Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, September 29, 2018

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Mountain View News Saturday, September 29, 2018 

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

ARCADIA NEWS: CONGRATS TO HIGH SCHOOL: 
TOP 1% IN US AND SANTA ANITA OPENS: 
SPOTLIGHT ON RUBEN FUENTES


For the period of Sunday, September 16th, through Saturday, 
September 22nd, the Police Department responded to 909 
calls for service, of which 136 required formal investigations. 
The following is a summary report of some of the incidents 
handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, September 16:

 Shortly before 5:27 a.m., an officer responded to a 
residence in the 100 block of West Naomi Avenue regarding 
a burglary report. The victim stated she was home when 
unknown suspect(s) entered her residence through an 
open rear window and they stole a check book and $250.00 
cash before fleeing. An area search was conducted but the 
suspects were not located. The investigation is ongoing. 

 At approximately 1:19 p.m., an officer responded to 
a residence in the 100 block of Alice Street regarding 
a family dispute. Upon contacting the residents, the 
officer discovered the mother, a 59-year-old female from 
Arcadia, chased her adult son around the house with a 
knife and threatened to kill him. The investigation is 
ongoing. 

 Just after 2:10 p.m., officers responded to the intersection 
of Huntington Drive and Centennial Way regarding a 
reckless driver. Upon contacting the driver, the officer 
detected a strong odor of alcohol. Through a series of 
tests, the officer determined the 56-year-old female from 
Carlsbad was driving with a blood alcohol content of .17%. 
There was also a 4-year-old passenger inside the vehicle. 
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking. A relative picked up the juvenile. 
Child Protective Services (CPS) was notified.

Monday, September 17:

 At approximately 10:54 a.m., officers responded to a 
residence in the 700 block of West Camino Real Avenue 
regarding a fraud report. An investigation revealed 
unknown suspect(s) created two fraudulent checks using 
the victim’s business name and account number. The 
suspects then deposited the checks electronically. The 
victim does not know how the suspect(s) obtained his 
personal information or the identity of the suspect. 

Tuesday, September 18:

 Around 2:21 p.m., officers responded to Abercrombie 
and Fitch, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding an 
embezzlement report. Loss prevention staff discovered 
an employee had completed fraudulent returns and stole 
more than $250.00 worth of merchandise from the store. 
The 27-year-old female from Altadena was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. 
Just before 7:15 p.m., officers responded to a residence 
in the 2600 block of South Santa Anita Avenue regarding 
a burglary report. The officers determined unknown 
suspects smashed a kitchen window, ransacked the home, 
and moved a large safe from inside the house into the 
backyard. The suspects then attempted to open the safe but 
were unsuccessful. They fled with cash, jewelry, and a pistol 
safe. The investigation is ongoing. 

Wednesday, September 19:

 At about 7:06 a.m., an officer responded to a residence 
in the 400 block of West Woodruff Avenue regarding 
a package theft report. A neighbor reported seeing the 
suspect steal a neighbor’s package from their porch. It was 
discovered the suspects returned the next day and stole a 
package containing an Arcadia Police Department tracking 
device. The vehicle contained both stolen packages and 
their contents. 

 A 40-year-old male from Long Beach, a 30-year-old 
male from Los Angeles, a 20-year-old female from Los 
Angeles, and a 21-year-old female from Los Angeles 
were arrested for a slew of charges including Grand 
Theft, Possessing Burglary Tools, Committing Mail Theft, 
Possessing Unlawful Paraphernalia, and Passing Fictitious 
Checks. They were transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking.

 Shortly after 8:57 p.m., officers responded to the 
intersection of Second Avenue and Magna Vista Avenue 
regarding a robbery report. The victim stated he was 
approached by three suspects who then demanded the 
victim’s money. When the victim refused, the suspects 
presented a handgun and began to beat the victim. The 
suspects ended up stealing $27.00 and fled in a black 
Toyota sedan.

 All three suspects are described as Hispanic males, 
approximately 5’10”. The investigation is ongoing. Arcadia 
Fire responded and provided treatment to the victim. 

Thursday, September 20:

 Before 12:16 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block 
of South Baldwin Avenue regarding the activation of an 
Arcadia Police Department GPS tracker. Arcadia PD 
detectives had previously deployed decoy bicycles with 
tracking devices to combat the increase in bike thefts 
throughout the city. An investigation revealed a 39-year-
old male from South El Monte was in possession of the 
stolen bicycle and GPS tracker. The suspect was arrested 
and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 Around 12:43 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 
block of East Forest Avenue regarding a theft from vehicle 
report. The officer discovered unknown suspect(s) cut the 
victim’s catalytic converter from his Toyota Prius sometime 
between September 17th and September 20th. No suspects 
were seen and no witnesses were located. 

Friday, September 21: 

 At about 2:42 a.m., officers conducted an enforcement 
stop on a vehicle in the area of Norman Avenue and Holly 
Avenue for driving with suspended registration. During 
a consensual search of the vehicle, the officers located 
burglary tools and methamphetamine. A 33-year-old male 
from El Monte and a 45-year-old male from El Monte 
were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for 
booking. 

 Just before 3:01 a.m., officers responded to Helen’s 
Cycles, 142 East Huntington Drive, regarding a commercial 
burglary report. An investigation revealed unknown 
suspects smashed a front glass door, stole one bicycle valued 
at $3,199.00 and fled undetected. The bicycle was found 
abandoned nearby a short time later. The investigation is 
ongoing. 

Saturday, September 22:

 Shortly after 1:51 p.m., an officer responded to 
LensCrafters, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, regarding a grand 
theft report. Surveillance footage revealed the 51-year-old 
male from Pomona stole more than $1,000.00 worth of 
sunglasses before being confronted by loss prevention staff. 
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Arcadia 
City Jail for booking. A records check revealed the suspect 
was on parole and was placed on a hold. 

 At approximately 3:25 p.m., an officer responded to 
Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue regarding a 
robbery report. An officer discovered the victim listed a 
pair of Yeesy shoes on OfferUp and made arrangements 
to sell them to the suspect. Upon meeting each other, the 
suspect grabbed the shoe box from the victim and fled on 
foot toward Huntington Drive. 

 The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 15 to 
20-years-old, wearing a black “SPACEX” long sleeve 
shirt, pink baseball hat, with black hair, brown eyes. The 
investigation is ongoing. 


By Joan Schmidt

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to Arcadia 
High School. Ryan Foran sent out a Press Release 
that Arcadia High School is in the TOP ONE PER 
CENTAGE of all public high schools in the US! 
What a wonderful achievement, and it’s no surprise 
to me. One example: look at their Government 
Class, several times in the Finals of the Nationwide 
Constitution Competition. It takes a hardworking 
and totally committed School Board, faculty 
members, volunteers and parents who encourage 
their children to do their best. I once was viewing 
a band practice for a parade and alongside me was 
a proud father. It was so heartwarming. Well done, 
Apaches.

Racing News: Friday September 28, the GREAT 
RACE PLACE opens. Everyone is thrilled. Please 
visit santanitathououghbredracing.com. 

 There were twelve racing days at Los Alamitos, 
and one day, I caught up with Ruben Fuentes after 
the fifth race for the FASTEST interview under 
the sun! Ruben was born on September 25, 1997 
in Mexico City. He grew up and attended schools 
in El Paso, Texas. He has wanted to be a jockey 
since he was about eight years old. He rode as a 
kid and was taught by his father. Not only was his 
dad a jockey, but it is also the profession of TWO 
brothers and FOUR uncles! And on September 20, 
Ruben’s younger brother Luis had his FIRST win 
in California at Los Al in the 6th Race on Principe 
Carlo.

 Ruben’s dad taught him his jockey skills, and 
his first win was at Ruidso Downs, New Mexico in 
2016. His winnings were $108. Ruben mentioned 
that was where Mike Smith had his first win. 
Ruben has had 72 wins, at ten different tracks.

 When I asked how he stays in shape, he told me 
he follows a healthy diet, and works out. Assael 
Espinosa , Kyle Frey and Mike Smith all work out 
at the same gym. Kyle is recuperating from surgery 
and Victor Espinosa is still down in the San Diego 
area. Victor has been able to go for short walks, 
but cannot drive and continues therapy. We wish 
both men speedy recoveries. See you at Clockers 
Corner. Great coffee/breakfast and watching the 
horses worked out.


DUARTE’S ROUTE 66’S “LIVING THE GOOD LIFE” 
AS MIKE ANTONOVICH, ERIKA SANCHEZ AND 
DHS CIF CHAMPS HONORED

K-RAIL REMOVAL PLAN TENTATIVELY SET 
TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL FOR 
CONSIDERATION ON OCTOBER 2, 2018 


By Joan Schmidt

Once again Duarte showed us why it’s “My Kind 
of Town.” Saturday’s VIP Breakfast, Parade, City 
Picnic and Car Show were outstanding as always.

 First VERY SPECIAL THANKS to ALL 
SPONSERS who made this exceptional day 
possible: MOTHER ROAD ($1500 or more)-
City of Hope and Supervisor Kathryn Barger; 
ROUTE 66 ($1000)-Advantage Ford, Sam Kang, 
Seidner’s Collision Centers; AMERICA’S MAIN 
STREET ($750)-Burrtec, Sierra Dealership; VIP 
BREAKFAST ($500)- Fairplex; FRIENDS OF 
THE PARADE ($250)- Simply Divide and Citrus 
College; IN KIND-Bank of America, Dowden, 
Buffy’s Travel, cabc, City of Duarte, Duarte 
Chamber of Commerce, Duarte Unified School 
District, Duarte’s Women Club, fulgent, human 
good, Jan’s Towing, Morralito Mexican Grill, CiT, 
OneWest Bank, SFW FORTH, Stor America, 
Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley, DCTV, 
KGEM, GERC, Duarte CERT, and Rancho Duarte 
Gulf Course.

 The Grand Marshall was retired Supervisor Mike 
Antonovich who came with wife Christine. Mayor 
John Fasana presented a Key to the City of Duarte 
and spoke of all Mike’s great accomplishments as 
Supervisor. Fasana’s and Antonovich’s friendship 
and working together dates back to the mid-
80’s and the Metro Board. Current Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger worked as a college intern under 
Antonovich thirty years ago, and worked for him 
in various positions. He is both a dear friend and 
mentor. She presented a beautiful scroll. Also 
attending were Senator Anthony Portantino, 
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio and County 
Assessor Jeffrey Prang. Town Council Members 
Dave Hall, Linda Sells, Lucy Nicoloro and 
myself attended with a Certificate of Recognition 
which acknowledged his role in the formation 
of the Town Council, Pamela Park Gymnasium, 
4-way Stop Signs at Daines/Tyler, Arcadia, new 
laminated Street signs, Welcoming Monuments to 
Monrovia/Arcadia/Duarte Communities on Live 
Oak Avenue, new Live Oak Library in the works, 
and much more.

 In addition, Erika Sanchez, 2018 National 
Golden Glove Champion, and Duarte High School 
CIF Champion Boys Varsity Basketball Team were 
also honored.

 There was a moment of silence in memory of 
Fred Bowden and Sheri Uhlig. These two fine 
people were so dedicated to serving others and are 
greatly missed.

 In addition to Mayor Fasana, Sam Kang, 
Margaret Finlay and Tzeital Paras-Caraci were on 
hand for the festivities. It was great to meet new 
DUSD Superintendent Dr. Gordon Amerson, and 
see Board Members Reyna Diaz, Ken Bell, Dr. 
Irene Murray and Tom Reyes. Reyna played an 
integral role in the formation of the Town Council, 
and walked the area to encourage residents to vote. 

 Lastly, I want to give a shout out for Nick 
Zigic, Parade Chairperson and Lois Gaston, Co-
Chair, who spent MANY Hours pulling all of this 
together. Tina Carey, a great MC, Boy Scout Troop 
185 for the Presentation of Colors, Amile Johnson, 
outstanding rendition of the National Anthem, 
and the wonderful Duarte’s Women’s Club who 
served at the Breakfast! Special thanks to MANY 
VOLUNTEERS for setting up for the parade, 
and the THREE sets of announcers! Thank you, 
Duarte!

Monrovia has been reviewing the options available to 
remove the K-Rail located throughout the northern 
part of town. Staff has spoken to multiple contractors 
and firms regarding various approaches that could 
be deployed to have the K-Rail removed, and we are 
preparing our findings in a report that is tentatively 
scheduled to come before City Council for review on 
October 2, 2018. Based on some terrific work that has 
been engaged by staff, we believe we have identified an 
option whereby it would not cost the City any money 
to remove the identified K-Rails, which is being 
coordinated to sync with our Monrovia Renewal 
North Section infrastructure improvement project. 
Operationally, staff would recommend 
that the K-Rails be removed through two 
separate mobilizations. Given our experience 
over the past ~5 years, the only section of 
town that has needed the K-Rail protection is 
the area on and adjacent to Highland Place. 
Given that factor, staff is proposing that we initiate 
a process to begin removing the K-Rails in all parts 
of town except for Highland Place starting in late-
October 2018 / early-November 2018. That removal 
process will take a few months, which allows us 
to coordinate the K-Rail removal with the North 
Section improvements associated with Monrovia 
Renewal (for which construction work is tentatively 
scheduled to begin in January 2019).

 Then, as Monrovia gets into this next rainy season, 
staff can further assess the most appropriate time to 
have the K-Rails on Highland Place removed, so as 
to best achieve two outcomes – syncing the removal 
with our construction work, while also minimize any 
chance of flooding on Highland Place.

 Given that overview, the proposal at this point in 
time is to remove the K-Rails located in the yellow 
sections of the map below initially in late-October / 
early-November 2018. Then, the K-Rails located in 
the red sections of the map would be removed toward 
the end of the first quarter of 2019. 

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