Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 28, 2015

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Mountain View News Saturday, March 28, 2015


ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, February 22nd, through Saturday, February 28th, the 
Police Department responded to 1,109 calls for service of which 122 required 
formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents 
handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, February 22:

Just before 3:11 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of South Second 
Avenue regarding a non-injury traffic accident involving three vehicles. 
One of the vehicles had collided into two parked cars. Upon contacting the 
driver, officers detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his 
breath. Through a series of tests, officers determined the driver was under 
the influence of an alcoholic beverage and had a blood alcohol content greater 
than 0.08%. The 22-year-old Asian male was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

 At approximately 7:28 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of 
West Floral Avenue regarding a residential burglary report. An investigation 
revealed an unknown suspect gained entry into the home by prying open a 
window and fleeing undetected with jewelry. One of the victim’s dogs was 
also missing, but was located roaming the streets a short time later. The 
investigation is ongoing.

Monday, February 23:

At about 12:33 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of Santa Anita 
Avenue and Pamela Road for expired registration. A DMV check revealed the 
driver was operating a vehicle without a license. The 21-year-old Black male 
was cited and released in the field. The vehicle was left legally parked at the 
scene.

 At approximately 6:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of 
Balboa Drive regarding two vehicle burglaries. Officers determined the door 
lock of one vehicle had been tampered with and the window of the other had 
been pulled away from its rubber seal. DMV paperwork and insurance cards 
were stolen from both vehicles. Evidence was recovered at the scene. The 
investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday, February 24:

Around 9:04 a.m., an officer responded to Baldwin Avenue at Woodruff 
Avenue regarding a theft from vehicle report. An investigation revealed the 
female victim was driving northbound on Baldwin Avenue when debris 
became lodged under her vehicle causing her to pull over. A bicyclist stopped 
to offer assistance, but left the scene when the victim became distracted while 
accessing the trunk of her car. Shortly afterward, the victim discovered her 
wallet missing from the unlocked vehicle. 

 The suspect is described as a 20-year-old Hispanic male, 5’07”, wearing a 
black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The investigation is ongoing.

 Just after 3:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Victoria’s Secret at the 
Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding 
a theft report. Surveillance footage captured two suspects entering the store, 
grabbing handfuls of panties and concealing them in bags before exiting. The 
loss was 200 panties valued at $2,900.

 One suspect is described as a Hispanic male with short balding, salt and 
pepper hair wearing black pants, a white buttoned-up shirt, black vest and 
black shoes. The other suspect is a Hispanic female with long brown hair 
wearing a headband, blue jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt with unknown 
writing on the front. The investigation is ongoing.

Wednesday, February 25:

Just after 2:54 p.m., an officer initiated an enforcement stop on a bicyclist 
in the area of Baldwin Avenue and Gate 9 for riding on the sidewalk. The 
subject fled from the officer and ran inside the Westfield Shoppingtown Santa 
Anita, 400 South Baldwin Avenue. The suspect actively resisted detention and 
provided a false name to officers. Investigation revealed he was in violation 
of a restraining order prohibiting him from being on mall property. The 
23-year-old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City 
Jail for booking.

 At about 11:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East 
Camino Real Avenue regarding a domestic violence report. An investigation 
revealed that an argument turned physical when the husband kicked his wife 
in the stomach. The 69-year old Asian male was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Thursday, February 26:

At approximately 8:30 a.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Police 
Department front counter regarding a non-injury hit and run collision. An 
investigation revealed that the previous evening, at about 9:00 p.m., Party-2 
was southbound on Second Avenue and stopped at the intersection at Longden 
Avenue. Party-1 was traveling westbound on Longden Avenue, made a right 
turn onto Second Avenue and sideswiped Party-2. Party-1 fled the scene after 
the collision.

 Around 11:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to Savers Thrift Store, 16 East 
Live Oak Avenue, regarding a suspicious circumstances report. Upon arrival, 
officers observed an unoccupied vehicle behind the store near the loading 
dock and a subject inside the secured donation area. The 33-year-old Hispanic 
male admitted to scaling the wall and being on the property, after closing, 
without permission. He was arrested for Loitering on Private Property and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Friday, February 27: 

Just after 7:28 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of East Sandra Avenue 
regarding a burglary report. Officers discovered the victim had interrupted 
two suspects burglarizing her built-in carport storage unit. Both suspects 
were located a short time later. A 16-year-old Hispanic male was arrested for 
Burglary. The 42-year-old Black male was arrested for Burglary, Possession of 
Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance and misdemeanor 
warrants. Both suspects were transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 At about 11:26 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of Santa 
Anita Avenue and Live Oak Avenue for expired registration. A records check 
revealed the driver had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. The 25-year-
old Hispanic male was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking. The vehicle was left legally parked at the scene.

Saturday, February 28:

Just after 4:23 p.m., an officer responded to the Arcadia Police Department 
parking lot regarding a vandalism report. The officer discovered that both 
passenger side tires of the victim’s vehicle had been slashed on February 23rd 
while parked at Ralph’s, 211 East Foothill Boulevard. No suspect information 
was provided. 

 At approximately 8:31p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of 
Oakglen Avenue regarding a residential burglary report. According to the 
victims, when they returned home they discovered the front door open, the 
house ransacked and jewelry missing. Unknown suspects gained entry to the 
location by shattering a basement window. No witnesses were located. The 
investigation is ongoing.

2015 ST. BALDRICK’S EVENT:

ANOTHER GREAT FUNDRAISER 

IN ARCADIA

By Joan Schmidt

 How did the St. Baldrick Event begin? In Manhattan, in 1999, 
reinsurance broker Tim Kenny issued a challenge to colleagues John 
Bender and Enda McDonnell: “How would you give back for your own 
good fortune in business?”

 Enda’s thick head of hair gave John the idea of shaving their heads 
for donations to raise funds for kids with cancer.

 On March 17, 2000, at the reinsurance industry’s annual St. Patrick’s 
Day Party at Jim Brady’s pub in Manhattan the first St. Baldrick event 
occurred. The goal of shaving 17 heads and raising $17,000 turned into 
$104,000 which was donated to fund the research of the Children’s 
Oncology Group.

 The second event in 2001 raised $140,000. John and Enda then 
planned to expand the fundraiser past the reinsurance industry. 
After 9/11, the founders lost hundreds of friends and colleagues, but 
their dedication to the project did not stop. By 2002, there were now 
37 head-shaving events and now $1 million had been raised. In 2003, 
firefighters, policemen and the military-not only US bases, but also 
in Germany and Iraq-began to take part. In 2005, the St. Baldrick 
Foundation was created. In 2012, 30 million was raised and recently 
the 100 million mark was reached in research grant money. It is mind-
boggling that one man wanted to give back, and from his gratitude, a 
program of such great magnitude has evolved!

 Locally, Matt Denny’s Ale House and Del Sol Salon of Arcadia have 
been co-sponsoring an event for fourteen years. Some participants 
included Arcadia Fire Fighters Association, Arcadia Police Officers 
Association, Team Holy Angels School and Team Sequoyah School, 
Pasadena. There was live music, great food, and a dedication group of 
individuals of all ages who came together to raise funds for childhood 
cancer research and care.

 Although the event is over, the need for donations never ends. St. 
Baldrick’s Foundation is located at 1333 S. Mayflower Avenue, Suite 
400, Monrovia. Their number is 888-899-2253. You can also visit them 
on line to learn more. www.stbaldrick.org/faq/ 


MONROVIA FIREFIGHTERS 

SAVE A LIFE

Last week, our very own Fire Department was involved in a 
tremendous situation, and the actions of our staff resulted in a life 
saved. On March 11, 2015, at approximately 11:24 a.m., the Fire 
Department responded to 715 E. Huntington Dr. (24 Hour Fitness) 
regarding a call for a minor fall involving a 70 y/o male. When our 
team arrived, a 24 Hour Fitness staff member informed our team 
that CPR was in progress on the patient. As our team approached 
the patient, we noticed that CPR was being performed by off-
duty Probationary Firefighter Kyle Eden and Fire Cadet Guiseppe 
Brandonisio. 

 As the situation was being assessed, our team noted that the 
patient was also hooked up to the 24 Hour Fitness AED. Fire Cadet 
Brandonisio continued to perform CPR and our fire department 
responders began to assist with ventilations, starting an IV, and 
placing the patient on a heart monitor. The patient, who was in 
full cardiac arrest, went into ventricular fibrillation and was given 
a shock via our heart monitor. Our team continued CPR and the 
patient was given one dose of Epinephrine IV. A short time later, the 
patient began spontaneous respirations and began to display a strong 
radial pulse, and ultimately, by the time the patient was admitted 
to Arcadia Methodist Hospital, he was having a conversation with 
hospital staff about his own medical history.

 Kudos to our entire Fire Department team for this great save, and 
special recognition to Firefighter Eden and Fire Cadet Brandonisio 
who certainly displayed tremendous professionalism and a calm 
demeanor in the face of a highly volatile situation. It was their 
ability to perform quickly and professionally in a stressful situation 
– coupled with the efforts of our responding Fire Department team 
– that resulted in a positive outcome for the patient that day.

 Parade Scheduled for this Thursday, March 26, at 5 p.m. to 
Celebrate Monrovia Boys Soccer Team and Girls Individual 
Wrestling CIF Southern Section Championship. 

 The parade will take place on Myrtle Avenue at Colorado 
Boulevard, and will run north on Myrtle Avenue to Library Park. 
At Library Park, City Council Members, School Board Members, 
coaches, and players will have a chance to say a few words regarding 
the accomplishment of the soccer team, and the event is scheduled to 
conclude no later than 5:45 p.m. Also, as an added bonus, the parade 
will also be honoring a member of Monrovia High School’s Girls 
Wrestling Team, who won her CIF division wrestling title.

 The overall parade / award presentation event should conclude by 
5:45 p.m., and all those in attendance will then be invited to stay for 
the March 4 Balance rally in Library Park, which is scheduled to 
begin at 6 p.m. The overall rally is being hosted by Monrovia Healing 
Connections (MHC) and additional event information can be found 
on the city website at:

 http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/communityservices/page/
march-4-balance-rally.

OFFICE DEPOT CLOSING

Last week, staff reached out to representatives from Office Depot to 
discuss rumors that the store would be closing. The store manager 
shared with staff that the Monrovia Office Depot would indeed 
be closing, effective May 16. It was also shared with staff that the 
closure had nothing to do with Staples buying out Office Depot, 
but rather, the decision was made based on other factors. Staff 
is working to coordinate a meeting with the regional real estate 
manager for Office Depot to obtain some additional information 
regarding the site, and we are also making plans to reach out to 
the property owner to discuss how we might take advantage of this 
opportunity to locate a new user into the center. Furthermore, staff 
is in the process of developing marketing materials for the site for 
use during the upcoming ICSC Convention in May 2015. 

MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 447 
service events, resulting in 75 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.

Outstanding Warrant – Suspect Arrested

March 23 at 11:41 a.m., a male subject was trying to board a flight to 
Mexico. He was stopped by I.C.E. and a computer check was made on 
the subject. He was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest 
out of Monrovia. An officer responded and brought the subject back to 
the Monrovia Police Department, where he was booked on the warrant.

Vehicle Tampering

March 24 at 1:20 a.m., a female resident in the 400 block of Stedman 
called to report a male suspect wearing dark clothing and a hooded 
sweatshirt inside their vehicle in front of their house. The woman’s 
husband ran outside to confront the suspect, but the suspect ran to a 
waiting vehicle, possibly a 4-door Honda Civic or Accord, and fled the 
area. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle

March 24 at 7:24 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block 
of South Sunset. The vehicle is a 1991, black, Toyota, pickup truck. The 
vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. The investigation is 
continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision

March 24 at 6:57 p.m., an officer responded to a business parking lot 
in the 300 block of West Huntington regarding a hit and run collision 
that just occurred. The suspect vehicle was described as a white, 1993, 
Honda Accord. An area check was conducted for the vehicle, but it was 
not located. There were no injuries and the investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary

March 24 at 7:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of 
Oakcliff on the report of a burglary that just occurred. The suspect was 
seen leaving the location and getting into a waiting vehicle. The suspect 
was described as a heavyset, male Hispanic in his 20s. Both suspects 
had heavy beards. The vehicle was described as a gray, 4- door Nissan. 
A small amount of cash was taken from a purse inside the location. The 
investigation is continuing.

Identity Theft / Fraud – Five Suspects Arrested

March 25 at 11:48 a.m., police responded to a hotel in the 900 block of 
West Huntington regarding suspects using a fraudulent credit card to 
rent a room. When the officers arrived at the suspect’s room, they found 
stolen mail and other evidence to indicate the suspects were committing 
identity fraud. Five suspects were arrested.

 During the initial entry to the room, the officers were exposed to smoke 
of an unknown origin. They began to feel lightheaded and experienced 
heart palpitations. They were taken to the hospital to be checked out.

Domestic Violence – Suspects Arrested

March 25 at 10:29 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 500 block 
of South Mountain regarding a male and female subject in a verbal 
argument. When the officer arrived, he saw the male and female involved 
in a physical fight and requested assistance. The subjects were separated 
and paramedics were called out for visible injuries.

 Through investigation, the officers learned the subjects are in a dating 
relationship with each other and are living out of their van. The male 
subject had injuries to his face, was bit on the hand, and was sprayed 
with pepper spray by the female. The female also had visible injuries. 
Both subjects were taken to the hospital for treatment. After getting 
checked out by a doctor, both subjects were arrested for domestic 
violence.

TWO FRIENDS AND TWO FUNERALS

“A great soul never dies. It brings us together again 
and again,” said Maya Angelou. On March 20, 2015, 
there were two funerals for two great souls that 
touched Monrovia. KGEM television host, Ralph 
Walker, went to one of the memorial services and 
Professor Susie Ling of PCC went to the other. As 
collaborators on several Monrovia projects, Ralph 
and Susie would like to share their reflections 
together: 

Ralph Walker on Katie Bartlett: 

 On Friday, March 20, 2015, I found myself at 
Woods-Valentine Mortuary and fortunate to find a seat 
in the crowd just under 200. It was for the celebration 
of the life of Katie Bartlett. Katie was the wife of “Mr. 
Monrovia”, Bob Bartlett. Katie’s story was told by family 
and friends. Lorrie, Katie’s daughter, told of the love of 
her mother. Gabriel Duran sang “Tears from Heaven,” 
Katie’s favorite. Barbara Gadbury Bailey talked about 
how, as a child, she was hypnotized by Katie’s beauty: 
a radiant smile and dimples. Barbara tried to create 
dimples on her own cheek with scotch tape. But folklore 
tells us that dimples are kisses from an angel before 
leaving heaven. Katie was kissed twice. 

When I started “Conversations in Monrovia” on KGEM 
in 1994, my first interview was with Bob and Katie 
Bartlett. Everyone knew Bob but when Katie came in, 
something special filled the studio. Her smile, her self-
assurance, and her thoughtful replies to my questions stayed with me all 
these years. That show went well and I’m still going strong 21 years later. 
Thanks, Katie. 

Susie Ling on Eldora Polk: 

 I went to the memorial service for Willie 
Eldora Polk – or “Dodie” – at Second Baptist 
Church. I’ve never actually met Eldora, but 
I knew her caring paved roads for me. The 
current president of the Anna H. Jones Club, 
Gwen Jones said, “In 1968, Eldora donated a 
book to our Monrovia Library. Then Eldora 
joined the board of Friends of the Library.” The 
book was Mary Church Terrell’s A Colored 
Woman in a White World. Terrell was a 
suffragist, founding member of NAACP, and first 
president of the National Association of Colored 
Women. Polk registered many to vote, was an 
activist with the Monrovia NAACP, and president 
of the Anna H. Jones Club for almost four decades. 
Terrell and Polk were about education and social 
justice. We stand in their shadows. 

 “She came with a purpose and became a treasure 
of our community,” said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz of 
Dodie, “We are grateful.” Eldora’s grandson, Jeff 
Collins, said Dodie was an exceptional grandmother. 
He once asked her, “How did you get to be so old?” 
Dodie was 99 years young when she passed. She 
answered, “Just keep living.” Ms. Eldora Polk, a 
stalwart in Monrovia, was also known for the gleam 
in her eyes, her soprano voice, and her coconut cake. 
“It was the bomb,” said her friends. 

 Katie and Eldora made Monrovia a better place. They brought us 
together with their determination, smiles, and caring.