Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 20, 2013

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 20, 2013 

A GOOD DAY IN ARCADIA

By Joan Schmidt

 This past Tuesday was an exciting day in Arcadia as two special 
events occurred. The first was the dedication of the larger than life 
bronze statue of Elias “Lucky Baldwin” at the Monsignor Gerald M. 
O’Keefe Rose Garden at the corner of Huntington Drive/Campus 
Rd/Holly Avenue, Arcadia. The nine-foot-high statue is titled “A 
Dawn in the West” and its location is ideal, as Baldwin overlooks 
the developed City and behind him are the mountains. 

 The artist is Alfred Paredes who graduated from the Laguna College 
of Art and Design in 1998. His dedication to revealing the nature 
of his subjects has won him several sculpture awards including the 
2010 Roger T. Williams prize by the National Sculpture Society. 
During the program, I had the pleasure of standing next to Alfred’s 
mother and she just beamed with pride throughout the festivities.

 Mayor Harbicht began by calling Baldwin, “truly a visionary who 
recognized potential in this area…a true California pioneer.”

 Mayor Harbicht also spoke of the great generosity of Baldwin’s two 
great, great, great granddaughters, Heather Gibson and Margaux 
Gibson-Viera, who made the gift of the statue to the city. The City 
obtained funding for the pedestal and dedication plaque.

 The next speaker was City Clerk Gene Glasco, also a member of the 
Historical Society, who gave more background about Baldwin’s life.

 The last speaker was the artist, Alfred Paredes who thanked 
Margaux Gibson-Viera and Heather Gibson for the statue, and the 
City of Arcadia for the opportunity to be part of the tribute to its 
founder.

 The time for unveiling came and as it was done, all spectators 
were in awe of the majestic statue. A reception followed in the area 
outside the Chamber of Commerce.

 Barely two hours later, it was time for a reception and Reorganization 
of the Arcadia City Council. At the City Council meeting, the first 
item of business was presentations to outgoing Mayor Bob Harbicht. 
They included Tommy Tseng for Congresswoman Judy Chu, Iso 
Nakasato for Senator Ed Hernandez, Olivia Lee for Assembly 
Member Ed Chau, Brian Mejia for Supervisor Mike 
Antonovich, Joann Steinmeier and Dr. Joel Shawn for 
the Arcadia Unified School District, Arlynn Robinson 
for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Eric Barter for 
the Arcadia Rotary Club, Joanna Liang for the Arcadia 
Chinese Association, and Mayor Pro tem Mickey Segal 
on behalf of the City of Arcadia. The accolades were 
many and all included mention of Harbicht’s nineteen 
years of service to the City of Arcadia, his involvement 
and support of Scouts and the Rotary Club.

 After the accolades, outgoing Mayor Harbicht spoke of 
his goal to keep the city as great as it was when he first 
took office, and he has accomplished that feat. As Mayor, 
he has worked with the New City Manager Dominic 
Lazzaretto and said what a great job he has done. 
Harbicht also thanked the fellow Council Members, the 
great City Staff, Mary, Lisa, Connie and Kristen, and of 
course his wife Patsy.

 Next it was time for the City Clerk, Gene Glasco to call 
for election of the Mayor and the unanimous choice was 
Mickey Segal. Mayor Segal then called for the election of 
Mayor Pro Tem and John Wuo was chosen.

 The newly-chosen Mayor and Council then spoke; 
each had praise for Harbicht, spoke of their great City 
and their pleasure working on the Council. They also 
thanked their wives and family for their understanding 
when commitments take them from home.

 After the comments from the City Council, it was time 
for “public comments”. All three speakers spoke of the 
proposed work on the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita 
Park. There was great concern about renovation of the 
room and removal of the chandeliers and gold palms…
”they should be left according to historical standards.”

 The Consent Calendar was approved; Council 
adjourned, and thus ended a great day for Arcadia.


HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S FIRST AUCTION APRIL 26

Dozens of collectibles from clocks to peacocks

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Arcadia Historical Society will hold its first ever auction from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
Friday, April 26, at the Arcadia 210 Self Storage, 324 North Second Avenue.

Come and bid on rare historical memorabilia and artifacts of all shapes and sizes that mostly have no 
specific connection to Arcadia history or historical event. 

Among the items:

Spinning wheel; Mantle clock; Pair of bronze peacocks; T. Haviland (Limogue) serving dishes; 
Pieced quilts; Bridal gowns; Japanese tea cup & saucer sets; other tea sets; Vintage clothing from 
1900-1980; Cameras; Jewelry; Church pews; other collectibles

Come look, bid and enjoy wine and cheese for only $15. All proceeds go to the Arcadia Historical 
Society, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, interpreting and 
promoting community interest in the history of the City of Arcadia and its immediate environs.

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

ARCADIA ROTARY CLUB SALUTE TO 
SENIORS

 The annual Salute to Seniors luncheon sponsored by the Arcadia 
Rotary Club will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 12-1:30pm at 
the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive. At this special 
event, Rotarians, along with the City Council, Senior Commissioners 
and other guests will honor Bob Bane, the City of Arcadia 2013 
senior of the year. Tickets for the luncheon are $4 per person and go 
on sale Tuesday, April 2.

ABOUT THE HONOREE

Bob has been a tremendous asset to not only the Arcadia Community 
Center, but also the Senior Friendship Club. Bob contributes 
significant assistance to Arcadia Senior Services by managing the 
Ambassador Desk, facilitating coffee service to seniors in the morning, 
and assists staff by photocopying forms and flyers for Community Center operations. Bob has 
provided extensive volunteer service to the Senior Friendship Club by serving as the Treasurer the 
past two years and has successfully worked with the IRS and Franchise Tax Board toconsolidate 
the club financial records to meet the requirements of both Federal and State financial agencies. In 
addition to the financial responsibilities, Bob has assumed the duties of Co-tour chairman for the 
club. In this capacity, he helps to plan trips for the members, collect money, pay bills and market 
the excursions through the City newsletter and club correspondence. Bob and his wife Shirley 
live in the City of Arcadia and are both committed to giving back to the community through 
volunteerism.

Bob Bane

SAVE THE DATE!

OPEN HOUSE - ARCADIA COMMUNITY CENTER

On Saturday, April 27, from 8am-12noon, the Recreation & Community Services Department present 
the first annual “Open House” where many Recreation classes and programs will be showcased. 
Families can come out to the Community Center and visit a variety of booths for more information on 
summer classes, programs, and Library & Museum events. 

They can also experience live demonstrations from many of the instructors, and have their questions 
answered. Classes offer something for everyone in the family from Art, Zumba, Yoga, Karate, Tennis, 
Soccer, Golf, Cooking, Photography, Baton Twirling, Piano, Guitar, Acting, Ballet, Line Dancing, Salsa 
and more! Are you looking for a summer activity for your children or yourself? Check out the Summer 
Day Camp, Sports Camp, The Zone, The Pit, Swim Program, Museum events, Library Summer Reading 
Program and Fun n’ Play Playgrounds. Representatives will be available to answer your questions 
or provide more information for all. No registration necessary. 

 For more information please call 626.574.5113 or go on-line to the City of Arcadia’s website: www.
ci.arcadia.ca.us. 

Arcadia Police Blotter

For the period of Sunday, April 7th, through Saturday, April 13th, the Police Department responded to 
1,159 calls for service of which 125 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of 
the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, April 7:

1. Around 11:21 a.m., a victim was walking through the parking lot of Bowling Square, 1020 
South Baldwin Avenue, when an unknown male suspect grabbed her by the shoulders and proceeded 
to kiss her three times and grab her breasts. The victim ran away and contacted police. Officers 
conducted an area check for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The suspect is described as 
an Asian male in his seventies, approximately 5’4” tall, 140 lbs., wearing a white t-shirt, dark colored 
jacket and pants, grey and white shoes, and a blue “Harrah’s Rincon” hat. 
2. At about 1:43 p.m., an officer responded to CVS, 188 Las Tunas Drive, to conduct follow-up 
on a previous case. Upon arrival, a sales associate informed the officer that a juvenile was shoplifting 
inside the store. The officer made contact with the suspect who had concealed a pack of beer behind 
his skateboard. Video surveillance revealed the suspect had also stolen beer from the store earlier 
in the day. The 16-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking. 


Monday, April 8:

3. At approximately 10:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 2000 block of Canyon Road 
in regards to a bear in the area. The bear walked through several yards and rummaged through 
residents’ trash cans. In attempt to only scare the bear away and back into the wilderness, the officer 
shot the bear with a bean bag after it did not respond to the sound of an air horn. The maneuver sent 
the bear running back into the mountains and no one was harmed. 
4. Shortly after 6:00 p.m., an officer responded to the parking lot of 99 Ranch Market, 1300 
South Golden West Avenue, in reference to a robbery report. As the victim walked back to her 
vehicle, an unknown female suspect approached her from behind and grabbed her wallet out of her 
hand. The victim attempted to chase the suspect; however, she fell to the ground and the suspect fled 
in an awaiting vehicle. The suspect is described as Hispanic, approximately 30-years-old, 5’4” tall, 
160 lbs., wearing dark colored clothing. The driver of the unidentified suspect vehicle is described as 
a Hispanic male, approximately 30-years-old, with no facial hair. 


Tuesday, April 9:

5. Around 6:08 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for making an illegal left 
turn out of the Santa Anita Inn parking lot, 130 West Huntington Drive. An investigation revealed 
the 35-year-old White male driver had three outstanding warrants and a suspended license; and 
the 23-year-old Hispanic female passenger was under the influence of a controlled substance. The 
suspects were also in possession of multiple fraudulent credit cards and a counterfeit driver’s license. 
They were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
6. At roughly 6:14 p.m., officers responded to Camino Grove Elementary, 700 Camino Grove 
Avenue, in regards to three juveniles trespassing on the roof of the location. An investigation 
revealed one of the juveniles was in possession of an aerosol paint can and had spray-painted graffiti 
throughout the campus. The 13-year-old Hispanic male was arrested, transported to the Arcadia City 
Jail for booking, and later released to his parent. 


Wednesday, April 10:

7. At about 2:36 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an unreadable license 
plate in the area of Santa Anita Avenue and Live Oak Avenue. A vehicle search revealed the 31-year-
old Hispanic male driver was in possession of a small bat that had been altered into a billy club type 
weapon. He was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
8. Shortly before 8:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an injury rear-end traffic collision on 
northbound Sunset Boulevard, at Portola Drive. The 29-year-old Hispanic male suspect explained 
the vehicle in front of him stopped suddenly and he was unable to stop in time. The driver he hit was 
transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for head and neck pain. An investigation revealed the 
suspect was under the influence with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08%. He was arrested 
and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 


Thursday, April 11:

9. At approximately 3:21 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1500 block of South Third 
Avenue in regards to a residential burglary report. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry through a 
window, ransacked the location, and fled out the front door with a laptop and cash. The total loss was 
unknown at the time of the report and no evidence was located. 
10. Around 7:55 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment building in the 900 block of 
Arcadia Avenue in reference to a missing juvenile. Patrol units and airship support searched for the 
4-year-old girl who had left her residence through an unlocked screen door. Shortly after, a good 
samaritan located the juvenile sitting alone on the northwest corner of Golden West Avenue and 
Duarte Road. An investigation revealed the juvenile became angry with her mother and wandered 
away in an attempt to visit a nearby park. Both subjects were counseled and no signs of foul play were 
observed.


Saturday, April 13:

11. At approximately 6:35 p.m., officers responded to Nordstrom at the Santa Anita Mall, 
400 South Baldwin Avenue, in reference to a burglary investigation. Video surveillance revealed 
three incidents wherein a Hispanic female suspect removed security sensors from several Michael 
Kors watches, concealed them inside her purse, and exited the store without making payment. 
An inventory check revealed 27 watches were missing, worth approximately $7,220. The suspect’s 
identity is known and further investigation is being conducted by the Detective Bureau. 


SANTA ANITA BRIDGE GROUNDBREAKING

“Brace 
yourselves!”

 That was the 
warning by 
Habib Balian, 
CEO of the 
Metro Gold Line 
Foothill Extension 
Construction 
Authority at 
a groundbreaking 
ceremony 
Friday morning 
with the 
City of Arcadia 
for the third of 
four bridges being 
built in Arcadia, 
this one 
over Santa Anita 
Avenue.

 The rise in the 
street to meet 
the railroad tracks near Fasching’s Car Wash and 
Goldstein’s Bagel Bakery will be removed to allow 
for the bridge, meaning the road will need 
to be lowered six feet, which is a significant 
undertaking.

 Construction of the $12.5 million structure will 
begin around May 1, or as soon as work is complete 
on the new replacement bridge a few yards 
away over Colorado Blvd near Newcastle Park.

 Work on the Santa Anita bridge will result in 
the closing of one lane in each direction for four 
months and some full closures overnight, as well 
as three additional months of construction during 
which both lanes in each direction will be 
open but still with some traffic impacts, Balian 
cautioned.

 La Porte Street off Santa Anita Ave to the east 
and near the tracks will be closed, according to 
Arcadia police.

 The first Gold Line extension bridge over the 
210 freeway was completed in December. The 
fourth two-track bridge to begin construction 
this fall will replace the one-track structure over 
Huntington Drive at Second Avenue. Meanwhile, 
preliminary work has already begun on the Arcadia 
train station and two-level parking garage on 
the northwest corner of the intersection at First 
Avenue and Santa Clara Street.

 Mayor Bob Harbicht noted with pride that Arcadia 
is the only city building a bridge to avoid a 
street crossing along the new 11.5 mile extension 
of the track to Azusa, which is to be ready by late 
2015 and probably opened in early 2016. Street-
level crossings in Pasadena and other cities result 
in traffic being stopped for several minutes at a 
time every five minutes or so during rush hour 
and peak periods.

 Harbicht and City Councilman Gary Kovacic 
said the residents of Arcadia stepped up in 2006 
to overwhelmingly approve an $8 million bond 
issue to supplement a commitment of $5 mil. in 
city funds to build the $13 mil. bridge. Nearly 
72% of voters approved the Measure A ballot 
measure in the pre-recession days.

 Seven years later, rather than an increase in the 
cost of the project, which is typical when so many 
years pass, the bridge is now expected to cost 
about $12.5 mil.

 Police say that detours and closures will be 
posted on Santa Anita Ave during construction. 
Local businesses will remain open and accessible. 
The bridge project is projected in phases with this 
first phase of construction being May-August 
2013. The Gold Line intends to open all lanes 
and stop most construction during the Breeders’ 
Cup races Nov. 1-2, and hopefully for the 
entire Autumn race meet at nearby Santa Anita 
Park beginning in late September through early 
November.

 Police recommend that if you commute via Santa 
Anita Ave that you please consider using an 
alternate north-south roadway during construction 
to avoid delays and detours.

 For more information, visit www.foothillextension.
org, call the hotline at 626-324-7098. There 
is also a Public Information Office located at 400 
N. Santa Anita Avenue, Suite 101-B, Arcadia, 
open Monday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 
p.m.

 – By Scott Hettrick

From Arcadia’s Best