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

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Mountain View News Saturday, February 9, 2019 


Reward 
Offered 
for Tips in 
Unsolved 
Homicides

Free Public Tours of 
Tournament House

 
Guided tours inside 
Tournament House, the iconic 
Southern California landmark, 
are now open to the public. 
Tours will be offered, at no cost, 
every Thursday at 2 p.m. and 
3 p.m. Tournament of Roses 
volunteers from the Heritage 
Committee, knowledgeable of 
the organization’s history and 
details of the house, conduct 
the tours. 

 The Rose Bowl Game room 
renovation at Tournament 
House is complete and open 
to the public for viewing. 
Highlights include: two new 
Hall of Fame touch screens, 
video playback of Rose Bowl 
Game history, depictions of 
Offensive and Defensive Player 
of the Game, a celebration of 
the 100-year anniversary of the 
1919 Rose Bowl Game, the B-2 
Flyover and more.

 Tournament House serves as 
the official headquarters of the 
Pasadena Tournament of Roses, 
its staff and the 935 volunteer 
members who work year-round 
to organize the annual Rose 
Parade® presented by Honda 
and Rose Bowl Game presented 
by Northwestern Mutual.

 Located in Pasadena, the house 
was once the home of chewing 
gum mogul William Wrigley Jr. 
and his wife, Ada. After Ada’s 
death in 1958, the Wrigley 
family presented the property 
to the city of Pasadena, with 
the request that it become 
the base of operations for the 
Tournament of Roses. The 
Wrigley family enjoyed the 
Rose Parade as it unfolded just 
beyond their front yard.

 Surrounding Tournament 
House are the Wrigley 
Gardens, which feature a floral 
display of roses, camellias 
and annuals. The gardens 
feature the All-America Rose 
Selections (AARS) award-
winning Tournament of Roses 
rose developed especially 
for the Tournament of Roses 
Centennial in 1989.

 Groups of 10 or more may 
call (626) 449-4100 for tour 
reservations.

 The Tournament of Roses is 
a volunteer organization that 
hosts America’s New Year 
Celebration with the Rose 
Parade, the Rose Bowl Game 
and a variety of accompanying 
events. 935 volunteer members 
of the association will drive the 
success of 131st Rose Parade 
themed “The Power of Hope,” 
on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, 
followed by the 106th Rose 
Bowl Game. 

 The City of Pasadena will be 
offering a $5,000 reward for 
information that leads to the 
arrest and conviction in any 
existing unsolved Pasadena 
murder case.

 Over the past ten years, there 
have been 53 homicides in 
Pasadena and seven remain 
unsolved. In order to claim 
a reward, you must provide 
information to the Pasadena 
Police Department which 
leads to the apprehension 
and conviction of the party 
responsible for the homicide. If 
there are multiple claims, they 
will be reviewed to determine 
whether one claimant receives 
the entire $5,000 reward or the 
$5,000 reward is split among 
claimants.

 “Solving these murders and 
ensuring public safety is of 
paramount importance to our 
Police Department, said City 
Manager Steve Mermell. 

"We want to bring justice to 
the families affected by these 
tragedies and hope that the 
reward money will provide 
an incentive for anyone with 
information to come forward.”

 Pasadena Police detectives 
continue to follow up on 
information that has been 
provided and will thoroughly 
investigate any new leads. 
To provide information 
anonymously, call “Crime 
Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS 
(8477); or report by using 
the website lacrimestoppers.
org. Crime Stoppers offers 
up to $1,000 for information 
leading to the arrest of 
those responsible for crimes 
committed in Los Angeles 
County, and you may remain 
anonymous. That $1,000 
reward would be in addition 
to any reward offered by the 
City. Tips can also be directed 
to Detective Lieutenant Jesse 
Carrillo at (626) 744-4517.

OIS Discussed during Community Forum

 By Dean Lee

 Newly named Police Chief 
John Perez and City Manager 
Steve Mermell discussed a 
series of videos released to the 
pubic Wednesday, of an Officer 
Involved Shooting in January, 
where officers fired at a fleeing 
suspect in the residential area of 
1900 Raymond Ave. 

 “We have a lot to do in this 
investigation, we shot into a 
residential neighborhood, I’m 
sorry for that.” Perez said. “We 
don’t want that to happen. But 
the threat that they saw, for us to 
say that no officer should shoot 
and get shot... I don’t know what 
to tell you.”

 Perez said the suspect, Brandon 
Green, was a known gang 
member with an outstanding 
warrant for drug charges. Green, 
was not struck by gunfire.

 In a press statement Pasadena 
Lt. Jesse Carrillo said, “The 
Pasadena Police Department 
conducts thorough Use of Force 
investigations which includes 
interviewing witnesses, officers 
involved, analyzing video 
evidence, forensic evidence, and 
statements from those involved 
in the chain of events. After 
the investigation is completed, 
a Use of Force Hearing will be 
convened and the Police Chief 
will make a final determination 
if the officers involved acted 
within department policy. This 
process may take up to one year 
to complete.”

 Members of the pubic 
asked why they were doing 
surveillance and suggested that 
Green ran from police because 
he was scared, “why were you 
guys sitting there watching 
Brandon?”

 Perez said bluntly, the facts 
were that he had a gun and ran 
from police. “An independent 
report, that you asked for, will 
happen at some point.” 

 The public also accused 
Pasadena police of knowing that 
the gun Green had could have 
been sold by former Lt. Vasken 
Gourdikian. The US Bureau 
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms 
and Explosives had raided 
Gourdikian’s Sierra Madre home 
last year after Gourdikian sold a 
shotgun to an undercover agent. 
He is thought to have illegally 
sold 141 firearms. A gun sold 
by him had been recovered at a 
narcotics crime scene. 

 Gourdikian attorney, this week, 
had make a plea agreement with 
prosecutors. He is set appear 
Monday in court for sentencing.

 During the two hour meeting, 
Perez discussed proactive and 
community policing. He also 
said this year, 20 officers are set 
to retire. The public suggested 
he hire new officers from within 
Pasadena. 

 Mermell stayed quiet for 
most of the meeting, He briefly 
discussed how city policies are 
made. In December, Mermell 
hired Perez, a thirty-three year 
veteran of the department. 

 Thursday night’s “Let’s Learn, 
Let’s Talk” community forum 
was held at the Alkebulan 
African Center and moderated 
by videographer, community 
activist, James Farr. 

 All of the Critical Incident 
Briefing videos can be seen 
at: cityofpasadena.net/police/
critical-incident-briefing.

Rain Barrel 
Truckload 
Sale Event

Free Monthly Events at 
Pasadena Senior Center

There is something for 
everyone in December 
at the Pasadena Senior 
Center, 85 E. Holly St.

 You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some 
events require advance 
reservations as 

noted. 

 Friday Movie Matinees 
– Fridays, Feb 15, at 1 
p.m. Everyone enjoys the 
experience of watching 
movies and the pleasures 
they bring. Feb. 15: Tea 
with the Dames (2018, 
NR). In this documentary 
film, four legends of the 
British stage and screen 
– Dame Maggie Smith, 
Dame Judi Dench, Dame 
Aileen Atkins and Dame 
Joan Plowwright – spend 
a weekend in the country 
as they reminisce and 
discuss everything from art 
to aging to love. 

 Screening Mimis Film 
Discussion Group – 
Tuesdays, Feb. 19, at 1:30 
p.m. Diehard film fans are 
invited to watch a movie 
the first and third Tuesday 
of every month, preceded 
by a presentation about 
the film’s hidden history 
and followed by lively 
discussion. Feb. 19: 
Touching the Void (2003, 
R). This documentary film 
recreates the adventures of 
two young mountaineers 
who set off in 1985 to climb 
the treacherous west face 
of the Siula Grande in the 
Peruvian Andes. 

 Rediscovering Hope – 
Thursdays, to Feb. 28, at 3 
p.m. Rediscovering Hope 
is a support group for 
anyone grieving the death 
of a loved one. For more 
information call licensed 
clinical social worker Jody 
Casserly at 626-918-2273, 
ext. 7455.

 Home Share Workshop: 
Room to Rent – Tuesday, 
Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. For 
any homeowner thinking 
about renting out a room, 
this workshop will explain 
how to list your space 
and find a good renter to 
share your home. Topics 
will include finding an 
online site that suits your 
needs, what type of home 
partners you are seeking, 
safe practices, how to 
spot a scam, how to set 
up your rental agreement 
and more. There will be 
optional follow-up sessions. 
RSVP at the Welcome Desk 
or by calling 626-795-4331. 

 Home Share Workshop: 
Seeking a Room– Tuesday, 
Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. For 
anyone trying to find a 
good room to rent but 
can’t seem to connect 
with a good landlord, this 
workshop will explain how 
to locate and get to know 
prospective property 
owners who have rooms 
and other spaces to rent 
out, how to set up an 
online listing and more. 
RSVP at the Welcome Desk 
or by calling 626-795-4331.

 Chocolate on Your Heart 
– Thursday, Feb. 14, at 10 
a.m. Studies show eating 
moderate amounts of 
chocolate may lower 
the risk of certain heart 
diseases. Learn how to 
maintain a healthy heart, 
including the consumption 
of chocolate!

 Great American 
Songwriters – Thursday, 
Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. Join 
pianist Bob Lipson and 
commentator/performer 
Saul H. Jacobs for a fun and 
interactive musical journey 
that will highlight Harold 
Arlen, who composed 
the music for such iconic 
American songs as Over 
the Rainbow, Stormy 
Weather, It’s Only a Paper 
Moon, That Old Black 
Magic, Ac-Cen-Tchu-
Ate the Positive, One for 
My Baby (and One More 
for the Road) and many 
more.

 Metro Pilot Mobile 
Customer Center – 
Friday, Feb. 15, from 9 
to 11 a.m. Adults 62 and 
older who need a TAP 
Card are invited to stop 
by the mobile customer 
center for a reduced fare 
application, photograph 
for the card, temporary 
reduced fare card and 
loading of the reduced 
fare onto the card. A 
photo ID is required.

 Chair Yoga – Wednesday, 
Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. Improve 
your balance and 
confidence through 
gentle yoga exercises 
while sitting in a chair or 
standing and using a chair 
for support.

 Heart Healthy Eating – 
Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10 
a.m. Preventing heart 
disease isn’t just about 
avoiding unhealthy food. 
You should also eat foods 
rich in nutrients, fiber and 
healthy fats. Learn what 
foods are healthy for 
your heart and what are 
not. Presented by Regal 
Medical Group.

 Founded in 1960, the 
Pasadena Senior Center 
is an independent, donor-
supported nonprofit 
organization that offers 
recreational, educational, 
wellness and social 
services to people ages 50 
and older.

 A rain barrel is the 
perfect addition 
to your home and 
a way to collect 
water for use at a 
later date.

Road Closures for the 

37th Black History Parade


Pet of the 
Week

 On Saturday, February 
23rd, Foothill Municipal 
Water District will be 
hosting a Rain Barrel 
Truckload Sale at Lake 
Avenue Church, 393 N. 
Lake Avenue, Pasadena 
between 9-11 AM. Rain 
Barrels will be for sale at 
a community bulk rate 
discounted price of $65.00 
+ tax. The Metropolitan 
Water District currently 
offers a $35/barrel rebate 
for up to 2 barrels in a 
household, saving you a 
nice chunk of change!

 If you are interested in 
purchasing rain barrels for 
this community sponsored 
event, go to: rainbarrelsintl. 
com/events-order.

asp?id=376 and follow the 
instructions. Once rain 
barrels are purchased, 
they will be guaranteed for 
pick up at the event. Rain 
Barrels will also be sold 
on the event day until sold 
out.

 The rain barrels are made 
from reused food-grade 
plastic barrels, outfitted 
with a solid brass .” spigot 
for hose attachment and a 
side overflow, also brass. A 
4” ‘no-see-um’ steel screen 
is riveted and sealed to 
the lid, preventing any 
mosquitoes or bugs from 
finding a home in your 
barrel. The barrels come in 
Black (60 gallons) or Terra 
Cotta Orange (51 or 58 
gallons).

 For more information 
email Info@
RainBarrelsIntl.com or 
call (919) 602-6316.

 Foothill Municipal Water 
District provides imported 
water to Crescenta Valley 
Water District, La Cañada 
Irrigation District, Mesa 
Crest Water Company, 
Valley Water Company, 
Lincoln Avenue Water 
Company, Las Flores 
Water Company and Rubio 
Cañon Land & Water 
Association. Kinneloa 
Irrigation District, another 
retail agency, takes no 
water from Foothill.

 
One of Southern California’s largest Black History parades 
begins at 10:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church at Figueroa 
St. in Altadena; heads south on Fair Oaks Ave before ending at 
Robinson Park Recreation Center (1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.). Stay 
and Enjoy the Festival at Robinson Recreation Center from 12:00 
p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 The festival features live entertainment for all ages, Miss Black 
Pasadena, Power 106 Street Team, community booths, Celebrity 
Grand Marshal Kaj Goldberg, KTLA weatherman and Pasadena 
resident, food to purchase and fun! Proudly coordinated by the 
Black History Planning Committee, and the City of Pasadena’s 
Human Services and Recreation Department.

 Pasadena’s Black History Month Parade is one of the largest in 
the U.S. and oldest too. Pasadena media, www.pasadenamedia.tv, 
will record the parade in its entirety for broadcast on KPAS, the 
Pasadena City’s government TV station.

****The following streets will be closed for the parade and festival 
at the times listed below. Motorists are advised to use caution while 
driving through the area.****

Hammond Street, between Fair Oaks Avenue and Morton Avenue, 
7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Morton Avenue, between Mountain Street and Woodbury Road, 
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fair Oaks Avenue, between Woodbury Road and Harriet Street, 7 
a.m.-noon

Mountain Street, between Raymond Avenue and Sunset Street, 9 
a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain Street and Woodbury Road, 
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

 For event information, please call 626-744-7300. or visit: 
cityofpasadena.net

 Jynx (A471061) is one 
beautiful cat! He’s a 5-year-
old who was surrendered 
to the Pasadena Humane 
Society & SPCA in mid-
January and was pretty 
shy. We thought he might 
come out of his shell if 
he was in one of our cat 
communal rooms, and 
be able to interact with 
other cats. Jynx is now 
doing so much better. He 
even has a best friend, 
Ralphie (A471298), a 
2-year-old red tabby. They 
get along great except 
when Ralphie tries to eat 
Jynx’s treats. Jynx is also 
very sweet to people, 
and likes to be petted 
around his ears. He’ll even 
head bump and purr for 
more human affection. 
Because Jynx seems to like 
other cats, just as much as 
people, we recommend 
Jynx going to a home that 
already has a cat so he will 
have a guaranteed play 
mate. 

 The adoption fee for cats is 
$90. All cats are spayed or 
neutered, microchipped, 
and vaccinated before 
being adopted. 

 New adopters will receive 
a complimentary health-
and-wellness exam from 
VCA Animal Hospitals, as 
well as a goody bag filled 
with information about 
how to care for your pet.

 View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.
org. 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.

ALTADENA CRIME BLOTTER

Sunday, January 27th 

3:30 PM – A petty theft from 
an unlocked vehicle occurred 
in the 3200 block of N. Lake 
Avenue. Stolen: gold and black 
Shisheido tote bag, black Coach 
wallet and personal documents. 

Monday, January 28th 

7:35 AM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 800 
block of Alameda Street. 
Vehicle described as a silver 
2003 Toyota 4 Runner. *Vehicle 
recovered by LASD Altadena. 

10:30 PM – A commercial 
burglary occurred in the 2300 
block of Lake Avenue. Suspect 
entered the location by cutting 
the lock. No items reported 
stolen. Suspect has been 
identified as a juvenile. 

Wednesday, January 30th 

12:30 PM – A domestic violence 
incident occurred in the 100 
block of W. Manor Street. 
Suspect was taken into custody. 

Thursday, January 31st 

6:36 AM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the area 
of Crosby Street and Lincoln 
Avenue. Vehicle described 
as a beige 2004 GMC Sierra. 
*Vehicle recovered by CHP 
Baldwin Park. 

10:42 AM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 3400 block of 
McNally Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by punching 
the door lock. Stolen: (3) 
Husqvarna chainsaws. 

7:20 PM – A vehicle vandalism 
occurred in the 2000 block of 
N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Vehicle 
damage: shattered lights and 
side view mirror. 

Friday, February 1st 

3:05 PM – Jessica Radovicz, 33 
years old of Lake Forest was 
arrested in the 2100 block of N. 
Hill Avenue for possession of a 
controlled substance.

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