pA:6, v10.25 — Arcadia · Monrovia · Duarte

Arcadia · Monrovia · Duarte

Mountain Views News Saturday, June 18, 2016

MVNews this week: Page A:6

Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 18, 2016

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

CITY OF ARCADIA FIRE CHIEF ANNOUNCES
RETIREMENT

For the period of Sunday, June 5th, through Saturday,
June 11th, the Police Department responded to 932 calls
for service of which 139 required formal investigations.
The following is a summary report of the major incidents
handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, June 5:

1. Around 4:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence
in the 300 block of East Norman Avenue regarding a
911 hang-up call. An investigation revealed a physical
altercation occurred between a husband and wife. The
husband was determined to be the primary aggressor
based on visible injuries to the wife. The 42-year-old
male from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

2. At about 3:27 p.m., an officer responded to Burlington
Coat Factory, 1201 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a
theft report. An investigation revealed a loss prevention
specialist witnessed the suspect conceal numerous
items in a shopping bag before exiting the store, failing
to make payment. The 19-year-old male from Altadena
was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for
booking.

Monday, June 6:

3. Just before 1:59 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the
area of Portola Drive and Sunset Boulevard regarding
a male and female arguing in the middle of the street.
Upon contacting the female suspect, the officer noticed
symptoms of alcohol intoxication and determined she
was unable to care for herself. The 19-year-old female
from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the Arcadia
City Jail for booking.

4. Just after 8:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to
Dream Spa, 1023. South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a
robbery. An investigation revealed a male suspect entered
the spa, grabbed an employee’s purse and attempted to
flee the location. The employee managed to lock the front
door trapping the suspect inside. The suspect attempted
to break the door, but was unsuccessful. He became
increasingly upset and the employee, fearing for her
safety, locked herself behind a hallway door. The suspect
managed to flee the location prior to police arrival.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately
20-years-old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 165 pounds.

Tuesday June 7:

5. At approximately 3:40 p.m., an officer was dispatched
to the 300 block of East Wisteria Avenue regarding the
report of a suspicious occupied vehicle. A consensual
search of the vehicle revealed the driver was in possession
of fraudulent driver’s licenses, various pieces of mail
belonging to numerous victims, paperwork containing
victims’ personal identifying information and
methamphetamine. The 39-year-old male from El Monte
was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for
booking.

6. At about 3:54 p.m., an officer responded to the area of
Santa Anita Avenue and Huntington Drive regarding the
report of a non-injury traffic collision. An investigation
revealed Party-1 struck Party-2 while changing lanes.
Upon contacting Party-1, the officer detected a strong
odor of marijuana emitting from the driver. Through a
series of tests, the officer determined the 33-year-old male
from West Covina was driving under the influence of
cannabis. The suspect was arrested and transported to the
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Wednesday, June 8:

7. At approximately 1:13 a.m., an officer responded to
Foothills Middle School, 171 East Sycamore Avenue,
regarding alarm activations. An investigation revealed
three male adult suspects gained access to the music
room and stole drum sticks. The two 18-year-old males
from Arcadia and the 19-year-old male from El Monte
were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for
booking.

8. Just after 7:51 p.m., an officer was dispatched to
Zumies, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a theft
report. A loss prevention specialist witnessed the suspect
select numerous clothing items before exiting the store,
failing to make payment. The 18-year-old male from San
Gabriel was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City
Jail for booking.

Thursday, June 9:

9. At about 2:48 p.m., officers responded to a residence on
the 000 block of West Longden Avenue regarding a panic
alarm activation. An investigation revealed the victim’s
ex-boyfriend forced his way into the residence, assaulted
the victim and held her against her will. The 25-year-old
male from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

10. At approximately 6:18 p.m., officers responded
to City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road in the City of
Duarte, regarding a previously reported vehicle burglary
that had occurred in Arcadia. The suspect called and
emailed the victim to inform him that he had his stolen
property and wished to return it to him. After the victim
offered the suspect a reward, the suspect agreed to meet
him at the City of Hope parking lot. Officers witnessed
the exchange of property for money. The 34-year-old
male from El Monte was arrested and transported to the
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Friday, June 10:

11. At about 7:17 a.m., an officer responded to SoapSox,
11605 Goldring Road, regarding a burglary report. An
investigation revealed an unknown suspect(s) entered
the business and stole a computer, iPhone and wallet.
The victim also discovered that his briefcase was missing
from his unlocked vehicle. Fraudulent charges were made
to the victim’s credit card. No suspects were seen and no
witnesses were located.

12. At approximately 5:01p.m., officers responded to
the Santa Anita Race Track, 285 West Huntington Drive,
regarding a suspect who had taken food and property
from another patron. An investigation revealed the
suspect had been previously removed from the location
for trespassing and was told not to return. The 31-year-old
male from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the
Arcadia City Jail for booking.

Saturday, June 11:

13. At about 6:41 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic
stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Altura Road
and Hugo Reid Drive for expired registration. An
investigation revealed the registration had expired in 2012
and the driver was driving with an expired license and no
proof of car insurance. He was cited and released in the
field. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

14. Just after 6:13 p.m., an officer responded to
Sephora, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a
report of shoplifting. A loss prevention specialist
witnessed two suspects conceal numerous items in
their shopping bags before exiting the store, failing to
make payment. An investigation revealed the suspects
had also stolen merchandise from several other stores
inside Westfield Santa Anita. The 14 year-old female
from Altadena and 16-year-old female from Pasadena
were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail
for booking.

ARCADIA, Calif. --- Fire
Chief Kurt Norwood will
say goodbye to the place
that has been his second
home for the last 29 years,
the Arcadia Fire Station,
and start the next chapter
of his life, retirement on
July 9. Having served in
the Fire Service for 32
years, the Arcadia Fire
Department is proud to
have Chief Norwood as
a member of its agency
since 1987, demonstrating
outstanding leadership
and the ability to effectively
manage the technical and
administrative functions
of the Fire Department.
Maintaining a constant
commitment to excellence,
Chief Norwood has not
only been a consummate leader and an inspiration to
members of the Arcadia Fire Department, he has also
been a role model for all City employees.

“It will be a difficult transition into retirement. It has
been a privilege to serve the citizens of Arcadia. I have
been blessed to work alongside and lead the men and
women of the Arcadia Fire Department. I consider
the members of the Arcadia Fire Department an
extension of my family,” said Chief Norwood. “I have
witnessed firsthand the devotion and work ethic of
City employees and Council Members, and have seen
how their efforts have made Arcadia the great city it
is today. Arcadia and the Fire Department have been
so influential in my life. I am truly blessed to have
spent my career here. I will miss the community, the
employees, and especially the men and women of the
Arcadia Fire Department.”

Chief Norwood began his career in Arcadia in
March 1987 as a Fire Fighter, moving quickly up
the ranks to Fire Paramedic in 1991, and rising to
Fire Captain in 1998, where he served as an Engine
Company and Truck Company Captain. From there,
he was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2003, where
he served as Fire Marshal and Training Officer, while
also overseeing various Fire Department divisions.
He was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2011, served
as Acting Fire Chief beginning in January 2013, and
ultimately was appointed Fire Chief in May 2014.

The City has always taken great pride in Arcadia
Fire Department’s status as a Class 1 agency.
Chief Norwood has fortified that distinguished
classification, providing Arcadians with the best fire
suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical, and
disaster management services.

The Chief’s educational accomplishments include a
Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration
and Technology, and a
Master’s Degree in Public
Administration, both from
California State University
Los Angeles. He holds
numerous certifications
from the California
State Fire Marshal’s
Office, including a Chief
Officer Certification
obtained in 2002. Kurt
is an active member of
the Los Angeles Area
Fire Chiefs Association
and the Foothill Fire
Chiefs Association. Chief
Norwood serves as an
adjunct instructor with
Rio Hondo Community
College Fire Technology
Program, where he plans
to continue teaching Fire
Technology students
preparing for the Fire Service.

“Chief Norwood is leaving a legacy of
professionalism, integrity, and devotion in the Arcadia
Fire Department. The group of men and women that
we have protecting our City is unmatched. We owe a
lot of that to the continued support and leadership of
Chief Norwood,” said Mayor Tom Beck.

“Kurt has had a very positive influence on the
Arcadia Fire Department and the City of Arcadia,”
said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. “His
devotion to the Fire Service is evident in everything
he does. Kurt will be missed by all, both personally
and professionally.”

While Chief Norwood’s final day will be July 9, the
impact he has made on the Arcadia Fire Department
will not be forgotten. He will always be an esteemed
member of the Arcadia “family.” An announcement
on Chief Norwood’s replacement is expected in the
coming weeks.

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 57,000.
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.

Remembrance

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JAN WIGHT

FEBRUARY 29, 1940-MAY 3, 2016

By Joan Schmidt

Jan Wight surely was a life well spent for two
reasons. First, she accomplished so much and
secondly she challenged people to get involved and
make a difference. The Duarte View spoke of Jan’s
many accomplishments which I will share. Then
I’ll tell how she challenged several of us to make
a difference.

Jan was born In Indiana and her parents relocated
to Monrovia CA. She attended Monrovia Schools,
married and had a son, David. In Monrovia, she
worked as an Instructional aide, was a member and
President of the Monrovia Juniors and Monrovia
Women’s Clubs. She was involved with politics-
George McGovern’s Presidential Campaign, Dick
Mountjoy for City Council and State Assembly and
Bob Bartlett’s first City Council Campaign.

Jan married Bob Wight in 1980 and they
moved to Duarte. (At her retirement from the
Chamber, she spoke lovingly of Bob and all he
did to support her.) Jan joined Duarte’s Women’s
Club and served as President. In 1980, she was
Woman of the Year. Jan joined Friends of the
Duarte Library, Duarte Historical Society, and
Duarte Kiwanis Club. In 1983, she was elected to
the Duarte School Board and served as President
in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1995. She served on the
Duarte Education Foundation and was Chairman
of the San Gabriel Valley Coalition for Education
from 1990-1993.

Jan then became President/CEO of the Duarte
Chamber of Commerce. After our Town Council
formed, I met her when she included us in many
Duarte events. Jan challenged me to write for the
Duarte View when I complained about a local
paper’s lack of coverage. When I learned of Jan’s
passing, I was very upset. She was a dear friend
of many years, and a most thoughtful person.
(She sent me Ecuadorian roses when I was
Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy’s Woman of the
year.) After I learned of Jan’s passing, I met Steve
Hernandez, from the Duarte Ed Foundation. He
told me several years ago, he questioned Jan about
Duarte schools. She challenged him to get involved
and help make changes, so he did.

Jan’s services were a Celebration of her life at
the First Christian Church in Glendora. They
were beautiful and uplifting. There were Prayers
and Scripture by Reverend Davis and the Praise
Band performed Days of Elijah, Did You Feel the
Mountain Tremble, and Forever. Manoj Patel
and Diana Burckhard, Jan’s “Chamber Son and
Daughter” reminisced about their dear friend
and her accomplishments there: She increased
Chamber membership, solidified the relationship
between the City and Chamber, participated in the
initial Route 66 Parade Committee, created the
business expo, “Hats off to Duarte” and produced
and hosted local DCTV Chamber Highlights,
established awards and launched networking
breakfasts.

The services were well attended. Some attendees
included Claremont Mayor Corey Calaycay, El
Monte’s Jay Gomez, Duarte City Council Members,
John Fasana, Margaret Finlay, and Liz Reilly, past
Mayor Lois Gaston, and Bob and Julie Davey
who drove up from Laguna Nigel, School Board’s
Reyna Diaz and Ken Bell, Joanna Gee, Director of
the Duarte Library, Friends of the Duarte Library
and many more. (Prior to the services, Ken Bell
shared that Jan challenged him to run for school
board. Ken has done a fabulous job on it and again
we learn Jan challenged someone who did make a
positive change in the community.) Jan had such
an influence on so many people and will be missed.
Donations in her name may be made to either the
Foothill Unity Center or Friends of the Duarte
Library and would be greatly appreciated.

We’d like to hear from you!

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