Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 1, 2012

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, December 1, 2012 

POLICE RESPOND TO PHONY BOMB THREAT

On November 29, 2012 at about 10:40 a.m., Arcadia Police Officers responded to 165 E. Foothill Blvd. 
(Rite-Aid) on the report of a bomb inside the store. The store was evacuated by the manager prior 
to police arrival. Investigation revealed the threat was received at the store via telephone. A search 
of the store for suspicious items was conducted and none were found. The store was reopened for 
business. The identity of the suspect is not known and the case is under investigation. Due to its close 
proximity to the store, Foothills Middle School was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure 
for approximately 45 minutes. 

REMEMBRANCE


400+ CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF 
DEACON GIL CHAVEZ

September 8, 1938- November 13, 2012

By Joan Schmidt

 Over the Thanksgiving weekend, 400+ family and 
friends came to Annunciation Chapel at San Gabriel Mission 
to celebrate the life of Deacon Gil Chavez, father, son, husband 
and servant to many. He served at Annunciation Parish, 
Arcadia for several years, so I had wondered why weren’t 
services there? I learned he had been ministering at St. Luke’s, 
Temple City simultaneously, and also had served in Pasadena 
and here at the mission! Nuns from St. Anthony’s in Alhambra even attended.

 The main celebrant was Fr. Robert Fulton; Father Eugene Herbert, Homily; Music, Ralph and 
Vicki Mahutsky; Presentation of Gifts, daughter, Deanne, son-in-law, Steve Bruhn, and daughter-in-
law, Diane Chavez; and Gene Chapman, Eulogy.

 During the Homily, Father Eugene explained why Jesus came down to earth, and compared 
Gil’s life and ministry to Him. Father revealed that Gil’s sister had passed away from an illness that 
was affecting Gil. But Gil said, “It is in God’s hands, one day at a time.” 

 Gene Chapman met Gil through work-the insurance business. He spoke of Gil’s personal 
life- of how Gil’s parents and three children came to the Los Angeles area. (Gil’s siblings preceded 
him in death, as well as his son.) Gene spoke of Gil’s meeting his beloved Delores on a blind date-they 
courted for nine months and married. They loved to dance, won many contests and had fifty-two 
wonderful years together. 

 Gene spoke of Gil’s career which began as an insurance agent, but he worked hard and went up 
the ladder. Within five years, he was Sales Manager (1966), District Manager (1991), and eventually 
Number 1 District Manager Nationwide! 

 In June 1995, Gil was ordained Deacon after five years of training which Delores also partook. 
Gene proudly related that Gil sponsored him at Easter, 1995 for his Baptism, and a highlight of Gil’s 
life when his and Delores’ meeting with Mother Teresa.

 Gene ended the Eulogy with Gil meeting Jesus. Gil would say, “Hello, my friend,” and Jesus 
would respond, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” 
(Matthew 25:21.

 VERY SPECIAL thanks to Jo De La Torre who coordinated the reception following. Everyone 
walked to the Parish Center, where there was a feast. There were four collages of pictures following 
Gil’s life from birth till now, and there was wonderful music-Elvis, Rock and Roll, even Johnny Cash. 
This was a TRUE celebration. Well done, dear Deacon Gil. We will miss you.

SOBRIETY & DRIVER’S LICENSE CHECKPOINT

The Arcadia Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting sobriety checkpoints at multiple 
locations within the city on Saturday, December 1st, 2012. We would like to remind the public of 
the dangers associated with drinking and driving. It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired. 
Give the gift of life this holiday season and celebrate responsibly. Use sober designated drivers and 
remember, “Friends don’t let friend’s drive while impaired.”

Jan’s Towing provides a no cost “Don’t Drive Drunk” detour program, 365 days a year, and will provide 
a free lift home for drivers and their vehicles up to 7 miles in their service area. Call (626) 334-1383 
for more information.

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, 
Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.

Remember, the solution begins with you! Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, November 18th, through Saturday, November 24th, the Police Department 
responded to 887 calls for service of which 92 required formal investigations. The following is a summary 
report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, November 18:

1. At approximately 8:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to First Christian Martial Arts, 26 E. 
Duarte Road, in reference to vandalism. Investigation revealed windows, doors and mirrors inside the 
church had been smashed. The church pastor indicated that he believed the suspect was a fellow church 
member and did not desire prosecution. 
2. Around 2:50 p.m., officers responded to the 000 block of E. Floral Avenue regarding a domestic 
disturbance. Investigation revealed that an argument occurred between roommates, which escalated to a 
physical altercation. Upon arrival, officers discovered the male suspect strangling the female victim. The 
45-year-old, Asian male was arrested, transported to the Arcadia City Jail, and charged for attempted 
murder. The victim was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for treatment of her injuries.


Monday, November 19:

3. At about 10:29 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a green, Honda Accord for expired 
registration on Fifth Avenue near Huntington Drive. The officer discovered the driver had a suspended 
license. A subsequent search revealed the driver was in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine. 
The 28-year-old, Hispanic male was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and was transported 
to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
4. Around 4:41 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Nicholas Lane in regards to a 
residential burglary. Officers discovered the suspect(s) pried open a kitchen window, entered the home, 
and exited through the back door. Investigation revealed there was no damage done to the home and 
it is unknown if anything was stolen. There were no witnesses or surveillance cameras at the location.


Tuesday, November 20:

5. Shortly after 7:00 p.m., an officer observed a male bicyclist throw trash into the bushes on the 
000 block of S. Baldwin Avenue. Upon contact with the bicyclist, he revealed to the officer that he had 
thrown away a crumbled wrapper and a partially eaten donut into the bushes while riding his bike. As 
a result, the 48-year-old, White male was cited for littering.
6. Around 10:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to Go Go’s Liquor, 914 W. Duarte Road, in 
reference to two suspects drinking alcohol and breaking bottles in the parking lot. Upon contact with 
the suspects, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on their breath and person, and noticed other 
objective symptoms of intoxication as well. The officers determined the suspects were unable to care for 
their safety, and the 27 and 32-year-old, Hispanic males were arrested for public intoxication. 


Wednesday, November 21:

7. At approximately 8:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to Delta Distributing, 111 S. First Avenue, 
in reference to vandalism. An investigation revealed that suspect(s) spray painted gang-related graffiti 
on the back wall of the business. There were no witnesses or surveillance cameras at the scene.
8. At about 6:35 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a black, Jeep Wrangler – for an 
obstructed rear license plate – in the area of Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue. A records check 
revealed the driver was unlicensed. The 43-year-old, Hispanic male was consequently cited and released 
in the field.


Thursday, November 22:

9. At about 7:48 a.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital parking lot, 300 W. 
Huntington Drive, regarding a hit and run. An investigation revealed the victim’s parked vehicle was 
side swept by another vehicle. The suspect(s) did not leave a note and there were no witnesses at the 
time of the incident. 
10. At about 12:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Huntington drive in reference 
to an auto burglary. A subsequent investigation revealed the passenger side window of the 2001 white, 
Toyota Tacoma had been smashed. No items were found missing and there were no signs of the 
suspect(s) in the area. 


Friday, November 23:

11. At about 4:08 p.m., an officer responded to Claire’s at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin 
Avenue, regarding a female suspect in custody for theft. The suspect concealed several jewelry and 
clothing items in a bag, exited the store without paying for them, and was detained by loss prevention 
officers for theft. Further investigation revealed the suspect had stolen clothing from two other stores in 
the mall. The 55-year-old, Asian female was arrested for burglary and transported to the Arcadia City 
Jail for booking.
12. Around 6:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of N. First Avenue in regard to a 
residential burglary. The female resident arrived to her home, noticed a back door was open, and several 
rooms were ransacked. Further investigation revealed $200 in currency was stolen. Officers did not 
detect any signs of forced entry and there were no surveillance cameras.


Saturday, November 24:

13. At about 11:09 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of W. Huntington Drive in 
reference to a residential burglary. Investigation revealed that suspect(s) had forced opened the victim’s 
secured carport storage locker during the late night hours of November 23rd to the early morning hours 
of November 24th, and stole several tools and a car audio subwoofer before fleeing undetected. 
14. At about 4:08 p.m., an officer responded to Hollister at the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin 
Avenue, regarding a male suspect in custody for theft. The suspect concealed a bottle of cologne in 
his sleeve and exited the store without paying for it. The suspect was subsequently detained by loss 
prevention. The 18-year-old, Hispanic male was arrested for theft and transported to the Arcadia City 
Jail for booking. 



Brighter Side Singers to Bring

A “White Christmas” to Arcadia AAUW 

 Thanks to Temple City High School’s Brighter Side Singers and composer Irving Berlin, the 
Arcadia Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be treated to a 
“White Christmas.” Performing as a show choir and wearing dazzling outfits, the singers will bring 
fancy footwork and youthful exuberance to their performance. Popular director Matt Byers has 
promised that his choristers will sing a variety of songs from the 1950s movie “White Christmas.” 
Of course, no program would be complete without the singing of the much-loved title song, “White 
Christmas,” the top-selling single recording of all time. 

 The Arcadia Branch of AAUW is inviting the public to come enjoy the Brighter Side Singers’ 
performance at its meeting on Monday, December 10, at the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Jordan 
Hall, 400 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia (SW corner of Duarte Rd. and Holly Ave.). Socializing and 
refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m. with the program to follow at 7:00 p.m.

 Director Matt Byers says that Temple City H. S.’s Performing Arts Department is busy 
preparing for its holiday program, “One Magic Christmas.” Slated for March 2013 is the 48th spring 
musical, “The King and I.” Byers, an alumnus of Temple City H. S. and a graduate of CSU-Los 
Angeles, has directed the Singers for over 25 years. Accompanist Jon Howie is also a graduate of 
Temple City H. S. and CSU-Los Angeles. For more information about Temple City H. S.’s Performing 
Arts events, please call (626) 548-5053.

 Membership in the American Association of University Women is open to all women and 
men holding a university or college degree, as well as to those with an Associate of Arts degree or its 
equivalent. For more information about AAUW, please call Tamara Kato at

 (626) 375-6756 or Patricia Dietrich at (626) 446-8437.