SEE PAGE 2 FOR Laura’s law mental health program
Pasadena Press
MONDAY, JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014
pasadenapress.com
SEE PAGE 4 for the wonderful life of a dying tree VOLUME 1, NO. 12
Triple homicide suspect faces multiple Local Realtor murder charges and attempted murder lends a of police officer and others helping hand By Terry Miller to special needs adults By SHEL SEGAL
singing such iconic songs as “The Way You Look Tonight,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Man That Got Away,” “Stormy Weather,” “Blues in the Night,” “You Light Up My Life” and “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe,” plus beloved music from Mary Poppins, The Magnificent Seven, Funny Girl and a symphonic arrangement of Pharrell Williams’s 2014 Oscarnominated song “Happy” from
No one ever said family had to be blood related. For brothers Roy and Robert Lewis of Monrovia, their family has come in the form of Nancy McSween, a real estate agent with Podley Properties in Pasadena. McSween has become the brothers’ “godmother” of sorts as she has helped them find housing in Monrovia and is even trying to see if she can find them some work. “They are basically low functioning,” McSween said of the Lewis brothers, who are both around age 60. “But what is interesting is the fact we get many people like them who are in board and care. And they chose not to live in a board and care. Some of them can be quite functional making just a minimal amount of money. But they chose to live on their own and on their own resources.” McSween said the brothers have had to relocate in Monrovia as the house they were living in was sold. But while the brothers would do their best to find housing on their own, they just needed someone to give them a little boost. “They would basically ride their bikes throughout Monrovia and look for signs saying, ‘For Rent,’” she said “They would call the numbers and if it was in their price range they would call me up. I knew since there was no family to assist
Please see page 2
Please see page 4
Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez held a press conference Monday morning following the Saturday triple homicide in NW Pasadena. Sanchez advised the media that the suspect will be charged with three counts of murder and additional counts of attempted murder including attempted murder of a police officer. - Photo by Terry Miller
On Monday morning Pasadena city officials held a news conference on the shooting rampage that occurred Saturday afternoon in which five people were shot and three
people were killed at the hands of a gunman armed with semiautomatic weapons and lots of ammunition. The suspect in Saturday’s triple homicide has been charged
with three counts of murder and three counts attempted murder, including the attempted murder of a police officer. Please see page 3
Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Pops celebrate ASCAP’s Centennial A who’s who of Hollywood’s music elite is coming out to play with Michael Feinstein at the Pasadena POPS’ August 16th Hooray for Hollywood concert, presented in partnership with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) at the LA Arboretum. Four of ASCAP’s top film composers and lyricists will perform their hit music with the POPS: Alan Bergman(“Windmills of Your Mind,” with Marilyn Bergman and co-written with Michel
Legrand, 1968 Oscar winner from The Thomas Crown Affair), Michael Giacchino (music fromUp, winner of the 2010 Oscar for best original score), Bruce Broughton (music from Silverado, 1986 Oscar nominee for best original score) and Paul Williams(“Evergreen,” co-written with Barbra Streisand, 1976 Oscar winner from A Star Is Born). Powerhouse vocalists Maureen McGovern, Debby Boone and Kevin Earley will make special guest star appearances,
2 | JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014
Los Angeles County approves full implementation of Laura’s Law mental health program A compassionate, cost-effective approach, proven to reduce incarceration and homelessness The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved implementing Laura’s Law, a comprehensive, treatment-based approach for the mentally ill -- many of whom are incapable of recognizing their illness, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. “Laura’s Law has proven to significantly improve the lives of program of participants, decrease incarceration, reduce homelessness, and enhance public safety,” said Supervisor Antonovich. “It provides a humane alternative to the revolving door of mental hospitals, jails and the street.” Supervisor Antonovich, who
has worked tirelessly to support this effort, collaborated with former Assemblywoman Helen Thomson who authored the legislation that reformed the 1967 Lanterman-Petris-Short law. Laura’s Law was named after Laura Wilcox who was killed by a delusional individual suffering with severe mental illness and patterned after New York State’s Kendra’s Law. Initiated by Supervisor Antonovich, the County had previously adopted a successful pilot program which has resulted in a 78% reduction in incarcerations and a 77% reduction in hospitalizations among program participants.
Change lives. Make wishes come true.
Become a Make-A-Wish ®
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers for Make-A-Wish give their time and talents to help bring hope, strength and joy to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. We have a special need for volunteers in the Inland Empire to help local children.
Get Involved Today ocie.wish.org | 714-573-9474
ASACP's Centennial Continued from page 1
Despicable Me 2, created especially for the Pasadena POPS. Hooray for Hollywood is part of ASCAP’s ongoing, year-long 100th birthday celebration. ASCAP hit its 100-year milestone in February and is celebrating the centennial with a new book, a commissioned short film, and an innovative website featuring a timeline of ASCAP’s rich history. In addition, celebratory and educational events spanning the country include a Library of Congress exhibit in Washington DC, reflecting ASCAP’s energy and expertise throughout its history advocating for music creators’ rights. This exhibit will be on display at Disney Hall in Los Angeles later this year. Find out more at www.ascap100.com. “ASCAP’s 100th birthday provides us with an exciting opportunity to celebrate our future as much as our history,” says ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, one of the featured performers at Hooray for Hollywood. “It gives us a chance to honor and thank our members for creating the music that touches the world, while emphasizing ASCAP’s ongoing and important role in helping to shape a musical landscape where everyone wins – music creators, businesses and everyone who loves music. We are proud to include this Pasadena POPS event as part of ASCAP’s centennial celebration.” The family-friendly concert will be held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The grounds are open for picnicking and dining at 5:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Among many venue amenities, audiences can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet dining packages for onsite pickup from Julienne, Marston’s and Claud & Co. The food court will host mouthwatering food trucks plus specialty ice creams by Choctál. The experience is now even more convenient with two full beverage centers serving fine wines, beer, coffee and
soft drinks plus exclusive hotel packages for POPS patrons at Pasadena’s landmark Langham Huntington Hotel. Patrons may also visit the Pasadena Humane Society’s Mobile Adoption Unit, which will be on-site prior to each concert with animals in need of a forever home as part of the Pups for POPS program. Audiences get the ultimate outdoor concert experience: large LED video screens, superior sound quality and the highquality production value that is a signature of the Pasadena POPS. The best outdoor dinner party in town comes with spacious circular table seating with fine linens, or lawn seating for those who want to bring a blanket – each option carries on the tradition of picnic-dining with your family and friends. The Arboretum is located at 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA. Single tickets start at $20 and are available by calling the box office at 626.793.7172, online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org or at the Arboretum on the day of the concerts. The Pasadena POPS presents “Hooray for Hollywood”: Michael Feinstein, Conductor, Alan Bergman, vocalist/ ASCAP songwriter, Bruce Broughton, ASCAP composer, Debby Boone, vocalist, Kevin Earley, vocalist, Michael Giacchino, ASCAP composer, Maureen McGovern, vocalist, Paul Williams, vocalist/ASCAP songwriter. August 16, 2014. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Location: The LA County Arboretum | 301 N Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 Tickets start at $20 for lawn seating and $42 for table seating. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink or visit one of the many gourmet food vendors on-site. Parking: Free parking is available at the Westfield Santa Anita shopping center with free non-stop shuttles to the main gate.
JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014 | 3
hlr media EDITORIAL jschlueter@hlrmedia.com Editor Jennifer Schlueter Publisher HLR Media Advertising advertising@hlrmedia.com Submissions:
Please send all press releases to: jschlueter@hlrmedia.com HLR Media, LLC .All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff at HLR Media, LLC 1000 E. Walnut St., Suite 227 Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452
Alhambra PRESS ANAHEIM PRESS
Baldwin Park
Belmont Beacon INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
Pasadena Press
San Bernardino Press
Triple homicide suspect facing multiple murder charges Continued from page 1
John Izeal Smith, 44, was arraigned Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court. The charges also carry the special circumstance of multiple murders and the special allegation he intentionally discharged a rifle. Prosecutors are not yet certain if they will seek the death penalty. The horrific triple homicide played out last Saturday when Pasadena Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls from residents reporting shots fired in the 1700 block of Summit Avenue that afternoon. Upon arrival, the initial officer observed a victim down on the sidewalk and attempted to render aid when he came under heavy and sustained gunfire from the suspect. Following the killing of the victims and the attempted murder of the officer, the suspect barricaded himself in a home on Summit Avenue. Pasadena Police officers quickly contained the area. During the standoff, the suspect, Smith, 44, called the police department’s communication center and spoke with an Emergency Services Operator Diane Marin, who helped convince the gunman to surrender to Pasadena SWAT officers without further incident after a tense dialogue with the operator. “The first thing he said was ‘I killed somebody,’ ” said police dispatcher, Diane Marin, during a Monday press conference at the Pasadena Police Department. Through the nearly hour-long ordeal, Pasadena Police officers never returned gunfire at the suspect. In the end, five victims were shot. Three were murdered and two received moderate injuries. Smith was transported to the Pasadena jail and booked for several felony charges including murder. He is now in Men’s Central Jail awaiting arraignment. During the press conference a melancholy mayor Bill Bogaard stressed the importance of getting handguns off the streets and out of the hands
on mentally challenged individuals. He stressed the importance of gun control legislation, echoing the drumbeat of countless politicians across these United States. Mr. Bogaard said it’s tragic that Pasadena has been added to the list of cities that have faced mass shootings such as Saturday’s triple homicide in NW Pasadena. Nevertheless, Chief Sanchez later pointed out that Mr. Smith has no criminal record and, added there’s “no indication Smith suffers from mental illness.” At the press conference, police also released three minutes of 9-1-1 calls and a portion of Smith’s call to police. One of the 9-1-1 callers said she heard gunshots, possibly 15, and saw people running. “The courage of our dispatchers, police officers and community members was valiant and speaks to resolve of the community,” Chief Sanchez said. The Los Angeles county District Attorney’s Office, Crimes Against Police Officers (CAPO) also responded to assist with the investigation Saturday. Chief Sanchez of the Pasadena Police Dept. said: “The shooting on Summit Avenue (Saturday) was an isolated, tragic and horrific incident. The suspect willfully murdered and injured innocent people without warning as he fired more than 40 rounds from a semi-automatic rifle. However, the courage of
our dispatchers, police officers, fire fighters and community members who valiantly tried to help the victims is impressive and speaks to resolve of our community. Please take a moment to say a prayer for everyone impacted by this senseless crime.” Police believed initially the shooting took place as a result of a landlord-tenant dispute. However there may have been long-term relationship between the suspect and the victims, according to Chief Sanchez. Police wouldn’t comment further on the dispute citing ongoing investigations. Sanchez said Mr. Smith legally bought two assault rifles and a semiautomatic pistol according to records. Police said Luis Fernando Aguiar, 91, was fatally shot first in the house. The shooter then hunted down Maria Aguiar, 59, and another woman. He shot both women. Maria Aguiar was killed. The second woman suffered grazed wounds in the arm and head, Sanchez said. The third fatality was a ‘Good Samaritan’ identified by police as 31-yearold Jose Hernandez Iribe of Pasadena. Iribe and a friend were walking on the sidewalk. Iribe ran toward the sound of the gunfire and subsequently became a target of Mr. Smith. Luis Fernando Aguiar of Pasadena is the father of Maria Aguiar.
4 | JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014
The wonderful life of a dying tree This is the first 2014 program of our annual Twilight Program series. “Out of sight, out of mind” aptly and unfortunately describes the decline of available dead and dying trees, which provide homes for cavity nesting birds and other wildlife. Our speaker will be Gillian Martin, the Program Director of the Cavity Conservation Initiative, a program of the Southern California Bluebird Club. Her presentation will be about the ecology of dying trees and how her organization is working on a long range plan to encourage their retention, particularly in our beautifully manicured developed regions. Details of the program can
be found on the Eaton Canyon Nature Center website, at ecnca.org. For more information please call Helen Wong, Park Superintendent at 626398-5420. Date: Saturday July 26, 2014, time: 7pm to 9pm, Place: Eaton Canyon Auditorium, Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, Ca 91107 Admission: $3.00 requested donation no charge for children under 2. This Program is presented by Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates in partnership with County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, in the Supervisorial District of Michael D. Antonovich.
The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra’s final summer concert Tuesday, July 29 The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra, known as PSYCO, and made up of mainly teenagers, will give their final concert of the summer on Tuesday, July29, at 6 at the Levitt Pavilion in Memorial Park. The string orchestra will perform "Prelude to Psycho" by Hermann; "Serenade for Strings" by Washburn; "Concerto da Chiesa" by Dall'Abaco; "Classi-
cal Symphony"(4th movement) by Prokifiev; and "Bailes para Orquestra" by local composer, Richard Meyer. Conductors are Marvin Neumann and Chad Prado. The concert is sponsored by the Pasadena Senior Center. For more information check website: psycochamberorch.org. The concert is free plus 90 minutes of parking are also free.
Chris Holden’s annual Block Party slated July 26 Assemblymember Chris Holden invites residents of the 41st Assembly District to his annual block party. Resource tables from state agencies, cities and nonprofits will be available. It’s also an opportunity to meet Assemblymember Holden, and speak with his staff on any state issues of concern. There will be free activities
including live music, hot dogs, game trucks and entertainment for the kids! When: Saturday, July 26, 2014, 11 am to 3pm Location: 500 block of Jackson Street, Pasadena For additional information call 626.351-1917, or email Assemblymember.holden@asm. ca.gov.
Realtor helping special needs adults Continued from page 1
Long Beach Office 3780 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 360 Long Beach, CA 90806 Ph. (562) 472-0071 Fx. (562) 689-0071 Los Angeles Office 5701 South Eastern Avenue Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90040 Ph. (323) 727-1144 Fx. (323) 727-9198 www.heger-industrial.com Lic. #00814086
them that somebody had to help them. Yes, it’s my job to sell the house. Is it my job to relocate the tenants? No. But there is something that tugs at your heart … and you have to help those in need.” The brothers ride the bus all over the San Gabriel Valley to wash windows, McSween said. However, she is hoping for their sake that a home or business in Monrovia could offer them some work washing windows closer to their home. McSween said that while some people act awkwardly when first meeting the brothers, there is no need to. “Some people don’t know how to act when they’re
around them because they’ve never been around them,” she said. “Because I’m retired from the Department of Justice and I used to work for the Department of Social Services … I have become accustomed to being around them. I kind of knew what level they were functioning on.” In addition, she is accepting monetary donations and donations of household items for the brothers. For more information on donating to the Lewis brothers, please call McSween at (626) 695-4665. (Shel Segal can be reached at ssegal@beaconmedianews. com. He can be followed via Twitter @segallanded.)