Mountain View News Saturday, December 13, 2025 

NEWS BRIEFS 
ROSEBOWL LAWSUIT 
REMEMBRANCE 

FORMER ARCADIA MAYOR JAMES HELMS PASSES AWAY AT 100 

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The UC Regents are asking ajudge to quash deposition notices issued by the Rose Bowl 
Operating Committee's and to haltall discovery pending aJanuary hearing on its bid to compel arbitration of the 
case.

 The RBOC and the city of Pasadena contend in their 
three contractual claims that UCLA is wrongfully exploring 
options for a new home football venue, specificallySoFi Stadium in Inglewood. In court papers filed Tuesday 
with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner, the 
Regents attorneys, on behalf of UCLA, state that on Nov. 
25 the RBOC served deposition notices for Martin Jarmond, 
director of Athletics for UCLA; Stephen Agostini, 
vice chancellor and chief financial officer of UCLA; and 
Daniel Cruz, deputy athletics director and chief revenue 
officer of UCLA.

 The attorneys on both sides were unable to find a resolution 
to the deposition dispute, resulting in the current motion, 
according to the UC Regents' court papers.

 ``This court should quash plaintiffs' deposition notices 
and issue a protective order prohibiting the depositions 
because this case belongs in arbitration and conducting 
merits-based discovery in the trial court prior to a ruling 
on UCLA's motion to compel arbitration would interfere 
with any arbitration ultimately ordered,'' according to the 
UC Regents lawyers' pleadings.

 The RBOC would gain an unfair advantage and obtain 
information through formal discovery methods that they 
would not be entitled to in arbitration, the UC Regents 
lawyers further state.

 A hearing on the UC Regents' motion for a stay of proceedings 
is scheduled for Jan. 8 and the motion to compel 
arbitration is set for Jan. 22.

 The suit filed Oct. 29 seeks to enforce the terms of a 
lease agreement the plaintiff claims locks UCLA into playing 
football at the venue until 2044, which the UC Regents 
attorneys acknowledge in their court papers.

 According to the lawsuit, UCLA has expressed its intent 
``to abandon the Rose Bowl Stadium and relocate its home 
football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.''

 ``This is not only a clear break of the contract that governs 
the parties' relationship, but it is also a profound betrayal 
of trust, of tradition, and of the very community that 
helped build UCLA football,'' thelawsuit states. 

GIVEN UP ON EXERCISE? 

Local Author Publishes New Fitness Book 


Duarte resident Michele 
Silence, M.A., a longtime 
fitness columnist for the 
Mountain Views News, has 
released a new book designed 
to help adults who 
have struggled to stick with 
exercise. 

The book, Given Up On 
Exercise?, takes a fresh approach 
by focusing not on 
workouts, but on the psychological 
barriers that keep 
people from staying active—
things like fear of judgment, 
negative past experiences, 
and low confidence. 
Silence has spent more than 40 years working with adults 
who feel out of shape, embarrassed, or unsure where to begin. 
“A lot of people think they’re the only ones who struggle,” 
she said. “I wrote this book so they finally have a place 
to start—without shame or pressure.” 

The workbook includes mindset tools, worksheets, and 
step-by-step guidance for building a realistic, sustainable 
relationship with exercise. Its release comes just in time for 
New Year’s resolution season, when many people hope to 
make healthier changes. 

Given Up On Exercise? is available in paperback and e-book 
through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google 
Play, Kobo, and major retailers. 


ARCADIA, CA – The City of Arcadia is 
deeply saddened to announce the passing 
of former Mayor James “Jim” Helms, 
who died at the age of 100. A beloved 
community leader, veteran, attorney, 
and philanthropist, Jim Helms leaves an 
extraordinary legacy of service in Arcadia 
and throughout the San Gabriel 
Valley. 

“Former Mayor Jim Helms was one of 
Arcadia’s greatest lights, a man whose 
integrity, brilliance, and quiet strength 
shaped this city for generations. To me, 
he was not only a steward of Arcadia’s 
future, but also a trusted leader whose 
wisdom guided me long before I ever 
imagined serving in public office. Jim 
led with dignity, he listened with compassion, 
and he uplifted everyone who 
had the privilege of knowing him. Arcadia 
has lost an extraordinary leader. 
His legacy will live in the institutions he 
strengthened, the families he protected, 
and the countless lives he touched. Mydeepest condolences go to his family as 
we honor a life so profoundly well-lived,” 
said Arcadia Mayor Sharon Kwan. 

Born into a family devoted to service, 

Jim carried those values throughout 
every chapter of his life, including 
putting his education on hold when 
he was drafted into the U.S. Armyduring World War II. After completing 
his tour of duty, Jim continued to 
serve in the Army Reserve until 1968, 
ultimately retiring as a Major in 1985. 

After the war, Jim completed his 
bachelor’s degree and went on to earn 
his Juris Doctor from the University 
of Southern California. In 1951, Jim 
married his wife, Georgiana, and together 
they raised three daughters 
and built a life rich in adventure, 
travel, and time spent outdoors. Jim 
opened his law firm in Arcadia in 
1953 and maintained a successful legal 
practice for more than 60 years, 
retiring at the age of 94. 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing 
of Former Mayor Jim Helms. His decades 
of service, leadership, and unwavering 
commitment to the Arca


dia community have left a lasting legacy 
that will be felt for generations. Mayor 
Helms contributed with grace, integrity, 
and a genuine heart for public service,” 
said Mayor Pro Tem Eileen Wang. “Mydeepest condolences and prayers go to 
his family and loved ones during this 
difficult time. He will be greatly missed, 
and his memory will continue to inspire 
us all.” 

Jim’s impact on Arcadia’s civic landscape 
is profound and enduring. Elected 
to the Arcadia City Council in 1967, 
he served eight years, including a term 
as Mayor from 1971 to 1972. His leadership 
extended to countless community 
organizations, including the Arcadia 
Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge, and as 
President of the Arcadia Chamber of 
Commerce. He served as the chairman 
of both the Arcadia Diamond Jubilee 
and Arcadia Centennial celebrations 
and was honored twice as Arcadia’s Citizen 
of the Year. 

Arcadia Council Member Paul Cheng 
said, “Former Mayor Jim Helms was 
a true American patriot whose life reflected 
the highest ideals of service, sac


rifice, and love of country. His steadfast 
leadership and unwavering devotion to 
Arcadia exemplified what it means to 
answer a calling greater than oneself. 
His legacy will continue to inspire us to 
uphold the values he lived every day—
duty, honor, and an unbreakable commitment 
to the people and country he 
proudly served.” 

Jim’s dedication may have been most 
deeply felt at Methodist Hospital—now 
USC Arcadia Hospital. His involvement 
began decades ago with fundraising and 
continued when he was invited to join 
the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation 
Board. From there, Jim went on to serve 
the organization for more than 25 years, 
including his tenure as board chair. He 
most recently held the title of Director 
Emeritus and actively contributed to the 
Planned Giving Committee. 

Jim’s volunteerism extended across the 
region. He served as chairman of the 
Arcadia United Way, president of the 
San Gabriel Valley Legal Aid Society, 
and a dedicated member of the Arcadia 
Rotary Club, Arcadia Episcopal 
Church, and numerous other organizations. 
Each benefited from his leadership, 
generosity, and trademark enthusiasm 
for helping others. 

“Jim Helms was a great American and 
a stalwart community leader. Former 
Arcadia Mayor, eight year City Council 
Member, and esteemed member of the 
Bar since 1952, Jim was also a veteran of 
our military and most importantly, passionate 
about service to others, and doing 
what is right,” said Council Member 
David Fu. “Most proudly of all, I called 
Jim my friend. He encouraged me to do 
my best for the city, to persevere, and to 
uphold integrity in our town and for Arcadia’s 
benefit. We will miss Jim Helms, 
our lives and our city were richer for his 
selfless contributions”. 

Jim is survived by his wife Georgiana, 
their three daughters, and an extended 
family that includes countless friends, 
colleagues, and community members 
whose lives he touched. 

FIVE UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS CHARGED 
INVOLVING EATON FIRE ZONE 

ALTADENA (CNS) - Los Angeles County District AttorneyNathan Hochman announced the filing of charges against 
five men who are accused ofworking as unlicensed contractors 
in the Eaton Fire disaster zone in Altadena. 

Those charged with one felony count each of contracting 
without a license during a natural disaster are:

 -- Andrew Escarzaga, 27, and Daniel Escarzaga, 28, who are 
both of Chino and are set to be arraigned Jan. 8 in Pasadena;

 -- Edgar Geovanni Lopez Revolorio, 42, of Arleta, who 
pleaded not guilty Wednesday;

 -- Guillermo Ramirez, 54, of Pomona, who pleaded 
not guilty Thursday and allegedly has two prior felony 
convictions;

 -- Melvin Hairon Mejia Ordonez, 41, of Los Angeles, who 
pleaded not guilty Thursday. 

Revolorio, Ramirez and Ordonez -- who are due back in 
court Feb. 2 were each ordered not to contract or act in the 
capacity of a contractor for any work that requires a contractor's 
license without being properly licensed by the California 
Contractors State License Board and not to advertise for 
construction services without a contractor's license, according 
to the District Attorney's Office. 

The charge carries penalties of up to three years behind bars 

and/or a fine of up to $10,000, according to the District Attorney's 
Office, which noted that it is a felony to contract 
without a license to rebuild structures that were damaged or 
destroyed by a natural disaster when the governor has proclaimed 
a state of emergency.

 ``My office is cracking down on criminal contractors who 
prey on residents who have already lost so much and cannot 
afford to lose more,'' Hochman said in a statement announcing 
the charges. ``I urge the communities impacted by the 
wildfires to stay vigilant and report unlicensed contractors 
who are taking advantage of this disaster and putting your 
safety and property at risk.

 `` This is important: You are still the victim of a crime even 
if you knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor and should 
alert authorities.''

 Authorities urged affected homeowners to check a find 
a licensed contractor, check a contractor's license, report 
unlicensed contractors and file a complaint, ``Rebuilding 
after the Eaton Fire is hard enough, and no survivor should 
also have to fear being exploited by unlicensed or unscrupulous 
contractors," Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in the 
statement. 

``... As Altadena recovers, we will continue working together 
to safeguard residents' safety and peace of mind.''

 Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc. 

ARCADIA MAN SCHEDULED FOR TRIAL IN FEBRUARY 
AMIDST BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS 

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A former Compton City Council member was expected to plead guilty last week to a federal charge 
alleging he took part in a bribery scheme to secure marijuana permits.

 Isaac Galvan and an Arcadia businessman allegedly bribed Ricardo Pacheco when he was a Baldwin Park councilman with 
$70,000 for the permits, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

 Galvan, 38, of Compton, has agreed to plead guilty in Los Angelesfederal court to a single count of bribery concerning 
programs receiving federal funds. He served on the Compton City Council from 2013 until May 2022, when he lost his seat 
amid an election rigging scandal.

 Co-defendant Yichang Bai, 52, of Arcadia, owner-operator of import-export business W&F International and a Galvan 
consulting client, allegedly helped orchestrate the bribery scheme. He is scheduled for trial in February. 

In June 2017, Baldwin Park began permitting the cultivation,manufacture, and distribution of marijuana within its citylimits. Soon afterward, Pacheco began soliciting bribes from businesses seeking marijuana development agreements and 
related permits in the city, according to court documents.

 In exchange for the illicit payments, Pacheco agreed to use his position in city government to assist the companies with 
obtaining marijuana permits, including voting in their favor, federal prosecutors said. According to the indictment, Galvan 
allegedly first paid Pacheco a $10,000 bribe in August 2017 to secure Pacheco's support for a future consulting client's 
marijuana permit.

 After securing W&F as a client, Galvan facilitated $70,000 in bribesfrom Bai to Pacheco, prosecutors contend. Pacheco,
62, of Baldwin Park, served on Baldwin Park's city council from 1997 until his resignation in June 2020.

 Galvan allegedly paid the bribes in exchange for Pacheco's political support of and promise to deliver Baldwin Park's approval 
of marijuana permits for W&F. Pacheco then delivered, voting in favor of W&F's marijuana permit and later votingin favor of Bai's bid to relocate its operations.

 Pacheco pleaded guilty in June 2020 to a federal bribery charge unrelated to the marijuana-permit scheme. He agreed to 
cooperate in the government's public corruption probe and is expected to be sentenced in March. 

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