Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 23, 2016

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 23, 2016 

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY 
ADOPTS SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONING 
CODE UPDATE

For the period of Sunday, April 10th, through Saturday, April 
16th, the Police Department responded to 1,009 calls for service 
of which 140 required formal investigations. The following 
is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the 
Department during this period.

Sunday, April 10:

 Just after 7:06 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block 
of North Santa Anita Avenue regarding a vehicle burglary 
report. The officer discovered unknown suspect(s) broke the 
driver’s side window of the vehicle and stole the car stereo. A 
knit glove was left behind by the suspect. The investigation is 
ongoing.

 Around 12:17 p.m., officers responded to Sport Chalet at 
the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding 
a robbery that had just occurred. The officer discovered a 
29-year-old male from Duarte was in the process of stealing 
merchandise when he was confronted by a loss prevention 
specialist. Fearing for his safety, the loss prevention agent let 
the suspect flee on foot. An area search was conducted and 
the suspect was located. He was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Monday, April 11:

At about 4:24 a.m., an officer initiated consensual contact 
with a subject in a parked vehicle, with the head lights turned 
off, parked in the Motel 6 parking lot, 225 Colorado Place. 
The officer attempted to contact the subject but the 23-year-
old male from Duarte fled on foot, ignoring the officer’s 
commands to stop. The suspect was located and found to be 
in possession of stolen property, burglary tools, and had been 
driving a stolen vehicle. He was arrested and transported to 
the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

At approximately 7:28 p.m., an officer responded to the area 
of Live Oak Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue regarding a 
male lying on the sidewalk. Upon contacting the 49-year-old 
male from Hesperia, the officer noticed symptoms of alcohol 
intoxication and determined the suspect was unable to care 
for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking. 

Tuesday, April 12:

Just after 3:43 p.m., officers responded to Radio Shack, 1435 
South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a robbery. An investigation 
revealed two unknown suspects armed with handguns, 
entered the store and forced an employee to open a safe 
containing Apple I Phones. The suspects fled with several I 
Phones and $200 cash.

 The first suspect is described as a male, 20-years-old, 5’10” 
tall and approximately 170 pounds. The second suspect is 
described as a male, 20-years-old, 5’8” and approximately 135 
pounds. The suspect vehicle is described as a newer model 
white pickup truck. The investigation is ongoing.

 Around 3:50 p.m., officers responded to Arcadia High 
School, 180 Campus Drive, regarding an activation of 
an Arcadia Police Department GPS tracker. Arcadia PD 
detectives had previously deployed decoy bicycles containing 
tracking devices to combat the increase in bicycle thefts 
around the city. An investigation revealed a 38-year-old 
male from Duarte took the bicycle and fled the scene. He 
was located with the bicycle, arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. 

Wednesday, April 13:

 Shortly after 1:20 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop 
on a vehicle in the area of Las Tunas Drive and Baldwin 
Avenue. The officer observed a gun attached to the rear of the 
vehicle. An investigation revealed the driver, who had placed 
a BB gun to the rear of his vehicle, was also driving with a 
suspended license, in possession of methamphetamine, and 
had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The 59-year-old 
male from Temple City was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 At about 6:38 p.m., an officer responded to the Santa Anita 
Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a stolen vehicle 
report. The officer discovered an unknown suspect stole 
the victim’s locked vehicle from the employee parking lot 
sometime during the day. The unoccupied vehicle was later 
recovered by Baldwin Park Police Department. No suspects 
were seen and no witnesses were located. 

Thursday, April 14:

 9. At approximately 03:52 a.m., an officer conducted a 
traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Duarte Road and Santa 
Anita Avenue for driving westbound in eastbound lanes of 
traffic. Upon contacting the driver, the officer detected a 
strong odor of alcohol emitting from the driver. Through a 
series of tests, the officer determined the 38-year-old male 
from Temple City was driving under the influence of an 
alcoholic beverage. The suspect was arrested and transported 
to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 10. Around 11:32 a.m., an officer responded to the 
front counter of the Arcadia Police Department regarding a 
grand theft report. The victim claimed her wallet had been 
stolen from her purse while she was eating at Kirin Buffet 
inside the Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue. The 
wallet contained over $2000 cash and several credit cards. No 
suspects were seen. The investigation is ongoing.

Friday, April 15: 

 11. At about 04:51 a.m., officers responded to the 3200 
block of Fish Canyon Road in the City of Duarte regarding 
an activation of an Arcadia Police Department GPS 
tracker. 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 a 27-year-
old male from Duarte had the stolen package inside his 
vehicle and the stolen property, and tracking device inside 
his home. The suspect was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 12. Just after 9:00 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop 
on a vehicle in the area of Holly Avenue and Longden Avenue 
for having a nonoperational brake light. Upon contacting 
the driver, the officer discovered the 30-year-old male from 
Arcadia was driving with a suspended license. The suspect 
was also in possession of a counterfeit driver’s license and had 
an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The vehicle 
was impounded for 30 days.

Saturday, April 16:

 13. Just after 2:00 p.m., officers responded to the front 
counter of the Arcadia Police Department regarding a battery 
that had occurred between juveniles. The reporting party 
claimed a known male juvenile, upset over crossing out of 
graffiti, responded to his home and punched his face several 
times. An investigation revealed the juvenile reporting the 
battery had vandalized several areas of Bonita Park, 100 
South Second Avenue, with graffiti. The juvenile was cited 
and released to his mother. The investigation of the battery is 
ongoing.

 14. At approximately 4:30 p.m., an officer responded to 
REI, 214 North Santa Anita Avenue, regarding a suspicious 
subject blocking pedestrian traffic at the entrance of the 
store. Upon contacting the 26-year-old male from El 
Monte, the officer noticed symptoms of being under the 
influence of a controlled substance. After a series of tests, 
he was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking. 

ARCADIA, Calif. ... The Arcadia City Council 
voted 5.0 in favor of adopting a comprehensive 
Residential Zoning Code Update at the April 
19, 2016, City Council Meeting. The unanimous 
vote comes after two years of research, numerous 
community meetings and discussions, and well.
researched recommendations from a citizen 
committee, the Planning Commission and the City 
Council.

 “This is a very exciting time because we know that 
residential zoning standards have been a discussion 
in the community for 30 years. We hope that the new 
ordinance will shape the community for the next 30 
years,” said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. “The 
new code responds to the issues raised by the residents 
and represents all view points in the community.”

 An update to single.family residential zoning 
regulations was first authorized by the City Council in 
June 2014 in response to growing concerns about the 
size of new homes being built in the community, their 
relation to nearby residences, and cohesiveness within 
neighborhoods. In the process of starting a Zoning 
Code Update, the City was resolute in making sure all 
of the different voices in the community were heard 
and considered. Through a series of public community 
meetings held in 2015, the City gathered feedback, 
suggestions, and comments that were relayed to the 
Zoning Review Committee, an advisory group of 
resident stakeholders specially chosen for their diverse 
background and wide.ranging viewpoints. In all, the 
Zoning Review Committee met for three.and.a.
half days to develop a set of recommendations. The 
suggested amendments then moved on the Planning 
Commission where a few additional revisions were 
submitted before being presented to the City Council 
for final approval and adoption.

 “Tuesday’s night’s unanimous vote on the 
Residential Zoning Code Update was an exciting 
and positive conclusion to a long, and often 
contentious, process,” said Mayor Gary Kovacic. 
“The regulations adopted are fair, balanced, and 
equitable, and will greatly enhance Arcadia’s 
quality of life and sense of community. The process 
included substantial public and professional 
input, and I really appreciate the participation and 
perspectives offered by the many Arcadians who
voiced their opinions throughout this notable chapter 
in the life of our community.”

 The Residential Zoning Code Update addressed 
seven major topics: setbacks, height, basements, 
parking, hillside standards, floor area ratio (FAR), 
and hedges/landscaping in front yards. The most 
notable change to the current zoning standards was 
the creation of a floor area ratio, which establishes the 
percentage of land a home may occupy based on the 
size of its lot.

 Although a longstanding regulation in neighboring 
cities, Arcadia had previously not established such a 
standard. With the new zoning regulations in place, 
the four adopted floor area ratios are more consistent 
with similar cities, and maximum home sizes will 
vary by neighborhood and property size to ensure 
compatibility while still enhancing home values. 
The specific recommendations approved by the City 
Council, as well as additional information on public 
outreach, community survey results and publications, 
can be found under the news section on the City 
website www.ArcadiaCA.gov.

ARCADIA ROTARY CLUB’S SALUTE 

TO SENIORS LUNCHEON


The annual Salute to Seniors Luncheon 
sponsored by the Arcadia Rotary Club will be 
held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 11:30am-
1:30pm at the Arcadia Community Center, 
365 Campus Drive. At this special event, 
the Arcadia Rotary Club along with the City 
Council, Senior Commissioners, and other 
guests will honor Carol Libby, the City of 
Arcadia 2016 Senior of the Year. 

ABOUT THE HONOREE

 The 2016 Senior of The Year is Carol 
Libby. Carol is a 60 year resident of the City of 
Arcadia. Carol is very active with the Arcadia 
Friends of the Library where she has served as 
Vice President and Program Chairman. Carol 
has also been a long time member, President 
and Vice President of the Arcadia Historical 
Society. She is a past volunteer and member of the Los 
Angeles County Arboretum and has published two books 
about the history of Arcadia. 

 The City of Arcadia is very proud of Carol Libby and is 
thankful for her contributions of her time and talents to and 
for the community. She is certainly a reflection 
of this year’s Older Americans Theme of 
“Blaze a Trail.”

 On behalf of the Arcadia Rotary Club, 
Arcadia Senior Citizen Commission, and the 
City of Arcadia, it is a pleasure to announce 
Carol Libby as the 2016 Senior of the year. 

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 known 
for combining small-town charm with the 
conveniences and amenities of a mid-size city. 
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.


626 GOLDEN STREETS COMMUNITY MEETING 
IN MONROVIA SET FOR APRIL 26, 2016

As you may have heard, a 17+ mile long San Gabriel Valley open streets festival has been scheduled to 
take place in early summer on June 26, 2016. Called the 626 Golden Streets event, the event organizers 
have scheduled a community outreach meeting here in Monrovia on April 26, 2016, to share details 
regarding the initiative. 

PLACENTIA EMBEZZLEMENT SCANDAL UPDATE

As you may have heard reported through various 
news outlets, an embezzlement scandal has erupted 
in the City of Placentia, where the Finance Services 
Manager in that jurisdiction has been accused of 
embezzling $4.3 million through wire transfers 
during the period April 2015 to April 2016. The 
event is both shocking and upsetting and represents 
a tremendous betrayal of public trust.

 It is important to note that Monrovia’s audit firm, 
Lance, Soll and Lunghard, LLP (LSL), were hired 
in 2015 by the City of Placentia. Upon receiving 
word of the embezzlement scandal in Placentia, 
our auditors provided the following overview of the 
situation:

 …we only recently completed a financial 
audit for the period from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 
2015. We have not begun to perform any audit 
procedures for the period beginning July 1, 2015, 
in which the majority of the time period of this 
alleged embezzlement occurred. Our audit for the 
period ending June 30, 2015 did identify several 
material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in 
internal controls and instances of noncompliance. 
It was not a “clean” audit. We feel it is important 
to communicate that our audit evaluated internal 
controls over wire transfers and we noted that the 
controls in place during the period of the financial 
audit, required the approval of two separate City 
employees to complete a wire transfer. We are not 
currently privileged with information regarding 
the investigation so it is unclear whether the 
breakdown occurred internally at City Hall or 
externally with the financial institution.

 It is also important to note that the audit 
team at LSL were recently hired by the City of 
Pasadena in the aftermath of the embezzlement 
scandal that occurred in that jurisdiction.
Here in Monrovia, I wanted to share that we have 
very robust internal controls that require dual 
passwords and dual signatures in order to complete 
any wire transfers. In addition, a separate employee 
performs bank reconciliations thirty days after any
City Manager’s Update wire transfers have 
occurred, which adds another layer of security to 
guard against any potential breach. Finally, we 
have also established here in Monrovia an Audit 
Committee that comprises two members of our 
City Council and which provides an additional 
outlet for the reporting of inappropriate activities.

 However, as the situation in Placentia illustrates, 
internal control activities alone cannot guarantee 
fraud will not occur. Our staff has and will remain 
vigilant in our oversight and monitoring of controls 
to mitigate the risk of fraud. Internal controls can 
be circumvented if not monitored on a continual 
basis and here in Monrovia, we will continue 
working hard to ensure that we do not violate the 
public’s trust.


MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

Highlighted Activity for 
April 18-20, 2016

During the last seven-day period, 
the Police Department handled 423 
service events, resulting in 77 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.

Vandalism

April 18 at 7:54 a.m., officers 
were dispatched to a preschool 
in the 1000 block of S. Canyon 
regarding a vandalism incident. 
Unknown suspect had written 
graffiti on a school fence, which 
faced the adjacent park. The 
graffiti occurred sometime over 
the weekend. The investigation 
is continuing.

Residential Burglary

April 18 at 10:47 a.m., a residential 
burglary was reported in the 
600 block of Parker. The victim 
locked his residence and left 
on April 17. When he returned 
home on April 18, he found the 
backdoor of the residence unlocked. 
Cash, a wristwatch and 
a speaker were stolen from the 
location. It appears the suspect 
unlocked the backdoor by reaching 
through an open dog door. 
The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – 
Suspect Arrested

April 19 at 12:59 a.m., an officer 
stopped a vehicle for several 
vehicle code violations. Upon 
contacting the driver, he noticed 
signs of intoxication. After conducting 
field sobriety tests, the 
officer arrested the driver for 
driving under the influence. The 
suspect was taken into custody 
and held for sobering.

Felony Evading – Suspect 
Arrested

April 19 at 12:58 p.m., an officer 
responded to the 100 block of 
N. Mountain on the report of a 
suspicious vehicle, possibly casing 
the neighborhood. The officer 
located the suspect vehicle 
at Foothill and Mountain. When 
he attempted to stop the vehicle, 
the driver fled south on Mountain 
and entered the 210 Freeway, 
heading eastbound. The 
suspect was driving erratically 
at a high rate of speed and traffic 
conditions were heavy, so Monrovia 
police canceled the pursuit 
by police units. The Foothill Air 
Support Team helicopter continued 
to follow the vehicle and 
the California Highway Patrol 
picked up pursuit of the vehicle 
in San Bernardino County. The 
suspect and passenger in the vehicle 
were stopped by CHP and 
taken into custody for felony 
evading.