SEE PAGE 2 FOR colby fire suspects sent to federal prison
Pasadena Press
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014 - AUGUST 24, 2014
pasadenapress.com
Mandatory “kill-switches” for smartphones to prevent theft? Bill awaits Governor Jerry Brown's signature by jennifer schlueter With our smartphones being worth up to $700, $800 or even more, they have become favorable objects for thieves. Black market resales for stolen phones are lucrative for robbers, especially overseas, where American smartphones are more expensive. According to Consumer Reports, smartphone thefts in the US have almost doubled from 2012 to 2013 making them the leading property crime. Major cities in California are highly affected by this epidemic. In San Francisco and Oakland, cellphones were a target in 65 percent or rather 75 percent of all robberies in 2013, estimates the San Francisco city district attorney’s office. Oakland police data reveals that in the first half of this year over 80 percent of armed robberies involved mobile devices. Los Angeles has seen a 12% increase in cellphone thefts last year, reports NBC. To fight these alarming numbers, State Sen. Mark Leno introduced a bill that would require smartphone manufacturers to install a “kill-switch”
into their new, California-sold devices, which would make them inoperable if they fall into the wrong hands. Rightful owners would be able to lock their phones with antitheft software. According to CNBC, the bill exempts “smartphone models introduced before Jan. 1, 2015, that could not ‘reasonably be re-engineered’ to incorporate the anti-theft technology” and excludes tablets. Should the bill become law, “manufacturers will have until July 1, 2015, to incorporate the theft deterrent, which users would be asked to turn on when they set up their new devices,” CNBC states. “Our goal is to swiftly take the wind out of the sails of thieves who have made the theft of smartphones one of the most prevalent street crimes in California’s biggest cities,” Leno’s statement reads. The CTIA, a trade association representing the wireless telecommunication industry, opposed the bill according to a statement by their vice president of external and state affairs, Jamie Hastings. “We urge the Governor to not sign
The Recording Academy remembers Robin Williams
-Photo by Jennifer Schlueter
this bill, since uniformity in the wireless industry created tremendous benefits for wireless consumers, including lower costs and phenomenal innovation,” said he. “State by state technology mandates, such as this one, stifle those benefits and are detrimental to wireless consumers.” However, the bill’s sponsor San Francisco District At-
Robin Williams, circa 1990, at Santa Barbara’s Biltmore Hotel at a special event honoring his comedic mentor Jonathan Winters. –Photo by Terry Miller
school or college in the Pasadena Area Community College District; possess at least a 2.0 (“C”) cumulative, non-weighted grade point average; be at least 17 years of age by December 31, 2014, and not
Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams apparently took his own life at his Northern California home Monday, law enforcement officials said. Williams was 63. “He has been battling severe depression of late,” publicist Mara Buxbaum told CNN. “This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.” Coroner investigators suspect “the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia,” according to a statement from the Marin County, California, Sheriff’s office.
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97th Rose Queen® to be announced and crowned on October 23 initial tryout sessions on September 13 or 15. To be eligible, an individual must be an unmarried female resident of the Pasadena Area Community College District; be a senior in high school or enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited
VOLUME 1, NO. 16
By Terry Miller
Applications available online for 2015 Tournament of Roses® Royal Court
Applications for the 20142015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court are now available online at the Tournament’s website. Young women from the Pasadena area who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply and participate in one of the
SEE PAGE 4 for major traffic accident on 210 freeway
2 | AUGUST 18, 2014 - AUGUST 24, 2014
Two men who helped set Colby Fire sentenced to federal prison Two men involved in setting an illegal campfire above Glendora that erupted out of control to become the destructive Colby Fire were sentenced last week to federal prison. At the sentencing hearing, Clifford Eugene Henry Jr, 22, of Glendora, received a prison term of 6 months, plus a three-year term of supervised release, and Steven Robert Aguirre, 21, of Baldwin Park, received a prison term of 5 months, plus a three-year term of supervised release, from United States District Judge George H. Wu. Clifford Henry and Steven Aguirre were tried together in May and each was found guilty of four charges (one felony and three misdemeanors) related to the fire. At this hearing, the government agreed to dismiss one of the misdemeanor charges. One other defendant in the case, Jonathan Carl Jarrell, was also found guilty of a felony offense of unlawfully setting timber afire and a misdemeanor offense of illegally starting a fire. Jarrell is scheduled to be sentenced by
Judge Wu later this month. The Colby Fire started on the morning of January 16. By that evening, the fire had consumed more than 1,700 acres of federal, state, local and private lands. The fire destroyed six residences, damaged eight other residences and 17 additional structures, and resulted in injuries to one civilian and two firefighters. Prosecutors argued that the damages and costs associated with fire-fighting efforts were in excess of $6,000,000. Henry and Aguirre were detained by Glendora Police Officers after they were seen fleeing from area of the fire in a flood control channel. During interviews with Glendora Police and personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Arson Investigations Unit – interviews that the jury heard during the trial – both defendants admitted playing a role in the starting the illegal campfire that led to the Colby Fire after wind blew burning paper into the brush in the hills above Glendora. Strong Santa Ana winds drove the fire
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-Photo by Terry Miller
into the residential communities below the hills. A United States Forest Service fire investigator determined that the origin of the Colby Fire was at a point near a fire ring built by the three men at a location on federal lands within the Angeles National Forest. “The devastation directly caused by defendants conduct points to the incredible seriousness of their offense,” prosecutors wrote in a brief filed in relation to the sentencing. “But the fact that it could have been worse underscores that degree of seriousness. But for the quick thinking and courageous re-
actions of the Glendora and Azusa Police Departments to evacuate the residents in harm’s way; but for the heroic actions of individual fire fighters, helicopter pilots and aircraft tanker pilots in battling the blaze; but for the winds dying down and the humidity increasing…this could have been so much worse.” The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Forest Service, the Glendora Police Department, the Azusa Police Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Arson/Fire Investigation Unit, and CAL FIRE.
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Hundreds of thousands of tributes and a makeshift memorial at his Hollywood star mark the end of one of the most illustrious comedic careers in history. The Recording Academy, based in Santa Monica, released this statement of Williams’ death. “Five-time GRAMMY® winner Robin Williams was a prolific actor and stand-up comedian who literally did it all: television, film, theater, and live performances. After gaining fame in his breakout role of Mork in the television show ‘Mork & Mindy,’ Williams became a household name. His improvisational skills and comedic timing were unmatched, and he quickly established himself as a larger-than-life presence on screen and on stage. His roles in classic movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, and Jumanji showcased his comedic chops, while his versatility
was reflected in dramatic films such as Dead Poets Society, The Fisher King, and Good Will Hunting, which earned him an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor. Although Williams is most recognized for his film and television work, he has received GRAMMYs for Best Comedy Recording three times, Best Recording for Children, and Best Spoken Comedy Album. Additionally, his heart matched his expansive talent, as he often gave generously — both financially and personally — to a number of worthwhile causes throughout his life. Our entertainment community has lost an immense talent, a true inspiration, and a creative genius, and his remarkable legacy will forever be immortalized in his vast and impressive body of work. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and his countless fans around the world who will continue to honor his memory through laughter.”
AUGUST 18, 2014 - AUGUST 24, 2014 | 3
hlr media EDITORIAL jschlueter@hlrmedia.com Editor Jennifer Schlueter Publisher HLR Media Advertising advertising@hlrmedia.com Submissions:
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Mosquito control update for Pasadena Currently, there are no locally acquired cases of viruses, including West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue fever, transmitted from mosquitoes to humans in Pasadena. To protect against these diseases, it is important that Pasadena residents help prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by emptying all standing water in containers left outside, keeping swimming pools clean, and regularly checking for mosquito larvae in still water sources such as bird baths and ponds. The Pasadena Public Health Department also recommends protecting yourself by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Preventive measures include wearing repellants containing DEET, avoiding areas likely to be inhabited by mosqui-
toes at dawn and dusk, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and checking your window screen for holes. If you find a dead bird on your property, please report all dead birds and squirrels to the West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Hotline at (877) 968-2473 or online at http://westnile.ca.gov. The Pasadena Public Health Department continues to proactively monitor its mosquito and overall vector control efforts to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, which is spread to humans from a bite from an infected mosquito. To control the presence of mosquitoes, staff travel throughout the City at least once a week to treat gutters, puddles, pools, and other free-standing water
sources water that serve as prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, for more than a decade, the Pasadena Public Health Department has collaborated with the Pasadena Police Department to use police helicopters to help look for stagnant pools and green water sources. For more information on vector control, to receive free mosquito fish to prevent breeding, or to report a green pool or still water source, please call the Pasadena Public Health Department Environmental Health Division at (626) 744-6004. For more than 120 years, the Pasadena Public Health Department has worked to promote and protect the health of the greater Pasadena area. Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/publichealth.
“Kill-switch” Continued from page 1
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torney George Gascón says that “the manufacturers have indicated that they will implement this technology nationwide with passage of this bill, and with organized crime rings shipping smartphones stolen in the U.S. overseas, passage of this legislation will have implications for public safety around the globe.” Samsung and Apple, along with other US mobile device manufacturers have already carried out antitheft measures and are continuously working on them. After prior denial and several revisions, the “kill-switch” bill was recently approved 27-8 by the California State Assembly and is now being reviewed by Governor Jerry Brown. Following Minnesota, California would be the second state to require a “kill-switch”. In May, the Midwestern state has passed a similar law. Minneapolis mayoral candidate Mark Andrew fell victim to two teenage robbers, who had beaten him down because he tried to prevent them from stealing his phone.
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4 | AUGUST 18, 2014 - AUGUST 24, 2014
Major traffic accident sends trauma patients to Huntington; Snarls traffic Monday from Monrovia to Pasadena By Terry miller Several lanes were shut down Monday afternoon on the 210 Freeway after a crash with injuries involving a big rig and two other vehicles, California Highway Patrol officials said as they issued a SIG alert. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions. The resulting diesel spill was quickly mopped up by Pasadena Firefighters. The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. when the big rig crashed into the center divider east of Rosemead Boulevard, officials said. A pick up truck was hit by the semi, Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. The other vehicle was somehow involved but is too
early in the investigation The big rig driver and third vehicle’s driver were also injured. 2 of the drivers were transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital, and the big rtig driver remained on scene with his arm in a sling after paramedics treated him. Although the injuries were considered minor, the drivers were still considered trauma patients due to the extent of the crash according to Pasadena Fire dept. records. Energized power lines were also knocked out as a result but no Gold Line trains were affected and operations continued as normal. But adding fuel to the already hot tempers of drivers on
-Photo by Terry Miller
their commute Monday night was construction of the Second Ave railway crossing at Huntington for the fourth day. The steel girders for the Gold Line in Arcadia halted all traffic in that area
and diverted it on parallel streets which quickly became clogged. The average commute from Monrovia to Pasadena on Monday evening took over 65 minutes.
2015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court Continued from page 1
more than 21 years of age before January 5, 2015, with no children; and complete an official application and participate in one of the initial interview sessions. In recent years, as many as 1,000 young women have participated in this Pasadena tradition, hoping to become an official ambassador for the Tournament of Roses and the city of Pasadena. All tryout participants receive two tickets to the Royal Ball, a semi-formal dance hosted by the Tournament of Roses at the Pasadena Convention Center on September 26. The application and additional information can be found at: http://bit.ly/1suCDib After the initial interview process, approximately 250 individuals will be invited back to round two. From that group, about 75 young women will be asked to participate in the third round of interviews. On October 2, about 25 of the candidates will be announced as finalists, and then the seven-member Royal Court will
be announced on October 6. For the second consecutive year, the announcement and coronation of the Rose Queen will take place together on the evening of October 23. KTLA’s Rose Parade host and television personality, Stephanie Edwards, will emcee the event. The Announcement and Coronation of the 97th Rose Queen and Presentation of the Royal Court on October 23 is sponsored by Citizens Business Bank. The members of the Royal Court receive wardrobe and accessories for their busy schedule of media events and community appearances from Macy’s, cosmetics and consultation from Estée Lauder, formal gowns from Tadashi, hair styling from Amadeus Salon and Spa and crowns and tiaras courtesy of Mikimoto. The grand finale for the Royal Court will be riding a float in the 126th Rose Parade and attending the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.
2014 Rose Queen Ana Marie Acosta was selected from over 1,000 young Pasadena area women who vie for the coveted title of Rose Queen every year. Applications are now online. -Photo by Terry Miller