For the period of Sunday, July 11, through Saturday, July 17, the Police Department responded to 954 calls for service of which 122 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, July 11:

Between 2:20 p.m. and 2:35 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of El Monte. Unknown suspects entered the home through an unlocked bedroom window and stole a plasma television, DVD player, cameras, laptop computer, and other miscellaneous property. The homeowner returned home and saw three male Hispanic subjects in a green vehicle leave the scene.

Around 10:25 p.m., a consensual contact was made with a bicyclist at Live Oak and Second. The 54-year-old male Hispanic parolee consented to a search, and officers found a smoking pipe and baggies containing methamphetamine and marijuana. The subject also had a misdemeanor warrant and was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony parole violation.

Monday, July 12:

A residential burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Fairview between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) smashed a window to gain entrance into the house. The suspect(s) then ransacked rooms and stole cash.

Units responded to Westfield Mall around 3:46 p.m. in reference to two 18-year-old subjects detained for theft. While in the American Apparel store, one Filipino female was seen concealing merchandise in her purse; the other Chinese female was located outside the store wearing a stolen jacket from Cotton On. Private persons’ arrests were made, and they were taken into custody without incident.

Tuesday, July 13:

Shortly after 2:30 a.m., units were dispatched to the 800 block of West Huntington in reference to a restraining order violation. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle with three occupants. A 27-year-old male Caucasian suspect was sitting in the back seat with computer equipment and a duffle bag containing credit cards and personal identifying information belonging to different individuals. In a previous incident, the suspect held a knife to a woman’s throat and took her cell phone. The man was arrested for robbery and receiving stolen property.

Around 10:00 p.m., a witness saw three male subjects attempting to pry open a rear window of a closed business in the 00 block of East Duarte. Officers located the suspects in an alley and they admitted to trying to break into the business to steal property. Two Caucasian suspects, ages 16 and 18, and an 18-year-old Hispanic were taken into custody for attempted commercial burglary.

Wednesday, July 14:

A victim came to the station around 10:19 a.m. to file a fraud report. She was checking her account online and discovered an unauthorized transfer of almost $16,000 into a bank account that did not belong to her.

Between 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 00 block of East Colorado. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry into the residence by smashing a window and then reaching inside to unlock the front door. The suspect(s) then stole a semi-automatic rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, and several ammunition clips.

Thursday, July 15:
Officers were sent to the 5600 block of North Peck around 1:00 p.m. regarding a fraud investigation. The owner mailed a check for $80,337 in March, and in June she discovered that the check had not reached the recipient but was cashed at a check cashing business.

Around 3:18 p.m., units responded to the 300 block of Fairview in reference to two male subjects possibly smoking marijuana. An 18-year-old man was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of a driver’s license belonging to another individual.

Friday, July 16:
A victim came to the station around 7:45 p.m. to file an identity theft report. On July 9, she received an overdue notice from a collection agency. She checked her credit report and discovered that a line of credit with a balance of $11,242 was opened using her personal identifying information without her knowledge.
Between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., a 1998 black Honda Civic was stolen from the Peacock parking structure located at Westfield Mall.

Saturday, July 17:At approximately 3:00 p.m., units were called to County Park regarding an assault that just occurred. A 46-year-old female Caucasian transient was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon when she attempted to strike a male transient with her vehicle. Investigation revealed that the two transients were involved in a physical altercation several hours prior to the assault.
Loss prevention personnel from JC Penney detained a woman for theft around 4:50 p.m. The suspect was seen concealing a necklace in her bra and then left the store without making payment. She stole 14 pieces of jewelry from JC Penney and 3 necklaces from Claires for a total of $661. A private person’s arrest was made, and the 30-year-old Hispanic was taken into custody for grand theft.

Monrovia PD

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 614 service events, resulting in 118 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:
Vehicle Burglary
On July 9 at 9:58 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his commercial plumbing vehicle in the 500 block of West Foothill at approximately 9 p.m. in the evening. He returned to his truck at 10 a.m. the next morning and discovered the lock drilled out and the contents of the truck had been stolen. There was some evidence found at the scene, however, no witnesses were located. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
On July 9 at 1:54 p.m., the California Highway Patrol located a vehicle reported stolen out of Monrovia. The vehicle was found abandoned on the 605 Freeway, south of Live Oak. The car had a flat tire and was not drivable. The car was towed off the freeway to be dusted for possible fingerprints. No other evidence was found. The victims took possession of the vehicle later in the day. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 10 at 12:18 a.m., an officer was dispatched regarding a possible intoxicated driver in the 400 block of West Foothill. The caller gave a vehicle description and license plate number. The officer located the vehicle driving south on Magnolia. The driver then turned west on Colorado and drove partially into the eastbound lane. The driver was stopped and determined to be driving while under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
On July 10 at 12:30 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of West Colorado regarding a disturbance. When officers arrived, they noticed a subject trying to leave the area on a bicycle. As the officers approached, the subject dropped a plastic baggie. The officers recovered the baggie and found it contained nine ecstasy pills. A further search of the suspect revealed a small plastic container which contained 44 acid tabs. The suspect was arrested and brought to the station.
Residential Burglary
On July 10 at 1:44 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Encinitas regarding a burglary investigation. The officer located a witness that could possibly identify the suspect. The witness said the suspect approached the residence carrying an empty athletic bag. The witness lost sight of the suspect for a short time, and when he saw him again, the athletic bag was full. The suspect was described as a 20-year-old male subject wearing a dirty, white tank top and blue jeans, with a dark pompadour hairstyle. Investigation continuing.
Missing Person Located
On July 11 at 9:30 p.m., a subject called and reported his 87-year-old mother was missing. At the time of the officer’s report, the evidence showed she had made a purchase at a business in Monrovia at 1:20 p.m. The woman had been missing for approximately eight hours. She has no major illnesses or problems and is fairly independent. The son stated that she owns a vehicle and drives herself around, but does not drive at night. He also said it was possible that she stayed at a friend’s house because it was late. One of her sons stated she has done this once before. The sons called all her relatives and known friends in the San Gabriel Valley, but she was not found.
The missing person and her vehicle were entered into the missing person data system. The dispatcher completed a missing person teletype and also individually called local agencies to see if they had any contact with the missing person. She was also put into the local hospital information networking system in case she showed up at a hospital in the area. Officers searched the entire city, checking all parking lots and the streets near her home.
On July 13 at 12:13 a.m., the woman returned home. She claimed she was driving around Los Angeles and downtown, but could not remember much.
Residential Burglary
On July 12 at 7:13 a.m., an officer went to the 300 block of Wildrose regarding a residential burglary. The residence has a detached garage that is adjacent to an alley. The suspect entered through a side pedestrian door and stole a GPS, the victim’s notary stamp and her notary journal. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 12 at 1:21 p.m., an officer responded to the 1200 block of North Canyon on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and secured her vehicle in a parking area just south of the pay booth and went on a hike in the park. When she returned to her vehicle, she saw the right rear passenger window had been shattered. She checked her vehicle and noted her leather purse, which was on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat, was missing. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 12 at 2:53 p.m., an officer went to the 100 block of West Cypress regarding a vehicle burglary report. The victim’s vehicle was parked in an enclosed carport area. The suspect punched a round hole in the left rear window, just big enough for his arm to fit through, and unlocked the door. The car stereo was taken. Investigation continuing.
Medical Assist
On July 12 at 3:01 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a medical assist call at an apartment in the 200 block of West Walnut. A 35-year-old male subject was down. When the officer arrived, he found the male subject lying on the floor unresponsive, not breathing and without a pulse. The officer began CPR, which he performed until Monrovia Fire Department paramedics arrived and took over. The subject was taken to a hospital, where he was stabilized.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 12 at 4:23 p.m., an officer went to a parking lot in the 1600 block of South Myrtle regarding a vehicle break-in. The subject had parked and locked his vehicle in the morning and left it in the lot. He returned in the afternoon, shortly after 4 p.m., and found the front passenger window had been smashed and the stereo removed. Investigation continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On July 13 at 7:50 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 600 block of Monterey regarding a 911 hang up call. The female subject at the residence stated she and her husband were arguing and he struck her in the face, causing her nose to bleed. The husband then left for work. The female refused paramedics and refused an Emergency Protective Order. The officer went to the husband’s place of work to follow up and arrested him for domestic violence.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 13 at 11:20 a.m., an officer went to the 400 block of Linwood regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked her vehicle on the street at 5 p.m. the day before, and when she returned to it the next day, she saw the front passenger door ajar. She checked the interior and found the glove box open and ransacked. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
On July 14 at 9:21 a.m., an officer went to a car dealership in the 700 block of East Central regarding a stolen vehicle. A silver, 2010, Chevy truck was stolen sometime between 9 p.m. on July 13 and 6 a.m. on July 14. All keys are accounted for and there was no evidence of forced entry. Investigation continuing.
Public Assist
On July 14 at 4:49 p.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of North Canyon regarding a female reporting she had locked herself out of the house and her six month old child was inside. The officer was eventually able to unlock the door through a doggie door. The child was fine.

Sierra Madre PD

During the week of Sunday, July 4th, to Saturday July 10th, the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to approximately 339 calls for service.

Wednesday, July 7th:

9:35 PM – Trespassing on private property, 38 West Sierra Madre Blvd., Renaissance Plaza. A resident heard noises on the roof of the apartment complex and called police after finding two teenagers on the roof. Officers arrested a 17 year old male from La Canada and a 17 year old female from Pasadena. The two juveniles were transported to the police station where they issued citations and released to their parents.

Christian Zwicky, 17

Christian Zwicky, a senior at Arcadia High School, has taken it upon himself to spay/neuter 20 feral cats in the City of Arcadia for no charge as part of his Eagle Scout badge for Troop 125.
He and his mother, Dr. Barbarina Zwicky, have already adopted the two homeless Arcadia cats that Christian rescued, Prince and Vladimir.
Christian hopes to make a difference in the lives of feral cats in the community. He has already rescued five cats and had them spayed and neutered, two of which he kept and one of which he gave to his grandmother. The others were given to the Pasadena Humane Society, and are being placed up for adoption.
Dr. Valerie Tesauro of the TLC Pet Medical Center in South Pasadena, serves as an important key to this project.
In addition to being the family’s veterinarian, Dr. Tesauro has also agreed to neuter 10 male and spay 5 female felines who are currently living with Arcadia residents.
Christian would like to extend an open invitation to any Arcadia resident who would like to have his or her feline neutered or spayed at no cost, although donations to support his cause would be greatly appreciated. Any money exceeding the cost of the entire Eagle Scout project will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society.
Arcadia MD, Bernardine Celoni said this of Christian’s work He has been so helpful and caring in helping me catch these innocent animals and have them taken care of in such a loving way. I hhave had the pleasure of watching him work tirelessly at this commitment.”

Right off the bat, I have been reminded more then once that the correct pronunciation is me-har-eez, Mijares Mexican Restaurant. What do The Chronicle, JJ’s Steak House and Wood and Eddy’s all have in common? At one time they were all very popular restaurants here in the Pasadena area. For one reason or another, they are all out of business. So how does one freestanding restaurant pass the test of time? And approach the century mark, which is more then the combined years that the aforementioned restaurants were in business. I think I have the answer. On a recent visit I carefully watched Tommy Recendez, part owner and full time employee; tirelessly work the front of the restaurant with an attitude of roll up your sleeves and get dirty. The one major difference is that Tom is wearing a Tommy Bahama Shirt. He is closest thing we have to a game show host as he manages to kiss each lady on the cheek, or shake the hand of each guest as they walk in. It is a Norman Rockwell picture of a family from the fifties, and that is the reason that others have fallen as Mijares has remained a monument and destination for many from Pasadena. When Tom is not around kissing and shaking the hands of the guests, you will find the same type of warm invitation from his sisters R-Lene and Tina. But let’s not forget Alice, their Mother, who guarantees that the youngsters are carrying on the tradition of catering to the customers. You may see her roaming the dining hall and making sure the customers are satisfied with their enchiladas or Corky’s famous Garbage Burrito.
Beautiful!

If you have been to Mijare’s you’ll sense the classic “Cheers” approach to the feel of the restaurant. You have to walk straight through the bar to get to the dining room. Many times I have given in to temptation and stopped in my tracks and enjoyed one of George’s famous and award winning Margarita’s… Their motto is “mi casa es su casa!” If I took them up on that offer more often, I would never get any work done, but the risk almost seems worth it.

Recently, I filmed Mijares Sunday Brunch for my TV show, “Dining with Dills,” again the friendly service abounded. For ($18.95) you can immerse yourself in pretty much all the menu items. Sparkling wine is also included in the price. The Musicians wander through the restaurant with their powerful ballads that sweep the afternoon away. I see many people having a great time, so, be responsible and please bring a designated driver!!!

Items included are different fruits, a salad bar, many desserts; house made tortillas, soups, enchiladas, fajitas and an omelet station. Kids eat for ($8.95), no mimosas for the kids. Make sure you say, hello to Alice, knowing her, she’s probably the one setting up the brunch.

Plenty of free parking, full bar, outside dining a true Pasadena Institution that should be visited often. Sunday Brunch Hours are 9:30 AM to 2 PM. Check out their website for exact hours, prices and menu items. www.mijaresrestaurant.com 145 Palmetto Dr. Pasadena (626) 792-2763 Listen to me every Sunday afternoon at 5 PM. On KABC Talk Radio 790

Mother Love was one of this mornings recipients- Photo by Terry Miller

Flanked by Assemblyman Portantino and Carol Liu, Mother Love from Pasadena. was one of 25 women who were recognized at the 11th Annual Women In Business Awards luncheon held at the Hilton Hotel in Pasadena.
The event which is also co hosted by Assemblyman Gatto ( who was not present but gave a video presentation) this year celebrates businesswomen from the San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley whose professional skills and commitment to community have made them outstanding leaders.

Pasadena's new Police Chief talks with a Tuskeege Airman at the luncheon

Brigadier Gen. Mary J. Kight and Oliver Goodall - Photos by Terry Miller

For this Foothill Unity Center volunteer, the memory of being too embarrassed to go back to school is still all too fresh. And that’s why she’ll be on hand for Foothill Unity Center’s 12th Annual Back-to-School Event on Thursday, August 19, at Santa Anita Park racetrack.

Last year, nearly1,700 local kids from very low income families went back to school— equipped with brand new backpacks, clothing/uniforms, school supplies, even haircuts and manicures. This year, as the tough economy puts more and more parents in desperate straits, the Center needs help to outfit over 2,000 local K-12 students.

The event is about much more than uniforms and pencils, says Center Executive Director Joan Whitenack; it’s about helping children feel good about themselves and excited about school — starting them off on a confident note that lasts the whole year.

“There’s nothing like poverty for creating low self-esteem,” she observes. “Children are quick to notice other students are wearing crisp new clothes and carrying new backpacks, pens, pencils and notebooks. Embarrassment may lead to withdrawing in class, making it much harder for them to learn.”

The entire community shares in this annual effort. About half the costs of this year’s clothing and supplies will be covered by major sponsors including Walmart, Vons Foundation, Southern California Edison and WorleyParsons. Each child will also receive a voucher toward new shoes from the Tzu Chi Foundation and a new age-appropriate book from Monrovia Reads. The day will feature dental screenings by the USC School of Dentistry, vision screenings by the Western University College of Optometry, and a ceramic art project with Paint N Play. The balance of costs must be raised through individual contributions.

While donations of school clothing and supplies are welcome, dollars allow the Center to buy far more efficiently than individuals can on their own. Just $50 provides a uniform, socks, underwear, a new backpack and school supplies for one child.

Those who prefer to purchase supplies are asked to drop them off by August 10. Checks may be mailed to Back-to-School Program, Foothill Unity Center, 415 West Chestnut Avenue, Monrovia, California, 91016. Donations can also be made securely online at foothillunitycenter.org.

For further information on Back to School needs and volunteer opportunities, call the Center at (626) 358-3486.

Foothill Unity Center provides a range of services unparalleled not only in the San Gabriel Valley, but across Los Angeles County. Operating with a small staff and a corps of dedicated volunteers, the nonprofit, nondenominational organization distributed over four million pounds of food to 3,974 unduplicated very low-income families last year. It also provides clothing, limited motel vouchers, and referrals to the homeless and people in crisis. Clients meet stringent income guidelines and are re-qualified annually. Over 94% of every dollar goes to program. For more information, call the Center at (626) 358-3486.

It is said that big things often come in little packages. I don’t think that is meant to apply to words, but I sure thought of it when I read the following about a little two-letter word. This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and the word is ‘UP’. It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv]. [prep], [adj], [n], or [v].
It is easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?
We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing. A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don’t give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, the earth soaks it UP. When it does not rain for a while, things dry UP.
One could go on & on, but I’ll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP!

Fire and rescue and police vehicles surrounded the area shortly before noon, followed by the media, reporting stories on local television, radio, and newspapers.

The Arcadia Police Department, alongside the Fire Department, received a call and responded at approximately 11:20 am concerning a potentially hazardous chemical release into the pool. When the units arrived, the park staff had already evacuated the pool. Paramedics helped to set up a triage area.

About 34 children between the ages of 6 and 11 were treated for chemical exposure, according to Arcadia PD. The remaining children playing at the pool were released to their parents. No serious injuries have been reported, and 16 of the 17 children that were hospitalized have undergone a decontamination and were released after an observation period.

Refer questions to the Fire Department Public Information Officer, Beth Stogner, at (626) 574-5112.

Judy Wong, surrounded by friends and family, leaves the court Thursday morning - Photo by Terry Miller

Wong pled no contest in May to multiple charges of bribery, solicitation of bribery and perjury involving developer Randy Wang. It was expected that sentencing would be pronounced Thursday morning but was re-scheduled for Aug. 24 at 8:30 am.

Judge Patricia Schnegg was unavailable to handle the case which was the main reason behind the delay in sentencing.

Surrounded by family and friends Wong said “I’m calm and confident.”

Temple City School Board Member Joe Walker, who has been strong and vocal opponent to Judy Wong was also in the courtroom for the proceedings.

Wong will be in downtown Los Angeles next month when Judge Patricia Schnegg is able to officiate. She could be sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Photos by Terry MIller

The Relay for Life survivor medals were worn by those who have beat cancer and those currently battling the disease.

Arcadia firefighters try to guess the number of marbles in a jar as part of one of the high school team's fundraising efforts. The firefighters at Relay for Life were honoring Captain Andy Troncale and FF Gerry Martin, both of whom are battling cancer.

By Amy Leong

Whether it is a close friend, relative, or family member, we are all affected by cancer. In fact, one of three individuals are affected by cancer every day. For 25 years, Relay for Life of Arcadia has been giving local citizens of all ages the chance to raise money to be used in the search for a cure. On June 26-27, relatives, friends, and family members gathered at the Santa Anita Race Track from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to fight back against cancer and relay in support of their loved ones.
Hosted by the American Cancer Society, communities across the globe participated in this life-changing event to help individuals get the support they need and develop ways to help prevent the disease. Because cancer never sleeps, each team was required to have at least one representative on the track for the entire twenty-four hours.
LeAnn Solis, Arcadia’s Relay for Life Event Co-Chair and Team Recruitment Chair said, “This year’s event was a HUGE success with approximately 20 new teams and over $103,000 raised for the fight against cancer. I am particularly proud of the event chair, Carter Spruill, who managed to bring this event to new heights. He is an amazing man and he plans on doing bigger and better things with the Arcadia Relay for Life next year. We hope to see more new faces join us next year as we continue to fight back again cancer!
After the opening ceremonies, Relay for Life of Arcadia took off with the survivor’s lap, a first lap around the track. The survivor’s lap then followed through with a caregiver’s lap, where close family, friends, and medical personnel could join in the effort. Soon after they finished that lap, participants were invited to join their team in a parade around the track.
Activities Co-Chair Melody Wong said, “Relay inspires me by showing me that hope still exists and despite all the tragedies and burdens of the world, it’s a miracle that people are willing to donate their time and money for finding a cure which seems almost like an impossible task. I admire the passion some people have for this event because I, in my miniscule way, have a partial understanding of what ACS stands for and what ACS can do for cancer patients.”
When that ceremony was over, several teams offered games and activities at their tents for the participants to enjoy, while other teams sold various snacks on the pathway of the race track. One group named Team Hope went the extra mile by hosting a series of activities during the event including a watermelon eating contest, balloon toss, obstacle course, musical chairs, and water balloon fight. There were also live singers, dancers, and a karate performance to keep participants engaged throughout the day.
The conclusion of the event closed with a Luminaria ceremony in which each participant had their own candle to light, honoring the memory of those touched by cancer. Hundreds of decorated paper bags were also lined up around the track and campsite areas, each representing an individual who lost their loved ones from cancer and those who are survivors. But the light inside the bag still drives on, representing the hope with which we all continue to fight.
With 49 teams participating in the event and over 751 total participants, Arcadia’s Relay for Life was able to raise thousands of dollars this year. Event Chairman Carter Spruill said, “We shattered our goal of $80,000.00 by raising over $103,800.00 and while I am very proud to have been the event chairman this year, what made me the most proud was the contributions of Arcadia School District.” All the proceeds from the event will go towards completing the American Cancer Society’s ultimate goal: a world with less cancer and more birthdays. By distributing some of the funds to their telephone counseling service, the American Cancer Society’s “Quitline” program doubles a person’s chances of quitting tobacco, a major cause of many types of preventable cancer. There are also on-line resources available to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle and programs to assist cancer patients with their treatments and lodging.
In the hope that one day cancer will be eliminated, Relay for Life participants’ motivation for such a great cause will go far in the future, becoming even more inspirational to those who lost loved ones, celebrate those who survived cancer, and most of all fight back against the disease.

Lourdes San Blas is flanked by her brother Leon San Blas and his partner Robert Doolittle at the location of their new marijuana dispensary at Arcadia Carwash on Live Oak Avenue in unincorporated Monrovia. - Photo by Terry Miller

Two Monrovia men who have faced agonizing adversity and severe physical injuries and years of pain and rehabilitation may now be facing the toughest battle of their lives: their neighbors.
It’s not the self-serve car wash, diesel fuel tanks or propane sales that have these neighbors concerned about renovation plans for an old gas station property on unincorporated county land bordering Arcadia and Monrovia. Rather, these two men say they want to help alleviate pain and suffering in patients who could benefit from legally prescribed medical cannabis.
The property owner and developer Leon San Blas, 52, plans to turn one of the buildings behind the gas station/car wash into a medical marijuana dispensary with his friend and business partner Bob Doolittle.
But upon hearing of their plans, many in the community have vociferously objected. One group has set up a website devoted to fighting this potential business. It proclaims the following:
“We the citizens of this neighborhood, Absolutely refuse the allowance and creation a a [sic] medical marijuana dispensary located at 4332 E. Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, or anywhere else within our neighborhood. The installation of this dispensary would destroy our community containing homes, families, churches, schools, and libraries. We citizens move to have this project canceled and denied by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, as well as Los Angeles Building and Safety, immediately.”
One outraged resident, Susan Oberman, posted this comment on the petition site: “Absolutely do not allow this type of facility to encourage those who have no respect for their bodies and minds.”
There is also concern among opponents of the facility that it will be a magnet for crime. Indeed, last week two shootings at Hollywood-area dispensaries have inflamed an already contentious debate over the safety of such businesses and where they should be located.
One petitioner from the opposition site is convinced that the dispensary would create a public safety hazard.
“Criminals will be stalking the dispensary to either steal the cash acquired from the store or the weed,“ said the anonymous petitioner.” Guns are usually involved in all of the above activities. The good people of our neighborhood do not deserve this type of activity.”
Despite the homegrown opposition, a growing body of medical research has lead voters and lawmakers in California and 14 other states plus the District of Columbia to allow regulated use of marijuana for a variety of illnesses.
In a 2004 article titled “Myths about Medical Marijuana,” former United States Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders wrote that “the evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS — or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”
But despite the popular support among state voters and activists, local citizens are anything but keen on the idea of a dispensary in their “backyard.”
According to San Blas and his business partner Bob Doolittle, 60, things didn’t go very well when they presented plans at a Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte (MAD) Town Council meeting June 15.
“They wanted to lynch us.” Doolittle said. “It was nasty.”
The two men stress that they aren’t out of town drug dealers looking to corrupt the neighborhood. They both live in Monrovia and have been well-respected businessmen and developers. Doolittle was even a Monrovia police officer for 10 years.
But citizens at the June 15 meeting took little solace in the fact that the men are locals with respectable histories.
“They wanted to put a rope around my neck” San Blas said.
After the meeting, Bob Doolittle said an elderly woman approached him and warned him to “watch your back.” According to Doolittle, he asked the woman if she was threatening him, but received no answer as she vanished into the crowd of about 100 people who attended the meeting.
Blas, who is paralyzed from an industrial injury after he went the Sheriff’s Academy in San Bernardino, said he just wants to help people relieve their suffering without breaking the law.
“I’m surrounded by patients who need help,” said San Blas. ”It’s like God put me here for a reason. I think it’s a calling.”
The two men and San Blas’s sister Lourdes are no strangers to pain after both men suffered such horrific injuries. San Blas says he doesn’t smoke marijuana, but instead ingests it.
Blas’ controversial proposal comes as Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich has announced plans for an ordinance that would effectively ban any marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas. In introducing the measure, Antonovich said that he feared the hundreds of dispensaries recently given the boot from the City of Los Angeles would set up shop in unincorporated areas, free from municipal intervention. Monrovia and Arcadia have already imposed a ban on medical marijuana clinics within the city limits, but Blas’s property is in an unincorporated area of the county.
Regarding Antonovitch’s proposal San Blas said, “I don’t think this will affect us as we started the process in December and I think it may affect those who start the application process after today. We should be alright.”
Earlier this month, the City of Los Angeles ordered more than 400 dispensaries to close in accordance with the city’s new medical marijuana ordinance. Around 180 dispensaries remain open within the L.A. city limits. Eventually, the city council hopes to whittle the number of pot shops down to 70 and to limit outlets to industrial areas. Dispensaries that opened before the city declared a moratorium on Nov. 13, 2007, will be allowed to stay open but, within six months, they will have to comply with the ordinance, which has a strict zoning component.
The owners need to obtain a conditional use permit to open a dispensary in an unincorporated area. They applied for the permit seven months ago and now anticipate at least two more months of red tape before they can operate.
When the MAD meeting took place, Capt. Randy Kirby of the Monrovia Police Department assured community members in attendance that he was “going to investigate these guys.”
While San Blas and Doolittle understand their neighbors’ worries, they welcome the investigation. “We are good community members with no criminal records –we’re simply trying to help those in need.” San Blas affirmed.
San Blas and Doolittle have recently installed a high tech security system of cameras in preparation of the opening dispensary. Plans include armed security guards to thwart off robbery attempts, bullet proof glass and surveillance within the proposed business area which is behind the car wash.
“When we started this process we started across the street at an orange building,” said San Blas, but that building was too close to a child care center. We found the gas station and made a deal with the oweners to renovate, paint and generally clean up this part of the neigborhood. The car wash is operable and hopefully by next week the gas and diesal will be up and running.”
Doolittle and San Blas are adamant that they simply want to help aliviate suffering in cancer patients and those with chronic pain who have a doctor’s recommendation. According to the two men, there is already plenty of interest in the new business from local would-be patients.
We have already have people coming into the business asking questions due to the publicity we’ve received,” said San Blas.
In addition to the plans of the Cannibis Dispensary, the two partners are hoping to deveop a home for Autistic children in Monrovia. “The proceeds from this dispensary may help finance the Autistic Childrends’ home. I already own the land so we are off to a good start,” said San Blas.
The proposal comes at a time when California is facing a potentially historic vote this November that could effectively legalize, regulate and tax marijuana for recreational use. In an eerie coincidence, the proposition was recently assigned the number 19, the same number assigned to a similar, failed measure put forward in 1972. Ballot proposition numbering resets every 10 years.
In the last few days, the NAACP of California and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson have endorsed the “Yes on 19” campaign. Prop. 19 would allow adults 21 years and older to possess, cultivate, or transport cannabis for personal use and permit local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of cannabis, while still banning the drug’s use on school grounds, in public, while driving, using when minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years of age.
On April 20 of this year, polling organization SurveyUSA conducted a poll of California voters which found 56% would vote in favor of Prop. 19’s passage. A similar poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California completed on May 16 found 49% in favor and 48% opposed.