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Thursday, December 31, 2015 - January 6, 2016
Since 1996
COMPLIMENTARY COPY VOLUME 19, NO. 53
Soaring Over Paradise in 127th Rose Parade in Pasadena BY TERRY MILLER
In a few hours, all the floats participating in the annual Rose Parade will be tooling down Colorado Blvd. in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, still cameras, and television crews sending images to audiences the world over. But what makes all these floats so unique is the volunteer effort that put the finishing touches to the major designs at the two major float builders, as well as the smaller float builders like Sierra Madre Rose Float Association. Hundreds of hours are devoted each year to the tiniest details; using seeds and flowers to create the designer’s vision. It is estimated that it takes 60 volunteers working 10 hours a day for 10 days to decorate one float. Every square inch of the exposed surface of a float entered in the Rose Parade must be covered with flowers or other natural materials. The rules are strict. These other decorative applicants include bark, seeds, SEE PAGE 4
Volunteers work on the intricate details of the Dole float at Fiesta Floats in Irwindale Monday. The pressure is on for the completion by New Year’s morning for the world to see. – Photo by Terry Miller
Firefighter Receives Third Degree Burns in Monrovia Arson Fire Suspect in Fire Commits Suicide
BY SUSAN MOTANDER
An apparent arson fire in Monrovia led to third degree burns of an Arcadia Fire Captain, Thomas Devlin as well as a family tragedy. The early morning fire on the day after Christmas is believed to have been caused by a relative of the owner of the business that burned. The suspect committed suicide before police were able to speak with the 25 year old. According to Monrovia Police Chief Jim Hunt, the owner of the business identified a family member as a possible suspect. Before
investigators were able to contact the suspect at his residence in Glendale, the suspect’s grandmother contacted the Glendale police department to report his suicide. The three alarm fire was first reported at 2:41 a.m. on the morning of the 26th according to Monrovia Fire Chief Chris Donovan. Monrovia Engine 101 reached the scene at 335 West Chestnut by 2:45 a.m. and called for additional help. Ultimately 50 firefighters were involved in fighting the three-alarm SEE PAGE 13
The three-alarm fire at 335 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia, early Dec. 26, 2015.
– Photo by Jamie Nicholson, Pasadena Fire Department