Mountain Views News          Saturday, January 2, 2016

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, January 2, 2016 

OPENING DAY AT THE GREAT RACE PLACE:

AN AMAZING TIME FOR ALL

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, December 20th, through 
Saturday, December 26th, the Police Department 
responded to 919 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, December 20:

1. Just before 7:33 a.m., an officer responded to the area 
of El Sereno Avenue and Longden Avenue regarding two 
suspects in possession of a decoy package with a tracking 
device. Arcadia PD detectives had previously deployed 
decoy packages containing bait property and tracking 
devices to combat the increase in package thefts from 
residential areas. An investigation revealed the 25-year-
old male from El Monte and 30-year-old male from El 
Monte had the stolen package, property, and tracking 
device in their vehicle. Both suspects were arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

2. At approximately 2:12 p.m., an officer responded to 
a residence in the 000 block of Fano Street regarding 
a burglary report. The officer discovered an unknown 
suspect stole the victim’s bike from an unlocked garage. 
On December 21st, the victim located her bike at a nearby 
construction site. The investigation is ongoing.

Monday, December 21:

3. At about 12:35 a.m., officers responded to the Santa 
Anita Inn, 130 West Huntington Drive, regarding a 
robbery that had just occurred. Officers determined 
a black male suspect entered the lobby, forced the clerk 
into a back room, and struck the victim in the head with 
a handgun. The suspect unsuccessfully attempted to 
restrain the victim, and fled after taking an unknown 
amount of money from the register. 

 The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 
30-years-old, 5’10” tall, with a thin build. He was wearing 
dark colored clothing. It is unknown what direction he 
fled and by what means. The victim sustained moderate 
injuries and was transported to Arcadia Methodist 
Hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.

4. Just before 8:14 a.m., an officer responded to the 1100 
block of West Huntington Drive regarding a vehicle 
burglary report. The officer discovered an unknown 
suspect entered the vehicle by unknown means and 
stole a wallet and iPod. A short time later, the suspect 
used the victim’s credit card at a nearby gas station. The 
investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday, December 22:

5. Around 1:23 a.m., an officer responded to The Barnhart 
School, 240 West Colorado Boulevard, regarding an 
audible alarm activation. An investigation revealed 
unknown suspects smashed the front door to the 
school and then the glass door to the computer room. 
The suspects fled with approximately $3,000 worth of 
computers. The investigation is ongoing.

6. Just after 11:42 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop 
on a vehicle in the area of Baldwin Avenue and Longden 
Avenue for having tinted front windows. An investigation 
revealed the passenger, a 20-year-old male from South El 
Monte, was in possession of a glass pipe commonly used 
to smoke methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested 
and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

Wednesday, December 23:

7. Shortly after 11:34 a.m., an officer initiated an 
enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 1100 block of 
Valencia Way for having expired registration. A records 
check of the vehicle revealed the registration had expired; 
however, the vehicle displayed a 2016 registration sticker. 
The officer discovered the driver lied about having an ID 
on him and a subsequent records check of the 36-year-old 
male from Los Angeles revealed he had two outstanding 
misdemeanor warrants. The driver was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

8. At around 8:30 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic 
stop on a vehicle in the area of Santa Anita Avenue and 
Huntington Drive for having expired registration. Upon 
contacting the driver, the officer discovered the 35-year-
old male from Lancaster was driving with a suspended 
license. He was cited and released in the field. The vehicle 
was left legally parked.

Thursday, December 24:

9. At approximately 11:10 a.m., an officer initiated an 
enforcement stop on a stolen vehicle in the area of Santa 
Anita Avenue and Camino Real Avenue. Upon contacting 
the driver, the 23-year-old female from South Pasadena 
admitted to having methamphetamine and a smoking 
pipe in her possession. A records check revealed she also 
had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. A 21-year-old 
male passenger from El Monte was located in the stolen 
vehicle. Both suspects were arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

10. Around 12:30 p.m., an officer responded to an 
apartment complex in the 1100 block of Fairview 
Avenue regarding a vandalism report. An investigation 
revealed unknown suspect(s) pried open the mailbox to 
the complex. It is unknown if any mail was stolen. No 
suspects were seen and no witnesses were located.

Friday, December 25: 

11. At about 11:10 a.m., an officer and Arcadia Fire 
responded to a residence in the 1800 block of South Third 
Avenue regarding a fire. An investigation revealed a fire 
started accidentally in the kitchen of the residence. The 
two residents, one with a disability, had to be evacuated. 
Arcadia Fire treated the victims at the scene.

12. Just after 6:15 p.m., an officer responded to a residence 
in the 2500 block of South Fourth Avenue regarding a 
threat report. The victim received a phone call from an 
unknown suspect threatening to kill the victim if she 
did not stop business relations with his girlfriend. The 
investigation is ongoing. 

Saturday, December 26:

13. Just after 6:45 p.m., an officer responded to the 
Springhill Suites Hotel, 99 North Second Avenue, 
regarding a theft report. During the course of the suspects’ 
stay at the hotel, they stole two televisions, two iHome 
radio stations, and two paintings from the hotel room. 

 The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male in 
his mid 40’s, 5’7” tall, 200 pounds, with a medium build. 
The second suspect is a Hispanic female, 5’2” tall, 180 
pounds, with reddish brown hair and brown eyes. The 
third suspect is a white female, 5’7” tall, 130 pounds, 
with brown hair and brown eyes. The investigation is 
ongoing.

14. At approximately 3:45 p.m., an officer responded to 
the Arcadia Police Department front counter regarding 
a battery report that occurred in the area of Baldwin 
Avenue and Arboretum Way. An investigation revealed 
the suspect’s vehicle collided into the victim’s vehicle 
causing them both to pull over. After parking, both 
parties began arguing resulting in the suspect shutting 
his car door on the victim’s hand. The suspect then fled 
the scene. 

 The suspect is described as a Middle Eastern male in 
his early 50’s, 5’10” tall, 180 pounds, with short brown 
hair and a beard. The suspect fled in a 2011 Lexus SUV. 
The investigation is ongoing. The victim did not require 
medical treatment.

By Joan Schmidt

 The day after Christmas the 
Great Race Place aka Santa 
Anita Park opens and this year 
my husband, grandson and I 
decided to try it out. We were not 
disappointed at all.

 Special thanks to Mathis 
Brothers Furniture in Ontario 
for stuffed animals (horses of 
course) for all the kids and $100 
gift Certificates to the first 20,000 
attendees. Everyone also received 
the great 2016 Santa Anita 
Calendar.

 Then there was the “best 
dressed” contest. Mathis Brothers 
provided a backdrop; people had 
their picture taken and submitted 
for the contest. Among those 
entering was former jockey James 
Corral and his special gal, Ragen. (He retired after 
sustaining life-threatening injuries in an auto 
crash) James currently designs keepsakes-from key 
chains/ pens to elaborate plaques with horseshoes.

 There was a huge crowd-over 44,000, so I didn’t 
get the usual pictures, but at least got to say, 
“Welcome Back” to Jockey Flavien Pratt. He hails 
from France, but three months ago, had a terrible 
fall and broke two vertebrae. I 
was shocked he was back so soon 
and thrilled with his first win 
Saturday since his accident.

 Santiago Gonzalez won the 
first three races and is still 
very grateful to trainer Jack 
Cassidy for giving his mounts 
and having confidence in him. 
“They’re getting BETTER not 
OLDER” certainly can be applied 
to 50+ year old Gary Stevens 
and Mike Smith. Gary won 
on Om and Runhappy; Mike 
Smith on Danzing Candy and 
Birdathewire, who was shipped 
from back East. Speaking of back 
East, Joel Rosario and the Ortiz 
brothers, Irad, Jr. and Jose were 
in town to ride.

 There are morning workouts 
every day and Clockers Corner is providing your 
first cup of coffee free. A delicious breakfast is 
available and it’s enjoyable to watch the horses 
workout. Several of the jockeys stop by between 
workouts as well as trainers and owners. There are 
so many exciting events coinciding with the races-
many family-oriented. Please visit www.santanita.
com for more info.


Flavien gets first win

COME OUT AND READ TO A REAL DOG!

Have you ever read to a real live dog before? It is 
great fun and you get to pet the dog! In partnership 
with the Pasadena Humane Society and its 
volunteers, Barks and Books will be at the Arcadia 
Public Library on Saturday January 16, 2016 and 
February 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Emerging readers 
in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited 
to practice reading aloud to a specially trained 
therapy dog who loves to hear a good story. No 
reservations are needed and this program is free. 

 For more information, please call 626.821.5566 
or visit the Library’s website at http://www.
ArcadiaCA.gov/library. 

 The Arcadia Public Library is located at 20 W. 
Duarte Rd., Arcadia. The Library is open Monday 
through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and 
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 
You can also follow the Library on Twitter and 
Facebook.

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.

FREE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT/COVERED CA 
ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Do you have questions or need assistance with 
the Affordable Care Act/Covered California? 
If so, free assistance is offered at the Arcadia 
Public Library in English and Mandarin every 
Wednesday evening by appointment. For more 
information and to sign up for an appointment, 
please call 626.821.5569. 

 The Arcadia Public Library is located at 20 W. 
Duarte Rd., Arcadia. The Library is open Monday 
through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and 
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 
You can also follow the Library on Twitter and 
Facebook.

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.


MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

4TH DIMENSION / COMMUNITY CENTER 

PROJECT SPECIAL STUDY SESSION SCHEDULED 

FOR JANUARY 7, 2016 AT 7:00 P.M.

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. To see 
a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia 
website and click on the crime mapping link. Sign up to follow 
us on Twitter for police notifications. 

 

Vehicle Burglary December 21 at 4:10 p.m., a vehicle 
burglary was reported in the 200 block of Poinsettia Avenue. 
The lock securing the doors on the bed of a utility truck were 
cut and miscellaneous power and cordless tools were taken. 
The investigation is continuing. 

Public Intoxication/Warrant – Suspect Arrested December 
21 at 6:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the rear of a 
business location in the 200 block of West Foothill regarding 
an ongoing problem of homeless persons sleeping on the 
property. A subject was located sleeping on the property. 
He was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. A 
computer check revealed the subject also had an outstanding 
warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, held for a sobering 
period, and later released with a citation to appear in court. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested December 21 at 8:49 
p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of 
East Olive regarding a family disturbance between a husband 
and wife. The husband was intoxicated, but agreed to sleep in 
his vehicle for the night. As the officers were about to leave, 
the husband became uncooperative. Due to his high level of 
intoxication, he was arrested for being drunk in public. He 
was held for a sobering period and later released on a citation 
to appear in court. 

Vehicle Burglary December 22 at 7:52 a.m., a vehicle burglary 
was reported in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista. The victim 
parked his vehicle in the carport of his secured apartment 
complex the night before. When he returned to his vehicle in 
the morning, he found the passenger window broken and his 
stereo missing. The investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect 
Arrested December 22 at 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched 
to the 1100 block of East Lemon regarding a traffic collision. 
The driver was traveling east on Lemon and reached for her 
cell phone, causing her to veer to the right and hit a parked 
vehicle. The driver was determined to be driving under the 
influence of alcohol. She was arrested and her vehicle was 
impounded. She was held for a sobering period and later 
released with a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect 
Arrested December 22 at 10:30 p.m., officers were sent 
to the area of Foothill and Norumbega regarding a traffic 
collision. The driver was traveling south on Norumbega and 
failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Foothill. His vehicle 
traveled across all four lanes of traffic and collided into a 
parked vehicle. The driver demonstrated symptoms of being 
intoxicated and was determined to be driving under the 
influence of alcohol. He was arrested and his vehicle was 
impounded. The suspect was held for a sobering period and 
later released with a citation to appear in court. 

Vehicle Burglary December 23 at 7:52 a.m., a vehicle burglary 
was reported in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista. The victim 
left his vehicle parked in the carport of his secured apartment 
complex in the evening. When he returned to his vehicle the 
next morning, he found the passenger window shattered and 
his stereo had been taken. The investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence December 23 at 11:40 p.m., officers 
responded to the 300 block of West Huntington on the report 
of an assault in progress. The subjects reportedly left the area 
on foot and headed south on Magnolia. Officers located the 
subjects in the 1400 block of South Magnolia. The subjects 
are boyfriend and girlfriend, and they were involved in a 
verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. The 
female subject was arrested for domestic violence. 

Weapon Offenses / Possession of Methamphetamine / 
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested 
December 25 at 4:34 a.m., officers on patrol initiated a traffic 
stop in the 200 block of East Colorado for a traffic violation. 
As a result of the stop, the driver of the vehicle was arrested for 
having a loaded pistol and narcotics in the vehicle. 

Structure Fire/Arson December 26 at 2:40 a.m., police 
and fire personnel responded to a structure fire at a 
private warehouse in the 300 block of West Chestnut 
used to store classic vehicles. Further investigation led 
officers to believe the fire began due to arson. One male 
adult family member was named as the suspect. The 
suspect committed suicide at his home in Glendale. The 
investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision/Vehicle vs. Pedestrian December 26 at 1:52 
p.m., police responded to a traffic collision at Los Angeles 
& Ivy. A 12-year-old girl ran into the street and was struck 
by a vehicle. She sustained minor injuries, but complained 
of pain to her neck and back. She was taken to a hospital by 
ambulance. 

Vandalism December 26 at 10:07 p.m., a vandalism incident 
was reported in the 500 block of Diamond. A resident in the 
area reported graffiti spray painted on the side of his house. 
The investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism December 26 at 10:34 p.m., officers located graffiti 
in the 1800 block of South Myrtle. The officers noticed fresh 
graffiti all throughout the parking lot, windows and walls of 
buildings. The investigation is continuing. 

Fire Assist December 26 at 11:38 p.m., officers responded 
to the report of a fire next to a residence in the 500 block 
of Normubega. An officer arrived and located a tree and a 
trashcan that were on fire. The officer put out the fire with the 
fire extinguisher from his police unit. 

On January 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., at the Library 
Community Room, there will be a Special Study 
Session for the City Council to consider the overall 
proposed project. The Library Community Room 
was selected as the location for the meeting due to 
the fact that the City Council Chambers will be 
under renovation at that point in time.

 At that study session meeting, we will be able to 
more clearly articulate all of the different project 
elements associated with the 4th Dimension / 
Community Center initiative, including:

 A synopsis of the feedback we have received 
regarding the proposed project

 An overview of the proposed parking / traffic 
solutions for the project

 An assessment of the economic considerations 
associated with the deal

 The mechanisms and agreements through which 
the project will be considered An updated project 
timeline

 After that Special Study Session, the City Council 
will be formally considering the overall project at 
our January 19, 2016, meeting. There are multiple 
moving parts regarding the overall 4th Dimension 
/ Community Center project, and we will continue 
to provide updates as arise.

CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT 

TERRORIST RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Given the recent terrorist attack that occurred in 
San Bernardino, we felt it was important to outline 
how our local Police Department here in Monrovia 
is equipped to respond to terrorist situations here 
locally. The following overview provides some 
details related to resources, tactics, and techniques 
that we currently have in place for responding to a 
terrorist incident.

 Monrovia has two terrorism liaison officers 
(TLO) who have specialized training. One has a 
Master’s Degree in Homeland Security studies, and 
both TLO’s have received specialized training from 
the Federal Government Joint Regional Intelligence 
Center (JRIC) here in Los Angeles County. They 
are our direct contacts for any intelligence the 
federal government agencies may have specific to 
Monrovia and Los Angeles County. They also have 
direct contact to share intelligence regarding any 
suspicious activity our officers observe. Our TLO’s 
also have contacts at the regional FBI office.

 We have a regional tactical response team called 
FSET. This regional team provides Monrovia with 
highly trained operators (think of FSET as our own 
SWAT Team) to respond to events. This team is a 
resource most other cities our size in the State do 
not have, since the vast majority of agencies rely on 
county services to respond. Through mutual aid, 
Monrovia can also call on Los Angeles County 
Special Enforcement Bureau, in addition to FSET.

 Our City police patrol staff are trained annually 
in the most current tactical response methods to 
respond to active shooter events as well as other 
terrorist type incidents. Furthermore, Monrovia’s 
priority one call response time to emergency calls 
for service is approximately 1 . minutes. 

 Our Community Policing bureau is active in 
our community working to resolve problems. This 
bureau is a resource of intelligence information 
from our citizens who may see suspicious activity 
in their neighborhoods or around their businesses.

We have relationships with the leaders of both 
mosques in Monrovia and our law enforcement 
personnel meet with their representatives regularly. 
We provide extra patrol to both of the mosques 
to try to deter any criminal hate crimes at those 
locations.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com