Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 2, 2015

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, May 2, 2015 

75 ATTEND EXTRAVAGANT SHOWCASE OF 

SANTA ANITA GARDENS CATERING SERVICES

Flappers, Trumpeters, Vintage Cars, great food and prizes at Arcadia Chamber Showcase

CINCO DE MAYO: 

FIESTA TIME OR JAIL TIME?

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving 

[Arcadia, CA] — In the United States, Cinco 
de Mayo – like St. Patrick’s Day – is for many 
people just an occasion for having a good time 
with alcohol. Do you plan to join the fiesta on 
May 5th? The Arcadia Police Department has 
planned a DUI Saturations Patrol to deploy 
officers looking to identify and stop suspected 
drunk drivers. Additionally, every traffic 
and patrol officer assigned to duty will be on 
heightened alert to prevent a senseless tragedy 
due to alcohol or drugs. 

 The unfortunate truth is this: many people 
might be making party plans for Cinco de Mayo, 
but they aren’t planning ahead for getting home. Only 64 percent of 
the drivers in fatal crashes on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2013 had 
no alcohol in their systems. What about the other 36 percent? They 
were driving after drinking. Too many people are lying to themselves 
about the dangers of drinking and driving. Some fiesta-goers think 
that they can play it by ear, and wait until after they drink to decide 
whether they’re “okay to drive.” By then, it’s too late.

 Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes 
had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers 
showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 
percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana 
was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. 
Mixing medication or drugs - legal or illegal - is a dangerous cocktail. 
Specially trained drug recognition experts will be checking for drug 
impairment whenever suspected. 

 If you don’t designate a sober driver ahead of time or have a 
solid plan for how you’ll get home safely, you are setting yourself 
up for disaster. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and when you 
drive drunk, you run the risk of killing yourself or someone else. 
Even if you don’t harm anyone, the average DUI costs about $10,000. 
Wouldn’t you rather pay for a taxi?

 “Our main goal is to save lives,” said Captain Paul Foley of the 
Arcadia Police Department. “Around the county, we want to debunk 
the myth that you can drink until you feel it and then get behind the 
wheel. You can’t. Remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” 
Cinco de Mayo can be a fun and festive time for those who choose to 
celebrate the right way: with a plan for a sober ride. If you make your 
plans when you’re sober, you won’t make a bad decision when you’re 
drunk.

 As you make your Cinco de Mayo plans, the California Office 
of Traffic Safety is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at 
thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at 
area bars and restaurants. And for those without a DD - make a 
sober ride home your priority; the new SaferRide app from NHTSA 
makes it easier than ever.

 A final statistic to remember: drunk-driving deaths are 100 
percent preventable. 

 Funding for this is provided by a grant from the California 
Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration who reminders every motorist to Report Drunk 
Drivers – Call 911! Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. 
Don’t do it.

 Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & 
Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for 
other pertinent news and information. Remember, the solution 
begins with you! 


ARCADIA, CA (April 27, 2015) -- Under the banner of Santa Anita 
Gardens, Sandi McQuilkin and Grace Boyd have been producing 
catered parties and events from their base in Arcadia (1200 S. Santa 
Anita Avenue) for 28 years, everything from mystery dinners, 
weddings, quincineras and City of Arcadia events such as the 
Mayor’s breakfast and City Council reorganzation reception to the 
backstage green room for performers at the Greek Theatre since 
1999.

 This past weekend they did it all again, creating an elaborate 
customized event Thursday evening (April 23, 2015) to celebrate 
and promote one of their two primary hosting venues at Arcadia’s 
historic Prince Erik Hall, then opening weekend at the Greek, then 
back to PEH Sunday for an open house to showcase their wedding 
reception services.

 Thursday’s event was an eye-opener for City officials, dozens of 
officers and members of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, and 
more than 75 attendees overall, to all that Santa Anita Gardens offers 
and their creative ideas to make events fun, unique, and elegant, all 
at the same time. (Contact Santa Anita Gardens at (626) 444-3377 or 
e-mail: Info@SAGardens.com)

 For Arcadia City Council Member Sho Tay and his wife Sherry, 
City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, City Clerk Gene Glasco, 
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Gregson and 
CEO Scott Hettrick and his wife Betty, and Printing Control owner 
Jerry Dominguez, the evening began at the City Hall parking lot, 
where Sandi had arranged to have three Depression era Model A’s 
from the Arcadia Santa Anita A’s club pick up the dignitaries. They 
were chauffered to the 1924 iconic Prince Erik Hall where they 
were heralded by trumpet by Arcadia High School students, also 
conceived and coordinated by Sandi, and received by a man wearing 
a green sash saying he was the representative of a Prince.

It all sounded, looked, and felt like a ceremony befitting a royal 
coronation. The group felt for a moment like princely dignitaries 
as they were escorted down the walkway across the lush lawn to the 
entryway of the stately building at 2607 South Santa Anita Avenue 
in Arcadia (behind the Arcadia Congregational Church).

 Upon entering the building, officials were entertained by AHS 
students as flappers dancing to the Charleston amidst beautiful 
floral arrangements and elegant decor while enjoying a sumptuous 
buffet that included crab cakes, sushi, multiple pastas and 
much more, some of which was donated by nearby Albertson’s.
Scott then introduced Sandi and Grace to the appreciative audience 
and they were presented with certificates of thanks by The City 
of Arcadia, Andrew Gregson of the Chamber, and by Chamber 
President-elect Vicki Knight on behalf of Congresswoman Judy 
Chu. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting.

CALIFORNIA LIVING: 

PAINTINGS BY ARCADIA’S FLOURISHING PAINTERS

Looking for a great art exhibit that features local Arcadia painters? 
Look no further than the current exhibit now going on at the Gilb 
Museum of Arcadia Heritage. Hurry in as this exhibit will only be 
up through May 23, 2015.

 For more information about the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage 
temporary and permanent exhibits as well as a whole host of other 
activities including Lunchtime Talks, Adult Workshops and Lectures, 
Cultural Demonstrations, programs designed especially for seniors, 
and Hands on Saturdays for Families, please call 626.574.5440 or 
visit the website at http://museum.ci.arcadia.ca.us. The Museum 
Education Center is located at 382 W. Huntington Drive. The Gilb 
Museum of Arcadia Heritage is located at 380 W. Huntington Drive, 
immediately behind the Community Center. The Museum is open 
Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12-1). 
Admission is always free.

About the City of Arcadia

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Arcadia is an 
11.38 square mile community with a population of just over 56,000. 
Located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, 
Arcadia is a full-service charter city governed by a five- member 
City Council, elected at large. Recognized for exceptional education 
and recreation opportunities and beautiful neighborhoods, Arcadia 
is also defined as the “Community of Homes” and has twice been 
designated the “Best City in California in which to Raise Kids” by 
Business Week Magazine

CITY FINANCES, IT SERVICES, WATER CUT BACKS, MAY 7 
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FORUM

Arcadia Administrative Services Director Hue Quach Featured Speaker

ARCADIA, CA (April 28, 2015) -- The City of Arcadia’s finances and 
IT services will be the topic at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s 
monthly Government Affairs Forum at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 7. And 
the City’s Public Works Director Tom Tait will provide important 
updates on topics such as Arcadia’s mandated 35% cutback on water 
usage.

 The primary guest speaker, Hue C. Quach, Arcadia’s 
Administrative Services Director, will provide an overview of each of 
his areas of responsibility: Finance, Human Resources, Purchasing, 
and Information Technology, along with a general overview of the 
City’s budget. He will also touch on how local businesses can best 
interact with the City. The monthly Forums, sponsored by Singpoli, 
are free and open to the public.

 Quach has been with the City since July 2008 and has more than 
20 years of experience in local government, having served as Director 
of Finance for the City of Norwalk and Assistant Finance Director 
for the City of Bellflower. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in 
Finance and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from 
California State University, Los Angeles.

 The public is invited at 8 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month 
to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government 
Affairs Forum sponsored by Singpoli and led by Chairman Jack 
Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments 
& Consulting, and co-chairman Pete Ulrich, former Arcadia City 
Councilman. RSVPs to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce office 
are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.

LUNCH TIME TALK

Geography As Destiny: Early Years of 

San Marino and Arcadia

On Thursday, May 21, 2015 at noon, come to the Museum Education 
Center and hear Elizabeth Pomeroy of the San Marino Historical 
Society give a short talk about the early years of San Marino and 
Arcadia.

 These free Lunchtime Talks are a great way to learn snippets of 
local history and meet some interesting people too. They are held 
at noon on the third Thursday of the month except August and 
December and last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Bring your lunch 
if you wish.

 Other Lunchtime Talks on tap include “Eaton Canyon: A History 
from the Ranchos of the 1800s to the Present” on June 18, 2015 and 
“Monrovia Past and Present” on September 17, 2015.

 For more information about the Lunchtime Talks, please call 
626.574.5440 or visit the website at http://museum.ci.arcadia.ca.us. 
The Museum Education Center is located at 382 W. Huntington 
Drive. The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage is located at 380 W. 
Huntington Drive, immediately behind the Community Center. The 
Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 
p.m. (closed 12-1). Admission is always free.

About the City of Arcadia

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Arcadia is an 
11.38 square mile community with a population of just over 56,000. 
Located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, 
Arcadia is a full-service charter city governed by a five- member City 
Council, elected at large. Recognized for exceptional education and 
recreation opportunities and beautiful neighborhoods, Arcadia is 
also defined as the 

 “Community of Homes” and has twice been designated the 
“Best City in California in which to Raise Kids” by Business Week 
Magazine.

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, April 19th, through Saturday, April 25th, the Police 
Department responded to 1,111 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 19:

Just before 10:44 a.m., an officer responded to Macy’s at the Westfield 
Shopping Town, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a petty theft report. 
An investigation revealed a 50-year-old Asian woman concealed a handbag 
inside a shopping bag and fled the store without paying. The suspect was 
cited and released in the field.

 At approximately 8:27 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Las 
Tunas Avenue and Longley Way regarding a vandalism report. A witness 
reported seeing an Asian male suspect spray painting the words, “GIPER”, 
“GIPSIC”, and “SIC” on a nearby fence. The officer was unable to locate the 
suspect. 

Monday, April 20:

At about 4:59 a.m., officers responded to Hilton Garden Inn, 199 North 
Second Avenue, regarding a robbery report. The victim stated an unknown 
suspect entered the lobby, pointed a black handgun at the victim, and 
demanded cash from the safe. The suspect fled with approximately $200 in 
cash in an awaiting vehicle. 

 Follow up investigation identified the suspect as a 23-year-old black 
male. He is outstanding at the time of this report.

 At approximately 6:19 p.m., an officer responded to Gate 7 of the Santa 
Anita Race Track, 285 West Huntington Drive, regarding a hit and run 
collision. The officer determined Party-1 collided with Party-2 and Party-3 
as a result of losing control of his vehicle. He then fled the scene. Arcadia 
Fire responded and transported the driver of Party-2 to Huntington 
Memorial Hospital for evaluation. 

 On April 21st, a witness located a similar vehicle in the Santa Anita 
Race Track parking lot. The suspect is believed to be a 47-year-old Hispanic 
male. The investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday, April 21:

Around 12:23 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 
area of Santa Anita Avenue and Colorado Boulevard for not having license 
plates. An investigation revealed the driver, 46-year-old white male, was in 
possession of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe. He also refused 
to provide the officer with identification, which was also located inside the 
vehicle. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail 
for booking.

 Just after 12:01 p.m., an officer responded to the front counter of the 
Arcadia Police Department regarding an incident of road rage. The victim 
stated the suspect’s vehicle pulled alongside her vehicle and the suspect 
threw a banana peel that landed inside her vehicle, striking her in the 
face. The officer located the suspect, a 47-year-old white male, and due to 
conflicting statements, the investigation is ongoing. 

Wednesday, April 22:

Shortly after 1:59 a.m., an officer conducted an enforcement stop on a 
vehicle in the area of Baldwin Avenue and the 210 Freeway off ramp for 
expired registration. A records check of the driver revealed he had a 
suspended license and was on parole. A consensual search of the vehicle 
revealed mail belonging to numerous victims and a large quantity of 
cocaine hidden under the carpet, likely for sale. 
He was arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking.

 At about 1:31 p.m., an officer responded to the 
front counter of the Arcadia Police Department 
regarding a stalking report. The victim stated 
he has received two to five calls a day from the 
suspect for the past year and a half. The caller 
is an unidentified male. The investigation is 
ongoing. 

Thursday, April 23:

At approximately 6:53 a.m., an officer 
responded to Arcadia Methodist Hospital, 300 
West Huntington Drive, regarding suspicious 
circumstances. The reporting party received a 
phone call from the suspect who instructed her 
to provide a patient with an abnormally large 
dose of prescription medication. The suspect 
provided the name of “Dr. Herman Scott.” The 
reporting party confirmed the hospital did not 
have a doctor by that name and reported the 
incident. The investigation is ongoing. 

 Around 8:27 p.m., an officer responded to 
Jack-In-The-Box, 164 East Live Oak Avenue, 
regarding a customer causing a disturbance. 
The officer located the suspect in his vehicle 
and immediately detected the strong odor of 
an alcoholic beverage emitting from inside the 
vehicle. Through a series of tests, the officer 
determined the 50-year-old Hispanic male had 
a blood alcohol content greater than .08%. The 
suspect was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Friday, April 24: 

Just after 1:28 a.m., an officer contacted two 
females loitering in the parking lot of Motel 6, 
225 Colorado Place. An investigation revealed 
the two were reported as run-a-ways from San 
Diego. Department of Children and Family 
Services was contacted and informed the 
officer that the 15-year-old black female was 
on probation. The suspect was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
The 16-year-old black female was released to 
DCFS.