Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, January 27, 2018

5 
Mountain View News Saturday, January 27, 2018 
5 
Mountain View News Saturday, January 27, 2018 
Local Area 
News Briefs

 Man Steals Items form 
Rose Bowl

 Pasadena Police officers 
responded to a commercial 
burglary on January 17, in 
the 1000 block of Rose Bowl 
Drive. Officers learned that 
at about 3:28 p.m., security 
agents saw a male enter the 
fenced concourse area of 
the Rose Bowl. The agents 
confronted the subject; 
however, they disengaged 
their approach when he 
(the suspect) became 
aggressive. The suspect 
left the Rose Bowl with a 
bag of stolen items. On 
arrival, PPD officers talked 
with the security agents. 
Other officers checked the 
immediate area and located 
the suspect, who was 
arrested without incident. 
The suspect was taken 
to the Pasadena jail and 
booked for burglary.

 Man with Fake Beard 
Robs Business 

 Pasadena Police investigated 
an armed robbery on January 
17, in the 100 block of West 
California Boulevard. At 
about 5:28 p.m., officers 
talked with a clerk who said 
he saw the suspect walk into 
the business. The suspect 
immediately attempted to 
disguise his face with a fake 
beard while quickly walking 
toward the clerk. The suspect 
displayed a gun and ordered 
the clerk to lie on the floor. 
Fearing for his safety, the clerk 
complied with the suspect’s 
orders. 
The suspect then took cash 
from the drawer and fled 
the location. Despite a 
comprehensive search, PPD 
officers were not able to locate 
the suspect. He was described 
as Hispanic, 5 foot 10 inches 
and 230-250 pounds, fake 
beard, light blue shirt, and 
jeans.
Anyone with information 
should call Pasadena police at 

(626) 744-4241. 
Pet of the 
Week 

 
Jimmy (A449213) is a 
lovable Chihuahua mix 
who wants nothing more 
than to be by your side. 
This 5-year-old boy loves 
to sit in laps and is quite 
the snuggler. Jimmy also 
has an active side and 
enjoys going for walks in 
the park. He’s looking for a 
warm new home with lots 
of tasty dog treats. At five 
years old, Jimmy qualifies 
for our Seniors for Seniors 
program, so his adoption 
fee is free for adopters age 
60 and up. 

The adoption fee for dogs 
is $130. All dogs are spayed 
or neutered, microchipped, 
and vaccinated before going 
to their new home. At five 
years old, Jimmy qualifies 
for our Seniors for Seniors 
program, so his adoption 
fee is free for adopters age 
60 and up.

 New adopters will receive 
a complimentary healthand-
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 
A449213 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. 


Council 
to Discuss 
Possible Tax 
Measure

 The city council is set Monday 
night to discuss putting a 0.75 
percent sales tax increase before 
the voters on the November 
ballot as Pasadena Mayor Terry 
Tornek outlined during his State 
of the City Speech earlier this 
month.

Tornek during the State of the City 

 “It is expected that as part 

capital improvements, but 

of next year’s budget, every 

it’s not enough. We spend 

department—including Police, 

over $1million a year to fix 

Fire, Human Services and 

damaged sidewalks, but 

Recreation, will have to reduce 

there is $20 million worth of 

services,” Tornek said January 

work to do. We simply aren’t 

16. “Even more worrisome is 
paving enough miles of streets, 

that given current projections, 

replacing enough failing street 

the city will be forced to make 

lights, or rebuilding enough 

even more drastic cuts over 

sewers to keep up. While we 

the next few years which will 

have managed to rebuild one 

directly impact the services our 

fire station and seismically 

community relies on.” 

retrofit another, we don’t have 

He continued “In addition 

the money to make necessary 

to operating budget cuts, we 

upgrades to the remaining six.”

won’t have funds to address our 

 Tornek said the tax would 

many capital needs. Pasadena’s 

generate $21 million annually. 

infrastructure is aging and 

 City staff said if the council 

needs significant re-investment. 

votes in favor, the three-quarter 

Repairs that are delayed often 

percent District Transactions 

cost far more to repair when 

and Use Tax would be utilized 

they fail. We currently spend 

to support on-going city 

$32 million on non-utility 

services, including but not 

Man Arrested with LargeCache of Illegal Weapons

 South Pasadena police 
arrested a known felon for 
child endangerment after 
finding a cache of illegal 
weapons, including loaded 
semi-automatic assault rifle 
within feet of where the 
children slept. 

 Paul Cruz (pictured) was 
arrested at the scene.

 According to police, on 
Tuesday, officers investigated 
an allegation of child abuse 
at a residence in the 1100 obtained, officers discovered 
block of Huntington Drive. an additional eight firearms, 
While meeting with Cruz, some of which were illegal 
the father and three small in the state of California, 
children, officers discovered multiple high capacity 
a fully loaded semi-magazines and large 
automatic assault type rifle quantities of ammunition. 
in a child’s bedroom. All of the items seized 

 
Cruz was found to be a were unsecured and easily 
convicted felon, which made accessible to the children 
him a prohibited possessor living in the home police 
of and firearms. The weapons said.
were also not registered to Cruz was charged with 
Cruz. felony child endangerment 

A social worker with the Los and a felon in possession 
Angeles County Department of a weapon and criminal 
of Child and Family Services storage of a firearm. The 
was on-scene with officers child abuse allegation is 
and took immediate custody now being investigated by 
of three toddlers and, later, the County Department of 
an 11 year old boy who was Child and Family Services, 
not home at the time of the authorities said. Anyone 
incident. with information can call 

After a search warrant was police at 626-403-7297. 

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER 


Sunday, January 14th

10:00 AM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 
2600 block of Bowring Drive. 
Vehicle described as a silver 
2017 Toyota Rav-4. Vehicle 
currently outstanding. 
Monday, January 15th

12:00 AM – A burglary of a 
detached garage occurred in 
the 3000 block of N. Fair Oaks 
Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the 
garage by opening the window. 
Stolen: red Spaulding woman’s 
bicycle and white road bicycle. 
1:13 PM – A domestic violence 
incident occurred in the 200 
block of Acacia Street. Suspects 
taken into custody. 
1:30 PM – A domestic battery 
incident occurred in the 600 
block of E. La Flores Drive. 
Suspect has been identified. 
Tuesday, January 16th

3:30 PM – A commercial 
burglary occurred in the 2100 
block of N. Lake Avenue. 
Suspect(s) entered the location 
via unknown means. Stolen: 
unknown. 
Wednesday, January 17th
6:50 PM – Thomas Jasper, 
33 years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the 3000 block of N. 
Lincoln Avenue for possession 
of a controlled substance. 
Thursday, January 18th

5:15 PM – A robbery occurred 
in the 2200 block of El Molino 
Avenue. Stolen: pink/gray 
iPhone 6. 
10:30 PM – A grand theft of an 
unlocked vehicle occurred in 
the 1100 block of Menlo Drive. 
Stolen; black golf bag, black/
white Taylormade driver, black 
stainless Odyssey putter, and 
iron set Adams Blue golf clubs. 

11:30 PM – A domestic violence 
incident occurred in the 2600 
block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue. 
Suspect has been identified. 
Friday, January 19th

7:00 PM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2100 block of 
Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by 
shattering the driver front and 
rear windows. Stolen: black 
headphones, iPhone charger, 
and black iPod. 
7:00 PM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2100 block of 
Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by shattering 
the passenger window. Stolen: 
black Oakley sunglasses.
Saturday, January 20th

2:30 AM – A commercial 
burglary occurred in the 700 
block of Mountain View Street. 
Suspect(s) entered the location 
by prying the door. Stolen: 
unknown. 
4:00 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 1400 block of E. 
Mendocino Street. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by 
shattering the window. Stolen: 
black Garmin GPS, gray Fast 
Track transponder, and black 
Brighton sunglasses. 
2:10 PM – Michael Gray, 55 
years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the area of Lincoln 
Avenue and Figueroa Street 
for possession of a controlled 
substance. 
7:30 PM – A residential burglary 
occurred in the 500 block of W. 
Palm Street. Suspect(s) entered 
the residence by shattering 
the sliding glass door. Stolen: 
unknown. 
limited to police, fire, public 
works, recreation, and after 
school programs. In addition, 
it is envisioned that a portion 
of the funds would support 
capital investments in city 
facilities and infrastructure 
such as fire stations, community 
centers, and libraries as well as 
repair damaged and broken city 
sidewalks. 

 The council meets Monday 
at 6:30 p.m. in the Council 
Chamber, Pasadena City Hall 
100 North Garfield Ave. 

Over 50 Cats 
Rescued 
from Home 

 
The Pasadena Humane 
Society rescued 54 cats from 
a home after a concerned 
neighbor called into the 
organization’s tip line. Officers 
had made repeated attempts 
to gain access to the house 
and were finally granted 
access on Tuesday. The owner 
surrendered the cats to the 
Pasadena Humane Society on 
her own volition.

 The cats have been taken 
back to the Pasadena Humane 
Society where they will 
undergo thorough medical 
and behavioral evaluations 
before being made available 
for adoption.

 “I can’t imagine the horrors 
these 54 cats have seen,” said 
Julie Bank, President & CEO of 
the Pasadena Humane Society 
& SPCA. “Thankfully the cats 
are now back at the shelter, 
where they are being cared for 
by staff. We anticipate many 
of them will need further 
medical treatment based on 
their living conditions.”

 The Pasadena Humane 
Society has set up an online 
donation page for community 
members looking to help. In-
kind donations such as cat 
food, towels, and cat litter 

are also needed. Donations 
towards their care can be 
made at pasadenahumane.
org/miracle.

Officials also said the cats 
could be up for adoption in 
the near future. 
For more information visit: 
pasadenahumane.org or call 
626.792.7151. 

Valentine’s 
Lunch and 
Dance 

Friendship and romance 
will fill the Scott Pavilion at 
the Pasadena Senior Center, 
85 E. Holly St., for the annual 
Valentine’s Day Lunch and 
Dance Saturday, Feb. 10, from 

11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Tables will be decorated 
beautifully and the room will 
be adorned with red and white 
ornamentations as everyone 
enjoys a scrumptious buffet 
and makes their way to the 
dance floor.

 The Great American Swing 
Band will perform music that 
is sure to bring back memories 
as dancers sway cheek to cheek 
to some music and kick up 
their heels to the rhythms of 
other tunes.

 Registration is only $10 
for members and $12 for 
non-members. Pre-paid 
reservations are required 
and must be received at 
the Welcome Desk no later 
than Friday, Feb. 10. For 
more information visit: 
pasadenaseniorcenter.org or 
call 626-795-4331. 

Arson Suspect Arrested for
Pasadena, Arcadia Fires 


 
A man, wanted in connection 
with a string of fires in the 
Pasadena area, was arrested 
Sunday after an ongoing 
investigation by members of 
the Verdugo Fire Investigation 
Task Force serving the San 
Gabriel Valley region. 

 After a “wanted” flyer was 
distributed to local law 
enforcement agencies, Nigel 
Letren was arrested in the City 
of San Marino at 3 a.m. by the 
San Marino Police Department.

 According to officials, on 
the evening of January 13, 
the cities of Pasadena and 
Arcadia experienced a spree 
of outdoor fires along the 
Foothill Boulevard Corridor, 
between Sierra Madre Villa 
Avenue and the Los Angeles 
Arboretum. Firefighters from 
both cities responded and 
quickly extinguished the fires. 
Investigation into the causes of 
the fires determined that they 
were intentionally set. 

Letren was arraigned in 
the Pasadena Branch of Los 
Angeles County Superior Court 
Wednesday on five counts of 
arson related to the January 
13 fires, and one count of 
arson related to the December 
9, wildland fire in the city of 
Monrovia. Letren is being 
held on $425,000 bail and is 

Letren

scheduled to return to court on 
February 15.

 The Verdugo Fire Investigation 
Task Force is a regional group of 
investigators from the cities of 
Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, 
South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, 
Arcadia, Monrovia, San 
Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, 
Monterey Park and Montebello.

 “This arrest is a great example 
of exceptional cooperation 
between multiple agencies with 
proven results from our regional 
Verdugo Fire Investigation 
Task Force,” Pasadena Fire 
Chief Bertral Washington 
said. “The Regional Fire Chiefs 
and I are thankful for their 
relentless work on behalf of the 
communities we protect and 
serve.” 

Celebrate Black History Month

 Members and non-members American heritage. The event 
of the Pasadena Senior Center, is sponsored by the Pasadena 
85 E. Holly St., are invited Senior Center Ebony Ladies of 
to a Black History Month Distinction. 
celebration Monday, Feb. 19, Registration is only $6 for 
from noon to 2:30 p.m.members and $8 for non-

The celebration will include members. 
a soul food luncheon, jazz For more information about 
music and more, representing the Pasadena Senior Center visit 
the pride, dignity, grace www.pasadenaseniorcenter.
and inspiration of African org or call 626-795-4331. 

Free February Events atPasadena Senior Center

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

Keep Your Heart Healthy

– Thursday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m.
Come learn at least five habits for 
incorporating into your lifestyleto keep your heart health thebest it can be. Presented byHuntington Hospital.

 Tax Time – Wednesdays andFridays, Feb. 2 to Apr. 13, from9 to 11 a.m. Representativesfrom the AARP Foundation’s 
Tax-Aide program will assistlow- to middle-income filers in 
preparing their federal incometax returns. There is no age limit.
Appointments are required: 
626-795-4331. 

Tech It Up! The Basicsand Benefits of Technology –
Mondays, Feb. 5 to 26, from 3to 4:30 pm. (the Feb. 19 will becanceled due to the holiday).
Learn the basics and advantagesof technology you can use in youreveryday life. Each class will havea specific focus on a commonapplication of technology, its 
benefits, disadvantages, basic 
setup and instructions alongwith other helpful hints. Feb. 5:
What are apps? Feb. 12: Twitter;
Feb. 26: Amazon. Presented 
by Jade Myer, a Pasadena 
community Gold Award GirlScout candidate. 

A Toast to the Joys of 
Music – Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to 27,
from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tom 
Campbell will play guitar and 
sing songs in the Senior CenterLounge. Stop by and enjoy hiscovers of traditional country,
country rock, blues, folk, gospeland classic rock originally madefamous by Willie Nelson, MerleHaggard, Vince Gill, Elvis 
Presley, B.B. King, Neil Young,
The Grateful Dead, The RollingStones and many more.

 Savvy Caregivers – 
Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to March 13,
from 1 to 3 p.m. Caregivers 
will learn basic knowledgeand skills needed to care for 
family members who have beendiagnosed with Alzheimer’s 
disease and other dementias. 
Presented by Alzheimer’s GreaterLos Angeles. Registration is 
required: 626-685-6730.

 Scenic Walkers Club – 
Wednesdays, Feb. 7 to 28, at10 a.m. Join this new groupfor a series of leisurely walks toenjoy the great outdoors and getsome exercise. 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.

Pasadena Home 
Improvement Program – 
Thursday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. 
Staff from Pasadena Water and 
Power will be on hand to explain 
no-cost home installation 
services that can help Pasadena 
residents with City of Pasadena 
electricity accounts save water, 
electricity and money for a 
limited time by replacing light 
bulbs and insulation, installing 
efficient toilets, getting their 
central air conditioners tuned 
up and more.

 Diabetes Workshop – 
Fridays, Feb. 9 to March 
16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 
Whether you or someone 
you care about is diabetic orpre-diabetic, this series will 
encourage you to make lifestylechanges while learning moreabout your diabetes and how itaffects your health. Workshoptopics include diet, exercise,
medication issues, managingcomplications and the impactof diabetes on eyes, teeth andfeet. Reservations are required:
626-685-6732. 

Friday Movie Matinees

– Fridays at 1 p.m. Everyoneenjoys movies and the pleasuresthey bring. Feb. 2: “Viceroy’sHouse” (2017, NR) starringHugh Bonneville and GillianAnderson. The final Viceroyof India, Lord Mountbatten, 
is tasked with overseeing thetransition of British India to 
independence but meets withconflict as different sides clash in 
the face of monumental change.
Feb. 9: “Into the Wild” (2007,
R) starring Emile Hirsch andVince Vaughn. After graduatingfrom Emory University, topstudent and athlete ChristopherMcCandless abandons his 
possessions, gives his entire 
$24,000 savings account to 
charity and hitchhikes to 
Alaska to live in the wilderness, 
encountering a series of 
characters along the way whoshape his life.
A Pain in the Neck! – 
Thursday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. Do 
you have neck pain? Learn easyand comfortable exercises to 
reduce cervical pain and makeyour neck feel better. Presentedby Vincent Physical Therapy.

 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 olderin a welcoming environment.
Services are also provided 
for frail, low-income and 
homebound seniors.

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