Mountain Views News          Saturday, January 24, 2015

6

Mountain Views-News Saturday, January 24, 2015 

JIM AND TERRY LEAHY NAMED CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

TWO ARCADIA HOMES USED FOR INDOOR 
MARIJUANA GROW OPERATIONS

 The longtime Arcadia residents who have 
donated years of their lives to support and make 
tremendous improvements in Arcadia schools 
and local organizations will be recognized 
during the Chamber’s annual Installation Dinner 
made possible by Keystone sponsor Singpoli on 
March 26 at the DoubleTree 
by Hilton Hotel, 924 W. 
Huntington Drive in Monrovia.

 Tickets ($65 for members; 
$75 for non-members), 
sponsored tables and ads may 
be purchased online in the 
“Shop” area of the Chamber web 
site: www.ArcadiaCaChamber.
org or by calling the 
Chamber at 626-447-2159.

 Also being recognized at 
the dinner will be Corporate 
Community Contributor 
honoree Foothill Credit Union, 
as well as outgoing Chamber 
President Denise Weaver of 
Weaver & Associates Insurance.

 A year after “retiring” in 
2006 Jim Leahy offered to help 
part-time with the massive 
construction needed for the 
Arcadia Unified School District’s 
$275 million bond project to upgrade every school 
in the city. But he soon found himself knee deep 
in remodeling and building new facilities at each 
campus on a full-time basis. At Arcadia High School 
alone he orchestrated a complete overall of the 
football stadium, built a new performing arts center, 
and was a founding member of the Performing 
Arts Foundation Board of Directors. He re-tooled 
and added new classrooms, lecture halls, cafeterias 
and more. The Arcadia Education Center replaced 
Bonita Park Elementary School as the old district 
office was torn down to allow additional parking 
for the performing arts center. Along with his team 
of dedicated staff, Jim has spent the last seven years 
overseeing every ounce of district construction.

 Terry Leahy, who works part 
time in the Human Resources 
department for Arcadia Unified 
School District, received the 
Golden Apple Award from AUSD 
in 2013. Her favorite volunteer 
job was grad night at Arcadia 
High, which she chaired three 
times. She was given an honorary 
service award at three schools 
and received the Golden Oak 
award at the council level. She 
was a board member for the 
Arcadia Educational Foundation, 
and, during the years her girls 
played sports, was team mom 
more times than she can count.

 Terry was PTA president 
at Hugo Reid Elementary 
School and Foothills Middle 
School. At Arcadia High, she 
was a board member for the 
Athletic Boosters, and helped 
develop the first Fall Preview Day to make the 
community aware of all the high school had to offer.

 She has been a member of the Arcadia 
Assistance League since 1997, holding a variety 
of board positions, often focusing on the teenage 
auxiliary called the Assisteens. She is a former 
member of the Arcadia Junior Women’s Club 
and she has also written published essays in 
both volumes of the Visions of Arcadia books.

Arcadia Police Department Detectives and SWAT 
Team served two search warrants at Arcadia homes 
in the 1800 block of South Baldwin Avenue and in 
the 300 block of West Woodruff Avenue during the 
early morning hours today. The two locations were 
linked during the course of an investigation into 
possible indoor marijuana grow operations. Both 
warrants were served without incident and indoor 
marijuana grows were found at each location. 

 Prior to the warrant service on Woodruff, a male 
was detained leaving the location in a vehicle. A 
second male was seen arriving at the same location 
in a vehicle and was also subsequently detained along 
with a female and two male infants who were inside 
the Woodruff home. Gao Ming, a 46-year-old male 
Asian from Arcadia, and Jia Hui Shen, a 27-year-old 
male Asian from El Monte, and Lan Lau, a 34-year-
old female Asian from Arcadia were arrested and 
booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges 
of cultivation of marijuana with bail of $50,000.00 
each. Los Angeles County Department of Children 
and Family Services was contacted to arrange care 
for the infants.

 During the course of the investigation, Detectives 
identified a third residence believed to be connected 
to the cultivation of marijuana. Surveillance was 
conducted and a male subject was detained after he 
fled the residence in a vehicle. A search warrant 
was obtained and served at the residence in the 2700 
Block of Gilpin Way, which revealed the residence 
was in fact being used for indoor marijuana 
cultivation. As a result, Tong Wang, a 28-year-old 
male Asian from Arcadia was arrested and booked at 
the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges of cultivation 
of marijuana with bail of $50,000.00.

 All three locations were found to contain indoor 
marijuana grow operations with lighting, ventilation, 
and electrical wiring run throughout. It appeared 
the electrical set-up was bypassing the meters and 
also tapping directly into the electrical service at 
each location. Approximately 750 marijuana plants 
were found in various stages of growth throughout 
the Baldwin location, approximately 922 marijuana 
plants at the Woodruff location, and approximately 
280 marijuana plants were located and recovered at 
the Gilpin Way address. No evidence was found at 
any of the locations to indicate a medical marijuana 
grow operation. The investigation is continuing as 
to property ownership, utility theft, and possible 
child endangerment.

 

 Anyone with information on this incident is 
encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department 
at (626) 574-5150, case #1500297. If you prefer to 
provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call 
“Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), 
texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES 
(274637), or using the tip page at Los Angeles Regional 
Crime Stoppers, www. http://lacrimestoppers.org/.


ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, January 11th, through Saturday, 
January 17th, the Police Department responded to 985 calls 
for service of which 126 required formal investigations. The 
following is a summary report of the major incidents handled 
by the Department during this period.

Sunday, January 11:

Just before 12:03 a.m., an officer responded to Carmine’s 
Restaurant, 311 East Live Oak Avenue, regarding a robbery. 
While an employee was taking out the trash to the rear of 
the business, an unidentified suspect pointed a chrome 
handgun at the employee and demanded to be taken to the 
safe. The suspect took the available cash and coins and fled 
in an awaiting dark-colored sedan. The suspect is described 
as an adult Black male, 5’10”, weighting 180 pounds. The 
investigation is ongoing. 

 At approximately 3:08 p.m., an officer responded to a 
residence in the 800 block of Arcadia Avenue regarding a 
fight in progress. An investigation revealed a fight broke out 
between three acquaintances resulting in one of the subjects 
being hit multiple times in the head and body by the other 
two suspects. A female friend tried to break up the fight and 
was subsequently hit by one of the suspects. A 21-year-old 
White male and 18-year-old Hispanic male were arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Monday, January 12:

At about 8:01 a.m., an officer responded to the intersection of 
Fairview Avenue and Sunset Boulevard regarding a hit and 
run traffic collision. Party-2, who was stopped at the stop sign, 
was struck by Party-1 who was trying to make a left turn onto 
Fairview Avenue. Party-1 fled the scene without providing 
the required information. Party-1 returned to the scene 
short time later to exchange information. No injuries were 
reported. Party-2 was not desirous of prosecution.

 At approximately 1:44 p.m., officers responded to 
Ralph’s, 211 East Foothill Boulevard, regarding a petty 
theft report. The officers discovered the suspect selected 
two bottles of alcohol and exited the store, failing to make 
payment. The suspect fled in a silver Audi, but was located 
a short time later by APD officers. The 31-year-old Black 
male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail 
for booking.

Tuesday, January 13:

Around 12:41 p.m., officers responded to the front counter 
of the Arcadia Police Department regarding an altercation 
resulting in death threats. A contractor and homeowner 
were engaged in a dispute when the contractor threatened the 
homeowner’s life. Officers were not able to locate the suspect. 
The investigation is ongoing.

 Just after 10:36 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop on a 
vehicle in the area of Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Road for 
illegally stopping at a green light. Upon contacting the driver, 
the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from 
his breath. Through a series of tests, the officer determined 
the 19-year-old Hispanic male was under the influence of an 
alcoholic beverage. He was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Wednesday, January 14:

Shortly after 12:59 a.m., an officer conducted an 
enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Peck Road and 
Clark Street for speeding. The driver parked, exited his 
vehicle, and approached the officer. The officer detected a 
strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. The officer 
discovered the driver’s license had been revoked for DUI, 
his vehicle did not have the required ignition interlock 
device installed, and he did not have insurance. The 
32-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported 
to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

 At about 9:21 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in 
the 900 block of East Eighth Avenue regarding a burglary 
report. An investigation revealed an unknown suspect 
broke the front door’s glass window and fled without being 
detected. The total loss is unknown as the resident is out of 
town. The investigation is ongoing. 

Thursday, January 15:

At approximately 7:43 a.m., an officer responded to the 000 
block of Fano Street regarding a stolen vehicle. The officer 
determined an unknown suspect stole the victim’s 1992 
Honda Accord while it was parked in front of his residence. 
No suspects were seen and no witnesses were located.

 Around 3:18 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a 
vehicle exiting the 210 Freeway onto Baldwin Avenue for 
failing to stop at a red light. The handling officer detected 
a strong odor of marijuana and alcohol emitting from the 
driver’s breath and vehicle. Through a series of tests, the 
officer determined the 36-year-old Hispanic female was 
under the influence of drugs and alcohol. She was arrested 
and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Friday, January 16: 

Just after 8:49 a.m., an officer responded to Arcadia Party 
Rentals, 124 Wheeler Avenue, regarding a vandalism report. 
An investigation revealed unknown suspects spray painted 
“PICK=UA=3C” on the side of two company vehicles 
sometime overnight. No suspects were seen and no witnesses 
were located. The investigation is ongoing. 

 At about 10:55 a.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia 
Police Department front counter regarding a report of 
elder abuse. One of the suspects stole the 96-year-old 
victim’s wallet while helping him up from tripping. The 
suspects then arrived at the victim’s home to return 
the wallet, stating they found it. The victim invited the 
suspects into his home where they convinced the victim 
to give them $4,400.00. 

 Both suspects are described as a Greek or Armenian. The 
female is in her 30’s with short dark hair. The male suspect 
has dark hair and is approximately 40 to 50-years-old. The 
investigation is ongoing.

Saturday, January 17:

Just after 9:07 a.m., an officer conducted an enforcement stop 
on a vehicle in the area of Duarte Road and El Monte Avenue 
for having broken brake lights. Upon contacting the driver, 
the officer discovered the 22-year-old Hispanic male was 
driving with a suspended license. He was cited and released 
in the field. His vehicle was held for 30 days.

 At approximately 10:49 a.m., an officer responded to the 
Arcadia Police Department front counter regarding a fraud 
report. An investigation revealed an unknown suspect called 
the victim, stated he worked for the IRS, convinced the victim 
to withdraw $500.00, and had the victim apply the money to a 
Green Dot card. The victim became suspicious and reported 
the incident. The suspect spoke with an Indian accent. The 
investigation is ongoing. 


FOOTHILL CREDIT UNION NAMED 
CORPORATE 
COMMUNITY 
CONTRIBUTOR OF YEAR TO BE 
HONORED AT ARCADIA CHAMBER 
DINNER MARCH 26 AT DOUBLETREE 

Foothill Credit Union has been named Corporate Community 
Contributor of the Year by the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.

 The more than half-a-century-old non-profit, member-owned 
financial institution that donates more than $140,000 each year to 
schools, hospitals, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations, 
will be recognized during the Chamber’s annual Installation Dinner 
made possible by Keystone sponsor Singpoli on March 26 at the 
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 924 W. Huntington Drive in Monrovia.

 Tickets ($65 for members; $75 for non-members), sponsored tables 
and ads may be purchased online in the “Shop” area of the Chamber 
web site: www.ArcadiaCaChamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 
626-447-2159.

 Also being recognized at the dinner will be Citizens of the Year 
Jim and Terry Leahy, as well as outgoing Chamber President Denise 
Weaver of Weaver & Associates Insurance.

 The roots in Arcadia of Foothill Credit Union, located in Downtown 
Arcadia at 30 S. First Avenue, stretch back to its origins as a tiny credit 
union started by Arcadia Unified School District employees out of 
a cubicle at Arcadia High School. The organization officially called 
Foothill Federal Credit Union has grown to a $300 million enterprise 
with branches in Glendora and Covina.

 With that growth has come an ever-increasing commitment to 
Arcadia and continuing support of its schools, sponsoring sports 
teams and performing arts performances, and providing financial 
education and scholarships to AHS students. It also helps Girl Scouts 
and Boy Scouts earn banking merit badges.

 The organization supports the Methodist Hospital Foundation and 
its fundraising events.

 Last year Foothill also made a three-year commitment to sponsor the 
much-used conference room of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s 
iconic office building, allowing the Chamber to afford to furnish the 
room with modern furniture and technology. Foothill also makes its 
own conference room available to local groups for meetings.

 “Foothill Credit Union is honored to receive the recognition of 
Corporate Community Contributor of the Year,” said Brian Hall, 
President/CEO of Foothill Credit Union. “Foothill has been in 
business in Arcadia for more than 58 years and the relationships built 
over that time, such as ours with the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, 
Arcadia Unified School District, Methodist Hospital, Arcadia Rotary, 
the City of Arcadia and more, makes our cause that more special. We 
are extremely proud to accept this tremendous honor. On behalf of 
Foothill Credit Union and all of our hard working team members that 
helped make this possible, thank you.” 

MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

ARTIST SUSAN DOBAY 

CREATES ART THROUGH 
MUSICAL INSPIRATION

Susan Dobay has been a prolific artist for over 50 years. Hungarian 
by birth, she currently resides in Monrovia. After studying graphic 
arts in both Hungary and the U.S. she served as an illustrator for 
advertising agencies, magazines and newspapers. Wanting to 
explore more creative options she moved away from commercial to 
fine art and in 1968 was invited to join and exhibit with the Alliance 
of Hungarian Artists noth in the US and abroad. Since then, her 
work has been exhibited worldwide in museums, galleries and public 
buildings.

 With the shift in technology, Susan’s art process has evolved. At a 
recent Duarte Kiwanis meeting, she shared the amazing process of 
melding images of her artwork with music – a process she has shared 
on YouTube.

 For further information on speaking or joining the club, contact 
Dr. Diane Hernandez at drdiane@drhernandezoptometry.com. 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 359 
service events, resulting in 67 investigations. To see a complete listing 
of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/
monrovia for crime mapping. For Police 
Department news and information, visit our website and follow us on 
Twitter.

Theft from a vehicle

January 19 at 6:54 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 
100 block of El Nido regarding the theft of a stereo from a vehicle. 
The victim parked his vehicle overnight on the street with the doors 
unlocked and the windows down. The victim returned to his vehicle 
in the morning and discovered his car stereo had been ripped out of 
the dashboard. The investigation is continuing.

Outside Assist – United States Marshals

January 21 at 3:25 p.m., United States Marshals had information 
that a wanted fraud suspect was at a location in the 600 block of 
South Primrose in Monrovia. They notified the Monrovia Police 
Department and requested assistance. Officers and Monrovia’s 
Special Enforcement Team responded to assist. The suspect was 
found at the location and taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.

Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to 
combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti 
Bounty Program. If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the 
City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen 
will receive a $100 bill. Help keep Monrovia looking great!


Pictured from left – Susan Dobay, Endre Dobay, Duarte 
Kiwanis President, Mirna de Lira Lopez, Peter Gallup, Kiwanis 
member.