Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, October 28, 2017

Mountain View News Saturday, October 28, 2017 5 5 
Local Area 
News Briefs 

 Suspect Arrested for 
Attempted Kidnap, 
Attempted Murder 

Police arrested a 73 year-
old Pasadena man Monday 
after witnesses said he tried 
to kidnap a woman and her 
dog near the Sierra Madre 
Gold Line station and later 
cutting the neck of a second 
woman 600 block of South 
Arroyo Parkway. Police believe 
both attacks were without 
provocation.

 “The quick actions of witnesses 
to aid victims and call 9-1-1, 
and the alert observations of 
the police helicopter unit and 
patrol officers in locating and 
apprehending the suspect, 
likely prevented further 
violence by the suspect,” stated 
Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez. 

 Lance A. Semkus, 73 year 
old, Pasadena resident, was 
arrested for attempt kidnap 
and attempt murder. He was 
held with no bail. 
According to police, on 
Monday, at approximately 4:04 
p.m., police responded to the 
3300 block of Sierra Madre 
Villa regarding an attempt 
kidnap. 

 Semkus allegedly attempted 
to drag the first victim and 
her dog toward a black SUV. 
A witness came to the victim’s 
aid, causing the suspect to 
release her and her dog. He 
then fled.

 Approximately an hour and 
a half later, an adult female 
victim was sitting against a 
retaining wall when Semkus 
approached her from behind 
and allegedly attacked the 
victim with a knife cutting the 
area of her neck. The victim 
screamed causing the suspect 
to stop the assault. 

The second victim was 
hospitalized in stable 
condition. 

 Anyone with information 
should call police at (626)7444241, 
or anonymously by 
calling “Crime Stoppers” by 
dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Pet of the 
Week 

 
Wallace (A444157) is a 
super cute seven-monthold 
tabby and white kitten. 
This young boy loves to be 
petted. Wallace is quite the 
playful kitty. After a long 
session batting around a 
fishing pole toy or a furry 
mouse, he is happy to 
receive some cat treats. 
Wallace is currently living 
in our offsite adoption 
center located at Pet Food 
Express in Pasadena. 

The adoption fee for cats 
is $75. All cats are spayed 
or neutered, microchipped, 
and vaccinated before being 
adopted. 

 New adopters will receive a 
complimentary health-andwellness 
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 
A444157, 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.

 Trick or treat! Join us 
on Tuesday, October 31 
for Howlin’ Halloween, a 
community for families 
from 2 to 5pm. There will 
be a Halloween-inspired 
crafts, trivia games with 
giveaways, and candy. 
Costumes are welcome, but 
please leave your pets at 
home. 

Council to Hear Strategies for SR 710 Stub


By Dean Lee

 The Pasadena city council is set 
Monday night to hear strategies 
for repurposing the SR 710 stub 
that occupies 50 acres south of 
Old Pasadena. At issue is what 
to do with the freeway extension 
now that the Metro board and 
Caltrans have dropped support 
of the embattled 710 freeway 
tunnel project.

 Pasadena Councilmember 
Steve Madison has said that the 
mile long ditch, now being used 
as a concrete batch plant, would 
become “surplus property” by 
Caltrans and required to be 
given back to the city. Madison 
said the city and council could 
take legal action to assure that 
happens.

 Last year a group of local 
transportation, economic and 
land use experts formed the 
Connecting Pasadena Project. 
The group’s mission states, “To 
reconnect Pasadena by restoring 
the pattern of city streets and 
replacing the stub highway with 
buildings, homes, businesses, 
parks, gardens.” 

Connecting Pasadena Project, 

led by architect and urbanist 
Stefanos Polyzoides, included 
two concepts. 

 Alternative 1 —leaves the 
ditch of the 710 freeway in place 
and works around the existing 
topographic conditions. A 
main parkway is placed in the 
center and at the bottom of the 
existing 710 right-of way. All 
thoroughfares are reconnected 
and turned into two-way 
circulation. The volume and 
manner of access to the 134 and 
210 Freeways is maintained and 
neighborhood traffic is slowed 
down and dispersed. There are 
development blocks located on 
either side of the parkway.

Alternative 2 —fills the 
entire ditch and reestablishes 
the topographic level of the 
site as it existed before the 
construction of the freeway. 
A major boulevard replaces 
Pasadena Avenue and serves to 
both direct traffic going into and 
out of the freeway, and disperse 
traffic to the neighborhoods to 
the south, east and west through 
reestablished two-way streets.

 Along with new park space 

Exhibit Celebrates Men 
Who Promoted, ConservedSan Gabriel Mountains

 Five fascinating men whoexplored, mapped, promotedand conserved the San Gabriel 
Mountains are featured in a 
new exhibit at the Altadena 
Historical Society’s museum 
in the Altadena CommunityCenter.

 The exhibit, “Inspired by theSan Gabriels: Five Men and the 
Mountains,” will be unveiled in a 
free, public opening event from 2to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4--a rareopportunity for the communityto visit on a weekend, when the 
Community Center is usuallyclosed.

 Thereafter the exhibit will be 
on year-long display during thesociety’s regular hours, 9 a.m. to1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays andFridays, and by appointment.
Special arrangements can bemade for groups of all ages.

 The Community center is at730 E. Altadena Drive, just westof the sheriff ’s station and across 
the street from Rite-Aid.

 Featured in the exhibit are 
the photos, letters, maps and 
memorabilia of George WhartonJames; Theodore Lukens; Will 
Thrall; Don McClain; and L.T. 
Gotchy. Descendants of several 
of the men are expected toattend.

 The Historical Society’s newwebsite on the history of 
Altadena’s Mount Lowe Railwaywill also be launched that 
afternoon.

 The website features scores of 
photos, maps, and newspaperarticles from the AHS archives 
about the incline railway, its 

hotels and attractions, that were 
an internationally known touristdestination in the late 1800s and 
early 1900s.

 The website was made possiblewith the help of a grant fromSouthern California Edison Co.

 George Wharton James was awriter, lecturer and publicist forthe Mount Lowe Railway whohelped draw millions of touristsand hikers to the San Gabriels. 
Sometimes called “The Father of 
Forestry,” Theodore Lukens and 
his friend John Muir helped tobuild an awareness of the need 
to conserve California’s natural 
treasures.

 Altadenan Don McClain 
mapped, photographed and 
named some of the area 
mountains, working as a 
surveyor for the Forest Service.
Will Thrall, who as a youngman helped build the MountLowe Railway, publicized the 
pleasures of mountain hikingin Trails magazine and the LosAngeles Times.

 L.T. Gotchy lived in a tinymountain cabin and was a forest 
firefighter and a photographerwho documented the charred 
remains of the Mount Lowe 
Railway and many other scenesthroughout California. 
The Altadena Historical 
Society is a nonprofit 
organization founded in 1935 
to gather, preserve and publicizeinformation about the people,
places and events that haveshaped the community. It can be 
reached at (626) 797-8016 and 
at Altadenahistorical.society@ 
yahoo.com. 

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER 


 Sunday, October 15th

9:18 PM – A battery occurred 
in the 2800 block of Lincoln 
Avenue. Suspect is known 
by the victim – investigation 
is ongoing.
Monday, October 16th

12:01 AM – A grand theft via 
email scam occurred in the 
1000 block of E. Mariposa 
Street. Stolen: currency via 
wire transfer. 
3:00 PM – A vehicle 
vandalism occurred in the 
700 block of E. Altadena 
Drive. Suspect(s) slashed 
the tires of a vehicle parked 
on the street. 
Thursday, October 19th

3:30 PM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 
2100 block of Crawford 
Avenue. Vehicle described 
as a tan 1986 Toyota Deluxe 
pick truck. 

Friday, October 20th

2:50 PM – Joseph Kusnierz, 
59 years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the 1400 block of 
Hill Avenue for possession of 
a controlled substance. 
Saturday, October 21st

9:00 AM – A commercial 
burglary occurred in the 900 
block of E. Altadena Drive. 
Suspect entered the location 
via the unlocked door. 
Stolen: white iPhone. 
9:37 PM – An assault with 
a deadly weapon occurred 
in the 3200 block of Dabney 
Street. Suspect and victims 
are related.
the group envisioned zoning 

for single family housing at the 

south end and commercial and 

office space at the north end —

extending Old Pasadena. 
The item on the council agenda 

is for information only and no 

vote will be taken. The council 

meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Council 

Chamber, Pasadena City Hall 

100 North Garfield Avenue, 

Room S249. 
The Connecting 

Pasadena Project Report 

can be downloaded, or 

for more information, at 

connectingpasadena.com. 

High Tea withQueen andRoyal Court

 The Scott Pavilion at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. 
Holly St., will be transformed 
into an elegant, beautifully 
decorated tea room Monday, 
Nov. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. when 
members of the Pasadena 
Senior Center enjoy high 
tea with 2018 Rose Queen 
Isabella Marez and Rose 
Princesses Alexandra Artura, 
Savannah Bradley, Lauren 
Buehner, Georgia Cervenka, 
Julianne Lauenstein and 
Sydney Pickering.

 “This is an annual tradition 
that gives our members an 
opportunity to meet the seven 
vibrant, exceptional young 
women,” said Akila Gibbs, 
executive director of the 
Pasadena Senior Center. “The 
Rose Queen and members of 
her Royal Court explain their 
personal hopes and dreams 
to our members, who ask 
questions of the young women 
in what becomes a lovely, 
intergenerational exchange.”

 Prepaid $15 reservations 
must be received at the 
Welcome Desk or at 
pasadenaseniorcenter.org no 
later than Tuesday, Nov. 14. 
Attendance is limited to 200 
people.

For more information call 
626-795-4331. 

Free Flu 
Vaccines


 The Pasadena Public Health 
Department urges all to fight 
the flu by getting free flu 
vaccines while supplies last 
at the following clinics now 
through November 15, 2017. 
The current influenza vaccine 
will be provided on a first-
come, first-served basis while 
supplies last. 

 The vaccine will be available 
to everyone ages 6 months 
and older. Minors must be 
accompanied by a parent 
or guardian. Remember to 
wear short sleeves. For more 
details about the clinics, 
call (626) 744-6000 or visit: 
5.cityofpasadena.net/publichealth/.
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-12 
p.m., Santa Catalina Branch 
Library, 999 E. Washington 
Blvd. 
Monday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.12 
p.m., Allendale Branch 
Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-2 
p.m., Pasadena Senior Center, 
85 E. Holly St.
NOTE: Pre-registration 
required for this clinic only. 
Call (626) 795-4331 for details.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.12 
p.m., La Pintoresca Branch 
Library, 1355 N. Raymond 
Ave.

 Vaccines will also be 
available at the PPHD Travel 
& Immunization Clinic. Call 

(626) 744-6121 for hours and 
availability. 
Doo Dah Judges Select
Parade Queen and King


 
For the first time in many just a challenge, it was almost 
years, judges and officials chose impossible.” Not only that, 
a parade King Sunday night Armond’s home lifepresented 
along with a Doo Dah Queen him with equal difficulties. It was 
to reign over the 40th Doo Dah a hyper-masculineenvironment 
Parade set for next month in led be his father who was an 
East Pasadena.auto mechanic and uncle who 

 Over twenty-five judges had played with the Buffalo 
gathered at the American Bills.
Legion Bar to decide who “When I tried out for Queen, 
would become this year’s Queen I was just hoping someone 
of the Pasadena Doo Dah would recognize my spark.” 
Parade. In an unexpected move, Anderson-Bell said. “And I 
the mysterious Pied Piper of believe in order to wear a crown 
Pasadena was chosen King after you have to have gone through 
being a contestant for Queen. something and learn humility. I 
He wowed the judges after take it seriously. That’s why I’m 
explaining his long affiliation honored and thrilled to serve as 
with old town Pasadena and the this year’s Doo Dah Queen.” 
early days of Doo Dah.As a 38 year-old community 

 “If you get this guy, you get activist, Anderson-Bell, works 
it,” said Tom Coston president with numerous nonprofit 
of Light Bringer Project the organizations and initiatives 
nonprofit organization behind which advocate for LGBT and 
Doo Dah.others’ rights. 

 As for the Queen, among a “I once had people in my life 
boisterous crowd of onlookers love me when I didn’t even love 
and typically atypical cast of myself.” He said. “Now I’m truly 
royal hopefuls, Imani Phoenix blessed because “I’m not only 
wowed everyone over with supported by gay blacks, I’m 
her inspirational story and supported by whites, straights 
vivacious Aretha Frankli and the broader community.”
impersonation. The parade will be held on 

 Imani Phoenix was born Sunday, November 19, stepping 
Armond Anderson-Bell off at 11:00 a.m. on Colorado 
in a South Central L.A. Blvd. in East Pasadena. To 
neighborhood where gang enter the parade, simply go to 
violence was reaching an all-pasadenadoodahparade.infotime high. “This was a place for the entry form, or call (626) 
where being different wasn’t 590-1134. 

 Guests will be seated at Thanksgiving beautifully decorated tables and 
enjoy a festive meal of turkey, Dinner at the stuffing, mashed potatoes, 
vegetables, salad and dessert, all 

Senior Center

cooked and prepared by Chef 

 There’s always something to Gabby and served by volunteers.
be thankful for at the Pasadena Prepaid reservations must 
Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. be received at the Welcome 
Everyone is invited to eat, drink Desk no later than Tuesday, 
and be especially thankful Nov. 21. The cost is only $10 
Thursday, Nov. 23, at noon for members and $12 for non-
when a Thanksgiving feast with members of all ages. For more 
all the trimmings will be served. visit pasadenaseniorcenter.org 
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.or call (626) 795-4311. 


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