in 
attendance will also participate in the annual oak 
tree planting ceremony that will serve as a living 
memorial to all who perished on that tragic day 
in 2001. Andres Duarte school children will 
also present to the Duarte Community Services 
Council canned food collected as part of a 
campus wide food drive.

Duarte will commemorate 9-11 in other ways 
as well. The community is also invited to take part 
in a national “Stop and Remember” observance. 
At the same time across the county on September 
11th, 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, the public 
is asked to take one minute to cease all regular 
activity and “Stop and Remember” the victims 
of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Locally, 
churches and Los Angeles County Fire and 
Sheriffs, and others are called on to ring bells and 
sound sirens as the nation offers a Moment of 
Remembrance.

For more information, call Duarte’s Promise – 
The Alliance for Youth, (626) 357-7931, ext. 267.