Arcadia News, CA Local News

Gardena plumber who lost $30,000 worth of tools frustrated with crime laws

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:42:52 +0000

A Southern California plumber whose work van and $30,000 worth of tools were stolen is frustrated after the suspect, who was arrested, was immediately released.

The victim, Robert Powell, is still out of work and doesn’t know how long it’ll take to replace his stolen tools and equipment.

The theft happened on March 28 as home surveillance cameras captured the brazen theft outside his Gardena home.

“At 4:30 a.m., they came and took it,” Powell said, on the verge of tears. “It’s hard to replace $30,000 worth of equipment that has taken you 10 years to accumulate.”

Video shows two suspects in an SUV pulling up to Powell's work van, breaking into it and driving it away.

Later that morning, the van was found abandoned in South Gate. However, all of Powell's valuable and expensive tools were gone.

Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
Robert Powell is devastated after thieves escape with his work van and around $30,000 worth of expensive tools. (KTLA)
Robert Powell found some of his stolen tools being sold on the resale app OfferUp. (KTLA)
Only three tools were recovered after thieves escaped with $30,000 worth of tools from a Gardena plumber. (KTLA)
Robert Powerll found some of his stolen tools being sold on the resale app OfferUp. (KTLA)
Suspects driving away with a Gardena plumber's work van that was parked on his driveway on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Suspects driving away with a Gardena plumber's work van that was parked on his driveway on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Robert Powell is devastated after thieves escape with his work van and around $30,000 worth of expensive tools. (KTLA)
- Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)
- Two hooded suspects steal a plumber's work van and tools in Gardena on March 28, 2024. (Robert Powell)

“They had all the right equipment just to get in there and cut the cable, cut the steering wheel lock and take the truck,” Powell said. “They had it in two-and-a-half minutes.”

Later that morning, the stolen truck was found abandoned in South Gate. However, all of Powell's expensive tools were gone.

The thieves also tore out the truck's ignition and back door before speeding away with it.

“It’s not just me that it hurts, it’s everybody when they’re stealing from us,” he said. “We have to find a way to stop these guys from doing this. It’s painful.”

Although Powell is devastated by this loss, he’s trying to stay positive and work on regaining his livelihood by replacing his tools. He hopes he’ll be ready to work soon enough. As an independent contractor, he has two employees who also rely on him for pay.

“I’ll take tomorrow and just start putting it back together as if I had nothing,” he said. “I know that I am blessed with the customers I have and the friends that I have. I’m going to pull through it.”

Powell filed a police report but said he couldn’t provide a detailed description of the suspects' appearance as his home security footage was on night mode and was too grainy.

Anyone who may be interested in helping Powell rebuild can email him directly at kandrplumbing90504@gmail.com.

Semi-official election results: Here are how some local races along LA County’s coast stand

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:04:10 +0000

The polls have closed, meaning the 2024 statewide primary is over — and the residents of Long Beach and South Bay area cities have chosen who should represent them in their local governments.

Now it’s just a matter of waiting to learn who the winners are.

See the latest election results.

County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan announced the semi-final results for Tuesday’s Presidential Primary Election early Wednesday. A total of 910,857 ballots were counted, with 16% of registered voters casting ballots. Many outstanding ballots remained to be counted, Logan said, but an official number was not announced. The first post-election day update is scheduled for later Wednesday, March 6.

Here’s where the local races in Avalon, Lakewood, Paramount, Gardena and Compton stood as of the semi-official results.

Avalon

Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall was leading handily with about two-thirds of the votes in her bid to win reelection against challenger Daniel Felts, who had about one-third.

The mayor, who has held the position for 10 years, represents the city of about 3,700 residents.

Incumbent councilmembers Lisa Lavelle and Yesenia De la Rose ran unopposed for a full four-year term.

Treasurer Oley Olsen also ran unopposed.

Anni Marshall (courtesy photo)

Lakewood

Two four-year seats on the Lakewood City Council were up for grabs this election, with both districts in the central part of town.

In the District 3 race, challenger Jeff Wood was in a comfortable lead with nearly 61% of the vote. Incumbent Ariel Pe was trailing with about 39%.

District 3 is bordered by Bellflower on the north and Long Beach on the south.

Ariel Pe (courtesy photo)
Jeff Wood (courtesy photo)

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In District 4, meanwhile, business owner David Arellano had nearly 65% of the vote over appointed Councilmember Vicki Stuckey, who had about 35%.

District 4 is bordered by Cerritos on the north, a small area of Bellflower on the northwest, Long Beach on the south and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast.

Stuckey was appointed in 2022 to complete the term of retired Councilmember Diane DuBois.

David Arellano (courtesy photo)
Vicki Stuckey (Courtesy city of Lakewood)

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Residents began voting for councilmembers in five different districts, instead of a citywide vote, in 2022.

Paramount

Current Mayor Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmembers Brenda Olmos and Vilma Cuellar Stallings faced three challengers in their citywide bid for reelection: teacher Yesenia Maria Cuarenta, small business owner Jose De Leon and university administrative coordinator Carmen Patricia Gomez.

In early results, the incumbents were in the lead. Olmos was leading the pack with 27%, followed by Aguayo at nearly 20%, Stallings at about 17%, Cuarenta at nearly 14%, Gomez at around 12% and De Leon had 10%.

Isabel Aguayo (courtesy photo)
Brenda Olmos (courtesy photo)
Vilma Cuellar Stallings (courtesy photo)
Yesenia Cuarenta (courtesy photo)
Jose De Leon (courtesy photo)
Carmen Gomez (courtesy photo)

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Gardena

Incumbents Mark Henderson and Paulette Francis were leading in a race to retain seats on the Gardena City Council against teacher Aimee Midori Yamada, and first responder and veteran Anthony Dixon.

The top-two finishers will claim the two open council seats.

Henderson had 32.29% of the vote. Francis with around 25.36% and Dixon had 23.86%, while Yamada had 18.5%.

Mark Henderson (courtesy photo)
Paulette Francis (courtesy photo)
Anthony Dixon (courtesy photo)

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Compton

Appointed Mayor Deidre Duhart had a slight lead over challenger Jasper Jackson, with Fidel Marquez in third, in the race to represent District 1 on the City Council. District 1 is the northwest portion of the city.

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beat to death his two nephews with a bolt cutter, a prosecutor told a jury Thursday.

Deyun Shi’s wife, Amy Lin, had filed for a divorce. Her abusive husband found out about it during a court hearing over a temporary restraining order his mother-in-law wanted against him, Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Teymouri said during opening statements at Shi’s trial at Alhambra Superior Court.

Before that hearing, she said, Shi went on a Chinese website similar to Quora and asked whether a Chinese citizen who returns to China after committing a crime overseas could avoid punishment. That showed he had an idea, Teymouri added.

When he found out about the divorce, he had a plan, she said.

Shi faces life in prison without parole if convicted of the Jan. 22, 2016 murders of 15-year-old Anthony Lin and 16-year-old William Lin and injuring his wife the day before.

He was also charged with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders as well as the allegations that he personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a bolt cutter, to commit the murders, inflicted great bodily injury on his wife under circumstances involving domestic violence and personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a maul, in the attack on his spouse.

“The defendant took a bolt cutter and bludgeoned Anthony Lim in the head. Only the head. Killing him as he slept,” Teymouri said.

His other nephew fought back. William Lin had significant injuries to his head and injuries to his arm consistent with someone who fought for his life, she said.

Vicki Podberesky, who is one of Shi’s lawyers, said this case is about mental health.

“On Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2016, Mr. Shi was acting under an active mental illness,” she said.

Shi has schizoaffective traumatic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, Podberesky said.

Medical records will show in 1986 he had his first hospitalization in China. He was manic, delusional and acted violently, Podberesky said. He was in the hospital for 30 days.

In 1998, she said, Shi had another psychotic break and ended up in the hospital again. He was committing self-harm and had paranoia, she added.

The second hospital stay was also 30 days. He received electroshock therapy again, she said.

Shi also was taken twice by the Disciplinary Committee in China and detained for 30 days each time, Podberesky said. The jury will hear from witnesses how he acted after being released, she said.

Wearing glasses and a long-sleeved shirt, the now 52-year-old Shi did not look at his son and former wife as they testified. Several Mandarin translators translated for Shi and his ex-wife.

Shi was a businessman from China. The Shi family moved to the United States in 2014 where Shi’s brother-in-law. David Lin, lived in Arcadia with his wife and two sons. Shi’s wife, Amy Lin, said they bought a home in Arcadia. then later moved to a house on Vista Miguel Drive in La Canada Flintridge.

Shi didn’t like his brother-in-law, who would later tell his sister about restraining orders.

Amy Lin testified that her husband would hit and kick her, a few years after their 1999 marriage. He didn’t like her brother and her parents.

Amy Lin filed for a temporary restraining order alleging domestic violence and his mother-in-law also asked for a temporary restraining order claiming elder abuse on Dec. 31, 2015, according to court records. Shi was served with the restraining order on Jan. 8, 2016 and had to leave his home.

His older son, Torres Shi, testified that his father wanted to come to the house and talk to his mother. He wanted his son to leave a door unlocked.

On Jan. 21, 2016, Torres said he was in his room when he saw his father at his window. His mother and his younger brother were sleeping in her room. He opened a door, which triggered the alarm. His father ran away, he said.

Amy Lin woke up and asked what happened. He told her he opened a door accidentally. She remembered he told her he opened a window. She reset the alarm and saw on the alarm system that the garage door was open.

The alarm went off again around 11 p.m., she said. Amy Lin said she woke up suddenly, sat up and saw Shi in front of her with a metal object in his hand.

“He didn’t say anything to me,” she said, adding he started hitting her with the object

Her oldest son heard a loud noise like someone banging on a door. He saw the door to the restroom of the master bedroom open and heard a noise coming from that room.

“It was my mother screaming,” he said. He saw his father hitting his mother on the head with a metal object.

“He was on top of my mother. He was holding my mother so she wouldn’t get up,” Torres said.

The then-teen pulled his father off his mother and had a hold of the elder Shi who made a beeline for the kitchen and outside. Shi said to let him go quickly or the police will come soon, according to his son.

Amy Lin testified she pried her husband’s fingers off the metal object, took it and put it on the kitchen counter. She suffered a broken nose and lacerations to her head. She called 911. While in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, she called her brother. He and his wife went to the hospital.

The Lins’ two sons were at the townhouse in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue in Arcadia when Shi showed up the early morning hours of Jan. 22, 2016 and attacked his nephews, the prosecution said. He left bloody shoe prints outside one of the nephew’s room and in the townhouse.

He washed the blood off himself, changed clothes and headed to LAX where he bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, she said.
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Authorities caught him in Hong Kong.

The criminal case against Shi was halted when a judge found him mentally incompetent to stand trial in 2017. A grand jury indicted him in 2018.

The trial continues Friday.

‘This has been fun’: Book Rack in Arcadia closes after 40 years

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:42:29 +0000

Customers pick through books on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A sign at the front of the store,The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp says this book is not for sale, it belongs to my great-grandson Marz on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp packs some books as her great-grandson, Marz, 5, finds a comfortable place to sit on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Mary Eddy, a volunteer for the Prison Library Project, looks for books on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp collects some of her personal things on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Lisa Watkins from Monrovia, left, has been a customer since her mother brought her as a young girl buys some books from store owner Karen Kropp on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A sign and a clock on the store wall on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Workers remove a counter as the Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp looks on, on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp holds on to some books on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Book Rack store owner Karen Kropp surveys the scene on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Lisa Watkins from Monrovia has been a customer since her mother brought her as a young girl buys some books on Wednesday morning. The Book Rack book store in Arcadia closed today, Feb. 28, 2024, after years of being a favorite in the region. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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On the last day at her bookshop, Karen Kropp remains surrounded by stories.

In the days after the 78-year-old owner of the Book Rack in Arcadia announced she was closing the store after 40 years, customers new and old turned up at the First Avenue location to shop and commiserate.

“It’s been a circus and though it was a terrible decision to make, it’s been a good run,” said Kropp in her warm contralto. She worked at the store before taking over the reins 18 years ago. “This was my happy, even when I was just an employee. I got really lucky. I got to do something I loved and learn while I was doing it.”

Declining sales worsened by the pandemic as well as her upcoming 80th birthday precipitated the closure, which Kropp hoped to stave off by cashing in her life insurance and a GoFundMe started by an employee.

“Thank you for all your years of making us literate, and happy and sad,” Lisa Watkins, 62, of Monrovia told Kropp. She remembers her mother Michael taking her to the Book Rack’s first location on Baldwin Avenue in her early teens.

“When my mother got older, I would bring her here, we kind of switched roles,” Watkins said. “(Karen) could find almost any book I was looking for, and if she couldn’t, she’d put me on a waiting list and call when a copy came in.”

Sergio Perez rummaged through moving boxes, looking for dictionaries and how-to books requested by inmates who write in to the Prison Library Project in Claremont, where he serves as director. Deputies from the Los Angeles Cou

Community rallies around donut shop owners after money for Monterey Park victims is stolen

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:52:48 +0000

Francois Ung and Shally Ung, owners of Arcadia Donuts, went to great lengths in recent weeks to hold a fundraiser in the name of their dear friend “Andy” Kao, who was among the 11 people killed during the Monterey Park attack just over a year ago.

They’d reached out to local media. Francois spoke at a vigil on Jan. 21st in memory of his friend. They’d put a big banner up to promote the fundraiser – designed to raise funds for survivors and victims of the shooting.

It was working.

With each donut, over a couple of weekends prior to the solemn anniversary, they had raised about $2,000 for a victims and survivors fund.

And then, in the early morning darkness on Jan. 23, his car was broken into and the money stolen, Ung said. The Ungs had gone from paying tribute to Kao the Sunday before to filing a police report, talking to police, talking to local media, and explaining the situation to tearful customers, stunned over the burglary.

A week later, Ung is still trying to bring back some measure of funding to recoup what was taken. He’s set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised $615 on the way to a $2,500 goal. Kind customers have offered a little extra on that morning donut run. And a resilient Ung moves on in memory of a lost friend.

Surveillance video appears to capture a person stealing goods from a car outside of Arcadia Donuts. Its owner says among the stolen items was about $2,000 in cash raised to support the victims and survivors of the Monterey Park mass shooting in Jan. 2023. (Courtesy of Francois Ung)

“This was for our friend,” Francois said Tuesday, still upset over the theft, let alone still fresh after paying tribute to Kao at the Jan. 21 vigil in Monterey Park. “For him, we wanted to do something good for the community.”

Arcadia Police Department detectives could not be reached for comment on the case. But the Ungs had filed a police report, and police were assessing surveillance camera images from the business showing what appeared to be a man shattering the front driver’s side window, opening the car’s trunk and then fleeing.

Ung said that morning he’d simply forgotten to take his laptop and the funds from the trunk, noting that he believes the thief had been watching him in the darkness, illuminated some from the light of the donut store.

About five minutes after he’d started setting up for the morning, Ung looked up at the surveillance camera footage and saw the thief running.

“I ran to check my car, and I saw the driver’s side window broken,” Ung said, noting that he believes the person must have been watching him for some time, perhaps even knowing about the fundraiser. “He took my laptop and the fundraiser money. I’ve parked in that place for a year and half and never had that problem.”

Ung said he was thankful for the gratitude from the community, which has been supporting him and Shally.

The gratitude runs deep during a tender moment.

Amid the anniversary, they were reflecting on memories of ‘Andy’ Kao, the 72-year-old friend known as “Mr. Nice.”

On that celebratory night in January 2023 at Star Ballroom Dance Studio, Kao had just turned his partner during an upbeat number when a gunman walked in.

That two-second move during a jive dance saved his partner’s life, and sacrificed his. That partner was Shally Ung., Francois’ wife.

“He became my brother,” Ung said of Kao, who remodeled the donut shop for them.

“He said ‘the green color will bring you prosperity, and the blue color will bring you happiness,” Ung told the audience at the Jan. 21 one-year anniversary vigil.

“Every day when Shally and I go to our store, Andy’s spirit is with us.”

If you’re interested in donating, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/stolen-money-from-the-mpk-mass-shooting-2023.

3 people found dead in burned house in Arcadia area

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:55:23 +0000

Firefighters found three people dead and two others injured after fire broke out at a home in the unincorporated county area near Arcadia early Tuesday morning, Jan. 2.

The blaze in the 5300 block of Tyler Avenue also damaged the two-story house, its garage and three of the four cars parked on the driveway.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Firefighters received a call of a structure fire at 1:01 a.m. while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Temple Station got a report of a garage on fire a few minutes later. Firefighters put out the flames at 1:31 a.m., Esteban Benitez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said.

Two people were taken to a hospital, he added.

Benitez didn’t know where the three bodies were found.

The medical examiner’s office has not yet identified the dead but described them as two males and one female. All the victims are adults, Sheriff’s Lt. David Hernandez said.

Luz Harmon, who lives nearby, heard noises after 1 a.m.

“I hear boom! Boom! And it woke me up,” she said.

Harmon looked out the window and saw a lot of smoke, flames and firefighters. She described the explosion as similar to the sound a big car on fire made years ago at her brother’s place in Mexico.

An older couple lives at the house where the fire occurred, she said. She didn’t know them but they would wave to her, she added.

“Very quiet, respectful people,” Harmon said.

People from SLS Property Solutions come to board up an Arcadia area home on Tyler Avenue where three people were found dead after an early morning fire on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Kathy Wei, 70, says she has been trying to get a hold of her retired neighbors after hearing explosions and seeing a fire at their home on Tyler Avenue in the Arcadia area where three people were found dead early Tuesday morning on, Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Three people were found dead after an early morning fire in the front house of an Arcadia area home on Tyler Avenue on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman from SLS Property Solutions boards up an Arcadia area home on Tyler Avenue where three people were found dead after an early morning fire on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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The lot where the fire happened has two houses. The two-story house and garage are in the front and a smaller house is in the back near the pool.

A Prius and two other cars parked near what remains of the garage were burned. A fourth vehicle, a Porsche Macan S, didn’t look damaged.

The property next to it is an overgrown vacant lot where neighbors said a house that used to be there was torn down a year ago.

Christian Salcedo and Sofia Munoz were among those who stopped by the scene on Tuesday morning. They heard about the three deaths and two people taken to a hospital.

“That’s so sad,” Salcedo said.

They smelled smoke when they got home around midnight, he said.

“We assumed it was a bonfire,” Munoz said. “We never thought it was a house on fire.”

Fodor’s puts San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on its 2024 ‘No List’

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 12:51:38 +0000

Fodor’s Travel magazine has some advice for Southern California nature lovers: Don’t go to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

That’s right, the national travel publication placed the mountainous national monument — a natural place made up of rivers, canyons and lakes, unique species of flowers and animals and 600 archeological sites all within 90 minutes of 20 million residents — on its ‘don’t go’ list, saying the monument is overwhelmed with trash and graffiti and should be omitted from travel plans in 2024.

Trash and graffiti is seen along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A pile of trash left behind along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Luis Peña, 69, and his brother Arnold, 64, search for recycling along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on Monday, November 20, 2023. The brothers recycle for their national parks trips. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Visitors leave behind dams throughout the East Fork even though dams can harm the native fish. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A pile of trash left behind along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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The 346,177-acre national monument, which includes 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and 4,002 acres of neighboring San Bernardino National Forest, made Fodor’s “No List” along with Venice, Italy; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Mount Fuji, Japan; Athens, Greece; and Lake Superior — fantastic places that are being loved to death by too many visitors, too much trash and not enough environmental stewardship, the magazine’s November edition reported.

What was intended to be the “crown to the Valley of Angels,” the living monument of chaparral, oak and conifer trees as well as numerous picnic, camping and fishing sites, has become “covered in trash, tagged with graffiti, and (is) posing an increasing threat to nature,” according to the magazine.

Even after monument status was bestowed in 2014 by President Barak Obama, the area, along with the entire 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest, was left in the hands of the U.S. Forest Service to manage.

But the U.S. Forest Service, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, did not get an allotment of dollars for the designation. Instead, the USFS must rely on corporate donations and the yeoman’s work of volunteer groups to maintain and manage the monument.

Recent publicity highlighted a portion of the monument at the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, which in the summer became inundated with people who left behind diapers, food wrappers and even mattresses. In a recent article in this newspaper, the USFS said it did not have enough money or resources to repair large portions devastated by storms and overuse, resulting in closure of more than 38% of the campgrounds.

This fall, the East Fork area, across from the Oaks Picnic Area, was in much better shape than in the summertime. That’s because the East Fork’s Golden Preservation group recently removed 800 pounds of trash in two hours. To date, they’ve taken out more than 8,000 pounds of trash, the magazine reported.

On Monday, Nov. 20, an independent, two-person team made up of Luis Peña and his brother, Arnold Peña, collected 1,000 empty beer and beverage cans in just two hours, said Arnold Peña, who lives in Duarte.

“Right now, it is all clean. But in the summer you will see all that trash down on the river,” said Arnold Peña, as he put the empty beer can in his hand into one of two nearly full, very large plastic bags in his car trunk. The two would soon take that trash down the hill to be recycled.

Luis Peña said the trashing of the East Fork area occurs from March through October. “Yeah, in the summer it is dirty. But in the winter it is usually clean.”

The East Fork river glistened in the November sun next to car turnouts on East Fork Road, about 10 miles north of Azusa. Authorities had placed three large trash bins there. But plastic bags, a woman’s sandal and other detritus were strewn on the berm adjacent to the river. Pizza boxes and other food containers were left on top of the empty bins — but not placed inside.

Down on the river, there were piles of beer bottles, empty soda bottles, paper cups, Styrofoam containers, clothes and a broken tent canopy frame. Many trees and rocks were tagged with blue, red and black graffiti, including a natural stone outcropping in the middle of the active stream bed.

Mini rock dams created by people who pool the river for swimming remained. These dams can kill the endangered Santa Ana sucker fish that live in the river, according to biologists. Signs posted along the river tell visitors to “Save the Santa Ana sucker fish.”

“It is a bummer to be on that (no go) list. It is not a list any place is aspiring to be on,” said Casey Schreiner, editor of the Modern Hiker online site, television writer, producer and author of “Day Hiking: Los Angeles (2016).” He said the Forest Service’s management practices are not working.

“I have been really patient and I feel like I’m reaching my breaking point,” he said on Monday, Nov. 20. The problems with overuse and people leaving trash in the river instead of packing it out has been around for more than 10 years. He suggested authorities use timed permits for visiting the area, as is done in popular national parks.

Maria Hernandez, who was visiting the East Fork area on Monday, was saddened when she spoke about seeing trash on the river banks. “We need to take care of the environment,” said Hernandez, of Compton. “I think it is not the area, it is the people. They don’t take care of it,” she said.

Daniel Rossman, California deputy director of The Wilderness Society, said the Forest Service has worked on cleaning up Oaks Picnic Area and the East Fork river area. Homer Wilkes, under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for natural resources and environment, listened to people weighing in about the monument at a meeting on Nov. 7 in Azusa. Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Judy Chu have asked President Joe Biden to expand the boundaries to include areas that need more attention, such as Chantry Flat near Arcadia, and the Upper Tujunga area toward the San Fernando Valley. Wilkes even got a tour of the East Fork — after it had been cleaned up.

“Part of this is about educating visitors to foster that sense of shared responsibility,” Rossman said. “To teach the ‘leave no trace behind’ principle,” he said on Friday, Nov. 10.

A new outreach program starting this summer funded by the National Forest Foundation and the Hispanic Action Foundation will take the form of a junior field ranger program, instructing visitors to pack out their trash and not hurt the sucker fish. “Just handing out trash bags is a great way to affect behavior,” Rossman said.

As far as Fodor’s placing the monument on a “don’t go” list, Rossman said there are many places within the boundaries that are not crowded and not trash-filled. He said the magazine’s message is one of awareness, not condemnation.

“I can’t agree more with that message. It highlights the need for all of us to do more to care for this place,” Rossman said.

5 Southern California arboretums and gardens lighting up for the holidays

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:46:18 +0000

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Estates isn’t reaching for the stars for its upcoming winter light show. Instead it’s bringing the stars down for a visit to illuminate the park with its “Astra Lumina” celestial experience.

“It immerses the audience in nature, in light, in music. Everything is synchronized. It’s an emotional journey and it tells a story.” said Thomas Pintal, the multimedia director at Moment Factory, creators of the walk-through installation which runs from Nov. 9-Jan.1 at the Palos Verdes Garden.

ALSO SEE: 20 events to get your ho-ho-holidays on in Southern California

This is the second year the Garden has hosted “Astra Lumina.” The multimedia installation replaced the venue’s previous GLOW experience, which took people through the ocean, rivers and forests, with a trip through the cosmos instead.

But the Palos Verdes Peninsula park isn’t the only garden that’s lighting things up this winter.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is bringing the stars down for a visit to illuminate the park with the Astra Lumina celestial experience. (Photo courtesy Moment Factory)
The South Coast Botanic Garden is bringing the stars down for a visit to illuminate the park with the Astra Lumina celestial experience. (Photo courtesy Moment Factory)
Guests make their way through the Lightscape, an after-dark light installation at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2022. The one mile walk-through is made up of several light installations that are coupled with music and special effects that covers part of the 127-acre property. It returns Nov. 17-Jan. 2. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Guests make their way through the Lightscape, an after-dark light installation at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2022. The one mile walk-through is made up of several light installations that are coupled with music and special effects that covers part of the 127-acre property. It returns Nov. 17-Jan. 2. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors at the Enchanted Forest of Lights Monday, November 21, 2022. The Enchanted Forest of Lights returns Nov. 19-Jan. 7 at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, CA. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Stained glass houses created by artist Tom Fruin dot the landscape near the rose garden at the Enchanted Forest of Lights Monday, November 21, 2022. The Enchanted Forest of Lights returns Nov. 19-Jan. 7 at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, CA. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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There are several other gardens and arboretums across Southern California for people to take in immersive light shows starting in November and December, including the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s “Lightscape,” a one mile walk-through made up of several light installations that are coupled with music and special effects that transform part of the 127-acre property into an illuminated garden. Expect to see displays like the Winter Cathedral, a light tunnel shaped like arched windows that’s made up of more than 100,000 small white LED globes and a stunning Arch of Light display.

In La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens turns a portion of its venue into the “Enchanted Forest of Light.” This is where people will see luminated “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn, geometric installations in the Rose Garden, Flower Power on the Promenade and more.

Meanwhile, music and lights mix at “Luminaria Nights” at California Botanic Garden in Claremont. This is where luminaria and string lights like the way along paths of native plant gardens, art installation and musical venues. Each night of the event includes at least three live performances.

Some gardens, like Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar, really get into the holiday spirit with their annual light display “Night of 1000 Lights.” For two weeks in December, guests can walk through this Orange County garden that has a Candyland theme this year. Expect stroll through a Rainbow Trail, into the Lollypop Woods, the Gumdrop Mountains and the Peppermint Stick Forest.

And back at the South Coast Botanic Garden, guests will get to see the stars up close.

“It’s based on a very simple storyline which says ‘What if the stars could reach for us?,” Pintal said. “So we have imagined a poetic story that there are some stars in the cosmos traveling and they see our beautiful blue planet and they come and fall just slowly into that beautiful garden just to rest, sleep and regenerate and then they fly back into the sky.”

“Astra Lumina” uses original music and choreographed projections to set a celestial mood along the Garden’s pathways to give patrons the experience of falling and rising stars making themselves at home here on earth. Along the pathway people will go through nine zones starting with the “Astra Archway,” which Pintal said is the symbolic portal to the stars.

“It has beautiful curves, there’s smoke, music, you can hear sounds coming from somewhere out there,” he said. “It’s a threshold through smoke and light and sound.”

From there, guests will see a garden filled with translucent lanterns, a light show that makes it appear as if the stars are falling from the sky and then a display of thousands of rays of lights dubbed “Stardust Rays,” which is meant to overwhelm the senses, in a good, way of course.

“You lose a sense of space, you lose a sense of what’s where and it’s probably the most immersive installation we have here,” he said.

After walking through several other zones, the journey ends with “Rise of the Stars.”

“The big finale is this moment when the stars fly back into the cosmos,” Pintal said.

“Astra Lumina”

When: 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 9-Jan. 1

Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates

Tickets: Starting at $28-$38 at astralumina.com

“Lightscape”

When: 5:30 p.m. nightly Nov. 17-Jan. 2

Where: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Tickets: $14-$18 for children, $29-$35 for adults, at arboretum.org

“Enchanted Forest of Light”

When: 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 19-Jan. 7 (Closed Nov. 23, Dec. 24-25)

Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

Tickets: $25-$30 for children, $35–45 for adults at descansogardens.org

“Luminaria Nights”

When: 6- 9 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 15-16

Where: California Botanic Garden, 500 N. College Avenue, Claremont

Tickets: $15 for students; $20 adults at calbg.org

“Night of 1000 Lights”

When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. December 9- 22 (closed Dec. 12-13)

Where: Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar

Tickets: $35 for general admission; $25 for members at thesherman.org

Biden official hears from packed audience on expanding San Gabriel Mountains monument

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:17:23 +0000

Inside a packed meeting hall in Azusa, a top Biden Administration official heard from dozens of speakers the night of Tuesday, Nov. 7, mostly in support of expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument with additional protections of scenic rivers and sensitive mountain habitat.

More than 250 people attended the public hearing at the invitation of the president, who sent Homer Wilkes, under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for natural resources and environment, to listen, review transcripts of the meeting and report back to help President Joe Biden decide if he should expand the monument’s size by a third.

Homer Wilkes, USDA under secretary for natural resources and environment, gives introductory remarks at meeting on plans for the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument held at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).
Maricela Rosales, a lifelong resident of LA County, speaks at the listening session in front of Homer Wilkes, USDA under secretary for natural resources and the environment. About 250 people attended the meeting held at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).
State Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, right, greets Homer Wilkes, left, USDA under secretary for natural resources and environment. Wilkes was sent by President Biden to hear from people in Southern California on plans to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).

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“This monument is being worked through the legislative process and I see there is a lot of support for it,” said Wilkes, in an interview during a break in the 2 1/2-hour meeting. “My job is to come out here and listen to what concerns people have.”

Twin bills from Rep. Judy Chu, (D-Pasadena) and Sen. Alex Padilla, (D-Calif.) introduced in May propose adding 109,167 acres of Angeles National Forest land to the 346,179-acre San Gabriel Mountains National Monument with the hope that it will bring the monument more funding and resources. The monument includes 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and 4,002 acres of the neighboring San Bernardino National Forest.

The bills also would designate more than 30,000 acres of protected wilderness and add 45.5 miles to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

A map of the proposed addition to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. (graphic by Jeff Goertzen/SCNG)

Chu and Padilla have asked Biden to use his powers under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to add federal forest land already within the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest to the monument, bypassing Congress and the legislative process. The original monument started with legislation 10 years ago, but was created by President Barack Obama with a stroke of the pen in October 2014 during his visit to the Angeles National Forest.

Wilkes said he will confer first with his boss, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Vilsack will then meet with Biden. “On behalf of Secretary Vilsack and President Biden, I’ll be able to share the concerns actually raised out here,” Wilkes said.

The addition would take in southwestern sections of the Angeles National Forest, including areas north of Sylmar and east of the Newhall Pass. It would include the Arroyo Seco, a historic tributary of the Los Angeles River running through Pasadena, as well as the Tujunga Wash.

A key addition is Chantry Flat, a popular hiking and picnic spot north of Arcadia and Sierra Madre that has attracted thousands of visitors on weekends but has been closed for several years due to damage from rainstorms and lack of resources from the U.S. Forest Service to make repairs.

Mount Lowe Railway packed with passengers during this day in 1909. This was the first public mass transit system into the Angeles National Forest. The site, still containing relics from the railway, is part of the proposed addition to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, discussed at a meeting in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (photo courtesy of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection)

Also included in the proposed expansion is the site of Thaddeus Lowe’s funicular, the Mount Lowe Railway, which from 1893 to 1938 took people on a roller-coaster of a ride high into the mountains above Pasadena; as well as historic trails that were created as part of the Great Hiking Era and sites containing ancient Native American relics.

The overwhelming majority of the public who spoke Tuesday favored expansion, preservation of forest lands and better community access. Many wanted to see a boomerang effect from a second monument land designation that could lead to more resources for trash pickup, outreach, transportation, interpretive programs and enforcement.

“I hope this expansion also comes with more resources, a lot more programing and an opportunity for more people to engage,” said Yvette Lopez-Ledesma, a member of The Wilderness Society who leads hiking groups into the Angeles National Forest.

Morgan Goodwin, senior director of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, said that on recent hikes he’s witnessed deterioration both in the monument and the Angeles National Forest, including poor signage and crumbling infrastructure. “We hope an expansion will lead directly to a better investment by the federal government,” he testified.

Monterey Park City Council member Thomas Wong was part of a roundtable discussion of invited city leaders and other stakeholders headed up by Wilkes. Wilkes held a private small group meeting on Saturday, Nov. 4 and three more on Tuesday, Wilkes said.

“Regarding the designation of a national monument — all that has been about bringing more resources to the mountains,” said Wong in an interview. Wong said the lack of Forest Service resources to properly manage the monument came up in the roundtable discussion.

While a monument designation doesn’t come with a budgetary line item, it adds prestige that can leverage dollars, supporters say.

Donations of about $3 million flowed to the National Forest Foundation for use in the monument shortly after its designation in 2014. A year later, Coca-Cola made a $900,000 donation. Recently, the Forest Service used private funds to improve the Castaic Lake campgrounds. And Chu has put in seed money of about $995,000 to start a public transit shuttle service into key monument recreation sites.

Nick Rosal, in a public comment, said there were too many unanswered questions about the expansion. “Is this a land grab? It is not clear. It is not specific. We have to look at the financial issues.”

Some said requiring more work to develop a management plan for the addition, and enforcing rules on a larger monument, amounted to an unfunded mandate.

Rob Pettersen, a volunteer who helps repair trails, said the expansion is putting the cart before the horse. “I feel a major influx of financial support for the Angeles is far more important,” he said.

Due to understaffing, the Forest Service, which is under the USDA, often uses nonprofit groups to supply volunteers to make trail repairs, pick up trash and clean restrooms. Even making major repairs of washed-out bridges and trails has become difficult, the Forest Service told this newspaper in July.

But Machiko Yasuda, who lives near a trailhead, said amenities are in short supply, including bathrooms and rangers.

“The Forest Service cannot continue to rely on volunteers to maintain trails that get trashed,” she commented. “We want to see full-time jobs for recreation and interpretation.” She’d also like to see the model used by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is managed by the U.S. Park Service, to replace the Forest Service.

While managerial changes are not in the legislation and would not be part of a presidential declaration for expanding the monument land, Wilkes said he’s relying on the community to rally for funding if the monument addition is approved.

“This is an opportunity to have other public-private partnership engagements. The federal government can’t do everything,” he said.

News |
The Compost: How to join the Forest Corps Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita Park, his family announced Monday, Nov. 6.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away,” his parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, said in a statement issued Monday morning via Godolphin, the stable that bred and owns Cody’s Wish.

“On Saturday, Cody watched his best friend, Cody’s Wish, display his usual perseverance and toughness in winning a second Breeders’ Cup,” the statement added. “Those are the same characteristics Cody has showed time and again for the 18 years we were blessed to have him.”

Cody Dorman, then a 12-year-old born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, met the then-unamed 5-month-old foal in October 2018. The horse would be named Cody’s Wish as part of a Make-A-Wish event at Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is a genetic condition that can leave a person without the ability to walk or communicate. Cody wasn’t supposed to live past 2 years old.

Cody’s Wish finished a nose ahead of National Treasure, the 2023 Preakness Stakes champion, on Saturday to win the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile for the second consecutive year.

“I think that horse probably saved Cody’s life in a lot of ways,” the teen’s father said afterward. “I know him and the horse has made a lot of lives better.”

Saturday’s race was the last of Cody’s Wish’s career. He will be retired to stud after winning 11 of 16 races, including five Grade 1 races, finishing second once and third four times.

“With Cody’s diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come,” the teen’s parents said in a statement, “but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him.

“Anyone who has seen him at the racetrack, especially around Cody’s Wish, understands that, in many ways, he taught us all how to live,” they added, “always keeping a positive attitude and being more concerned about those around him than himself.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana. Donations can be made at oki.wish.org/codyswish.

Breeders’ Cup contender Practical Move dies after a gallop at Santa Anita; Arcangelo out of Classic

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:55:39 +0000

By BETH HARRIS The Associated Press

ARCADIA — A horse set to run in this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup died Tuesday at Santa Anita, and a short time later, Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo dropped out of the $6 million Classic.

Trainer Jena Antonucci said she ran out of time trying to resolve an issue with Arcangelo’s left hind foot. The colt had not trained the last two days after having the shoe on that foot removed last weekend.

“He’s not fully resolving and we’re running out of time,” she told TVG. “As we’ve talked about from Day 1, this will always be horse first, no matter absolutely what.”

Arcangelo had drawn the No. 1 post and was listed at 7-2 odds on the morning line for the Classic. His scratch reduces the field to 11. Kentucky Derby winner Mage had been expected to run in the Classic but never arrived at Santa Anita after spiking a fever last weekend.

Practical Move was returning from a morning gallop when he experienced a suspected cardiac event, according to a statement from Breeders’ Cup officials. His rider wasn’t hurt.

Veterinarians from the California Horse Racing Board, 1/ST Racing and the Breeders’ Cup tended to the 3-year-old colt.

Practical Move was the early 3-1 second choice for the $1 million Dirt Mile on Saturday at the 40th world championships.

He had five wins in eight career starts and earnings of $923,200. Practical Move won the San Felipe and Santa Anita Derby on his home track before a fever forced him to miss the Kentucky Derby in May. He then took six months off and returned to win a race on Oct. 6 at Santa Anita.

The bay colt was trained by Tim Yakteen.

Another Breeders’ Cup contender who was injured near the end of a workout last Saturday at Santa Anita is not recovering as well as his owner had hoped.

Geaux Rocket Ride had surgery to repair a displaced condylar fracture on Sunday. It’s a repetitive strain injury that results in a fracture to the cannon bone above the fetlock due to large loads transmitted during high-speed workouts.

“Rocket is having an unexpected response to the surgery and isn’t recovering as we hoped,” according to a social media post by owner Pin Oak Stud. “He appears to be in no pain and is eating. Our boy is still fighting hard so we will keep fighting for him.”

The colt was transferred to Chino Valley Equine Medical Hospital for further evaluation.

Geaux Rocket Ride had been pre-entered to run in the Classic.

The 3-year-old colt was injured near the end of a seven-furlong workout, which came one day after a workout was postponed due to what Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said were “tender feet” as the result of having been re-shod last Thursday.

One Injured After Suspected Marijuana Lab Explodes In Arcadia

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:28:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A man was sent to the hospital after an explosion at a marijuana lab in Arcadia on Monday afternoon.

Arcadia first responders were dispatched after authorities received calls of an apparent structure fire at the 11700 block of Goldring Road.

When members of both the Arcadia Police Department and Arcadia Fire Department arrived at the scene, medics began to treat the injured man. He was later transported to the hospital because of the severity of his burns. Authorities withheld the identity of the victim and his condition is unknown at this time.

After firefighters cleared the building and deemed the building safe to enter, investigators determined the explosion may be related to a local marijuana lab extracting Butane Honey Oil or Butane Hash Oil.

The Los Angeles County Hazardous Material Team will dismantle the lab and ensure the area is safe for further investigation.

A similar incident occurred in mid-October when a suspected marijuana grow operation exploded in Canoga Park. Authorities quickly responded to the scene as a massive fire engulfed the commercial building located near the Topanga Division precinct of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Arcadia police are still investigating the incident.

Medina Spirit, Kentucky Derby Winner That Failed Drug Test, Dies During Workout At Santa Anita Park

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:20:47 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Medina Spirit, the horse that failed a drug test after placing first in this year’s Kentucky Derby race, died Monday at the race track at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

According to Craig Robertson, the attorney for Medina Spirit’s trainer Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit suffered a heart attack after a workout.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 12: Exercise rider Humberto Gomez takes Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entrant Medina Spirit over the track during a training session for the upcoming Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 12, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

“Following the completion of a routine morning workout, Medina Spirit collapsed on the track at Santa Anita Park and died suddenly of a probable cardiac event according to the on-site veterinary team who attended to him,” track officials said in a statement.

Blood, hair, and urine samples from the racehorse were taken immediately after Medina Spirit’s death and sent to the California Horse Racing Board. A full necropsy will be performed by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to determine an exact cause of death, according to track officials.

Medina Spirit, on the right, at the Kentucky Derby. (credit: John P. Wise/CBS)

The 3-year-old colt was the first-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby in May, but the win is now under investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission after Medina Spirit tested positive for the anti-inflammatory steroid betamethasone.

Medina Spirit went on to a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and third in the Preakness Stakes, but was banned from participating from the Belmont Stakes.

Baffert and his attorney say Medina Spirit tested positive due to the use of a topical ointment known as Otomax to treat a skin condition, not an injection intended to enhance the horse’s performance.

In a statement to Thoroughbred Daily News, Baffert said his entire barn has been devastated by the news of Medina Spirit’s death.

“Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss. I will always cherish our proud and personal memories of Medina Spirit and his tremendous spirit,” the statement said.

Medina Spirit’s death would be the 21st at the track this year, following the death of Restiany on Thanksgiving Day.

Newsom Appoints Assemblyman Ed Chau As Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:32:03 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Ed Chau, the assemblyman representing Monterey Park, was appointed Monday to serve as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

(credit: asmdc.org)

Chau, 64, was first elected to represent the San Gabriel Valley’s 49th Assembly District in 2012. The district includes Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and portions of Montebello and South El Monte.

Chau was born in Hong Kong, but grew up in Los Angeles, going on to USC and earning his law degree from the Southwestern University School of Law. He practiced law for more than 20 years, and also spent time as an engineer for IBM and as a programmer for the Unisys Corporation. He served for 12 years on the board of the Montebello Unified School District, and also spent 10 years a judge pro tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Chau will fill the position created by the retirement of Judge Robert J. Perry. Chau’s term ends next year, and it’s not immediately clear if a special election will be called to replace him in the Assembly.

Newsom also made two other appointments to the Los Angeles Superior Court bench – Deputy Public Defender Donald A. Buddle, Jr., 42, of Santa Clarita, and Supervising Deputy Federal Public Defender Patricia A. Young, 42, of Los Angeles. Buddle and Young are replacing retired judges Michael A. Tynan and Ramona G. See, respectively.

Racehorse Dies At Santa Anita Park, 20th Such Incident This Year

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:30:14 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Restiany, a four-year-old racehorse, died due to a training injury sustained on Thursday, November 25 according to state officials.

Records indicate that Restiany is the 20th racehorse to die at Santa Anita Park this year – the ninth by training fatality. Two of the deaths are listed as “unknown,” while the final nine were racing deaths.

Restiany’s cause of death is listed as musculoskeletal by the California Horse Racing Board. Despite being in the midst of a short offseason, Restiany’s fatality occurred during training.

Still just a colt, Restiany had two first-place finishes in 10 career races. He was owned by Guy Pariente and trained by John Sadler.

In 2019, 23 horses died at Santa Anita Park which caused an investigation by then Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.

Santa Anita Park, located in Arcadia, ended its fall season on October 31, and is slated to begin the winter season on December 26.

Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Beat His 71-Year-Old Mother And Prompted Evacuation Of Arcadia Neighborhood

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:58:30 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Police arrested 31-year-old Michael Jonathan Price after he allegedly beat his 71-year-old mother and prompted the evacuation of an Arcadia neighborhood Thursday after refusing to comply with officers’ commands.

Authorities were called to a report of battery at about 9:40 a.m. Thursday in the 400 block of East Camino Real Avenue. The elderly woman had been repeatedly punched on the head and face by her adult son, and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Arcadia police officials said.

Price was outside the home when officers arrived, but failed to comply with their commands and went inside the home, according to police. Officers set up a perimeter and evacuated nearby homes as they tried to get the suspect to surrender.

Police said Price eventually exited the residence and was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Arcadia Police Department’s jail and charged with violation of elder abuse. His bail has been set at $250,000.

Residents in the area have been allowed to return to their homes and normal traffic on Camino Real Avenue has resumed.

Avoid the area of Camino Real between Second Ave and Sixth Ave due to police activity. https://t.co/E6uV2Nj7ta

— Arcadia PD (@ArcadiaPD) November 18, 2021

Anyone with information can contact Arcadia police at (626) 574-5151.

Woman Killed In Car-To-Car Shooting And Crash On 210 Freeway In Arcadia, Shooter Still At-Large

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 01:00:34 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A woman was killed Saturday in a car-to-car shooting and crash on the 210 Freeway in Arcadia, and the gunman remains at-large.

The incident occurred at about 9:05 a.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway, near the Baldwin Avenue offramp.

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol searched for evidence after officers received a report of a black Mercedes that had crashed into a wall at the offramp near Baldwin Avenue. Upon arrival to the scene, they found that the victim had also been shot.

“They determined that a car-to-car shooting had occurred. At least one round was shot at another vehicle. It was a female, Hispanic adult in the vehicle. They called the fire department to render aid, and she was, unfortunately…she succumbed to her injuries,” CHP Officer Vince Ramirez said.

The woman was pronounced dead on the scene and the suspect’s vehicle took off.

(credit: CBS)

The incident prompted a Sigalert, forcing authorities to close down all eastbound lanes and divert traffic at Michillinda Boulevard. The backup stretched for miles.

Businessman Harry Shaymoyan said the traffic was so bad that he had to take side streets to get to his store on time.

“There were still, like, a lot of overflow from the side streets,” the store owner said. “It took me about 25 minutes, you know, to get here. Usually, it’s like a 13 to 15 minute drive.”

Investigators are not sure what prompted the shooting and are asking drivers with dash-cams who might’ve been in the area at the time to check their cameras for possible video of the incident.

Shamoyan said he’s stunned at such violence on a busy highway in broad daylight.

“We saw all those shootings going on in the Orange County area. I worry about that,” he said.

The LA County Coroner’s office is on the scene and will be working to identify the woman, who is believed to be in her 40’s, and notify her family.

So far, CHP has yet to release a description of the shooting suspect’s vehicle.

After being closed for hours, traffic on the 210 Freeway is finally moving again.

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14984641/2021/09/File-from-iOS-1.mp4

(Witness video of the scene courtesy of Bonnie and Bob Shockey.)

Motorist Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured In Crash Triggered By Suspected DUI Driver Friday In Arcadia

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 19:45:29 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Authorities with the Arcadia Police Department said Saturday a suspected drunk driver may have triggered an accident that killed a motorist in another vehicle and seriously injured the passenger.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Las Tunas Drive. A male motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sgt. Steven Castillo of Arcadia PD.

The victim’s injured passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle, and was then rushed by paramedics to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.

“The driver and solo occupant of the second vehicle appeared uninjured, but was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” Castillo said.

The driver was taken to Huntington Memorial for further evaluation.

“The suspect’s vehicle was traveling east on Las Tunas Drive at a high rate of speed,” Castillo said. “The suspect lost control of the vehicle, which crossed over the raised median and collided with the victim vehicle, in a head-on type collision.”

Arcadia police urged anyone with information regarding the crash to call them at 626-574-5151 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Fire Danger Level Raised To ‘Extreme’ In Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 05:34:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The fire danger level is now “extreme” in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, authorities said Wednesday.

That means campfires of any kind are banned there from now until next February.

The change comes just a month after the fire danger level was raised to “very high” a month early.

With outside temperatures soaring and our vegetation drying out, our fire officials have changed our fire danger level and fire restrictions to Extreme. That means NO campfires, smoking, or open flame anywhere in the forest. Read the Forest Order at: https://t.co/dEEozoq4yU pic.twitter.com/Bs5K7hBPoy

— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) July 14, 2021

“Fuel moistures on the forest are very dry, this condition combined with high temperatures support rapid fire spread,” Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a statement. “By restricting the use of fire throughout the forest, and increasing staffing levels, the objective is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire starting.”

The new fire danger level ushers in more restrictions in the forest, including: using fire or stove fires throughout the national forest and national monument, smoking, welding or operating an acetylene or other torches, and discharging firearms, air rifles or gas guns, except in authorized public shooting ranges.

However, people with valid permits for the Forest Service or hunting with a valid California hunting license may still discharge firearms, according to their permit or license.

Violating the forest order is punishable by up to $5,000 to $10,000, and up to six months in jail.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes EB 210 Freeway In Arcadia For Hours; 1 Dead

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 03:02:52 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A multi-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon closed the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway in Arcadia for hours.

A multi-vehicle crash forced the closure of the 210 Freeway in Arcadia. (CBSLA)

The crash was reported shortly before 3 p.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway at W. Huntington Drive.

According to initial reports, between four and six vehicles were involved in the crash. At least four people were taken to area hospitals in unknown condition and one person died at the scene, authorities said.

A SIG Alert was issued for an unknown duration and California Highway Patrol officers called for a hard closure of the freeway.

All lanes of the freeway were reopened by 8 p.m.

Fire Danger Level In Angeles National Forest Raised To ‘Very High’ A Month Early

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:55:56 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The U.S. Forest Service raised the fire danger level in the Angeles National Forest to “very high” on Wednesday, a month earlier than usual.

(credit: Angeles National Forest)

Extreme heat and record drought conditions have led to dry, dead grasses and vegetation in the Angeles National Forest, and with this week’s dangerous heat wave, an increase in gusty winds could be disastrous, according to Angeles National Forest officials.

“We’re easily a month or more ahead of fire weather conditions for this time of year,” Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a statement.

Forest officials say they wanted to raise awareness of the tinderbox conditions in the forest ahead of the Fourth of July, which is traditionally its busiest day. Last year, more than 20 wildfires started over the holiday weekend, and the Angeles National Forest expects to again break visitor records this year.

Visitors can still have open wood and charcoal fires in approved “developed” campgrounds and picnic areas where steel rings or stoves are provided, while propane and jellied gas stoves and grills are permitted in non-developed areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles or developed recreation sites. Drivers were urged to stay on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass, to avoid sparking a fire.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on national forest lands, and a violation can result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. Anyone found to have caused a wildfire is liable for all costs of suppressing a fire.

1-Year-Old Ejected From Vehicle After Car Collides With A Hydrant At End Of A Police Pursuit

Sun, 30 May 2021 02:01:33 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A car that hit a fire hydrant in Arcadia may have previously been involved in a pursuit with Pasadena Police.

The car collided with the hydrant before hitting a wall and overturning.

A 28-year-old woman was driving with two children, a 1-year-0ld and a 2-year-old, inside the vehicle. The 1-year-old was ejected from the car during the collision.

All of the passengers were taken to the hospital and are expected to be okay.

Routine Traffic Stop In Arcadia Turns Up Stolen Mail, Glass Pipes For Drugs

Sat, 22 May 2021 19:52:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A routine traffic stop in Arcadia Saturday turned up some stolen mail and two glass pipes used for ingesting methamphetamine, authorities said.

Officers stopped a suspicious vehicle about 2:10 a.m. in the area of Alta Oaks Drive and Grandview Avenue, the Arcadia Police Department reported.

The recovered stolen mail was not from Arcadia, but surrounding areas, police said, adding that the suspect had recently been arrested for similar charges, as well as a prior conviction for mail theft.

5-Year-Old Gelding Mantra Euthanized After Fracturing Ankle In Race At Santa Anita Park

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:58:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A 5-year-old gelding was euthanized after fracturing an ankle during a race this weekend at Santa Anita Park.

Mantra “pulled up in distress” during Sunday’s ninth race, park officials said. The horse managed to cross the finish line in last place, and was vanned off. He was later euthanized due to a fractured right front ankle.

Mantra had 24 races in his career, with two first-place finishes. He is the sixth horse to die during Santa Anita’s winter/spring meeting.

The track is getting ready to allow fans back in to the stands on April 2 after being closed to the public for more than a year because of the pandemic.

Owner Sought After Large Tortoise Found Crossing Santa Anita Avenue In Arcadia

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 18:21:36 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A really big tortoise was found crossing a busy thoroughfare in Arcadia, and now its finders are hoping to get him home.

The tortoise, estimated to be between 50 and 65 pounds, was found crossing Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia Sunday.

Jeff Camacho says his family had to wrestle the big guy into the back of their car to keep it out of the road.

“He didn’t appreciate his apprehension but I think he will be happy once he’s back in his yard,” Camacho wrote in a Facebook post.

The family says they are actively trying to find the tortoise’s owner so it can go home.

Violent Crash Into Power Pole Leaves Driver Dead In Arcadia, 2 Hurt

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:31:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – One person was killed and two more injured when a car slammed into two power poles in Arcadia late Sunday night.

Feb. 21, 2021. (CBSLA)

The collision occurred at 11:37 p.m. in the area of Las Tunas Drive and El Monte Avenue, according to Arcadia police.

A car was carrying three people, traveling east on El Monte Avenue, when the driver lost control and went off the road, careening into two power poles and a flood control fence.

The driver was killed at the scene, police said. The person was not identified.

The two passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Southern California Edison crews was repairing the damaged power poles. There were no reported outages.

It’s unclear if drugs or alcohol contributed to the wreck.

Arcadia Father Of 10-Year-Old Twin Girls Dies After Contracting COVID-19

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:55:45 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The family of an Arcadia father who died after contracting COVID-19 is now urging the public to follow health guidelines.

John Scherer, 60, was a loving father and a Steelers fan who died Jan. 19 after contracting COVID-19. (CBSLA)

John Scherer, 60, was a loving father and a Steelers fan who worked at Warner Bros. Pictures. Scherer and his 10-year-old twin daughters all contracted the virus, but the girls were able to recover.

His ex-wife, Zoe Uttley, said Scherer waited too long to go to the hospital, and by the time he called 911, he could barely breathe. Once he was in the hospital, she said he suffered from a blood clot that turned into sepsis. He did Jan. 19.

The family said it has been difficult to find closure without a proper funeral.

“And the last thing the twins saw of their dad was him with a house full of firefighters and paramedics rolling him out on a gurney, and I think that’s a hard visual for everybody, but especially when you’re 10,” Uttley said.

The family also had to re-home the girls’ dog, Benny, because they could no longer care for him.

4-Year-Old Horse Euthanized At Santa Anita Park After Fracturing Ankle During Workout

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:26:16 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A 4-year-old gelding who fractured an ankle during a workout at Santa Anita Park is the fourth racehorse to die during the track’s winter/spring meeting.

Natural History fractured his left front ankle during a workout Saturday. He had 13 starts, two victories, and most recently finished third in a claiming race on Dec. 27.

“Horse was transported for diagnostic examination and it was determined by the attending veterinarian to be an unrecoverable injury,” a statement on the track’s website said. The horse’s trainer was identified as Bob Hess Jr.

Sixteen horses died in racing or raining-related incidents during Santa Anita’s 2019-20 winter/spring meet, which ended June 21, 2020. There were no horse deaths or injuries during the track’s autumn meet, which ended on Oct. 25.

Methodist Hospital In Arcadia Convenes Triage Team After Meeting Criteria For Crisis Care Mode

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:05:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Methodist Hospital in Arcadia has posted a dire message on its website to people seeking care at its facility: medical care may be withheld from patients unlikely to survive COVID-19.

(credit: CBS)

Methodist Hospital of Southern California told employees in a memo the Arcadia hospital is now caring 233 patients, more than half of whom are COVID positive and in isolation. Under the county’s checklist for crisis care mode, Methodist Hospital says it has now met that criteria.

The hospital says they have been forced to convene a triage team to “review the severity of all critically ill patients at Methodist Hospital.” Patients, meanwhile, were advised to be aware of the limited options for medical care and let hospital staff know in advance of they have an advance healthcare directive, a “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” order, and if they do not want blood products or life-saving treatments, like mechanical ventilation or a surgical procedure to prolong life.

“If a patient becomes extremely ill and very unlikely to survive their illness (even with life-saving treatment), then certain resources currently limited in availability, such as ICU care or a ventilator, may be allocated to another patient who is more likely to survive,” the hospital’s message said.

Unraced Filly Euthanized After Fracturing Leg During Workout At Santa Anita Park

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:06:30 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — An 2-year-old filly who had never raced had to be euthanized after fracturing her leg during a workout at Santa Anita Park.

Penelope Rose fractured her right front humerus while galloping during a workout Wednesday. She was taken for a diagnostic examination with radiographs and it was determined by the attending veterinarian to be an unrecoverable injury.

She’s the 16th horse to die in racing or training-related incidents at the track this year.

The filly’s death is the first since June 20, when 4-year-old colt Strictly Biz fractured a right knee on a gallop out after a race and had to be euthanized. There were no racing or training fatalities during Santa Anita’s 16-day autumn meet, which ended on Oct. 25.

Police Investigate Whether Gunfire Was Fired During Arcadia Home Break-In

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:42:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Authorities are investigating whether a resident exchanged gunfire with several suspects who allegedly broke into his home Tuesday night in Arcadia.

Arcadia police report that the burglary attempt occurred in the 1400 block of Glencoe Drive at 7:15 p.m.

The resident discovered three male suspects who had broken into his home, police said. He told investigators that both he and one of the suspects then exchanged gunfire. However, police have not yet found evidence that shots were fired.

There was also no evidence that anyone was struck by the shots, police said.

The suspects fled and were last seen running south on Glencoe Drive.

No surveillance video has been released. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should call detectives at 626-574-5151.

Fresh Evacuation Issued As Stubborn Bobcat Fire Containment Delayed

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:10:07 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Authorities issued new mandatory evacuation orders Thursday in the stubborn Bobcat Fire as flames continued to threaten homes in the Antelope Valley.

People dine at tables set up in the parking lot of a restaurant in Monrovia, Calif., as smoke rises from the Bobcat Fire burning in the San Gabriel Mountains on Sept. 16, 2020. (Getty Images)

The Bobcat Fire has burned 55,617 acres and was 9% contained as of Thursday evening. Authorities have now revised their full containment expectations until late October. Despite some close calls, no homes have been destroyed so far.

Evacuations were ordered for residents in the foothill areas just north of the fire, including for the community of Juniper Hills in the southeast Antelope Valley.

Residents in Paradise Springs, including the areas east of Devils Punchbowl Road, south of Big Pines Highway, north of the Big Rock Creek and west of Jackson Lake were also told to evacuate.

“We’re all set, we packed early this morning, we got everything together, all of our valuables, things we wanted to have, paperwork and stuff like that, pictures,” said Juniper Hills resident Peter Trono, who has lived in the area for 36 years.

He said he and his 96-year-old mother are prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

“Last night, we saw the flames on the ridge line itself and that’s where we became really concerned,” he said. “I hope my neighbors all get out and they’re all safe, and I just pray we come back to a home and if we don’t, it’s just stuff, right?”

The fire crossed Highway 2 near the junction with Highway 39, which is south of Juniper Hills, officials said.

These are in addition to evacuation warnings which have been in place for several days now for the San Gabriel foothill communities of Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

Fire officials said on Thursday that they are primarily fighting the fire with air drops to get a line around it. They say once the fire makes it to the desert floor, it should hopefully slow down.

There was some good news in the firefight, as evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday afternoon for about 300 homes in Arcadia and Siera Madre which had been in place since Sunday.

“Welcome home Arcadia,” the Arcadia Fire Department tweeted Wednesday evening. “Continue to be vigilant and stay alert as Arcadia remains in an evacuation warning status should fire conditions change.”

Meanwhile, to the west of the fire, crews continued to successfully protect the historic Mount Wilson Observatory and the nearby television and radio broadcast towers which are valued at about $1 billion.

On Tuesday, the flames got within 500 feet of the Observatory.

“The area around Mt. Wilson and the southwestern edge of the fire remains active where crews continue to protect the Mt. Wilson Observatory infrastructure,” the U.S. Forest Service wrote on its incident information page Wednesday.

At the north end of the fire, the focus was to try to contain the spot fires across Highway 2 after an approximately 1,000-acre spot fire crossed the highway Tuesday in the Cooper Canyon area.

Meanwhile, all 18 National Forests in California will remain closed through at least Monday, Sept. 21, due to the historic number of wildfires burning up and down the state. All 18 national forests have been closed since Sept. 9.

On Wednesday, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that over 3.3 million acres have burned so far this year.

The Bobcat Fire broke out a little after noon on Sept. 6 amid triple-digit temperatures near the Cogswell Dam and the West Fork Day Use area. The fire is churning through thick vegetation and dry brush in steep terrain, some of which has not burned in more 60 years.

The cause is under investigation.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a smoke advisory into Thursday for nearly all of L.A. County. Thick smoke and ash continues to hang over the foothill neighborhoods just south of the Angeles National Forest.

Evacuation Orders:

Residences within the area north of Angeles Crest North and between Clear Creek Station and Hwy 39.
A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at Santa Anita Park, located at 285 W. Huntington Dr. in Arcadia. To reach Red Cross LA, call 1-800-675-5799.

Evacuation Warnings:

The foothill communities of Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.
Residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave.
Residents of Juniper Hills, South of Fort Tejon Rd East of 96th St. East, and south of Valyermo Rd. west of Bobs Gap Rd.

Road Closures:

Highway 2 closed from east of Angeles Forest Highway to Big Pines.
Highway 39 closed from San Gabriel River Bridge to Highway 2.
Upper Big Tujunga Cyn Rd closed Angeles Forest Highway to Highway 2.

Crews ‘Ready’ For Bobcat Fire As Flames Reach Mount Wilson Observatory

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 05:09:22 +0000

MONROVIA (CBSLA) – A massive wildfire burning in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia came within 500 feet of the Mount Wilson Observatory, fire officials said Tuesday.

Several radio and TV communication towers are positioned near the Observatory and sit directly in the path of the Bobcat Fire. Twelve L.A. County Fire Department companies have been stationed around it for protection.

U.S. Forest Service crews were also positioned near the site Tuesday afternoon.

The #BobcatFire is within 500 ft of the Mt. Wilson Observatory & crews are in place ready to receive the fire. Strategic firing is taking place in the south where air operations are strengthening dozerlines. Crews are working a spot fire that crossed Hwy 2 near Buckhorn. pic.twitter.com/33rI3dNet2

— Angeles_NF (@Angeles_NF) September 15, 2020

The fire grew considerably Tuesday morning as firefighters worked tirelessly to protect both the Mount Wilson Observatory in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel foothill communities which remain under threat.

The Bobcat Fire had burned at least 41,231 acres as of 10 p.m. Tuesday. Containment dropped from 6% to 3% between Monday and Tuesday. No homes have been destroyed.

Smoke rises behind the Mount Wilson Observatory as the Bobcat Fire burns in the Angeles National Forest on Sept. 14, 2020 near Pasadena, Calif. (Getty Images)

“We’re really lucky that we don’t have Santa Ana conditions right now,” said retired firefighter Glenn Faulk, who lives in Monrovia. “If we did, all bets would be off.”

The reduction in containment was due to the exponential growth in the size of the fire, coupled with crews being unable to increase containment lines, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

Faulk said, after working for nearly 30 years in the same steep terrain, he understands the current struggle.

“It’s really hard to defend when the fire’s blowing the flames right back at your face,” he said, adding that while the flames burn downhill slowly, they burn uphill in an instant.

An evacuation order is in effect for about 300 homes in Arcadia and Sierra Madre. Arcadia Fire Department told CBSLA it has so far successfully kept the blaze out of its neighborhoods.

Sept. 14, 2020. (U.S. Forest Service)

The cause is under investigation.

An evacuation order in portions of Arcadia and Sierra Madre applies to all residents north of Elkins Avenue and east of Santa Anita Avenue.

Evacuation warnings remain in place for Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

Bobcat Fire Smoke, Evacuations Force Santa Anita Park To Postpone Its Opening Day

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:06:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Santa Anita Park will push the opening day of its autumn season to Sept. 25 due to conditions caused by the Bobcat Fire.

Neighborhood residents watch as the Bobcat Fire burns on hillsides behind homes in Arcadia, California on September 13, 2020 prompting mandatory evacuations for residents of several communities living along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. – California wildfires have shrouded much of the western United States in thick smoke and unhealthy air quality. Of the at least 33 people killed by the blazes since the beginning of summer, 25 died this week alone. Dozens were still missing on September 13. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

The racetrack remains closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, but live racing was scheduled to start up again on Sept. 19. But with the Bobcat Fire still burning in the Angeles National Forest above Arcadia, Opening Day has been postponed.

“Our local community has been deeply impacted by the Bobcat Fire burning for more than a week in the mountains behind us,” Aidan Butler, executive director of California operations for The Stronach Group – which owns Santa Anita Park – said in a statement. “The current weather pattern has kept the smoke in the valley and the air quality is quite poor right now.”

Santa Anita is also being used as a Red Cross evacuation zone for the community, which includes many of the park’s horsemen, Butler said.

Smoke from the wildfires and the terrible air quality have also impacted training schedules, so the park will fill extra races throughout the meet to give horsemen the opportunity to run their horses. according to Steve Lym, Santa Anita’s VP Racing & Racing Secretary.

Entries for Opening Day, Sept. 25, will be drawn on Sunday Sept. 20, as scheduled, park officials said.

Father Identified After Deadly Shooting At Arcadia House Party, Shooter At Large

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:44:01 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The 23-year-old man who was shot and killed at an Arcadia house party last week has been identified by the coroner’s office as Gustavo Lopez.

Lopez was gunned down in the 2800 block of Carolina Way on the night of August 31.

About 25 people were gathered for a party at a home, which was rented out.

Arcadia police said there were shots fired around 8:49 p.m. and Lopez was found on the patio of the home with two gunshots wounds.

(Courtesy: Family Photo/GoFundMe)

He was taken to the hospital for emergency surgery but died from his injuries hours later.

The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear but Arcadia police said it appeared there was some type of argument that night.

A GoFundMe for Lopez says he was “trying to stop a fight” between other people and then after noticing assailants were armed, he started to run away and was fatally shot.

According to family, Lopez leaves behind a wife, an 18-month-old son and other loved ones.

A 23-year-old was taken into custody after the incident on separate charges, but a shooting suspect has not yet been taken into custody.

The GoFundMe for Lopez has raised more than $8,500 so far.

Argument Leads To Shooting Outside Arcadia House Party, Man Dead

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:27:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A man was shot and killed outside a house party in Arcadia Sunday night.

Aug. 31, 2020. (CBSLA)

The shooting occurred at 8:40 p.m. outside a home in the 2800 block of Caroline Way, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim was shot several times following an argument, the sheriff’s department said. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital, where he died. His name was not released.

One person was detained at the scene, according to Arcadia police Lt. Kollin Cieadlo.

About 25 people were attending the party at a home which appeared to have been rented, Cieadlo told reporters.

“It looked like a rental,” Cieadlo said.

Sheriff’s detectives are assisting Arcadia police in the investigation.

There have been several shootings at house parties across L.A. County in recent weeks.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 26, gunfire erupted during a party at another short-term rental mansion in the wealthy L.A. neighborhood of Beverly Crest, killing one man and leaving a second man wounded.

On Aug. 4, a woman was killed and two others wounded after shots were fired at a mansion party, also in Beverly Crest.

On Aug. 11, five people were wounded in a shooting at a large party at a warehouse in an industrial area in the South Los Angeles County community of Harbor-Gateway.

The L.A. City Attorney announced criminal charges Friday against four people, including two young TikTok stars, in connection with several recent parties at mansions in the Hollywood Hills.

On Aug. 5, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a public order authorizing the L.A. Department of Water and Power to shut off utilities at homes which host large gatherings, parties or events.

Home-sharing giant Airbnb announced last week that it had suspended or removed more than 50 L.A. County rental homes from its app after receiving complaints or noting policy violations. The move came just a few days after Airbnb’s decision to ban parties and events at listings globally until further notice.

The city of Glendora also reported last week that it had fined the organizer of an illegal mansion party and made at least one arrest after shutting down a giant party at a million-dollar home.

Applications Accepted Now For US Forest Service’s 2020 Women-In-Wildfire Basic Training Camp

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 21:59:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A few good women are wanted to become U.S. Forest Service firefighters.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking 30 women to attend its fourth annual 2020 Women-in-Wildfire Basic Training Camp. The week-long training camp starts Nov. 16 and will be led by female firefighters with more than 60 years of combined experience.

The camp will train women in basic firefighting techniques and fire behavior through classroom and hands-on training, in preparation for entry-level wildland firefighter jobs throughout California and surrounding states. Students will practice on Forest Service fire engines, hand tools and advanced firing techniques.

Students who complete the physically challenging training camp, which includes passing the federal firefighter’s work capacity test, will receive their Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certification.

Selected applicants will be provided meals and will live at the Little Tujunga Hotshot base in Sylmar for the duration of the camp. Training material, specialized equipment and clothing will also be provided.

Applications to attend the camp are being accepted now through Aug. 23. Women can submit their applications here.

State Board Puts Los Alamitos On Probation After Rash Of Horse Deaths

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:30:48 +0000

CYPRESS (CBSLA) – The California Horse Racing Board voted Friday morning to put the Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress on probation following a rash of horse deaths so far this season.

At a special teleconference meeting, the board placed Los Alamitos on probation for the next 10 days and ordered the track’s staff to come up with an action plan. The board had the option of shutting down racing at the track, but chose not to.

According to a CHRB spokesperson, at least 19 horses have died while racing or training at Los Alamitos this year. Another 10 died of gastrointestinal issues or other illnesses.

Los Alamitos is the only course in California that never halted racing during the coronavirus pandemic, albeit continuing racing behind closed doors.

The death of horses at Southland race tracks has received intense scrutiny over the past few years, with Santa Anita Park in Arcadia receiving the brunt of the attention.

At least 50 horses have died while racing or training at Santa Anita since December of 2018, including 15 this season.

Santa Anita halted live racing on March 27 in response to the pandemic, but resumed it May 15, also without spectators.

A state investigation released in March found no evidence that illegal medication or procedures contributed to the deaths of the 23 horses who died at Santa Anita between Dec. 30, 2018, and March 31, 2019.

In June of 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill giving the CHRB the authority to halt racing at Santa Anita if it so chooses.

Former Arcadia High School Student Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:18:09 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A former Arcadia High School student has been arrested on child sex abuse charges.

Arcadia Police Department reported Tuesday that 18-year-old Dylan Chan was taken into custody on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, using a minor for sex acts and possession and distribution of child pornography.

The arrest came after investigators served a search warrant at his home back on June 24, police disclosed. The evidence seized from the home lead to Chan’s arrest.

The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault and exploitation involving current and former Arcadia High students, police said. Its unclear if any other arrests have been made in the case.

Chan is being held in the Arcadia City Jail.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact detectives at 626-574-5160.

Arcadia Police Seek Help Finding At-Risk Missing Person

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:06:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The Arcadia Police Department is trying to locate an at-risk missing person.

Steven Ellington, 59, was last seen on Wednesday around 7 p.m. in the area of Huntington Dr. and Baldwin Ave. Ellington’s family believes he may have boarded a Metro or Foothill Transit bus and is no longer in Arcadia.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help returning Ellington home safely. He has a cognitive disability and may not be able to identify himself or return home on his own.

Ellington is described as an African American male, 5′ 4″ and 160 lbs. He has short black hair and dark brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve black T-shirt, camouflage pants, black socks, and black shoes with white tips.

If you have information or see Ellington, please call 9-1-1 or contact the Arcadia Police Department Dispatch Center at (626) 574-5123.

Original Din Tai Fung Location In Arcadia Permanently Closed After 20 Years Due To ‘Current Economic Climate’

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 03:34:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The popular Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung has closed its original United States location in Arcadia after 20 years due to the “current economic climate.”

The chain shared the news on their Instagram writing, “As a result of the current economic climate, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our first U.S. location.”

“Din Tai Fung USA has always been a family-owned restaurant. We first opened this location over 20 years ago to introduce Taiwanese cuisine, culture, and our signature Xiao Long Bao to our guests here in the United States. Since then, through the gracious support of our community, we have been able to share the Din Tai Fung experience throughout the West Coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this location, making this decision all the more heartbreaking. ⁣”

View this post on Instagram

As a result of the current economic climate, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our first U.S. location. ⁣ ⁣ Din Tai Fung USA has always been a family-owned restaurant. We first opened this location over 20 years ago to introduce Taiwanese cuisine, culture, and our signature Xiao Long Bao to our guests here in the United States. Since then, through the gracious support of our community, we have been able to share the Din Tai Fung experience throughout the West Coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this location, making this decision all the more heartbreaking. ⁣ ⁣ We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to serve you at our Westfield Santa Anita location.⁣

A post shared by Din Tai Fung (@dintaifungusa) on Jun 10, 2020 at 12:00pm PDT

⁣
“We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to serve you at our Westfield Santa Anita location.⁣”

The restaurant also announced their other locations in are reopen for dine-in services after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To promote social distancing, the restaurant is reservation only. Reservations could be made on their website or through Yelp.

Weekend Access To Chantry Flats Temporarily Closed Due To Heavy Traffic, Return Of Hot, Dry Conditions

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:11:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Even as much of the state reopens, the Angeles National Forest will temporarily close weekend access to the Chantry Flat recreation area starting Saturday.

The Angeles National Forest has been experiencing exceptionally high numbers of visitors who have likely been hungry for outdoor recreation as stay-at-home orders ease in California.

Chantry Flat, already one of the most popular areas of the forest and the third busiest entry into the Angeles National Forest, has been plagued with more visitor cars than parking lots can handle. Heavy traffic and illegal parking on narrow mountain roads have constricted roadways and hampered access for emergency crews, Angeles National Forest officials said.

With hot, dry conditions returning to the forest, authorities will close Chantry Flat on Saturdays and Sundays, starting this Saturday. The popular picnic area will remain open on weekdays.

Angeles National Forest officials say they are working with state and local partners to find solutions to the recent overcrowding and heavy traffic on mountain roadways.

2-Year-Old Filly Is 15th Horse To Die At Santa Anita Park This Season

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 21:00:23 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Another horse has died while training at Santa Anita Park, becoming the 15th to die in racing or training-related incidents at the racetrack this season.

Lightsaber, an unraced 2-year-old filly, died Sunday in what the California Horse Racing Board said was a training-related death. Lightsaber reportedly broke her left hind leg during morning workouts and was euthanized after attending veterinarians determined the injury was unrecoverable.

Santa Anita Park remains closed to the public, but restarted live racing on May 15 after closing on March 27 because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Fifteen horses have died since the season started in late December. Lightsaber is now the 50th horse to die at the park since December of 2018, but an investigation by state regulators last year determined most of the horses had “pre-existing pathology.”

2 Racehorses Die In Separate Incidents At Santa Anita, Los Alamitos Race Tracks

Tue, 12 May 2020 16:56:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Two racehorses died after suffering training injuries at Southern California tracks last weekend, according to state officials.

Tailback, a 4-year-old gelding, died Sunday at Santa Anita Park, according to the California Horse Racing Board, while Rowboat Romeo, a 2-year-old colt that had not raced before, died Saturday at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Both horses were euthanized after suffering injuries, CHRB spokesman Mike Marten said.

Rowboat Romeo had participated in a 220-yard workout the day he died, according to the Daily Racing Forum. He is the 13th horse to die at Los Alamitos in racing or training-related incidents during this race season.

Los Alamitos is the the only track in the state to hold live horse racing since Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered non-essential businesses to shut down to slow the spread of coronavirus. Fans, however, are prohibited from Los Alamitos during the shutdown.

Tailback is the 14th horse to die in racing or training-related incidents at Santa Anita Park this season. Racing at the track was suspended in late March.

Coronavirus: Pregnant Women Get Care At Outdoor Birthing Center

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 03:49:49 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Many expectant moms are concerned about how the coronavirus could impact them and their unborn.

A birthing center in Arcadia set up a drive-thru medical tent to help with prenatal care and checkups since hospitals have limited beds and are a potential source of transmitting the virus.

Organizers say this keeps moms protected from exposure to coronavirus patients.

“We really want to keep that space clean and available as much as we can for the moms and the babies,” said midwife Chemin Perez.

Health officials are still learning about the virus and how it can affect babies and pregnant women.

The birthing center is state-licensed and accepts Medi-Cal, offering another option for concerned moms during this uncertain time.

Large Bear Roams Arcadia Neighborhood

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 20:44:17 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A large bear was making its way through an Arcadia neighborhood Wednesday morning.

March 25, 2020. (CBS2)

The bear was spotted in the 300 block of Topaz Place sometime before 4:30 a.m., in the San Gabriel foothills. At one point, it crossed the street and appeared to rummage through some trash cans.

Arcadia police have been notified, but it’s unclear if California Department of Fish and Wildlife had been called in.

Bears are a common sight in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Back in February, a bear wandered through a Monrovia neighborhood for several hours, strolling up and down sidewalks and driveways and hanging out on porches before it was tranquilized by CDFW officials and moved to the Angeles National Forest.

Another Racehorse Dies, Two Days Before Santa Anita Opening Day

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:43:42 +0000

ARCADIA (CNS/CBSLA) —Santa Anita’s opening weekend reportedly was marred by the death of another racehorse — though the latest fatality happened on Thursday, two days before Saturday’s rescheduled opening day.

Truest Reward, a 3-year-old gelding, died during a period when the track was closed to workouts but open for jogging and galloping, according to the Los Angeles Times, which said the horse broke his left front leg on the training track, considered the safest surface.

Thursday was supposed to be Santa Anita’s opening day, but forecasts of rain prompted track officials to postpone the first day of its 83rd winter meeting until Saturday, when 11 races were run without incident.

Santa Anita — and the sport in general — have faced increasing pressure from animal-rights activists amid the death of at least 38 horses at the track over the last year, which included 2017 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Battle of Midway while training at the track on Feb. 23 and Mongolian Groom, who was euthanized after suffering a fatal injury in the Breeders’ Cup
Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 2.

The California Horse Racing Board is set to issue a report next month on the horse deaths.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office concluded Dec. 19 that there was no criminal wrongdoing connected to the deaths, but offered a series of recommendations aimed at improving safety at racetracks in California.

The district attorney called on state regulators to develop safety enhancements to reduce horse deaths, including possible enhanced penalties for rules violations, establishment of a tip line for people to report violations or animal cruelty allegations and mandated inspections of racing and training facilities, and reviews of necropsy and veterinary records of horses that have
died.

The report also made recommendations aimed at identifying pre-existing conditions in horses that could lead to breakdowns, establishing track-maintenance protocols — including special measures during rain or extreme weather conditions, and creation of “safety codes of conduct” for owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians and others who care for horses.

The report noted that officials at Santa Anita have implemented a series of safety-improvement measures that “have reduced the number of fatal racing and training incidents.”

This state-of-the-art technology reflects a new standard of care within Thoroughbred racing — a standard that puts the health and safety of horses and riders first,” said Belinda Stronach, The Stronach Group’s chairman and president.

Man Found Burned After Suspected Drug Lab Explodes In Million-Dollar Arcadia Home

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:51:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Police were called to a report of a car crash at a million-dollar Arcadia home, but instead found a suspected drug lab that had exploded.

Officers were sent to the 2500 block of South Second Avenue at about 10:50 p.m. Monday to check out a report of a car that had crashed into a home. They didn’t find any sort of collision – but they did find there had been an explosion at the home.

The officers’ preliminary investigation found the explosion was possibly related to a cannabis extraction lab. Hazardous materials were also found inside the home, so a hazmat team was called to the scene and nearby residents were briefly evacuated until it was deemed safe.

One man was taken to the hospital with burn injuries.

The home where the suspected drug lab was found has an estimate value of over $1 million. Arcadia is known more for its good schools and tree-lined streets than drug activity.

Another Horse Euthanized At Santa Anita Park Bringing Total Of Deaths To 71 Since 2018 Season

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 01:09:43 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Another horse has been euthanized at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia bringing the total number of horse deaths to 35 since Dec. 26 and 71 since the 2018 season.

GQ Covergirl, a 6-year-old mare, sustained what is described as a bilateral forelimb injury while on the inner training track Friday morning, according to park spokesperson Mike Willman.

FILE — The main track sits empty at Santa Anita Park on March 10, 2019, in Arcadia, Calif., after horse racing was temporarily suspended following a slew of horse deaths. (Getty Images)

Per recommendation from the attending veterinarian, the mare was euthanized.

GQ Covergirl, trained by Doug O’Neill, won her last two starts, most recently a five-furlong turf sprint at Santa Anita on Oct. 4, her seventh start of the year.

A 3-year-old gelding was euthanized at Santa Anita Park on October 19.

The track has been under extreme scrutiny since the rash of deaths at Santa Anita started garnering more media attention this year than in seasons past.

Animal rights advocates, along with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and other politicians, have demanded racing stop until an investigation into the exact cause of deaths can be completed.

Racing at Santa Anita was temporarily suspended in February – following the 19th horse death — and again for most of March – following the 21st horse death — so experts could conduct testing on the park’s three tracks – the main, training and turf tracks — to try and pinpoint the issue.

On March 31, just two days after racing had resumed, a 5-year-old gelding named Arms Runner had to be euthanized after being injured during a race when he fell following a collision with another horse while both were transitioning from the turf course to dirt.

In mid-March, Santa Anita officials announced a series of new measures to help bolster the safety of horses at the track, including restrictions on certain medications, requiring trainers to get permission in advance before putting a horse through a workout and investing in diagnostic equipment to aid in the early detection of pre-existing conditions.

In April, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced the creation of a task force to investigate the deaths.