Monrovia WEEKLY monroviaweekly.com
Thursday, AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 04, 2013
Firefighters battle 11 major wildfires statewide Nearly 9,000 local, state and federal firefighters are battling 11 major wildfires across California. Despite windy conditions across much of Northern California and the Sierra, firefighters did make progress yesterday on those fires. On Sunday, firefighters in Monterey County were able to contain the 4,500 acre Mission Fire at Fort Hunter Liggett, bringing the total number of large wildfires down from 12. The Rim Fire, near Yosemite National Park, continues to be the most active and has grown to the 13h largest fire in California’s recorded history. 4,500 homes remain threatened by the blaze and several evacuation orders and advisories remain in effect. Winds again today will pose a challenge with gusts of 26 mph out of the south, pushing the fire further to the Northeast. CAL FIRE is asking all Californians to take time to ensure that they, their families and their homes Please see page 17
“Whiskey is for drinking; Water is for fighting over” - Mark Twain
Sierra Madre residents get overview of how the system works; not all are convinced it is
Arcadia Unified upgrades of $10 million welcome students BY SHEL SEGAL
Aug 14. During that meeting, one resident protested that not a single question he handed the city manager was addressed. Additionally, one resident has since filed a complaint with the District
Students at four Arcadia Unified schools are returning to updated classrooms and facilities this school year after the district performed nearly $10 million in campus upgrades over the summer break, officials recently announced. Funded under the district’s $218 million Measure I Bond, the district recently wrapped up projects at Arcadia High School, Camino Grove Elementary, Hugo Reid Elementary and Highland Oaks Elementary schools. While the finished off this set of projects, which are all included in the second phase of its bond program, construction crews this summer also kicked off its third round of bond projects at Foothills Middle and Hugo Reid primary schools. Jim Leahy, director
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Huck Finn, who appears to be depicted here outside Sierra Madre City Hall, hopes to go fishing but with empty settling basins, leaking pipes and empty wells it might be some time before that Sierra Madre tradition starts up again. –Photo by Terry Miller
BY TERRY MILLER It seems most appropriate now, to quote that brilliant author and humorist, Mark Twain: “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” For this is precisely what is happening in Sierra
Madre right now. The curious thing about this water issues in Sierra Madre is the compelling opposition to not only water rate hikes but enormous number of questions regarding the financial aspect of Bonds and the alleged
lack of transparency in local government as some see it. What’s really happening? Well, if you’ll pardon the pun, it depends on who you talk to. The first in a series of community meetings to address these issues was held
Labor Day 2013 closures, Dorsey convicted of reminders for Pasadena murder of estranged wife Pasadena residents and businesses are reminded that City Hall and many City services will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2013 in observance of Labor Day. The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, Sept. 9. Pasadena Fire and Police Departments will continue to be staffed for all patrol, jail, fire, paramedic and other emergency services. Public Safety officials also will be on extra alert for illegal fireworks and related activities. For any life-threatening
Volume 18, No. 35
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
emergencies, always remember to call 9-1-1. Pasadena residents and businesses with any power emergencies should call the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) Department at (626) 7444673 and for water-related emergencies call (626) 7444138. PWP’s Customer Service Call Center will be closed for the holiday, but customers can access their accounts and make payments by phone at (626) 744-4005 or online at www.PWPweb.com. The City’s Municipal Services Payment Center at City Please see page 15
BY SHEL SEGAL A Southern California convicted of one count man was convicted on of attempted voluntary Thursday of stabbing and manslaughter with killing his estranged wife allegations of great bodily in north San Gabriel back injury and use of a deadly in 2011, the Los Angeles and dangerous weapon County District Attorney’s found true, Ayvazian said. Office said. Judge Stan Blumenfeld Deputy District said the defendant will be Attorney David Ayvazian sentenced on Oct. 1 in of the Alhambra Branch the Los Angeles County Office said Sherman Dion Superior Court, Alhambra Dorsey, 42, of Los Angeles, Branch. He faces a was convicted of one count maximum sentence of 24 of second-degree murder years to life in state prison. for the Aug. 3, 2011, killing Reano was staying with of Gina Reano, 45. Jurors her sister at their family found true an allegation home in unincorporated that Dorsey personally San Gabriel at the time of used a knife in the murder. Dorsey also was Please see page 18
El Monteans gifted at Back to School Fair BY DENA BURROUGHS
Juanas Covarrubias and her children get ready for fingerprinting at the Back to School Fair. -Photo by Dena Burroughs
Juana Covarrubias stood in line with her children Luis and Fernando. The boys, ready to begin the 4th and 2nd grade respectively,
carried already a brand new backpack full of notebooks, pencils, binders, and socks. Please see page 13