2009_08_13_SierraMadre by Beacon Media News

“Gotcha, Mark!”

sierramadreweekly.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 VOLUME 14, NO. 33

More Charges Filed Against Monrovia’s Mini Madoff BY SUSAN MOTANDER

Trisha Zhang, wife of founder Ed Kuckelkorn, donated $1,000 to Huff’s 2012 re-election campaign committee on June 29, almost a month before the college unexpectedly closed down on July 30. Zhang’s generous donation came just a month after her and her husband’s school was named Small Business of the Year by Senator Huff. Senator Huff, representative of the 29th Senate District said he did not know the college was struggling financially, and has announced that he will return the donation made by Zhang.

A settlement agreement between the city and two hillside developments ran into opposition from residents who fear the real estate project will end up as a visual, environmental and even a muddy mess. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, the agenda item resulted in a lengthy discussion that sent the proposal back to negotiators. A report and a settlement proposal named Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release was delivered to city council members prior to the meeting with the hope that the document could produce an agreement to settle various issues surrounding the Stonehouse Homes and One

On Tuesday Mark Colasuonno appeared in a Pasadena court for the beginning of his trail for Grand Theft by embezzlement. But that trial did not begin. Instead Colasuonno was arrested, yet again, on three additional charges. In the courtroom, Monrovia Police Detective Sergeant Glen Coleman arrested the “Tax Doctor” on three more felony charges. As for the first matter - the charges for which Colasuonno was originally scheduled to appea r on Tuesday - the proceedings were trailed (delayed) until this afternoon (Thursday). Colasuonno is currently in custody, and he most likely will stay there, having told Monrovia Police Detective Rich Doney that he does not have funds necessary to meet the $307,000 bail. But this may just be the beginning. “We believe there are as many as 38 victims, with losses totaling approximately $8 million,” said Doney, who went on to say that “around half [of the victims] were senior citizens”. Coleman added they were investigating the cases of several other victims but that “it takes a great deal of time to document all the information.” In this new case, Coleman arrested and Monrovia Police booked Colasuonno on three new counts including 470(a) Forgery, 368(d) Fiduciary Abuse of an Elder, and 487(a) Grand Theft. The victim in this new case is John Greco, who was born in 1936. The amount alleged to have been stolen from Greco was almost $240,000. Greco’s wife, Marie, contacted this newspaper in February following our original story which first cast public light on the charges against the former Tax Doctor. In a story which ran in our March 5 edition, Greco recounted the painful story

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Beacon Media’s official request to photograph Mark Colasuonno in court Tuesday morning was denied. His attorney, Sumpba Kedia, is pictured here leading the former “Tax Doctor” away from our cameras on Tuesday morning outside the Pasadena Superior Court. Later than morning, Colasuonno was arrested and led away in handcuff’s. -Photo By Terry Miller

Campaign Contribution Made Following Senator’s Award to Private School HUFF VOWS TO RETURN CASH AFTER ABRUPTLY SHUTTERED SCHOOL LEAVES STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OWED THOUSANDS BY KYLE KHANDIKIAN Shortly after being named Small Business of the Year by State Senator Bob Huff, the Montecito Fine Arts College of Design abruptly closed its doors in July, leaving students and teachers alike dumbfounded without pay, and without answers. However, Montecito Vice President and wife of the college’s founder showed no restraint when donating $1,000 to Huff’s re-election campaign a month after the college received his award. According to state election records, Vice President REAL ESTATE NOTES

DESIGN SENSE

BY BILL PETERS

FOOD

BOOKS

Beach pizza with a side of dip

Defaulting now an option for home owners? Learn how defaulting on a mortgage can save you thousands. PAGE 11

Builder, Residents, City Council Spar over One Carter, Stonehouse Properties

With small, inexpensive touches make small spaces the place to ride out the summer. PAGE 13

Cook up a tasty vegetable pizza with a corn dip and munch away at the beach. PAGE 6

An ode to bad behavior Russell Brand, the slithering, electric-haired UK rocker. PAGE 5

$0.00

THOUSANDS OF MINDS, HUNDREDS OF SIGNS, AND A CONGRESSMAN BY TERRY MILLER AND JOHN STEPHENS It was the best of times and it was the worst of times, all depending with whom you spoke Tuesday evening in Alhambra. The meeting Tuesday was perhaps a microcosm of the nation’s pulse

T hrough t he cheers and the jeers, Rep. Schiff attempted to provide an update on the health care proposal (H.R. 3200) currently under consideration in Congress. But opponents would hear nothing of it and hundreds in the audience expressed their disgust with the plan in no

Participants in the Health Care Reform Town Meeting in Alhambra Tuesday evening ranged not only in age and socio-economic levels but also in vastly different opinions on how the proposed bill reads. At times those at the podium had to struggle to get their message across. -Photo By Terry Miller More photos at pasadenaindependent.com

on the issue. Amid scattered cat calls and the occasional “recall Schiff”, 29th District Representative Adam Schiff hosted a boisterous and spirited town hall meeting moderated by NBC4’s Dr. Bruce Hensel.

uncertain terms. One African American gentleman who held an altered image of President Obama depicted as Adolph Hitler was in attendance as a representative of the Lyndon

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TRAVEL

This Downtown getaway is home to more than just the Coliseum, but museums, a Rose Garden and a great farmers market. PAGE 5

Visit your paper’s website, and click on "Print Edition" for a look at our newly improved digital archives.

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

metro.net

Dorothy’s

Place

EDITORIAL EDITOR John B. Stephens

BY DOROTHY DENNE

Ready to Start Anew? I promised you that after you had spent two weeks reading reruns about a croaked cricket, I would return anew. I have returned. I’m rested and refreshed. Ready to start anew? There is mail to sort through. Daily deliveries can seem a lot, but leave town and let it accumulate for a few days and OMG. Of course there is once again laundry to do. There is grocery shopping. There is house cleaning that needs to be done. How many flying dusty-fur balls can a cat family produce in just a few days? You don’t want to know. Every time the air is moved the slightest bit those fur filled dust balls go skittering across the hardwood floors--kind of cat fur tumbleweeds. Did I mention e-mails to read through and maybe respond to? One of the few things I really like about modern technology is the delete button. There are columns to be written, meetings to attend, plumbers to be called and a gardener to be chastised. What to do in my spare time? Tomorrow is breakfast with one of my heart-sons, Saturday is a barbecue with my husband and friends, Sunday is lunch and the theater with a longtime friend. Then, lo and behold, it will be Monday again and the start of a new week. Kind of gives you a picture of why I asked you to read a couple of reruns. Near the end of my attempt at time off, my friend Lynn and I just decided to run away for a few days. She was tired too. We went to the desert where we knew no one and had no obligations. The temperature was 115 degrees when we arrived. Did the heat bother us? Hell no. Our very first evening there we had a lovely dinner by windows overlooking the Colorado River. Once the sun went down and darkness settled in, we went outside to take a walk down to the river. The exit door closed behind us. The temperature had cooled to 112. We hung an immediate left through the enter door into the lobby from which we had just come. We didn’t go outside again until departure time! We had a lovely, cool mini-vacation just resting and relaxing. We spent our time sleeping--eating--reading--eating--talking--eating--watching TV--eating--attending a movie-eating--talking--eating--turning $5.00 into $19.20--eating, all within the air conditioned walls of the Avi Resort. Yes, I am ready to start anew. First I have to go back to Weight Watchers.

Metro Briefs

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

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Want to go Metro? Google it Metro has partnered with Google Inc. to include bus and rail route information on Google Maps. Now visitors to Google Maps can obtain options and map directions for making the trip on Metro as well as by car or by foot. For more detailed trip planning visit metro.net.

Metro Setting Tolls for ExpressLanes Metro is putting a price ranging from 25 cents to $1.40 a mile on driving alone in carpool lanes. The tolls would be implemented in December 2010 as part of the agency’s Congestion Reduction Demonstration Project (ExpressLanes) on portions of the I-10 and I-110 freeways.

Gold Line Touted as “Model for America” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood characterized the new Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and its positive impact on the community a “model for America” following a recent tour. The six-mile rail extension nearing completion will connect Union Station with Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Boyle Heights and East LA.

THEGOODLIFE

BY WALLY HAGE

GLAD BAGS

Line 632 Serving Future Gold Line Stations

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

For Great Rates On Advertising call Andrea at (626) 301-1010 or advertising@beaconmedianews.com

Temporary bus service now runs between Union Station and Indiana Street serving the new stations that will become part of the Metro Gold Line later this year. Metro Local Line 632 is operating every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes o=-peak from 5am to 9pm weekdays. Look for exact schedules at metro.net.

I suppose the origin of this story started shortly after my “Movie Buff” companion had watched the 1960 Era Disney movie Pollyanna, which starred Haley Mills. Optimism was the theme of that classic movie as the newly orphaned Pollyanna goes to live with her wealthy aunt and changes a town of very selfish, cynical, complaining people into a town of gladness. However, the metamorphic personality change that took place in my “Glad Girl” did not surface until after she and her Bridge Club Cronies had attended a Senior Citizen program conducted by a retired “Shrink”. The theme of his talk was Live, Love and Be Happy and you will stay youthful. Well, that youthful bunk was all that she needed to push her into Euphoric Gladness! It all became apparent one morning shortly after her attendance at that “Bunko Blitz” meeting. Immediately she began to display her new “Life is just a bowl of Cherries” attitude. She was preparing her usual breakfast of Charcoal Burnt Toast and as the smoke was billowing out of the toaster I made my typical comment, “Honey when the smoke clears and I can see the toaster, let me make you another edible piece of toast”. Her normally caustic reply was immediately replaced by, “Oh no dear, it was a good thing I forgot and burned the toast again...I can now diet by passing up the toast and I will just enjoy your company for Breakfast! My quizzical look into her glazed eyes caused her to blabber out another Glad comment. “Oh Honey, we should all try to change the Lemons in Life into Lemonade”. Well, at this point I casually reached over and sniffed her orange juice glass to see if maybe she had spiked it. Soon after the breakfast incident it was apparent that she was vigorously pursuing that Gladness Fountain of Youth concept that the Shrink had suggested. From that time on there was nothing but “Gladness” all over the place. The next day as she returned from a shopping trip, she rushed into the house breathlessly to tell me that she had scratched the passenger side car door as she was parking in an underground parking facility. But for me not to be angry, but to be glad ...as it was great fortune that it happened as now we can have that side of the car repainted because it had a couple of rock nicks on that door anyway?? But it was her later glad happening plan that was the final straw!! She and her Glad Bags in their Glad Rags were planning to attend another of the retired Shrink’s enlightment meetings. The program theme was “How to Change your Husband from Bad to be Glad! Yaa, all of those Glad Bags in her Bridge Club will now be surprised though … when they find out that my Glad Gal will not be attending the meeting as she will be “Zip-locked” at Home!!

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This paper is published every Thursday by Beacon Media, Inc. All content herein is c o p y r i g h t e d a n d m a y n o t b e r e p ro d u c e d i n a n y m a n n e r, e i t h e r i n w h o l e o r i n p a r t , w i t h o u t t h e e x p r e s s w r i t t e n c o n s e n t o f t h e p u b l i s h e r. T h e Vi e w s a n d o p i n i o n s e x p r e s s e d i n t h i s paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff at Beacon Media, Inc. T h e A r c a d i a We e k l y h a s b e e n a d j u d i c a t e d as a newspaper of general circulation in cour t case number GS 004759. T h e M o n r o v i a We e k l y h a s b e e n a d j u d i c a t ed as a newspaper of General Circulation in Cour t Case GS 004759.

3 AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

Letters 7/29/09 Sierra Madre City Council, Are you guys crazy? You are not listening to your citizens. Wake up and listen to us. We voted for a raise in utility tax so we could keep our own police force. We do not want to even think about using outside sources. Maybe the way to save some money would be to get rid of the police officers who think we are petty, stupid, and selfish. If they are unhappy with the type of police work they do here let them go to a city where there is more crime and maybe more pay. If you do not like us go work somewhere else. We are not stupid, petty, or selfish. Didn’t we give you a raise? Maybe that was stupid. My daughter lives in an area that is covered by the Sherriff’s Department. They had a terrifying domestic gang fight on in their neighborhood. It was so bad that several neighbors called 911. It was over an hour before help arrived. By the time they finally arrived there was one dead and three seriously injured. We do not want this!! Do not even think about it. We voted for a revenue in the utility tax so we could keep our own police department. Do what we want, cut expenses by getting rid of unhappy police officers. Thank you. Majorie Peterson Re: Shakespeare in Sierra Madre’s Memorial ParkPark It was wonderful ( the article that appeared July 23)!! Thank you so much for the front page position as well as the fun article. Actually, the story beh i nd Joh n Wi l l ia m Wa terhouse’s “Miranda” as our artwork, is we originally were going to perform “The Tempest” but, after designing graphics and incorporating times, dates and locations, changed the Shakespeare production to 12th Night. A number of variables caused t h is la st m i nute switcheroo (ah, life in theater...) but you guys were sharp to catch and identify the subject matter. Well done Core Media/ Beacon Media News, well done. Anyway, we got (are getting) lots of response to your generous and in depth article so, once again, many thanks Gratefully, Alison

Re: Deputy Sergio Lopez Dear Editor: I would personally like to thank the deputies, watch commander and staff at Temple City Los Angeles County Sheriff’s station for the outstanding and professional manner in which we were treated Saturday afternoon when my wife and I came to the station to re-claim my wife’s 1993 Honda Accord. That vehicle had been stolen from our home in Pasadena sometime early Friday morning. As the photographer for The Temple City Tribune and Beacon Media Inc., I have covered more than my fair share of criminal activity in the Pasadena-Arcadia-Temple City area. We had, until Saturday, been lucky when it comes to theft of our own personal property. I would particularly like to express profound gratitude to Deputy Sergio Lopez for his exceedingly keen eye and the prompt, professional and polite manner in which he managed to locate the stolen vehicle in South El Monte and subsequently notify us by ‘phone. Deputy Lopez truly is an exemplary deputy who not only found the car in what appeared to be record time for a stolen vehicle, but also followed through with contacting us immediately by telephone. He informed us that it looked like all the contents in the car (minus the CD player which was taken during the GTA), were still there including a physical therapy table which my wife uses as a physical therapist at a local chiropractor’s office. He very kindly asked if we’d like to pick up the car immediately, which we were unable to do - so he arranged to have it towed. We later retrieved the car from Freddy Mac towing/impound. Although the cost of the impound/towing seemed a little excessive, it was a small price to pay for getting the car back to my wife and 84-year old mother in law who rely on that vehicle to get to doctors appointments. I would be most grateful if you’d pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation for a job well done to Deputy Sergio Lopez and heartfelt gratitude from my wife, Julia Mackenzie and her mother, Mary T Mackenzie to whom the car is registered and without which they’d be lost. Again, thank you so much for your outstanding work. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and staff at Temple City station should be highly commended for their consummate public service. Sincere thanks also to Pasadena Police Dept., who promptly took our stolen vehicle report and alerted area agencies of the Grand Theft Auto on Friday morning. Sincerely, Terry Miller

RE: Does Monrovia Have Its Own Mini-Madoff? I wanted respond to many who have posted on this thread. I have known Mike DiPietro both personally and professionally for the past 10+ years. I have spent MANY hours with both he and his family in various situations from bible study classes, baseball games, holiday gatherings, BBQs, as well as multiple tax consulting matters. Mike and his family didn’t ask me to post nor do they know I am doing so. Unfortunately, life has taught me to be skeptical about people and professions who deal with my money. Mike DiPietro has earned my trust not only on a professional level but also a personal level. I have seen Mike make many difficult decisions time and time again because it was the “right” thing to do. Often, those decisions I have personally seen him make were counter to him making/saving money. In fact, I have seen him be overly generous and often to people I would have tossed aside long ago. I have also personally witnessed Mike do the right thing when he didn’t know others were watching. Not once, not twice, but countless times. In fact, my friendship with Mike has made me a better person. I often rely on my faith now when making difficult decisions both personally and professionally. So, is Mike guilty of anything? Yes. He is guilty of trusting a person he purchased a business from. Why would a man who has spent a greater part of his life building trust and respect in his line of business throw all that away to buy a fraudulent business? I don’t buy it for a second. The simplest explanation is he was duped by a conman who made a life out of pulling the wool over people’s eyes. I will continue to use his services and still consider him a good friend. You can form your own opinions but please do so based on your personal interactions with Mike. I am completely convinced Mike is a competent trustworthy person and businessman. Phil Gately, Monrovia

RE: Monrovia Wants Abandoned Railroad Cars Removed I agree hopefully they can be removed soon I live in Monrovia and near a railroad track where these cars are parked and even see people walking and tagging on those cars. Roberto, Monrovia

ART OF LIVING

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

High-Speed Collision in… Outer Space? BY KYLE KHANDIKIAN A high-speed collision of two moving objects took place, but not where you’d expect it be. It wasn’t on the Ventura Freeway, and there weren’t any cars involved. This violent event didn’t even take place on Earth. It’s out of this world, literally. Two entire planets collided with one another about a 100 light years away, flinging vaporized rock, hot lava, ice, and clouds of dust into space. The aftermath of the interplanetary crash was detected by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, announced scientists at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The impact took place about a thousand years ago, not very long ago by cosmic standards, between two small, rocky planets, one the about the size of Mercury, and the other, smaller one, about the size of our moon. The planets were moving at about 10 kilometers per second, or 22,400 miles per hour. The crash completely destroyed the smaller body and sent debris flying into space. The other, was described as

This artist’s concept shows a celestial body about the size of our moon slamming at great speed into a body the size of Mercury. NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope found evidence that a high-speed collision of this sort occurred a few thousand years ago around a young star, called HD 172555, still in the early stages of planet formation. The star is about 100 light-years from Earth. Spitzer detected the signatures of vaporized and melted rock, in addition to rubble, all flung out from the giant impact. - Image Courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech

Crossword THEWEEKLY

48.Activities 50.French 101 verb 51.News letters 52.Russian space station 54.Not joined 61.Winglike parts 63.Pertaining to sound 64.Gaelic language of Ireland or Scotland 65.Suffragist Carrie 66.Author Zola 67.___ bene 68.Baby blues 69.Hydrocarbon suffix 70.Bibliography abbr.

Down

Across 1.Ailments of body or society 5.Large body of water 8.Burden 12.Debatable 13.Old sailors 15.Swift 16.Pearl Mosque city 17.Writer Loos 18.”Chicken of the sea” 19.Chance 22.Express 23.Computer key

24.Subterfuge 26.Calls on 29.Peace salutation 31.May honoree 32.Bonkers 34.Computer key 36.Intentions 38.Intervening, in law 40.Locale 41.Biscuitlike quick bread 43.Indiana’s state flower 45.Actor Beatty 46.Decrees

1.Apple product 2.Nike’s swoosh, e.g. 3.Bereft 4.Declares 5.Squealed 6.”Night” author Wiesel 7.Env. notation 8.Frequently 9.Nauseous 10.Annapolis sch. 11.Remain 13.Sacred place 14.Pelvic bones 20.The doctor ___ 21.Christmas 25.Lacking

44.Exclamation of fright 47.Keyed up 49.Creed of Christianity 52.Clublike weapon 53.Now ___ me down... 55.Deep unconscious state 56.Getting ___ years 57.Egypt’s river 58.Horse’s gait 59.This, in Tijuana 60.Distribute cards 62.Aliens, for short

26.Communication medium 27.Excessive 28.Paces 29.Church council 30.Doles (out) 31.Barker and Bell 33.Half a fly 35.Roulette bet 37.Agitated state 39.Proclaim 42.Beige

Sudoku

Or, “the numbers must occur only once”

3 7 4

6 1

2 5 9 7 1 3 6 8 4

9 3 1 2

1 9 5

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

Last Week’s Solution

5 8 7 3 6

Last Week’s Solution

7 2 5

8 7

being, “red hot, warped, and melted.” JPL manages the Spitzer Space Telescope, launched in 2003 as a part of NASA’s Great Observatories mission. Spitzer detected the crash around a small, 12 million year old star called HD 172555 in the “Peacock” constellation. Using what is called a spectrograph, the telescope detected unusual chemical readings, and scientists were able to discern the crash. Scientists also recognized the intensity of this particular collision, describing it as a “huge fiery blast, over in the blink of an eye and full of fury.” Astronomers say such events are key to the creation of planets throughout the universe. Many of the bodies in our own solar system have reportedly experienced similar events as this, including our own planet. Scientists are comparing this latest collision to the impact which created our moon, when a body roughly the size of Mars collided with the Earth about 4 billion years ago. Let’s just hope another space object doesn’t come hurtling at us any time soon.

6 3 8 9 5 4 2 7 1

7 4 1 2 6 8 5 9 3

1 2 4 3 9 6 7 5 8

5 8 7 1 4 2 3 6 9

3 9 6 5 8 7 1 4 2

4 7 5 8 2 1 9 3 6

8 1 3 6 7 9 4 2 5

9 6 2 4 3 5 8 1 7

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 5

ART OF LIVING

Arts

Summer Doldrums Hit as Cal Phil Season Nears End

Fine Saxophone playing by Allen Savedoff of “As Time Goes By” spiced up an otherwise bland Cal Phil program at The Arboretum last Saturday night.—photo by Bill Peters

One-time concertmaster of Cal Phil, Armen Anassian, offered an elegant version of film-composer Korngold’s Violin Concerto at the California Philharmonic Orchestra’s next-to-last summer concert.—photo by Bill Peters

BY BILL PETERS The California Philharmonic Orchestra presented its fourth concert, the nextto-last of the 2009 season, at The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia last Saturday evening led by Music Director/Conductor, Victor Vener. The program of movie music, or music associated with movies, included numbers from “2001: A Space Odyssey”, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”, “Gone With the Wind”, “Amadeus”, “Casablanca”, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “The Big Country” and Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D-major with soloist Armen Anassian. Just about everything during the evening pointed to the fact that summer has now stretched everyone pretty much to the limit and that fall activities are anticipated. One clue was that programs ran short early on. The portable toilets were not in their usual location (although an

official announced from the stage they would be in their usual spot next concert—a point that brought a response from the crowd). And then, the crowd seemed, if not distracted, disinterested in the performed music. Applause peaked at several occasions only to quickly disappear. Throughout the evening’s per for ma nce picn ickers poured more wine and chatted along. The orchestra, for its part, performed gratuitously well, but other than the attentive backing for former Cal Phil concertmaster Anassian in Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto, musicians seemed sapped of energy, even careless. This was not true of the season: the first concert, “By George” was one of Cal Phil’s best; the crowd at last Satuday’s Arboretum affair was still talking about the Fab Four and “Basically Beatles”; although I missed “Swords and Chivalry”, one critic I spoke with raved about how good the concert, and particularly, pianist Robert Thies, was. It

would appear that for many of the thousands who showed up at The Arboretum, ennui has set in. The opening dramatic music of Richard Strauss did little to rouse the crowd. From the opening of the low C note on the weak electronic keyboard, and only three double basses (rather than a full orchestra compliment of eight) and the contrabassoon, to the end of the two-minute long fanfare, Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra” raised little attention. The second, Howard Shore’s score for “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”, here presenting Jerry Brubaker’s arrangement, musically wandered. The same held true for “Tara” a short tone-poem version of the opening music for the film “Gone With the Wind” orchestrated by Frank Campbell-Watson. It may have been the arrangement differed from Max Steiner’s now classic arrangement for the opening of the film. Also, with CDs of the soundtrack and the DVD version of the movie easily available the 70 year-old version, caused the Cal Phil version as interpreted here to seem so bland. It could also have been the sound-board mixing that unbalanced just about every number throughout the evening. More ennui, perhaps. For a ll t hat , A r men Anassian brought his estimable talents to the stage to present what was a clear and first-rate version of Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D-major. Anassian demonstrated beautifully and the orchestra concurred that Korngold’s themes for all those Erroll Flynn swashbucklers were, in fact, real music. With strong backing from the Cal Phil musicians and deft leadership from Vener, Anassian made the brilliant music come alive. If the piece is a compendium of Korngold’s film music, the third movement is a departure moving more to an original composition showing what might have been had not Hollywood called. Vener told the audience that Korngold was considered a musical genius along the lines of Mozart in his native Austria. Anassian offered a finely honed performance. After intermission, the orchestra was heard in the first movement of Mozart’s

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beaconmedianews.com

My Booky Wook BY SANDY GILLIS

My Booky Wook (Harper Collins, 2009, $25.99), by Russell Brand. Originally published in the UK in 2007, this ode to bad behavior is a must read for anyone who howled at the slithering, electric-haired rocker from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Brand, an actor since his teens,

BOOK REVIEW

is a wildly successful rude-boy stand-up comedian and tv presenter in Britain. Here he documents his childhood, and career thoroughly, without judgement. But it’s the first and third sections of the book which present haunting pieces of this huge talent’s puzzle. Raised by a single mother who couldn’t bring herself to discipline her only child, two grandmothers, a drop-in dad with appalling parental instincts, Russell was an outsider at a variety of different primary schools, but was happy at 15 or 16 years old when admitted to Drama Centre London. Of course, by this age he’s had at least 14 years’ worth of narcissistic, undisciplined behavior under his belt. Normal to Russell is miscreant to everyone else. He has plenty of friends, and you’ll read about all of them in this zippy tale of addictions. Lovely observations abound, as how charmed Brand is by the anachronistic vocabulary of those raised by their nans, or how he observes his own actions, detached, supposing this might be a coping mechanism for stress and trauma (pg. 244). We’ve had less exposure to Brand’s voice which may damage American’s chances of really flying through this book. Sections of the tale are so bleak, but he keeps recording it, without irony, or am I missing some innuendo since I understand American and he writes in English? At the end of the book he’s sober and working regularly and happily. I hope he sticks with it, but I find myself waiting for the next installment.

Summer Stay-Cations Continued

Exposition Park

For something totally different, remember Exposition Park near the USC campus. The park is home to more than just the Coliseum, there are also the museums, a Rose Garden and a great farmers market every Saturday. One of the great things is that the California Science Center’s general exhibits are free as is wandering through the rose

garden. The museum was former the California Museum of Science and Industry until its remodeling in 1998. It now consists of the IMAX Theater, the Sketch Foundation Gallery - Air and Space Exhibits (formerly Aerospace Hall) and the Science Center itself. The current exhibits include Identity: An Exhibi-

tion of You which will be open until Sept. 8. There are plenty of hands on exhibits to help youngsters (and who isn’t young at heart) to explore what makes individuals the people they are. Compare fingerprints with others. Find out our personality type. You can even see how you will look ages 30 to 40 years (some of us may not want

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AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 6

Recipe Box Reflections BY DEBORAH ANN NEELY

Traditional Thai Cuisine

Distinctive Food at Moderate Prices

Pad Thai 3500 E. Colorado

(626) 568-9288

(Between Madre & Rosemead)

It always makes me laugh to think that at my age I still get excited about a new school year starting. I just love getting my classroom ready for a new group of students. Although, there is that cringing worry that I might get the girl or boy who everyone dreads: either the student, their parents, or most likely both. But in the end, I can think of so few years that I had a class I didn’t love. Surely, sixth graders aren’t every teacher’s favorite, so thank goodness there are a few nuts like me and my two partners who are crazy enough to take

Eat Local.

Beach Pizza

them on year after year. This weekend, as I prepare for the new school year, I’m going to do something really wild and crazy for the teaching world. I’m not going to spend hours and hours getting ready for the first day. No name tag or desk arranging frenzy. No, this year I’m going to the beach with my best friend from childhood, her two daughters, and my daughter. We may not even get back Sunday night until very late. And 8 p.m. is very late for a teacher on a school night! I am so proud of myself that I have decided to go and not be a nerd. We are driving quite a few hours to get to our destination so I could get some work done if I want to, but I don’t. Instead, I’ll prepare all this week so I can totally relax one last time! Since we’re headed to the coast, we’re all looking forward to some fresh seafood, but that will only come after we try out our new recipe for the best cosmopolitans ever. Those are the ingredients that are top on my list. But

mediterranean cuisine & hookah bar

Vegetable Pizza

1 can refrigerated pizza dough Vegetable cooking spray 1 large red pepper cut into strips 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 small tomatoes, sliced 6 ounces fresh spinach, torn in pieces ½ can of artichokes, drained well and chopped 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled Continued on 7 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Roasted Corn Salsa

1 cup roasted corn 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 avocados, chopped and added right before serving 1 cup tomato, seeded and diced 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (also key ingredient in cosmopolitans) 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons minced red onion 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded if desired and diced 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon cumin

7 AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

AtoZDining American Fare Cameronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood With porthole shaped mirrors and wall-mounted fish (sorry, no singing ones) giving this place the classic feel of a seaside fish camp, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to forget youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an hour from the coast. Dine in or take home cuts from the seafood market. 1978 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 793-FISH Shrimp House Casual, comfortable, simple, and family operated for over 48 years. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of the typical chain dining experience, give the little guy a try! Daily hand-breaded, huge Jumbo Shrimp will haunt your taste buds for the rest of your days. Soon you will join generations of Shrimp House fanatics. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seafood you will crave. Shrimp, fish filets, steaks, chicken, salads, and food to go. 4488 E. Live Oak Ave, Arcadia (626) 445-6369, (626) 448-8742, www. originalshrimphouse.net

California Cuisine Picassoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ, Bakery & Catering Co. Try our upscale fast casual gourmet Restaurant and Bakery, conduct business in Picassoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Private Dining Rooms, or explore other fresh food choices with our Corporate Catering division. Celebrating 20 Years of Business, and Awarded San Gabriel Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Business of the Year 2008, we are focused on providing quality food products and events, consistent service, and competitive prices. Experience our ever-growing selection of menus, services, presentation styles, and creativity; at Picassoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Great Food is a true â&#x20AC;&#x153;work of art!â&#x20AC;? Catering Available 24/7 at www.picassoscafe.com or (626) 9696100. 6070 N. Irwindale Ave., Suite A-D Irwindale, CA

Coffee, Sweets & Such

La Petite France Bakery Not just cakes and desserts but a plethora of choices not even on the menu! Just ask for Chef Daniel and he will immediately come up with catering ideas from breakfast, lunch to a sumptuous cavalcade of home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine. 411 E. Huntington Dr. Arcadia, (626) 445-0392. Patticakes: The Dessert Company Located in Altadena and featuring such heavenly and huge dessert delights as: Truffle dark chocolate flourless cake with dark chocolate truffle cream finished with chocolate curls. Or if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not quite your cup of tea, try their old fashion four layers of Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food chocolate cake with a white chocolate mousse center. Glazed with dark chocolate ganache. 1900 North Allen, Altadena (626) 794-1128

Continued from 1

Campaign Contribution Made Following Senatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award to Private School â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the privilege of touring the facility last fall and I was very impressed with the school and their involvement in the community,â&#x20AC;? said Huff in a statement before the college shut down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With President Ed Kuckelkorn at the helm of the Montecito Fine Arts divisions, it is no surprise that the business has blossomed into the success it is today.â&#x20AC;?

However, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial situation left many employees short of pay, and students abandoned. The California State Labor Commissioner has already awarded former employees of the school thousands of dollars of unpaid wages which had been filed at the Department of Industrial Relations. Montecito Fine Arts College of Design was founded in

1977 as an atelier by Kuckelkorn, a studio providing fine art classes to local artists. The school later expanded to several other locations in the San Gabriel Valley, broadening into other professional areas of design. Nearly 1,000 students were enrolled at the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three schools, where over 100 faculty and staff were employed.

Continued from 5

Summer Doldrums Hit as Cal Phil Season Nears End Symphony No. 25 in G minor, Alexander Desplatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s score to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonâ&#x20AC;?, John Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Memoirs of a Geishaâ&#x20AC;?, Johann Strauss, Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the Beautiful Blue Danubeâ&#x20AC;? and Jerome Morassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main-title theme music for the 1968 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Countryâ&#x20AC;?. During the second half one item stood out in the set:

Beach Pizza I still canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help myself from bringing the ingredients for several â&#x20AC;&#x153;snacksâ&#x20AC;? to go with our drinks right after we spend the day on the beach. I have two recipes that all the girls are sure to love.

First you need to unroll the pizza dough and press it into a 15x10 jellyroll pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake this at 425 degrees for 5 or 6 minutes. While the dough is cooking sautĂŠ our peppers strips and mushrooms in hot

Allen Savedoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saxophone playing of â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Time Goes Byâ&#x20AC;? in an arrangement by 29 year-old saxophonist Seth Custer. As film history has recorded and most film buffs know, the tune was written for a Broadway show and selected for the 1942 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Casablancaâ&#x20AC;?. Savedoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing was smooth, cool, jazzy, with the full-string

treatment behind him. Savedoff captured the essence of Herman Hupfeldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music. The California Philharmonic Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival on the Green 2009 summer season concludes on Aug. 22 at The Arboretum and Aug. 23 at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best, magical moments form theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest shows.

oil until tender. When the dough is ready, top it with the pepper mixture, tomato, and remaining ingredients. Bake the pizza in the 425 degree oven again until the cheese melts. You can cut this into small appetizer bites after it cools for about 5 minutes.

bined and chilled except the avocado that I add at the last minute. Serve this dip with chips and munch away. We plan to do a great deal of sitting on the beach doing a whole lot of nothing, but it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trip without snacks and drinks. Come Monday morning Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put on my teacher face and greet the children I will love for a year and lose next June. But one thing I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose is the wonderful memory of a mother-daughter beach trip. Those are the type of memories that last a lifetime.

While we are waiting for the pizza to cook we will be devouring a dip I made from my overflowing garden. I will roast about a cup of corn kernels in a 450 degree oven for about 15 minutes. That actually makes the key ingredient to the dip. I will have all of this com-

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Greek

Corfu Restaurant Family owned Greek and International homestyle cuisine set in a casually comfortable dĂŠcor. Dishes range from waffles to rack of lamb with everything prepared from scratch. 48 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, (626) 355-5993

Italian

Restaurant Lozano A menu peppered with Italian and Mexican dishes like a crispy goat cheese quesadilla with baby spinach accentuate Lozanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elegant creativity. 44 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre, (626) 355-5945

Thai

Pad Thai You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong with the namesake dish at this colorful place with pink booths, bright blue table cloths and red napkins. The garlic pepper mushroom entrĂŠe is a favorite among vegetarians. 3500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 568-9288 President Thai Spacious, elegantly attired where hospitality reigns and classic cuisine rules. Wide range of selections from apps to entrees and unique specials. 498 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 578-9814

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to split our large dinners for you! Opens at 11:30am Daily for Lunch and Dinner

7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel (Just (Just south south of of Huntington Huntington Drive) Drive)

(626) 286-8284

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Maestro Victor Vener

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 8

Continued from 5

Summer Stay-Cations Continued

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Natural History Museum

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to know). Through August 30 there is a special exhibit of toys which will allow people to set up dominoes, build a mini roller coaster and more. According to the museum web site there are the following activities: •Kids Construction Co., a partially assembled wood and foam house where young children can play “construction worker” and learn about shapes and pattern recognition. •Tournament of Tops, which gives kids a chance to test spinning lengths of different sized tops. This fun-filled component teaches kids about inertia and angular momentum. •Domino Challenge, where children experiment with chain reactions by setting up dominoes. •Roller Coaster, which lets kids experiment with acceleration and momentum by adjusting the incline of a racetrack.

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•Catch the Wind, a sailing exhibit that illustrates the Bernoulli principle. The regular exhibits include the air and space exhibits, human inventions and an exploration of some natural history and science. Check their web site for more information about specific exhibits. To save even the parking fee, check the web site for a several fun games and projects for youngsters to do at home (including making green goop). Exposition Park is also the home of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

www.nhm.org. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month. Open Daily 9:30 am - 5 pm. Museum admission: Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50. 900 Exposition Blvd. (between Vermont and Figueroa.), Los Angeles, CA 90007. Phone: (213) 763-DINO. The web site has a map of the museum and how to reach it. Among the exhibits is the Pavilion of Wings (a look at butterflies), the Visible Vault (artifacts from the Aztec, Maya, Inca and their surrounding cultures on display in a new behind-the-scenes exhibit), the gem and mineral exhibit (including the Kazanjian Red Diamond), and the dinosaur exhibit (always a favorite with youngsters - it was there that my then 5 year old nephew taught my mother that the “spikes” on a stegosaurus were correctly called “plates” - she was appropriately chastised). Public parking (fee) available on Menlo Avenue across from the Museum. There is also the California African American Museum at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037(213) 7447432 www.caamuseum.org. The permanent collection centers on African American Journey West, documenting the African American contribution to the settlement of the West. It chronicles the African American journey from the west coast of Africa to the west coast of America. Artifacts include some from West Africa that demonstrate the art, history and culture of the regions; African Americans’

California Museum of Science

Southern legacy, and the Great Migration West. There are also exhibits of African American traditional and contemporary art as well as an extensive photographic collection. There are also several current temporary exhibits. Currently these include: Beyond the Literal, through October 4, 2009, Inside My Head: Intuitive Artists of African Descent, through October 25, 2009, and Tuskegee Airman: The Journey To Flight,through November 29, 2009. For more details on these exhibits check the museum’s web site. Exposition park also has a beautiful Rose Garden which is open from April through December from 9:00 am - sunset. It is closed to the public from January 1st - March 15th of each year for annual maintenance. It is an historic 7-acre sunken garden and has been called “one of the city’s bestkept secrets.” It was added to

the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. On many weekends be forewarned that is it often the site of weddings in good weather. It has operated by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks and has been since 1928. Each year the All-America Rose Selection, a rose growers organization, began donating its Rose of the Year to the garden. There are now more than 200 species with 20,000 bushes. It is a restful spot. If all this were not enough there is even an Exposition Park Farmers Market held every Saturday from 11am on South Lawn right in front of the Natural History Museum. This is a Zero Waste market which means you must bring your own bag. There is live music every Saturday. There is only one thing of which you must be aware: Check the schedule at the Coliseum. Parking can become dicey when there is an event there. The California Science Center (www.californiasciencecenter.org) 39th Street & Figueroa Street. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 724-3623. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to Science Center permanent exhibition galleries is free. IMAX Admission Prices: Adult (age 18-59) $8.00, Child (age 4-12) $4.75, Student (age 13-17 and college students with valid ID) $5.75, Senior (age 60+) $5.75 Parking is $8 per car, $10 for buses or oversize vehicles (cash only).* To reach the parking structure, turn west into Exposition Park on 39th Street from Figueroa and follow the signs.

California African American Museum

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9 AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

Travel

Summer Getaway to Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard

BY GREG ARAGON

Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort is a tropical paradise on the sand in Oxnard. Sprawling over eight acres, the resort is a mixture of ocean-front buildings, pools, ponds, waterfalls and lush gardens. Because of its proximity to the San Gabriel Valley, the resort can make a great week or weekend getaway. It may only be 60 miles from Los Angeles, but it has the feel of a faraway island. So close is the hotel that I recently went from a hot apartment in Sierra Madre to a beautiful ocean-front suite in about 90 minutes. And this includes parking and check-in. My getaway began Friday afternoon when a friend and I pulled off the 101 Freeway in Oxnard and drove a few miles south to the coast. Here we turned down a small street and spotted Embassy Suites and its large signature bell tower sitting on the sand like a big beautiful mission. At the hotel, we parked

underground and took an elevator to the lobby and checked-in. We then walked across the grounds, through Capistrano’s Restaurant and past the pool to our suite. Facing the water, the second-floor suite featured a large dining room with table, sink, microwave and coffee maker; and a living room with a sleeper sofa, big chair and large flat screen TV. The bedroom boasted a queen-size bed and another big flat screen TV; and the bathroom offered a sunken tub. The room also has a bathroom near the front door. But the highlight of the suite was its location, steps from the sand, looking over the water, feature enhanced by the room’s full balcony. After relaxing in the room for a while and watching dolphins play in the water from the balcony, we walked out the property’s gates onto the sand for a stroll along the beach. And thanks to Oxnard’s consistent marine layer, the weather was a cool and refreshing contrast to LA’s August heat wave. It was such a nice day

that we decided to rent a surrey bicycle from the hotel. Made in Italy, these bikes have four wheels and resemble cars from the 1900’s. With the ocean on one side the hotel on the other we pedaled down the bike path to the Channel Islands pier, where we encounter a tall ship preparing for sail. Back at the resort we joined the manager’s daily cocktail reception. Free for all hotel guests, this fun afternoon affair offers a full bar of popular drinks and beers, as well a tasty buffet of salad and nachos. After this we laid by the pool and tropical waterfalls. For dinner, we went to Capistrano’s, the resort’s eclectic Californian seaside restaurant. Here we enjoyed steak, shrimp, salad and martini’s in a classic summer atmosphere. Embassy Suites is currently offering three Summer Fun Vacation Packages, ranging from three nights to seven nights. For more info on these and other specials, call 805-984-2500 or visit www.mandalaybeach.embassysuites.com. The resort is located at 2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard 93035.

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

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This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with formal and informal dining plus beautifully remodeled kitchen, family room, bathrooms and more! FA/CA, hardwood and tile flooring, two fireplaces, 2,162 square feet on a 9,054 square foot lot per Assessor. Gorgeous yard with resurface pool and mountain views, too. (S302)

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DIAMOND BAR

$968,000

Beautiful 2 story home w/4bdrms 4bth + office, cathedral ceilings, formal dining room, family room w/FP, wood floors throughout, modern kitchen w/center isle/granite counter, breakfast nook, master bedroom w/scenic view, guest suite downstairs, upstairs office/library or 5th bdrm, rear yard q/ mountain & city views, 3 car attached garage. (R3146)

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Step into this very unique home high in the hills of Sierra Madre. This tri-level home is designed with the executive in mind, one who loves to entertain. The entrance is to the floor with bedrooms and laundry, go up one flight to the kitchen and dining and then another half flight up to the LR w/ a warm & inviting fireplace, a wet bar, open beamed cathedral ceilings & out to the deck w/ a built in hot tub. Use a little imagination on your decorating and this will be a dream home for life. (L540)

ARCADIA

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New custom built 3bdrm 3bth Town Home with Arcadia Schools, South facing, gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, lot’s of storage, side yard and close to Golf course. (E139 )

$798,000

1160 Valley View Ave., Pasadena. This upper Hastings Ranch home features, remodeled Kitchen w/ Granite Counters & SS Appliances, Lg. Family Room, recessed lighting, Hardwood Floors, Double Pane Windows, Plantation Shutters, Beautiful Bathrooms w/ Limestone and Travertine. 2 Sided Frpl., BBQ Island, Fountain & Firepit. New Plumbing, New Electrical & 2 Car Garage. (VAL)

SAN GABRIEL

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8450 Sheffield Rd. Charming home w/3bdrm 1.75 bth, 1673 sq ft of living space, 7191 sq ft lot located in N. San Gabriel. Recently renovated, warm open floor plan, double door entry leading to spacious living room with elegant fireplace and den. Kitchen w/ granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Refreshing pool, bonus room and built-in BBQ. Newer tile roof. (S8450)

NEEDING MORE ROOM?

$499,000

This large 4 bedroom 3 bath home features family room with fireplace and 2 car attached garage. Located in a very nice area of San Dimas, convenient to the 57, 10 and 210 freeways. (AVE)

Beautiful remodeled 3bed/2 bath home features updated kitchen with granite counters, all new cabinets, fixtures and appliances. Freshly painted inside, new carpet and tile. Lots of storage, some hardwood floors and family room with fireplace. Located on a private street and has a large fenced backyard and so much more! (ACA)

If so, we’ve got the perfect home for your family. Spacious 6 bedrooms (3 upstairs, 3 downstairs) with large walkin closets, 3 baths on a quiet street in El Monte with a pool! 2 car att gar w/ laundr y. Newer roof & copper plumbing. BBQ area near pool. Hardwood floors throughout & central heat & air. Must see! (B9524)

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626-301-1888

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Traditional 4 bedroom home located on cul-de-sac with 2 bathrooms. Hardwood floors throughout and central air/heat. Formal living room, family room with fireplace, washer and dryer included, 2 car detached garage with newer automatic door and bonus room or office. Fruit trees in the rear. Close to freeway, transportation and shopping. A great value. (L1926))

Lots of light in and open floor plan in this top floor corner condo. Two spacious bedrooms, plus a convertible den, dining area, fireplace, laundry area, FA/CA, newer skylight in kitchen and a balcony with a mountain view and a Jacuzzi..1,181 efficient square feet per Assessor. Conveniently close to South Lake, Paseo Colorado & Old Town. (M230)

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CENTURY 21 LUDECKE, INC. (626) 445-0123

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE INC. (626) 355-1451

This cute condo is adjacent to Old Town Monrovia with all that it offers. Close to dining, shopping and the Movie Theater. Steps away from the new Colorado Commons. This lovely unit has new paint, carpet and flooring in the kitchen and is move in fresh! In addition to the 2BR, there is a loft overlooking the LR. The kitchen has built ins & a good floor plan. This unit includes a washer/dryer combo. (L168)

CENTURY21ADAMS&BARNES•(626)358-1858

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE, INC. (626) 355-1451

CUTE HOME

UPPER HASTINGS !

$274,900

This cute home is close to shopping and transportation. This two bedroom and one bath home can be a really great starter home with a few loving touches. (P213)

$269,000

$329,000

1st floor. Corner, single story unit. Spacious 2 bedroom unit in a terrific neighborhood. Needs updating but is in good/clean condition. Master Bedroom with lg closets and 3/4 bath. 2nd bedroom w/ample closet space. Full bath in hallway. Nice size LR w/large windows. Kitchen w/lots of storage. Refrigerator included. 2 underground garage parking spaces, each with storage compartment. Clean community laundry room. Near shopping & La Salle High School. (MIC)

TRANQUIL ADULT MOBILE HOME

COMMUNITY $79,500

CENTURY 21 ADAMS & BARNES •(626) 358-1858

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD. (626) 301-1888

CENTURY21ADAMS&BARNES•(626)358-1858

CENTURY 21 Adams&Barnes

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD.

CENTURY 21 LUDECKE, INC

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home sits cozily within a pristine adult (55+) community. Enjoy peace, quiet and several key amenities this unit offers. Association pool & spa. Contact us for more info today. (J416)

$289,000

Traditional home located in Glendora with 5 bedrooms, 2 baths,Large lot 10,010 sq.ft., hardwood floors throughout, spacious back yard great for entertaining, fruit trees & attached double garage. (R933)

MOVE-IN CONDITON!

$79,000

This 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, double wide home features a large living room with open dining area. Located in a wonderful family park with pool. Close to shopping, theaters & freeways. (AZU)

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD. (626) 301-1888

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE, INC

(626) 358-1858

(626) 301-1888

(626) 445-0123

(626) 355-1451

433 WEST FOOTHILL BLVD., MONROVIA

320 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., ARCADIA

20 E. FOOTHILL BLVD. SUITE 105, ARCADIA

38 W. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., SIERRA MADRE

WWW.C21AB.NET

WWW.CENTURY21EARLL.COM

WWW.C21LUDECKE.COM

WWW.C21VILLAGE.COM

HOME & GARDEN

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 11

beaconmedianews.com

Real Estate Notes

Century 21 Village Congratulates Pacesetters

BY DAWN RICKABAUGH

“We’re going to quit making our mortgage payments . . .” Defaulting on a mortgage or credit card has become a cool and calculated financial decision, not a great moral dilemma, or cause for endless shame, guilt and insomnia.

I’ve heard that from more than one acquaintance in the last few weeks. It’s not because they’ve lost a job, or had a medical emergency; it’s just that it doesn’t make sound financial sense to keep making the payments anymore. Defaulting on a mortgage or credit card has become a cool and calculated financial decision, not a great moral dilemma, or cause for endless shame, guilt and insomnia. A young man and his wife both have good and ‘safe’ jobs. They have no kids and no debt. They live in a modest home and rent a spare room to a friend. They can afford their $300,000 mortgage, but they’re going to quit paying anyway. His house is only worth

$200,000 in today’s market, so he has $100,000 of “negative equity.” He won’t be able to sell his house and he won’t be able to refinance his loan at better interest rates. He’s trapped making payments on a large loan. Defaulting is his other option. He stops making his mortgage payments and waits for the bank to foreclose, and when they do, he’ll be rid of his debt, and he’ll have enjoyed 6+ months of ‘free’ rent. The foreclosure will ruin his credit, but it doesn’t matter. The blemish disappears from his record in less than 10 years. And in the meantime, his wife can buy a better house for $150,000 at a lower interest

Dawn Rickabaugh is a real estate broker with expertise in seller financing and real estate notes. www.NoteQueen. com; 626.641.3931; dawn@ notequeen.com

rate (the mortgage is only in his name). To top it all off, the government is offering an $8,000 tax credit to firsttime home buyers who buy a home before December 1, 2009. By defaulting on his loan, he’ll save himself over $100,000, and still own a home. And even if he or his wife couldn’t get conventional financing, there are many seller financing deals to be made. Credit is really less of an issue than most people think. The last two properties I’ve purchased have closed with owner financing. I don’t tend to have much use for banks . . . (I barely trust them to keep ahold of that flimsy fiat money the Feds

keep printing). New resea rch t h is month from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Northwestern University’s Kellogg S chool of M a na gement found strategic defaulting now accounts for 26% of all mortgage defaults. And according to Zillow, a real estate database, 22% of homes in America have negative equity. In parts of California and Nevada, over 50% of homes have negative equity. With all the negative equity in America, there’s plenty of cannon fodder for more strategic defaults. I s it ‘r i g ht?’ I s it ‘wrong?’ Personally, I don’t tend to have a huge judgement

either way. Being overly attached to possessions and credit scores can kill you. I’ve watched clients literally die from heart attacks trying to maintain ownership and FICOs, believing that their very worth as a human being depended on it. Do I think we should do all we can to honor our obligations? Of course. Do I think we should enslave ourselves for decades to keep any system going (personal or global) that is ultimately unsustainable? Absolutely not. I contend that our collective creative energy could be put to much better use. Always consult with your CPA, tax attorney and/ or financial advisor before selling any real estate.

Andy Bencosme, managing broker of Century 21 Village Inc, was recently notified by Century 21 Corporate in Parsippany N.J. that two of his agents were selected to receive Pacesetter Awards, which is awarded to those agents on track to receive the prestigious Centurion Award at the end of the year. Those agents are Emily Duggan and Nazee Rix. Emily Duggan, a long time resident of Sierra Madre and an agent for over 20 years at Century 21 Village, she offers her clients the talents of a smart and savvy realtor who knows the foothill areas thoroughly. For both buyers and sellers, Emily also puts her experience and contacts to work. Contractors, handymen, painters, decorators and landscapers, Emily has all their names and numbers. Nazee Rix, a Bradbury resident and mother of two has been a consistent top sales producer and has led the office in sales for the last four years. Bencosme credits her success to having the utmost dedication to her clients and willing to work real estate around the clock if need be. These four and all Century 21 Village agents can be reached at 38 West Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre or by telephone (626) 3551451.

The Gold Standard SE OU M H N 4P

E OP UN 1 S

WEST COVINA

$829,000

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

CENTURY 21 LUDECKE INC (626) 445-0123

2 ON A LOT

$585,000

STORY BOOK BUNGALOW

$499,000

GREAT STARTER HOME

$488,000

Fantastic Opportunity to own 2 homes on a lot, adjacent to Arcadia, on a 10,000 sq. ft. lot. Each home has a nice size yard and own parking. Please call agent for viewing. (WAL)

There are three structures on this North Monrovia property. Main house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Back house with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a Studio with 2 rooms, currently used as an office. Perfect for owner occupied or income property. Beautiful landscaping. (G710)

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD. (626) 233-1638

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE INC. (626) 355-1451

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD. (626) 301-1888

STANDARD SALE!!

PRICED TO SELL!

920 Ednuel Ave. Attention to detail and quaint location describes this beautiful California bungalow home situated North of Longden in Arcadia. This home features great curb appeal , 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, Living room and dining area. The yard is tastefully landscaped and maintained. Two car detached garage. (EDN)

E US M HO 1-5 P N . E OP -SUN T SA

GRAND OPENING

OPEN FLOOR PLAN

STARTING @ $458,000

88 Roosevelt, Pasadena Luxury Town Homes with loads of class. Beautiful hardwood floors accented by large crown baseboards, cherry colored kitchen cabinets harmonized by granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances, open floor plan, each w/2car garage and storage space. Also available 5 units handicap equipped which includes elevator access. (R88) Call for a showing Mary Ann 626-688-7844 or Young Ahn 626-975-5660.

CENTURY 21 LUDECKE, INC. (626) 445-0123

$438,000

$349,000

Fabulous gated complex in Arcadia with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge living room and dining area, walk-in closets and master suite. Covered balcony overlooking the courtyard. Plush landscaping throughout, fire pit, pool, spa and club house in complex. (H1200)

This is a standard sale in a great part of Azusa. This wonderful home has many upgrades: updated kitchen w/ granite countertops, crown molding, newer electrical, newer central heat & air, newer dual paned windows and more! An oversized master bedroom includes a master bath. Extra wide driveway & an oversized 2 car garage. Please call for more details. (C1041)

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE INC. (626) 355-1451

CENTURY21ADAMS&BARNES•(626)358-1858

CENTURY 21 VILLAGE, INC

CENTURY21 ADAMS & BARNES

CENTURY 21 EARLL, LTD.

CENTURY 21 LUDECKE, INC

(626) 358-1858

(626) 301-1888

(626) 445-0123

(626) 355-1451

433 WEST FOOTHILL BLVD., MONROVIA

320 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., ARCADIA

20 E. FOOTHILL BLVD. SUITE 105, ARCADIA

38 W. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., SIERRA MADRE

WWW.C21AB.NET

WWW.CENTURY21EARLL.COM

WWW.C21LUDECKE.COM

WWW.C21VILLAGE.COM

$135,000

Wonderful place for the price. Gated community with tons of amenities! Granite counter tops, wood laminate floors, pool, spa, club house with central A/C. (R1354)

CENTURY 21 ADAMS & BARNES • (626) 358-1858

CITY NEWS

12 AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

Continued from 1

Schiff Town Hall Draws Thousands to Hoot and Holler their Way toward New Health System, or Not H. LaRouche movement, which had no shame in likening the Obama administration’s health care reform proposal to the genocidal policies of Nazi Germany’s Third Reich during the 1940’s. LaRouche is a long time political figure in the U.S., having run for the office of President in no less than eight elections since 1976, once as a U.S. Labor Party candidate and seven times as a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination. The volunteers peddling Hitler-moustached Obama swag at Tuesday’s event were there as representatives of the Larouche PAC, a political action committee dedicated to, among other things, the fight against what they call “Obama’s Nazi Health Plan” and a “Campaign Against Green Fascism”, as well as broad economic reforms in the wake of the global credit meltdown. While Larouche’s supporters have described him as the “greatest living economist” and “a political leader in the tradition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King”, his critics maintain him to be an extremist, conspiracy theorist, and little more than the leader of adevoted political cult. Speaking with one of the group’s representatives, it became less clear why the group chose to compare President Obama to Adolf Hitler. Mark, a twenty-something LaRouche activist from Los Angeles spoke intelligently about a broad range of global issues from behind a table filled with pamphlets, the cover of which bore a Photoshop-altered image of Obama and Hitler knocking around like old pals in a Nazi bunker. But the issues all seemed unrelated, the group’s focus unclear. That thinking, I was told, was exactly why I “didn’t get it”. To be sure, extremes on both sides of the issue were out in force Tuesday evening in Alhambra. Several people held signs saying things like, “Obama’s world, No Health Care for Granny”, while others thanked Schiff for supporting the President’s plan. Someone held up a drawing of a fish with the words “There’s something fishy going on here”, while a retiree held up a sign that read, “I lived in Canada. Guess What? It worked!” For his part, Rep. Schiff pointed out that the proposed Health Care Plan would not affect anyone’s current insurance circumstances, presuming they were happy with their current provider. He also pointed out that seniors “would not be left to die”, as many have been lead to fear

or believe. The democratic congressman attempted to allay fears by pointing out that there has been a lot of heated rhetoric and even more misinformation about the proposed reform. We spoke with Representative Schiff during a brief respite from jury duty on Wednesday afternoon. When asked about the massive turnout for his Town Meeting on Health Care Reform, Schiff exclaimed that the event had been a “fascinating evening!” “Initially”, said Schiff, “we went from a modest expectation of 250 attendees, to the outdoor event it became with approximately 2000 people in attendance. Each one brought their passion with them.” Schiff added that he was pleased with the crowd’s enthusiasm but glad they didn’t manage to drown out the carefully selected panel of distinguished doctors and professionals in the field of health care. Mr. Schiff went on to say, “I think the crowd was about 50 percent against, perhaps with a little more on our side”, referring to those in favor of the bill. When asked if he was surprised by the huge turnout, possibly the largest in California thus far on this issue, Schiff replied, “I think it is the nature of this particular issue - a reflection of a dedicated campaign to turn up the volume.” Overall, Schiff said he thought the evening went “very well” and was pleased there were no incidents, threats or arrests. Health care for illegal aliens also seemed to be a hot topic for some and Victoria Jackson (a Saturday Night Live Alumna) held a sign atop her head that read “Fishy! What’s the Rush? Afraid We’ll READ the Bill?” Whether or not Ms. Jackson has herself read the 1000 page proposal was not immediately clear. But it can be assumed from the language in her sign that she was in need of more time to complete the task. The town hall also included a panel discussion with local health care experts. However, with the sheer number of people who attended with their strong and divided opinions in tow Rep. Schiff and the other panelists had somewhat of a difficult time engaging in conversation with the crowd of thousands. Dr. Benjamin Chu, President Southern California Region, Kaiser; Dr. Richard Brown, Director, UCLA Center for Health Policy and Research and Leeba Les-

sin, President of CareMore Health Plan were part of the panel that at times people had difficulty hearing due to the raucous audience. Frequent interruptions didn’t seem to deter Congressman Adam Schiff, and he even joked and told the audience not to be shy about the issue. The Alhambra Police Dept. had its work cut out for them with numerous small altercations amid the swelling crowd, but for the most part it was a relatively peaceful gathering of two deeply divided factions. On the home front, Rep. Schiff has been hard at work already on smaller health care initiatives. On July 24 the House passed the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3293), which included funding Rep. Schiff helped secure for two non-profit health care service providers in the 29th Congressional District. The funding will help provide critical health care services to local residents. “During tough economic times like these, many parents struggle to afford health care for their kids and for themselves,” said Schiff. “These funds will help provide a small patch to help those in need, while we in Congress work to overhaul our health care system to ensure all citizens receive the care they need.” The Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP) will receive $100,000 for its Education & Counseling Center. The funds will be used to renovate space at the Center and provide an alternative to hospital emergency room usage by families who lack the financial means to pay for health services. The center provides individual counseling, group support and education to low income families. There are more than 200,000 residents in CHAP’s primary service area which covers Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. It is estimated that about one-in-four residents lack health insurance, with many living below the poverty level. “Federal support for the CHAP Education and Counseling Center will positively impact the overall health of our community’s low-income, uninsured and unemployed residents, said Margaret B. Martinez, CEO of CHAP. “The integration of behavioral health services with primary medical care will help our chronically ill patients better manage their conditions.”

Monrovia Shop Hosts Photo Exhibit for Terry Miller BY SUSAN MOTANDER California Wine and Cheese, which has hosted one person shows for various artists since it opened in 2006, is now showcasing the work of Terry Miller, this newspaper’s staff photographer. The gourmet wine and cheese shop owner Tom Dugan, said that he likes to showcase the work of local artists because “Our customers are, for the most part local and appreciate the work of local artists.” The works on display include pieces not only from Miller’s extensive press photography portfolio, but also many samples of his artistic work, taken outside the line of duty for now reason other than a passion for his art. Included in the show are a wide range of photographs taken by Miller over his lifelong career. They include

shots of Hillary Clinton, the Monrovia Fire Department and his award winning photograph of a woman and child in grief taken following the controversial shooting of Leroy Barnes by two Pasadena Police officers earlier this year. Humble to the very end, Miller said only that “Shooting pictures is my passion. It’s not just my vocation, but my avocation as well.” John Stephens, Managing Editor for Beacon Media’s newspaper group expressed his delight at the show’s opening. “I’m so glad to see an opportunity to showcase Terry’s photographs for the public outside the realm of what

we’re able to fit on the page each week,” said Stephens, “We are beyond fortunate, here at the paper, to have someone on staff that has as strong of a dedication to his artistic craft as he does to his work as a photojournalist and to the communities that work serves.” The shop normally features the works of members of the Monrovia Art Festival Association, but regularly showcases the works of other artists when MAFA artists are not available. Miller’s exhibit will adorn the walls of California Wine & Cheese for the next few weeks and collector’s prints will be available for purchase.

Reception August 22, 5-7:30pm Exhibit runs through Mid September California Wine and Cheese 115 W Foothill Blvd Monrovia, CA 91016-2144 (626) 358-6500

HOURS Tuesday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Please Note: Our last pour is 20 minutes before closing Closed Mondays

13 AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

Top 1% of Prudential Realtors Nationwide

Design Sense

Reni Rose (626) 355-8400

BY ERIN VOSTI LAL

Erin Vosti Lal is an interior designer based in Monrovia. She can be reached at designsense@beaconmedinews.com

Offered at $1,298,000.

A Perfect 10 -- Stunning is the only way to describe it - Built in 2004, this magnificent 3500+ sf home is one of a kind. There are 3 large master suites (one downstairs) including an impressive secluded master with sumptuous bath and tranquil view of the mountains/ valley, plus the Jack & Jill bedrooms and 5 baths. Other features include soaring ceilings, expansive windows, large family room, gourmet kitchen & breakfast area with window seating, wood flooring, plantation shutters & more. Call today for more details and for a private showing of the PERFECT 10!

SO LD

We took down the vertical blinds and fashioned some new window treatments out of burlap panels (burlap is an inexpensive material to work with). This added an interesting texture to the room, and we trimmed them with a gorgeous green trim to coordinate with the wall paint. For cheap art, we bought several 8x10 canvases from an art store and painted them with leftover paint from the bedroom (a soft blue). We grouped them together as a collection and hung them over the sofa. In the bedroom, her old, pine dresser got new crystal handles; this was a bit of a splurge, as we went the antique route, but it added such a feminine touch and made the dresser look like it was back to its 1920s glory. Her nightstands were so tiny and could barely accommodate a decent reading lamp. We found some inexpensive glass pendants to hang above the nightstands instead. This solution provides great light for nighttime reading, and doesn’t clutter up the surfaces. At the end of our project, we looked around and could see that her apartment had been refreshed into a peaceful and functional space – a place where she could joyfully ride out the rest of the dog days of summer!

cessories. The mismatched chairs would be a fun touch around the table. We found an inexpensive but cheerful wallpaper on discount and cut it into pieces to fit into frames – we now had an art collection to hang in the library! Her living room seemed drab because it was uninviting. I asked her to think about how she used the room and how traffic flowed through the space. We rearranged it to be more open and welcoming as you entered the room; no sofa back to walk into and an open but intimate arrangement for easy conversation between two people or a group of people. We used orange in small doses as a fresh accent color; that worked well with the almost-neutral sage color on the walls and it really brought a bit of spice to the room. To add some interest to a neutral sofa, we found a throw to drape across the back and new pillows – all on sale. She had a pair of small chairs to recover. To do this, we bought some fabric remnants at a tremendous discount. Because the remnants were so small, we used one fabric on the fronts of the chairs, and a different but coordinating fabric on the backs. This was simple, and an homage to French decorating!

OP SU EN N. HO 1- U 4P SE M

ES I CR N OW

638 Manzanita Avenue, Sierra Madre

I recently received a call from a friend who was at wit’s end with her adorably small, but dingy apartment. With the heat of August came a restlessness and the urge to do some serious sprucing up in her apartment. She wanted to make her environment productive, peaceful and beautiful. With the desperation of Princess Leia, she pleaded, “Help me, Erin. You’re my only hope.” We couldn’t reinvent the wheel. Because of her small budget, we had to use the furniture she already had in the apartment. But, I reassured her, with a few new decorative touches and a major dose of creativity, we could transform her apartment into the retreat she was looking for. Painting is always the least expensive way to freshen up your home. We painted the apartment in coordinating sages and light blues. This instantly added a soft palette to work with and a breath of fresh air. She had a small dining room, several old, mismatched chairs and no dining table. She insisted she wants to entertain on occasion, but a big issue was her need to store a vast collection of books that were currently piled and stacked throughout the apartment. We took the initiative and repurposed her dining room into a library. We found some inexpensive shelves and lined one wall with them. For a dining table, we bought a cheap 48” round folding table that would comfortably seat 4-6guests. She had an old, but colorful quilt collecting dust in the closet, so we used it as a table cloth and put a piece of glass on top. This would serve as a dining table, but also as a workspace and a great place to display a pile of her favorite books and some pretty ac-

110 Coburn, Sierra Madre N PR EW IC E

The Dog Days Of Summer – Time To Spruce Up Your Home!

(Age by Dec 31st)

Team Size is Limited - First Come First Serve!! For More Information Please Contact Us by Phone at (626) 359-4677 (hotline) Or Contact: Sondra Slykhuis President 626-216-6580 or email slacknoff@yahoo.com.

Visit our site:

www.leaguelineup.com/arcindians

Imagine the possibilities! Situated on an acre of land, this famous Sierra Madre glass Pyramid home offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, city lights and valley. The Pyramid features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3,327 sqft and a large sunk-in fireplace. The Master Suite has a private patio & an Egyptian motif bathroom. A spiral staircase takes you to the 2nd bedroom high within the Pyramid’s peak. There is a Zen garden pond, hot tub under a pergola and a look-out point. The 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house offers the same views and completes this property. Wouldn’t you like to own such an icon?

321 E. Grandview, Sierra Madre Offered at 1,075,000. Extraordinary in Detail – This house has a rich blend of history and craftsmanship. It was built in the 1890’s and its design reflects discriminating taste and art. The master suite is enhanced with a spectacular view from the balcony and steam sauna. You can entertain handsomely in the large country kitchen or around the saltwater pool and spa. Additional features include: family room, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,621 sf home, 12,297 sf lot, tranquil mountain view and detached music room. If character, privacy and warmth are in your plans, this home is just right for you! Call to preview before it is too late.

1946 Alta Oaks, Arcadia Offered at $1,050,000.

Offering Arcadia Schools, this home is located is the highly desirable “Highlands” community of North Arcadia. It has been lovingly maintained for the past 44 years and was updated in 1997. The rooms are spacious and light filled. The 12,781 sf lot offers a spacious back yard with sparkling pool, mountain view, lanai and patio. The home is 2,217 sf with a family room, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 fireplaces and CA & heat. This one won’t last!

2025 Carolwood, Arcadia, Ca Offered at $1,048,000. Situated in Highland Oaks with awarding winning Arcadia Schools, this home offers: : 2,985 sq.ft. (which includes the 664 sq.ft. of basement) with a 22,440 sf lot., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, family room, 2 fireplaces, 2-car attached garage & a 664 sf finished basement currently being used as a media room and 5th bedroom.

142 E. Mira Monte, Sierra Madre Offered at: $759,000

Located in north Sierra Madre, this home is located a short distance to the Mount Wilson hiking trail. This lovely home is located on a 10,670 sf lot and is 1,518 sf with 2 bedrooms and 1.75 baths. There is a guest quarters off the 2-car garage which has a deck and kitchenette. The home was built in 1950 and many new fabulous upgrades including new designer interior colors, dual paned windows, new roof, recessed lighting, central air & heat. It is wonderfully maintained. This one won’t stay on the market long.

Offered at $689,500. Tucked away at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Sierra Madre you’ll find a relaxing hide-away to come home to! The interior of this home has been freshly painted. The living room features a fireplace, is filled with natural light and is open to the kitchen.The floor plan offers 2 bedrooms and 1 ½ baths downstairs and situated upstairs is a grand master suite that features a mountain view, a fireplace, vaulted ceiling, spacious closet, and a large bath complete with soaking tub, separate shower and double sinks. The house is 2,038 s.f. and the lot is 7,029 s.f. Here is your opportunity to live in Sierra Madre!

180 Santa Anita Court, Sierra Madre

Tackle Football 8-13 years old

751 Oak Crest, Sierra Madre $1,098,000 • $3,500 Lease price

285 Sturtevant Drive, Sierra Madre

The Arcadia Indians Football and Cheer program m is still looking for new players. Ages 8 to 13. C h e e r l e a d i n g 6-14 years old

Offered at $1,098,000.

This decorator perfect home offers 2,792 s.f. with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The lot is 12,177 s.f. and has over 50 rose bushes as well as plum, orange, peach, and lemon trees. There is a formal living room with high ceilings, cherry wood flooring, family room, a Master Suite with a newly updated bathroom, a spiral staircase leading to a loft. There is a storage room with wall-to-wall cabinets. This contemporary style home is a delight!

New Price: $598,000

This cottage has loads of curb appeal and is located just a short walk to the quaint village of Sierra Madre & Sierra Vista Park. The inviting and open floor plan will inspire you to entertain or simply have a quiet evening at home. This 1165 sq. ft. home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The lot is 6,318 sq. ft. There is a 400 sq.ft. attic which will be great for storage. The yard has been professionally landscaped and has auto sprinklers.

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

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

Golden State Coin Show August 22 & 23, 2009

Continued from 1

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of how she and her husband had become victims of Colasuonno. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew Mark for 20 years,â&#x20AC;? Mrs. Greco related. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I had gone out to dinner with him and his wife. He has eaten in my home.â&#x20AC;? Greco said that Colasuonno had worked with her husband, the victim in this new case, and that they

had gone to him when he had opened the Tax Doctor because of their long time association. At that time, the Grecos were still unable to believe that their trusted friend and tax preparer could have com m it ted such cr i mes against them and so many others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I trusted this guy, said Mrs. Greco. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe he did this to us.â&#x20AC;? The new case alleges that the money which Greco removed from savings to invest with Colasuonno was not invested into a common, lower risk annuity, as Colasuonno had promised. The

Tax Doctor claimed that he could get a 12 percent return on their investment. Not only was there never any return on their investment, but according to Detective Doney, the original capital was also lost. Cola suonno wa s a r raigned on the three new counts late on Wednesday and pled not guilty. According to Deputy District Attorney Melanie Buccat who is handling the first case, as of Wednesday, the new case has not been assigned to a Deputy D.A., but that she hopes it will be assigned to her based on her familiarity

Arboretum Appoints Richard Schulhof CEO A native of Los Angeles, Schulhof comes from Harvard Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arnold Arboretum in Boston where for the last seven years he has served as deputy director. Before that, Schulhof was executive director of Descanso Gardens in La CaĂąada Flintridge. Previously he completed horticultural internships at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino and the Mildred Mathias Gardens at U.C.L.A. Schulhof has an undergraduate degree in landscape

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architecture from U.C. Berkeley and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in public garden administration from the University of Delaware and in forestry from Harvard. Schulhof has created new programs supporting science education in both Boston and Los Angeles schools. Through collaboration with school districts and private foundations, his programs have offered teacher training, field trips and in-class instruction. Working with the National Endowment for the Humani-

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ties, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Park Service, he has launched programs interpreting historic landscapes. Russ Guiney, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, expressed his strong support and enthusiasm for the selection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the search committee began its comprehensive national search a little over a year ago, we were seeking an inspiring and dynamic leader with a commitment to excellence, a

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with the case. This first charge of embezzlement was enhanced with the allegation that more than $100,000 was stolen. In the first case the victims were the Lopez brothers one of whom, Paige, said he lost his home as a result of Colasuonnoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions. According to Buccat, the old case will move forward despite the new charges and she does not expect the two cases to be consolidated. Buccat said she anticipated that the Lopez case to go to trial fairly soon, either by the end of this month or beginning of September.

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Richard Schulhof

strategic thinker. While there were several very qualified candidates, the search committee unanimously endorsed the selection of Richard Schulhof, recognizing his deep passion for the natural world, extensive institutional expe-

Continued on 17

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COMMUNITY

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 15

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Communityy City of Hope Doc Named Fellow of World’s Largest Radiation Oncology Society

Dr. Jeffrey Wong receives honor from prestigious cancer organization The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently selected 12 of its members to become Fellows of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, a prestigious cancer organization with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapy. Jeffrey Wong, M.D., chair and professor of City of Hope’s Department of Radiation Oncology, will receive his FASTRO designation November 3, 2009, at a special ceremony during the Society’s 51th Annual Meeting scheduled for November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. “The ASTRO Fellows program was created as a way

to recognize the best and the brightest in the field of radiation oncology,” said Timothy Williams, ASTRO president and a radiation oncologist at Boca Raton Community Hospital in Boca Raton, Fla. “Dr. Jeffrey Wong is an example of someone who has gone above and beyond in his efforts to help the specialty, the Society and the patients we all work so hard to cure.” Wong is a leading expert in the use of targeted radiation therapy using radiolabeled antibodies for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. He is also recognized for his efforts in targeted therapy using imageguided intensity modulated radiation therapy, applying this method in bone mar-

row transplant procedures to potentially minimize total body irradiation and lessen side effects. He performed one of the first total marrow irradiation procedures in the treatment of myeloma using TomoTherapy, a system that delivers targeted beams of radiation to affected areas minimizing radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue and organs. Wong has authored over 100 studies in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics and Cancer Research, and delivered numerous abstracts and presentations. He is listed in the national health care guide for consumers “America’s Top Doctors for Cancer.” He is board-certified and a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Members of ASTRO are eligible to become a Fellow if they have been a member of the Society for at least 20 years, served in a leadership role for the organization and have made a significant contribution to the field of radiation oncology. The nominations were reviewed by a nine member Fellows Selection Committee who made recommendations to the ASTRO Board of Directors to make the final decision.

Arcadia Girls Bring Home the Gold

Olivia Rivas tags out a base runner following a spot-on throw from Beverlee Valerio.

T he A rcad ia Gi rl’s Softball Association’s team for girls aged 12 and under brought home the gold this year from the Junior Olympic State Championship in San Diego. Throughout the competition, the team allowed only five total runs scored against them, going undefeated all the way through the championship round. The Junior Olympics, held each year, include the

same set of sporting competitions featured in the actual Olympics, only for the younger athlete. This year’s title for the the Girl’s Softball team from Arcadia is the first ever Girl’s Softball state title for the city. The team was lead by Monica Baerg and Beverlee Valerio who were named tournament co-MVPs. Additionally, Elise McCarthy was named to the All-Tournament

Team and Isabelle Mejia was given honorable mention. Following the victory, Head Coach John Valerio said, “These young ladies deserve all the credit for making their dream come true with hard work and true belief that they could win gold.” The Arcadia City Council will honor the team during their regular meeting on August 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers.

Duarte Youth Boxing Show a Knockout Success More than 500 people turned out for the 4th annual Duarte Youth Boxing Show, Aug. 1, presented by Duarte Parks and Recreation’s Youth Boxing Club. Held at the Duarte High School Gym, the boxing show featured 21 bouts of young amateur boxers representing youth boxing clubs throughout Southern California. To compete as an amateur, boxers must be certified by USA Photos by John Barreras

Continued on 17

The Arcadia Girl’s Softball Team brought home the Gold from this year’s Junior Olympics.

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COMMUNITY

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 17

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Continued from 15

Duarte Youth Boxing Show a Knockout Success Boxing Federation. Johnny Olvera, 13 of the Duarte Youth Boxing Club, won his bout against Eduardo Cruz of Gengis Khan Boxing Club, Los Angeles when the ref-

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Awards $11.5 Million for Cancer Research

eree stopped the fight in the second round. Olvera, an 8th grade student at Northview Middle School in Duarte, was named Outstanding Junior Boxer of the show.

Photos by Terry Miller

Photos by John Barreras

St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit public charity based in Pasadena, which raises money for childhood cancer research, has awarded $11.5 million in funding for on-

cology research worldwide. The money will be used to conduct research and allow for clinical studies and trials, and future research. St. Baldrick’s is the

President of PCC on Leave of Absence BY KYLE KHANDIKIAN Paulette Perfumo, President of Pasadena City College, has recently requested for a leave of absence from her post, weeks before her two year anniversary as President of PCC. According to “Pasadena Sub Rosa Blog,” it is rumored that Perfumo’s decision comes in response to a vote of “no confidence,” by the PCC Board of Trustees. She is supposedly discussing a settlement package pending her resignation or firing. This may all be very possible, considering Perfumo’s past settlements with other community colleges. When her contract as Solano Community College’s Superintendent-President was terminated in 2006, Perfumo continued to receive monthly installments on her annual salary, annual retirement contributions, and annual medical pay. Her contract was supposed

to end in 2008; however Solano Community College Board members decided to exercise their right to buy it out early. Now, Perfumo has requested a leave of absence from her post. During a PCC Board meeting on August 5, 2009, “employment, change of status, leave of absence, and separation,” of both academic and classified employees was listed under the agenda. Board President Jeanette Mann has said she approved Perfumo’s request the following day on August 6. “Perfumo has left a trail of failure at every college she has run,” says Sub Rosa Blog. Perfumo has had a long history with the California Community Colleges system. In 1978, she began her college teaching career as a child development and parenting faculty member at College of the Canyons. She later rose to administrative positions, serving as President and Superintendent of Solano Community College

in Fairfield from 2003 to 2006. She has also served as the Deputy Superintendent and Vice President of Education Services at Ohlone College in Fremont and two years as the Assistant Superintendent and Vice president of Instruction at Lassen Community College in Susanville. Appointed as the eleventh President of PCC in 2007, Perfumo’s request for leave came almost two weeks before her two year anniversary at PCC. The President’s Office at PCC said, “That’s all it is,” providing no further information regarding Perfumo’s leave of absence. Lisa Sugimoto, Vice President of Student for Student and Learning Services, will serve as acting president until Perfumo’s return. Interestingly enough, openings at PCC include the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/ President/Classified, as listed at the PCC website. T h i s a l l comes les s than a month after PCC

Paulette Perfumo

was given an official warning regarding student performance evaluation from the Accrediting Commiss i o n f r o m C o m mu n i t y and Junior Colleges. The school was given one year to improve its assessment of student learning. Founded in 1924, PCC is the third largest commu n it y col lege ca mpu s in the country, and serves over 2.5 million students statewide.

world’s largest volunteer-driven fund raising organization for childhood cancer research. Within nine years, events have taken place in 18 countries and 48 U.S. states, raising over $50

million, and shaving more than 72,000 heads. Volunteers for St. Baldrick’s shave their heads to raise money for children’s cancer research.

Continued from 14

Richard Schulhof has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at the L.A. County Arboretum, effective in early October. rience, and demonstrated scholarly expertise.” Burks Hamner, president of The Arboretum Board of Trustees expressed “the Board of Trustees is looking forward to welcoming Richard, whose vast experience and knowledge will enhance and expand our existing programs.” Schulhof brings to The Arboretum a strong commitment to public education and a strong interest in serving urban communities. “Finding new ways to bring the fascination and beauty of plants to greater Los Angeles is the aim,” Schulhof commented. “I am most honored to accept this important position, and I look forward to working with a very dedicated community—staff, volunteers, The Arboretum Foundation, the

County Parks Department— to help more people discover this magical place. With fascinating plant collections, a magnificent landscape, and remarkable history, the possibilities are unbounded, and I look forward to working to realize The Arboretum’s potential and goal of becoming one of the world’s truly great public gardens.” Visit www.arcadiaweekly. com to see a video from earlier this year in which Richard Schulhof, then Deputy Director of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, in Cambridge, MA, talks about what he does, his educational and professional background, and his favorite parts of his job. - Video provided by the Center for Public Horticulture at UD.

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On July 30 at 1:32 p.m., security at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported that two subjects walked out with rental equipment valued at approximately $3,400. The suspects asked where the items were kept, and once shown the area, selected the items and placed them on the ground. Immediately after selecting the items, a female suspect approached and distracted the employee. The two suspects exited the side door with the items, placed them inside a waiting vehicle, and fled. A few minutes later, the suspects returned for the female and they all left in the vehicle. Security called police and officers were able to locate the suspects at Shamrock and Evergreen. One less suspect was in the vehicle and the stolen property was missing. An area search was conducted for the property, but it was not located. The suspects were arrested for burglary and the investigation is continuing.

Animal Problem .

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On July 31 at 10:13 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Madison called to report seeing a mountain lion to the rear of his residence. An officer checked the area and discovered tracks, but the mountain lion had left the area.

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On August 3 at 3:27 p.m., a male subject returned to his home in the 200 block of West Colorado and began destroying property in the front yard. He entered the house and ordered his niece to get out. Fearing for her safety, the niece exited the location and called the police. Further investigation determined the subject has mental problems. An officer took the subject to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation.

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Marvin from last time is still available. Kit and Kat, two adorable, black and white kittens are looking for a new home. They would like to be adopted together but can go to separate homes if necessary. Both girls are very sweet and love to cuddle. Come visit with this lovely pair today! The regular cat adoption fee is $70 which includes the spay or neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a free follow-up health check at a participating vet. Currently, you can adopt two cats or kittens for just $85. Please call 626-792-7151 and ask about Kit and Kat or come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, 361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena CA, 91105. Our adoption hours are 11-3 Sunday, 9-4 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9-3 Saturday. Directions and photos of all pets updated hourly may be found at www.pasadenahumane.org

Grand Theft. On August 4 at 12:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a robbery in progress at Huntington & Myrtle. The female victim and her male companion were walking east in the north crosswalk of Huntington. The suspect approached the victim from behind and took her cell phone from her back pocket. The suspect fled in a waiting vehicle driven by a second suspect, which was parked near Huntington and Primrose. Witnesses followed the vehicle and obtained the license plate. An officer went to the registered owners address and contacted the juvenile driver. The juvenile admitted to being the driver; he was arrested, transported to Monrovia Police Department and released to his parent on a citation. The investigation is continuing.

Public Assist. On August 4 at 4:40 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a 9-1-1 hang-up call at a residence in the 100 block of West Colorado. Upon arrival, the officer found an elderly female suffering from an anxiety attack. The elderly woman’s daughter was present and expressed a strong interest in the Project Life Saver Program for her mother. The program is available through the Police Department. The program provides a tracking system for family members

who could possibly walk away from home and become lost, due to problems such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

ARCADIA

For the period of Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1, the Police Department responded to 977 calls for service of which 152 required formal investigations. The following is a summary report of the major incidents handled by the Department during this period.

Sunday, July 26: Units responded to Westfield Mall around 11:22 a.m. in reference to a commercial burglary that occurred at 9:55 p.m. on July 25. An African-American suspect, 30’s, bald, 6’1”, 210 pounds, entered the Wireless Champs kiosk, pried open storage cabinets and stole 63 cellular telephones. Between 9:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of West Huntington. Unknown suspect(s) entered the home through an open sliding glass door and stole four laptop computers and an iPod.

Monday, July 27: At 1:30 p.m., units were dispatched to Wells Fargo Bank located inside the Albertson store, 298 East Live Oak, regarding a fraud in progress. A 56-year-old Hispanic was taken into custody trying to cash fraudulent money orders totaling $1,970. A service manager from a company came to the station around 2:28 p.m. in file a grand theft report. The company leased an industrial ice machine to the racetrack, and the machine was stolen between 11:00 a.m. on July 16 and 10:00 a.m. on July 20.

Tuesday, July 28: Around 4:58 p.m., officers responded to 24-Hour Fitness, 125 North First, in reference to an employee detained for theft. The loss prevention manager advised that a patron found an employee/suspect wearing his watch. A 19-year-old male Hispanic was confronted, and he admitted to stealing the watch and cash from the “lost property” drawer and cash from membership accounts. A private person’s arrest was made, and the suspect was taken into custody for commercial burglary, embezzlement, and grand theft. A traffic stop was initiated at 7:14 a.m. for excessive speed and a 21-year-old male Hispanic was contacted. Record checks revealed that he was driving on a suspended license and he also had two outstanding warrants totaling $50,000. He was taken into custody without incident.

Wednesday, July 29: Shortly after 10:00 a.m., while on routine patrol, officers saw two men at Terra Verde Park, located at Camino Real and Second. Consensual contacts were made and record checks indicated that a 32-year-old AfricanAmerican had a $50,000 outstanding felony warrant and 3 outstanding misdemeanor warrants totaling $40,688. The man was arrested at the scene without incident. A 90-year-old victim came to the station around 2:00 p.m. to file a theft report. While looking over her bank accounts, she discovered about $30,000 missing. Apparently a caretaker had been writing checks to her son and others over an 18 month period. A 65-year-old female

Hispanic was arrested for grand theft and elder abuse/theft by caretaker. Further investigation revealed that the suspect may have absconded as much as $86,000.

Thursday, July 30: Around 1:47 p.m., a male African-American suspect was seen leaving a home in the 1800 block of South Sixth where a burglar alarm was activated. A 29-year-old suspect was detained during a traffic stop, and he was found in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency and Asian coins. The man was arrested for residential burglary and receiving stolen property. An auto burglary occurred at 24-Hour Fitness, 125 North First, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry into the trunk by unknown means and stole two purses.

Friday, July 31: Loss prevention personnel from H&M detained a man and woman for theft around 2:40 p.m. The suspects concealed merchandise in a shopping bag and then left the store without making payment. Private persons’ arrests were made, and a 20-year-old female Caucasian and a 19-year-old male Hispanic were taken into custody for commercial burglary. Additional stolen items from Cali Fashion were recovered. Three Honda vehicles were stolen from the Westfield Mall parking lot between 5:50 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, August 1: Around 2:17 a.m., a traffic stop for a code violation was conducted at Second and Huntington. While the two occupants were looking for their paperwork in the glove compartment, two boxes of shotgun ammunition were seen. Upon closer inspection through the window, officers saw a shotgun in the backseat. The African-American suspects, ages 18 and 20, were arrested for carrying a loaded firearm. Westfield Mall security personnel detained a male juvenile at the Peacock parking structure around 7:50 p.m. The juvenile was found standing by a Honda vehicle, with its alarm activated. Due to the large number of stolen Honda vehicles from the mall, the juvenile was detained and marijuana was found in his pocket. A private person’s arrest was made, and the 15-year-old African-American was taken into custody for possession of marijuana. He was later cited and released to his mother.

SIERRA MADRE

During the week of Sunday, July 26th, to Saturday, August 1st, the Sierra Madre Police Department responded to approximately 274 calls for service.

Sunday, July 26th: 6:14 PM – Vandalism, 501 East Sierra Madre Blvd., Pioneer Cemetery. Part of a grave headstone was removed at the cemetery. The crime occurred between 8:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2009 and 9:00am on Friday, July 24, 2009. The damage was estimated at $10.00. 9:49 PM – Theft from vehicle, 00 block South Lima Street. A wallet, driver’s license and several credit cards were stolen from the center console of an unlocked pick-up truck. The crime occurred between 8:00 pm on Saturday,

July 18, 2009, and 12:00pm, on Sunday, July 19, 2009. No estimated dollar loss was available.

Monday, July 27th: 4:13 AM – Arrest, Suspended Driver’s License, 1700 block of North Santa Anita Avenue. A motorist was stopped for having a current registration tab on a license plate that actually had expired registration. A records check revealed the driver was driving on a suspended/ revoked license for DUI. The driver admitted to buying a current, 2010 registration tab for his car to avoid paying fees to DMV. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days and the driver was issued a written promise to appear for the violations. 8:13 AM – Residential Burglary, 00 block Suffolk Ave. The rear sliding glass door was found open when the resident arrived home this morning, Monday, July 27, 2009. A Toshiba laptop, two gold rings, a pair of gold earrings and an IPOD were missing. The crime occurred between 5:00 pm, Friday, July 24, 2009 and 8:00 am, Monday, July 27, 2009. The loss was estimated at $970.00.

Tuesday, July 28th: 8:39 PM – Arrest, False Personation of Another, Santa Anita Canyon Road, Chantry Gate. A motorist was stopped at the gate. A DMV records check revealed the car’s registration was expired, but the tab on the license plate was current. The driver was arrested and transported the station for booking. At the station, it was determined the driver had presented false identification and had actually used another person’s personal information. The driver was transported to the Pasadena Jail for remand.

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Thursday, July 30th: 10:54 PM – Commercial Burglary, 141 West Highland Ave., Sierra Madre School, Lower Campus.Police went to the school regarding a fire alarm activation. No fire was found. During the investigation, the janitorial closet and 2 classrooms vandalism had actually been damaged. The suspects deployed a fire extinguisher inside a classroom. Three suspects were seen running from the scene. The crime time frame is pending. No dollar loss was available.

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Friday, July 31st 6:35 AM – Auto Burglary, 400 block of Sierra Keys Drive. The locked driver’s door of a 2010 Accord was found ajar and the glove box had been rummaged through. The crime occurred between 10:00 pm on Thursday, July 30, 2009 and 6:30 am on Friday, July 31, 2009. No loss was reported. 8:51 AM – Arrest, False Persontation of Another, 200 block of West Sierra Madre Blvd. A motorist was stopped for a traffic violation. A records check revealed the driver was unlicensed. During the investigation, the driver admitted to using a relative’s personal information and he had an outstanding warrant. The driver was transported to the Pasadena Jail for remand.

Saturday, August 1st: 2:28 PM – Vandalism, 160 North Canon Ave., Sierra Madre School, Upper Campus. A classroom window was smashed at the campus. The crime occurred between 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2009 and 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2009. No dollar loss was available.

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL (626) 301-1010 FOR ADVERTISING PLACEMENT INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT Beacon Media, publisher of San Gabriel Valley’s fastest growing group of newspapers, currently has the following position available: Advertising Sales Rep. You must have excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. You will work directly with clients to

LEGALS OTHER PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE File No. 7037.19292 Title Order No. 4108059 MIN No. 10018710051146795-4 Loan No. 1846608297 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 02/05/07. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in §5102 to the Financial code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without

provide solutions for their advertising needs and to help design advertising campaigns that will best showcase the client’s products and services. Additionally, candidates should be: · Professional. · Ability to work effectively in a team environment. · Over 2 years prior sales experience · Computer-literate.

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covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to satisfy the obligation secured by said Deed of Trust. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. Trustor(s): GREGORIO PANCHO AND ESTHER PANCHO, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 02/13/07, as Instrument No. 20070309609, of Official Records of Los Angeles, California. Date of Sale: 08/26/09 at 1:00 PM Place of Sale: At the front entrance to the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA The purported property address is: 109 EAST FIG AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016-0000 Assessors Parcel No. 8508-013057 The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $497,705.20. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return

of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortga-gor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. The undersigned mortgage loan servicer declares that (1) it has obtained a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to California Civil Code § 2923.52 and (2) the timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivi-sion (a) of California Civil Code § 2923.52 does not apply pursuant to California Civil Code § 2923.52 or 2923.55 Date: 8/5/2009 NORTHWEST TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC., as Trustee Camale Smith, Authorized Signatory 505 N. Tustin Avenue, Suite 243 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Sale Info website: www. USA-Foreclosure.com Reinstatement and Pay-Off Requests: (866) 387-NWTS THIS OFFICE IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE FEI# 1002.128801 08/06, 08/13, 08/20/2009.

FOR RENT Hard to find 1 Bed Apt. New paint & carpet very large size Apt, Great location must see $925 a

month, pool, laundry onsite. Call (626) 447-0558 S H A R E PA S A D E N A HOUSE 1 bedroom, share kitchen and bath, 1 person only, (626) 5126850

FOR SALE Drum Kit w/ Cymbals 5 piece drum kit with 2 cymbals + hi-hat. Kit has

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 09-0040902 Title Order No. 09-8-121392 APN No. 8508018-007 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 01/21/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by ABBY BECERRIL FARKAS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, dated 01/21/2006 and recorded 01/26/06, as Instrument No. 06 0189598, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County, State of California, will sell on 09/03/2009 at 1:00PM, At the front entrance to the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd., Pomona at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right,

everything you need and more: throne, drum and cymbal noise-dampening pads, all cymbal stands and bass pedal. Everything works well. It’s an off-brand (Pulse Percussion), and could maybe use some heads, but all in all this is a very decent setup for the price. Call John at 626.789.6169.

van Minivan. Auto, low mileage, front/rear/a/c, many extras. Great Soccer mom car. $9,000 obo. (626) 512-7050

YARD SALE M U LT I FA M I LY YA R D SALE! One day only! Great items! Saturday Aug. 15th 8am to 4pm 273 E. Alergia Sierra Madre

2005 Dodge Grand Caratitle, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designa-tion, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 1228 S ALTA VISTA AVE UNIT E, MONROVIA, CA, 910164005. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $461,750.09. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the

Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee’s Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. DATED: 06/28/2009 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone/Sale Information: (800) 281 8219 By: Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. FEI # 1006.60138 8/13, 8/20, 8/27/2009

Continued from 1

Sierra Madre City Council wrestles with settlement agreement

Carter projects, the 103 acre and 63 acre development in process since 2005. The report, prepared by City Attorney Sandra Levin, reviewed the settlement agreement to aid the council in deciding whether to approve the document as written or to send it back to the negotiating team. Levin told the council the agreement was the result of meetings held with the owners of the property, 1935 Stonehouse Road and One Carter Ave and a sub-committee of council members Kurt Zimmerman and John Buchanan and lawyers representing the city. Levin’s report is a review of the variety of situations which have developed as a result of previous owner forclosures and on-going litigation. At the end, Levin suggested alternative directions the city council might take in fending off both community objections and costly litigation. The Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release compact was released to both the City Council and to the public prior to the Tuesday night meeting. Many residents, bearing copies of the 21-page

document, appeared before the council to either object or to recommend changes to the agreement. Several appeared to speak of their objections, some finding the development plans not to their liking and others criticizing the compromise agreement as well. Levin, in her report, offers four possible routes in the settlement process: sign the settlement as currently presented; modify the documents and sign settlement papers; continue negotiations between the city and the builders; or cease negotiating and resume litigation. Based on the uncertainty of the outcome in a court battle and costly litigation, Levin recommended that the city council review the proposed settlement and after any suggested changes, to authorize the City Manager and Mayor to execute formal settlement documentation on modified documentation at a future city council meeting. Residents spoke plainly about various aspects of agreements contained in the settlement proposal demanding that changes be made before the council approved

the document. Among issues the community would like strengthened in the document were tighter restrictions on the height of structures, sight-line protection on the west side of Liliano Dr., and various erosion control and landscaping improvements throughout the project. At least one resident would rather see the entire project dropped. Judy Webb-Martin, a prominent voice in the community and real estate broker, told the council she felt the project itself should be scrapped as it is, in her words, “the raping of our founding father’s property”. Council members each commented on the proposal expressing concerns over aspects of the project, mildly objecting to the need to allow a hillside development, but, in the end, Mayor MacGillvray, seeing that a motion would be difficult to pass, simply suggested that the council direct staff to work with the owner of the Stonehouse property, attempt to incorporate the various comments of residents and council members and return with an adjusted product.

The fear of costly litigation has spurred all parties to participate in crafting a settlement, although Stonehouse Homes, LLC and One Carter LLC, both now termed “prior owners” as they lost both properties through foreclosure, preferred litigation over settlement. The city is now dealing with 1935 Stonehouse Road and One Carter Ave, the current owners. It was the current owners that expressed a desire to resume settlement discussions leading to the current document, according to Levin’s report. The document, as presented Tuesday night, was not designed to elicit approval of any development plans nor to grant any entitlements, but rather a way to, in effect, put all litigations on hold until the city determined whether or not to approve development plans. Litigation, on-going for several years, included eight lawsuits, two of which have been resolved in the city’s favor, three are on appeal after dismissals in the trial court and three are still pending in trial court. The city is defending the

validity of the Hillside Management Zone Ordinance and changes made after approval of the prior owners’ plans, the city’s development fee ordinance, the determination that the Stonehouse Property was incomplete, the denial of Stonehouse Homes’ application and a variety of other related decisions by the city. The suit by the Stonehouse properties for the requirement that the development proposal must be considered under the latest HMZ ordinance, seeks rejection of that requirement. The prior owners also seek money damages. Complications abound due to the fact that One Carter, now foreclosed, had the number of homes and location and boundaries of lots decided and recorded on a Final Map. The city wants individual home builders to be governed by the new HMZ ordinance which was adopted after the approval of the One Carter Map. That dispute remains unresolved. The most visually prominent lot, Lot 3, located on the west ridge has an asking price of $1,080,000. The current

owners have agreed to hold off on the sale of the property to provide a limited term option to the city to preserve the lot as open space by paying fair market value. If the city wishes to pursue this option, it will need approval of voters of Sierra Madre, Levin told the council-members. Mayor MacGillvray said negotiators should seek something more “palatable” to the City Council and to the community. A representative of the owners expressed a positive attitude toward community and council concerns, but pointed out that many of the community expressed objections were already addressed in the settlement agreement, but also said new discussions could be successful in arriving at further mutually acceptable terms with the city. In the end, the settlement proposal was sent back to the property owners, the council sub-committee and staff to seek a better outcome for the city. City Attorney Levin said she would return with a new settlement proposal in time for the second meeting in September.

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AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009

SUNDAES

2 22

Local Students Help Hurricane Katrina Victims Rebuild

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La Salle Service Immersion Students at the famous *Oak Alley Plantation*. Built in 1839, 28 evenly spaced oak trees line the approach to the Plantation House. Many of the Oak trees are believed to be over 125 years old. Students pictured are (l to r) Vanessa Cruz, Ashley Thomas, Garrett Lara, Matt Housman, Zachary Seay-Klatt, Carlos Gausman, Simran Sangha, Matt Adame, Trevor Pick, Madelynne Jensen, Nicole Mirkof, Madeline Herlache, Victoria Vargas, Melissa Thomas, Blair Siegal, Jena Umfress, Danielle Petro, Holden Jensen, Kiara Mabasa, Kelly Hartman, Jacqueline Maniago, Ryan Resurreccion, Nicholle Stone, Jason Eisele.

TWOHEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT " < /bZO\bWQ 0ZdR Â&#x2019; /ZVO[P`O 1/ ' & $ $ &" %!&% Â&#x2019; eee be]VSga Q][

Students of La Salle High School, Pasadena took the simple charge of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enter to Learn; Leave to Serveâ&#x20AC;? to heart. On March 28, 2009, 22 La Salle students and four adult moderators took off for

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $1.00 U.S. Gold ............................................. $90 to $2,500 $ $2.50 U.S. Gold ............................................. $80 to $5,000 $ $3.00 U.S. Gold ............................................. $350 to $3,500 $ $5.00 U.S. Gold ............................................. $125 to $5,000 $ $10 U.S. Gold ................................................ $325 to $4,200 $ $20 U.S. Gold ................................................ $650 to $5,000 $ $20 High Relief .............................................. Up to $50,000 $ $ WE BUY ALL SOLID GOLD ITEMS- NEW, USED OR BROKEN $ High School Rings ......................................... Up to $500 Wedding Bands .............................................. Up to $1500 $ Old Mountings ............................................... Up to $700 $ Bracelets......................................................... Up to $10,000 $ Necklaces ....................................................... Up to $15,000 $ Old Watch Cases ............................................ Up to $2,400 $ Charm............................................................. Up to $600 $ Dental Gold .................................................... Bring in for cash $ Broken Chains................................................ Bring in for cash $ PLATINUM - ALL PLATINUM JEWELRY - BRING IN FOR CASH $ Mountings ...................................................... Up to $2,500 $ Therm-Coupling Wire .................................... Bring in for testing $ Crucibles ........................................................ Bring in for testing $ Screen............................................................. Bring in for testing $ $ IF YOUR ITEMS ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T USED, BRING THEM IN FOR A $ FREE APPRAISAL AND CASH OFFER $ Â˝ Carat ........................................................... Up to $2,400 $ Âž Carat ........................................................... Up to $3,000 1 Carat ............................................................ Up to $10,000 $ 2 Carat ............................................................ Up to $20,000 $ 3 Carat ............................................................ Up to $50,000 $ 4 Carat ............................................................ Bring in for a quote $ Large diamonds much, much more. We buy old mine cuts and Euro$ pean cut diamonds. We buy diamonds with or without GIA certificates $ $ ALSO WANTED: KEY DATES AND RARITIES, PCGS, $ NGC & ANACS GRADED COINS, COLLECTIONS, $ ESTATES, ACCUMULATIONS AND DEALER STOCKS, $ AMERICAN EAGLES GOLD, PLATINUM, SILVER, $ SAKR, CML, 40% & 90% SILVER COINS, SILVER $ BARS, SCRAP GOLD AND SILVER FLATWARE, CALL $ $ FOR QUOTES. $ WANTED: US AND FOREIGN CURRENCY, LARGE $ SIZE NOTES, SMALL SIZE 1976 AND BEFORE. $ $ WANTED: STAMPS, SINGLES, SHEETS, COLLEC$ TIONS, ESTATES AND DEALER STOCKS. NO COL$ LECTION TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE! $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Coin Connection: 39 Years of Experience

BUYING Â˝ Cent 1793 ................................................... $1,000 and up Â˝ Cent (other) ................................................ $5 and up Large Cent 1793 ............................................. 1,000 and up 2Â˘ Pieces ........................................................ $3 and up 3Â˘ Pieces ........................................................ $3 and up Â˝ Dimes 1794-1805 ....................................... $500 and up Â˝ Dimes 1829-1873 ....................................... $5 and up U.S. 5Â˘ 1866-1882 ........................................ $3 and up U.S. 5Â˘ 1883-1912 ........................................ 25Â˘ and up U.S. 5Â˘ Buff .................................................. 15Â˘ and up U.S. 10Â˘ Before 1808.................................... $100 and up U.S. 10Â˘ 1809-1837 ...................................... $8 and up U.S. 10Â˘ 1838-1891 ...................................... $5 and up U.S. 20Â˘ 1875-1878 ...................................... $25 and up U.S. 20Â˘ 1796 ............................................... $5,000 and up U.S. 25Â˘ 1804-1807 ...................................... $100 and up U.S. 25Â˘ 1815-1837 ...................................... $15 and up U.S. 25Â˘ 1838-1891 ...................................... $5 and up U.S. 50Â˘ 1796-1797 ...................................... $15,000 and up U.S. 50Â˘ 1794-1806 ...................................... $75 and up U.S. 50Â˘ 1807-1837 ...................................... $25 and up U.S. 50Â˘ 1838-1891 ...................................... $10 and up U.S. $1.00 1794 ............................................ $25,000 and up U.S. $1.00 1795-1805 ................................... $500 and up U.S. $1.00 1836-1839 ................................... $150 and up U.S. $1.00 1840-1877 ................................... $20 and up Trade Dollars.................................................. $50 and up 1906-S and 1931-S......................................... $20 and up 1909-S VBD................................................... $400 and up 1914-D ........................................................... $75 and up 1910-S, 1911-S, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1922-D, 1926-S and 1931-D............................. $5.00 1924-D ........................................................... $15 All other before 1934 2Â˘ each Foreign Coins (exc. Canada cents) ................ 3Â˘ each and up Proof Sets Confederate Currency (before 1928) U.S. Paper Currency (before 1928) AVERAGE PRICES - COMMON DATE - 1964 AND BEFORE Silver Dollars (before 1935) .. $9 to $25,000 Half Dollars.................................................... $4 to $5 Quarters .......................................................... $2 to $3 Dimes ............................................................. 80Â˘ to $1.50

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New Orleans, Louisiana. They went to help rebuild New Orleans after the destruction and devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Yet many people asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why go now, that happened almost three years ago, arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they finished with the rescues efforts?â&#x20AC;? The simple truth remains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;? Over 15 million people were affected by Katrina and 1,836 lost their lives and over 700 people are still missing. For a first-world country, it is amazing to see that people in our own nation still suffer the heartbreaking aftereffects of something that took place three years ago. The famous patriarch of jazz, Louis Armstrong (a native of New Orleans) once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we play is life.â&#x20AC;? Amid the turmoil of our global situation, with wars waging, economic and fiscal crises breathing down our necks, natural disasters plaguing our world , the students of La Salle High School took the simple charge of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enter to Learn; Leave to Serveâ&#x20AC;? to heart. On March 28, 2009, 22 La Salle students and four adult moderators from La Salle; Tillie Burke, Business Manager, Jason Eisele, Social Studies chair, Elizabeth Serhan, Assistant to the Principal and Ryan Resurreccion, Student Life Immersions Coordinator, took off for New Orleans. In order to prepare themselves for their service immersions in Louisiana, students and moderators, helped raise their trip expenses. Whether it was through asking their families and friends for donations or participating and planning the Faculty vs. Seniors Charity Basketball Game, they worked to defray

the costs of this monumental service immersion. They also prepared themselves by learning about the situation in which they would be working, attending evening seminar classes and discussing the issues facing the people of New Orleans. With knowledge about the life and culture of New Orleans from

their adult moderator, Ms. Tillie Burke, and discussions shared, the students took what they learned and left to serve the people of New Orleans. This week-long experience of prayer, service and community engaged each and every participant spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially. There were many teaching and learning moments shared by both students and faculty moderators. The service sites which the Ven-a-Ver (Come and See) participants took part in were not extensive projects, like many popular charity organizations have undertaken. Rather most of the service opportunities were dealing with individual families. They touched the people of New Orleans one family at a time. On a purely efficiency-based model one could say we did not put too much of a dent in the broad spectrum of damageâ&#x20AC;Śbut, on a more personal level, the Ven-a-Ver participants were each touched by the lives they were sent to help. Among some of the service opportunities undertaken were: repainting a house in the 9th Ward for future volunteers that will come later to help rebuild New Orleans; working for a woman named

Continued on 23

COMMUNITY

AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 19, 2009 23

beaconmedianews.com

Continued from 22 Murel whose circular EcoHouse is hurricane resistant and part of the new “green” standard for New Orleans; gutting andcleaning a house for a woman named Odele who spent three days on her roof with her dog before she was rescued by helicopter on September 1, 2005. She could not face the daunting prospect of gutting her home and had not returned until she went with the La Salle students. Odele said this changed her life. “They did such a great job. I was revitalized and motivated to rebuild my home,” she said. “I was amazed with the energy and generosity of your student. I can begin again.” The people of New Orleans were truly touched by these Lasallian efforts. “This was not the Corps of Engineers bulldozing down someone’s home and telling them to go live in a FEMA trailer. These were caring individuals making a personal difference,” said a local pastor. “We are very grateful and overwhelmed with their understanding of our loss.” These work sites helped personalize the effects of Katrina and made the rebuilding effort clearer to the students than any discussion or documentary could have. Yet the service immersion was not only hard work

La Salle students, load salvaged furniture for storage.

and no sleep, that was only part of life. As Louis Armstrong said, “What we play IS life.” Play was definitely a part of the learning experience. The participants experienced great home-cooking from Jim-Bob Rabalais and GiGi Burke and the rest of the Burke & Rabalais Clans, toured the city with Ms. Tillie Burke’s sister, Kay Burke, saw a southern plantation, got lost in downtown New Orleans, visited cemeteries, took a ride on an airboat in the swamps near New Orleans, and more. It was a wonderful experience to share the “southern home-life” with these families. What became obvious at the end of the trip ties into what Saint John Baptist

de La Salle said, “The more you abandon to God the care of all temporal things, the more He will take care to provide for all your wants.” The Ven-a-Ver Service Immersion trip to New Orleans may have seemed at first like the participants were going into uncharted territories to hopefully do some good. But the fact of the matter is that they received more than what they gave through the hospitality of the people they were sent to serve. In the process of touching hearts across the country, the participants also realized that their own hearts had been touched by the very people they went to serve; thus fulfilling the call of “Enter to Learn; Leave to Serve.”

The Doozies

By Tom Gammill

DeFlocked

By Jeff Corriveau

Capitol South

By William Warren

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve You Got to Lose???