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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 4, 2015
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VOLUME 3, NO. 9
Pasadena’s 2015 Black History Month Parade Celebrates Diversity
Suspect Identified and Arrested in Temple City ATM Assault Incident
BY TERRY MILLER The 33rd Annual Black History Parade was celebrated last Saturday with a huge show of community spirit, local leaders and local celebrities. Hundreds of people lined Fair Oaks to cheer on such notables as Councilwoman Jacque Robinson, Former State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino as well as Phillip Sanchez, Pasadena’s Chief of Police who was out in force with his key staff shaking hands with as many people as possible. The community policing such as Chief Sanchez is spearheading was very well-received in the community that has seen a lot of violence in recent months, particularly shootings. Sanchez and the Pasadena PD made it loud and clear that they are here to protect everyone in the community. One woman yelled, “We love you Pasadena Police…” as a Motorcycle
Buffalo Soldiers in the parade -Photos by Terry Miller
officer drove past one area of the parade near Hammond. That sentiment was echoed throughout the parade. Many young people marched in the parade wearing T-Shits that read “Our Lives Matter” or “Black Lives Matter” as well as “All Lives Matter”…
as a direct result of the recent, highly-publicized police officer involved deaths of young black men in Florida, New York, Ferguson and of course, Ohio. The young men and women, while visibly still shocked by events in this country, were moreover in a therapeutic mood as one
Attorney Challenges Pasadena’s March 10 Election BY NICK KIPLEY During the public Wooten “as early as May comment section of the 28, 2014, and possibly beTuesday night City Coun- fore and certainly as of Nocil meeting James Lomako vember 11, 2014 and they and his attorney, Philip E. acted together to keep the Koebel, filed a class ac- public uninformed until tion complaint against the December 30, 2014.” City of Pasadena, City The document states Clerk Mark Jomsky, City that Mr. Lomako and his leManager Michael Beck, City Attorney Michele Bagneris, as well as Councilmembers Margaret McAustin of Pasadena’s 2nd District, Gene Masuda of Pasadena’s 4th district and Steve Madison of Pasadena’s 6th district. The lawsuit was filed on the 20th of this month on the grounds that the above mentioned city officials knew of the embezzlement of $6.5 million dollars by Danny Ray Atty. Philip E. Koebel – courtesy photo
gal counsel Koebel believe that in late May 2014 or in early June 2014, Defendant (City Manager) Michael Beck and/or defendant (City Attorney) Michele Bagneris voluntarily issued a “gag order” regarding the DA’s investigation and the KPMG Audit to all City department heads and to the Mayor and the City Councilmembers. The lawsuit also claims that the Defendants “acting under color of law have violated and will violate [28 U.S.C. §§ 1331(a), 1343(3), 1343(4),] 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 1988 [and the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment of the United States ConPlease see page 5
participant in the parade held up a sign which read “ In the face of hurt and harm, we still have hope…” During the entire parade only one woman protested against the police. While yelling vulgar obscenities about police officers in Pasadena through a loud bullhorn, this indi-
vidual was staging a movement in what observers said was an inappropriate environment where young children were watching the likes of their heroes like the Buffalo Soldiers. Most in the parade ignored the woman who was obviously Please see page 3
State Agencies to Work Together to Help Students with Disabilities The CDE is teaming up with the Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Developmental Services, and Disabilities Rights California to develop a blueprint to prepare people with disabilities for meaningful employment. The blueprint will support employment settings where people with disabilities can get fair wages and compensation; and establish goals, responsibilities, requirements, recommendations, and a resolution process for disputes. This stems from Governor Edmund G. Brown’s “Employment First” Executive Order issued in 2013, making California one of a growing number of states supporting Integrated, Competitive Employment (ICE). ICE is defined as
BE SURE TO VISIT: PASADENAROSEPARADE.COM
helping people with disabilities typically get part- or full-time work in the community, minimum wage or above, and compensation equal to other workers. The CDE is responsible for monitoring school districts in providing appropriate services to help students with disabilities transition into the workforce. By supporting the state’s Employment First policy, students with disabilities will acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to obtain jobs in integrated settings at a competitive wage that promotes community participation and self-sufficiency. For more information on how the CDE supports students with special needs, visit its Special Education Web page
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Temple Station detectives have made an arrest in the assault of a man at an ATM machine in Temple City that occurred last Saturday. The victim, a male Hispanic, 79 years old, was standing on the sidewalk in the 9500 block of Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, attempting to use an ATM machine. A male white adult approached the victim and began screaming at him for no reason, and without provocation. The suspect then pushed the victim, causing him to fall into the street. The victim lost consciousness when he struck his head. A witness reported the victim was pushed to the ground in the street by the suspect. The suspect then began to assault the victim by punching and kicking him. There was no known motive for the assault. The suspect fled on foot prior to the deputies arriving. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries. While working several investigative leads, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect. A search and arrest warrant was written and served at the suspect’s residence in Temple City Tuesday, Please see page 3