Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 15, 2012

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, December 15, 2012 

FUN FOR KIDS THIS WINTER IN 
ARCADIA!

The Recreation and Community Services Department is offering a variety of winter activities this 
season. A Winter Kids Camp is held at Baldwin Stocker Elementary School, 422 E. Lemon Ave. The 
camp is open to elementary school age children in grades 1-5 and provides a safe, supervised, kid 
friendly retreat during winter vacation. The dates are December 26-28, 2012 and January 2-4, 2013 
from 9am-5pm for a cost of $20 per day. 

Sign your child up for one day or all six. The camp is filled with fun group activities including crafts, 
cooking, board games, movies, snacks and more. Supervision is generally on a ratio of one Recreation 
Leader for each group of 10 children. Groups will be organized by age and grade level.

Kids Night Out held at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive is on Friday, December 
21, 2012 (Winter Wonderland) and January 11, 2013 (Happy Penguins). Kids Night Out provides kids 
a night of fun and play so mom and dad enjoy an evening out or a quiet evening at home. Recreation 
Staff and Volunteens offer themed games, movies, dinner, snacks and supervision for children ages 4 
and above. Accommodations cannot be made for special dietary needs. The cost is $15 per child and 
is held from 6-11pm.

Pre-registration is mandatory for all of our activities and a $2 registration fee is applicable for those 
participants not registered in any other winter classes. On-line, mail-in, walk-in and fax-in registrations 
have begun. Go to the city’s website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us under the Recreation and Community 
Services Department or come by our office, 375 Campus Drive.

For more questions, please contact the Recreation Department at 626.

574.5113.

REMEMBRANCE

LEISEL ENGEMANN RETURNS TO ARCADIA

FOR A FINAL GOOD-BYE By Joan Schmidt

 It’s probably been ten years since Leisel and 
her beloved husband Henry relocated to northern 
California because of failing health and wanting to 
be near family. Their youngest son, John had stayed 
behind and had lived in Altadena for a while in a 
group home, but he eventually went north too. Leisel 
had Alzheimer’s, and Henry was in assisted living 
when she recently passed away. About three weeks 
ago, Annunciation Church learned of her death and 
all were saddened.

 John made many phone calls, and planned 
a beautiful Memorial Mass for his mom. Leisel was 
up in years and many of her friends had already 
passed away. The service was on a Monday morning, 
but close to 100 attended. Father Eugene officiated 
at the Mass, assisted by Melkite Archimandrite Jim 
Babcock. Father Eugene wore white vestments for 
the celebration and told us Jesus would have a gown 
for Leisel- she’s his bride. Father Eugene told us 
that Leisel, Lois Babcock, Bob Elwood and Robert 
Rockenbach had started the Christian Service 
Center, Annunciation Church. (This ministry is 
open Saturdays, feeds 100+ families and provides clothing, toys, books- whatever is needed)

 Then John went to the Podium. He said, “Mom was a good mom, and kind to everyone. She 
did the Christian Service Center and had the idea of Christmas gifts. (Each year there is a tree with 
little angels. The angels have the name and age of a child.) Mom brought Communion to the sick and 
I did this too. I had crossed eye vision and she provided treatment. She was a very good person. We’ll 
miss her. She showed everyone how to treat people.”

 John got chocked up as he finished and there were no dry eyes. We clapped and Father Eugene 
told John what a fine job John did and how proud his mom would be of him.

 After services, there was a reception in the Parish Center. Bob Elwood came from Vista, 
Frank Zacharias from Alta Loma, many parishioners and former neighbors came. The Bereavement 
Committee headed by Gary Cooper assists with the services and does all the planning and set-ups for 
receptions afterward. They and the music ministry should be commended. 

 These days, there is so much tragedy and crime reported in the news. But Leisel’s life and 
John’s planning this Memorial Service were so inspiring that I needed to tell their story.


For the period of Sunday, December 2nd, through Saturday, December 8th, the Police Department responded 
to 978 calls for service of which 120 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of 
the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, December 2:

1. At about 2:12 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding in the 1500 block of 
S. Santa Anita Avenue. During their investigation, officers discovered the driver was under the influence 
of alcohol. The 19-year-old, Asian male was subsequently arrested for drunk driving and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for processing.
2. Around 1:35 p.m., officers responded to the area of Santa Anita Avenue and Santa Clara Street 
regarding a battery. Investigation revealed an argument between two male subjects turned into a physical 
altercation. One of the subjects sprayed the other in the face with pepper spray, punched him in the 
eye, and tried to choke him. The 22-year-old, White male was taken to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for 
treatment of his injuries. Neither of the subjects desired prosecution.


 

Monday, December 3:

3. At about 11:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to Albertson’s, 298 E. Live Oak Avenue, regarding 
a male suspect exposing himself in public. Investigation revealed the male suspect was fondling his 
exposed genitalia, while urinating in front of the store. Upon arrival, officers identified the suspect, and 
the 48-year-old, Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for processing. 
4. At approximately 9:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration 
on Baldwin Avenue near Las Tunas Drive. Upon contact, the officer discovered the driver had an expired 
license. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed the driver was in possession of methamphetamine 
and meth pipes. The 56-year-old, Hispanic female was arrested for possession of a controlled substance 
and drug paraphernalia, and was transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.


Tuesday, December 4:

5. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Arcadia Police Department in reference 
to a theft that occurred earlier in the afternoon at 24 Hour Fitness, 125 N. First Avenue. The victim 
discovered his gym bag had been stolen from a secured locker and left in a bathroom stall. Investigation 
revealed the victim’s cell phone, watch, cash, driver’s license and several credit cards had been stolen out 
of his gym bag. There were no witnesses at the time of the incident.
6. At about 9:49 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle for a missing headlight on 
Foothill Boulevard near Tindalo Road. During their investigation, officers discovered the male bicyclist 
was in possession of a hypodermic needle and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The 38-year-old, 
White male was subsequently arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for processing. 


Wednesday, December 5:

7. At approximately 10:22 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a red, Chevy Astro Van for 
expired registration in the area of Santa Anita Avenue and Bonita Street. A records check revealed the 
driver was unlicensed. The 24-year-old, White male was consequently cited and released in the field.
8. Around 9:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of S. Santa Anita Avenue in regards 
to a residential burglary. Officers discovered the suspect(s) removed a rear window screen and entered 
through the unlocked window. Further investigation revealed the bedrooms were ransacked, and cash 
and several pieces of jewelry were stolen. There were no witnesses or surveillance cameras. 


Thursday, December 6:

9. Around 2:57 a.m., officers responded to Motel 6, 225 Colorado Place, regarding a possible 
battery between two female domestic partners. The investigation revealed an argument 
turned physical and the victim was pushed several times by her girlfriend. A 34-year-old, 
White female was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for treatment of her injuries. 
Neither subject desired prosecution.
10. At about 3:18 p.m., an officer responded to Rite Aid, 39 W. Las Tunas Drive, regarding a theft. 
Investigation revealed the male suspect concealed several beer cans in his pockets, and exited the store 
without paying. Officers located the suspect walking eastbound on Live Oak Avenue near Santa Anita 
Avenue. The 46-year-old, White male was arrested for commercial burglary and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking.


Friday, December 7:

11. At about 12:49 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle for a missing headlight on 
Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue. The male suspect failed to pull over and continued riding for about one 
block. Upon contact, the suspect refused to place his hands on his head, as ordered by officers. Though 
initially non-compliant, the suspect ultimately complied with the officers’ orders, and was arrested for 
delaying officers in the course of their duties. 
12. Shortly after 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 to 1 Bar, 100 W. Huntington Drive, 
in reference to a male suspect waving a gun at patrons. Upon arrival, officers saw the suspect holding 
a gun, and ordered him to drop his weapon. The suspect complied, and was taken into custody by 
officers. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a convicted felon, and had an additional gun 
concealed on his person at time of arrest. The 26-year-old, Hispanic male was transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail, and booked for both brandishing a firearm, and being a felon in possession of handguns.


Saturday, December 8:

13. Around 12:03 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Huntington Drive and First Avenue in 
regard to a male suspect exposing himself in public. Investigation revealed the suspect was fondling his 
exposed genitalia in view of passers-by. Upon arrival, the officers identified the suspect, and the 66-year-
old, Black male was arrested for indecent exposure and transported to Arcadia City Jail for booking.
14. At approximately 5:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Santa Anita Race Track, 285 W. 
Huntington Drive, regarding a possible suicidal subject. Investigation revealed the 49-year-old male had 
taken 20 prescription pills, consumed a large amount of alcohol, and called security for help. The subject 
was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for medical treatment and possible 72-hour evaluation.


ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER