Mountain Views News          Saturday, January 24, 2015

4

Mountain View News Saturday, January 24, 2015


TWO EMPLOYEES LET GO IN 
EMBEZZLEMENT SCANDAL

Two Men 
Shot At 
Local Park

 


 Public Works Director Siobhan 
Foster and the city’s Director 
of Finance, Andrew Green, 
were both fired in connection 
with overseeing an account in 
which millions of dollars was 
allegedly embezzled —the two 
were fired without cause by City 
Manager Michael Beck the city 
announced Tuesday.

 Beck made the decision to 
fire the directors as a way to 
gain back confidence in those 
departments and head them in a 
different direction according to 
Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. 

 He said he had complete 
confidence in Beck.

 Officials said as much as $6.4 
million may have allegedly been 
taken by former Public Works 
Management Analyst Danny 
Wooten in a situation, revealed 
Dec. 30, that included forged 
documents related to the city’s 
Underground Utility Program.

 During a lengthy special city 
council meeting Jan. 5, related 
to the embezzlement scandal, 
Green and Foster gave detailed 
presentations on stopping it 
from happening again. 

 A preliminary hearing for 
Wooten and two former 
employees Tyrone Collins and 
Melody Jenkins has been set for 
Feb. 25 to determine if there is 
enough evidence, in a 60-count 
felony complaint, to go to trial. 
Wooten and Collins remain 
in jail. Jenkins was released on 
bail.

 Police on Thursday were 
still looking for suspects in 
a shooting Wednesday night 
that left two men in critical 
condition after being shot in 
Washington Park. 

 The incident took place 
shortly before 6 p.m. during 
a large gathering at the park, 
700 block of East Washington 
Boulevard, possibly a 
memorial police said. The 
shooting suspect is described 
as a 30-year-old black man 
wearing a long sleeved red 
shirt, with a hand gun. Police 
said he may have gotten into a 
dark colored car last seen going 
eastbound on Washington 
Boulevard.

 According to police, gunshots 
were heard by officers on 
patrol, at the same time, 
they were getting 911 calls of 
shots being fired and a large 
gathering at the park.

 Police blocked off the area, 
“Pasadena Police Department 
is conducting a criminal 
investigation in the area of 
700 E. Washington Blvd.” an 
advisory said. “Traffic will 
be restricted on Washington 
Blvd between Lake Avenue 
and Hudson Avenue and 
other surrounding streets for 
extended time period.”

 Anyone with information is 
asked to contact the Pasadena 
Police Department at 626-
744-4241.

Foster

Huntington Nurses Fight to Unionize

By Dean Lee

 Doctors, nurses and 
community leaders gathered 
Tuesday night in support of a 
movement to allow all registered 
nurses at Huntington Hospital 
to unionize —something they 
say will improve patient care.

 Melinda Kiely, a longtime 
Huntington hospital nurse, said 
“there is some research shown 
that unionization has improved 
some patient outcomes at union 
hospitals verses nonunion 
hospitals… That’s because in 
the contracting process there 
is a formal way nurses can 
express their concerns about 
staffing levels, about access to 
resources for patients, so when 
those things are addressed, the 
hospital has to respond.” 

 Kiely said that nurses at 
union hospitals also make up 
to $10,000 a year more and are 
rewarded for levels of education, 
“I have a degree from Johns 
Hopkins University and I make 
no more than someone from 
PCC [Pasadena City College].” 
She added that PCC is a fine 
school. 

 Both, Councilmembers Victor 
Gordo and Terry Tornek sided 
with the nurses during, what 
organizers said was an interfaith 
prayer vigil.

 “This is about improving 
patient car, improving the 
quality of care, I stand with the 
nurses, I call on Huntington 
Hospital to do the same.” Gordo 
said. 

 Tornek continued the thought, 
“I’ve got to know that this 
institution is functioning 
properly and delivering first 
rate healthcare to its patients 
and the community. I know, as 
sure as I’m standing here, that 
that cannot happen without 
the nurses feeling that they are 
valued and they’re getting a fair 
shake.”

 Nicole Daro, an Attorney 
representing the nurses said 
the hospital was interrogating 
RNs about their union activity 
and creating the impression of 
surveillance of union activity 
among other labor violations. 

 A spokesperson for the hospital 
said they do not think they 
violated the National Labor 
Relations Act and that they 
respect any vote made by the 
nurses over unionizing.

 Kiely said they have one year 
to complete, and vote, on 
unionizing. Their efforts started 


Cheeseburger 
Challenge 
Results In

Green

Black History Month Parade 
Special Events Announced

 A total of 1596 voters 
chose their favorites in 14 
categories during 2015 
Cheeseburger Week in 
Pasadena

 Celebrate Black History 
Month 2015 in Pasadena by 
attending the parade and other 
special events, lectures and 
activities beginning Friday, Jan. 
30. Pasadena’s Black History 
Month Parade is one of the 
largest in the U.S. Pasadena 
Media, www.pasadenamedia.
tv, will record the parade in 
its entirety for broadcast on 
KPAS, the City’s government 
TV station. All events are free 
unless otherwise noted. 

 Friday, Jan. 30

 “Opening Reception” Join 
the Black History Parade & 
Festival Planning Committee 
at its Opening Reception from 
3-5 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson 
Community Center, 1020 N. 
Fair Oaks Ave., in celebration of 
the 33rd annual Black History 
Month Parade and Festival. 
This year’s theme is “Our 
Heritage: The Bridge to the 
Future.” Call (626) 744-7300 
for more information.

 Saturday, Jan. 31

 “Red, Black & Green Honors 
Dinner” Black History Parade 
& Festival Planning Committee 
honors parade grand marshals 
and presents community service 
awards, 7-9 p.m., Hilton Hotel, 
168 S. Los Robles Ave. Call the 
Jackie Robinson Center, (626) 
744-7300, to purchase tickets, 
$60 per person.

 Sunday, Feb. 1

 “Historical View of African-
American Families” Explore 
the lives of African-American 
families through African-
American literature and the 
civil rights movement in a 
special exhibit, Hastings Branch 
Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove 
Blvd., Feb. 1-28. Open during 
regular hours. Call (626) 744-
7262 for info.

 “Exploring Human Culture 
Through Art” works by Luis 
Ituarte on exhibit Feb. 1-28, at 
the Hastings Branch Library, 
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

 Tuesday, Feb. 3

 “Genealogy Search” Discover 
your heritage with the Pasadena 
African-American Genealogy 
Group 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the La 
Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 
N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-
7268 for info.

 Saturday, Feb. 7

 “Praise Dance Workshop” 
Learn liturgical dance 
techniques and how to 
incorporate praise dance props 
into your routine from 9 a.m. to 
2 p.m. at Alkebu-Ian Cultural 
Center, 1435 E. Raymond Ave. 

 “Photo Glimpses of Black 
History in Pasadena” Enjoy 
a lecture and slideshow on 
the long and rich history of 
African-Americans in Pasadena 
starting at 10:30 a.m. at La 
Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 
N. Raymond Ave. Presented by 
Adrian Panton, attorney and 
Pasadena Museum of History 
docent.

 “Genealogy Search” Uncover 
your past with the Pasadena 
African-American Genealogy 
Group from 2:30-4:30 p.m. 
at the Lamanda Park Branch 
Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr. 
(626) 744-7266 for details

 “Youth Open Mic and Film 
Festival” Experience an evening 
of enlightenment through 
poetry, spoken word, song, rap 
and film from 5-9 p.m. at the 
Alkebu-Ian Cultural Center, 
1435 E. Raymond Ave.

Saturday, Feb. 21

 “33rd Annual Black History 
Parade and Festival” Begins at 
10 a.m. at Charles White Park 
in Altadena, heads south on 
Fair Oaks Avenue and ends at 
Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair 
Oaks Ave. After the parade, 
enjoy the Black History Festival 
on Hammond Street and the 
north side of Robinson Park 
from 12-4:30 p.m. Food for 
purchase, fun activities for kids, 
displays, music and other free 
fun.

 Pasadena celebrated all 
things cheeseburger during 
Cheeseburger Week January 
11th to 16th. Visitors enjoyed 
food created especially for the 
event, took advantage of great 
deals and meals, followed 
cheeseburger crawls and voted 
in the 2015 Cheeseburger 
Challenge. In all, 1596 votes 
were cast in the Cheeseburger 
Challenge to determine 
favorites in 14 categories 
ranging from Favorite Burger 
to favorite Dessert after a 
Burger. (Not everyone voted in 
each category.)

 The entire list of results 
of the 2015 Cheeseburger 
Challenge can be found at 
pasadenarestaurantweek.com

 Favorite Burger: 

 1. Dog Haus 20.1%

 2. Meat District Company 
15.8%

 3. Slater’s 50/50 12.2% 

 Favorite Lunch Counter 
Burger: 

 1. The Counter 33.2%

 2. Pie ‘n Burger 26.3%

 3. Jake’s Pasadena 23.1%

 Favorite Traditional 
Cheeseburger

 1. Pie ‘n Burger 26.1%

 2. Dog Haus (Hill Avenue) 
25%

 3. The Counter 12.4%

 Favorite Sliders

 1. Dog Haus (Hill Avenue) 
28.6%

 2. BJ’s Restaurant and 
Brewhouse 13.2%

 3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 
11.6%

 Favorite Gourmet Burger

 1. Kings Row Gastropub 
34.3%

 2. La Grande Orange 24.9%

 3. (tie) a|k|a Bistro 11.1%/ 
Central Park Restaurant 
11.1% 

 Favorite Alternative Burger

 1. Slater’s 50/50: Bacon 
Cheeseburger Salad 27.8%

 2. El Portal/Yahaira’s 
Zacatecas Burger 18.8%

 3. (tie)Big Daddy’s Lamb 
Burger 14.9%/Melt It! A 
grilled cheese company 14.9%

 Favorite New Restaurant for 
a Burger 

 1. Meat District Company 
51%

 2. Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste 
Pub 29.8%

 3. Del Frisco’s Grille 19.2%

 Favorite Vegan/Vegetarian 
Burger

 1. Umami Burger 20.7%

 2. The Counter 15.3%

 3. Rounds Burgers 10.8%

Technology Lets Scientists 
Work Virtually on Mars 


Humane 
Society to 
Hold Puppy 
Bowl Party

 Called the Rosie Bowl II, the 
Pasadena Humane Society will 
live stream Puppy Bowl XI in 
the Education and Training 
Center while shelter dogs 
romp and frolic on Zeilstra 
Field (their enrichment yard). 
The Rosie Bowl focuses on 
shelter pet adoption. Meet 
some wonderful shelter 
dogs — and other animals— 
looking for homes. Kick off 
starts at 3 p.m. Feb. 1, Super 
Bowl Sunday. PHS is located 
361 S. Raymond Ave.

 NASA and Microsoft have 
teamed up to announce 
Wednesday the development 
of new software called OnSight, 
technology that will enable 
scientists to work virtually on 
Mars using wearable technology 
called Microsoft HoloLens.

 Developed by NASA’s Jet 
Propulsion Laboratory, OnSight 
will give scientists a means 
to plan and, along with the 
Mars Curiosity rover, conduct 
science operations on the Red 
Planet, JPL officials said in a 
press statement.

 “We believe OnSight will 
enhance the ways in which we 
explore Mars and share that 
journey of exploration with the 
world,” said Jeff Norris, JPL’s 
OnSight project manager.

 OnSight will use real rover 
data and extend the Curiosity 
mission’s existing planning tools 
by creating a 3-D simulation of 
the Martian environment where 
scientists around the world can 
meet. Program scientists will 
be able to examine the rover’s 
worksite from a first-person 
perspective, plan new activities 
and preview the results of their 
work firsthand.

 Until now, rover operations 
required scientists to examine 
Mars imagery on a computer 
screen, and make inferences 
about what they are seeing. 
But images, even 3-D stereo 
views, lack a natural sense 
of depth that human vision 
employs to understand spatial 
relationships.

 The OnSight system uses 
holographic computing to 
overlay visual information and 
rover data into the user’s field of 
view. Holographic computing 
blends a view of the physical 
world with computer-generated 
imagery to create a hybrid of 
real and virtual.

 To view this holographic 
realm, members of the 
Curiosity mission team don 
a Microsoft HoloLens device, 
which surrounds them with 
images from the rover’s Martian 
field site. They then can stroll 
around the rocky surface or 
crouch down to examine rocky 
outcrops from different angles. 
The tool provides access to 
scientists and engineers looking 
to interact with Mars in a more 
natural, human way.

 “Previously, our Mars explorers 
have been stuck on one side of a 
computer screen. This tool gives 
them the ability to explore the 
rover’s surroundings much as 
an Earth geologist would do 
field work here on our planet,” 
said Norris.

 Learn more about NASA’s 
journey to Mars at: nasa.gov/
mars.

Pet of the 
Week


Learn How to Produce 
Your Own TV Show

 Riley is a 2-year-old 
male red tabby Domestic 
Shorthaired cat. 

Riley is very affectionate 
and enjoys attention. He’s 
quiet, relaxed, and curious. 
Riley is already neutered 
which means he can go 
home with you today. 

 The regular cat adoption 
fee is $70 which includes 
the spay or neuter surgery, 
microchip, vaccinations, 
and 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. 

 Call the Pasadena 
Humane Society & SPCA 
at 626.792.7151 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.

 
New Citizen Journalism 
training starts Wednesday 
nights, learn how to report 
news using social media 
skills.

Free February Events at 
Pasadena Senior Center

 

 With the opening of 
the new Pasadena Media 
studios at 150 S. Los Robles 
Ave, they are offering free 
television-training programs 
for producers. Plan to attend 
an orientation to discover 
the right classes for you. 
Producers’ Training teaches 
how to produce shows for 
The Arroyo Channel. Studio 
Production/ Equipment 
training is also offered to 
volunteer crew members. In 
addition, on-going training 
will soon be available in 
citizen journalism and 
digital film groups. Call the 
office (626) 794-8585 or go 
to PASADENAMEDIA.ORG 
and explore what Pasadena 
Media has to offer.

 There is something for 
everyone in February at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. 
Holly St. You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some events 
require advance reservations as 
noted. 

 Cardmaking Workshop – 
Monday, Feb. 2, from noon 
to 2 p.m. Surprise a special 
someone with a personalized, 
handmade greeting card. 
Whether it’s a happy birthday, 
thank you, thinking of you or 
other sentiment, you’ll create 
a decorative card in your own 
unique style and have fun 
discovering your creativity 
while workshop leaders help 
you bring your ideas to life. All 
materials will be provided.

 Taxi Vouchers – Tuesday, 
Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. – Low-income 
seniors 50 and older can get two 
taxi vouchers the first Tuesday 
of every month. Bring a photo 
ID and proof of income and 
residence in the Pasadena area. 
For more information call 626-
685-6732. 

 Stay Connected with Social 
Media – Tuesdays and 
Thursdays, Feb. 3 to 26, from 
9 to 11 a.m. Learn how to keep 
in touch with family and friends 
via email, Skype, Facebook and 
other forms of social media 
during a 30-minute, one-on-
one meeting with an instructor. 
Bring a laptop or use one of the 
onsite computers. If you have an 
email address, bring it and your 
password. Sign up with Edison 
at the Welcome Desk. 

 Smart Phones, Tablets and 
Computers – Any Questions? 
– Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
Feb. 3 to 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. 
Get the answers you need about 
technology devices, whether 
you own them already or are 
considering a purchase. Learn 
how to text, check voicemail, set 
an alarm, navigate the Internet, 
download apps and more.

 Elder Abuse – Thursday, Feb. 
5, at 10 a.m. – Elder abuse is 
a crime and all seniors should 
know their rights. Protect 
yourself by learning what to do 
in the event that you or someone 
you love is being abused.

Free Tours of 
Tournament 
House to 
Resume

Class offerings days and nights weekly

Station Schedule 

Citizen Journalism Training

Wednesday January 28, at 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Orientation & Tour

Monday February 2, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

PCAC Board of Directors - Regular Meeting

Tuesday February 3, at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Producer Training 

Wednesday February 4, at 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Studio Cameras & Floor Manager

Wednesday February 4, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

 Tournament House, the 
operating headquarters of 
the Pasadena Tournament 
of Roses, which oversees the 
annual Rose Parade and Rose 
Bowl Game, will re-open for 
weekly public tours on Feb. 
5. Tours will be offered, at no 
cost, each Thursday at 2 p.m. 
and 3 p.m. through Aug. 27. 
Reservations are not required 
except for groups of 10 or 
more people.

Tournament House is located 
at 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.