Activity Highlights for June 20-26, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-20.pdf

Weekly Tip - Fireworks are Unlawful in Arcadia

The 4th of July is quickly approaching. A reminder that ALL fireworks, even Safe & Sane fireworks, are prohibited in the City of Arcadia. Discharge and POSSESSION of fireworks is illegal in Arcadia.

HERE is a list of professional fireworks shows in Los Angeles County. Plan to attend a local show and enjoy the evening!

Relay for Life of Arcadia

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Arcadia was held this past weekend at the Santa Anita Race Track. The event ran from 11 am - 11 am, Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27, 2010. The event was a huge success. About 50 teams participated and raised in excess of $100,000.00 to date, to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event this year was in honor of two of our City co-workers, Arcadia Fire Department Captain Andy Troncale and Firefighter Gerry Martin who are both battling cancer.

44 members of the Arcadia Police Department and the Arcadia Police Officers' Association teamed up and brought in over $7,500.00 in donations. The APOA Team was tops in on-line donations and was a gold sponsor. Thanks to Stacked Sandwich and the Outback for their donations and contribution in helping to make our participation a success. APOA Team Captain, Motor Officer John Jurman (pictured left) headed up our efforts and represented the Department well.

Some of our participants are pictured below (left to right) - Dispatchers Chris Campbell and Pam Mc Ginnis, Officer Bryant Agcaoili, Officers Drew Pruhs, Lou Vicuna, and Daniel Tea.

Modified Gate Times for Chantry Flats this Holiday Weekend

The road gates for Chantry Flats on Santa Anita Canyon Road will be closed at 6 pm each day, Friday-Monday, July 2-5, 2010. The gates will open at normal times each morning. This information has been provided by the Forest Service and the Sierra Madre Police Department.

Annual Arcadia Employee Picnic

Arcadia City Employees were treated to a lunch time break yesterday on the City Hall lawn. The Employee Advisory Committee (EAC) and the City sponsored lunch from In-N-Out. All City Departments were in attendance and the activities gave employees a chance to mingle with co-workers and friends. Thanks to the City and the EAC for the event!

Activity Highlights for June 13-19, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/1647232262010weekly_6-13.pdf

Weekly Tip - Wildlife Sightings

Bears, coyotes, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, all roam the foothills above our town and will sometimes venture into residential neighborhoods. Most of the time, the wildlife comes and goes without notice. In recent years, it seems that calls of bear and lion sightings have been on the rise. The topic of handling these types of incidents is widely discussed in the media and on the Internet. Our Officers will respond when called to a wildlife sighting and our primary goal is to allow the animal to leave the area back to the foothills. Under most conditions, the Officers presence, use of vehicles, horns, stun bag rounds, all are sufficient to encourage the animal to leave the area. If life is threatened, use of deadly force is an option. Our Officers are not equipped with tranquilizers and State Wardens may not be readily available to respond. The KABC7 story above was shot in early June on the Monrovia/Duarte border and Wardens were able to assist in this incident.

There are sources, such as the Department of Fish and Game, who offer tips in dealing with wildlife. The majority of tips are common sense. Here are two sites that deal specifically with mountain lions and with black bear. Both sites offer tips for encounters of these animals.

Parolee Arrested for Battery

Michael D. Ellico, 36 years old, from Los Angeles, was arrested last night at about 6:30 pm in the 100 block of East Haven for battery. Ellico had been involved in an altercation in the 100 block of La Porte Street and fled prior to Officers arriving. Ellico was identified by the male victim and taken into custody on a private person arrest. During the investigation it was found that Ellico was on active parole and a no bail parole "hold" was placed on Ellico who was booked at the Arcadia City Jail.

Two Pedestrians Injured in Collision

On Saturday night, June 19, 2010, at about 9:18 pm, an older couple was crossing Second Avenue at Bonita Street with their 9-year old granddaughter when a vehicle travelling northbound Second struck both the female adult and the female child. The child suffered minor abrasions but the female adult was thrown about 20' from the point of contact and suffered a broken arm and broken pelvis. The woman was transported to a local hospital by Arcadia paramedics for her injuries. The male was not struck in the collision.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrians were in the crosswalk when struck by the vehicle. The vehicle appeared to be travelling at a safe speed but the driver did not see the pedestrians. The intersection is not controlled but there is a marked crosswalk across Second Avenue. Failing to yield to the pedestrians appears to be the primary collision factor.

Activity Highlights for June 6-12, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-6.pdf

Weekly Tip - Pool Safety

Summer is upon us and one of the biggest attractions during this time of year is the swimming pool. Unfortunately, our pools are also one the leading contributors to accidents, injury and death in the home. Children love water and a pool is an inviting place, not only in the summer, but throughout the year for a young child. That is why there are rules and regulations that apply to all residential swimming pools. Fences, alarms, clearance, self-closing gates and latches, are just some of the requirements. Visit your local City website and view the municipal code requirements or call your local City Hall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a handout available on-line that gives excellent tips for pool safety. See the City of Arcadia website and other sources such as the Red Cross and About.com for additional tips and resources available on the web.

In addition to the physical requirements, remember to always be aware of your young childs where abouts when pools are near. Even if they know how to swim, keep an eye on them. Set rules for your children about not using the pool without adult supervision, keep toys and other inviting objects away from the pool when not in use, always have a phone available near the pool, keep pool gates locked and shut when not using them, do not place ladders or chairs against the outside of a pool fence. Learn basic safety techniques and take a CPR class. Be proactive and prevent accidents before they happen!

Summer time is also a time for outdoor gatherings and hosting a pool party. Never assume your child is being watched. Appoint someone to be the "pool monitor" at all times. Time is not on your side with a drowning victim. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. Answering the phone, getting another drink, grabbing a snack, all allow time for a drowning. Be responsible and be always aware of what is happening in the pool! If a child is missing, the first place to look should be the pool. In the event of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.

Rotary Club of Arcadia Honors Policeman and Fireman of the Year

The Rotary Club of Arcadia honored two of Arcadia's finest today. Arcadia Police Department, Police Officer of the Year 2009, Detective Dan Crowther stands with Arcadia Fire Department, Firefighter of the Year, Engineer Gary Robinson II, after today's lunchoeon. Both men were presented with awards marking their achievement. Congratulations to Dan and Gary who are pictured above. Captain Gene Gioia spoke and introduced Detective Crowther who is pictured below speaking to the Club.

Attempted Residential Burglary

Yesterday at about 10:45 am, our victim heard her doorbell ring and glanced out to see a male subject that she did not know, standing at her door. The victim did not answer the door and the male walked across the street to a parked car. He returned moments later with a second male and rang the door bell again. The men walked to a nearby kitchen window and pulled the screen partially out of the track. The victim yelled out to the suspects who then turned and walked quickly away, entering the car and leaving. The crime occurred in the 1600 block of La Ramada Avenue, just south of Sierra Madre Boulevard. The victim was only able to describe the suspects as possibly Hispanics in their 20's, one being heavyset, both wearing dark clothing, and driving a white 4-door sedan.

This is a good reminder of the importance in keeping an eye on your neighborhood. Suspects will knock on doors or ring a door bell an attempts to find homes that are unoccupied. It is not uncommon for additional suspects to wait in nearby vehicles as look-outs, drivers, or simply waiting for their partner suspect to identify their target. Don't hesitate to call the police should you see suspicious persons or vehicles near your home. Record license plates and descriptions if you can and always be a good witness!

2010 Torch Run Photos

The Arcadia leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics took place yesterday. The Arcadia PD participants are pictured above, left to right: Sergeant Tom Cullen, Detective Dan Crowther, Motor Officer CJ Clark, Officer Ernie Lopez, Motor Sergeant Brett Bourgeous, Cadet Aida Vazquez, Officer Larry Peralta, and Officer Jim Trabbie. See the APD Facebook Page for additional photos.

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event where Law Enforcement throughout the world run with the "Flame of Hope" bringing awareness and support to Special Olympics. The Arcadia Police Department is proud to participate in the event, taking the hand-off of the torch near Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue from the Monrovia Police Department. Our personnel will carry the torch west on Huntington Drive, south on Santa Anita Avenue, and turn west on Las Tunas Drive, ultimately handing off the torch to Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station, near Baldwin Avenue. The torch should reach Arcadia at about 10:00 am this morning. Come out and support our Officers and Special Olympics as they make their way through town!

Weekly Tip - Safe & Sober Graduation

Congratulations to all the graduates in the Class of 2010. Arcadia High School will add members to this group on Friday evening, June 11, 2010. The Arcadia Police Department wishes to remind all graduates and their parents of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. Please stay sober during your celebration and never drink and drive.

Remember that California law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.01%. Anyone under 21 years of age consuming any amount of alcohol is prohibited from driving.

Activity Highlights for May 30 - June 5, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-30.pdf

Burglary Suspect Caught on Video

On June 3, 2010, during early morning hours, the man shown in this video is believed to be the suspect in a residential burglary that occurred in the 300 block of West Longden Avenue. The residence was being "aired out" after having been fumigated. The location was ransacked and cash was taken.

The suspect appears to be a male white in his 30's, this build, brown hair, prescription glasses, wearing a light colored t-shirt, and light colored athletic shorts.

Anyone with information on this individual is asked to call APD Detectives at (626)574-5160, reference case #10-3004.

Missing Adult - HIGDON (Located)

UPDATE: Located, City of Orange, 06/05/10, no details at this time.

Missing Person: Michael Thomas HIGDON

Male, 48 yrs, 6'-01"/215lbs, BRO/HAZ

Mr. Higdon has been missing since the late evening hours on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Mr. Higdon suffers from physical and mental disabilities and is in need of medication. He left in a relatives vehicle and did not return home. Mr. Higdon was possibly seen in Huntington Beach during early morning hours on Thursday, June 3, 2010.

The vehicle that Mr. Higdon is reportedly driving is described as a 1998 Ford Escort, 4-door, maroon in color, California license plate #5VBA899.

If you contact or see Mr. Higdon, please notify the local police immediately. Any additional information or questions can be directed to APD at (626) 574-5150, reference case #10-3013.

Arcadia Emergency Operations Center Drill Today

Personnel from all City Departments participated in a simulated emergency drill earlier today at the Arcadia Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at the Police Department. The drill was in response to a simulated wild fire in the canyons above Arcadia and related emergencies to the fire.

Emergency preparedness measures can save lives in an event of a disaster. Professional and practiced emergency procedures are essential in limiting chaos. The City of Arcadia values preparedness measures to assure the community will be well organized in an event of adversity. Planning for emergencies makes a great difference in how quickly cities respond. Drills like this are conducted periodically to ensure that our personnel are well prepared to deal with all types of emergencies.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto Arrests

Yesterday at about 12:32 pm, Arcadia Police were notified of a possible attempt auto theft in the area of the Arcadia Unified School District Office located at 234 Campus Drive. Witnesses said that the suspects left the area in a grey Jeep Cherokee, westbound on Campus Drive. Officers found the possible suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Holly Avenue, south of Fairview Avenue. As the suspect vehicle came to a stop, the passenger fled on foot. The driver was detained at the scene of the traffic stop and additional APD Officers converged on the area in search of the passenger suspect. With the assistance of a Pasadena Police airship, APD Officers found the second suspect in a residential complex in the 400 block of West Duarte Road.

Miguel Hernandez, 31 years old, and Anibal Ruiz, 34 years old, both residents of Baldwin Park were identified by witnesses and arrested. Both suspects were later booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges of attempt grand theft auto and auto burglary. Prior to the booking, Ruiz was transported to Methodist Hospital for medical treatment after the foot chase for breathing problems. Ruiz was also booked for resisting arrest and as a parolee at large.

Weekly Tip - Speed Trap?

Officers are often asked questions about speeding and speed enforcement. The best answer is to obey the speed limits and you will never have a problem. Too often, drivers feel that because the "flow" of traffic is faster, or "everyone" is speeding, then it is perhaps OK to drive fast. The DMV does a nice job of summarizing and explaining speed limits in California.

A phrase that is often tossed around and usually not understood is "speed trap". Many drivers feel that when a speed limit appears to be posted too low or an Officer is perceived to be "hiding", then this equates to a speed trap. Not so. California and Federal law dictate how roadway speed limits are posted. If radar or laser is used for speed enforcement, roadways require speed surveys. Contrary to what a particular website will profess, the usual belief that you have fallen victim to a speed trap is false. Arcadia has many entries on the site and it demonstrates that we are making an impact with high visibility enforcement.

For questions about traffic related activity or requests for directed enforcement in a particular area, call the APD Traffic Bureau at (626) 574-5475.

Activity Highlights for May 23-29, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-23.pdf