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

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Mountain View News Saturday, April 1, 2017 

Foothill Transit to Raise 
Fares, Eliminate Bus Routes

Local Area 
News Briefs

 


 Foothill Transit is seeking input 
for proposed system changes 
that include a 25 cent fee hike 
and splitting the popular 187 
line that connects Old Pasadena 
to Azusa into two lines, among 
other changes including the 
complete elimination of a 
number bus routes throughout 
the San Gabriel Valley.

 “We’re traveling farther for 
longer hours to get you where 
you need to be, which adds 
to the cost of doing business 
(more fuel, more wear and 
tear).” Officials said. “On the 
flip side, we’re seeing fewer 
people on board. This is partly 
due to some pretty significant 
population shifts, but also 
because gas is cheap and cars 
are easier to obtain. In fact, 
ridership on public transit is 
down across the region.”

 In a letter to Pasadena City 
Manager Steve Mermell, 
Foothill Transit Executive 
Director Doran Barnes said 
“fares at Fotthill Tranist have 
not changed since 2010. 

The fare proposal includes:

 Fare changes would take place 
in two stages to minimize the 
impact on customers.

 Proposing to simplify the 
prices of fares and passes by 
pricing fares in multiples of 
$0.25 and passes in multiples 
of $5.

 To provide a discount for TAP 
card customers to encourage 
TAP card use, since using TAP 
gives so many benefits to our 
customers.

 To introduce the day pass to 
customers have been asking for, 
which would offer unlimited 
rides on all local lines and the 
Silver Streak for a full day.

 Proposing to do away with 
Foothill Transit-to-Foothill 
Transit transfers.

 Proposed fares would maintain 
a 50 percent minimum discount 
on fares and passes for Seniors/
Persons with Disabilities/
Medicare customers.

 To also maintain a 25 percent 
minimum discount on 31-day 
passes for students. 

 The plan would also add new 
bus routes and stops such as the 
Santa Anita Mall and near the 
LA Arboretum. 

 “Overall, these changes are 
expected to save Foothill 
Transit around $550,000. We’d 
like to immediately reinvest 
that money back into service, 
specifically service that you’ve 
always wanted,” officials said.

 The first of six public meeting 
will be Friday, April 7, from 2:30 
to 5 p.m. at Claremont Library 
208 Harvard Ave N, Claremont. 
Ironically, Foothill Transit 
officials suggest taking the 187 
line to get there.

 The proposal is expected to be 
heard by The Foothill Transit 
Executive Board for review in 
May. If approved, the changes 
will go into effect in October.

 For more information visit: 
foothilltransit.org/changes.

 Pasadena Woman 
Pulled Out of Can 
Robbed and Beaten

Police are looking for two 
men after they pulled a 
24-year-old woman out 
of her car in a Northwest 
Pasadena parking lot, 
demanded money, and then 
began beating her.

According to police, the 
victim was sitting in a 
parking vehicle at Lake 
Ave. and Washington Blvd 
waiting for a friend that 
went into a store. One of the 
men opened her car door 
and pulled her from the car. 
The two suspects ran away 
on foot taking the victim’s 
cell phone. They were last 
seen running south on Lake 
Ave. No description on the 
suspects was given. 

The victim had cuts to her 
face but declined to be 
taken to a hospital.

Make Music Pasadena on Hiatus

 In what some local musicians 
had been anticipating, event 
organizers for the popular 
free Make Music Pasadena 
festival announced this week 
that the event will not take 
place this year. 

 The Pasadena event, with a 
lineup that normally totaled 
more than 150 bands was 
one of the largest free music 
festivals modeled after the 
Fête de la Musique and part 
of Make Music Day, a free 
celebration of music around 
the world on June 21, the 
summer solstice. 

 “After nine years of bringing 
free music to the streets of 
our city with Make Music 
Pasadena, Old Pasadena 
Management District and 
the Playhouse District 
Association, co-producers 
of the festival, have made 
the difficult decision to put 
the event on hiatus for 2017 
and to evaluate its future 
viability.”

 “Current funding sources 
are not sufficient to finance 
an event that is entirely 
free to the public. Due to 
exponentially rising costs in 
conjunction with a significant 
lack of funding from 
sponsorships and donations, 
Make Music Pasadena faced 
a $150,000 budget deficit, 
making it impossible to 
produce the festival for 2017. 
A proliferation of local and 
national music festivals has 
also made it a challenge to 
secure both talent and local 
media attention within a 
limited budget.”

 “The producing 
organizations remain hopeful 
that sufficient sponsorship 
might be achieved for a 2018 
event, and altruistically-
inclined white knights are 
encouraged to contact either 
organization to discuss 
details. That’s not to say that 
Pasadena will be without live 
music this summer: We are 
delighted that the Arroyo 
Seco Weekend Festival 
will join in the tradition of 
bringing local, regional, and 
national acts to the people of 
Pasadena.”

 At a number of public 
meetings in March 2016, 
local residents questioned if 
both Make Music Pasadena 
and an Arroyo Seco Music 
and Arts Festival could 
coexist. The Arroyo Seco 
Music and Arts Festival is 
now called the Arroyo Seco 
Weekend. 

 As part of Make Music 
Day the city of Los Angeles 
will hold Make Music LA, 
for more information visit: 
makemusicla.org.

 Make Music Day is observed 
in more than 750 cities 
around the world.

 Renaissance Plaza 
Vons to become Vallarta 
Market

NoHo to 
Pasadena 
Bus Becomes 
Permanent

 After an announcement 
last month that the North 
Fair Oaks Avenue Vons 
supermarket in northwest 
Pasadena would close, 
Vallarta Supermarkets has 
submitted a $5 million 
renovation project that 
would keep both the Wells 
Fargo Bank and pharmacy 
within a newly designed 
Vallarta store. 

 The current Vons is set 
to close this April 22 with 
the Vallarta Supermarket 
opening in November. 

 In a statement Vons 
parent company Albertsons 
Companies Inc, said all 
of the current employees, 
about 60, would have the 
option of working at other 
Vons markets.

 The Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority 
(MTA) approved, last week, 
making the dedicated bus 
way connecting the Metro 
Red Line station in North 
Hollywood to the Gold Line 
Del Mar station in Pasadena 
permanent fixture in the 
community.

 According to Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger, the MTA 
will begin studying two 
options, a rapid transit 
bus way along major 
city streets in Pasadena, 
Burbank and Glendale, or 
a bus way primarily fixed 
in the middle of the 134 
and 5 freeways. The street 
alignment is estimated to 
serve 18,000 riders a day 
by 2035, and the freeway 
alignment would serve 
around 10,300 riders.

 “This express line provides 
commuters in both Valleys 
a convenient way to travel 
between the Metro Gold 
Line in Pasadena and Metro 
Red/Orange Lines in North 
Hollywood with stops at 
the Burbank Media District 
and North Downtown 
Glendale,” she said.


Free Events Roundup at the 
Pasadena Senior Center

Pet of the 
Week

Free Tuition to Students 
Through ‘PCC Promise’

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

 Tax Time – Wednesdays 
and Fridays through April 
14, from 9 to 10:30 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. Please note there 
is no age limit for this service.

 Citizenship Classes – 
Wednesdays through May 17, 
from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Make your 
dreams come true by attending 
these sessions to become a U.S. 
citizen! The first classes cover 
some of the American history 
and U.S. government questions 
on the citizenship exam along 
with discussions about the 
rights and responsibilities of 
citizenship. The four remaining 
classes cover more questions on 
the exam as well as strategies 
for completing the application 
for citizenship and having a 
successful interview.

 A Toast to the Joys of Music 
– Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 and 
25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 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.

 A Matter of Balance – 
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
April 4 to May 23, from 1 to 3 
p.m. Are you concerned about 
falling? Learn how to reduce 
the fear of falling and increase 
balance and activity levels 
during this interactive workshop 
that combines discussion, video 
and exercise. Reservations are 
required: 626-685-6732.

 Medication Review Clinic 
– Wednesday, April 5, from 9 
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A pharmacist 
and a nurse from Huntington 
Hospital pharmacist will review 
your current prescription 
medications and answer any 
questions you have to make 
sure you understand how they 
work and why they have been 
prescribed. Space is limited 
and appointments are required: 
626-397-3376.

 Scenic Walkers Club – 
Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 19 
and 26, at 10 a.m. Enjoy a series 
of leisurely walks in the great 
outdoors. Alan Colville will 
give you a list of items to bring, 
let you know what to expect, 
provide detailed itineraries and 
arrange transportation. For 
more information or to sign up, 
email alancolville@charter.net 
or call 626-221-3741.

 Protect Yourself from Fraud 
– Thursday, April 6, at 10 a.m. 
Seniors can be vulnerable to 
simple and complex scams 
that happen in person, by 
traditional mail, email and 
telephone. Learn about the 
latest scams and how you can 
avoid becoming a victim of this 
growing problem. Presented by 
the California Department of 
Business Oversight’s Consumer 
Education and Outreach Office.

 Memories in the Making – 
Thursdays, April 6 and 13, at 11 
a.m. This program, developed 
by the Alzheimer’s Association, 
helps people in early stages of 
dementias preserve memories 
through art. Reservations are 
required: 626-685-6732.

 Friday Movie Matinees – 
Fridays, next April 7 at 1 p.m. 
Everyone enjoys movies and 
the pleasures they bring. April 
7: “Snowden” (2016, R) starring 
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and 
Shailene Woodley. An employee 
of the National Security Agency 
leaks thousands of classified 
NSA documents to the media 
and becomes one of the most 
wanted men in the world.Safety 
Awareness – 

 Thursday, April 13, at 10 
a.m. Safety awareness is vital to 
help you minimize your chances 
of becoming a victim of crime. 
Sgt. Thompson of the Pasadena 
Police Department will provide 
tips for staying safe at home, on 
the street and in your car.

 Founded in 1960, the 
Pasadena Senior Center is 
an independent, nonprofit 
organization that offers 
recreational, educational, 
wellness and social services 
to people ages 50 and older 
in a welcoming environment. 
Services are also provided 
for frail, low-income and 
homebound seniors.

 
Starting this fall, high school 
graduates in the San Gabriel 
Valley will be able to attend 
Pasadena City College without 
paying tuition through a new 
program known as the PCC 
Promise.

 The program is the latest in 
a growing number of similar 
programs at two-year colleges. 
As tuition in the CSU and UC 
systems has skyrocketed by as 
much as 400 percent over the 
past 20 years, vastly outpacing 
inflation, the PCC Promise 
intends to lower barriers to 
ensure that the benefits of 
college attendance remain 
available to students of all 
backgrounds.

 “PCC has been a gateway to a 
better life for residents of our 
region for more than 90 years,” 
said PCC Superintendent-
President Rajen Vurdien. “The 
PCC Promise makes sure that 
gateway remains open for all 
the students we serve — today 
and tomorrow.”

 “Our communities deserve a 
quality institution that delivers 
a clear pathway to a better life,” 
said Ross Selvidge, president 
of the board of trustees of the 
Pasadena Area Community 
College District. “Research 
shows that California needs 
to produce 1.1 million extra 
college graduates by 2030 in 
order to keep our economy 
growing. The PCC Promise 
helps us do that.”

 Under the program, 
students who meet eligibility 
requirements will receive one 
year of their PCC education 
completely free of tuition fees. 
Any student who graduates 
from a high school within 
PCC’s district and enrolls the 
Fall Semester after graduation 
will qualify for the program.

 For more information, visit 
pasadena.edu/promise.

South 
Pasadena 
Doggy Day

 North Carolina (A412942) 
is a 2-year-old, spayed 
female, black pit bull mix. 
Our volunteers report that 
North Carolina is a real 
sweetheart. There’s nothing 
she likes more than crawling 
into your lap for petting and 
belly rubs. North Carolina 
is very energetic and loves 
going for walks and running 
around in our training yard. 
This smart gal has already 
mastered her sit command, 
and she’s working on stay 
and down.

 The adoption fee for 
hamsters is $125, but as 
part of our Slam Dunk 
for the Animals event, 
North Carolina’s adoption 
is free thanks to generous 
donors! All dogs are 
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 
A412942, 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.

 Bring you four-legged friend 
to Garfield Park April 29 from 
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Families 
as well as their dogs and cats 
will enjoy activities including 
arts and crafts, and live music. 
If you get hungry, food and 
drinks will be available for 
purchase. There will also be 
a performance showcasing 
wonderful dogs by Disc Dogs 
of Southern California. 

 Vendors providing a variety of 
dog and cat related resources 
will be on-site to provide 
information on the services 
and products they offer. Join 
us in showing appreciation for 
the dogs and cats in your lives.

 For more information call the 
South Pasadena Community 
Services Department at (626) 
403-7380.

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER

Sunday, March 19th

6:00 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2200 block 
of E. Washington Boulevard. 
Suspect(s) entered the vehicle 
by shattering the window. 
Stolen: bottle of Kettle One 
vodka. 

11:34 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the area of Crosby 
Street and Canada Avenue. 
Suspect(s) entered the vehicle 
by shattering the window. 
Stolen: unknown. 

Monday, March 20th

7:30 PM – Samuel Contreras, 
21 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the area of Calaveras 
Street and Glen Avenue for 
drunk in public. 

Tuesday, March 21st

6:45 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 1100 
block of Woodbury Road. 
Suspect(s) entered the location 
by removing the window 
screen. Stolen: wood jewelry 
box and coins. 

Wednesday, March 22nd

3:10 AM – A commercial 
burglary occurred in the 
2400 block of E. Washington 
Boulevard. Suspect(s) entered 
the location by shattering the 
front door. Stolen: blue bag.

5:30 PM – A residential burglary 
occurred in the 2200 block 
of Allen Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the location by prying 
the door. Stolen: construction 
tools and Kitchen Aid BBQ. 

7:35 PM – A petty theft from an 
unlocked vehicle occurred in 
the 3200 block of Olive Avenue. 
Stolen: silver MacBook. 

Thursday, March 23rd

11:30 AM – A grand theft 
occurred in the 1600 block of 
Morada Place. Stolen: gray 
Stihl pruner and gray Stihl air 
blower. 

8:00 PM – A petty theft 
occurred in the 3000 block of 
Olive Avenue. Stolen: Honda 
Accord catalytic converter. 

11:00 PM – A petty theft from 
an unlocked vehicle occurred 
in the 1800 block of N. Sierra 
Bonita Avenue. Stolen: brown 
wallet, credit cards and Ray Ban 
sunglasses. 

Friday, March 24th

8:00 PM – A petty theft 
occurred in the 3000 block of 
Lincoln Avenue. Stolen: RSed 
Menace bicycle with blue rims. 

Saturday, March 25th

7:00 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the area of Altadena 
Drive and Roosevelt Avenue. 
Suspect(s) entered the vehicle 
by shattering the window. 
Stolen: silver MacBook Pro.

Conference 
on Healthy 
Aging

 Seniors ages 50 and older 
will connect with others, gain 
new perspectives, increase their 
knowledge, get energized and 
more at the free 2017 Pasadena 
Conference on Healthy Aging 
on Saturday, April 22, from 8 
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First Church 
of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra 
Madre Blvd.

 While there is no cost 
to attend the conference, 
registration is required. Visit 
www.pasadenaseniorcenter.
org or call 877-236-9459. A 
complimentary lunch will be 
provided to each registered 
guest.

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