Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 22, 2012

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 22, 2012 

Scouts Attend Arcadia City Council Meeting 

And Noise Limits During Filming Exempted

From Arcadia’s Best

By Joan Schmidt

 In attendance 
at the September 18 
Arcadia City Council 
Meeting were Boy 
Scout Troop # 111 
with their leader, Edgar 
Torres. The boys are 
working on a badge 
and one requirement 
is to attend a City 
Council meeting. Fire 
Chief Trabbie had been 
scheduled to lead the 
Pledge of Allegiance, 
but the scouts were 
called up perform the task. After the Pledge, they 
returned to their seats and learned how a city 
government works. The first part of the meeting 
was the consent calendar and they saw how 
the Council voted on various items. They also 
heard several reports and discussion that aid the 
Council in their decisions. It was a great learning 
experience.

 During the “Public Comment” period, 
Bob Machuca spoke about the filming industry 
in regards to Arcadia. Currently there are 
restrictions, which pose as deterrents to various 
film companies. Mr. Machuca had the numbers 
to back up his statements. For instance, since 
1997, 36,000 jobs and $2.4 million in wages have 
been lost to Southern California’s economy by 
filming being done in other locations throughout 
the state and even in other states!

 After Mr. Machuca’s address, the City 
Council voted to approve all five agenda items: 
(1) The regular minutes of August 7, 2012 and 
August 21, 2012;

 (2) Resolution No. 6841 approving the City 
of Arcadia Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; (3) 
Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute 
a Professional Agreement with RBF Consulting 
to update the Housing Element for the 2014-
2021 cycle in the amount of $19,968 and approve 
a 10% contingency; (4)Authorize and direct the 
City Manager to execute a Professional Services 
Agreement with Trovao and Associates, Inc., DBA 
for holiday decorations (materials, installation, 
labor, and removal) on Huntington Drive 
between Santa Clara Street and Fifth Avenue in 
the amount of $33,742 for 2012 holiday season 
and $28,584 for the 2013 season; and (5) Award a 
purchase order contract to Rotolo Chevrolet for 
the purchase of three Chevrolet pickup trucks in 
the amount of $77,883.49.

 The next part of the Council Meeting 
pertained to three City Manager items. The first 
was Ordinance No. 2302 amending Section 
4610.3 of Part 1, Chapter 6 of Article IV of the 
Arcadia Municipal Code regarding an exemption 
from the noise limits. This question arose after 
the windstorms left several residents without 
electricity for four days. The types of generators 
were discussed and they would be set back. Cost 
is $35,000 to install generators and another 
$20,000-$25,000 to insulate under the former 
policy. The Council voted to introduce this 
amendment.

 The second item was to adopt Resolution 
#6848 providing for the issuance of General 
Refunding Bonds, Series 2012 (Police Station 
Project) in the amount not to exceed $7,000,000. 
This was adopted, and homeowners will see a 
lower amount on their tax statements.

 The last item was a report, discussion and 
direction on the Statewide Filming Ordinance 
and “Film Friendly” policies.

 These City Council Meetings offer a great 
opportunity for residents to find out what is going 
on in their city, and give so much background on 
items discussed. If one cannot attend a meeting, 
they are televised on the local cable channel. If 
one does not have Cable TV, they may go on 
line and type in, “Arcadia City Council Meeting 
Agenda”. You will find not only the agenda, but 
background information on each item.

BOMB THREAT COSTS THOUSANDS


Last week’s bogus bomb threat at the Arcadia 
High School by a 14 year-old student who was 
subsequently quickly arrested but only after 
nearly 4,000 students and personnel were stuck 
on lock-down mode for several hours, had an impact 
well beyond the obvious and even beyond 
the school.

 

Thousands of dollars worth of hot lunches were 
wasted when students were unable to take a lunch 
break and buy the lunches that had already been 
prepared, according to David Vannasdall, Deputy 
Superintendent, Educational Services and 
Programs.

 

Additional revenue was lost when all school activities 
in the afternoon and evening had to be 
canceled, including scheduled field rentals by Little 
League and AYSO groups. The AHS marching 
band was also forced to miss a valuable once-per-
week practice.

 

Overtime had to be paid to maintenance workers 
to empty, clean and re-set portable toilets used 
during the lock-down. Vannasdall noted that the 
makeshift buckets with a garbage bag lining, a lid 
and a privacy curtain were designed by a student 
for his Boy Scout for his Eagle badge project last 
year after an even more lengthy lock-down exposed 
a need for emergency portable toilets.

 

In addition to the stress and inconvenience for 
teachers, students, and parents, staff employees, 
some of whom have children in other schools in 
town, were unable to leave to pick up their kids.

 

Off school property, Santa Anita Park officials 
were contacted by police and needed to juggle 
paying clients so police could use a portion of the 
race track parking lot as a staging area.

 

Campus Blvd had to blocked off by police for 
three hours.

 

All because of an electronically-sent false threat 
of an explosive device by a 14-year-old who 
likely didn’t realize the disruptions and financial 
costs the threat would cause to thousands of 
people. Most likely the student’s parents were also 
unaware.

 

– By Scott Hettrick

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WOMAN?

Mattie Pearl Williams, a 61-year-old black woman 
who lives in Arcadia, is missing.

 The 5’11” 155-pound woman was last seen at her 
Arcadia apartment on Sept. 2 and was reported missing 
on Sunday, Sept. 16.

 

Ms. Williams lives alone, has a history of psychological 
issues, and hasn’t contacted any family members 
or friends. She abandoned her apartment and its 
contents on Sept. 2. Three years ago Ms. Williams was 
reported missing and was located in Louisiana.

 

The Arcadia Police Department continues its search 
for Ms. Williams and is seeking the public’s help in 
locating her. Local hospitals and area law enforcement 
have been alerted.

 

Anyone with information regarding Ms. Williams’ 
whereabouts is asked to contact the Arcadia Police 
Department at (626) 574-5156. 

– By Scott Hettrick Arcadia’s Best


ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

HISTORICAL MARKER DEDICATION AND SNEAK 
PREVIEW SEPT. 24 AND OCT. 2 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM 

(FORMER HOME OF LUCKY BALDWIN)

For the period of Sunday, September 9th, through Saturday, September 15th, the Police Department 
responded to 917 calls for service of which 136 required formal investigations. The following is a 
summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, September 9:

1. At about 1:33 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding in the 200 
block of East Live Oak Avenue at Louise Avenue. An investigation revealed the driver was under the 
influence of an alcoholic beverage. The 40-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


2. At approximately 2:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of North Baldwin 
Avenue regarding a report of a sounding alarm. Officers cleared the residence and determined 
unknown suspect(s) forced entry through a rear door. Meanwhile, assisting officers made contact 
with two suspicious subjects walking in the area and discovered their vehicle was parked across the 
street from the burglarized residence. A vehicle search revealed the subjects were in possession of 
stolen property and burglary tools. The 27-year-old Hispanic male and 39-year-old White female were 
arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Monday, September 10:

3. Around 10:11 p.m., an officer conducted an enforcement stop on a scooter for expired 
registration on Michillinda Avenue, south of Colorado Boulevard. The officer discovered the driver 
was never issued a license, had no insurance, and was displaying fraudulent registration. The 30-year-
old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.
4. Shortly after 6:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of South Baldwin Avenue 
regarding a medical assist. A female adult was attacked by a swarm of bees as she walked along the 
sidewalk. Arcadia Fire Department was on scene assisting the victim who suffered over 190 stings to 
her face and body. AFD located the bees in a palm tree to the front of a residence and eradicated them 
to prevent any further injuries. The victim was transported to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital where 
she was placed under observation. 


Tuesday, September 11:

5. At about 5:53 p.m., an officer responded to the 2000 block of South Santa Anita Avenue in 
reference to a residential burglary report. The victim discovered unknown suspect(s) forced entry 
through a side window, ransacked his bedrooms, and fled undetected with several items of property. 
No one saw or heard anything suspicious.


6. At approximately 6:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 000 block of San Miguel Drive 
regarding a disturbance. An investigation revealed a male subject violated a restraining order and 
vandalized his stepfather’s vehicle. The 18-year-old White male was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Wednesday, September 12:

7. At about 11:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to Arcadia High School, 180 Campus 
Drive, regarding a bomb threat received through email. The school was placed on lock-down at 
approximately 11:55 a.m. while officers checked for explosive devices; however, no threats were 
located. The campus was rendered safe and the lock-down was lifted shortly after 3:40 p.m. An 
investigation revealed a student sent the email as a prank so that he could avoid taking a test. The 
14-year-old Korean male was arrested, transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking, and turned 
over to the Eastlake Juvenile Detention Center. 


8. Around 3:33 p.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of West Camino Real Avenue 
in regards to a traffic collision. A driver collided with two unoccupied parked vehicles causing no 
injuries. An investigation revealed she was under the influence of alcohol. The 54-year-old White 
female was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Thursday, September 13:

9. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., an officer conducted a records check on the guest registry list at Motel 
6, 225 Colorado Place, and discovered a no bail warrant. The officer made contact with the occupant 
of the room who provided false information. A records check of his true identity revealed two 
outstanding misdemeanor warrants. The 26-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


10. At about 11:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to 900 block of West Huntington Drive 
regarding a disturbance outside a residence. An investigation revealed a female adult was intoxicated 
and unable to care for herself. The 24-year-old Filipino female was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Friday, September 14:

11. Around 8:50 a.m., an officer responded to the Hampton Inn, 311 East Huntington Drive, 
regarding a robbery that has just occurred. While walking to his vehicle, the victim was approached by 
three masked subjects who took his property at gun and knife point. The subjects loaded his luggage 
into a black BMW sedan and fled northbound out of the parking lot. The victim, an international 
jewelry businessman, believed he was followed to the hotel after conducting business in another city. 
He suffered a flesh wound to his side but declined medical attention. Two witnesses were located and 
further investigation is being conducted by the Detective Bureau. 


12. At approximately 6:20 p.m., an officer responded to Hollister at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 
South Baldwin Avenue, in reference to a theft report. A male suspect concealed a cologne inside his 
pocket and exited the store without making payment. The 17-year-old Hispanic male was arrested, 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking, and later released to his parent. 


ARCADIA, Calif. – A new “History Lives Here” 
historical marker showcasing vintage photographs 
and descriptions of the history and evolution 
of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and 
Botanic Garden that was once the home of Arcadia 
founder Lucky Baldwin will be dedicated at 
4 p.m. October 2 near the main entrance of the 
Arboretum.

A special first-ever preview of a mock-up of the 
Marker will be unveiled to attendees of the Arcadia 
Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of 
Arcadia at the Arboretum on Sept. 24.

This is the ninth marker dedicated by the Arcadia 
Historical Society in five years and the first to be 
entirely funded and presented by the independent 
Friends of the Society group which supports 
the Society in many ways. The tenth Marker will 
be dedicated this fall, coinciding with the unveiling 
of a new life-size statue of Lucky Baldwin.

Among the little-seen photographs presented on 
the Arboretum Marker will be an 1889 painting 
by H. H. Cross of Baldwin and daughter Anita 
sitting with dogs near the famous lake in front 
of the guest cottage (now called the Queen Anne 
Cottage); Lucky Baldwin’s nearby adobe home 
place of more than three decades (often called 
the Hugo Reid adobe, though Reid never lived 
there); and postcard views of the Baldwin Ranch, 
circa 1905, referred to by the Los Angeles Times 
in 1893 as one of the most beautiful botanical 
gardens in the world.

The 127-acre Arboretum was the heart of the 
sprawling Rancho Santa Anita, originally an outpost 
of Mission San Gabriel. Baldwin purchased 
8,500 acres of Rancho Santa Anita in 1875 and 
eventually owned nearly 50,000 acres of today’s 
San Gabriel Valley before he died in 1909. His 
daughter Anita maintained her father’s beloved 
Santa Anita home site for decades but was forced 
to sell it in 1936 due to financial burdens created 
by the Great Depression. In 1947, the new owners, 
a real estate syndicate headed by the Chandler 
family (longtime owners of the Los Angeles 
Times) sold the prime property surrounding the 
adobe and cottage at less than market value to an 
ambitious group of horticulturists backed by the 
County and the State for the purpose of create 
an Arboretum. History still lives here because of 
their efforts.

The series of Historical Markers are part of the 
non-profit Society's mission to create broader 
public awareness of noteworthy historical events, 
people, and landmarks in Arcadia. The Society’s 
first Historical Marker was presented during the 
Centennial Celebration of First Avenue Middle 
School in October 2007. Others since then: Los 
Angeles County’s Arcadia Park near the peacock 
fountain; the original City Hall on the northwest 
corner of Huntington Drive and First Avenue; the 
Woman's Club of Arcadia on First Avenue; three 
presented during 75th Anniversary dedications 
for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Santa 
Anita Park, and Adams’ Pack Station; and most 
recently The Derby restaurant last year.

 

Gene Glasco is president of the Arcadia Historical 
Society.

Sandy Snider researched, wrote and coordinated 
the photographs for the Derby, Arboretum, and 
upcoming Lucky Baldwin markers as a member 
of the Society’s Historical Marker Committee 
chaired by Scott Hettrick and assisted by Carol 
Libby. 

Contact:

Arcadia Historical Society: 626-446-8512

or Scott Hettrick, e-mail: hreporter@aol.com / 
cell: 626-485-8783

Web site: http://www.arcadiahistoricalsociety.org

“SLAVERY IN OUR MIDST” IS TOPIC FOR 
ARCADIA AAUW MEETING

The organization called TraffickFree San Gabriel aims to “raise awareness of the human trafficking 
problem in our community and bring healing to the survivors of modern slavery.” 

Members of the group conduct research and educate themselves about trafficking happening

in their own community and elsewhere. TraffickFree San Gabriel representatives will speak at a 
meeting of the Arcadia Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on 
Monday evening, October 8, 2012. 

The meeting will take place in the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Jordan Hall, 400 W. Duarte Rd. 
(SW corner of Duarte Rd. and Holly Ave.), Arcadia. The meeting is open to the

public at no charge, and ample parking is available in the church parking lot. All are invited to come 
for socializing and refreshments at 6:30 p.m., with the program to follow at 7:00 p.m.

 Membership in the American Association of University Women is open to women and

men university (or college) graduates, as well as to those holding an Associate of Arts degree or its 
equivalent. For membership information, please call Tamara Kato at (626) 375-6756 or

Patricia Dietrich at (626) 446-8437. Those interested may join at any time.

FALL PREVENTION WORKSHOP

The City of Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department is holding a falls prevention 
workshop, which is intended for adults 50+ years of age, at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 
Campus Drive, on Monday, September 24th from 1-2pm.

 September is National Falls Prevention Month and because of this, Arcadia Senior Services in collaboration 
with Comforcare Senior Services is offering a free lecture. According to the U.S. Census 
for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among adults 
65+ years of age and one in three fall each year.

 

For additional information or to register, please call Arcadia Senior Services at 626.574.5130.