Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, October 29, 2016

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Mountain View News Saturday, October 29, 2016

Pasadena 
Fire Appoints 
Deputy Chief


Community 
Gets First 
Look at 
Bikeshare 
Program

One City, One Story 

Pick ‘The Sympathizer’

 
The book selection for Pasadena 
Public Library’s 2017 One City, 
One Story community reading 
celebration is The Sympathizer 
by author Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Now in its 15th year, One 
City, One Story is designed 
to broaden and deepen an 
appreciation of reading and 
literature by recommending a 
compelling book that sparks 
a community conversation on 
important issues.

 The winner of the 2016 Pulitzer 
Prize for Fiction, as well as five 
other awards, The Sympathizer 
is the breakthrough novel of the 
year. With the pace and suspense 
of a thriller and prose that has 
been compared to Graham 
Greene and Saul Bellow, The 
Sympathizer is a sweeping 
story of love and betrayal. The 
narrator, a communist double 
agent, is a “man of two minds,” 
a half-French, half-Vietnamese 
army captain who arranges to 
come to America after the Fall 
of Saigon. While building a 
new life with other Vietnamese 
refugees in Los Angeles, he 
is secretly reporting back to 
his communist superiors in 
Vietnam. The Sympathizer 
is a blistering exploration 
of identity and America, a 
gripping espionage novel, and 
a powerful story of love and 
friendship.

 Nguyen was born in Vietnam 
and raised in America. He 
teaches English and American 
Studies at the University of 
Southern California and lives in 
Los Angeles. 

 One City, One Story 
community programs will 
be held throughout March, 
beginning with a conversation 
with the author on Thursday 
evening, March 2, 2017. Event 
details will be announced in the 
near future.


By Dean Lee

 Although the turnout was low 
for a public workshop on a new 
Metro bikeshare program set to 
launch this July, those that were 
there gave some input on the 
proposed plan that would bring 
400 bikes utilizing 34 docking 
bike stations concentrated in the 
down town area.

 The bikes would all be available 
for the public to use, with a 30 
minute restriction on time. 

 Metro Principal Transpiration 
Planner Jenny Cristales-
Cevallos said docking station 
locations were based on 
population density. Most of 
the proposed stations are 
concentrated along Colorado 
Blvd. There are no proposed 
stations in East Pasadena 
District 4 held by Vice Mayor 
Gene Masuda and only one in 
North West Pasadena District 1 
held by Councilmember Tyron 
Hampton. The only District 1 
station is on Washington Blvd. 
west of Lake Ave.

 Cevallos said the bikes would 
be accessible for all riders of all 
income brackets.

 The payment method was 
complex with three separate 
plans; a monthly pass starts at 
$20 a for unlimited 30 minute 
rides. Each additional 30 
minutes would cost $1.75. The 
second yearly pass option cost 
$40, with each 30 minutes $1.75 
and no unlimited rides. The 
walkup rate would be $3.50 each 
30 minutes.

 The use of the Metro Tap card 
was also confusing, in that no 
money needs to be stored on the 
Tap card, users are required to 
sign up online with a credit card 
and then the Tap card identifies 
the user. Funds are deducted 
from the credit card. 

 Cevallos said a downloadable 
mobile app from Metro allows 
a user to track the time the bike 
is used, location of the docking 
stations and when the bike is 
returned. The app cannot be 
used to make payments she said. 
Cevallos also said the bikes do 
not have GPS to locate them. 

 City staff said the bikes will be 
available as part of a two-year 
test program. The costs of the 
program ranged wildly form 
a low of $200,000 per year to 
$700,000 a year, “as a worst case 
scenario,” staff said.

 The program, including the 
docking station locations, has 
to have city council approval. 
The issue is set for their Dec. 5 
meeting. 

Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek 
(left) and Interim Library Director 
Robert Karatsu (right) unveil the 
selection Photo D. Lee MVNews

 Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral 
Washington recently named 
Bryan Frieders as Deputy 
Chief and Fire Marshal of 
the Fire Prevention Division. 
Frieders started Monday.

 Frieders served as an 
Operations Division Chief 
for the Verdugo Cities which 
covers the cities of San 
Gabriel, San Marino and 
South Pasadena. Frieders also 
held the role of Emergency 
Manager for the City of San 
Gabriel. Prior to becoming 
Division Chief, he worked 
as a Battalion Chief for 
the City of San Gabriel; a 
Fire Captain/Paramedic, 
supervising 18 Firefighters 
and 15 Paramedics. He started 
his career as a Firefighter/
Paramedic in the City of South 
San Francisco in 1998.

 “Bryan has a very well-
rounded background covering 
all aspects of the fire service. 
He has worked with and 
developed great relationships 
with our personnel, and has 
supported several of our 
incidents over the years,” Fire 
Chief Bertral Washington said.

 “I am honored to have been 
selected to work with some 
of the best firefighters in the 
world, and to join a team 
of fire service professionals 
that have a strong desire 
and commitment to provide 
excellent service to the citizens 
of Pasadena. I am incredibly 
grateful and humbled by the 
outpouring of kindness and 
support shown by all of the 
city staff, elected officials, and 
members of the community 
who have welcomed me with 
open arms,” Frieders said.

Halloween 
Safety 
Tips and 
Reminders

Community Orchestra with 
Violinist Aubree Oliverson

 The City offers the following 
suggested safety tips and 
reminders.

 Be careful when using 
candles. Consider instead 
using flashlights or battery-
operated candles in Jack o’ 
Lanterns. If you do use real 
candles: use caution and 
keep watch on lit candles at 
all times; keep children away 
from open flames; use long, 
fireplace-style matches or 
utility lighters and keep all 
combustible material well 
away from trick-or-treaters, 
other decorations, doorsteps 
and walkways.

 Choose costumes wisely. 
Avoid billowing or long, 
trailing fabric that can catch 
fire or get caught in a door or 
be tripped over. Make sure 
masks have eyeholes large 
enough to see out. Provide 
children with flashlights or 
glow sticks as part of their 
costumes.

 Be sure children know how 
to stop, drop and roll if their 
clothing does catch fire. 

 Decorate wisely, keep all 
items away from open flames 
and heat sources, including 
light bulbs and heaters. 
Remember to keep exits clear 
of decorations so nothing 
blocks escape routes.

 Make sure children go trick-
or-treating in a group with 
at least one responsible adult 
who has a fully charged cell 
phone.

 Make sure children know 
how to safely cross the street 
by looking left, right and left 
again.

 Remember, no eating of 
treats until all is brought home 
and inspected by an adult. 

 Don’t forget about your 
animal companions! Provide 
them with a quiet place 
indoors. 

 Celebrate responsibly; always 
designated a driver. 

 For life-threatening 
emergencies always call 
9-1-1. If you see something 
suspicious, say something 
by calling police at (626) 
744-4241. For more safety 
information, call the Pasadena 
Fire Department at (626) 744-
7177.


Doo Dah Picks Their Queen

 Violinist Aubree Oliverson 
will again join Pasadena 
Community Orchestra, On 
Friday, November 11, at 8:00 
p.m., this time in Wieniawski’s 
fiery Violin Concerto No. 2. 
Under Music Director Bethany 
Pflueger, the orchestra performs 
three more works bursting with 
joy and exuberance: Prokofiev’s 
jaunty Lieutenant Kijé Suite, 
the flashy Overture to Russlan 
and Ludmilla by Glinka, and 
Mozart’s great Overture to Cosi 
Fan Tutte.

Oliverson’s career has 
skyrocketed since her Young 
Artist appearance with PCO. 
This past summer, she was one 
of 20 graduating high school 
students nation-wide (and 
one of only two musicians) to 
receive the prestigious “United 
States Presidential Scholar for 
the Arts” award, performing at 
the Kennedy Center. Oliverson 
also performed – to packed 
houses and often standing 
ovations – at the famed Aspen 
and Innsbrook Music Festivals. 
In addition, she made her fifth 
appearance on National Public 
Radio’s From the Top. And in 
September, she earned first prize 
in the 2016 Hennings-Fischer 
Young Artist Competition. 

The popular Overture to Russlan 
and Ludmilla, by the “father 
of Russian music,” Mikhail 
Glinka, is full of unadulterated 
nationalistic pride. Filled with 
wild energy, the Overture’s 
irresistible melodies display a 
uniquely Russian combination 
of earthy exuberance and heroic 
feeling. 

One of Prokofiev’s most popular 
works (along with Peter and 
the Wolf and the Classical 
Symphony), the Lieutenant Kijé 
Suite showcases the composer’s 
great wit, melodic gifts, and 
programmatic skills. Audience 
members will feel the sleigh 
moving in the lively Troika, and 
they’ll recognize the wry humor 
in the crisp marches, lush 
romance and wedding music, 
and the mournful Kijé “theme” 
and funeral music.

Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte is one 
of the greatest comic operas 
of all time. The title is usually 
translated as “Women are 
like that,” and the opera deals 
(often hilariously) with the 
vicissitudes of the male/female 
relationship. Like the opera, the 
Overture is light-hearted and 
ebullient, with bright, sparkling 
sounds and melodies that exude 
good humor and exuberance. 

PCO has been bringing 
fine classical music to the 
community for 33 years. 
Admission is free (donations 
are welcome at the door), and 
no reservations are needed. 
First Church of the Nazarene 
is located at 3700 E. Sierra 
Madre Blvd., one block west 
of Michillinda Ave. Parking is 
free and wheelchair accessible. 
Immediately following the 
concert, audience members will 
have the opportunity to meet 
the Music Director, soloist and 
other musicians at a reception.


Oliverson

 

 

 In a packed caucus of this 
year’s Doo Dah Queen Tryouts, 
Malibu resident with an avid 
interest in landscaping, ecology, 
water conservation, and all 
things Doo Dah, Queen Ruby 
Chard (Meg Cole, pictured 
above center) was selected 
to reign as this year’s parade 
monarch. The new queen 
won over 30 judges with her 
rap performance with a doo-
wop twist. She tried out with 
her band of followers as Ruby 
Chard and the FungGuys. 

 Meg Cole has been in every 
Doo Dah Parade going back 
to 1978. She was a good friend 
of Snotty Scotty and the band 
(Snotty Scotty & The Hankies) 
through all those years. All 
agreed she was a most fitting 
choice for queen as we celebrate 
the life of John Scott Finnell, a 
beloved musician, bandleader 
and showman who passed away 
this month.

 Upon receiving the royal nod, 
Meg appreciated the artistry 
in her crown, with images of 
Snotty Scotty and his guitar all 
over it. She said “I was having 
so many warm memories all 
over the place. It makes me so 
happy.” 

 Many more Queen Hopefuls 
threw their hats in the ring 
and provided hours of raucous 
entertainment to the audience 
packing into the American 
Legion hall. These include 1st 
Runner up - Crystal Lightner, 
“Crystal The Undecided,” 2nd 
Runners up Tie - Henry the 
Pampered Pooch and Princess 
Heather, tied with Marnie 
Angel Brown, “Angel the 
Weenie Slinger,” 3rd Runner up 
- Kelly Weber, “Kelly Xexchron.” 
Other contestants included 
The Recorder Guy, Hot Devil, 
Hillary, Ms. Pin-Up and Ms. 
Lizard Route 66, Mark Mars, 
BANE, among others.

 All the Queen contestants 
will be seen again as part 
of the Queen’s Royal Court 
at the 39th Pasadena Doo 
Dah Parade taking place on 
Sunday, November 20th in East 
Pasadena. The Parade, known as 
the twisted sister of Pasadena’s 
more traditional Rose Parade, 
steps off at 11am, is always free-
of-charge to the public. Photo 
by D. Lee MVNews.

 John Scott Finnell of 
Snotty Scotty & The 
Hankies Mourned

Pet of the 
Week

 
Scooby (A406408) is a 
real sweetheart! This one-
year-old, neutered male, 
grey and white greyhound 
mix loves attention. Spend 
a few minutes petting him 
and he’ll reward you with 
tons of affection! He adores 
meeting new people of 
all ages, impressing them 
by showing off his sit 
command. He walks well on 
a leash and enjoys being out 
and about. Scooby came to 
PHS with another dog and 
has enjoyed the company 
of some other dogs while 
out on our Mobile Unit. 
He would do well as the 
only dog in his new forever 
family, but he could also be 
a good second dog in the 
right home.

 The adoption fee for 
dogs is $125 and includes 
the spay or neuter 
surgery, microchip, and 
vaccinations.

 New adopters will receive a 
complimentary health-and-
wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well 
as a goody bag filled with 
information about how to 
care for your pet.

 Call the Pasadena Humane 
Society & SPCA at (626) 
792-7151 to ask about 
A406408, or visit at 361 S. 
Raymond Ave. in Pasadena. 
Adoption hours are 11 a.m. 
to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. 
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through 
Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Saturday.

 Pets may not be available 
for adoption and cannot be 
held for potential adopters 
by phone calls or email. 
Directions and photos of 
all pets can be found at 
pasadenahumane.org.

Free Events Roundup at the 
Pasadena Senior Center

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER

 There is something for 
everyone in November at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. 
Holly St. You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some events 
require advance reservations as 
noted.

 Smart Phones, Tablets and 
Computers – Any Questions? 
– Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
Nov. 1 to 29, 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! 
Please note there will be no 
session Thursday, Nov. 24.

 Flu Shot Clinic – Wednesday, 
Nov, 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Seniors are at greater risk of 
serious complications from 
flu than younger adults. Flu 
shots will be provided at no 
cost by the Pasadena Public 
Health Department for anyone 
older than 6 months. Visit the 
Welcome Desk for a required 
appointment card. For more 
information call 626-795-4331.

 Child Gifting – Thursday, 
Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. A strong 
financial foundation never 
goes out of style. Learn how 
to give financial gifts to your 
children and grandchildren so 
they’ll have a head start toward 
financial security.

 Friday Movie Matinees 
– Fridays, Nov. 4 and 18. 
Everyone enjoys movies and the 
pleasures they bring. Nov. 4 at 1 
p.m.: “Café Society” (2016, PG-
13) starring Jesse Eisenberg and 
Kristen Stewart. A young Bronx 
native moves to Hollywood in 
the 1930s and falls in love with 
the secretary of his powerful 
uncle, an agent to the stars, then 
returns to New York where he 
gets swept up in the vibrant 
world of high society. Nov. 18 
at 2:30 p.m.: “Willie Wonka & 
the Chocolate Factory” (1971, 
G) starring Gene Wilder and 
Peter Ostrum. Young Charlie 
seeks the priceless golden ticket 
that will win him a lifetime 
supply of sweets and a tour 
of a mysterious candy man’s 
chocolate factory.

 Cardmaking Workshop – 
Monday, Nov. 7, from noon to 2 
p.m. Surprise a special someone 
with a personalized, handmade 
greeting card. Whether it’s 
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.

Sunday, October 16th

2:00 AM – A vehicle vandalism 
occurred in the 2100 block of 
N. Marengo Avenue. Suspect(s) 
shattered the rear window. 

8:00 AM – A grand theft from 
a vehicle occurred in the 1600 
block of N. Oxford Avenue. 
Stolen: red Husky tool box. 

Monday, October 17th

7:00 AM – A grand theft 
occurred in the 2500 block of 
N. El Molino Avenue. Stolen: 
currency. 

4:00 PM – A grand theft 
occurred in the 300 block of 
W. Altadena Drive. Suspect 
identified as the victim’s son. 
Stolen: jar of coins. 

Tuesday, October 18th

No significant incidents.

Wednesday, October 19th

7:44 PM – Robert Crenshaw, 
22 years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the area of Lake 
Avenue and Elizabeth Street 
for possession of narcotic 
paraphernalia. 

Thursday, October 20th

2:15 AM – Two vehicle 
burglaries occurred in the 
2500 block of E. Washington 
Boulevard. Suspect(s) entered 
the vehicle by shattering the 
window. Stolen: red purse, 
white/gold Michael Kors wallet, 
gray backpack, black Microsoft 
laptop, black GoPro camera, 
black wallet and currency. 

11:10 PM – Jose Gonzalez, 31 
years old of Los Angeles was 
arrested in the area of Lake 
Avenue and Boston Street 
for possession of a controlled 
substance. 

Friday, October 21st

7:31 AM – A shoplifting 
incident occurred in the 2200 
block of Lake Avenue. Stolen: 
grocery items. 

10:00 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2300 block 
of GlenroseAvenue. Suspect 
entered the vehicle by shattering 
the rear window. Stolen: 
gardening equipment. 

3:25 PM – Juanita Dominguez, 
47 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 2100 block of 
Raymond Avenue for battery. 

Saturday, October 22nd

10:30 AM – Two vehicle 
vandalisms occurred in the 
2100 block of Lincoln Avenue. 
Suspects have been identified. 

1:30 PM – Frank Garcia, 35 
years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 200 block of 
Crosby Street for residential 
burglary. 

10:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism 
occurred in the 400 block of 
StonehurstDrive. Suspect(s) 
damaged the driver’s side door.

Poetry Fest! 
At Pasadena 
Senior Center

 Anyone who enjoys writing, 
reciting, reading or listening 
to poetry is invited to Poetry 
Fest! Sunday, Nov. 20, from 
1 to 4 p.m. at the Pasadena 
Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St.

 Evidence-based research 
shows poetry and other forms 
of cultural expression offer 
myriad benefits for older 
adults, including improving 
memory and decreasing stress.

 Mira Mataric, who has taught 
the Creative Writing course at 
the Pasadena Senior Center 
since 1998, is organizing 
Poetry Fest! Poets, writers and 
musicians are encouraged to 
participate. Send an email to 
mira016@hotmail.com or call 
626-578-0470 to express your 
interest.

 The event is free to all. 
Refreshments will be served.

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