Alhambra PRESS alhambra-press.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2014
VOLUME 2, NO. 47
UCLA Scientists Discover Why Patients Respond to a Life-Saving Melanoma Drug UCLA researchers have pioneered a new methodology to predict why some patients battling advanced melanoma respond well or not at all to the new breakthrough drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda). The study, led by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center members Drs. Paul Tumeh and Antoni Ribas, primary investigator of pembrolizumab, is the first of its kind since the FDA approved the use of Keytruda in September and could lead the way for more effective use of the drug in patients with melanoma and other cancers. A protein known as PD-1 puts the immune system’s brakes on, preventing T cells from attacking cancer cells. Pembrolizumab removes the brake lines, freeing up the immune sysDr. Antoni Ribas (left) and Dr. Paul Tumeh – Photo credit: UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center -Photo Courtesy of UCLA tem to kill cancer cells. “We’ve had amazing clinical success treating patients with melanoma,” that can select for patients and others are not,” said that are more effective, less patients battling advanced said Tumeh, lead author that are likely to respond to Ribas, professor of he- costly and with fewer side matology and oncology. effects.” melanoma with pembro- of the study and assistant this therapeutic class.” “Our job was to figure “Now, with these results, Over the two-year lizumab. The challenge professor of dermatology. is that it only works in ap- “To address this challenge, out why some patients are researchers can develop Please see page 6 proximately 30 percent of we developed an approach predisposed to respond better drug combinations
Rep. Schiff Renews Push for Body Cameras for Law Enforcement On Tuesday Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a former federal prosecutor who recently urged the Department of Justice to help fund local police departments’ purchase of small body-worn cameras in order to increase transparency, decrease tensions between police and community members, and create a record of events, released the following statement: “Last night, following the decision of a grand jury not to indict the policeman who shot and killed Michael Brown, several buildings were set ablaze and violence again plagued the streets of Ferguson. Brown’s death and this new spate of violence has exposed anew the deep
mistrust between many Americans, particularly those of color, and law enforcement. “I join the family of Michael Brown, the Attorney General, and the President in calling for an end to the violence, and for calm and restraint, both by protestors and police. As the President said late last night, we are a nation of laws and the grand jury’s decision -- whether we agree with it or disagree -was theirs to make. “We cannot undo the past -- we cannot bring Michael back, but we can create a better future for our children and make our streets safer for citizens Please see page 5
Pasadena Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Dec. 5 Get into the holiday spirit by joining Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard who’ll light the city’s official holiday tree during a free, annual festive family celebration with local singers, art projects for kids and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event happens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. The Mayor will light the tree at 6 p.m. City Officials have it on good authority that after the tree is lit, Santa Claus promises to make a special appearance with a little help from his friends at the Pasadena Fire Department. Parents and
guardians should bring their own cameras to snap a special holiday picture of Santa with your children in “Santa’s Village.” This will be Mayor Bogaard’s final Holiday Tree Lighting event. Great live entertainment both before and after the tree lighting includes performances by local school groups and bands. Free art projects by Pasadena’s Armory Center for the Arts will feature special “Holiday Crafts from the Around World” for young people to do. The crafts will highlight the holiday celebrations of cultures from around the globe. A special “Santa’s Village” Please see page 3
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Burbank Man Charged with Attempted Murder A 40-year-old man was charged today with trying to kill a Glendale resident in his driveway, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Deputy-in-Charge Susan Steinfeld said Artyom Martirosyan (dob 2/3/74) of Burbank is facing one felony count each of attempted murder, assault with a firearm and criminal threats in case GA095248. Martirosyan pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to return on Dec. 8 in Department 1 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Burbank Branch. About noon on Nov. 19, Martirosyan approached the victim, a one-time potential business partner, and shot him several times, the prosecutor said. Before leaving, the defendant threatened to kill another victim who witnessed the shooting, the prosecutor added. Martirosyan is being held without bail. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison.
Millions of Illegal Immigrants Now Have a Chance to Live American Dream Last Thursday, in his immigration speech, Obama promised to increase the budget for law enforcement at our Southern border to prevent illegal crossings and to speed up deportation of “those who do cross over.” Additionally, he promised to “make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy;” however, he emphasized that felons and gang members should not have the chance to take advantage of American life, but rather be deported. Obama asked Congress to get out of its gridlock and work together on this and other topics instead of against
each other. After all, “our history and the facts show that immigrants are a net plus for our economy and our society,” the President added. Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, a proponent of Obama’s immigration measures spoke to the President in a video on YouTube last Wednesday: “Like their American criminal counterparts, they commit murders, sexual assaults, kidnaps, thefts, engage in violent gang activity and murder police officers. The problem I have is I can’t tell which ones are good and which ones are evil, and neither can you. By their very definition, Please see page 4