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Mountain Views News Saturday, October 25, 2025

Statement on Impact LA 
County Will Face if Federal 
Shutdown Continues Nov. 1

FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS 
DEATH OF 2025 REPORTED 
IN LA COUNTY

Public Health Urges Residents to Take Action 
to Prevent the Spread of Mosquito-Borne 
Diseases 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has 
confirmed the first local death due to West Nile virus for 
the 2025 mosquito season. The person, a resident of San 
Fernando Valley, was hospitalized and died from neurological 
illness caused by severe West Nile virus. 

"To the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one 
due to West Nile virus, we extend our heartfelt condolences,” 
said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County 
Health Officer. “This tragic loss reminds us how dangerous 
mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue 
can be. Protect yourself and your neighbors by using insect 
repellent, getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes 
breed, and keeping window and door screens in good repair. 
Small actions like these can make a big difference in 
preventing illness.”

A total of 14 West Nile virus infections have been documented 
in Los Angeles County so far this year (excluding 
Long Beach and Pasadena as cases identified in those cities 
are reported by their local health departments). Half of infected 
people live in the San Fernando Valley region (50%).

Peak mosquito season lasts from June to November in LA 
County. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-
borne disease that affects residents in LA County. Public 
Health reports cases of West Nile virus every year, as the 
virus is endemic to the region. In collaboration with local 
vector control agencies, Public Health monitors risk of 
West Nile virus infection and actively engages residents to 
provide information about reducing the risk by promoting 
protective measures against mosquitoes. 

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions 
to reduce their risk: 

• Wear Mosquito Repellent: Mosquito repellents can 
prevent mosquito bites. EPA-registered repellents containing 
DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, and oil of 
lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. 
They are available as sprays, wipes, and lotions. Consider 
wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants when outside. 

• Keep mosquitoes out their homes: Make sure that 
doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out 
mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes. 

• Prevent mosquito breeding: Eliminate standing water 
where mosquitoes can lay eggs. 

o Clear standing water in flowerpots, saucers, birdbaths 
and other outdoor containers. Empty items that hold 
water inside and outside your home once a week. Mosquito 
eggs only need a thimbleful of water to hatch. 

o Cover water storage containers such as buckets and 
rain barrels. For containers with no lid, use wire mesh with 
holes smaller than an adult mosquito. 

o Clean and maintain swimming pools, spas and drain 
water from pool covers. 

o Throw away old items in your patio or yard that can 
hold water, e.g., old car tires and children’s toys. 

o Call 2-1-1 or click here to find your local vector control 
agency to report persistent problems to your mosquito 
control district

About West Nile Virus 

West Nile virus is a disease caused by the bites of infected 
mosquitoes. The virus survives in nature in several types 
of birds and is transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes that 
feed on infected birds. West Nile virus spreads during warm 
weather months when mosquitoes are most active. While 
not all mosquitoes carry this virus, the type of mosquito that 
spreads this virus is found throughout Los Angeles County. 
While everyone is at risk for West Nile virus, people over 50 
and those with health problems are at greater risk of serious 
illness, which can include meningitis (brain infection), encephalitis 
(swelling of the brain) and limb paralysis. There 
is no specific treatment for West Nile virus disease and no 
vaccine to prevent infection.

Most people who get West Nile virus don’t have any symptoms. 
About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever 
with other symptoms such as: 

• headache 

• body aches 

• joint pains 

• vomiting 

• diarrhea 

• rash 

About 1 in 150 people will have severe symptoms that may 
include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, and sometimes 
rash. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after being 
infected. If symptoms are severe, residents are encouraged 
to call their doctor right away. 

For more information, visit: publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/
vectorwestnile.htm 

For questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor, call the 
Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open every day 
from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

NEWS BRIEFS

ARCADIA HOME INVASION (CNS)

 Four men made forced entry in a house in Arcadia

through the front door today, allegedly tying up victims 
and stealing valuable items.

 Officers were dispatched around 12:54 p.m. Wednesday 
to the 1100 block of West Foothill Boulevard, near 
Michillinda Avenue, regarding reports of an armed 
home invasion robbery, according to the Arcadia Police 
Department.

 Detectives learned after further investigation that one 
suspect was armed with a firearm, while another was 
armed with a knife. Police said the victims were tied up 
inside as the suspects allegedly stole jewelry and the

victims' vehicle before heading eastbound and away from 
the area.

 Both victims were able to free themselves after the suspects 
fled, with one leaving the house to seek help from a 
nearby neighbor.

 According to police, they were treated at the scene by 
paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries. The home 
invasion remained under investigation Wednesday evening 
as detectives canvassed the house to process evidence 
at the scene.

 Detectives later found the stolen vehicle in the 1400 
block of Olympic Boulevard, two blocks west of the Harbor 
(110) Freeway, in the Pico-Union district. The suspects 
were described as three Hispanic men and one 
Asian man, all wearing black, with one last seen wearing 
a reflective safety vest.

 Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of 
the suspects or the home invasion was urged to call the 
Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5151 with case 
number 25-4227. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous 
can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit 
lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.


Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks during a recent Board of 
Supervisors meeting (Photo credit: LA County)

 

 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn 
Barger expressed concern Tuesday during a Board of 
Supervisors meeting following updates from county officials 
regarding the impact a prolonged federal shutdown will have 
on essential safety net programs.

 Barger made the following statement,“I am deeply concerned 
about the looming cliff facing many of our vulnerable families 
and children if federal funds are not secured by the end of 
this month. 

 Programs like CalFresh, which provides essential food 
resources to thousands of families, and CalWORKS, which 
supports child welfare payments for children in need, are 
lifelines for the most vulnerable in our County. Without these 
resources, families who rely on them could face unimaginable 
hardship beginning November 1. 

 The ongoing federal government shutdown will also 
affect funding needed to pay County employees in key 
departments, including Public Social Services and Children 
and Family Services. Any efforts by the County to backfill 
these shortfalls could impact our credit rating–a vital tool 
that keeps our necessary borrowing costs low. The cascading 
effects are worrisome.

 Clearly, our County’s resources are limited resources and 
every dollar counts. It is essential that we prioritize funding 
for these core programs. Spending on new initiatives outside 
this essential safety net should not come at the expense of 
basic support for families who depend on these services.

 I urge our federal partners to act immediately to ensure 
that no family is left without the help they need and that our 
County can continue serving its residents effectively.”

 For more information visit: kathrynbarger.lacounty.gov.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY 

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 10:47 
a.m., Arcadia Police Department officers responded to 
1019 1/2 South Baldwin Avenue (L & Z Jewelry) regarding 
a commercial burglary report.

On arrival, officers determined that between 7:00 p.m. 
on October 17, and 10:00 a.m. on October 18, unknown 
suspect(s) accessed the roof of an adjacent vacant business, 
forced entry into that business, and then tunneled into 
the jewelry store’s safe room. Once in the safe room, the 
suspect(s) stole various pieces of jewelry and U.S. currency.

The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with 
information on this incident is encouraged to contact the 
Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151, case number 
25-4164. 

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may 
call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), 
use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile 
APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by using 
the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

CONCERT FUN: SIERRA MADRE 
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 
PRESENTS AN OFFERING OF 
MUSIC FEATURING 

STEPHEN MARSHALL

Stephen Marshall has had a life filled with interesting experiences: 
education, music, art, architecture, 
design, piano, singing, choirs, pipe organ, 
composition, teaching and performing. 
COVID redirected what had been a thirty-
year illustrious career in downtown 
Seattle to several years of introspection 
and redirection with parents and family 
in Oregon and, ultimately, to exciting 
new beginnings in the Los Angeles 
area. Here now for less than two months, 
Stephen is intentional to choose what he 
loves the most from a full and exciting 
life in music: teaching and performing in 
community - using his musical, artistic, 
and teaching gifts to encourage and inspire 
people of all ages. 

One of Stephen's favorite places in the world is Oxford, England 
- a place he immediately loved and came to know well as 
he studied there toward completing his Doctorate in Sacred 
Music. "When I first entered Sierra Madre's charming Episcopal 
Church of the Ascension, I thought I had been transported 
right back to Oxfordshire. I love its charming atmosphere." 
As the church's new Director of Music and Organist, Stephen 
is excited to share an interactive musical experience - pipe 
organ, singing, and piano - where the goal will be to enjoy 
some music 
while we get 
to know one 
another: Sunday, 
October 
26, 4:00PM. 

Dr. Marshall 
says, "I used 
to be very 
good at presenting 
stuffy 
concerts. 
Now, I make 
it my goal 
to create an 
interactive, 
fun experience 
where 
audience 
members of 
all ages leave 
having enjoyed 
a time 
of learning, 
interaction, 
and musical 
inspiration."


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