COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Local. Relevant. Trusted.
Thursday, SEPTEMBER 13 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Since 1996
Volume 22, NO. 37
FORMER PASADENA PD LIEUTENANT FACES 15 YEARS IN PRISON
Charged with illegally trafficking “off roster” guns and lying on ATF form Staff WRITER editorial@beaconmedianews.com
A
Sierra Madre man, who until earlier this year served as a lieutenant in the Pasadena Police Department (PPD), has agreed to plead guilty to two federal felony offenses related to the illegal sale of more than 100 firearms over the course of three years. Vasken Kenneth Gourdikian, 48-years-old, who resigned from the PPD in March after a 22-year career, has signed a plea agreement that was filed this morning in U.S. District Court. Gourdikian agreed to plead guilty to engaging in the business
of dealing in firearms without a license, and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Gourdikian has agreed to appear before U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson on Sept. 20 to formally enter guilty pleas to the two felony offenses. From March 2014 through February 2017, Gourdikian sold at least 108 firearms without a license. Gourdikian used his official status as a police officer to purchase firearms that were not available to the general public and then sold restricted firearms, known as “off roster” firearms, through thirdSEE 15 YEARS IN PRISON PAGE 10
According to ATF, “one of the firearms sold by Gourdikian was recovered at a crime scene two months after its purchase.” – Courtesy photo
Multi-Vehicle Accident Takes Life of Tractor Trailer Driver in Pasadena CHP shut 210 westbound down for hours Staff WRITER editorial@beaconmedianews.com
Pasadena fire units responded to a reported multi-vehicle accident on the 210 freeway this Tuesday at around 6:30 p.m. One person who was found in the tractor trailer was found to be deceased and another person
involved in the accident was treated and released on-scene with minor injuries. The tractor trailer was found over turned against the embankment at the base of the west bound 210 Lake Avenue off-ramp. As a result, CHP shut down the west bound Lake Avenue off-ramp.
Pasadena Board of Education Hears Positive Budget News Gus HERRERA gherrera@beaconmedianews.com
Following a rough 2017-18 school year, the Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) financial situation has begun to trend in a positive direction. At the board of education’s latest meeting, Chief Interim Business Officer Eva Lueck detailed various revisions to the budget that have resulted in net positives for the district going forward. Firstly, the 2017-18
unrestricted general fund balance, the PUSD’s main operating fund and starting point for 2018-19, turned out to be higher than originally projected – to the tune of $3.64 million. “We had projected that the unrestricted general fund … would end with a balance of $15.46 million, however, when all of our numbers came together, we ended up with $19.1 million,” revealed Lueck. SEE BUDGET PAGE 11
Two Men Stabbed Outside Colorado Bar in Pasadena Adult male dead from injuries Staff WRITER editorial@beaconmedianews.com
On Sept. 12 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2600 block of East Colorado Boulevard regarding a report of a stabbing that occurred on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from stab wounds. A witness on scene detained the alleged
suspect, identified only at this time as a male adult 66-years-old. Officers immediately took custody of the suspect. Victim one, an adult male in his 40s, was found unresponsive on the sidewalk suffering from stab wounds to the torso. Pasadena Fire/ Paramedics immediately commenced life-saving
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURED PAGE
New Ice Cream
Who Will Win ‘The Gin Game’ at Sierra Madre Playhouse?
Dia De La Independecia Mexicana Mexican Independence Day
Shop in Arcadia is Ready to Roll
Page 13
Page 8
SEE STABBED PAGE 11
Page 9