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Thursday, SEPTEMBER 6 - SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
Williams Fire Closes Highway 39, Burns Nearly 4000 Acres of Chaparrel Weather Helps Firefighting Efforts with Small Amount of Rain Wednesday BY TERRY MILLER Good progress was made Sunday and Labor Day fighting a large wildfire coined the Williams Fire, according to the Forest Service on Tuesday. However, estimated time of containment is Thursday Sept. 13. The Williams Fire dubbed after the mobile home park near where it started - was described as "moving very slowly" Monday evening. It is burning west of Mount Baldy and southeast of Highway 2. Evacuations of Camp Williams and San Gabriel Canyon were completed in record time, however, 25 people elected to stay despite the evacuation order. Highway 39 remains closed at press time. Firefighting Resources include 4 Air Tankers, 10 Helicopters.40 engines,8 dozer, 24 hand crews and 5 water tenders. Monrovia Firefighters Brad Dover and Andy McDaniel Please see page 15
Arcadia High School $20 Million Performing Arts Center Nears Completion Following the beginning of what is sure to be another phenomenal academic school year for Arcadia, comes news that the doors to the spectacular Arcadia Unified School District’s new Performing Arts Center will officially open on Saturday October 27, 2012 with “An Evening With Anka” (theperformingartscenter.ausd.net). The concert will begin at 8:00pm. The exclusive Paul Anka opening night fundraiser/concert is presented by the Arcadia school district and the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3)
The Williams Fire above Azusa which started Sunday has almost 800 firfighters battling the slow moving fire. Air tankers and helicopters as well as hand crews have been working since the start of the 4000 acre blaze. Containment is not expected until next week. -Photo by Terry Miller
Local Developer Sues Monrovia for $106 Million BY SUSAN MOTANDER
State Legislature Backs San Gabriel Student’s Bullying Prevention Day
BY ARIANNA LOCATELL
three times the size of the city’s annual budget. The developer filed suit against the city on August 24, however, according to City Clerk Alice Atkins, the city has not yet been formal-
The California State Legislature just passed a statewide Bullying Prevention Day - and not a day-too soon. Bullying has become endemic in both the school setting as well as cyberspace. This state resolution for a day of observance and action comes at a time when it is most needed - when peo-
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The Monrovia Depot was supposed to be the key element in the Station Square design element but now with this new lawsuit from the developer, Monrovia may have to rethink their plans. -Photo by Terry Miller
violated its agreement to work with the developer in building the complex that would include housing, as well as commercial space near the city’s historic Santa Fe Train Depot. S&F’s suit claims damages in excess of $106 million, an amount
Temple Station Deputy Shot by Jail Escapee On August 28, Darnell Washington escaped from San Bernardino County Jail, where he was being held in connection with charges of robbery and receiving stolen property, with the aid of his wife, Tania Washington. During the morning of September 2, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy approached a suspicious vehicle in the City of South El Monte. Darnell Washington allegedly emerged from the rear of the vehicle and gunfire
BY JIM E. WINBURN
Last week the city of Monrovia was surprised by a lawsuit filed by Samuelson & Fetter, the development firm with which the city had been working on creating a mixed-use facility around the new Gold Line Station. The lawsuit alleges the city
Volume XVII, No. XXXVI
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Rosemead Wrestling Coach Wanted for Sexual Assault of 14 Year-Old
-Photo Courtesy of LASD
Sexual abuse allegations by a Rosemead wrestling coach involving a male 14year old victim are under inPlease see page 4