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

Kelsey Sih, Tyler Yung, Kasey Sickles, Dana Tran, Christine Nowak, and Carrington Taylor getting ready to head to down under

Kelsey Sih, Carrington Taylor, Dana Tran and Tyler Yung, were all smiles as they were surrounded by family and friends for the farewell dinner. They will leave Thursday evening for the land down under.  While getting ready for their trip the students  performed a California themed skit for those in attendance in preparation for their debut in Australia.   Two of the students will be celebrating  birthdays abroad.

When asked what they are most looking forward to,  Tyler  immediately replied,  “I can’t wait to say I swam in the Australian waters in the middle of winter.”  While Dana mentioned, “I want to see the wild kangaroos.”  The students will tour sites in the Hawkesbury as they stay in the homes of six Australian students who, in turn,  will visit Temple City this spring.

They will also attend high school with their host sibling , as well as visit some of the local elementary schools. There will be a tour of the capitol of Canberra and Sydney, including the famous Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, and Centerpoint Tower. The students will also venture to Bondi and Manley Beaches.

Stay tuned for personal accounts of their adventures in the upcoming weeks.  We will be featuring them weekly in Upcoming issues of the Temple City Tribune and online..