Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, February 9, 2019

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Mountain View News Saturday, February 9, 2019 


ARCADIA MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST 2019:

WE ARE ALL AMERICANS IN A GREAT CITY

ARCADIA POLICE BLOTTER

For the period of Sunday, January 27th, through Saturday, 
February 2nd, the Police Department responded to 912 
calls for service, of which 108 required formal investigations. 
The following is a summary report of the major incidents 
handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, January 27:

Shortly before 2:16 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic 
stop on a vehicle in the area of First Avenue and Wheeler 
Street for straddling lanes. Upon contacting the driver, 
the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol. Through 
a series of tests, the officer determined the 29-year-old 
male from Los Angeles was driving under the influence 
of an alcoholic beverage. The suspect was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

 At approximately 7:50 a.m., an officer responded to a 
residence in the 200 block of Santa Cruz Road regarding 
a residential burglary report. An investigation revealed 
the suspect smashed a rear window and, when the 
suspect encountered the sleeping resident, the unknown 
suspect fled. No loss was reported and no other witnesses 
were located.

Monday, January 28:

Just after 1:17 p.m., an officer responded to the 400 block 
of East Huntington Drive regarding a vehicle burglary 
report. The officer discovered an unknown suspect 
broke the front passenger window of the vehicle and 
stole a small designer bag and cash. No suspects were 
seen and no witnesses were located. 

 At approximately 2:12 p.m., an officer responded 
to the 200 block of West Pamela Road regarding a 
vandalism report. An investigation revealed unknown 
suspect(s) spray painted graffiti on the victim’s vehicle 
sometime during the evening of January 26th. No 
suspects were seen and no witnesses were located.

Tuesday, January 29:

Around 9:45 a.m., the Arcadia Police Department 
received an outside agency report from Burbank Police 
Department regarding a fraud incident. The crime 
occurred at Nordstrom, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, on 
December 3, 2018. The officer discovered an unknown 
suspect used the victim’s debit card information to 
complete a fraudulent purchase for nearly $800.00. The 
victim was in possession of her card at the time of the 
crime. The investigation is ongoing. 

 Just before 10:45 a.m., an officer responded to 400 
South Baldwin Avenue regarding a vehicle burglary 
report. The officer discovered an unknown suspect 
broke the rear passenger window of the vehicle and stole 
a backpack and credit card. No suspects were seen and 
no witnesses were located. 

Wednesday, January 30:

At about 3:18 p.m., an officer responded to the Santa 
Anita Race Track, 285 West Huntington Drive, 
regarding a trespassing report. SART security found the 
suspect hiding in the bushes. He had previously been 
arrested for trespassing at the track. The SART security 
employee searched the suspect and located two glass 
methamphetamine pipes. The 38-year-old male from 
Arcadia was arrested and transported to the Pasadena 
Police Station for booking. 

 Shortly after 9:01 p.m., officers responded to a 
residence in the 1800 block of Oakwood Avenue 
regarding an audible alarm activation. An investigation 
revealed unknown suspect(s) turned off the power 
to the home, smashed a rear door window, forcefully 
removed the alarm system key pads from the wall, and 
lightly ransacked the home. No loss was reported. The 
investigation is ongoing. 

Thursday, January 31:

At 8:17 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of 
South Santa Anita Avenue regarding a stolen vehicle 
report. The officer discovered unknown suspect(s) 
stole the victim’s locked vehicle that had been parked 
somewhere on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. No 
suspects were seen and no witnesses were located. 

 Around 8:29 a.m., an officer responded to a residence 
in the 1200 block of Valencia Way regarding a mail theft 
report. The officer determined unknown suspect(s) 
pried open the victim’s mail box and stole an unknown 
amount of mail. No suspects were seen and no witnesses 
were located.

Friday, February 1: 

At about 10:52 a.m., an officer initiated an 
enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Longden 
Avenue and Sixth Avenue for driving with a paper 
plate on the vehicle. Upon contacting the driver, the 
officer detected a strong odor of marijuana. Through 
a series of tests and the driver’s admission, the officer 
determined the 29-year-old male from Johnston, 
Iowa, was driving under the influence of marijuana. 
The suspect was arrested and transported to the 
Arcadia City Jail for booking. He was also charged 
with driving with expired registration.

 Just before 4:42 p.m., an officer responded to a 
residence in the 600 block of Fairview Avenue regarding 
a battery report. An investigation revealed a physical 
altercation occurred between a boyfriend and girlfriend, 
and the boyfriend struck and chocked the victim. 
The 50-year-old male from Arcadia was arrested and 
transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. The 
victim was treated at a nearby urgent care for her injuries. 

Saturday, February 2:

Shortly after 9:14 a.m., an officer responded to 24 Hour 
Fitness, 125 North First Avenue, regarding a vehicle 
burglary report. The victim stated her passenger window 
was smashed and the suspect fled with her purse, 
wallet, and headphones. No suspects were seen and no 
witnesses were located. 

 At approximately 6:11 p.m., an officer responded to 
Hollywood Baby Boutique, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, 
regarding a theft report. Surveillance footage revealed 
the male suspect stole more than $650.00 worth of 
merchandise before exiting the store, failing to make 
payment. 

 The suspect was described as a 35 to 45-year-old 
male, 6’ tall, approximately 350 pounds, and he was 
wearing a white shirt with blue sleeveless sweatshirt. The 
investigation is ongoing. 

Left to right: Kari Helman, Jim Helms & daughter

By Joan Schmidt

Well, I may not be an Arcadian, but I am a Proud 
American of Italian descent who attended their inspiring 
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 2019; its theme was “Traditions 
of Arcadia”.

 It was wonderful to see their current Mayor Sho Tay 
and Sherry , Mayor Pro Tem April Verlatto, Council 
Members, City Clerk Gene Glasco, Arcadia Police 
Chief Bob Guthrie, Mike Vercillo, past Mayors Sheng 
Cheng, Gail Marshall, Gary Kovacic, Bob Harbicht and 
Patsy, Holy Angels Pastor Father Kevin, Reverend Doug 
Edwards, the Shimmins, Mary Buttice, her mom Penny, 
and many more. A BIG SHOUT-OUT to Sponsors 
Foothill Credit Union, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, 
WESTFIELD, Santa Anita and Methodist Hospital of 
Arcadia. Thank you Karen, Carrie and Matt-the tables 
were beautiful!

 Reverend Jolene Cadenbach , Arcadia Congregational 
Church gave the Invocation; there also were remarks 
by Nissar Hai, Imam and President of Masjib Jiberal 
(Mosque of San Gabriel) and Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, 
Chabad of Arcadia. All gave a beautiful message; some 
of our beliefs may be different, but we are under one God 
and follow the Golden Rule. 

 City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto gave a great State 
of the city Address. There was a screen behind him 
that gave great statistics and on the table were flyers 
with all the positive charts and figures. Highlights of 
2018: Veteran Memorial Installation at Community 
Center (It is BEYOND beautiful, one for each branch of 
service.) Arcadia Logistics Center Tenancy; Community 
Learning and Technology Center Refurbishment; 2018 
Mission Lifeline Gold Award; Certificate of Excellence 
in Financial Reporting (10th year). 

 Lazzaretto stated “Public Safety” is our #1 priority. 
19,521 fire suppression training hours (Including 
nighttime training in a 2-story apt.); reduced 
residential burglaries by 24% compared to 2017; 
reduced commercial burglaries by 20% compared to 
2017; 440 Arcadia HS students participated in CPR 
training; Arcadia Fire Department received the 2018 
Mission: Lifeline Gold Award from the American 
Heart Association; 160 Neighborhood Watch Captains 
citywide.

 Keynote speaker was former Mayor Jim Helms, 
an Army Veteran, who still practices law. He was so 
interesting-spoke of how the Breakfast began first on 
Good Friday, and how it evolved over the years. He also 
reminded us that ALL of us are Immigrants- even the 
Native Americans-I remember teaching students about 
a great migration over a land bridge where the Bering 
Strait now is. Helms pointed out “We are ALL Americans 
foremost…There’s no harm in passing on your heritage 
to your children… America is unique; no other country 
has so much diversity in race, religion, and ethnicity.” A 
truly uplifting message.


MONROVIA POLICE BLOTTER

MONROVIA EVALUATING POTENTIAL SALES TAX 
MEASURE IN 2019 IN AN EFFORT TO COUNTER 
PLANNED LA COUNTY TAX INCREASES

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department 
handled 357 service events, resulting in 73 investigations. 
To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to 
crime mapping at http://www.crimemapping.com/
map/ca/monrovia. For Police Department news and 
information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter, 
Instagram or Nextdoor. 

Threatening January 31 at 11:49 a.m., an unknown 
male subject entered a business in the 900 block of 
W. Foothill and tried to make a purchase. The clerk 
recognized the subject as someone who has previously 
stolen merchandise from the business. The clerk told 
him he was not welcome. The subject then threatened 
the clerk by saying he would return and shoot the 
place up. At this time the male subject is unknown. 
Investigation continuing. 

Battery/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect 
Arrested January 31 at 2:27 p.m., a mother reported 
that her son battered her in the 400 block of E. Lemon. 
Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The 
son was arrested for battery, and during the booking 
process, was found to be in possession of prescription 
medication that did not belong to him. Possession of a 
controlled substance was added to his charges. 

Battery February 1 at 8:28 a.m., an officer was 
dispatched on the report of a battery incident in the 
300 block of W. Huntington. A male and female subject 
were arguing over parking in a business parking lot. 
The argument continued into a local business and the 
female swung her fist at the male. The male reacted by 
punching the female and knocking her down. Officers 
arrived and completed an investigation. The female 
subject was taken to a local hospital. A report was 
completed and sent to the District Attorney’s office. 
Violation of Court Order/Resisting a Peace Officer – 
Suspect Arrested February 1 at 10:38 a.m., an officer 
was on patrol in the area of California and Cypress 
when he saw a known male subject riding a bicycle. 
The subject was in violation of a restraining order that 
prohibits him from being at the location. The officer 
confirmed the restraining order and initiated a traffic 
stop. The subject refused to stop until Cypress and Ivy 
and was uncooperative with the officer throughout 
the encounter. He was arrested for violation of the 
restraining order and resisting an officer. Warrant/
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested 
February 1 at 12:08 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 
500 block of W. Colorado and saw a female subject 
commit a vehicle code violation at the intersection of 
Mayflower and Colorado. A traffic stop was conducted 
and the subject was found to have a warrant for her 
arrest. She was also found to be in possession of used 
syringes. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft February 1 at 2:24 p.m., a grand theft 
was reported in the 600 block of W. Duarte Road. The 
victim checked on the status of a phone delivery and 
discovered it was marked delivered to his residence. 
The victim said he never received the package. He 
called the delivery service and received conflicting 
statements as to what happed to his package. 
Investigation continuing. 

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested February 1 at 4:58 
p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Highland called 
police to report his brother was intoxicated and had 
disabled the phone lines to the home. He also made 
threats inside the residence. Officers arrived and 
conducted an investigation. The brother was arrested 
for making criminal threats. 

Special Traffic Enforcement On February 1 during 
school hours, officers conducted special traffic 
enforcement at several schools. They issued both 
warnings and citations to drivers violating traffic laws 
in the school zone areas. Warrant – Suspect Arrested 
February 1 at 7:42 p.m., a caller reported a male subject 
climbing out of a donation bin in the 1600 block of 
S. Myrtle. Officers responded and made contact with 
the subject. The subject had multiple warrants for his 
arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

At Monrovia’s State of the City Address held last 
week, Mayor Adams announced that the City would 
be considering a local sales tax measure in Monrovia 
this year. Now with any proposed tax increase, 
there’s always the question of why. Because certainly, 
the overall tax burden in California is high, and 
government should not unnecessarily impose new 
taxes without sufficient justification. So to that end, 
the question of why Monrovia would be considering 
a sales tax increase is certainly fair and deserves a 
thorough explanation.

 The City is contemplating the possibility of placing 
a sales tax measure on the ballot in 2019 for voter 
consideration because of current taxation trends in 
LA County. Because did you know that today, in LA 
County, we now have the highest base sales tax rate in 
California? 

 Yes, that’s right. At 9.5%, we now have the highest 
sales tax rate in the State. Higher than in the Silicon 
Valley. Higher than in San Francisco. Higher than 
anywhere in California. 

 And given the high sales tax level we’re currently 
paying here in LA County, we are in fact pushing 
up close to the local sales tax limit! Because with LA 
County’s current base sales tax rate at 9.5%, the vagaries 
of State law means there is only 0.75% of available sales 
tax capacity remaining.

 You may be asking how we got here in LA County, 
to a point where we have the highest sales tax rate in 
the State. The answer is fairly simple – you see, since 
2004, LA County has been able to eventually pass 
EVERY single tax measure that they’ve put forth to 
county voters. Even when LA County has needed 2/3 
voter approval, they get it.

 And when LA County passes a sales tax measure, 
the funding doesn’t come to us here in Monrovia. 
Instead, we end up paying WAY more than we get 
back. In fact, on average, we get only 10 cents back of 
every sales tax dollar we contribute to the County, and 
there are several instances when we get back even less 
than that.

 Take for example 2017’s Measure H quarter-
cent sales tax to fund services and help prevent 
homelessness. The tax will raise about $355 million 
per year across the County, and Monrovia contributes 
around $2.6 million per year towards the measure. 
Despite contributing millions, Monrovia has only 
received $30,000 from the County – or about 1% of 
what we’ve paid into the overall program. And to 
add salt to the wound, cities that have received tens 
of millions of dollars from Measure H for homeless 
services – cities like Santa Monica and Long Beach – 
have not paid a single penny into the Measure H fund. 

 Now the reason that cities like Santa Monica 
and Long Beach don’t pay the Measure H sales tax 
is because those communities approved measures 
to keep their funds local and away from LA County. 
There’s a cap to how much sales tax rates can be raised 
in any city, and once you reach that cap, LA County 
can’t impose any additional sales tax increases, even if 
the increase is approved across the county.

 In fact, across LA County, 19 of the 88 cities have 
reached the maximum sales tax rate of 10.25%, and 
another 9 cities have increased their sales tax rate to 
10%. Those cities that have reached the 10.25% cap 
do not pay for additional LA County taxes, but are still 
able to receive the funds collected. Like in the Measure 
H homeless tax example noted above, cities like Santa 
Monica and Long Beach, who had previously reached 
10.25%, have access to the new taxes generated, despite 
not paying a single cent into the fund.

 Now given all that information, here’s what the 
City is concerned about, and here’s why we’re seriously 
considering a sales tax measure in 2019.

 LA County is looking to go back out to the 
voters to ask for additional sales tax increases in 
2020 and 2022. We know that LA County is laying 
the groundwork for an AQMD sales tax measure, 
and we’ve also heard that the County is looking at 
an additional sales tax increase for more money 
for homeless support services. And based on the 
County’s track record, it is more than likely that 
they’ll get both sales tax measures approved.

 And if history is any guide, what that means is 
Monrovia will end up paying a lot, and we’ll only get 
back around 10% of the amount we contribute.

 Unless, that is, we do something in Monrovia to 
protect our resources and keep our money local.

 Monrovia has the opportunity to get ahead of 
this situation by approving a local sales tax measure. 
Based on LA County’s track record, it’s only a matter 
of time before they eat up the last 0.75% of local sales 
tax capacity remaining. And because that is the case, 
the question we’ll have to answer as a community isn’t 
whether or not Monrovians want to pay more in sales 
tax. 

 Instead, the real question we need to address is 
whether we want to send our money to the County for 
their use, or if we want to keep those funds here in our 
City under our own local control.

 Here at the City, we are incredibly sensitive to the 
fact that no one wants to pay more taxes, with the tax 
burden already being so high here in California. But 
we also know that LA County is planning these tax 
increase proposals soon, and the opportunity to keep 
our money local will not remain an option for too 
much longer.

 Given this set of facts, the City will be exploring 
the option of putting a sales tax measure on the ballot 
for our residents to consider in 2019. And during 
the next few months, we will be working to engage 
the community as we coordinate multiple outreach 
initiatives to learn more about this topic and see if a 
local sales tax measure could be a viable solution for 
Monrovia. 

 Throughout the process, you have our commitment 
that we will be sharing as much information about this 
matter as we have available.

MONROVIA UNIFIED INTERLEAGUE TOURNAMENT

 Ten teams from Monrovia Unified will compete 
in the annual Inter-League Tournament – the 
last tournament of the season where all teams are 
guaranteed to compete. Six teams from Monrovia 
High School, two from Clifton Middle School, and 
two from Santa Fe Computer Magnet School will 
participate. 

 The top-scoring teams, which are based on judged 
awards or field performance, will advance to the 
Los Angeles Regional Championships at Monrovia 
High School March 9. WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9 
Team check-in: 7 a.m. Opening ceremony: 10 a.m. 
Qualifying matches: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Award 
ceremony: 5 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Monrovia High 
School 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia 

Monrovia Unified students will control robots they 
have designed, built, and programmed in head-to-
head challenges that simulate space rover actions 
such as landing, mining, sample gathering, and 
parking. 

 Students learn and engage in the engineering 
process, as well as learn the value of teamwork, time 
management, and work ethic. Successful teams 
embody student leadership and collaboration. 
Participating in robotics prepares students for 
postsecondary education and how to be competitive 
in the job market. 

 

 For on-site event information, contact Hannah 
Flanagan at (909) 929-1271. 

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