Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 27, 2012

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 27, 2012 


Rose 
Queen 
Crowned 

Police Still Searching 
For Rape Suspect 

School, 
Health 

Department 

Evacuated 

After Bomb 
Threat

The hunt continued for a 
male suspect accused of 
sexually assaulting a female 
victim last week as she left a 
night club in old Pasadena. 
Police say they have stepped 
up enforcement in the area 
and released a sketch of the 
possible rapist.

According to police, on 
Saturday, October 13, just 
before midnight the female 
victim left a night club in 
Old Pasadena. The victim 
walked down a nearby alley 
where the suspect made 
contact with her. Police said, 
under threat he took her to a 
darkened, secluded parking 
area further down the 
alley. The suspect sexually 
assaulted the victim and 
then walked away from the 
area on foot. Minutes after 
the assault the victim was 
found by a group of people 
passing by and the police 
were contacted.

Police are asking for the 
public’s help. 

The suspect is described as a 
male, Hispanic, 30 to 40 years 
old, 5’6” to 5’9”, medium 
build, thin mustache and 
goatee, possible flat mole or 
dark mark on cheek beneath 
unshaven hair (unknown 
which side and not depicted 
in sketch), wearing all dark 
clothing. 

Anyone with information 
about this crime is asked to 
contact Detective Sandeen at 
626-744-7099 or ssandeen@
cityofpasadena.net

 
The Pasadena Tournament of 
Roses President, Sally Bixby, 
crowned the 95th Rose Queen 
Vanessa Manjarrez, Thursady 
in an official Coronation 
ceremony presented by 
Citizens Business Bank at the 
Pasadena Convention Center 
and supported by Royal Court 
sponsors Macy’s and Mikimoto.

 “Queen Vanessa and our 
six Rose Princesses are all 
outstanding young women and 
I’m proud to welcome them 
into the Tournament of Roses 
family,” Bixby said. “They are 
inspirational and articulate 
ambassadors of the Tournament 
and I know they will carry on 
the traditions of the Royal Court 
with poise and grace.”

 As an official ambassador 
of the Tournament of Roses, 
Queen Vanessa will participate 
in more than 150 community 
and media functions along with 
the seven Rose Princesses.

 “I’m so honored to be Rose 
Queen, and representing 
the Tournament of Roses 
has already been amazing,” 
Manjarrez said. “Now that we 
have these beautiful dresses and 
our crown and tiaras, the whole 
experience of being on the Royal 
Court is even more special.”

 Manjarrez, 17, lives in 
Pasadena and attends Mayfield 
Senior School, where she is 
on the Diversity Committee 
and Advising Council. She 
also participates in the Dance 
Conservatory and is involved 
with the National Charity 
League, the Pasadena Humane 
Society and Villa Esperanza. 

 The 124th Rose Parade themed 
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! will 
take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 8 
a.m. Following the parade, the 
99th Rose Bowl Game presented 
by VIZIO will kick off at 2:10 
p.m.

 For additional information on 
the Tournament of Roses please 
visit the official website at www.
tournamentofroses.com.

Suspect Arrested

 Officials at the city’s health 
department received bomb 
threats Thursday prompting 
police to evacuate the 
building, at 1845 North Fair 
Oaks Avenue. Detectives 
later arrested 25-year-old 
Jerardo Cortez, of Altadena, 
in connection to the threats.

 Police said detectives were 
following up on leads in the 
area of 1700 block of N. Fair 
Oaks Avenue, when they 
interviewed Cortez. During 
the interview he admitted 
to making the bomb threat 
against the Pasadena Public 
Health Department and a 
bomb threat the day before 
at Washington Middle 
School. 

 Cortez was booked at 
the Pasadena City Jail for 
Criminal Threats with a bail 
of $50,000.

 Police said Cortez made 
two calls to the police 
department saying he was 
armed and in a location 
close to the Public Health 
Department. The first call 
was made at approximately 
9:00 a.m. with a second call 
at approximately 10:50 a.m. 
according to police. 

 Students at Washington 
Middle School were 
evacuated Wednesday 
about 1:45 p.m. after police 
say Cortez call in a bomb 
threat. 

 The Pasadena Health 
Department was searched by 
police officers and bomb K9 
units and it was determined 
safe and reopened at 2:00 
p.m. Cortez told police 
Washington Middle School 
would explode at 2:45 p.m. 
After bomb-sniffing dogs 
failed to find explosives 
the school was reopened 
Thursday. 

2013 Rose Queen Vanessa Manjarrez receives her crown from 
Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby

Brennerm and San Rafael 
Parks to get Improvements


Citizen 
Journalism 
Meet-up

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

 

 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 Oct. 30 
from 6: 30 p.m. to 8p.m. at 
the Pasadena Community 
Network - Studio G, 2057 N. 
Los Robles Ave.

 For more info call 
626.794.8585.

Police Talk 
Man Out 

of Suicide

 Improvements projects by the 
Pasadena Department of Public 
Works at two City parks—
Brenner and San Rafael—
mean there will be temporary, 
partial closures and limited 
access to both facilities effective 
immediately. 

 A $50,000 project to renovate 
the softball field at Brenner 
Park, 235 Barthe Drive, will 
have the field fenced off and 
closed at least through February 
1, 2013. The closure allows time 
to complete the project and the 
new turf to take root. 

 Over at San Rafael Park, 
located at Colorado Boulevard 
and Melrose Avenue, the 
department is engaged in a 
$55,000 project to replace 
swings and other playground 
equipment. This work area 
will be fenced and closed to 
the public through the end of 
November 2012. 

 The Brenner Park project 
includes enhancements to the 
irrigation system; laser grading 
of the infield; additional infield 
mix; improved transition 
between infield and outfield 
areas; leveling the outfield soil; 
and re-seeding the field. To 
reduce water consumption 
and promote environmental 
stewardship, the project also 
calls for removing select 
locations of non-essential turf 
including the area behind 
the bleachers, adjacent to the 
restrooms and the strip between 
third base and the perimeter 
fence. 

 At San Rafael, crews will 
be replacing existing swings 
with a larger unit to allow for 
more simultaneous use and 
the addition of new standalone 
playground equipment. The 
playground enhancements 
will provide additional play 
opportunities for 5- to 12-year-
old children while maintaining 
the existing opportunities for 
younger children. 

 In addition to the new play 
equipment, the project includes 
perimeter curbs, accessibility 
ramps, wood fiber playground 
surfacing, irrigation upgrades 
and replacement turf. During 
construction, the contractor 
will close and fence off a 
portion of the existing play and 
adjacent turf areas as well as 
periodic closures of the park’s 
perimeter walkway. For more 
information, call (626) 744-
4720 or via e-mail at swright@
cityofpasadena.net.

 Pasadena police responded 
Monday afternoon to a man 
on the Colorado Street Bridge 
sitting on the outside of the 
railing shutting down the 
iconic landmark for hours, 
known to many, as Suicide 
Bridge. 

 According to police, officers 
made verbal contact at 
approximately 3:40 p.m. with 
Daniel Orona a 41-year-old 
homeless Pasadena man. 
Police said Orona indicated he 
was suicidal. Pasadena Police 
Crisis Negotiators and the 
H.O.P.E Team talked Orona 
out of suicide as he indicated 
he was depressed over financial 
and personal issues. 

 Pasadena Fire Department, 
Engine 39 deployed the 
Rescue Inflatable Bag under 
the area of where Mr. Orona 
was sitting. 

 Polcie said at 5:10 p.m. 
Orona climbed back over the 
railing with the assistance of 
police officers. Mr. Orona was 
transported to a hospital for 
psychiatric evaluation. The 
bride was reopened shortly 
after.

 “Excellent team work by 
Pasadena Police and Fire 
personnel in their efforts to 
save a man’s life”, Chief of 
police Phillip Sanchez said.

Halloween Safty Tips and 
Reminders to Help all 
Witches, Ghosts and Ghouls

 
Halloween is meant to be 
a special treat for children 
and adults alike, but many of 
its hallmarks, costumes and 
decorations pose fire, safety 
and other accident hazards. 
Pasadena’s Police, Fire and 
Public Health Officials offer the 
following tips and reminders 
to help all witches, ghosts and 
ghouls enjoy a safe Halloween. 

 Costumes 

 Wear a costume that is easily 
seen by others, especially 
motorists, and is easy to walk 
in. 

Avoid costumes with billowy, 
long-trailing fabric that can 
easily ignite or be a tripping 
hazard. 

Make sure masks fit properly 
and eye holes are large enough 
to easily see out. 

Consider wearing facial make-
up instead. 

 Candles and Decorations 

 Halloween is one of the top 
five days of the year when 
candles are used, and according 
to the National Fire Protection 
Association, candles cause 
about 15,000 house fires each 
year, more than 1,200 serious 
injuries, close to 200 deaths 
and $450 million in property 
damage. 

 Always use caution with 
candles and never leave lit 
candles unattended. 

 Dried flowers, cornstalks 
and crepe paper are highly 
flammable. Keep these and 
other decorations well away 
from open flames and heat 
sources, including light bulbs 
and heaters. 

 Keep all exists clear of 
decorations and have a fire 
extinguisher nearby. 

C onsider using flashlights 
or battery-operated candles 
instead. 

 Light candles inside Jack o’ 
Lanterns with long, fireplace-
style matches or utility lighters. 

 Make sure children are 
watched at all times when 
around lit candles. Be sure 
young ones know how to stop, 
drop, roll and cover their faces 
if clothing catches fire. 

 Trick or Treating 

 Always go with friends and 
stay in a group. Plan your 
route, using well-lit streets and 
tell your family which streets 
you plan to use and your return 
time. 

 Parents or other adults should 
always go with the young trick-
or-treaters. Everyone should 
use flashlights or glow-sticks 
to increase visibility. Use 
reflective tape on costumes. 

 Cross only at corners, not in 
the middle of the block or from 
between parked cars. 

 Review with children how 
to safely cross a street with by 
looking left, right and left again 
to spot approaching cars. If no 
sidewalk, stay as far left of the 
roadway as possible and walk 
facing traffic. 

 Never eat any goodies until 
you are safely home and have 
checked all treats. Parents 
should help youngsters check 
all treats. Throw away candy 
or food not commercially 
wrapped and sealed. Notify 
parents and police if there are 
any suspicious treats. 

 As an alternative, attend an 
organized Halloween party. 
It’s fun to get together with 
other ghosts and goblins! If 
your children are attending 
Halloween parties at others’ 
homes, remind them to be alert 
for ways out of the home in an 
emergency. 

 Adults and Motorists 

 Use extra caution while 
driving on Halloween. Be 
on the look-out for trick-or-
treaters. 

 Celebrate responsibly and 
designate a driver if attending 
parties or other festivities. 

 For more information, call the 
Pasadena Fire Department at 
(626) 744-7177 or the Pasadena 
Police Department at (626) 
744-4241. 


Pet of 
the Week

 
Charlie is a brown and 
white, three-year-old pit 
bull. He’s a strong, yet gentle 
fellow and loves attention. 
He enjoys going for walks 
and is very affectionate 
too! He’d be great for an 
experienced dog owner.

 In honor of Adopt-
a-Shelter-Dog Month, 
Charlie’s adoption fee is 
$99(regular adoption fee 
is $120) for the month of 
October. The $99 adoption 
fee includes her spay surgery, 
a microchip, the first set 
of vaccinations, as well 
as a free follow-up health 
check at a participating vet. 
New adopters will receive 
complimentary health and 
wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well 
as a goody bag filled with 
information on how to 
care for your pet. Ask an 
adoptions counselor for 
more information during 
your visit 

 Call the Pasadena 
Humane Society & SPCA at 
626.792.7151 to ask about 
A315592, or visit at 361 S. 
Raymond Ave. in Pasadena. 
Adoption hours are 11-4 
Sunday, 9-5 Tuesday –
Friday, 9-4 Saturday. Pets 
may not be available for 
adoption and cannot be 
held for potential adopters 
from phone calls or email. 
Directions and photos of all 
pets can be found at www.
pasadenahumane.org.

Speaking Of, John Schulian

 

 Allendale Branch Library is 
launching “Speaking Of” a new 
series of quarterly programs 
which will explore the lives and 
creative journeys of Pasadena’s 
most enduring artistic and 
cultural figures – people who 
have left an indelible impression 
on the artistic and cultural 
landscape of Pasadena and 
beyond. 

 The inaugural program will 
examine the forty-year career of 
one of the country’s preeminent 
sportswriters, John Schulian. 
It will be held on Saturday, 
November 10 at 2 p.m. at 
Allendale Branch Library, 1130 
S. Marengo Ave. 

 Schulian burst to prominence 
in the 1970s as a nationally 
syndicated columnist for the 
Chicago Sun-Times and added 
to his reputation with freelance 
stories for such magazines as 
GQ and Sports Illustrated. 
In the mid-‘80s, he surprised 
readers and colleagues by 
jumping to Hollywood, where 
he broke into TV with a script 
for L.A. Law and went on to 
write and produce such series as 
Miami Vice, Wiseguy, and JAG. 
His most recognizable show 
business achievement, however, 
was co-creating Xena: Warrior 
Princess, which became the 
world’s most popular syndicated 
drama. And yet through it all he 
kept his hand in sports writing, 
out of love for the business and 
devotion to the written word.

 The discussion, punctuated 
by video clips of various 
events and athletes he covered, 
will touch upon moments of 
triumph and heartache from 
baseball, football, basketball, 
horse racing, and the sport 
whose battles and combatants 
inspired some of Schulian’s 
most memorable writing: 
professional boxing. Video 
highlights will include the 1985 
middleweight championship 
bout between Marvelous Marvin 
Hagler and Thomas Hearns 
(“the single most electrifying 
event he covered in any sport”), 
and the 1980 heavyweight 
championship match in which 
Larry Holmes dismantled an 
aging Muhammad Ali (“the 
saddest night I ever saw in 
sports . . . it was like covering 
an execution”). A Pasadena 
resident, Schulian will also sign 
copies of his recently-published 
anthology, Sometimes They 
Even Shook Your Hand: 
Portraits of Champions Who 
Walked Among Us. 


PCC Courier 
Wins General 
Excellence 

 The weekly Courier 
newspaper, published by 
the Pasadena City College 
Journalism Department, was 
recently honored with the 
coveted General Excellence 
award at the Southern 
California conference of the 
Journalism Association of 
Community Colleges.

 “It always feels good to be 
recognized for our hard work,” 
Editor-in-Chief Nick Saul 
said. “And I’m proud of how 
successful the staff did in the 
on-the-spot competitions.”

 Held at Cal State Fullerton, 
the conference was attended 
by about 400 students and 
faculty from more than 20 
community college journalism 
programs. The top award 
from the JACC was given for 
student work in the 2011-2012 
academic year. The newspaper, 
produced entirely by students 
in the journalism program, 
was judged according to 
criteria that included writing, 
photography, design, and 
editing.

 For more information or to 
access the Courier, go to www.
pcccourier.com.