Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, February 3, 2018

5 
Mountain View News Saturday, February 3, 2018 
5 
Mountain View News Saturday, February 3, 2018 
Man Arrested 
for Pasadena 
Church Fire

Members of the Inter-Agency 
House of Worship Task Force, 
last week, arrested a man 
alleged to have vandalized 
and set fire to a 129-yearold 
Episcopalian church in 
Pasadena earlier this month. 

 According to police, 
Christian Michael Garcia, 
25, was arrested January 25, 
for suspicion of arson and 
vandalism, by personnel from 
LAPD Major Crimes Division 
and Criminal Conspiracy 
Section along with LAFD 
Arson/Counter- Terrorism 
Section Investigators 
and Pasadena Fire and 
Police Department Arson 
Investigators. 

The fire, first reported at 

2:20 a.m. at 1100 N. Avenue 
64 took 14 minutes to knock 
down. Pasadena Fire PIO Lisa 
Derderian said investigators 
were not calling it a hate 
crime, but an arson, vandalism 
and burglary. 
“The Collaboration of our 
Federal and local partners 
and the tireless work of 
investigators from the various 
agencies in the task force, 
made this arrest possible and is 
a testament to the productive 
working relationship, first 
responders have here in 
Southern California when 
a community is threatened 
by criminal activity,” said 
Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral 
Washington and Pasadena 
Police chief Philip Sanchez.

 Garcia was wanted in 
connection to incidents 
involved an incendiary fire 
and vandalism at Resurrection 
Church in Boyle Heights, as 
well as Pasadena and multiple 
other acts of arson and at 
houses of worship in the city 
and County of Los Angeles.

 The House of Worship Task 
Force consists of personnel 
from the Los Angeles Fire 
Department, Los Angeles 
Police Department, Pasadena 
Fire Department, Pasadena 
Police Department and the 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, 
Firearms and Explosives. 

Pet of the 
Week 

 
Special Love: Affectionate 
Neeka (A191603), a 
12-year-old Australian 
shepherd mix, is calm and 
friendly. She’s easy to leash 
and loves going for walks. 
Volunteers say she is well-
behaved and takes treats 
gently from your hand. 
Sweet Neeka came to the 
Pasadena Humane Society 
when her owner could no 
longer care for her. Neeka 
qualifies for our Seniors for 
Seniors program making 
her adoption free for any 
adopter age 60 and over. 

 The regular adoption fee 
for dogs is $130. All dogs 
are spayed or neutered, 
microchipped, and 
vaccinated before going to 
their new home. 

 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 
A191603 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 ‘One Arroyo’ Project

 
The city council is set Monday 
night to hear the findings of 
a, year-long, outreach on the 
Arroyo Seco, that included 15 
presentations to community 
groups and council districts, 
four Arroyo walks with Mayor 
Terry Tornek, and other 
awareness including the first 
(pictured above) “One Arroyo 
Day” in late November bringing 
together 20 Arroyo-based 
organizations. 

 They will also vote to allocate 
$100,000 to the “One Arroyo 
Project,” to continue the 
effort through the end of this 
year. The budget includes 
$50, 000 for Fundraising 
Assessment & Development-
Related Activities; $30,000 for 
Development of Fund raising 
Materials & Renderings and 
$30,000 for Trail Development/
Public Funding Strategist. 
City officials said the project 

maintains a balance of $25,000 
that can be used. 

 City officials, last year, set up 
the Arroyo Advisory Group 
(AAG).

 According to a staff report, “As 
part of the July report, the AAG 
recommended the creation of 
an end-to-end trail system as 
a pilot project to advance the 
One Arroyo vision. At that 
time, council approved a trail 
concept study as part of the 
next phase in the process to 
further explore the possibility 
of creating an end-to-end trail 
system throughout the Arroyo 
that would restore broken 
connections and enhance the 
trail user experience.”

 The council will also hear the 
finding of a survey by the AAG. 
“The top priorities of the 2,652 
survey respondents included: 
maintenance, environment/ 
ecology, trails amenities, 

Student-Run Credit Union 
Opens At John Muir High 


 
Muir Credit Union A new 
student-run credit union on 
the campus of John Muir 
High School gives students 
real-world work experience 
while providing banking 
and financial services for the 
surrounding community.

 The new Pasadena Service 
Federal Credit Union branch 
employs and trains students 
in John Muir’s Business 
Business & Entrepreneurship 
Academy. In the fully-
functional branch, students 
work as tellers, make 
deposits, and work directly 
with customers. They 
acquire skills in finance and 
customer service and get 
valuable work experience to 
prepare them for careers in 
the finance industry. Later 
this year, they will present 
workshops on financial 
literacy for fellow Muir 
students. Students are 
trained by Pasadena Service 
Federal Credit Union 
personnel, who are on-site 
when the branch is open.

 Opening of the new branch 
is a product of a long-term 
partnership between the 
Pasadena Service Federal 
Credit Union, the Pasadena 
Unified School District, and 
the Pasadena Chamber of 

Commerce that has created 
opportunities for Pasadena 
youth through internship 
programs and mentoring.

 Over the last two years, 
PSFCU staff participated 
in John Muir High School 
career fairs, conducted mock 
interviews, and reviewed 
student resumes to prepare 
them for the next phase of 
their professional lives. Muir 
students have completed 
summer internships at 
PSFCU corporate offices.

 A partnership between 
the Pasadena Chamber of 
Commerce and the Pasadena 
Unified School District 
has created an immersive 
summer internship program 
that provides students with 
internships and work-based 
learning as they prepare to 
enter college and professional 
careers.

 Each year some 100 
students are selected to 
work alongside professionals 
in various industries in 
the greater Pasadena area, 
including corporate offices, 
nonprofits, and more.

 For more information visit 
the Pasadena Unified School 
District: pusd.us, or at the 
Pasadena Service Federal 
Credit Union: mypsfcu.org. 

Bob Lucas Branch’s Newest 
Initiative – The Mosaic Project

 Library staff is asking to hear 
your stories. “Our community 
is made up of people from 
all walks of life, each with a 
unique story to tell.” According 
to announcement, In an effort 
to capture and preserve the 
community’s collective story, 
a temporary booth has been 
constructed at the Bob Lucas 
Branch equipped with a video 
camera and audio recorder. They 
invite community members to 
stop by to record themselves 
reading either excerpts of their 
own original stories, poems, or 
essays or pieces by renowned 
authors that speak to their life 
experiences. At the end of each 
month, the video and audio 
clips will be pieced together 
into a brief video posted on 

the Library’s YouTube page for 
public enjoyment.

 February is Black History 
Month, an annual celebration 
of achievements by African 
Americans and a time for 
recognizing the central role 
of the black community in 

U.S. History. During this 
special month, we encourage 
community members to bring 
stories, poems, and reflections 
either about the history and 
experiences of the black 
community in Altadena or 
excerpts from works of black 
authors and poets that are 
significant to them. 
For more information 
call (626) 798-8338 or visit 
altadenalibrary.org. The Bob 
Lucas Branch is located 2659 
Lincoln Ave. 

and activities. The top new 
amenities confirmed by the 
survey included: restrooms, 
trails/paths, habitat restoration, 
bike trails, and places to 
relax. Overall, 57 percent of 
respondents expressed interest 
in wanting to see improvements, 
70 percent were interested in 
more open space amenities, 
and 60 percent were interested 
in more open space programs. 
The survey also confirmed that 
the majority of respondents 
felt that the AAG’s One Arroyo 
vision was appropriate and 
reflective of the community’s 
desire to honor it as a natural 
place with opportunities for the 
community to come together in 
recreation and reflection.”

 The city council meets at 6:30 

p.m. in the Council Chamber, 
Pasadena City Hall 100 North 
Garfield Avenue, room S249. 
Photo by D. Lee /MVNews 
'South 
Pasadena’s 
Own' Don 
Friesen

 Don Friesen, the star of 
the hilarious Showtime 
one-hour comedy special, 
“Ask Your Mom,” will be 
making a live appearance 
in the Community Room 
on Thursday, February 8 at 

7:00 p.m. The free program 
will showcase the talents 
of the engaging, clever, 
and just flat-out funny 
South Pasadena resident. 
Appropriate for all ages and 
presenting “One of the best 
up and coming comedians 
in the country,” the 
program is sponsored by 
the South Pasadena Public 
Library and the Friends 
of the South Pasadena 
Public Library. Friesen’s 
routines capture the ironies 
of parenting, marriage 
and everyday absurdities 
through characters, voices, 
parodies and some of the 
best material around. The 
Seattle Post-Intelligencer 
says “Friesen will leave a 
lasting comic impression,” 
and describes him as 
“offbeat, satirical, self-
deprecating and slightly out 
of control.” 
As the only two-time 
winner in the 36-year 
history of the prestigious 
San Francisco International 
Comedy Competition, 
Don Friesen ignites stages 
with a playful, high-energy 
spoof of his life as a modern 
suburban dad trying to get 
through the day with a bit 
of money in the bank and 
a scrap of dignity intact. 
He’s a wanna-be geek who 
constantly upgrades to 
the latest tech tool, but 
can never get it to work, 
leading to signature bits 
about Idiot Guides, texting 
and passwords. Friesen’s 
impressive credits include 
“Live at Gotham”, “The 
Lewis Black Christmas 
Special”, and “Comics 
Unleashed”. Don was also 
featured in TBS’ “The 
Comedy Festival” in Las 
Vegas and is wildly popular 
on KLOS’ 5:00 Funnies and 
XM Sirius satellite radio. 

The Community Room is 
located at 1115 El Centro 
Street. No tickets or 
reservations are necessary 
and refreshments will be 
served. 

More Shakeup atthe Altadena Library


By Dean Lee

 No official reason had been 
given after Altadena Library 
Trustee Adalila Zelada-Garcia 
unexpectedly resigned from 
the board and after Altadena 
Library Director Mindy Kittay 
has gone on medical leave, both 
last month, according to library 
staff.

 At a special meeting Jan. 
25, Board President John 
McDonald and other members 
voted in favor of appointing 
Ryan Roy as acting library 
director. McDonald said, a vote, 
and the special meeting was 
needed anticipating Kittay’s 
prolonged leave. The board 
mentioned the Family and 
Medical Leave Act, a federal law 
that guarantees employees up to 
12 workweeks of unpaid leave, 
without the threat of job loss. 

 Kittay made the announcement 
to library staff Jan. 23. She was 
also absent from the regular 
board meeting the night 
before when the resignation of 
Zelada-Garcia was announced. 
Staff said the two were likely 
unrelated. 

 At the Jan. 22 meeting, the 
board members and Kittay were 
set to discuss, in closed session, 
her job performance. Members 
of the community expressed 
concern that Kittay may quit. 

 Board members also briefly 
discussed how to fill ZeladaGarcia’s 
now vacant seat. The 
public asked that they wait, 

possibly to the next election 
Nov. 6, before filling the seat. 
Although, board member Ira 
Bershatsky asked that they 
appoint someone immediately, 
within weeks. 

 The trustees sent out a 
statement saying they are 
accepting letters of interest 
from anyone who would like 
to serve on the board "for the 
unexpired 2020 term." 

 Those applying must be at least 
18, a resident of and registered 
to vote in Altadena. The board 
meets at 5 p.m. on the fourth 
Monday of each month. The 
board will interview potential 
candidates at the next board 
meeting at 5 p.m. on February 
26th. The applicant selected 
must agree to be willing to run 
in the Nov. 6, 2018 election for 
the 4-year term, if necessary. 
Interested parties should submit 
a letter of interest, resume, 
and completed supplemental 
questionnaire (on library’s 
website) to the Library’s Acting 
Director Ryan Roy by 5 p.m. 
on February 16. The Altadena 
Library is located at 600 E. 
Mariposa St. 

 McDonald said all applicants 
will be interviewed and the final 
appointment will be made by 
the board. 

 Ryan Roy said that in Kittay’s 
absent, all of the planned 
community actives, at both the 
main library and Bob Lucas 
branch will continue. 

Free February Events at
Pasadena 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.

 Tax Time – Wednesdaysand Fridays to Apr. 13, from 
9 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, itsbenefits, 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 ofMusic – Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to 27,
from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tom 
Campbell will play guitar andsing songs in the Senior CenterLounge. Stop by and enjoy his 
covers 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 residentswith City of Pasadena electricityaccounts save water, electricityand money for a limited timeby replacing light bulbs andinsulation, installing efficient 
toilets, getting their central airconditioners 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, managing 
complications 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