Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, July 1, 2017

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Mountain View News Saturday, July 1, 2017 

Free Events Roundup at the 
Pasadena Senior Center

Algorithm Helps Protect 
Mars Curiosity’s Wheels

Sheriff Seeking Public Input 

on Unmanned Aircraft System

 


 There is something 
for everyone in July 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.

 Scenic Walkers Club – 
Wednesdays, July 5 to 26, 
at 10 a.m. Enjoy a series 
of leisurely walks to enjoy 
the great outdoors, make 
new friends and get some 
exercise. July 5: Monrovia 
Canyon Falls. July 12: Los 
Angeles County Arboretum. 
July 19: Descanso Gardens. 
July 26: Lower Arroyo Seco 
Trail. To sign up, email 
alancolville@charter.net or 
call 626-221-3741 for the 
meeting location for each 
walk, a list of items to bring 
and what to expect.

Free Taxi Vouchers – 
Thursday, July 6, at 9 a.m. 
Qualified low-income adults 
who are 50 and older and 
reside in the Pasadena area 
will receive two vouchers for 
taxi rides. Proof of income 
and photo ID are required. 
Quantities are limited. 
For more information call 
626-685-6732.

 Know Your Numbers – 
Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m. 
If you or someone you care 
for has been diagnosed 
with diabetes, high blood 
pressure or high cholesterol, 
learn what a BMI is, whether 
your numbers are too high, 
too low or just right, and 
more. Presented by Regal 
Medical Group.

 Diabetes Empowerment 
Education Program – 
Thursdays, July 6 to Aug. 24, 
from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. If 
you or someone you care for 
is diabetic or pre-diabetic, 
this series will encourage 
you to make lifestyle changes 
while learning more about 
your diabetes and how it 
affects your overall health. 
Presented by Health Services 
Advisory Group.

 Friday Movie Matinees – 
Fridays at 1 p.m. Everyone 
enjoys movies and the 
pleasures they bring. July 
7: “Lion” (2016, PG-13) 
starring Dev Patel and 
Nicole Kidman. Twenty-five 
years after getting lost on 
the streets of Calcutta and 
adopted by an Australian 
couple, a young Indian 
man sets out to find his 
family. The Domino Effect 
– Thursdays, July 6 to 27, at 
1 p.m. If you’ve never played 
Chicken Foot dominoes 
before, or even if you have, 
come join the fun as Vicki 
Leigh leads participants in 
a rollicking version of the 
game that is easy enough for 
beginners yet challenging 
enough for more seasoned 
players. Oh, and please 
excuse the laughter every 
Thursday…it’s contagious! 
For more information call 
Vicki at 928-478-4654.

 A Toast to the Joys of 
Music – Tuesdays, July 11 
to 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 
a.m. (Please note the event 
will be canceled on July 4.) 
Tom Campbell will play 
guitar and sing songs in the 
Senior Center Lounge. Stop 
by and enjoy his covers of 
traditional country, country 
rock, blues, folk, gospel and 
classic rock originally made 
famous by Willie Nelson, 
Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, 
Elvis Presley, B.B. King, 
Neil Young, The Grateful 
Dead, The Rolling Stones 
and many more.Founded in 
1960, the 

 Pasadena Senior Center 
is an independent, nonprofit 
organization.

 For the next two weeks 
(thru July 13) the Los Angeles 
County Sheriff’s Department 
(LASD) will be seeking public 
feedback on its Unmanned 
Aircraft System. The vertically-
mobile, remotely-controlled, 
flying tool with an on-board 
video camera is assigned 
to the Special Enforcement 
Bureau, where it will be the 
most beneficial to units under 
its umbrella, including the 
Emergency Services Detail, 
Special Enforcement Detail, 
Arson/Explosives Detail, and 
the Hazmat Detail.

 The LASD is taking full 
advantage of leading technology 
to gain a two-fold benefit: 
Obtain a more informative 
vantage point, and increase 
safety for sworn personnel and 
civilians during certain tactical 
response operations.

 A key group of deputies were 
trained to operate the UAS and 
each one received a Remote 
Pilot certificate with a small 
Unmanned Aircraft System 
(sUAS) rating from the FAA. 
The UAS can be deployed in 
tactical situations such as active 
shooter incidents and hostage 
situations to better protect the 
public. Deputy personnel also 
trained as tactical medics can 
use the UAS to remotely assess 
injured patients and provide 
them with rapid medical care.

 Although inclement 
weather prevented a dynamic 
demonstration of the UAS’s 
capabilities, it remained an 
impressive static display, 
accompanied by a video 
presentation. Special 
Enforcement Bureau Captain 
Jack Ewell stood by Sheriff 
McDonnell at the event, along 
with the specially trained 
deputy personnel who will 
operate the system, integrated 
to aid in the safety of all.

 “The dangers of law 
enforcement can never be 
eliminated,” said Sheriff 
McDonnell. “However, this 
technology can assist us in 
reducing the impact of risks 
on personnel and allow us to 
perform operations to enhance 
public safety.”

“We are continuing to raise 
the bar as a leader in law 
enforcement and always 
looking for ways to do the job 
better,” he said.

 An example of tactically sound 
leverage the UAS will bring, is 
the ability to provide an aerial 
view during suspicious device 
calls. This will greatly assist 
Bomb Squad personnel to safely 
assess from a remote location 
one of the near-600 suspicious 
or unattended package/device 
calls they investigate annually.

 The UAS can provide vital, 
life-preserving assistance 
in deployments to the 
approximate-125 annual 
HazMat Detail response 
operations. This invaluable 
machinery can operate in 
contaminated areas, and 
provide information needed 
to safeguard the area and the 
surrounding community.

 For more for the take the 
survey go to sheriff.lacounty.
gov

 There are no mechanics on 
Mars, so the next best thing 
for NASA’s Curiosity rover is 
careful driving.

 A new algorithm is helping 
the rover do just that. The 
software, referred to as 
traction control, adjusts the 
speed of Curiosity’s wheels 
depending on the rocks it’s 
climbing. After 18 months 
of testing at NASA’s Jet 
Propulsion Laboratory in 
Pasadena, California, the 
software was uploaded to 
the rover on Mars in March. 
Mars Science Laboratory’s 
mission management 
approved it for use on June 
8, after extensive testing at 
JPL and multiple tests on 
Mars.

 Even before 2013, when the 
wheels began to show signs 
of wear, JPL engineers had 
been studying how to reduce 
the effects of the rugged 
Martian surface. On level 
ground, all of the rover’s 
wheels turn at the same 
speed. But when a wheel 
goes over uneven terrain, 
the incline causes the wheels 
behind or in front of it to 
start slipping.

 This change in traction 
is especially problematic 
when going over pointed, 
embedded rocks. When this 
happens, the wheels in front 
pull the trailing wheels into 
rocks; the wheels behind 
push the leading wheels into 
rocks.

In either case, the 
climbing wheel can end 
up experiencing higher 
forces, leading to cracks 
and punctures. The treads 
on each of Curiosity’s six 
wheels, called grousers, are 
designed for climbing rocks. 
But the spaces between them 
are more at risk.

 “If it’s a pointed rock, it’s 
more likely to penetrate 
the skin between the wheel 
grousers,” said Art Rankin 
of JPL, the test team lead 
for the traction control 
software. “The wheel wear 
has been cause for concern, 
and although we estimate 
they have years of life still in 
them, we do want to reduce 
that wear whenever possible 
to extend the life of the 
wheels.”

 The traction control 
algorithm uses real-time 
data to adjust each wheel’s 
speed, reducing pressure 
from the rocks. The software 
measures changes to the 
suspension system to figure 
out the contact points 
of each wheel. Then, it 
calculates the correct speed 
to avoid slippage, improving 
the rover’s traction.

 During testing at JPL, the 
wheels were driven over a 
six-inch (15-centimeter) 
force torque sensor on flat 
terrain. Leading wheels 
experienced a 20 percent 
load reduction, while middle 
wheels experienced an 11 
percent load reduction, 
Rankin said.

 Traction control also 
addresses the problem of 
wheelies. Occasionally, a 
climbing wheel will keep 
rising, lifting off the actual 
surface of a rock until it’s 
free-spinning. That increases 
the forces on the wheels 
that are still in contact with 
terrain. When the algorithm 
detects a wheelie, it adjusts 
the speeds of the other 
wheels until the rising wheel 
is back into contact with the 
ground.

 Rankin said that the 
traction control software 
is currently on by default, 
but can be turned off when 
needed, such as for regularly 
scheduled wheel imaging, 
when the team assesses 
wheel wear.

 The software was developed 
at JPL by Jeff Biesiadecki and 
Olivier Toupet.


Pet of the 
Week

 
Lucy (A419271) is a 4-year-
old terrier mix. This adorable 
pup is just about as sweet as 
they come. She enjoys head 
scratches, getting petted and 
giving out face kisses to her 
favorite volunteers. This 
smart pup is learning basic 
training commands and 
mastered “sit” and “down” 
in one afternoon. Lucy was 
transferred to us from the 
Downey shelter where she 
stood out for her mellow 
personality and good 
behavior. If you are looking 
for cuddly couch potato, 
Lucy just might be your gal! 

 The adoption fee for dogs 
is $130. All dogs are spayed 
or neutered, microchipped, 
and vaccinated before being 
adopted.

 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 
A419271, 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.

 ** The Pasadena Humane 
Society is offering $20 
spay/neuter surgery for 
cats one year and younger 
the entire month of July. 
Make an appointment at 
pasadenahumane.org/snip.

Fourth of July Lunch Party 
at Pasadena Senior Center

 Celebrate our nation’s 
independence during a lunch 
party Tuesday, July 4, at noon at 
the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 
E. Holly St.

 The Scott Pavilion will 
be adorned with patriotic 
red, white and blue décor as 
everyone enjoys barbecue beef 
brisket, grilled herb chicken, 
grilled vegetables, three 
different salads and a special 
cake. The Great American 
Swing Band will perform 
patriotic favorites as well as 
nostalgic tunes, courtesy of the 
Pasadena Showcase House.

 The cost is only $10 for 
members and $12 for non-
members of all ages. Prepaid 
reservations are due at the 
Welcome Desk by Friday, June 
30.

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

Pasadena Chamber to 
hold Inaugural Gala 

Honors Outgoing Chair 
Ishmael Trone and 
Welcomes 2017-18 Chair 
Robin McCarthy

 Business, Community 
and Political Leaders 
Join Pasadena Chamber 
Members for Festive 
Reception and Dinner at 
Langham Huntington Hotel 
Pasadena

Pasadena, CA-Pasadena 
Chamber of Commerce 
members, community 
leaders and guests celebrate 
our business community 
at the annual Pasadena 
Chamber of Commerce 
Inaugural Gala on Friday, 
July 7, 2017. The hosted 
cocktail reception and silent 
auction begins at 6:00 p.m. 
at the Langham Huntington 
Hotel in Pasadena. Dinner 
and the festive program 
begins at 7:30pm.

 This year, the Chamber 
celebrates the installation of 
Robin McCarthy as Chair 
of the Board for 2017-18. 
We also install new officers 
and Board members for the 
year. The accomplishments 
of outgoing Chair Ishmael 
Trone will also be honored 
at the event.

The evening will feature the 
presentation of scholarships 
to local students. 
Scholarships are awarded to 
emancipated foster youth 
who are transferring from 
Pasadena City College to a 
four-year university.

 The Pasadena Chamber 
will also recognize a small 
member business and a 
large member business as 
Corporate Citizen of the 
Year. This year, A.J. Longo & 
Associates will be honored 
as small business Corporate 
Citizen and Villa Gardens 
will be recognized as the 
large business Corporate 
Citizen.

 In addition, the Chamber 
will unveil new initiatives 
for the upcoming year.

 Chamber members 
contribute thousands of 
dollars’ worth of valuable and 
unique services, products 
and treats for the silent 
auction. This year, items 
include travel packages, 
golf outings, entertainment, 
event and sports tickets, 
dinners, opportunities to 
explore local attractions 
and VIP treatment at local 
wonders. Proceeds support 
Chamber activities and 
member services.

 Gold Sponsors are Kaiser 
Permanente and Wells 
Fargo. Silver Sponsors 
are Hollywood Burbank 
Airport, Huntington 
Memorial Hospital, 
Pacific Oaks College and 
Children’s School, Parsons 
Corporation, the Pasadena 
Tournament of Roses, 
Southern California Gas 
Company and U.S. Bank.

Corporate tables cost 
$2000. Individual tickets 
to the Inaugural Gala cost 
$200. Valet parking and a 
hosted cocktail reception 
are included. Sponsorship 
opportunities are available at 
the $5,000 and $2,500 levels. 
Each includes recognitions, 
advertising placement and 
more. Anyone wanting 
information can call the 
Chamber at (626) 795-3355 
or visit the website at www.
pasadena-chamber.org.

 The Pasadena Chamber 
of Commerce is a 
business service member 
organization that works to 
ensure the prosperity of its 
members through a variety of 
offerings including referrals, 
networking, workshops and 
seminars, events and much 
more. The Chamber serves 
1450 member companies.

Library to Hold College 
Bound Summer Workshops

Prepare for the SAT, get ready for the ACT, learn more about 
the college financial aid process and discover the different 
types of financial aid available by attending one of the 
Pasadena Public Library’s free College Bound workshops. 
Upcoming Sessions:

College Essays

A great college essay communicates all the necessary 
information about you as a person. Learn what college 
admissions committees look for in a candidate. Get 
help writing an essay that best showcases your strengths. 
Presented by College Access Plan (CAP). To sign up, call 
(626) 744-7278.

Saturday, July 15, 11 a.m., Linda Vista Branch, 1281 Bryant 
St.

SAT® Practice Tests

Get an early start on the SAT® by taking a practice test 
proctored and scored by Revolution Prep. Test scores will 
be available the following week. Please bring pencils, a 
calculator, water and a snack. Test is approximately four 
hours. Please register by calling (626) 744-4246.

Thursday, July 27, 1 p.m., Central Library/Donald Wright 
Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.

 Free Practice ACT®, Scores, Analysis & Tips

Get ready for the official ACT® by taking a practice test 
proctored by Revolution Prep. Afterwards, you can keep 
your test booklets and plug in your answers online, from 
home. You will get an immediate score and feedback on 
your strengths and weaknesses. Please bring pencils, a 
calculator, water and a snack. 
Test is approximately four hours. Please register by calling 
(626) 744-7262. 

Saturday, Aug. 26, 10:30 p.m., Hastings Branch, 3225 E. 
Orange Grove Blvd.

Helping First-Generation Parents Navigate College 
Admissions

Learning to navigate the road to college admissions with 
your high school student can be difficult but even more 
so when English is not your first language. Many first-
generation families feel lost and do not understand where 
to go to access free resources because most instructions are 
in English only. Find the tools you need in the language 
you speak to better support and assist your child during the 
college admissions process. Translations will be provided in 
Spanish and Chinese. Presented by FLEX. To sign up, call 
(626) 744-4246.

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., Central Library/Children’s 
Story Room, 285 E. Walnut St. 

For more information contact Jane Gov at (626) 744-4246 
or jgov@cityofpasadena.net

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER

Monday, June 19th

9:30 AM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
2200 block of N. Roosevelt 
Avenue. Suspect(s) entered 
the residence by removing the 
window panes. Stolen: gold 
ring, gold pocket watches, and 
sterling silver forks.

9:31 AM – A motorcycle was 
reported stolen from the 500 
block of W. Mariposa Street. 
Motorcycle described as a green 
2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300.

3:30 PM – A theft of landscaping 
equipment occurred in the 1200 
block of N. Altadena Drive. 
Stolen: red Echo leaf blower, 
gray and orange Stihl chainsaw, 
and orange Stihl weed whacker.

10:41 PM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 2100 
block of Lincoln Avenue. 
Vehicle described as a red 
1997 Honda Civic. Vehicle was 
recovered by Pasadena PD.

Tuesday, June 20th

11:40 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the area of Fair 
Oaks Avenue and Loma Alta 
Drive. Suspect(s) entered the 
vehicle via unknown means. 
Stolen: Red Line Courier 
Service bags containing mail 
packages.

5:40 PM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 400 
block of Mountain View Street. 
Vehicle was described as a black 
1996 BMW 328i. 

 Wednesday, June 21st

6:00 AM - A residential burglary 
occurred in the 2400 block 
of Garfias Street. Suspect(s) 
entered the residence by 
shattering the rear patio glass 
door. Stolen: various jewelry.

9:51 AM – Jorge Gomez, 31 
years old of Los Angeles was 
arrested in the 300 block of W. 
Altadena Drive for possession 
of a controlled substance.

Thursday, June 22nd

12:45 AM – A domestic assault 
occurred in the 2400 block of 
El Sol Avenue. One individual 
was arrested pursuant to the 
incident.

3:35 PM – Hector Treto, 36 
years old of Altadena and 
Vivian De La Torre, 23 years 
old of Pasadena were arrested 
in the 2000 block of N. Allen 
Avenue for carjacking. 

Friday, June 23rd

12:00 PM – A petty theft 
occurred in the 1200 block of 
Rubio Street. Stolen: orange 
pole saw.

6:00 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
3500 block of Rubio Crest 
Drive. Suspect(s) entered the 
residence via unknown means. 
Stolen: unknown. 

Saturday, June 24th

1:24 PM – Eduardo Beltran, 
42 years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the area of Fair Oaks 
Avenue and Woodbury Road 
for possession of a controlled 
substance.

1:00 PM - A theft of landscaping 
equipment occurred in the 
1100 block of E. Palm Street. 
Stolen: silver and red Honda 
lawnmower.

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