Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 30, 2012

6


Mountain Views-News Saturday June 30, 2012 

2012 Arcadia Beautiful Awards 
Presented

At City Council Meeting

By Joan Schmidt

 When the City of Arcadia decides to do something, it is 
certainly does it right! The June 19th Meeting’s recognition of 
fifteen Arcadia Beautiful Homes Awards was nothing short 
of spectacular. Each winner was announced, and their home 
appeared on the two large screens in the City Chambers. 
This enabled everyone to see why that home was chosen. The 
homeowners came up on stage, and were presented with an 
impressive Certificate of Recognition, a gift of a beautiful 
candle/light fixture, a plant, and of course a sign to put out 
on the front lawn.

 The first surprise for me was when “917” East Camino Real 
was announced. I almost jumped out of my seat and said, 
“That’s MY street!” (Technically I live east in Monrovia, but 
Camino Real is Camino Real! And for many years, I walked 
from Myrtle Ave. west to Second Ave.)

 I was doubly surprised when I saw the house, and blurted 
out, “That’s my favorite house!” (All the years I walked, I 
loved the home’s unique design and the gorgeous flowers 
and great landscaping, which is done by REX ICEHOUR 
GARDENING, 626-359-8088.) 

 I had the great privilege of meeting the homeowners, Dr. 
Ravi and Dr. Smitra Bhatia, who work at City of Hope. The 
Bhatia’s have lived their fifteen years, with Dr. Ravi’s dad, their 
two daughters who are eighteen and twenty-three and their 
beautiful friendly Golden Retriever. I couldn’t help admiring 
their family pictures and the beautiful gift from the City. 

 The second surprise at the City Council Meeting was 
the announcement of 410 
East Camino Real! How 
remarkable. A good-sized city 
like Arcadia has fifteen winners 
and two are on Camino Real! 
The homeowners, Johnson 
and Betty Chen, did attend the 
meeting. They were absolutely 
thrilled with the award and 
were most deserving!

 Later, I went to the Chen’s 
home. They are so proud of 
their Certificate, now hanging 
on the front door, besides 
having the sign out in the 
yard! Their landscaping is 
gorgeous and they have so 
many wonderful flowering 
plants and trees. There was 
a tree with fragrant Chinese 
lilies. Betty showed me how 
all of the beautiful flowering 
plants are in pots. When they 
are no longer in bloom, she 
and her husband bring them 
into the backyard and bring 
out the plants that now have 
flowers. 

This way, there are always flowers in the front yard. I never 
even thought of that-what a great idea. Betty took me out back 
and their backyard was just as beautiful as the front. I am sure 
they had gardeners, but a lot of work with the flowers is done 
by themselves. Betty and Johnson live with their son and his 
family, which includes two grandchildren. They have resided 
in Arcadia for fourteen years. Although Betty retired from 
the teaching profession after thirty-five years, she teaches 
Chinese to her six grandchildren.

 The other Arcadia Beautiful Home winners are located 
at 2530 Lee Ave., 1811 South 7th Ave., 1800 Louise Ave., 
1608 Holly Av., 1220 Rodeo Rd., 1055 Panorama Dr., 471 W. 
Winnie Way, 440 South Old Ranch, 30 W. Orange Grove, 166 
W. Las Flores Ave., 170 Sandra Ave., 322 Arbolada Ave., and 
333 Fairview Ave. The City of Arcadia certainly should be 
commended for recognizing fifteen beautiful homes!


ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

YOGA IN THE GARDEN AT THE ARBORETUM – 

Thursday mornings and Tuesday evenings 

Certified yoga instructor Candyce Columbus will take students on a 10-15 minute warm up stroll through 
the garden prior to an hour-long rejuvenating traditional Indian Hatha yoga class. Each session will include 
asanas (yoga poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), vinaysa (yoga flow series), mudras (yoga in 
the hands), meditation (guided) and relaxation. Students should bring a substantial yoga mat and blanket 
or towel for extra-padding as needed, and wear comfortable clothes.

Tuesday Evenings: 6:00-7:15pm

June 5, 12, 19, 26 - July 10, 17, 24, 31- August 7, 14, 21, 28

Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 - October 2, 9, 16, 23

$30 per month - Arboretum members $35 per month - non–members 

$10 Drop In - per day

6:00pm-7:15pm: Please meet PROMPTLY at 5:45pm in front of Main Entrance, outside Membership / 
During this after-hours dusk time in the Arboretum we will experience this wonderful environment in a 
whole new way, sharing it only with the peacocks, squirrels and other resident critters. End your day in a 
relaxing way with a short stroll, multi-level Hatha yoga practice, mudras, self-healers and final relaxation. 
Be sure to layer your clothing. Bring a blanket or towel, your yoga mat and water to sip.

Thursdays mornings: 9:30-10:45am

June 7, 14, 21, 28 - July 5, 12, 19, 26 - August 2, 9, 16, 23

Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 - October 4, 11, 18, 25 - Nov 1, 8, 15, 29

Dec 6, 13, 20, 27

$30 per month - Arboretum members $35 per month - non–members 

$10 Drop In - per day

9:30-10:45am: Please meet PROMPTLY at 9:15 in front of Main Entrance, outside Membership / Certified 
yoga instructor Candyce Columbus will take students on a 10-15 minute warm up stroll through the 
garden prior to an hour-long rejuvenating traditional Indian Hatha yoga class. Students should bring a 
substantial yoga mat and blanket or towel for extra-padding as needed, and wear comfortable clothes.

For the period of Sunday, June 17th, through Saturday, June 23rd, the Police Department responded to 
965 calls for service of which 99 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the 
major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, June 17:

1. Around 1:39 p.m., an officer responded to the 900 block of Balboa Drive regarding a vandalism 
report. The victim explained he discovered a dent on his vehicle, which had been parked on the street. 
The officer was not able to determine how the damage occurred and no one saw or heard anything 
suspicious. 
2. At approximately 5:30 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a silver Altima for a broken 
tail light, in the area of Baldwin Avenue and Naomi Avenue. The officer discovered the driver was never 
issued a license. The 25-year-old Hispanic male was cited, released in the field, and the vehicle was 
impounded.


Monday, June 18:

3. At about 12:35 p.m., an officer responded to the area of First Avenue and Genoa Street regarding 
a report of a hit and run. While traveling on Genoa Street, an unknown male suspect sideswiped a 
parked vehicle. The suspect attempted to locate the owner inside a nearby store, however left shortly 
after without leaving a note. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a large white utility or garden truck. 
4. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to Irwindale Avenue and Gateway Bus Drive 
regarding a traffic stop conducted by CHP, who discovered the occupants were involved in a battery 
that took place at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue. An investigation revealed one 
female suspect punched her girlfriend in the face. Paramedics responded to treat the victim who was 
bleeding from her head and mouth. An investigation revealed the 23-year-old Black female suspect was 
on probation for assault, had a suspended license and registration, and was in possession of marijuana 
for sales. She was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Tuesday, June 19:

5. At approximately 3:10 a.m., a concerned citizen advised nearby officers that he chased a man 
whom he thought was burglarizing vehicles in the 5000 block of South Santa Anita. Officers conducted 
an area check while the citizen notified LASO Temple City Station. Within minutes, officers located 
a suspicious vehicle speeding away from the reported location and conducted a traffic stop. An 
investigation revealed the driver had a want out of Monrovia and was in possession of burglary tools, 
stolen property, and drug paraphernalia. The 38-year-old White male was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking. No burglaries had been reported at the time of the arrest. 
6. Around 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 000 block of Bonita Street in regards to a 
male arguing and the sound of glass breaking. An intoxicated male adult yelled at his girlfriend and 
grabbed her arm while she was carrying their five month old daughter The force caused the girlfriend to 
inadvertently bump the baby’s head on an unknown object, resulting in a small abrasion. The baby was 
transported to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital for evaluation. The 31-year-old Asian male was arrested 
and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The Department of Children and Family Services 
was notified and the baby was later released with no injuries. 


 

Wednesday, June 20:

7. At about 6:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of South First Avenue regarding 
a theft report. Two white male adults were observed running from a construction site and fleeing in 
a white pick-up truck, southbound on First Avenue. The suspects entered the location through an 
unlocked door and stole two 50-gallon water heaters. They can be identified if seen again. 
8. At approximately 4:13 p.m., an officer responded to the 000 block of Arcadia Avenue regarding 
a burglary report. The victim discovered unknown suspect(s) ransacked her master bedroom and stole 
jewelry, gift cards, sunglasses, and cash. The victim was positive she locked her front door and believed 
a suspicious neighbor was responsible. No latent prints were discovered. 


Thursday, June 21:

9. Shortly after 2:06 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue Toyota Camry for a broken 
tail light, on Live Oak Avenue at Lenore Avenue. Upon contact with the driver, the officer detected 
an odor of alcohol emitting from his person. An investigation revealed the driver was under the 
influence of alcohol and hid an open bottle of whiskey underneath his seat. The 36-year-old White 
male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
10. Around 6:24 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist for traveling on the wrong 
side of the road, in the area of Woodacre Lane and Foothill Boulevard. An investigation revealed the 
subject was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and had two outstanding 
misdemeanor warrants. The 24-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking. 


Friday, June 22:

11. At about 2:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to JC Penney at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South 
Baldwin Avenue, in regards to a theft report. A female juvenile concealed merchandise inside her 
purse and exited the store without making payment. The 15-year-old Hispanic female was cited and 
released to her mother. 
12. Around 9:15 p.m., officers responded a second time to the 000 block of South Baldwin 
Avenue regarding an argument between two neighbors. A female subject became upset with her 
neighbor who called the police on her over a laundry dispute. She decided to enter her neighbor’s 
house without permission in order to confront her face to face. The 52-year-old Hispanic female was 
arrested for Trespassing and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Saturday, June 23:

13. Shortly after 7:26 a.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Chantry Road in reference 
to a vandalism report. The victim discovered unknown suspect(s) toilet papered his house and drew 
a 3’ by 8’ image of a penis on his front lawn with salt. The victim believes students from Arcadia High 
School are responsible. 
14. At about 6:05 p.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Police Department front counter 
regarding a fraud report. The victim discovered unknown suspect(s) opened numerous credit card 
accounts with his personal information. The victim explained he lost his wallet in 2008 and believes 
the incident may be related. 



Summer Concert Series

July 5, 2012—The 1st Marine Division Band

Join us this summer at Arcadia’s annual Summer Concerts in the Park series presented by Target. The 
seven-week entertainment series showcases a wide variety of musical performances. Bring a blanket 
or lawn chair for seating on the grass and enjoy a picnic dinner during the show. Kids of all ages will 
be entertained in our FREE kids’ fun zone area with many games and crafts each week.

Become a part of the Arcadia tradition, gather your family and friends and enjoy the sights and

sounds of this year’s concert series. Whether you attend one or all seven, we are sure you will

have a great time! As always, admission and parking are free. (Additional parking held at Santa Anita 
Race Track, Gate 5.) Concerts take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8pm on beautiful City Hall 
West Lawn located at 240 West Huntington Drive. In addition, the City is pleased to announce the 
addition of da Burger Boss Gourmet Food Truck at all of the 2012 Summer Concert Series! A portion 
of the proceeds will be given to the Recreation and Community Services Department!

The 1st Marine Division Band will start off the series to a patriotic theme. The band is based out

of Camp Pendleton, California and consists of 50 Marine musicians. While the primary mission

of the 1st Marine Division Band is to provide musical support for military parades and ceremonies, 
they remain versatile to accommodate other needs. In addition to the Ceremonial Band and Concert 
Band, the band forms smaller ensembles such as Big Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, and Party 
Band. They perform at over 300 commitments a year, with highlights including the State Funeral of 
President Ford, the Tournament of Roses Parades, Disneyland's Independence Day Concerts, and 
annual concerts at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. In 2007, the 1st Marine Division 
Band was awarded the "Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert 
Bands" administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

For additional information, contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at

626.574.5113.