Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 6, 2016

6


Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 6, 2016 

Pacific Asia 
Museum to 
Hold Lunar 
New Year 
Festival


COUNCIL 
VOTES 
TO RAISE 
MINIMUM 
WAGE

Police Search for Mistaken 
Released Murder Suspect

 
The 6th Annual Lunar 
New Year Festival will take 
place at USC Pacific Asia 
Museum Sunday. Celebrate 
and experience the Lunar 
New Year with music, 
dance, art making, and 
storytelling. This is a family 
friendly event that shows 
the arts and cultures of Asia.

 Lunar New Year is an Asian 
festival celebrated at the 
turn of the lunisolar Chinese 
calendar. Traditionally, 
celebrations run from the 
eve to the Lantern Festival 
on the 15th day of the 
first calendar month. It 
is celebrated in countries 
and territories with sizable 
Chinese populations, 
including Mainland 
China, Hong Kong, 
Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, 
Thailand, Cambodia, 
Indonesia, Malaysia, and 
the Philippines.

Southern California’s only 
museum and U.S. university 
dedicated to the Pacific and 
arts of Asia. Since 1971, 
USC Pacific Asia Museum 
has served a broad audience 
of students, families, adults 
and scholars through its 
education and outreach 
programs. The museum has 
a collection of more than 
15,000 items from across 
Asia and the Pacific Islands, 
spanning more than 5,000 
years. The historic building 
was constructed in 1924 by 
collector and entrepreneur 
Grace Nicholson as her 
residence, gallery, and 
treasure house.

 The 6th Annual Lunar 
New Year Festival tacks 
place 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. 
Museum is located 46 North 
Los Robles Avenue. Parking 
at the USC Pacific Asia 
Museum is free. It is located 
on the corner of Los Robles 
Avenue and Union Street.

 You can also take public 
transportation via the 
Metro Gold Line and take 
the Memorial Park Station. 
From there it’s about a half 
mile walk to the museum.

For more information call 
(626)-449-2742.

By Dean Lee

 Over 50 people, including 
residents, businesses owners 
and dignitaries, voiced their 
opinions Monday night as the 
city council voted in favor of 
raising the minimum wage city 
wide through tiered increases 
that will raise the wage to over 
$13 an hour at its max in 2018. 

 “We’ve spent about three hours 
and 58 speakers on this, I think 
it’s time well spent and the 
subject certainly deserves that 
kind of exposition,” Pasadena 
Mayor Terry Tornek said. 

 Starting July 1 the hourly wage 
will go up to $10.50 and then 
July 1, 2017 the hourly wage will 
be $12.00 July 1, 2018 the hourly 
wage will max out at $13.25. In 
2018 the city council will review 
the impacts and decide to vote 
to further raise the wage to $15 
by 2020.

 Many of the speakers focused 
on the impact wages have on low 
income families and the need 
for wage theft enforcement, 
calling on the city to hire a full 
time wage fraud investigator.

 “You have to make sure that 
you put the resources there your 
mouth is,” said Pablo Alvarado 
Director of the National Day 
Labor Organizing Network. “ 
increasing the minimum wage 
without creating the mechanism 
to enforce it makes a mockery, 
in my view, of the political 
process, makes a mockery of 
the legislative process, makes a 
mockery of this book, the labor 
code, and it makes a mockery of 
all of us that came here tonight, 
all the workers.”

 A number of councilmembers 
also used strong language, in 
favor of an increase, including 
Tyron Hampton representing 
Council District 1. 

 “For this to pass without a 
wage enforcement piece, I feel 
like we would be creating a two 
tier system, sooner than later, if 
there are employers… that are 
not paying their employees the 
proper salary, with this wage 
increase, there will be war.”

 City Manager Michael Beck 
said that enforcement should 
be left up to the County of Los 
Angeles although stressed that 
there should be a local city office 
with the involvement of labor 
organizations. 

 The city Chamber of Commerce 
proposed alternatives to the staff 
recommendations something 
the council did not go for. The 
chamber has been the most 
vocal group against any wage 
increase. 

 “When you raise the minimum 
wage you raise the youth 
unemployment rate that is 
why we have asked that young 
people remain at the $10 [an 
hour] minimum wage. Same 
thing with people with serious 
barriers to employment, 
recently released felons, and 
formally homeless recovering 
people.”

 Little also said that raising 
the minimum wage will force 
restaurants to charge more so 
people will go less. He blamed 
the recent closing of the eatery 
Major Dave’s Chicken on a raise 
in Minimum wage, “that’s 12 or so 
people that now don’t have a job.”

 The Pasadena ordnance is 
based after fifteen cities in 
California, including the city 
and the County of Los Angeles 
that have adopted minimum 
wage ordinances. Of these, 
eight will ultimately reach $15- 
per hour by 2020 including the 
county according to city staff. 

 The city attorney was directed 
to prepare an ordinance and 
return it within 30 days staff 
said.

Rally to raise minimum wage held last year. Photo D.Lee/

 

 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 
Department detectives are 
asking for the public’s help 
in searching for 37-year-old 
Pasadena resident Steven 
Lawrence Wright, who was 
erroneously released from the 
L.A. jail Inmate Reception 
Center (IRC) last week.

 The Sheriff’s Department 
became aware of the release 
at approximately 9:30 p.m. 
on Sunday, January 31, 2016 
and immediately started to 
coordinate resources with 
Pasadena Police Department to 
quickly locate and take Inmate 
Wright into custody. Numerous 
resources, including a task force 
with LASD’s Major Crimes 
Bureau, has been implemented 
to gather and analyze 
information and investigate any 
tips leading to the apprehension 
of Inmate Wright. The Sheriff’s 
Department takes this matter 
very seriously and is fully 
engaged with returning Inmate 
Wright to custody, aggressively 
pursuing a number of leads as 
to his whereabouts. In addition, 
with all erroneous releases we 
will conduct a critical incident 
review to make necessary 
improvements to the system.

 Wright was arrested by 
Pasadena Police Department 
on April 7, 2011. He was in 
our custody pending trial for 
a gang-related murder that 
occurred in the city of Pasadena 
on January 19, 2011. 

 The Los Angeles County 
Board of Supervisors – Office of 
Supervisor Michel Antonovich 
is offering a reward of $20,000 
for information leading to the 
arrest and/or conviction of 
Wright.

 If anyone has any information 
on the whereabouts of Inmate 
Wright is urged to contact 
the Los Angeles County 
Sheriff’s Department’s Major 
Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-
7893. Or provide information 
anonymously by calling “Crime 
Stoppers” by dialing (800) 
222-TIPS (8477), or texting 
the letters TIPLA plus your 
tip to CRIMES (274637), or 
by using the website http://
lacrimestoppers.org.

Valentine’s 
Day Love 
Potions

 
Learn the science 
and folklore of 
natural elixirs of 

love during special 
tram tours.

Pasadena Black History 
Month Free Special Events

 Celebrate Black History 
Month 2016 by attending 
the parade and other special 
events, lectures and activities 
in Pasadena beginning 
Saturday through Sunday, 
March 20. All events are free 
unless otherwise noted. 

Feb. 13

“I Am My Brother’s Keeper: 
Together, We Will Rise!” 
Attend a panel discussion on 
topics that include physical, 
spiritual, mental and financial 
health, and enter to win 
raffle prizes, 10 a.m., First 
A.M.E. Zion Church, 1087 N. 
Raymond Ave.

“Conversation with Peter J. 
Harris & Pam Ward” Enjoy 
readings and conversation 
with local literary luminaries 
Peter J. Harris and Pam Ward, 
2 p.m. at Allendale Branch 
Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.

“Youth Open Mic and Film 
Festival” Experience an 
evening of enlightenment 
through poetry, spoken word, 
song, rap and film starting at 6 
p.m. at the Alkebu-Ian Cultural 
Center, 1435 E. Raymond Ave.

Feb. 14

“Black Film Showcase” Watch 
“Half of a Yellow Sun,” a 
romance drama inspired by the 
Nigerian civil war, 3 p.m. at the 
Jackie Robinson Community 
Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. 
Sponsored by the Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority, Pasadena 
Alumnae Chapter.

 Arboretum Valentine’s 
Day Love Potions from 
the Garden Tram will have 
special Tours February 
14 10a.m. and 12p.m.. 
Bring your sweetheart to 
the garden and enjoy an 
entertaining and informative 
tram tour about love potions 
from the garden. 

Known for its usefulness in 
flavoring Italian cookies and 
sausage, anise seed was also 
used by the ancient Greeks 
and Romans who believed 
the seeds could increase 
desire. They may have been 
on to something—anise 
seeds have been found to 
influence human hormone 
levels. And as so many artists 
have demonstrated, flowers 
are among the strongest and 
most evocative symbols of 
love. Learn about other love 
potions from the garden 
during a Valentine’s Day 
Tram Tour.

 Tours: $8 for Arboretum 
members; $14 for non-
members (includes 
admission). Reservations 
required; space is limited. 
Please call 626.821.4623. Los 
Angeles County Arboretum 
& Botanic Garden, 301 N. 
Baldwin Ave., Arcadia www.
arboretum.org. The Peacock 
Café is open for lunch.

 

 A free JPL lecture this week 
will explore, after many years of 
study, NASA has approved a new 
start for a spaceflight mission 
to investigate the mysteries of 
Jupiter’s moon Europa. Previous 
spacecraft data suggest that an 
ocean almost certainly exists 
beneath Europa’s icy surface and 
that the ingredients necessary 
for life -- liquid water, chemistry 
and energy -- could be present 
within this ocean today. Thus, 
Europa may be the most likely 
place in our solar system to find 
habitable environments beyond 
Earth, perhaps even hosting 
present-day life. The Europa 
multiple flyby mission is being 
designed to explore Europa 
and investigate its habitability 
through understanding the 
satellite’s ice shell and ocean, 
composition and geology. 

 Thursday at 7pm The von 
Kármán Auditorium at JPL 4800 
Oak Grove Drive Pasadena. 
Friday at 7pm The Vosloh 
Forum at Pasadena City College 
1570 East Colorado Blvd.

Free JPL 

Lecture: 
The Europa 
Mission


Free February Events at 
Pasadena Senior Center

Pet of the 
Week

There is something for everyone 
in February at the Pasadena 
Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. 
All events listed are free.

 You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some events 
require advance reservations as 
noted.

 Cardmaking Workshop 
– Monday, Feb. 1, from 
noon to 2 p.m. Surprise 
a special someone with a 
personalized, handmade 
greeting card. Whether it’s a 
happy birthday, happy holidays, 
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.

 Memories in the Making 
– Mondays to March 14, 
at 10 a.m. This program 
developed by the Alzheimer’s 
Association helps people in 
early-stage dementias preserve 
distant memories and capture 
precious moments through 
art. Memories in the Making 
focuses on skills people still 
have rather than teaching 
new concepts; no previous art 
experience or artistic skills are 
necessary. Reservations are 
required: 626-685-6733.

 Stay Connected with 
Social Media – Tuesdays 
and Thursdays, through 
Feb. 25, 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. You’ll choose which 
applications you want to learn. 
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, through Feb. 
25, from 10 to 11 a.m. Get 
the answers you need about 
technology devices, whether 
you own them already or 
are considering a purchase. 
Learning how to text, check 
voicemail, set an alarm, 
navigate the Internet and 
download apps is easier than 
you may think!

 Tax Time – Wednesdays and 
Fridays, to April 15, from 9 
to 10:45 a.m. Representatives 
from the AARP Foundation’s 
Tax-Aide program will assist 
low- to middle-income seniors 
ages 50 and older in preparing 
their federal income tax 
returns. Appointments are 
required: 626-795-4331.

 Crochet Workshop --- 
Monday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. 
Learn to crochet and create 
one-of-a-kind gifts for family 
and friends or make something 
special for yourself. One-on-
one assistance and materials 
will be provided. Make your 
reservation at the Welcome 
Desk or by calling 626-795-
4331.

 iPad Basics – Mondays, 
Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 
10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are 
new to an iPad and its functions, 
you’ll become well versed in 
its touchscreen capabilities, 
navigation and basic Internet 
browsing and searching. iPads 
will be provided for in-class 
use, or feel free to bring your 
own. Class size is limited to 
12 participants, so be sure 
to register in advance at the 
Welcome Desk or by calling 
626-795-4331. Presented by 
YWCA Pasadena-Foothill 
Valley.

For more information visit 
www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org 
or call 626-795-4331.

Crime Blotter for Altadena

 
Monday, January 25th

11:10 AM – A package theft 
occurred in the 1100 block of 
E. Mariposa Street. Property 
Stolen: package containing 
baby bedding. 

1:45 PM – David Mejia, 19 years 
old of Pasadena was arrested in 
the 2600 block of N. Fair Oaks 
Avenue for firearm related 
charges and receiving stolen 
property. 

Tuesday, January 26th

11:10 AM – Jasmine Glenn, 
27 years old of Rosemead was 
arrested in the 300 block of W. 
Las Flores Drive for domestic 
violence. 

4:00 PM – A petty theft 
occurred at Unlimited Wireless, 
2108 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. 
The suspect was described as 
a male, juvenile, 5’9”, 180 lbs, 
wearing a red plaid flannel and 
blue jeans. Property Stolen: 
black iPhone 5. 

6:15 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 3300 
block of Barhite Street. The 
suspect(s) entered the residence 
by shattering the glass sliding 
door. Property Stolen: gold 
necklace with diamond 
pendant, gold bracelet. 

Wednesday, January 27th

7:00 AM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 
100 block of W. Mendocino 
Street. Vehicle Stolen: silver 
2014 Volkswagen Passat. Still 
outstanding. 

7:46 AM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 2100 
block of N. Lincoln Avenue. 
Vehicle Stolen: white 2007 Jeep 
Compass. Still outstanding. 

10:51 AM – A petty theft 
occurred at Unlimited Wireless, 
2108 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. The 
suspect was described as a male, 
30 -35 years old, 6’3”, 190 lbs. 
Property Stolen: white Samsung 
Galaxy S3. George Clayton, 
34 years old transient from 
Pasadena was later arrested 
with the phone on January 28th. 

12:00 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
400 block of Devirian Place. 
Suspect(s) entered the 
residence by shattering the rear 
window. Unknown if property 
was stolen. 

3:40 PM – Clifton Ribodeaux, 
64 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 2400 block of 
El Sol Avenue for domestic 
violence. 

5:27 PM – Noe Echeverria, 
30 years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the area of El Sereno 
Avenue and Woodbury Road 
for possession of a controlled 
substance. 

9:32 PM – Brandon Gardner, 
31 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 2800 block of 
Olive Avenue for battery. 

Thursday, January 28th

4:25 PM – Jonathan Munoz, 20 
year old transient was arrested 
in the 1400 block of E. Loma 
Alta Drive for being under 
the influence of a controlled 
substance. 

Friday, January 29th

11:48 PM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 
2900 block of Casitas Avenue. 
Vehicle Stolen: blue 2016 Ford 
Escape. Vehicle was recovered 
the same day it was stolen by the 
Los Angeles Police Department. 
Suspect in-custody. 

Saturday, January 30th

2:00 PM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the area of Loma 
Alta Drive and Lake Avenue. 
The suspect(s) entered the 
vehicle by shattering the rear 
window. Property Stolen: black 
and gold Michael Kors purse, 
black wallet, social security 
card.

 Benny (A389880) is a 
two-year-old, male, brindle 
and white pit bull mix. 
This energetic boy already 
knows his "Sit" training cue 
and is ready to learn a few 
more. Benny still has a lot 
of his puppy energy and 
would be a great fit for an 
active home. He is friendly 
and can be quite vocal, so if 
you're looking for a playful 
friend who will "talk" to you, 
you should meet Benny!

 The regular dog 
adoption fee is $125 
which includes the spay or 
neuter surgery, microchip, 
vaccinations, and a free 
follow-up health check at a 
participating vet.

 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.

LitFest Books 
and Authors 
Local Festival 

 LitFest Pasadena celebrates 
its 5th year of toasting 
Southern California’s best 
literature -- from YA to 
poetry to mysteries -- with 
a fun and free afternoon 
and evening of readings 
and salon-style events in 
the byways, bookstores, 
restaurants and theaters of 
Pasadena’s highly walkable 
Playhouse District. 

 LitFest Pasadena is now 
planning events and 
topics with major authors 
throughout California, and 
seeking additional business 
and private sponsors to 
support the big day. Authors, 
literary organizations, 
businesses, sponsors and 
interested volunteers who 
want to get involved should 
call (626) 429-1739 or write 
litfestpasadena@gmail.
com. The event takes place 
June 6.

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