2009_12_24_Pasadena by Beacon Media News

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Thursday, December 24 - December 30, 2009 Volume 14, No. 52

One of Three New Banks Murder Victim Appears Opened This Year Sees to be White Supremacist Success in Pasadena By Susan Motander By Sameea Kamal

Pediatric patient Jayleen rushes to meet Santa after he gets off the chopper atop Huntington Hospital when he visited children at the Pediatric Unit last week as part of Pasadena PD’s Operation Polar Wind. -Photo by Terry Miller Full Story on Page 11

A Mother’s Christmas Wish: Her Daughter Back By Susan Motander

On the afternoon of October 29, this year, Sandra Ortega left her home in Monrovia for the short bus ride to her job in Duarte. She has not been seen since. Sandra had just turned 17 the month before and her family is worried. Sandra’s mother, Cassandra Lopez said that this year the one thing she wants for Christmas is her daughter back, or at least the knowledge that she is all right and safe. Sandra attended Monrovia High School and worked at the Dollar Tree in Duarte as part of the R.O.P. work experience program at the school. On the day she disappeared she never arrived at work. “She had said that she wanted to move out when she turned eighteen,” her mother explained, “but nothing happened that would make her suddenly leave now. “I just need to know she

Missing Monrovia Teenager, Sandra Ortega: Photo Courtesy of Cassandra Lopez

is OK,” the distraught mother said. If you have any information that would make this Christmas wish come true, please contact the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000.

In the third quarter of 2009, just three banks were approved nationally, and only two banks in the state of California. One of those banks was the California General Bank in Pasadena, which was approved to open in March. For two years prior to that, the bank has been in the process of filing applications, getting their charter approval and raising capital to meet their goal of $20 million. “It was a very long and arduous process that we went through,” said CEO Bill Hawkins. “As it turns out, about the time we were in the process of getting the approvals and raising the money, the financial crisis hit in the

Continued on 10

Relocation of Bank’s Millard Sheets Mural Under Discussion By Sameea Kamal

Catherine Haskett-Hany has been going to what is now Chase Bank on Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard since she was a child, and has always looked forward to seeing the mural of the Pasadena Rose parade on the wall. When she walked in one day to see it covered up by a wall, she was alarmed that it was hidden. Haskett-Hany, who is the Communications Director at the Pasadena Library, said the mural is one of the reasons she enjoys going to that bank. “They’ve made it so it’s very bank-like … and before it was a very special place to go to because you had that mural,” she said. “It didn’t matter how long the line was because you could enjoy the mural and there was always something to learn about it.” Haskett-Hany then con-

-Photo by Terry Miller

tacted the Pasadena Cultural Affairs Office, who has been working with Chase Bank to find a suitable relocation. “Having grown up with it, it means a lot to me,” she said. “More people other than (those) who know of it at the bank should be able to see it.” As a part of reconstruct-

ing the branch, the bank placed a wall to create a work area for employees that is out of sight of customers for security reasons, said Gary Kischner, spokesperson for the Pasadena branch. As a result, the mural is partially obscured to the public.

Continued on 5

T he man who died last week in a shooting in Monr o v i a has been identified as Jason Samuel Gentile, 22, of Costa Mesa. The shooting occurred on Tuesday, December 15 just after 8:00 p.m. on Colorado Blvd., just west of California. The dead man appears to have been a white supremacist and Sheriff’s Department investigators believe the five men who were in the group from which the shots were fired are members of Monrovia Nuevo Varrio (MNV), a local street gang. MNV is one of two gangs named in the Gang Injunction recently granted in Superior Court. The shooting took place in the area which is the subject of the injunction. According to investigators, Gentile, with a woman said to be his girlfriend, was on the south side of Colorado when an argument broke out with five Latino men on the north side of the street. Witnesses to the incident said that one of those on the north side of the street pulled out a gun and began firing. Gentile was shot three times in the head and torso, and died. The identity of the woman who was with him has not been released. She was shot once in the foot, was treated at a local hospital and released. Gentile, who had a long criminal history, had swastikas and other white supremacist tattoos according to court records, investigators and his own Myspace page. He is also said to be a member of a white supremacist gang in Orange County. Since the incident, that Myspace page has been

Continued on 10

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What’s A Kid To Believe?

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metro.net

Metro Briefs

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Go Metro to The Roses Celebrate the New Year on Metro. The Metro Gold Line can get you to the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl Game, viewing the ?oats after the parade and even the BCS game on January 7. Memorial Park, Lake and Allen stations are all just a short walk from the parade route. Shuttles can take you to the games and ?oat viewing area. Find out more at metro.net.

Back in the early days when I was growing up, kids remained innocent longer than they do today. Some would call it innocent. Some would call it ignorant. Some would call it naive. I call it wonderful. I searched the midnight sky looking for Santa Claus beyond the age that many modern kids are searching the Internet for porno movies. I learned very early about both Baby Jesus and Santa Claus. God had Baby Jesus born on Christmas Day to teach us to be good little girls and boys. Then his spirit (the Holy Ghost) was around us all the time to help us. Once a year, at Christmas time, God sent Santa down from the North Pole to see if we were listening carefully to what God and Baby Jesus were telling us. Simple? Yeah, but it worked. It made a good little girl out of me - most of the time. Especially in December. We lived on a farm in my early years. We had no TV or Internet. In fact we had no electricity. Our radio was powered by a big battery about the size of an automobile battery. I listened for reports from the North Pole. I didn’t realize how far away the kids on the other side of the world really were. Southern Ohio was my whole world. It was perfectly possible to believe Santa could make the entire trip in a few hours. There was only one Santa Claus. He came to Zanesville on Saturdays in December and sat by the big Christmas tree on the courthouse esplanade. He must have come really early because he and the reindeer always arrived before the kids who came from all over to talk with him. We bundled up in boots, snow pants, heavy jackets, toboggans, mufflers and mittens and stood in line in the snow. It was worth it. Santa gave us a candy cane. It was smart to pet the reindeer before you got your candy cane, ‘cause they liked them too. Today, Santas arrive in fire trucks, helicopters and limousines. Kids can have breakfast with him in dozens of places, all at the same time. He sits in dozens of airconditioned Malls and stores, all at the same time. He stands ringing a bell on dozens of street corners, all at the same time. He shows up at dozens of Christmas parties, all at the same time. One minute he is fat and jolly. The next he is skinny and scrawny and his beard has turned to cotton. What’s a kid to believe? Who’s the real one? How long can kids hang on to innocence? Today Baby Jesus is politically incorrect and Santa is a fake. Me? I still believe in Baby Jesus. As for Santa Claus, call me innocent, ignorant or naive but I still believe in him too. I’d like to believe the real one is spending December Saturdays sitting on the courthouse esplanade in Zanesville, Ohio. Save my candy cane, Santa. I’m trying to listen.

John B. Stephens

Photographer Terry Miller

Columnists

Dorothy Denne Floretta Lauber Wally Hage

Contributors

Susan Motander Bill Peters Morgan Carpenter Tom Gammill Deborah Ann Neely Sue Behrens Candyce Columbus Meg Galli Greg Aragon Emilo Santoyo Jeff Couriveau Matthew Burch Dawn Rickabaugh Erin Vosti Lal

PRODUCTION Graphic Artist/ Production Director Thom Gastelum

Production Intern Courtney Blackburn

Business Advertising

advertising @beaconmedianews.com

Sales Manager Andrea Olivas

Legal Advertising Circulation manager Joseph Polk

By Wally Hage

New Year’s Resolutions

Discover The Taste of The Eastside

Editor

Annette Reyes

TheGoodLife

Holiday Eve Free Fares To help you enjoy the holidays safely, all Metro bus and rail will o=er free service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Speci>cally, no fare will be charged from 9pm on Thursday, December 24 until 2am Friday, December 25 and from 9pm Thursday, December 31 until 2am on Friday, January 1. Have a safe holiday. Go Metro.

Accounting Vera Shamon

Office Assistant Tina Shah

Address:

From sushi in Little Tokyo/Arts District to tamales in East LA, the opening of the Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension also opened up a new dining adventure. Metro has put together a listing of just some of the o=erings in its Eastside Dining Guide – more than 70 choices shown by nearest station location. Check it out at metro.net.

New Silver Line Freeway Service Metro has introduced new high-frequency, high-capacity bus service on the freeway carpool lanes between the South Bay and the San Gabriel Valley. The new Metro Silver Line travels the carpool lanes on the I-10 and I-110 freeways, and also serves key destinations in Downtown LA. Find out more at metro.net.

Medical, Dental, Metro Pass

Start the New Year out right. Now is the time to get your company involved – ask your boss to buy Metro passes for all employees as an employee bene>t. Employees save money riding Metro and the company enjoys tax savings, reduced parking demands and improved employee morale. Find out more at 213.922.2811.

If you’d like to know more, please call us at 1.800.464.2111, or visit metro.net.

Von Raees

By Dorothy Denne

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Publisher/Editor in Chief

New Year’s Resolutions ... As this New Year begins to unfold ... like a rose with petals curled tightly concealing its beauty ... why not take this opportunity to make things better this year. Recently, I snickered as I read a list of things that people disliked most about other people that they come in contact with daily. However, It touched a nerve in me as I begin to search the list for things that I might be unconsciously doing. So here it is ... perhaps an opportunity for you to also search the list for changes you might make in your daily life that will allow you to reveal more of your beauty! Courtesy ... I hope you are not one of those people that strut through a door that you are holding for them ... and then forget the courtesy of saying “Thank You”. Most everyone knows of the Elevator Jumper who can’t wait until the passengers unload to shove right into the crowd as though it was the last elevator. The Supermarket courtesy violators number in the hundreds. The Aisle Blocker with cart on one side while they are reading all of the labels on products on the other side of the isle. Also there is Ms Forgetful who insists on the Checker to get another item at the back of the store while the line is winding back to the vegetable department. Of course there is the Coin Purse Queen that is always in front of you that can never find small change so she does not have to break another bill. I certainly cannot overlook the Credit Card Switcher who continues to say, “Well try this one as it might not be over limit”. Non-stop Talking ... Now this is another Resolution Giant, high on the list. It seems that “Lawnmower Mouths” are on the rise. Apparently God forgot to give them ears... as listening is never practiced. If you should get an opportunity to say something your sentence is jumped-upon before you can finish. Perhaps the Motor Mouth Syndrome is because of the ever-increasing Cell phone Babbler’s that are everywhere. Those Stupid Sounds ... of a ringing cell phone that permeates the peace and quiet of a diner are common and likewise the stupid user can never find the cell phone to shut it off. Then of course there is your dinning guest that has to take a call from her sister

Continued on 14

125 E. Chestnut Dr., Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone:

(626) 301-1010

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3 December 24 - December 30, 2009

MONDAY

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The Doozies

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Saturday, December 26 DeFlocked

SATURDAY

11-28-09

FRIDAY

11-27-09

THURSDAY

11-26-09

WEDNESDAY

11-25-09

TUESDAY

11-24-09

To all our Readers

Health & Fitness Guide

SAY HELLO TO SANTA ANITA

A personal By Jeff Corriveau approach to financial planning

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SAY GOODBYE

ZENYATTA

Santa Anita celebrates its 75th anniversary with a spectacular opening day this Saturday, December 26th. Take home the 2010 Classic Santa Anita wall calendar and bid farewell to the great, undefeated Breeders’ Cup champion Zenyatta as she parades one last time down the Santa Anita stretch.

Special first race post opening day only is 11:30 am. Come early. It’s a day you won’t forget.

Call (626) 447-4060 today. Financial Financial advisory services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2009 Senior Advisor Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Chartered Financial Financial Consultantadvisory services and investments available through 225 East Santa Clara Street Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Suite 302 © 2009 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

75 Years and Still Going Strong EAST

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30, 2009

http://www.bestcrosswords.com/bestcrosswords/printable/Home,printabl...

Crossword TheWeekly

uzzle #1 for November 30, 2009

915178-

blem; he ice; ack; ude rney's tle an; 41; 43ntic

Mars; 58r uide;

66-

47. Capital of Eritrea 48. Take 51. Env. notation 52. Pertaining to Mars 54. Hot biting condiment 58. Writer Loos 59. Trojan War hero 61. Observed 62. Guide 63. Delhi wrap 64. Brit’s exclamation 65. Grieved 66. Calculus calculation 67. Hammett hound

Down

1. Pith helmet 2. Grad 3. Diamond cover 4. Typical 5- Animal that catches mice; 6- Otic; 7- Ed.'s pile; 8- Not much; 95. Animal that catches mice Builds;Across 11- Ribbons; 12- Of Thee ___; 13- Cool!; 21- Bring to bear; 25. Releases s ex; 27- Hog sound; 28- Elation; 29- Bert's buddy; 30- Not "fer"; 326. Otic 1. Cheerio! kish honorific; 34- Boxer Max; 35- Verdi opera; 38- Artery that feeds 26. Lumberjack 7. Ed.’s pile Loss of5.memory; 45- Shackle; 46- Place for beehives; 47- Loss of Baby’s cry 29. newsman; Roof overhangs ollect; 49- Division of a long poem; 50- Old 51- Without ___ 8. Not much 9. Admit55- Capone's nemesis; 56- Tidy, without fault; 57space agency; 31. Crude carrier Glass container; 9. Person with a flat, say 14. Norwegian king 32. Exhort 10. Builds 15. Expel 33. Attorney’s org. 11. Ribbons 16.Clear the board 36. Vane dir. 12. Of Thee ___ 17. Free from contamination 37. A little brown 13. Cool! 18. Bear in the sky 40. Moo goo ___ pan 21. Bring to bear 19. Photographic tone 41. Tina’s ex 23. Santa’s aides 20. Emblem 42. Thor’s father 26. Burt’s ex 22. Decline 43. Oohed and ___ 27. Hog sound 24. Jump on the ice 45. N Atlantic archipelago

46. Place for beehives 47. Loss of muscle coordinaLast Week’s Solution BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for November 22, 2009 tion Across Short gaiters; 6- Wither; 10element; 14- Nun wear; 48.lCollect 1-Morse 15- Lodge letters; 16- TV award; 17- Less cordial; 18- Bang-up; 19- a Remove waterpoem from a boat; 49. Division of long 20- Diving seabird; 22- Spanish Miss; 24- Affirmative vote; 26Plunder; 27- Listen; 3150. Old newsman Astronaut Grissom; 32- Take pleasure in; 33- Noblemen; 36Singer in Torme; 39- Horse color; 51. Without ___ the world 40- Great; 41- Currency unit in Western Samoa; 42- Georgia, Abbr.; 43Take away by 53. Americanonce: space agency force; 44- Japanese poem; 45Agnus ___; 46- Turbid; 48by theft; 51- Crone; 5255. Capone’sTakes nemesis Companion of Daniel; 54- Turns; 59- Island of Hawaii; 60- Midday; 62- Conductor 56. Tidy, without faultDorati; 63Camaro model; 64- Serbian folk dance; 65- Inscribed pillar; 66Internet writing system that 57. “Orinoco popularized Flow”"pwn3d" singer and "n00b"; 67- Up and ___!; 68Wished; 60. Glass container;

28. Elation 29. Bert’s buddy 30. Not “fer” 32.lGo back, in a way 33. Turkish honorific 34. Boxer Max 35. Verdi opera 38. Artery that feeds the trunk 39. Hurried 44. Loss of memory 45. Shackle

BestCrosswords.com - Puzzle #1 for November 22, 2009

Go back | Print | Help

Sudoku

Down 1- Vessel; 2- Tempo; 3- Slightly; 4- A wedding cake may have three of these; 5- A poorly-wiped window?; 6- Ring org.; 7- Wall St. debuts; 8- Hermit; 9- Mall-goer, often; 10- Ruins; 11- At full speed; 12- Strike hard; 13- Tree frog; 21- Caustic stuff; 23- Literary work; 25- Clothe; 27- "His and ___"; 28- Slaughter of baseball; 29- Cracked; 30- Jockey Turcotte; 34- FedEx rival; 35Sailing vessel; 36- Female servant; 37- Sommer of film; 38- Extol; 40- Ceylon, now; 41- 19th letter of the Greek alphabet; 43- Don; 44- Bunk; 45- Detract; 47- Back muscle, briefly; 48Apportion; 49- Lake in the Sierra Nevada; 50- Go swiftly; 52- Earth; 53- Gap; 55- A big fan of; 56Pace; 57- Story; 58- Dog-powered snow vehicle; 61- ___ de guerre;

Or, “the numbers must occur only once”

2 1 5

4 8 5 6 6 7

9 8

8 3 5

http://www.bestcrosswords.com/bestcrosswords/printable/Home,printabl...

Last Week’s Solution

1 of 1

3 1 2 7 9 4

Fill the 9 X 9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3 X3 regions contain the digits from 1 to 9 only once each. Solutions run the following week.

11/23/2009 12:52 PM

7 9 6

4 8 1 9 6 5 7 3 2

2 6 3 7 1 8 4 5 9

7 5 9 3 4 2 8 6 1

2 is the only candidate in (8,7) 6 is the only candidate in (8,3)

9 1 4 5 3 7 2 8 6

5 2 7 8 9 6 1 4 3

6 3 8 4 2 1 5 9 7

8 7 6 1 5 9 3 2 4

3 9 5 2 7 4 6 1 8

1 4 2 6 8 3 9 7 5

December 24 - December 30, 2009 5

Art of Living

Relocation of Bank’s Millard Sheets Mural Under Discussion Continued from 1 K i s c h ne r s a id t h a t though no one has complained about the possible donation of the piece, customers have voiced concerns that they were no longer able to see the mural, which was painted by Millard Sheets. Kischner said the bank tries to keep all of the art within the collection, but if they are unable to do so they try to return the piece to the artist. “We did speak to Tony sheets, Millard Sheets son, and we’ve been working with Mr. Sheets to find a solution for the artwork,” K ischner said. “We will be donating the artwork, or giving it to the Millard Sheets foundation.” The mural was origina lly commissioned by Howard Ahmanson, owner of the Home Savings Bank and a big collector of art, said Chris Nichols, an editor with Los Angeles Magazine and member of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Modern Committee. The bank was acquired by Washington Mutual in the 1990s, and bought by Chase Bank in 2008. Though the building was demolished in the early 1990s, the mural and three other art pieces were salvaged and moved into the current building, he said. “For each of his branches Ahmanson commissioned artists for site-specific works … depicting the nature of the bank,” Nichols said. T he a r t i st , M i l l a rd Sheets, a Pomona native and head of the Otis Arts Institute, was an architectural designer who drafted plans for many Home Savings Banks in the 1950s and 1960s – including Pasadena’s, said his son, Tony Sheets. Millard Sheets created many mosaics, murals and stained-glass pieces. The bank’s piece was painted on walnut paneling in acrylic, he said. According to Nichols, Millard Sheets was very popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and had many followers who did work similar to his. Many of Sheets’ works depict life in Los Angeles and life during the Depression Era. Sheet s’ works hang in the White House, the Smithsonian, and in the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. “(This mural) is at a bank, so it’s kind of private, but it’s a place that everyone can see it and share it,” Nichols said. “It’s something that is very accessible.” According to founder

-Photos by Terry Miller

of the Urban Public Realm Consulting Group Dr. K.M. Williamson, a similar situation with the First Federal Bank’s mural happened in the city of Claremont, which was also by Millard Sheets. T he ba n k or ig i n a l ly wanted to have more signs on their building, but worked with the city’s arts commission and decided to preserve the mural and have a free-standing sign on the corner instead. “The bank listened to us – we were challenging them to come up with something more sensitive, and they came back n said it’s a gorgeous building and mural,” she said. Williamson’s firm sponsors the Public Art in Public Places database, which catalogs public art in over 100 cities in the Los Angeles area with basic information on the pieces. “There is some public

art, especially older more historic, memorial or early pieces in a city’s cultural history that is not exactly located in what we understand to be in public places,” she said. According to Williamson, Sheets did these murals on the insides and outsides of banks throughout southern California. “Outside (the building) you can argue (the art) is in the public realm for the public benefit, and those pieces were not close to being (bank signs),” she said. “On the inside, for our purposes, we take our cue from the actual city.” Though public art nowadays is reviewed by city design boards or public art commissions, Millard Sheets pieces were done before those committees existed, designating them as outside of a city initiative, she said. “The problem is that

when a piece of art is in the interior of the building it’s much less public, and Pasadena may be grappling with one of its cultural resources,” she said. “Millard Sheets is a cultural resource, because everyone knows him.” Tony Sheets, who is the director of the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts in Fa ir plex, a nonprof it foundation, said that Chase Bank has been very good at working with them to save the artwork as much as possible. “I’m working on different ideas of where to display it to keep it,” he said. “A number of banks have gone under, many with murals.” The California A rts Act requires that art pieces be protected by contacting the artist or representative, and that a company may be held liable if the piece is lost, he said. “I think we’re all trying to work together to protect these pieces,” he said. A mural painted on the side of ABC Nutrition on Fair Oaks was also recently painted over after miscommunication between the store’s owner, Rosalinda Huerta, and the city’s code compliance department, reports the Los Angeles Times. The city inspector had left a message with a store employee wa r n i ng t ha t the building needed to be brought up to code, including painting a part of a wall that had been recently repaired, according to the Times article. Because Huerta was worried about losing her business permit, she made a number of repairs to the shop, including painting over the mural that had been marred by g raffit i thinking that was part of the city’s directive, the Times reports. The mural, painted by artist Christian Alderete and a number of at-risk youth, had only been up for three months. However, according to the Times, city spokesperson Ann Erdman said the store owner was never ordered to get rid of the mural. “There is absolutely no way that that was part of the direction, either written or verbal,” Erdman said to the Times. The city plans to meet with the property owner and the artist to discuss the matter, the Times reports. According to Rochelle Branch of the Pasadena Cultural Affairs Office, whether the mural will be repainted or not is still under discussion.

Its Happy Holidays; So Don’t Forget the Winter Solstice By Susan Motander

The Winter Solstice this year is December 21 at 5:47 p.m. This is the exact moment the earth’s axis’ tilt is farthest from the sun. However, the term has come to refer to the full day of December 21 and has been celebrated for more centuries than Christmas and many of our Christmas customs arose in these earlier pagan rites. The neo-pagan movement, that began at the beginning of the last century and gained momentum during the era of the 1960s hippies, has revived many of these older traditions. Historians and theologians have found no evidence in scripture or other writings of the early Christian church celebrating the birth of Jesus at all. In fact celebrating a birthday at all was not part of Jewish tradition at the time. Therefore it seems logical that it was not an important part of the new religion. Celebrating the Christmas does not appear in historical records

until several centuries later. The records are not exact as to the exact date of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and many historian have theorized that the church set the date to coincide with various pagan holidays which celebrated the Winter Solstice. At the time the early Christian church was forming, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia during this time which welcomed back the sun. It was also referred to as “the birthday of the unconquered sun.” You can see where this one is going. Saturnalia was celebrated with gift giving and parties. Sound familiar yet? The Roman celebration for the Solstice itself was Sol Invictus held on December 25. The earliest record of December 25 as the birthday of Christ dates to the 3rd century of the Current Era. Then, just after the Solstice came the Roman New Years celebrations which featured greenery, lights and

Continued on 9

What is Kwanzaa Anyway? By Susan Motander

There has been some confusion about the origins and meaning of Kwanzaa. It is not an African American substitute for Christmas, although it is celebrated from December 26 through January 1. Nor is it replacement for Hanukkah, although it does take place over several days in December and involves the lighting of candles. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies at Cal State Long Beach “created” the holiday in 1966 at the height of the black nation-

alist movement. At that time, Karenga stressed that it was an alternative to Christmas which he characterized as a part of a White religion and urged African Americans to reject it. In later years he mel-

Continued on 17

Yuletide Customs of the Motherlands: It’s Boxing Day!

Contrary to popular American beliefs based on absurd drawings such as this, Boxing Day has very little to do with the sport of boxing, or for that matter, with reindeer and Santa Claus.

Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Greenland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and countries in the Commonwealth of Nations with a mainly Christian population. The name derives from

the Anglo-Saxon tradition giving seasonal gifts to less wealthy people and social infer iors. In t he United K ingdom, this was later extended to various workpeople such as laborers and servants. Boxing Day

Continued on 19

December 24 - December 30, 2009 6

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Recipe Box Reflections By Deborah Ann Neely

I hope your Christmas is all planned and ready for the last minute touches to the dishes your family loves to share every year, along with a few surprises! The word after Christmas Day is leftovers. For several days as moms and dads recover from the holiday, everyone can just cruise through the refrigerator and create whatever combinations they please. My next big plan is of course for New Years Eve and New Years Day menus. We have different plans than usual this New Years, and we may be at the lake with just the two of us and the dog. My husband has already mentioned pancakes really sound good for breakfast, and I stumbled over a new recipe I am excited about trying. If plans change and our friends can get to the lake, I will be ready with Buttermilk and Honey Pancakes for all. Whisk together the first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add egg, buttermilk, and honey, whisking until blended. Pour ¼ cup batter onto a hot, lightly greased griddle. Cook pancakes, in batches, 1 to 2 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry and cooked. Turn and cook one minute. Top with Pecan Honey Butter. YUM! Place the chopped pecans in a single-layer in a shallow dish. Bake at 350 for 5 to 7 minutes or toasted. Stir all ingredients together and store for up to a week. You can freeze it for as long as 3 months. The pancakes can be frozen in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. For a crunchier texture, reheat in a toaster, and for a softer texture, use the microwave. This recipe is worth doubling and finding leftovers for the whole month of January is a great new year for me!!

Honey Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/1 tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 cup buttermilk 2 tbsp. honey

Pecan Honey Butter

1/3 cup finely chopped pecans ½ cup softened butter 2 Tbsp. honey ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Source- Southern Living 2007

Just a Little Plum Pudding for Christmas By Susan Motander

Southern California’s Hidden Fine Dining Destination

Christmas Eve Dinner DEC 24, THURS. 5:30 - 9:00

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Plum pudding was traditionally made on the first Sunday before Advent, about 4 to 5 weeks before Christmas. The collect for that Sunday from the Book of Common Prayer was: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” That day became known as “Stir up Sunday” and it became the tradition for everyone in the household

to give the pudding a stir (especially the children of the house.) When the pudding was stirred, a wish was made. The other major tradition in conjunction with the pudding was the addition of certain tokens. The most common tokens were silver coins, threepence (“thruppence” in England) or a sixpence. With the advent (no pun intended) of alloy coins, the coins lost some of their appeal as it was thought that alloy would taint the pudding.

The person who found the coin was allowed to keep it as they symbolized wealth in the coming year. A tiny wishbone was said to bring good luck, a silver thimble stood for thrift or an upcoming marriage, and an anchor symbolised safe harbour. To serve the pudding, it was turned out of its container, decorated with holly, dousing with brandy and set afire. The room should be darkened for full affect. And if you are including the tokens, warn your guests, a chipped tooth and emer-

gency visit to the dentist is not a good omen for the upcoming year. Also searching for tokens that have been inadvertently swallowed is not exactly lucky either. S i f t toget her t he flour, soda, salt and spices, and set aside. Mix suet, sugar, milk and cider; add eggs and stir. Mix raisins, currants, fruit and nuts with 1/4 cup flour. Add with crumbs and flour mix-

Continued on 7

December 24 - December 30, 2009 7

Art of Living

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Art of Living

December 24 - December 30, 2009

Middle Eastern Food for Christmas? Absolutely! By Terry Miller

Chicken King Express, a wildly delicious and equally healthy fast food restaurant has made quite a name for itself in the Foothill community of Monrovia since it opened last October. Owner Armen Kahvedjian who specializes in Rotisserie chicken and kebobs also boasts a great selection of vegetarian foods for which many people in town, including this hungry photographer, are delighted. As a kid growing up in England, Christmas always meant Turkey, roast potatoes, cabbage and pretty much anything else you can stick in a pot and boil. Boring really, and far too predictable if you ask me. It was probably in those years that I became a latent vegetarian, always hiding my meat from Dad until dinner was over, or if I was lucky, managing to sneak it to the dog and cats under the table. Come to think of it, this may be the reason cats and dogs have been following me around ever since! But I digress. So as you might imagine, it can be difficult to piece together a good holiday meal sans meats. And perhaps the last place you’d expect to find Christmas goodies would be at a place that specializes in falafel, hummus, tabouli and baba ghanoush. But actually, this is exactly what I was hoping for: something different, colorful, healthy and most importantly, something vegetarian. Of course, as the name implies, rotisserie chicken is one of Chicken King’s standards, so worry not if you’re still of the carnivorous persuasion. But there is so much more than meat at the King, as I recently discovered. My friend at DigiTech Camera repair, right next door to Chicken King Express, said that I simply had to try the food there one day.

I did, and so too did my wife and mother in law. We agreed to try different dishes, so they had chicken kebobs served with rice, hummus and pita bread and a side of mashed potatoes. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many “wows” in one meal sitting. In a word, the food is marvelous. Everything at Chicken King Express is made fresh daily. No canned goods are used, which means the chefs need a lot of preparation time. Armen’s son Shant and Chef Joe help get all the necessary ingredients together and prepare for the day. Only the freshest seasonal veggies make it into their new Fattoush Salad, made with seven greens and special dressing. Kahvedjian is quick to point out that nothing is frozen and only the best ingredients and spices are used to create the unique flavor that is distinctively Middle Eastern, but nevertheless exclusive to Chick King, as all their recipes have been handed down within the family for generations. One of my favorites at the restaurant is the surprisingly moist and extremely flavorful Falafel. Despite my love for this dish, I often find falafels I’ve had in the past are bone dry and thus not terribly appetizing. This is not so at the King. Another sensory delight is the mashed potato. Be sure to try this side, and don’t forget the garlic sauce. Despite popular belief, Christmas is observed in some Middle Eastern countries. It is estimated that there are over 10 million Christians living in the Middle East, with most living in Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. Saudi Arabia currently has a ban on any other religion besides Islam, so no Arab Christians can be accurately accounted for in that country. Smaller Arab Christian populations can also be found in Iraq, Turkey, and other countries. The Christmas dinner

Armen Kahvedjian is flanked by his son Shant and Chef Joe in their cozy Monrovia restaurant that serves some of the best Middle Eastern food in the area. - Photo by Terry Miller

menu varies from country to country, depending on what ingredients are available and what is native to each region. Nevertheless, here are some dishes you may find for Christmas dinner across the Middle East: The mezze, or appetizers in the Middle East are an important part of the meal. You will find many dishes served on small plates in a Middle Eastern mezze. Common Middle Eastern appetizers all of which you can find at Chicken King - include some the following tasty dishes. Hummus is one of the most popular Middle Eastern appetizers. Made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices, hummus is used as a dip for breads, pita sandwiches, and even veggies. Several different spices and ingredients can be used

to add a variety of flavors to hummus. Popular hummus variations include roasted garlic, red pepper, and kalamata olive hummus. Baba ghanoush (ba-ba ga-noosh) is just as fun to eat as it is to say! This eggplant based dip is full of flavor and super easy to make. Like hummus, baba ghannouj has tahini, a sesame paste, as one of its main ingredients. The slightly smoked flavor of the eggplant is accompanied by garlic and the dish is served with pita wedges or veggies. Stuffed grape leaves are called dolmas in Greece and warak einab in Egypt, and they are delicious no matter where you’re from or what you call them. Ground beef, rice and tomatoes are wrapped in a grape vine leaf and then steamed to perfection. The vegetarian stuffed

grape leaves are another personal favorite of mine. Fried Kebbeh which is a delicate meat is also offered at the King, and I’m told that it’s extremely tasty. The national dish of Lebanon, kebbeh in its simplest form is oval shaped nuggets made with a mix of ground lamb and bulgur, a Middle Eastern grain high in fiber and protein. A small family-owned business, the King has no plans to become anything but a good family restaurant where people can eat good healthy food without digging too deep into their pockets. A family of four can have a meal here for under $20. That’s a bargain in my book! And yes, it really is healthy. In fact, one diner I spoke with said he has lost a total of 39 pounds since he be-

gan eating lunch at Chicken King Express. Michael Keller of Sierra Madre said that he started eating non-fat foods and this with a small amount of exercise has helped him lose those unwanted pounds. Watch out Subway. The restaurant encourages people to dine in, but they will also gladly make local deliveries. While the name suggests a steady takeout style business, many come in to eat and chat with the owners. It really is a family affair. Chicken King Express is located at 445 W Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia. Call them at (626) 305-3111 for more details or stop by for a meal. And make sure to tell them Monrovia Weekly sent you!

Christmas Day Dining in Chinatown Chinatown Holiday Turkey Specials Tired of holiday cooking? Exhausted chefs take note: Many of Chinatown’s restaurants are famously open on Christmas Day. If you feel like authentic Chinese cooking instead of the usual holiday fare, hop on the Gold Line to the Chinatown stop to find dim sum, barbecue, and other Asian specialties all within walking distance of the train station. Be prepared to wait, though - Chinatown restaurants are known to get packed on the 25th. - Nina Kathryn Hauptman

There are a number of restaurants in Chinatown that will provide either a free turkey dish or sides with your turkey order as their way of helping celebrate the holidays. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best deals in Chinatown: Golden City Seafood Restaurant BBQ Roasted Young Turkey up to 14 lbs ($45+Tax) includes Pan Fried Sticky Rice Hong Kong Style & gravy. 960 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 253-2660

Hong Kong Chinese BBQ Roasted Turkey with Sauce ($39) Roasted Turkey w/Sticky Rice and Sauce ($45) 803-807 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 687-7238

Lucky Deli (Wol Deli) Roasted Turkey 14-18 lbs ($28) includes fried rice Roasted Turkey 18-22 lbs ($32) includes fried rice 706 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 625-7847

Hop Woo BBQ Seafood Restaurant Roasted Turkey ($38) includes Garlic Rice cooked in clay-pot & Special Sauce 845 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-3038

Yum Cha Cafe Roasted Turkey ($35) if paid in full when placing order, receive a box of dried sea cucumber with your order. 638 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-8698

December 24 - December 30, 2009 9

Art of Living

Cool Local Holiday Getaways By Greg Aragon

There’s more to the holiday season than hunting for gifts in a crowded mall or on the Internet. There are also some fun things to see and do around Los Angeles County. In fact, here are a few festive and inexpensive activities that I recommend. For a spectacular holiday skating experience, check out The LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE. Located on Nokia Plaza, across from Staples Center, the outdoor pubic ice rink sits under L.A. LIVE’s spectacular holiday tree and is surrounded by several dining and entertainment venues. The rink opened December 3, with a celebration featuring LeAnn Rimes, Sheila E., the Coke Polar Bear, the Kings Ice Crew, and more. The rink is 70 feet by 50 feet and can accommodate 200 skaters at a time. Hours: Monday - Friday 11 AM - 11 PM; Saturday - Sunday 11 AM - 11 PM. Admission: $5 $10. For more info visit: www.

532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, 90013. Hours: daily from 10 am – 10 pm, through January 18. One hour session is $6; skate rental is $2. Active military and their immediate families skate for free and

Park, attracts more than half million visitors each year. The festival can be viewed by car; on foot or bike via a walking and riding path; or by free shuttle buses from the LA Zoo parking lot. Guests

Its Happy Holidays; So Don’t Forget the Winter Solstice Continued from 5 a tradition of charity. In Germany and throughout Scandinavia, Yule was celebrated (although spelled in a number of ways) sometime around or on the Winter Solstice with varying dates used in different areas. It is interesting to note that this term, Yule, which was once applied to a pagan ritual is now virtually interchangeable with Christmas. In at least one case the pagan ritual was adapted to coincide with Christmas in that King Håkon of Norway made it law that “Jul” be celebrated on December 25 in the late tenth century. Many of our Christmas customs were derived from the Teutonic, German, and Viking traditions for their pagan ceremonies. Some Norse sects lit Yule logs were lit to honor Thor the God of Thunder. The party that followed last as long as the log burned, often twelve days. The Germanic Jul was celebrated with the giving of small gifts. In Scandinavian tradition toasts were made at the holiday for victory, for good harvests and peace, and to departed family members (doesn’t this shriek, “we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne”). And the

Germans gave us the tradition of the Christmas tree as evergreen were featured in their celebrations of solstice. The Druids held mistletoe sacred and used it in rites designed to bring on visions. But the celebration of the Winter Solstice predates even the Romans. The Persians celebrated it as did the Zoroastrians, even the Buddhists. In almost every ancient religion the passing of the seasons was noted and celebrated. Remember Stonehenge and New Grange were both created in the Bronze Age (about 2100 to 750 B.C.E.) and both were aligned for view lines at the Winter Solstice. New Grange in Ireland provides a sight-line to the sunrise on that day and Stonehenge in England to the sunset. Having a celebration at this time is not unusual. In temperate climates, the Winter Solstice marked the point at which the days were coldest. Cattle were often slaughtered so that they would not have to be fed during the cold months ahead. But butchering the meat meant that there would be food for celebrations at this time as well. Also beer and wine that had been made during the year was finally ready to be consumed. Not all celebrations of Winter Solstice are in an-

cient times. The Neo-Pagan movement has revived many of these. While some are farcical in nature such as the Reformed Druids of North American which was formed in Minnesota to challenge a college’s requirement that its students attend some form of religious services, others are quite serious. Wiccans may be the most well known, but there are many others. It should not be assumed that these are all merely small groups or cults. The Unitarian Universalist Church recognizes the Neo-Pagans with its Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. This subsection of the UU church embraces many different forms of paganism, including wiccans, druids, even some who follow Shinto believes. Most of these groups are nature based religions which place and emphasis on the seasons and the circle of life. Their web site www. cuups.org describes in detail their celebration of the summer solstice which took place during the UU General Assembly in Salt Lake City this year. And so at quarter to six on the 21th, let’s all raise a glass in solidarity with our ancestors, chances are good, the majority did so themselves at the Winter Solstice.

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WINNER lalive.com. Another cool skating venue is Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square. Now in its 12th season, the rink is often called the Rockefeller Center of the west. It sits beneath the shadows of towering skyscrapers and historical landmarks and boasts a huge, 50- by 90-foot outdoor skating rink with skate rentals, live music, food and hot chocolate. The arena also features snow, strolling performers, dance presentations, puppet shows, arts & crafts, skating showcases, and even mommy and stroller skating sessions. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square is located at

discounts are available for Metro and Metrolink riders. Parking ($4 - $6) is available in the Pershing Square underground lot. To avoid downtown parking headaches, I recommend taking the Metro Line and getting off at Pershing Square station For more info call Pershing Square Hotline (213) 847-4970 or 1-(888)-LA-PARKS or visit www.laparks.org. For a truly enlightening experience, I suggest the 14th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival. This one-mile long display of lights along a segment of Crystal Springs Drive in the hills of Griffith

can view incredible light recreations of local landmarks such as Hollywood Bowl, the Hollywood Sign, LAX Airport, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. I suggest arriving early and stopping by the Zoo’s annual Reindeer Romp, where guests can visit live reindeer, as well as enjoy hands-on arts and craft activities for children of all ages. The Light Festival is located on Crystal Springs Dr., near the LA Zoo parking lot. Hours: 5 pm -10 pm daily, through December 30. Admission is free. For more info, call (323) 913-4688 ext.9 or visit: www.dwplightfestival.com.

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City News

10 December 24 - December 30, 2009

One of Three New Banks Opened This Year Sees Success in Pasadena

Murder Victim Appears to be White Supremacist Continued from 1 taken down. Before it was removed, the page was very revealing of the beliefs spouted by the Gentile. In one photograph on the page, Gentile was seen with two other young men in dark T-shirts with swastikas and the words “White Power” on them. All three have their right arms raised in a “Nazi-style” salute. There were other references

-Photo by Terry Miller

Continued from 1 United States and all across the United States. As a result, regulators became much more cautious about granting charters, he said. Community banks like California General also rely on local investors to put up the money to start the bank, but many were reluctant to lend money. William A. Hawkins is President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the California General Bank. He has lived in the San Gabriel Valley for the past 25 years. William A. Hawkins is President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the California General Bank. He has lived in the San Gabriel Valley for the past 25 years. “It was a very difficult time to start a bank, but on the other hand, it’s a great time to be in the business,” Hawkins said. One of the reasons for the bank’s success is that the financial crisis, or “economic tsunami,” as Hawkins called it, is behind them. “We don’t have any bad loans, we have lots of capitals and we’re very liquid,” he said. “We’re a willing lender, and we’re anxious to lend money to businesses particularly in the San Gabriel Valley.” As a community bank, California General specializes in lending money and providing cash management services to small businesses and professionals. They also have retail services such as checking accounts and online bankings for the retail customer, he said. The bank is located on Foothill Boulevard and San Gabriel in East Pasadena. “We deliberately decided to locate in east Pasadena because it’s an area that has a lot of small local commercial businesses in addition to retail business, and there are some residential areas over there as well,” Hawkins said. “We think that this whole market of San Gabriel Valley is an un-

der served from a community bank standpoint – we saw it as a terrific market and a great opportunity.” The board of directors for the bank are all local to the area, and are active members of the community, he said. “We think we’re in a good position to serve the community because we understand it so well,” Hawkins said. “The other thing is, many of the large banks and financial institutions have other problems with assets and so forth so they’re reluctant to lend. In many instances they’re actually shedding customers instead of taking on new customers.” Hawkins said that over the course of its nine months, the bank has developed a strong customer base. “Of course we’d always like to have more business,” he said. “We are being very selective in terms of the types of business – we want to be sure they have the wherewithal to pay us back.” The client base includes many professionals –doctors, accountants, manufacturing clients, nonprofit organizations and members of the technology industry. The bank currently has assets of $40 million, the CEO reported. “We are a willing lender anxious to lend,” Hawkins said. “”We’re out talking to people all the time, and we do a fair amount of advertising to let people know we’re here” Hawkins said that many investors agreed to get involved for the same reason that the charter was approved: the bank has a strong management team with the experience and knowledge to make good decisions on behalf of the investors and depositors. “We have a board of nine directors, and almost all, with the exception of two or three, have been either chief executive officers of community banks, have been on the board or have been consultants,” he said. Hawkins said investors are also interested in where a bank will market its services.

“We just think that the San Gabriel Valley and in particular greater Pasadena is just a market that is underserved,” he said. “We think it’s a terrific enclave of businesses and families that are very diverse.” The bank’s focus on small businesses can also be beneficial to the local economy, Hawkins said. “That is a terrific social objective,” he said. “We’re in business to make a profit but if you’re in a region where u can contribute to the growth of the community and create employment, that’s a great thing.” According to Paul Little, president and chief executive officer of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the bank is a well-capitalized solid group. “I think they have sort of a unique opportunity there and coming in after the crises of last year means that they sort of avoid the negatives that come with it,” he said. “They have capitalized at a time where the environment is much stronger because the oversight is much more rigorous.” “From what I can tell, they are a strong financial institution and certainly welcome among the financial service providers in Pasadena,” Little said. As for other banks opening in the area, Little said it was hard to tell. There’s so much that they have to do,” he said. “I think we’ll see a resurgence of financial institutions in Pasadena because we are an office center and financial center for the San Gabriel Valley and through the area over there.” “Whether there will be any news ones, I don’t know.” Little said he expects there will be some expansions and shifts in the emphasis of banking institutions. “I think some banks that may have been more traditionally known for one thing sort of shifting their emphasis to something else,” he said.

to Adolf Hitler and other white supremacist images. The Myspace page also contained a quote which seems to have been written by Gentile: “I like to fight, drink, and love women. I have done three prison terms, my last was at Folsom. I love my life and thank god I am white.” The claim regarding serving time appears to have been true according to court

records. Gentile was convicted in 2005 of resisting arrest. Prior to that he had pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, felony hit and run, fleeing from police, possession of burglary tools, and driving without a license. He was paroled in October after serving time for possession of a controlled substance.

Monrovia’s Trader Joe’s Robbed at Gunpoint By Susan Motander

On Tuesday, December 6, 2009, the Trader Joe’s market in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center was robbed at gun point. The suspects entered the store from the back door and held up the employees. Personal property was taken from the employees along with cash from the market. The suspects are described as three African American males in their mid twenties to mid thirties. They are tall, with medium builds and were wearing dark cloth-

robbery. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Monrovia Police Department (626) 256-8000 and ask for the Detective Bureau.

ing at that time. The fled the robbery in a new model black Toyato Camry with paper license plates. The direction in which they fled is not known. No one was injured during the

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MAJOR UPGRADES ON TAP FOR CITY’S I.T. INFRASTRUCTURE

Arcadia General Plan Workshop Welcomes Input from Local Business Owners

Baldwin: Successful Rancher; Big-time Bon-vivant; Founder of Arcadia Alverno Neighbors Question School's

Record Crowd Packs Rose Bowl as GalaxyCampaign Face Euro ChampsMade Following Contribution

“Hell, we’re giving away the land. We’re selling the climate” – Lucky Baldwin

Senator’s Award to Private School

National Night Out Celebrated in Local Communities

TrOubLed Times FOr PrivaTe sChOOLs?

Arcadia’s Natalie Innocenzi Selected as 2010 Rose Queen

City Pride at Stake: Delay May Risk Integrity of Baldwin Adobe

Caruso to Drop Lawsuit against City, Westfield

Hundreds Turn Out for Health Reform Rally Twenty-Fifth Annual Fall Food & Wine Festival

Yet Another Lawsuit Beleaguers Against Sierra Madre PD

Mini Madoff Trial Delayed Yet Again

Benefits Huntington Hospital’s Trauma Unit

-Photo By Terry Miller

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At last night’s meeting, the Sierra Madre City Council designated Don Watts and MaryAnn MacGillivray to serve as By SuSan Motander delegate and alternate to the - Photo by Terry Miller San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, ousting Councilman Joe Mosca from the posiThrough the cheers By terry Miller tion mid-term. Mayor MacGillivray and and John StePhenS and the jeers, Rep. Schiff attempted to provide an update Mayor Pro Tem Watts attended It was the best of times on the health care proposal a meeting of the Council of and it was the worst of times, (H.R. 3200) currently under Governments recently, which all depending with whom consideration in Congress. the mayor said was an interestadditional charges. Cervantes of Monrovia a In the you spoke Tuesday evening But opponents would hear ing exercise. courtroom,Valerie, Monrovia Police in Alhambra. The meeting nothing of it and hundreds in ThuRsday, OcTObER 22 - OcTObER 28, 2009 VOlumE 14, NO. 43 new computer. pasadenaindependent.com FREE Though Mr. WattsByhad hisMIller -Photo Terry Sergeant Glen Tuesday was perhaps a mi- the audience expressed their a sixthDetective grader at Clifton complaints, saying he had felt MiddleColeman School, arrested told us the “Tax crocosm of the nation’s pulse disgust with the plan in no that there was little opportunity Doctor” on three that her computer shemore felofor the city to have a voice in the ny charges. has been using was purCouncil of Governments. He As for chased more thanthetenfirst matsaid he felt that Sierra Madre ter - and the charges years ago that shefor which representatives were outnumColasuonno was originally was unable to complete bered and outvoted in the scheduled to appear on her school assignments organization that represents Tuesday - the proceedings 87 cities throughout Southern Continued on 14 were trailed (delayed) until California. this afternoon (Thursday). City to Install New High-Speed “I tend to agree, but we Colasuonno is currently in (l-r) Princess Ashley Thaxton, Princess Kinsey Stuart, Princess Katherine Hernández, Princess Michelle Van Wyk, Princess Natalie Innocenzi, have to try,” MacGillivray Mcustody, E D I A , I and N C . he most likely Internet Service, Cable Access Wiring said. Princess June Ko and Princess Lauren Rogers -Photo By Terry Miller will stay there, having told Joe Mosca, who formerly Monrovia Police Detective Full Coverage on Page 12 Continued on 12 Rich Doney that he does This week, in a move Foothills, a non-profit cable not have funds necessary to Beacon Media’s official request to photograph Mark Colasuonno in court Tuesday morning was denied. meant to further facilitate access studio in MonroHis attorney, Sumpba Kedia, is pictured here leading the former “Tax Doctor” away from our cameras meet the $307,000 bail. live video coverage of City via, to record City Council on Tuesday morning outside the Pasadena Superior Court. Later than morning, Colasuonno was But this may just be the Council Meeting via the meetings for rebroadcast arrested and led away in handcuff’s. -Photo By Terry Miller beginning. internet, Temple City will both on the city’s dedicated “We believe there are install new wiring and hard- cable access channel and -Photo By Terry Miller as many as 38 victims, with ware for its outdated infor- via the internet. However at party involved tolosses continue to approximately totaling mation systems network. this point, the meetings are By SaMeea KaMal Builder, Residents, have a prosperous economicsaid Doney, who $8 million,” The new connection, not broadcast live on either Full story on page 12 future,” said Lisa Flores, senior In an effort toCity provide went on to say that “around which will be provided by medium due to hardware Council Spar Byhalf Bill[of Peters city’s Develbusiness owners in Arcadia planner with the the victims] were AT&T, is expected to pro- constraints and insufficient Department with the opportunityover to voice One opment Carter,Services senior citizens”. Coleman vide data transfer capabiliupload bandwidth When Elias Jackson velopment dreams. The line out of “Weacquired concerns and suggestions, the of the Planning added they were investigatties equivalent to twice reached that the Council “Lucky”division. Baldwin Santa AnitaChambers Ave. in and Huff vows to return CasH after Stonehouse Properties ing the casesAnita of several tothe discuss how to retain City of Arcadia and Chamber want Natalie Anne Innocenzi, 16, is captured in the moments following the announcement made Tuesday morning at Tournament House in Pasadena proclaiming the Arcadia teenager Rose use of the Villa has By become of a normal T1 line, a longCity Hall. Rancho Santa in other 1886, just in time forCurrently, Baldwin the By sameea Kamal -Photo Terry MIller butwas thatvery “it takes a growth, of Commerce co-sponsored a businesses, time industry standardand in hismeetings available for Some neighbors recall excessive to the detriment and more photossHuttereD Queen for 2010. Innocenzi, who attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is the 92nd Rose Queen and will preside over the 121st Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. ForabruPtly 1875,continue thevictims region businessare manager sCHool leaves great dealre-of time to docuand work withwith business General Plan Business dedicated internet accessHyram for viewing the cable ByWorkBill PeterS details of the announcement see page 13. -Photos by Terry Miller rural small populaUnruh toonopen prop- access the early days of Alverno of the neighborhood,” said ment the information.” stuDents anD teaCHers oweD tHousanDs large companies and governrevitalizashop on Tuesday, August development onlyunder after the they have CarolynKAMAL Simon, one of the BY SAMEEA tions. and Even in all Pasadena, the erties tochannel the public High School as a convent, In this new case, A settlement agreement ment networks. been recorded tion.” H a s t he E c onom ic gust as previously thought. 4 at the City Hall Council and thenwhere set Indiana Colony, formed in Coledevelopment name, “Baldthe sound of nuns residents who lives across arrested Monrovia between the city and twocity In his weekly report, up for playback the In anreverberate Though staff expect-on and Downturn Hit Education, Please stand-by until further Chambers. effort to provide from the meeting eastern border of a few provided 1873, wasman focused growwin”. Monrovia, just tothrough the singing would Police booked hillside developments Assistant to the City Manplay-out system in the business owners in ArcaBy Kyle business ed a higher turnout, Despite a low turnout, notice.” Private Education Harder ownersschool and memthe private Catholic ingran citrus andFlores walnuts,Colasuonno not east, was a bustling center of adjathrough the neighborhood. ager Gary Flod calledland on population. threerate new counts Zhang, founder provided into opposition the sales, cent building. The hardware Today, dia with opportunity to girls. bers of the General Plan said residents thetowns low attendance theofmeeting a few from The noticeTrisha goes on the wife than Anticipated? KhandiKian and But includbut the Baldwin thethe sounds are for upgrade “an important development ing10470(a) Kuckelkorn, donated whomembers fear the realmay estatebeproject step and wiring upgrades not are quite voiceasconcerns and sugges- The Advisor y Committee current negotia- to people having business$1,000 owners and handwritten The parking lot is com- say (in hurried, Ed induea to mere years Forgery, all that 368(d) for unknown harmonious in obtaining sufficient bandAbuse of an Elder, being named Huff’s 2012 re-election cam- will up as aalready visual,changed. envi- Fiduciary address this issue, tions, residents, the City ofand Arcadia reviewabout the plan’s A Terrible Thing:pletely void of carsShortly tions came whengoals the and submitted their input, of the General PlanendAdvimarker) tothat anyone at theafter magic Pasadena, incorreasonsmeant simplytodied. Unruh to nearby width to accommodate live allowing the meetings to and Chamber of Commerce and 487(a) Small the call Year(626) by 833-7437. paign committee sory on June 29, al- ronmental and even a muddy discuss applied toand thetocity or that people have comCommittee to review the Fine ArtsBusiness Col- ofcan poratedwill in 1886 had aGrand popu- Theft. and Baldwin tried the scheme their negotiations with the schoolapproach, video Strangled WomanMontecito streaming of the City be directly The victim in this new case is State Senator Bob Huff, the most a month before the college mess. At Tuesday’s city couna General potential problems. use permit questions once9,000—its a The Monrovia Week- plan’s goals and approach, ments and lege on Huntington Drive Participants in the Health Care Reform Town Meeting in Alhambra lation of almost 1887, firstbroadcast with an from co-sponsored administration is for a conditional Council meetings overagain the in the Council Chambers school’s live Plan toBusiness who was Montecito of unexpectedly on potential cil meeting, agenda item sheJohn “Wetheir wantfundraisto make sure Tuesday evening ranged not only in age and socio-economic is incorporation ready, said.Greco, and down to discuss prob-the draft ly’sCollege numerous attempts to closed in Monrovia. The reasonFine is Arts spurred by born in announced of “Live continuing attempt toWorkshop ad- to legitimize P.D. Internet.” as thename meetings By Bill Peters take place. on Tuesday, August 4 at the the adobe, but rebuild Elias Delivered to Monrovia unclear we get Neighbors 1936. Theto amount alleged to abruptly its doors Julywent 30. Zhang’s every stakeholder felt levels but also in vastly different opinions on how the proposed the meeting, Developlems. dona- resulted in a lengthyAtdiscuscall this number un- generous and no Design one seems to closed citizen’s attempts rid the Oak”, the sales dress the traffic ing activities. month, city but Flodassaid in hisoffice report that Citynoise Hall and Council Chamandchanged party involved have been stolen from Greco in July, came just after her thatsure sent the to conAs you read this, the J. “Lucky” Baldwin’s homebill reads. At times those at the podiumLast had to strugglethe to get little had even after mentproposal Services Jason want tosion make returned.and The tion founder, Eda month“We be willing to talk aboutleaving it. students city of Director saloons. Real estate opened, development signed an agreement with thisthe system is expectedissues to caused bers. by the school’s years tinue to have a to prosperous was and almost teachers alike dumbfounded and her husband’s school was back to negotiators. A report adobe structure located on stead, an effort they see as their message across. of complaints the -Photo By Terry Miller was selling by$240,000. 1886 a name was changed to “Arrenting our of its facilities By susan Motander A typed sign on the Kuckelkorn (as he likes to we get every stakeholder and Continued on 12 Community Media of the Despite a low turnout, Greco’s wife, without Monpay, andbewithout named Small Business of the and a settlement proposal Continued More photos at pasadenaindependent.com the grounds of the Los An- returning the founder and filed on 8 called),anwas not available door of the short-lived real estate boom was in full Marie, cadia” perhaps toContinued extol the on for2 events, among other school and a lawsuit It had been a relatively swers. Senator Huff. named Settlement Agreement Developers Harbicht: geles County Arboretum and first mayor of Arcadia to his by a Pasadena resident who comment atYear pressbytime. tecito of FineHowever, Arts forMontecito swing. contacted this newspaper virtues of country living over concerns. the College Vice in February following our on the issue. Amid scattered uncertain terms. President and wife of the Senator Botanic Garden in Arcadia rightful place in the City’s quiet Friday night forand a successful Montecito Fine ArtsHuff, representa- and Mutual Release was deliv-Baldwin, Design in Monrovia expanding cities such as Los Residents affected by won her case. Misusing ofClassGuilty story which college’s founder showed no reOne African Ameritive ofnthewa29sth Senate District ered to city council members continues to deteriorate. And history. Within the walls of Monrovia Police Department. “It’s essentially a wedrancher original and Northern Cali-first cast cat calls and the occasional Angeles and Pasadena. This the school’s facility rentals Col$1,000 lege of Desig reads: 28, All Montecito public light on the charges straint when donating to “recall Schiff”, 29th District can gentleman who held an said he did not know the colprior to the meeting with the its condition is of grave con- the adobe, Baldwin signed Then Guillermo Marinero, ding and event catering busibusinessman, saw Environmental time, Baldwin was successful say the current adminisfounded an struggling ate- Byfinancially, and Campuses still Laws tor hasfornia been charged withformer by Terry the lobby andestold intoMiller walked SuSan Motander against Huff’sarere-election campaignina1977 legeaswas hope that the document could cern to many at the County, city incorporation papers in- Photo opportunity in the land. EverTax Doc- Representative Adam Schiff altered image of President as 400 lots were sold in four tration has not adequately ness which is not compatible lier, areceived studio providing closed GrandtoTheft by embezzlement. I until further tor. In story which ran in hosted a boisterous and spir- Obama depicted as Adolph monthnotice. after the college and has fine announced that he produce an agreement settle Arboretum volunteers and 1903 and it is the place he the desk personnel, “I think with a residential neighborthe visionary anda risk-taking days Themade trial ofvarious Mark Colain AuThis charge Continued on 23 did a terrible thing.” We will not reopen March 5 edition, Greco ited town hall meeting mod- Hitler was in attendance as his award. a and almost sold out by considered their needs and will return the donation issues surrounding the wasourenhanced a growing number of Arca- died in 1909. a story erated by NBC4’s Dr. Bruce representative of the Lyndon April of 1887. “Hell”, Bald- made the necessary changes hood,” she said. By saMeea KaMal suonno has been continuedHomes withand theentrepreneur, allegation that he moresigned Marinero had parked his The city’s history took a recounted the painful According to state elec- by Zhang. Stonehouse One dians. “The conditional use contract the Los Angewin was thought to have said, to ensure their quality of once again. Originally set than $100,000 The Nationwaswith stolen. station and of theover in frontfrom carofficials sent to a letter According tion records, Vice President Hensel. up local turnedand research whenAnnual jolt 26th Believing that the adobe Continued Continued Continued on permit was for a day school, Continued on “We’re 12 giving away the land. life. les 20 and San Gabriel for July on 30 it7was continued to al Night Out (NNO), a unique communities fromCardoza, to the city by the Westfield Colasuonno is alleged to Valley on 14 was Theresa the inside of news:15,000 piece a a shocking might actually crumble, crime/drug Railroad money Co. in 1885 We’re selling the climate!” ac“While neighbors know an academy with specific This photo shows the adobe structure and the attached Baldwin annex that served as the August 5 and has now been have embezzled event collecall 50 states, U.S. territories, from to bring She had been Vice President, the corporahis girlfriend. in the historic adobeprevention group of Arcadians have home of Arcadia’s first mayor. Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin occupied this home from 1875 to a line to books the ranch—and that cording to Sandy Snider and that every school needs to rules … like the gate must be continued to August 11. It is clients of sponsored by the National Canadian cities and military his tax preparation travel Design sense estate notes fooD to withdraw decided his death in 1909. The photo was taken in 1939, nine years before the property became Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin, a successful entrepreneur and the founder begun to rally support for tion at the Los Angeles Coun- strangled. Monrovia Police tion hasreal buyers have fund raising events, the (subsequently) the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. - Photo from the still set for trial in Department E firm bywould Association of Town Watch bases worldwide. illegallybring investing andto his de- of the Citythis Continued on 19 Continued on 3 officers attempted to revive its request to convert 13,500 Downtown getaway is of Arcadia. a project to restore not only Arcadia Public Library collection on 12 Continued Defaultingon now pizzalosing money entrusted to him. in Pasadena of theBeach Los Angeles (NATW), was held Tuesday, In the all, 28 over 37 old million even using year 11an Continued home to more than just the visit your paper’s Superior Court with before aJudge August 4, 2009 around the people the participated NaPaige DeAutomaticinExternal option for home owners? side of dipLopez, Colasuanno’s alColiseum, but museums, a website, and click on Teri Schwartz. Although the leged victim said that the Tax United States. Texas, however, tional Night Out 2008. now regular unitStatisfibrillator rose garden and a great up aontastyDoctor vegetable with small, inexpensive an ode tohis bad behavior trial is set to beginCook at 10 a.m. will celebrate on October 6th, tics for this year have be started preparing thetodepartment. foryet equipment "Print edition" for farmers market. PAGE 5 learn how defaulting on with and in therussell touches make small spaces brand, the slithering, Tuesday, the courtpizza has ten daysa corn 2009. compiled, but they look be taxdip returns late 1990s. Fire toDepartment Monrovia a look at our newly Vigil Held at Pasadena City Hall Monday actually trial which Each year the National of a similar vein. several years of working uk rocker. continued the paramedics electric-haired a mortgage can save you munch away at After the beach. the place to ridetoout the begin the improved digital to another Night Out campaign involves Theattempt community program with Colasuonno, Lopez said the young to revive thousands. PAGE 11 6 summer. PAGEmay 13 also be sentPAGE archives. PAGE to no avail. woman courtroom for adjudication. citizens, law enforcement agen- is designed to: heighten crime She was that in approximately 20085 he In an event celled “Repronounced Mark Colasuonno known realized that money he had encies, civic groups, businesses, and drug preventiondead. aware-Marinero membering The Faces”, 150 arrested. on 23 was is by Terry Miller Jason Jensen, 46,- Photo locally as the former Tax Docneighborhood organizations Continued on 22 plus area residents repreContinued On Tuesday he was ar- seeking damages in federal senting various interfaith raigned on one count of first court after a Sierra Madre Pasadena-area congregations degree murder with the en- police officer shot him. The marched and held vigil to hancement alleging the “per- incident occurred in the mourn the 45,000+ people sonal use of a deadly weapon” back of a vehicle officers who die every year for lack according to Sgt. Jim Gates of impounded not realizing of affordable health care. the Los Angeles County Sher- there was a person inside. These local citizens, who iff’s Homicide Bureau. The officer, Henry Amos believe that the health insurAmong other things Mar- was caught by surprise when ance system is broken and in inero told police, he indicated he found Jensen sleeping in need of reform, gathered at that the argument with Car- the back of the hatchback Pasadena City Hall Monday doza had taken place in the after the vehicle had been night and listened to speak2400 block of South Myrtle towed to the Sierra Madre ers including a local doctor Avenue in the unincorporated Police dept. Amos fired his named Donald Thomas, who section south of Monrovia. service weapon at Jensen as practices at Huntington Hos-Photo By Terry Miller

“Now with more verbs.”

PA S ADENA

MONDAY EDITION

Monrovia WEEKLY

ARCADIA WEEKLY

The Funky Hippeez To Perform in Temple City

"Compatibility" with Residential Area Usage Negotiations Await School Review

The Funky Hippeez are a live 70s Retro Show complete with elaborate costumes and antics reminiscent of the late 70’s disco era. Popcorn Jackson, Superfly, Rio Love, Danny Dynomite and The Disco Shiek will boogie down as the The Funky Hippeez on Wednesday, August 12 at Temple City Park beginning at 7 p.m. The Funky Hippeez show is a fast-paced, non-stop ride

through your favorite K-Tel disco hits. Grab your love beads, bell bottoms and platform shoes and get set to groove to Le Freak, Got To Be Real, Disco Inferno and more! Don’t miss the world’s grooviest live disco and funk show to date. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Pavilion at Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Drive. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an evening of music in the park. Pre-concert activities start at 630 p.m. – Participate in Shape Up TC – all ages are welcome to join TC Parks & Recreation staff during a miniexercise demonstration. Hot Dogs, soft serve ice cream, shaved ice, popcorn and more will be for sale during the concert. For further information, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at (626) 285-2171 ext. 2328.

LOCAL REALTOR DONNA BAKER TO RUN FOR MONROVIA SCHOOL BOARD Candidate Managed Clarence Shaw’s City Council Campaign, Now Vies to Fill his Vacant School Board Seat BY NURIA MATHOG Monrovia resident Donna Baker has joined candidates Chris Rich and Alexandra Zucco in campaigning for a spot on the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education. Baker, a Dickson Podley realtor, has been an active citizen in the community for many years. In addition to supporting the Foothill Unity Center and the Monrovia Public Library, she has sponsored numerous sports programs at Monrovia High School and the Monrovia Unified School District’s “Making the Grade” program. Other contributions include her work with the Monrovia Historic Presentation Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of historical city buildings, and her service as the current President and Chief Officer at the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Baker has been involved with many local groups, most

notably the Foothill Community Democrats, a local chapter of the American Democratic Party, and the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, the Chamber awarded Baker the title of Monrovia Citizen of the Year. Rival candidate Chris Rich, who has a degree in Business Management from the University of Houston, has served on the Board since 2005 and is currently running for reelection. Alexandra Zucco, a graduate of the University of La Verne, filed for candidacy as a “consultant/ parent.” This November, the candidates will compete for the two open positions on the Board: the office of former Board member Clarence R. Shaw, who relinquished his seat on the Board to serve on the Monrovia City Council this April, and the office of

Continued on 2

December 24 - December 30, 2009

City News

Santa Flies Via Helicopter to Visit Pediatric Patients at Huntington Hospital By Terry Miller

During this, one of the busiest times of the year for the bearded one, aka Santa, the folks at Pasadena Police Air Operations arranged for a special flight from the North Pole to Huntington’s heliport on Thursday morning. Dubbed Operation Polar Wind, the men and women of Pasadena Air Ops raise funds for gifts for children at Huntington. As with all charities this year, donations were down but not the spirits of those giving and receiving. To the delight of a handful of staff and a few patients, Santa waved from the whirling chopper as they circled the hospital a few times before landing. When Santa touched down and the rotors were out of harms way, Santa emerged from the police helicopter assisted by the pilot, after all he was carrying lots of toys for the little ones at Huntington’s pediatric unit. One of the first to get a hug and gifts from Santa was four year old Jayleen. Wrapped in a hand-made woolen shawl, Jayleen was

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Huntington Memorial Hospital’s stroke program has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, designating the hospital a primary stroke center. Our multidisciplinary stroke team is on call 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Emergency department physicians working with neurologists, neurosurgeons and internists provide a -Photos by Terry Miller care team that may save you or a on the ward Santacomprehensive flew back to the North Pole courtesy of the one from a disabling stroke. Pasadena PD Airloved Operations

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in preparation for the next very big day, which we hear is next Friday, Dec 25. Memorial Hospital’s stroke program has Huntington

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pasadenaindependent.com no inky monroviaweekly.com Fingers. Newspaper arcadiaweekly.com 2.0 sierramadreweekly.com Select Print Edition For information about the Primary Stroke Center at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, call (626) 397-5464. Visit us on line at www.huntingtonhospital.com

December 24 - December 30, 2009 12

Youth Employment Program Honored with Golden Bell and CCS Partnership Awards (626) 574-2154

com

Standing with a Golden Bell from the California School Boards Association, and the 2009 Cities, Counties Schools Partnership Award are, from left: School Board member Chris Rich; SAFYMCA Chief Executive Officer, Damon Colaluca; City Council Member Becky Shevlin; School Board Member, Alex Zucco; Board Clerk, Clare Chesley; Mayor Mary Ann Lutz; Council Member Clarence Shaw; Board Member, Ed Gilliand; School Board President, Bryan Wong; Board Student Representative, Pedro Almaraz; and M.U.S.D. Superintendent, Linda Wagner.

Foreclosure Defense Loan Modification • Real Estate Sales & Disputes • Loan Modifications • Neighbor Disputes • Breach of Contract • Incorporations - LLCs • Unfair Competition • Collections

• Employment Agreements • Buy-Sell Agreements • Homeowners Assoc. Disputes • Investment Agreements • Franchise Agreements • Partnership Agreements • Trade Name / Secrets

Law Offices of Stephen R. Golden 626.584.7008

25 E. Union Street., Pasadena E-mail: businesslaw@hotmail.com

After hours and weekends available upon request

Bells are ringing in Monrovia for the highly successful collaboration between the Santa Anita Family YMCA, Monrovia School District, City of Monrovia, and Monrovia Chamber of Commerce that is the Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.) program. The Y.E.S. summer internship program that gives at-risk students practical job skills and experience and provides the mentoring and incentives they need to stay in school and succeed, was honored last week with two prestigious statewide awards. The Y.E.S. program was presented with a Golden Bell Award in the category of “Partnerships and Collaboratives” from the California School Board Association at the organization’s Annual Education Conference at the San Diego Convention Center. M.U.S.D. School Superintendent, Linda Wagner, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, and Santa Anita Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer, Damon Colaluca, were among

community officials on hand to accept the award. On the same evening, the Y.E.S. program also received the 2009 “Cities, Counties, and Schools Partnership Award,” which recognizes excellence in building communities through collaboration. The award is presented by the CCS Partnership, a joint effort of the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties and California School Board Association. “It is very exciting to have the Y.E.S. program singled out as a shining example of what a community can accomplish when it works together to help youth succeed,” said Colaluca. We are very proud of the collaboration that has made it possible to positively impact the lives of some 70 students who have benefited from the program since its inception in 2007,” he said. The school district provides students with counseling and training assistance.

The SAFYMCA handles the employment skills portion of the program and some of the job placement. The City of Monrovia provides the majority of the jobs that have students working and earning wages for nine weeks during the summer. The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce partners in the program by coordinating speakers from the business community and providing participants with future job referrals. To participate, students are required to attend an orientation meeting with their parents, participate in a Job-College-Life seminar, file applications and pass both an oral interview and physical exam. Once accepted in the program, participants meet weekly with a program mentor to discuss topics related to workplace behavior, appropriate dress and community tools and techniques. At the end of each workweek, they meet again to discuss how they were able to apply the techniques.

“Y Academy” After School Enrichment Classes to Launch Jan. 4 One way the Santa Anita Family YMCA plans to make good use of its newly acquired facilities at the Mary Wilcox Youth Center in Monrovia is by launching a “Y Academy” enrichment program for 3rd grade to 8th grade students beginning Jan. 4. The idea behind the Y Academy is to offer youth opportunities to sample and learn new and exciting skills,

hobbies and experiences that may not be available to them during the regular school day, said Chief Executive Officer, Damon Colaluca. “We’ve got all kinds of ideas. Fencing, model building, performance, video production are just some of the classes that we will be offering over the course of the new year. We want to peak kids’ interest and give them a chance

to expand their universe of knowledge and experience. Y Academy classes will also be influenced by the kids input as well,” said Colaluca. Among the first classes to be offered at the Y Academy in the month of January will be video production, in partnership with KGEM, the Monrovia Public Access station; art, Spanish, skate boarding, and

Continued on 17

13 December 24 - December 30, 2009

WE HAVE “SOMETHING” YOU NEED Sunday Worship: 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School: (all ages) 9:15 a.m. Sunday Eve - “Praise” Worship 7:00 p.m. or Monday Worship - 7:00 p.m.

Knockouts for Girls Brings Toys & Tips to Los Angeles Foster Care Children

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH 512 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia (626) 447-7690

Self-Defense and Empowerment Charity Shares Holiday Joy with Children’s Charity While some businesses are scaling down their philanthropic giving this year, one Los Angeles charity is going the distance by bringing toys and self-defense tips to a local foster care children’s charity. Knockouts for Girls wanted to give back to the community and reach out to those who are underprivileged, and chose Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity, as their perfect fit. Organizing the toy drive and the self-defense workshop was Lilit Barsegyan, GIVE BACK Program Director, Los Angeles, who said, “We wanted to do something more special than just a toy drive and meet with the kids.” The Los Angeles charity raised money by reaching out to their community and many people donated on their website, www.ko4g. org. They arrived at Hillsides with toys for each child and then taught them several selfdefense moves. Members of the charity teach boxing, host boxing events, coordinate fundraisers event, and execute a scholarship programs for children. Knockouts for Girls also offers free classes to women and single mothers. Their mission is to use the discipline of box-

PASTOR ROGER SONNENBERG HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE - CHILD CARE AVAILABLE

One Spirit Many Paths

Thursday, December 24

at 7:00 PM The

Santa Anita Church

A service that will recharge your soul, lift your spirits, and bring new life back into the season. The service will conclude with a candle- lighting ceremony.

226 W. Colorado Boulevard, Arcadia  626-446-8206 www.santaanitachurch.org

Knockouts for Girls Members deliver holiday wishes to children living at Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity in Pasadena. - Photo by Nicola Wilkins-Miller

ing to build self esteem, inspire the human spirit, and promote physical fitness to help people facing challenges worldwide. For foster care children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned, a sense of self-worth and empowerment is critical to the healing process. “Offering an opportunity to teach them a few tips on how to feel empowered is a step in the right direction,” said Laura Kelso, director of community resources, who worked with Knockouts for Girls in planning the workshop with the foster care children’s charity located in Pasadena. Having worked previously with McLaren Hall, a Los

Angeles County child protective institution, Lydia Castro, co-founder of Knockouts for Girls, became involved when her friend Pattiana Harootian suggested creating a charity through the boxing forum. They chose boxing since it is a difficult and demanding discipline and with diabetes on the rise in the United States, they thought it was a perfect forum to get children involved in a fun health and fitness program while providing confidence and empowerment. K nockout s for Girls brought much more than just a smile on the children’s faces with the toys they delivered, they helped build their

self-esteem while promoting fitness to face their childhood traumatic experiences. To learn more about the foster care children’s charity and how your organization or business can help, visit www. Hillsides.org.

11:15 11:15AM AM

11:15 AM 11:15 AM

11:15 AMAM 11:15

Rev. Paul S. Beck • Senior Pastor

The Drucker School of Management in Claremont Achieve professional success and make a social impact

SAFYMCA Youth Alliance Holds Christmas Celebration

Executive Management Program (EMBA) and Fully-Employed MBA

he Santa Anita Fa m i ly

YMCA’s Youth Alliance played host to more than 100 youth and their families at a Christmas dinner that also celebrated the success of Youth Alliance members. Andy Nieves, left, 11, seated with the Lopez family, Modesta, Isidro and Cristina, was honored as “most improved student of the year”. He was also recently presented with the Standing Ovation Award for achievement by Clifton Middle School. The SAFYMCA Youth Alliance is a community outreach program that provides recre-

Christmas Eve

With an exciting array of classes offered in Pasadena!

Now accepting applications

ation, counseling, homework help, tutoring and mentoring to youth and teens. At the dinner, held at the Monrovia Community Center and sponsored by Altrusa Inter-

national Club of Arcadia, families were also treated to gifts and a program that included Christmas carols sung by t he 58 -member Youth Alliance choir.

1021 N. Dartmouth Ave. Claremont, CA 91711

Telephone: 909.607.7811 E-mail: drucker@cgu.edu

www.drucker.cgu.edu

December 24 - December 30, 2009 14

Obituary Richard Samuel Saylor, noted American composer and Emeritus Professor at California State University at San Bernardino, died Friday of natural causes at his home in Arcadia. He was 83. Saylor taught at the campus for more than two decades beginning in 1968 shortly after it was founded as San Bernardino State College. He conducted the university’s chamber orchestra for more than 20 years during which the orchestra was recognized nationally for its innovative programming and excellence. Saylor served as chairman of the university’s music department and was active in the musical community throughout Southern California. He also conducted the Riverside Opera, Palm Springs Symphony and performances of the San Bernardino Symphony. His students regarded him as a charismatic, innovative and passionate teacher. After retiring he was named an Emeritus Professor by Cal State in recognition of his contributions building the music program for 22 years. “He challenged his students in a way that shaped our lives for the whole of our lives,” said Catt LeBaigue of Santa Fe, N.M., who studied with Saylor. “He taught not only how to think but how to live. Much of who I am today is because I was one of [Saylor’s] students.” Born in Reading, Pa., Saylor enlisted in the Navy directly out of high school at the age of 17 and served

Continued from 2 and continues to converse at a high pitch throughout dinner with phone and fork in hand while she describes her menu choices. Gosh, what did people do during dinner before the Cell phone Mania? Dog Walking Violations ... are also on the rise. These “dogpoop distributors” seem to have

Saylor as a sonar operator on ships during World War II. During high school he snuck out to play clarinet and saxophone in jazz groups, but his musical horizons expanded when he became the first member of his family to attend college, receiving his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College in New York. There he met his wife, Naomi, and started a family. His career as a composer began in college when he wrote “Prisoner of War,” band music that was chosen by the Army to commemorate the Baatan Day Rites in the Philippines in 1963.

Saylor later earned his Master’s degree from the University of Michigan and his Doctorate at Stanford University in orchestral conducting. Saylor taught in high schools and was a professor at Xavier University in New Orleans and at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. At the age of 32, applying for a teaching job, he wrote, “I have worked at a variety of jobs including oil pit cleaner, teacher in a public school, cement block maker, band director, furniture salesman, composer, waiter, bar room musician, teacher in college, dance hall musician

and critic.” Saylor’s musical interests and knowledge grew widely over the years. He was an early teacher of electronic music and developed a specialty in ethnomusicology after receiving a Smithsonian grant to study the classical music of South India, where he lived with his family for a year in Madras. He also championed modernism in music and pushed his students to play the atonal music of Webern as well as some of the more challenging works of Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg. Throughout his teaching and conducting career Saylor continued composing. American pianist Althea Waites recorded Saylor’s “Five Pieces for Piano” on her 1993 album “Along the Western Shore.” He continued composing into his 70s and his former students Michael Tacchia and Michele Brosseau played one of his compositions at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City in 2003. He also continued to t ravel widely and study music in Indonesia, China and India, and he spent a semester teaching in Haiti. Saylor is survived by three children, Janine Muscatine, Mark Saylor, and David Saylor; his brothers, William and James; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service has not yet been scheduled, but in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Richard Saylor’s name to www.vh1savethemusic.com, a nonprofit organization supporting music in the public schools.

New Year’s Resolutions dogs that cherish nice neighborhoods with pristine lawns to leave their trademark. Bad Drivers ... I do not want to overlook the bad drivers that cut you off, take the right of way when they are on the left and that give you the bird because you are driving to slowly. I also want to include those weirdo’s that can hardly

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navigate the roadway while using cell phone, drinking bottled water, and hair primping. Well, the Resolution List was so long that there was no room in the column to mention all of the bad behaviors that are bestowed upon us daily. But now, I must also include my wife who is in need of establishing a few resolutions for proper

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Community

December 24 - December 30, 2009

The Social Whirl

Kudos Resound for USC President Steve B. Sample, First Lady Kathryn Sample and Opera Legend Marilyn Horne at USC Thornton’s 23rd Annual Charles Dickens Dinner

By Floretta Lauber

Greetings From Social Whirl This is my 14th year with the newspaper. As The Social Whirl whirls on into another new year, I want to wish each of you a blessed Christmas and a fruitful New Year, one in which you also share more of your activities with me.

(L-r) Edward and Gayle Roski, co-chairs of USC Thornton’s Dickens Dinner, Grammy Award winning opera star and Thornton Legacy Award recipient Marilyn Horne, BM 1953, and Rob Cutietta, Dean USC Thornton School of Music, at gala. Photo by Lee Salem

(L-r) Candy Campbell, Janell Papik, Tom Crosby, Ceci Carroll, and Virginia Crosby, as Arcadia Rotary Christmas luncheon on December 18.

Hea r t felt accolades, lush music and joyful toasts abounded at USC Thornton School of Music’s 23rd Annual Charles Dickens Dinner on December 11 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. More than 375 guests attended the sold-out black-tie event, at which USC President Steven B. Sample and First Lady Kathryn Sample

and legendary opera singer Marilyn Horne were honored. The event also marked the conclusion of USC Thornton’s 125-day long 125th anniversary celebration and featured entertainment by 125 of Thornton’s stellar students. Robert Cutietta, dean of USC Thornton, served as master of ceremonies, and Gayle and Edward Roski co-chaired the Dickens Dinner. California Governor Ar-

nold Schwarzenegger, who was joined by his wife, Maria Shriver, presented the Samples with the prestigious John C. Argue Dickens Medals of Honor for their immeasurable contributions to USC. This was the first official USC event to honor the Samples since Dr. Sample announced that he will retire in August 2010. Also honored was legendary Grammy Award-winning

Cheer Abounds at Sierra Madre Civic Club Sierra Madre Civic Club, brimming with holiday spirit, has a full December calendar. Generous donations with the needs of families in mind have been made to Foothill Unity Center, City of Hope, a carload of personal items, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc., to Women’s Room, which this refuge for needy families cannot provide, and gifts to several Sierra Madre families who would otherwise go without this Christmas. Income from their successful Civic Club Shoppe at their Dickens Village event helped fund these donations. The club’s Beautification Committee has once again decorated the City Hall Rotunda for Christmas. For over a decade the planting, care and decoration of the Rotunda has been an ongoing project for the club. At their December meeting, they were host to the Sierra Madre Rose Princesses, Rose Float Association Chair Bob Young and Building Committee Chair Don Murphy. Always high on the club agenda is having a good time. Their annual Christmas party begins with members and guests gathering at the home of Ray and Nancy Fox for light fare, then moves to the residence of Ted and Pat Krok for dessert, coffee and “Sounds of the Season,” as they sing Christmas carols with piano accompaniment.

The Arcadia Community Center was the scene of holiday festivities December 15th, when an invitation only brunch, where an omelet bar, fruits, apple strudel and juices were served to all the

(L0r) Russ Meek, general manager of Red, White and Bluezz, with Andrea Olivas (newspaper’s client manager), and Von Raees, publisher/CEO of Beacon Media. Raees hosted a gourmet dinner and wine tasting party at the Wine Grill and Jazz Club in Old Town Pasadena, for the staff of their five newspapers.

(L-r) USC President Steven B. Sample, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kathryn Sample. The Samples received USC Thornton’s John C. Argue Dickens Medals of Honor for their immeasurable contributions to USC and for helping to transform the school into one of the nation’s top research institutions during the nearly two decades Dr. Sample has served as the school’s president. Photo by Lee Salem

opera star Marilyn Horne, BM’53, a National Medal of Arts recipient, described as “the Heifetz of singers,” who celebrated 26 years as a leading lady of the Metropolitan Opera and 39 seasons with the San

Francisco Opera. She received the Thornton Legacy Award in recognition of her illustrious career and her deep commitment to fostering the next generation of musical artists. Founded in 1884, USC

Thornton School of Music is the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in Southern California and one of the oldest and most highly regarded music schools in the country.

Rotarian President Imy Dulake (dressed in her native Korean Dress) and chair of the Christmas program, “Christmas Around the World,” Shari Pick (in her native Dutch dress) at Rotary Program.

Community Center Honors Volunteers at Holiday Brunch The Arcadia Community Center was the scene of holiday festivities December

Continued on 17

Top 1% of Prudential Realtors Nationwide Reni Rose (626) 355-8400 367 Monterey Pines Drive, Arcadia Offered at $6,880,000.

Located in the guard gated estate area of Whispering Pines is this incredible Tuscan Villa Estate which is better than new. This exquisitely detailed 6,525 sf home has 5 bedrooms (5 suites) & 6 bathrooms. Situated on over an acre lot, it offers incredible views of the mountains, valley and city lights. The highest quality workmanship & materials were used to construct this “one of a kind” estate home which includes a gourmet kitchen, elevator, wine cellar, his and hers offices, 4 car garage, infinity saltwater pool & spa, waterfalls & lush gardens. Visit www.367Monterey.com and www.367Montereypines.com for more photos and information.

1106 Windsor, South Pasadena Offered at: $1,098,000

Located in the desirable South Pasadena School District as well as one of the most sought after locations of South Pasadena, the Library District, this lovely Craftsman home was built in 1907 and has been recently updated with all the modern conveniences and boasting the latest colors. There is an updated family kitchen, 3 updated baths, the formal dining room is being used as the family room and the attic has been converted to a guest room/play room and has 2 closets, a kitchenette and a bathroom. Additionally, there is a spacious rear yard with play set and a workout room with air conditioning attached to the garage. The home is 2008 +/- sq. feet on a 7092 sq. foot lot and 4 bedrooms. This one won’t last! Visit www.1106windsor.com for more photos and information.

496 California Terrace, Pasadena Offered at $749,000.

This adorable California Bungalow is located on a distinctive and desirable street near the Arroyo Seco. Featuring wood flooring, wood paneled walls & ceilings, French windows throughtout. 1060 sq. ft., 2 bdrms, 1.75 ba, and a 350 sq. ft. permitted studio with loft and built-in cabinetry. Don’t miss this one! Visit www.496californiaterrace.com for more photos and information.

291 N. Garfield, Pasadena Offered at $555,000

This charming 1915 California Bungalow features cathedral/ exposed beam ceiling and French doors and windows that contribute to the light, bright, and spacious feel of this home. Wonderfully updated kitchen and bathroom plumbing, electrical, CA/heat, and hardwood flooring allow you to move right in. Located just minutes from many Pasadena amenities: Old Town, City Hall, Pasadena Playhouse, Paseo Colorado, Pasadena Library. The home offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a spa. This is a great condo alternative! Visit www.291garfield.com for more photos and information.

111 De Lacey #417, Pasadena, CA

Offered at $540,000.

Live in the heart of Old Town Pasadena and enjoy all of the amenities that are walking distance from this lovely condo: Tiffany’s, the Goldline, many restaurants, theatres and shops. This top floor unit has plenty of natural light. Within this 1,268 sq.ft. condo are 2 bdrms and 2 baths, there is a separate laundry room. Also included are 2 parking spaces side by side. Easy access to the Freeways. What more could you ask?

303 E. Colorado Boulevard, Monrovia

Offered at $2,250 per month.

Charming Craftsman built in 2003. Located just a few blocks from Old Town Monrovia, this super clean 3 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath home boasts quality workmanship throughout and has 1,667 square feet , situated on a 4,639 sq. ft. lot. Open floor plan, stone flooring, granite counters in the kitchen,separate laundry, attached garage for 2 with direct access. Bdrms upstairs. Fenced rear yard, automatic sprinklers. Available Nov 1.

Email: Renirose@aol.com • Website: www.Renirose.com

Seasons Greetings and a Very Happy New Year! -Reni Rose

December 24 - December 30, 2009 16

Thoroughbred Charity Set to Sell Zenyatta “Moneigh” Paintings ReRu n, a nonprof it Thoroughbred adoption program, will be auctioning off two “Moneighs” created by the world famous Breeders’ Cup champ Zenyatta. The paintings will be available for sale on its online ebay store December 26, 2009. The special online sale will also feature two Moneighs by Zenyatta’s stablemate, Life is Sweet, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. The horses create the paintings by using their muzzles, whiskers, hoof, and tail. M a r y S i mon s , who heads up ReRun’s Moneigh fundraising program, said the “Zenyatta Moneighs commemorate her brilliance and exit from the racing stage and that she and Life is Sweet are raising needed funds to help less famous Thoroughbreds get good homes.” For those who aren’t familiar with the Moneigh, it is an original, abstract painting created by a horse using the horse’s muzzle, whiskers, hoof, and tail. The paintings are named, of course, after the famous impressionist suffixed with a clever pun. Or is it a homophone? Regardless, you get the idea. Some are created by the horse holding a paintbrush. When possible, the artist signs the work with a hoof print. A brass plate with the horseartist’s name is attached to the mat and a lock of mane or tail may be attached to the painting as a souvenir. On Opening Day Zenyatta, the Breeders’ Cup

Classic winner with an unbroken 14-0 record, will make her final appearance at Santa Anita in a parade before fans. There will also be a special Winners Circle ceremony to honor the spectacular career of Zenyatta, who will retire to be one of the world’s most sought after broodmares. The ebay store is on ReRun’s website, www.rerun. org, which is also the site of

ReRun’s annual fundraising campaign. ReRun Inc. is a non-profit Thoroughbred adoption program whose mission is to help ex-racehorses find a second career. Horses accepted into the program are evaluated, rested and rehabilitated as needed. The Thoroughbreds are then placed with qualified adopters to begin their chance at a second career

Realtor Gene Glasco Earns NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification Gene Glasco of Century 21 Ludecke in Arcadia has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of Realtors offers the SFR certification to Realtors who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows. According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. Realtors who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as

well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities. “As leading advocates for homeownership, Realtors believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their

homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a Realtor who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.” The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help Realtors stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.

Home & Garden

December 24 - December 30, 2009

beaconmedianews.com

What is Kwanzaa Anyway? Continued from 5 lowed on this point and by 1997 wrote ““Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday.” But what exactly is it? The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa is a family celebration which stresses seven principles. On each of the seven days of the celebration an additional candle is lit to reflect one of these principles. Using the traditional African themed colors, the candles are three in red, three in green and one in black. The black candle is lit on the first night for the principle of Unity and is placed in the center of the kinara (candle holder). The red candles, placed to the left of the black candle, represent self-determination, cooperative economics and creativity. The green candles are placed to the right and stand for collective work and responsibility, purpose, and faith. The traditional greeting is “Habari gani?” which is Swahili for “What is the news?” This is the question asked before the lighting of

the candles and each night the answer is different and represents the principle stress that day. So in order of their lighting, the answer to the question “Habari gani?” is: 1.Umoja (oo-MO-jah): Unity - To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. 2. Kujichagulia (koogee-cha-goo-LEE-yah): SelfDetermination - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. 3.Ujima (oo-GEE-mah): Collective Work and Responsibility - To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together. 4. Uja maa (oo -JA Hmah): Cooperative Economics - To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. 5.Nia (NEE-yah): Purpose - To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. 6.Kuumba (koo-OOM-

bah): Creativity - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. 7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith - To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. Traditionally small gifts are given, usually to the children with the preferred gifts being books or other items which would enhance the life of the child, especially the child’s ethnic identity. “During Kwanzaa, millions of African Americans and people of African descent gather to celebrate their heritage and ancestry. Kwanzaa celebrations provide an opportunity to focus on the importance of family, community, and history and to reflect on the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of African culture. These principles emphasize unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.” President George W. Bush, 2004

“Y Academy” After School Enrichment Classes to Launch Jan. 4 Continued from 12 basketball. A selection of classes will run concurrently. Each class will be taught 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., two days a week, for a month. Experts in their field will teach the classes, using their passion for the subject matter to ignite passion in their students and help spark their imaginations. To learn more about the Y Academy and to register for classes, visit the Santa Anita Family YMCA at 501 S. Mountain Ave, Monrovia, or call (626) 359-9244. Information is also available on the website at www.safymca.org.

Community Center Honors Volunteers at Holiday Brunch Continued from 15

15th, when an invitation only brunch, where an omelet bar, fruits, apple strudel and juices were served to all the volunteers who man the center throughout the year. Tables had candles and holly, entertainment included,

a game show (audience participation). The party ended with a surprise visit from Santa Claus (played by Gene Glasco, a Senior Citizen commissioner), who handed out gift bags to all the appreciative guests.

Send your social and club news to “The Social Whirl,” e-mail your photos and announcements to: socialwhirl@ beaconmedianews.com

The Gold Standard SE OU m H P N

E -4 OP UN 1 S

gated hoMe

$500,000

Lovely well kept 3bdrm 2bth home with many updates, large gated yard with lot’s of privacy, lush landscaping, huge gazebo, space to entertain, close to shopping, schools and minutes from main Pasadena. motivated Seller!(W1534)

ConteMpoRaRy town hoMe

CentURy 21 lUdeCke, InC. (626) 445-0123

CentURy 21 vIllage InC. (626) 355-1451

MonRovIa

$395,000

$499,000

Located in Sierra madre short distance to downtown, living room with fireplace, bedroom/den family room downstairs, wet bar, upstairs bedroom & bath, dining room, kitchen with breakfast area. Plantation shutters, inside laundry room, patio & deck, easy access to attached double garage. (m199)

$349,000

323 w. CentRal In MonRovIa

$445,000

4 BR, 2.5 Baths, built in 2003. Located at front of complex, this PUD has master suite with walk-in closet, soaking tub. Laundry upstairs, central air & heat, gas hook-up for BBQ. (C323))

gReat neIghboRhood!

$399,000

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home features a large living room with fireplace, nice size kitchen and sunroom. Inside laundry. Located on a cul-de-sac and priced to sell! (SAN)

Century21adams&Barnes•(626)358-1858

CentURy 21 eaRll , ltd (626)-301-1888

aRCadIa SChoolS!!!

FUll oF ChaRaCteR

$347,000

$279,000

Priced for a quick sale. This 2bdrm 1bth home is close to everything an situated on a large lot accessible from two sides, full RV parking behind the gated backyard, great candidate for add on/ remodel possibilities (check with city). Hurry it won’t last. (R523)

Ready to Move In

Situated on a large lot in La Verne this wonderful starter home has great curb appeal with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, great open kitchen with spacious pantry and a very large backyard with patio area. Two car detached garage. Not a Bank Owned or Fixer. (B1401)

This great single level unit features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, large kitchen with tile floors, inside laundry & central air & heat. Located at the back of the complex which was recently re-roofed, stuccoed and painted. Low HOA dues $195.00 (HUN)

This charming home features two bedrooms and one bath, dining area with built-ins, living room with fireplace, and laundry hookups. Close to Old Town monrovia, schools and parks. (C510)

CentURy 21 lUdeCke InC (626) 445-0123

CentURy 21 vIllage InC. (626) 355-1451

CentURy 21 eaRll, ltd. (626) 301-1888

Century 21 adams & Barnes • (626) 358-1858

CenTury21 AdAmS & BArneS

CenTury 21 eArll, lTd.

CenTury 21 ludeCke, InC

CenTury 21 VIllAGe, InC

433 West Foothill Blvd., Monrovia

320 e. Foothill Blvd., arcadia

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Police Blotters Arcadia PD For the period of Sunday, December 6, through Saturday, December 12, the Police Department responded to 987 calls for service of which 108 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period. Sunday, December 6: 1. Units responded to the Peacock parking structure at Westfield mall around 12:56 a.m. in reference to an explosion. Investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) intentionally set off a military grade explosive device next to a parked vehicle. The explosion damaged the vehicle’s brake light. 2. Around 2:18 a.m., officers were dispatched to the rear parking lot of Drinkers Hall of Fame regarding the vandalism of five parked cars. Side mirrors to four vehicles were torn off and one vehicle’s windshield was broken. It is believed that a 30-yearold male Hispanic suspect may have vandalized the cars because he was asked to leave the premises. Monday, December 7: 3. Shortly after 2:00 a.m., units were called to Morlan and Huntington in regards to a vehicle blocking the roadway. A 42-year-old male driver was contacted and it was determined that he was intoxicated and was arrested for DUI. 4. An armed robbery occurred at Campus and Santa Anita around 6:40 p.m. A male Hispanic suspect grabbed a cell phone from the victim’s hand. He then brandished a firearm in his waistband and demanded additional property. The victim and his friends ran to an El Pollo Loco located at 1 West Duarte, and the suspect fled in an unknown direction. An area check was made, but the suspect was not found. Tuesday, December 8: 5. A grand theft was reported at 1148 West Huntington around 9:07 a.m. A 48-year-old male suspect was an apartment manager at the location and he received money from the property management company for repairs. He purchased materials, later returned them, and then kept the cash refund without reporting it to the management company. The case has been referred to the detectives for further investigation. 6. A victim came to the station around 9:49 a.m. to file a grand theft report that occurred on December 7 at 1:02 p.m. The victim advised that while she was at the checkout line at Gap Kids, a heavyset female Asian kept bumping her and she later discovered that $2,000 was missing from her purse. Wednesday, December 9: 7. Between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Greenfield. Unknown suspect(s) made forced entry into the house via a rear sliding glass door. The suspect(s) stole a television and two laptop computers. 8. An auto burglary occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Fairview. Unknown suspect(s) pried open and pulled back the glass on the driver’s side window, manually unlocked the doors, and removed property. Thursday, December 10:

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9. A robbery occurred at Burlington Coat Factory, 1201 South Baldwin, around 3:47 p.m. Two African-American suspects, a man and a woman, hid store merchandise in their purse and bag. Once outside, loss prevention personnel contacted the suspects and the male suspect dropped the stolen property and fled on foot, evading capture. A male employee tried to stop the female suspect from fleeing, and she struck him on the head and attempted to bite him on the arm. After a brief struggle, she was successfully detained. A private person’s arrest was made, and the 18-year-old woman was taken into custody for robbery and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. 10. Around 5:54 p.m., loss prevention personnel from JC Penney advised that they had detained two male African-American suspects for theft. The suspects hid merchandise under their clothing and left the store without making payment. Additional stolen property from Zumiez and the NYS Collection kiosk were recovered. Private persons’ arrests were made, and the suspects, ages 17 and 18, were taken into custody for commercial burglary. Friday, December 11: 11. Between 5:00 p.m. on December 10 and 6:30 a.m. on December 11, a 2001 white Acura Integra was stolen from the 400 block of San Miguel. Additionally, two Honda Accords were stolen from Westfield mall between 1:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. 12. Three 19-year-old female suspects, 2 Hispanics and 1 Filipino, were taken into custody for commercial burglary from H&M around 9:35 p.m. They hid stolen property on their persons and left the store. Additional stolen merchandise from American Apparel and Nordstrom were recovered. Saturday, December 12: 13. An injury traffic collision occurred at Santa Anita and Sierra Madre around 8:39 a.m. An intoxicated male driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a parked car. The 37-year-old Caucasian driver was arrested and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment; however, due to the extent of his injuries, he was released from custody. 14. A commercial burglary occurred at StorAmerica located at 5630 Peck between July 28 and December 12. Unk now n suspect(s) entered t he locked storage unit by unknown means and stole

Monrovia PD During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 566 service events, resulting in 143 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events: Criminal Threats / Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Suspect Arrested On December 10 at 8:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Genoa. When he arrived, the male victim reported a business partner came to the location demanding $500. He told his partner he did not have money to give him. The partner threatened to kill the victim. He walked to the trunk of his car and retrieved an aluminum bat. He then approached the victim and swung at him with the bat. The victim dodged the bat, causing the suspect to strike and damage a metal awning support. The victim ran into his house and called police. The suspect left the location, but later came into the Police Department. He was interviewed and

arrested. Injury Traffic Accident / Possible Driving Under Influence On December 10 at 4:07 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision at California, south of Duarte. A motorcyclist rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped for traffic at California and Monrovista. There was little damage; however, the motorcyclist lost control and sustained a broken collarbone. He was transported to a hospital. The officer noticed the odor of alcohol on the motorcyclist’s breath and subsequently obtained a blood sample. Investigation continuing. Robbery On December 10 at 9:45 p.m., police responded to a robbery at a gas station in the 800 block of East Huntington. While the station attendant was helping a customer at a gas pump, a male suspect entered the store and pushed the button on the register to open it. He took money from the register and grabbed a cashbox that is kept under the counter. The attendant saw the suspect reaching behind the counter and confronted him before he could leave. The suspect pushed past the attendant, dropped the cashbox and fled with approximately $25. An off-duty police officer saw the incident and followed the suspect vehicle for a short distance. It had two occupants, a male and a female. The officer was able to get a license plate number which returned to an address in Duarte. The suspect vehicle belongs to the female subject who was being assisted by the station attendant during the robbery. Investigation continuing. Missing Person Located / Mental Evaluation On December 11 at 7:49 p.m., a person came to the police lobby to report a missing person. The subject is a 41-year-old female who is schizophrenic. The subject is a Monrovia resident and was last seen getting on a bus in Glendale. A critical missing notification was immediately sent out countywide. One hit returned that Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department had contact with her, but they were not able to provide the unit or exact location. Later in the evening, a passerby observed her in a parking lot near Huntington and Encino. An officer responded and located her. She was taken to a hospital and held for mental evaluation. Death Report On December 12 at 2:10 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of North Primrose regarding an unconscious subject. When officers arrived, the subject was on the floor and his roommate was attempting to give him CPR. Officers applied the AED and were advised to shock the subject, which they did twice prior to Monrovia Fire Department paramedics arriving. Paramedics were able to revive the subject and obtain a pulse. They transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his condition. The subject had complained of heart attack-like symptoms earlier in the evening. Burglary / Suspect Arrested On December 12 at 3:30 p.m., a female subject walked into a clothing store in the 500 block of West Huntington with merchandise tags from items previously purchased. She selected items, placed the tags on them, and attempted to return the items for a refund. Store security detained her outside the store. She was arrested and booked for burglary. Mental Evaluation

On December 12 at 3:57 p.m., a male subject called police to report that he had been talking to his wife on the phone and she had threatened suicide by gun. He advised she is an alcoholic and takes antidepressants. The husband was calling from his parents’ home. Officers responded to the location and tactically surrounded the house. A call was made to the house by dispatch, but there was no answer. Officers called out to the female to come outside and she complied. She went down on her knees and began crying, stating she was fed up with her husband. Officers entered the house and determined the female had fired a shotgun once. She was taken to a hospital and was held on a 72-hour mental evaluation. Mental Evaluation On December 12, officers had gone to a residence in the 200 block of Poinsettia regarding a disturbance between two brothers. The problem was resolved. At 3:39 p.m., the mother of the two subjects called police to report that one of her sons, who is bipolar, was not taking his medication and was arguing with her. The mother went to a neighbor’s house to wait for the police. The son went to the neighbor’s house and made inappropriate comments about the man’s wife. Officers arrived, detained the subject, and placed him on a 72-hour mental evaluation. House Fire On December 14 at 8:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of East Lime regarding a fire assist. An officer arrived on scene and notified dispatch that a residence in the 500 block of East Lemon was fully engulfed in flames. The occupants of the residence were not inside at the time the fire started. Officers evacuated the residents nearby. Monrovia Fire Department, with the assistance of the Arcadia Fire Department, put out the fire. It was determined that the fire was started by a floor heater. Medical Assist On December 14 at 10 a.m., an officer responded to the intersection of Myrtle and Colorado regarding a medical assist. A female had fallen at the location and wanted paramedics to respond. Based on the statements of the female subject and a witness, it was determined that the female was crossing the intersection when a truck began to make a left turn and came to an abrupt stop when he realized the female was crossing the street. In an attempt to avoid being struck by the vehicle, the female stumbled backwards and fell onto the ground. The female was not struck by the vehicle. The female sustained minor injuries to her arm as a result of the fall. Sexual Assault On December 15 at 10:30 a.m., information was received from a middle school in Monrovia that indicated a sexual assault had occurred. The victim was a student and the suspect was related to the victim. The assault did not occur on campus. The investigation is continuing. Shots Fired On December 15 at 5:11 p.m., shots were fired at a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles. No one was hit, and it appears only one bullet struck the house. A vehicle related to the shooting was described as a large blue van. The investigation is continuing. Shooting Resulting in a Homicide On Tuesday, December 15, at approximately 8:05 p.m., a shooting occurred in the area of the 300 Block East Colorado. A male white and female

white in their 20s were approached by several male Hispanics on foot. Information indicates that the male white is a gang member from out of the area. They were both shot. The male died at the scene. The female received a gunshot wound to her foot that was treated at the hospital and she was released. Initial information indicates that the crime is gang related. A white, full-sized sport utility vehicle was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting and may be involved.

Sierra Madre PD During the week of Sunday, December 6, 2009 to Saturday, December 12, 2009 the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to about 339 calls for service. Monday, December 7th 7:20 AM – Vandalism, 611 East Sierra Madre Blvd. Between 2:00 PM on 12-06-2009 and 6:45 AM on 12-072009 unknown suspects vandalized the restrooms by breaking tiles and damaging the metal privacy partitions. Estimated repair cost is about $475.00. 6:52 PM – Battery Report – 200 Block Olivera Lane. Officers were dispatched to multiple 911 calls regarding a man calling for help. Officers arrived on scene and detained two men who admitted to fighting with each other. Neither desired prosecution. Tuesday, December 8th 12:08 PM – Grand Theft, 200 Block West Sierra Madre Blvd. The victim left his bike unsecured at the bike rack on the north end of Memorial Park on Saturday, December 5th. When he returned on Tuesday, December 8th, his bike was missing. Estimated loss is $750.00. 3:14 PM – Theft from Vehicle, 1 Kersting Court. The victim left a digital camera in his unlocked vehicle while he went into a store. When the victim returned to the vehicle, the digital camera was missing. The camera is valued at approximately $129.00. No suspect description is available at this time. 9:51 PM – Public Intoxication Arrest, 400 Block West Sierra Madre Blvd. Officers responded to the location regarding a loud disturbance in one of the apartments. When the officers arrived they saw an intoxicated woman outside who was involved in the disturbance Officers arrested her for being drunk in public and took her to the Pasadena Police Department for remand. Saturday, December 12th 12:59 AM - Public Intoxication Arrest, Kersting Court. Officers did a bar check at Lucky Baldwin’ and arrested an intoxicated woman who was causing a disturbance. Officers took her to the Pasadena Police Department for remand. 9:00 AM – Vandalism Report, 200 Block West Sierra Madre Blvd. Sometime between 4:00 PM Friday, 1211-2009, and 9:00 A M Saturday, 12-12-2009, unknown suspects broke the hand soap dispenser and urinal dividers off the wall. The repair cost is unknown. 6:01 PM – Theft from Vehicle, 100 Block North Sunnyside Ave. Between 5:30 PM on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th about 3:00 PM, suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle on the street, ransacked the interior and stole cds. Total loss is estimated at $20.00.

December 24 - December 30, 2009

City News

Yuletide Customs of the Motherlands: It’s Boxing Day! Continued from 5 is celebrated on 26th of December, also known as St. Stephen’s Day, or the Feast of St. Stephen. The Reformation hit Scotland as hard as everywhere else. By 1583, Bakers who made the Yulebreads were fined, and their punishment would only be lessened if they handed over the names of their customers. In 1638 the General Assembly in Edinburgh tried to completely abolish the celebration of “Yuletid”. While the same things were going on south of the border, with the Restoration of the Monarchy came the restoration of Christmas. In Scotland, the rigid laws of the new Kirk still frowned upon Christmas celebration, so it stayed underground. Only the High

church and the Catholics kept the old traditions going. In England, many of the symbolisms and earlier religious elements were lost, and it took the intrepid Victorian historians to gather together the remnants and re-establish Christmas, an effort which was helped by the strongly Christmas-orientated Royal family with its German Prince Consort. The Reformation in Germany had hardly touched Christmas at all, and Prince Albert brought it all to the public eye. English custom was not particularly accepted by the Scots. The inherent need to celebrate came out in Scotland as a great revival of the New Year celebrations. In fact, it hardly changed at all because Old Christmas comprised three days

of solemn Tribune, church services, fasting and hard work. There was Church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, followed by a day of charity on the Feast of Stephen, which we now call Boxing Day. No-one would have thought much about parties and frolics until after these days were over. Then the solemnity gave way to joyous and often rowdy celebration and holiday under the name of ‘Homme est né’ or Hogmanay. Being intended by the reformed church as a day of prayer, the puritanical elements gradually closed in on all t hose who defied the new laws and continued their festivities. In their attempts to stamp out frivolity, they prescribed that Christmas would be a working day. So it became the custom to work over

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working class, the “Bank Holidays Act” of 1871 established the banking holidays throughout the United Kingdom, with the day after Christmas defined as Boxing Day in England, Scotland and Wales, and as the feast day of St Stephen in Ireland. But it wasn’t until the “Banking and Financial Dealings Act” of 1971 that Boxing Day became established as an official public holiday in Scotland. Today, much like American Christmas, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. Perennially a time for shops to have sales featuring dramatic discounts, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue for many merchants across the U.K. So important is the holiday to retailers that in recent years they have

expanded their deals into a full “Boxing Week”. And of course, the internet isn’t safe from the throngs of dogooder shoppers either. The online version of Boxing Day, now known as Cyber Boxing Day, is typically one of the busiest days of the year for e-commerce. Boxing Day is also important for the sport ing calendar. It is also traditional for the Scottish Premier League and Premier League respectively, as well as the lower divisions and Rugby Footba ll leag ues throughout the U.K. to hold a full program of football and Rugby matches on Boxing Day. Traditionally, Boxing Day matches are played against local rivals, a tradition originally devised to avoid teams having to travel to an away game on the day after Christmas Day.

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Christmas. This prevailed throughout the whole of Britain, especially in the working classes. Until 40 years ago postmen, bakers, transport workers, and medical staff were commonly expected to work, but with the Victorian revival of Christmas in England, many other establishments closed, while in Scotland shops and many offices stayed open. However, this did not mean that people did not celebrate Christmas. Often they would go to church before work, at lunchtime or in the evening. They would have a Christmas tree, a Christmas dinner and the children went to bed expecting that kindly old gentleman to call with a gift or two. In a reversal of these religious oppressions of the

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This private stunning estate sits on over 5 acres. There are 6 bedrooms & 9 bathrooms,great room formal dining room,his/hers offices,library,gym or maids quarters, all Viking appliance kitchen,5 fireplaces, Grafix Master Lighting, Niles Audio System, pool, spa, entertainment pavillion,5 car garage with tons of storage,and a motor court that can park 8 cars. All of this oozing in premium quality. (M448)

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Beautiful 2 story house, move-in condition. Recently upgraded all 3 bathrooms with granite counter tops, new vinyl windows, new copper pipe, new electrical panel, newer roof, fresh painted interior, newly painted exterior, two master suites with his and her closets, family room can be used as 4th bedroom, central air/ heating and many fruit trees. (STR)

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Located in Arcadia this 6 bedroom, 5 bath, 4667 sq.ft. home on a 13,572 sq.ft. lot, close to Baldwin Stocker school, two story, huge family room, living room with fireplace, den, kitchen with a center island, 3 car attached garage. Large landscaped yard. (L613)

Close to Old Town Pasadena & L.A. Fantastic opportunity to live a t t h e e n d o f t h e c u l - d e - s a c i n t h e J o h n s t o n L a k e C o m m u n i t y. Features 4 bed/3 baths + bonus room w/bath in basement. Situated on 29,820 sq.ft. lot. Association pool, meadow & lake access. Spacious rooms w/good lay-out. Expansion potentials. Don’t just drive-by this one! Must see the entire property to appreciate! (AVE)

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Absolutely stunning home in gated community. This spacious 2-story features living room with a 14-foot ceiling & fireplace. The dining room opens to a garden patio w/fountain, great for entertaining. The kitchen features granite counters and center island, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, and a breakfast area with pool & mountain views. Family room has built-ins and a fireplace . The Master retreat is complete with fireplace, 2 walk-in closets, and an oversized bathroom.(CAR)

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315 Wistaria Way, Sierra Madre. Located in Sierra Madre this 1,986 sq.ft. one owner home is situated on a 11,800 sq.ft. lot and features 4 bedrooms, dining room, family room, nicely updated kitchen with built-ins, laundry room, central air & heat, 2 fireplaces, swimming pool and 2 baths. View of the mountains, double attached garage. (W315)

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Located in the “Upper Canyon” area of Sierra Madre this 1,400 sq.ft. home features 3 bdrms, office, built-ins, central air & heat, fireplace, spiral staircases and 1.75 baths. Single car garage with sundeck and a large sundeck off t h e t o p f l o o r. B e a u t i f u l v i e w s o f t h e m o u n t a i n s . ( S 7 6 7 )

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Income property features: ONE 3Bd/1.5Bth, TWO 2Bd/1.5Bth, and ONE 2Bd/1.0Bth. The South facing end units have a view, balconies. Near parks, baseball fields, and shops. The front entry has direct garage access. There are large living rooms with balconies. Four 1car/garages, and four 1car/ carport spaces. Each unit has its own laundry area. (N1627)

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