South Pasadena Patch launches today at 12:30 p.m. If you haven’t heard, Patch is AOL’s hyper-local news initiative, which has been getting mixed reviews. LA Weekly recently published a story headlined “Patch, the WalMart of News?” that looks at the endeavor. On the one hand, it’s providing a much-needed source of news for (upper income) neighborhoods that have been neglected. On the other, Patch is strutting into neighborhoods with $50 million in startup cash and threatening to quash established sites. As an example, they’re planning to launch in Altadena, which already has the excellent altadenablog. Not that South Pasadena is Altadena. This town really lacks an online news source. Of the regularly updated sites, there’s the South Pasadena Review, which refuses to believe the Internet is anything more than a fad; there’s Glimpses of South Pasadena, who will be contributing to South Pasadena Patch; and there’s me. And let’s face it: I have a sporadically updated blog that doesn’t look for advertisers. Not much of a threat.

I chose to not take part in the South Pasadena Patch. But I also choose to not compete with it. It’s not really a big deal. I’m happy to get to spend more time with the laptop closed. This little blog has been here for two years now. And really, I never talked about it or promoted it. In spite of my best efforts, the readership has grown exponentially. I’m proud of that. And I’m comfortable letting someone else do it for a while. In a perfect world, the voice of South Pasadena wouldn’t be owned by AOL. But I expect it’ll be better than anything we’ve had so far.

Thanks for the emails. Thanks for the comments. Thanks for reading.

-30-

On 10-1-10, at about 0317 hours, Elliot Luis Bin, 41, Los Angeles, drove to a Chevron Gas Station (1400 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA) and was seen prying open a gas pump door by the cashier. Officers were called and detained Bin and later found the skimming device attached to the gas pump’s credit card reader. Bin was also in possession of a counterfeit credit card. A search of the skimming device revealed no data on it.

A search warrant at Bin’s residence revealed numerous counterfeit credit cards and the discovery of marijuana cultivation in the garage. Bin’s girlfriend, Leslyet Gispert Gispert, 31, Los Angeles, was later arrested for possession of fraudulent credit cards.

Any information, please contact Detectives at 626-403-7280

Maybe he didn’t realize the gas station was next door to the police. Here’s the full pdf if you’re interested. Full police report after the jump.

Sept. 29 – Oct. 5, 2010

(Hundred block given in place of exact address)

The Weekly Crime Summary is a list of reported auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and other activities occurring in the City of South Pasadena. An alert and well-informed citizen makes you less of a target to a criminal. Remember; call the South Pasadena Police Department to report any suspicious activity.

AUTO BURGLARY

• 10-1-10, 9 AM to 3 PM, 1400 block of Beech. ’91, Buick LeSabre. Suspect(s) pry trunk open. LOSS: Clothes, digital camera, medications and toiletry bag.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY

• 9-30-10, 11:30 – 1:30 PM, 500 block of Arroyo Square. Suspect(s) smashes rear window to gain entry. LOSS: Laptop computer and wood box.
• 9-30-10, 7:30 AM to 10 AM, 500 block of Prospect. Suspect(s) kick front door open to gain entry. LOSS: Laptop computer and Xbox game system.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY/SHOPLIFT

• 10-1-10, 6 PM to 10-4-10, 1:15 PM, 1900 block of Fremont (Almansor Center, storage shed). Suspect(s) cut padlock to storage shed and takes loss. LOSS: Skateboards.
• 9-30-10, 10 AM, 1400 block of Fremont (South Pasadena High School) (attempt). School officials suspends suspect and suspect leaves campus. Suspect later returns to school office and is told to leave. Suspect walks to school official’s desk without permission and searches desk and briefcase. SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: Male, Juvenile.

ASSAULTS

• 10-4-10, 4:24 PM, 1700 block of La Senda. Suspect and victim are related and get into an argument. Suspect then hits victim in the head. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 17, South Pasadena.

BATTERY ON OFFICER

• 10-3-10 5:27 PM, 1000 block of Fremont. Suspect and witness are involved in a fight. Witness stops fighting when officer arrives, but suspect attempts to fight and later spits at officer. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, Juvenile.

DUI

• 10-3-10, 2:20 AM, Fair Oaks/Huntington. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, 22, Cerritos.
• 10-2-10, 2:04 AM, Garfield/Pine. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Suspect is also found to have an outstanding warrant. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 36, Granada Hills.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC

• 10-2-10, 3 AM, 1600 block of Raymondale. Officers contact suspect on the street and found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 40, South Pasadena.
• 9-30-10, 9:27 PM, Huntington/Marengo. Officers contact suspect on the street and found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 43, Pasadena.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

• 9-29-10, 10:19 PM, Arroyo Park. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of marijuana. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, Juvenile.
• 9-29-10, 2 PM, 1900 block of Fremont (Almansor Center). School official finds marijuana on suspect, who is a student at school. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, Juvenile.

RESISTING/OBSTRUCTING ARREST

• 9-30-10, 2:28 AM, 200 block of Fremont. Suspect is riding a bicycle and stopped for a traffic violation. Suspect refuses to cooperate with officers and is found to have an outstanding warrant. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 23, Pasadena.

THEFT

• 9-29-10, 8 AM to 12 PM, 1400 block of Fremont (South Pasadena High School). Suspect(s) cut lock securing loss to bicycle rack and takes loss. LOSS: Bicycle.
• 9-28-10, 8:30 AM to 10:45 AM, 400 block of Fair Oaks (Winchells). Victim forgets loss inside business and leaves. Employee finds loss and places it behind the counter. Suspect enters store and claims to be related to victim and takes possession of loss. Victim later returns and discovers loss. LOSS: Purse. SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: Male, White, or Hispanic, 20-30.

IDENTITY THEFT/CREDIT CARD FRAUD/CHECK FRAUD

• 10-5-10, 2:15 PM, 1100 block of Fair Oaks (UPS Store). Suspect uses fake documents in an attempt to open an account. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 36, Los Angeles.
• 10-1-10, 3:17 AM, 1400 block of Mission (Chevron Gas Station). (see attached crime bulletin)
• 9-28-10, 12 PM to 10-1-10, 10 AM, 300 block of Monterey. Suspect(s) gains access to victim’s credit card account and makes several unauthorized charges.
• 9-27-10 to 9-30-10, 300 block of Monterey. Suspect(s) gains access to victim’s credit card account and makes an unauthorized charge.
• May 2010 to 9-30-10, 400 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect uses victim’s personal information and opens a credit card account.
• May 2010 to 9-30-10, 400 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect uses victim’s personal information and opens a credit card account.

After a really long wait, Mix n’ Munch Cereal and Grilled Cheese Cafe started their soft opening yesterday, and it’ll continue for a week. The hours are 10ish to 3ish. They say they’re aiming for a grand opening on Oct. 16. And the menu? As Seth Meyers once said, “Every one of your products sounds like a wish a genie granted at a Phish concert.” Let’s use the “Rock and Roll Cereal Bowl” as an example. It includes Captain Crunch, Fruit Loops, blueberries, rainbow sprinkles and circus animal cookies. And then there’s “The Cookie Bowl,” with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cookie Crisp, Golden Grahams and crushed Oreos. Grilled cheese creations include “The Apple Munster” and “The Mix n’ Munch Cristo.” You can also order your own cereal and grilled cheese creations. Drink options are pretty limited … coffee, tea, milk and water. Post-soft opening hours after the jump.

Not-yet-active site: mixnmunch.com

Hours:

• Monday: 7-7
• Tuesday: 7-7
• Wednesday: 7-7
• Thursday: 7-9
• Friday: 7-7
• Saturday: 9-5
• Sunday: 9-3

September 22-28, 2010

(Hundred block given in place of exact address)

The Weekly Crime Summary is a list of reported auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and other activities occurring in the City of South Pasadena. An alert and well-informed citizen makes you less of a target to a criminal. Remember; call the South Pasadena Police Department to report any suspicious activity.

STOLEN VEHICLE

• 9-26-10, midnight to 9 AM, 600 block of Orange Grove. ’99, Honda CRV.

AUTO BURGLARY

• 9-28-10, 8:55 AM to 10:15 AM, 1700 block of La Senda. ’07, BMW Z4. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry. LOSS: Bag.
• 9-24-10, 7:05 PM to 9:45 PM, 1500 block of Diamond. ’99, Toyota Corolla. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry and takes loss. Suspect immediately use victim’s credit card to make several unauthorized purchases. LOSS: Purse.
• 9-22-10, 4 PM to 5:45 PM, Hope/Park. ’02, Toyota Highlander. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry. LOSS: Purse.
• 9-19-10, 10 AM to 9-27-10, 10:15 AM, 1700 block of Grevelia. ’08, Honda Civic. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry. LOSS: Unknown.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY

• 9-25-10, 12 PM to 9-26-10, 12 PM, 200 block of Fair Oaks (apartment complex). Suspect(s) cut padlock off to gain entry into storage locker. LOSS: Clothes and electrical wires.
• 9-23-10, 12 PM to 6 PM, 800 block of Milan. Suspect(s) smashes rear window to gain entry. LOSS: I-pod and laptop computer.
• 9-18-10, 10 AM to 9-22-10, 10:19 AM, 500 block of Prospect. Suspect(s) kick in front door to gain entry. LOSS: Unknown.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY/SHOPLIFT

• 9-28-10, 9:45 PM, 1200 block of Fair Oaks (Pavilions). Employee sees suspect exit store without paying for loss. Suspect is later found and arrested. LOSS: Liquor. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 19, Los Angeles.
• 9-24-10, 5 PM to 6 PM, 1700 block of Garfield (Ralph’s Market). Employee sees suspect exit store with shopping cart containing loss. Employee follows suspect and sees suspect load loss into vehicle and drive away. Employee gets license plate number and manager reviews surveillance video, which confirms suspect did not pay for items. Officers respond to suspect’s residence and arrest suspect. LOSS: Liquor (recovered). SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 48, Los Angeles.

ASSAULTS

• 9-26-10, 9:41 PM, 800 block of El Centro. Victim (Female, 65) exits Gold Line and sees suspect sitting on a bench. Victim walks by suspect and suspect follows victim to the 800 block of El Centro. Suspect grabs victim from behind and throws victim into a nearby bush. Suspect hits victim several times as victim screams for help. Witness drives by and suspect runs away. Suspect is later found and arrested. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, Juvenile.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

• 9-27-10, 5:15 PM, 600 block of Arroyo. Officers respond to suspicious persons in the street. Officers contact suspects who are found to be in possession of marijuana. SUSPECTS ARRESTED: S1 – Male, 18, Los Angeles. S2 – Male, 23, Los Angeles.

DAY TIME LOITERING BY MINOR

• 9-28-10, 10:30 AM, Fair Oaks/Bank. School official sees suspect leave campus without authorization. Suspect is contacted and arrested. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, Juvenile.

NIGHT TIME LOITERING BY MINOR

• 9-25-10, 12:41 AM, 700 block of Hawthorne. Suspect is contacted by officer and found to be a juvenile loitering after curfew hours. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, Juvenile.

THEFT

• 9-25-10, 3 PM to 9-26-10, 12:15 PM, 200 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect(s) enter victim’s unlocked vehicle and takes loss. LOSS: I-pod, toys and miscellaneous papers.
• 9-23-10, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, 1400 block of Fremont (South Pasadena High School). Suspect(s) takes victim’s unattended loss from the soccer field. LOSS: Bicycle and bag.
• 9-23-10, 11 AM to 2:15 PM, 1700 block of Oxley. Suspect(s) cut lock securing loss to pole. LOSS: (2) bicycles.

IDENTITY THEFT/CREDIT CARD FRAUD/CHECK FRAUD

• Unknown date/time to 9-27-10, 300 block of Monterey. Suspect(s) gains access to victim’s credit card account and makes several unauthorized purchases.

DETECTIVE ARREST

• 9-28-10, 7 AM, 200 block of Monterey. Detectives serve a warrant and arrest S1 for possession of controlled substance for sale and receiving stolen property. S2 is arrested for embezzlement. Detectives also recover loss from a commercial burglary that occurred in August 2010 and illegal fireworks. S1 – Male, 35, South Pasadena. S2 – Female, 35, South Pasadena.

Sept. 15-21, 2010

(Hundred block given in place of exact address)

The Weekly Crime Summary is a list of reported auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and other activities occurring in the City of South Pasadena. An alert and well-informed citizen makes you less of a target to a criminal. Remember; call the South Pasadena Police Department to report any suspicious activity.

RECKLESS DRIVING/SPEED CONTEST

• 9-17-10, 11 PM, 210 freeway/Azusa. Suspect is racing on freeway and driving recklessly, endangering other motorists. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 21, Duarte.

AUTO BURGLARY

• 9-21-10, 4:30 PM to 7 PM, 400 block of Fair Oaks. ’06, Toyota Scion. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry. LOSS: Purse.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY

• 9-21-10, 8 AM to 2:50 PM, 800 block of Rollin. Suspect(s) force entry through rear door. LOSS: Unknown.
• 9-21-10, 2:38 PM, 500 block of Sterling. Officers respond to alarm activation and discover residence broken into. LOSS: Unknown.
• 9-20-10, 2:30 PM to 9-21-10, 6:45 PM, 1000 block of Mission. Suspect(s) takes loss from lobby of apartment building. LOSS: Mirror.
• 9-17-10, 11 AM to 11:20 AM, 1400 block of Indiana (hot prowl). Victim is home and walks downstairs and sees front door open, and discovers loss. LOSS: Computer.
• 9-16-10, 9 AM to 11 AM, 400 block of Oaklawn. Suspect(s) smashes rear window to gain entry. LOSS: Cash, checks, i-pod, jewelry and misc. personal documents.
• 9-15-10, 10:30 AM to 11 AM, 200 block of Grand. Suspect(s) smash rear door window to gain entry. LOSS: Jewelry.

ASSAULTS

• 9-15-10, 8:46 PM, 1200 block of Monterey. Fathers of suspect and victim from assault below get into a verbal argument. Suspect’s father pushes victim’s father.
• 9-15-10, 7:30 PM, 800 block of Mission. Suspect and victim are acquaintances and get into a verbal argument, which escalates into a fight.

DUI

• 9-19-10, 12:42 PM, 1300 block of Fair Oaks. Officer investigates a suspicious vehicle and driver is found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 28, Pasadena.
• 9-19-10, 2:47 AM, Pine/Curtis. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 30, San Gabriel.
• 9-18-10, 4:22 AM, Diamond/Monterey. Suspect is involved in a traffic collision and is found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 32, South Pasadena.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

• 9-19-10, 9:17 PM, 1000 block of Arroyo. ’01, VW Cabriolet. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of marijuana. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, 21, Pasadena.

FALSE REGISTRATION

• 9-21-10, 3:09 PM, Fair Oaks/Huntington. Suspect is found to have false registration tabs on vehicle. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 30, Pasadena.
• 9-19-10, 1:58 PM, Fremont/Monterey. Suspect is found to have false registration tabs on vehicle. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 77, City of Commerce.

THEFT

• 9-20-10, 11:35 AM to 3 PM, 1400 block of Marengo (Marengo School). Suspect(s) cuts lock securing loss to bicycle rack and takes loss. LOSS: Bicycle.
• 9-16-10, 8 PM, 400 block of Fair Oaks (Carmines). Suspect enters restaurant and consumes food and drinks. Suspect then exits restaurant without paying for bill. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 52, Bakersfield.

IDENTITY THEFT/CREDIT CARD FRAUD/CHECK FRAUD

• 9-20-10 to 9-21-10, 1800 block of Gillette Crescent. Victim receives a fraudulent check from suspect.
• 9-17-10 to 9-20-10, 100 block of Monterey. Suspect(s) gains access to victim’s check card and makes several unauthorized purchases.

VANDALISM

• 9-18-10, 2 PM to 9-19-10, 1:10 PM, 900 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect(s) scratches victim’s vehicle.

Let’s start with South Pasadena Police Chief candidate Joseph Payne:

The following is an OpEd that failed to make the local paper:

South Pasadena City Manager John Davidson is on the verge of naming a new police chief for our city. The list has narrowed to two finalists and much has been said about the need for a well-qualified leader for our police department that is a “good fit” for South Pasadena. I use the words “Well-Qualified” and “Leader” at the same time because both are essential qualities for a successful police chief.

Mr. Davidson and Assistant City Manager Sergio Gonzalez have undertaken a thorough search for such a person and those selected to compete, by all indications, meet the criteria. Now that we have the final two, I being one of them, I feel it necessary to address some issues. Their motives notwithstanding, I have been portrayed by some opinion pieces as lacking qualifications, being a “union pick”, or receiving political favors. I am not going to go into agonizing detail about this but there is a huge difference between being a union stooge and having the overwhelming support of the rank and file members of the South Pasadena Police Department. These worn- out claims are counterproductive to ensuring the public safety and quality of life we have come to enjoy in our community. I will say with certainty that being a finalist was not a political pay off or a union plan.

Now is the time when we must all get behind the city manager and city council with their selection for police chief. I and Chief Hauptmann are well-qualified police professionals. Although I cannot speak for him, I can and will for myself. In my 37 years as a South Pasadena police officer I served in nearly all capacities that the department has to offer. In the last six years prior to my retirement my duties included emergency preparedness, homeland security, terrorism liaison officer, training and policy, background investigator, recruitment, internal affairs investigator, and reserve coordinator.

I earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration, a management certificate from the California Commission on POST, and countless training and instructor certificates. I worked with our surrounding police and fire departments to enhance our resource sharing capabilities and was a founding member of the mutual aid coalition that our department belongs to. This coalition provides our community with public safety resources that we may not otherwise have. It has provided our officers with the means to train with some of the finest police officers, firefighters, and first responders in the world.

Our ability to recover more quickly from a natural or man-made disaster relies on training and a working relationship with federal, state, and local public safety agencies. On my initiative our department was awarded nearly $500,000 in Homeland Security grants, and we have gone on to win even more awards through our participation in the grant process. We have completely upgraded our emergency communications and response capabilities that would not have otherwise been possible.

As a lieutenant and a sergeant assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police under successive chiefs I served on the command staff and performed the same responsibilities most captains and commanders in ours and other departments perform. To claim that I lack the education, command experience, and training to be a successful chief is patently false and is being ignored by detractors with a political agenda unrelated to public safety. I refuse to enter into a petty debate with them.

In addition to my law enforcement career, I have had the pleasure to know many fine people who live and work in South Pasadena. Community involvement means a lot to me and has little to do with my service to the department. It has been 25 years since South Pasadena has had a local police chief. Retired Police Chief Bill Reese, whom I have the pleasure of calling a friend and supporter, can attest to how important this little known fact is. Chief Reese hired me in 1972 and promoted me to lieutenant in 1986. He knows the importance of a personal sense of community. I am proud of the local roots I and my family have in South Pasadena. If I am fortunate enough to win this appointment I can promise everyone concerned that they will not be disappointed.

Joseph Payne

And this from South Pasadena City Council member Mike Ten:

Again, the Star News continues to fan the conspiracy flames, but with no help from unintended comments of our rookie Mayor, that the council “interviewed” the finalists of the search, not to forget the inaccurate statement of a “vote” taking place during a closed session in Nov-Dec 2009. The council never met with or had input on the whittling down from the original 19 applicants to the 10 or so that were interviewed by the three panels selected by the city manager. We did get to see a list of the 19 applicants after the 10 where scheduled to pass through a gantlet of a professional panel of police chiefs and city managers, a community panel of key stakeholders, and finally a meeting with the senior city departement heads. The council did get feedback from members of the panels who choose to communicate to them i assume, but i never did till last week. The city manager then with the input from all the panels made the selection of the final two applicants. The council after receiving input from the community through letters, emails, voice mails, blog comments, and of course daily on the street contacts all during this process. the city manager felt prior to making the final selection, he gave the council a chance to meet the finalists that the press had already announced from “reliable sources” a week earlier. So the council was given about 15 minutes during a closed session to hear from the finalists on their visions and or perceived solutions to gain some understanding on who we were getting to lead our police force into future. Anything beyond these comments, which are my opinions alone on this topic. Feel free to talk with me one on one anytime.

I’ll be at the Crusin for Roses Car Show this Sunday all day. Or you can find me at the Middle School every morning directing traffic safety.

If any council members want to set the record straight, drop me a line (the link is over on the left) and I’d be happy to yield the floor and give you your own post.

2010 South Pasadena Police and Fire Open House

Tentative Events and Participants

A day of activities for both children and adults are expected to take place at the South Pasadena Police and Fire Department Open House on Sunday, September 19, 2010, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Along with the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Classic Car Show, which will feature 300 pre-1975 Classic and Hot Rod vehicles, the Open House will have a full day of activities. Here is just part of what will be happening at the Open House.

• A “fly-by” will be done by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sikorsky Air-5 Rescue helicopter in the morning to help kick off opening ceremonies.
• Police demonstrations of canine, taser and a high-risk stop.
• The South Pasadena Fire Department will be performing several important household safety tip demonstrations.
• Helicopters will be landing and taking off throughout the day. Tentative helicopters that will be on display (subject to call) will be the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Bell 412, Pasadena Police Department’s new police helicopter, and Channel 5 News helicopter.
• Parents can get their children fingerprinted and photographed at the “Kid print” table, sponsored by Cogent Systems, Inc. The Cogent Systems computer-fingerprinting machine means there is no ink, so the process of fingerprinting each child including a digital photograph can be done quickly.
• Come and see the Presidential Limousine at the Secret Service booth.
• Take your best shot at the Los Angeles King’s Hockey Puck Shot game booth.
• Residents can sign up for the South Pasadena Fire Paramedic Subscription Program.
• Children can get an “Operation Chill” coupon redeemable for a FREE Slurpee at participating 7-11 stores, from the South Pasadena Police Officers’ Association booth as well as other kid’s giveaway items.
• Come see the various fire engines on display, including Alhambra Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Vehicle. One of the largest and most sophisticated vehicles with a wide assortment of specialized tools and equipment needed to assist in any major disaster.
• Stop by the FBI Alumni table and learn how to protect your children from the “dangers” of the Internet.
• Thinking of hire a contractor, or handyman to do work around your house? Learn how you can protect yourself by stopping by the Contractor’s State License Board table.
• Have you been a victim of a crime? Learn your rights and what services are available to you from the LA County District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program.
• Children can get a souvenir photograph with a choice of backgrounds: on a police motorcycle, wearing a police tactical or firefighting gear.
• Come and learn about how you can help keep the community safe with the “Community Patrol” program.
• Experience the Firearms Training Simulator. An interactive simulator that allows officers to make split-second decisions in shoot/don’t shoot situations.
• There will be plenty of safety information available from various community organizations.
• Learn earthquake safety from the LA County Fire Department’s “Quaky Shaky” house that simulates an earthquake.
• Mail theft is a growing problem, learn how you can prevent becoming a victim by stopping by the US Postal Inspectors.
• Identity theft is another growing crime, learn how to protect yourself from the FBI and Social Security Administration.
• Guided tours of the police and fire station will be available. Come see the newly remodeled police station.
• Donate your old cell phones to “Secure the Call”. A non-profit charity organization that provides free emergency 9-1-1 cell phones to people who would otherwise not be able to obtain an emergency cell phone. All donations are tax deductible. Look for the donation barrel inside the South Pasadena City Hall.
• The Providence-St. Joseph Blood Donor Center will be available and accepting blood donations throughout the day. All donors will receive a complimentary gift.
• Stop by the Pasadena Humane Society trailer and learn about adopting dogs and cats, and area wildlife safety.
• Free snacks and drinks courtesy of Trader Joe’s.
• See the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the “Every 15 Minutes” display, where you can learn about the dangers of drinking and driving.
• The “Star Cars Central” car club, a Hollywood based television and movie car group of owners/builders of famous vehicles, return with another great line-up of cars. Tentative television and movie cars that can be seen include:

The “Batmobile” from the 1966 television series “Batman”

“Starsky & Hutch’s”, 1976 Grand Torino

“Magnum P.I.’s Ferrari 308 GTSi

“KITT” from the television series “Knight Rider”

“Bullitt’s” 1968 Ford Mustang

1963 VW “Herbie the Lovebug”

Don Adams “Get Smart’s” 1965 Tiger Sunbeam

The “Punishers” Pontiac GTO

The time traveling DeLorean as used in the movie “Back to the Future”

Others still to be announced.

The day’s event is free to all, so bring the family and enjoy the day!

Sept. 8-14, 2010

(Hundred block given in place of exact address)

The Weekly Crime Summary is a list of reported auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and other activities occurring in the City of South Pasadena. An alert and well-informed citizen makes you less of a target to a criminal. Remember; call the South Pasadena Police Department to report any suspicious activity.

STOLEN VEHICLE

• 9-10-10, 9:30 PM to 9-11-10, 8:30 AM, 800 block of Brent (attempt). ’97, Toyota Corolla. Suspect(s) smashes window to gain entry and tamper with ignition to start vehicle, but fail.

AUTO BURGLARY

• 9-7-10, 7:40 PM to 9-8-10, 6:30 AM, Fairview/Buena Vista. ’06, Chevy. Suspect(s) gains entry by unknown means. LOSS: Notebook, sunglasses and I-pod charger.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY/SHOPLIFT

• 9-8-10, 10:30 AM, 1200 block of Fair Oaks (Pavilions). Suspect enters store and takes loss. Employee sees suspect exit store without paying for loss. LOSS: Liquor. SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: Male, White, 18-20, 600, wearing green t-shirt and blue jeans.

DUI

• 9-14-10, 11:27 PM, 200 block of Pasadena. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Suspect is also found to be in possession of cocaine. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 28, Pasadena.
• 9-11-10, 5:16 PM, 200 block of St. Albans. Suspect is involved in a traffic collision and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 43, South Pasadena.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC

• 9-12-10, 4:50 AM, 400 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect is seen arguing with witness on the street. Suspect is found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 32, South Pasadena.
• 9-12-10, 4:29 AM, 1800 block of Fremont. Officers respond to a person lying on a driveway. Officers locate suspect and wake suspect up. Suspect then runs away, but is caught. Suspect is found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 18, Los Angeles.

FALSE REGISTRATION

• 9-13-10, 8:50 PM, Huntington/Fletcher. Suspect is found to have false registration tabs on vehicle. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 43, Temple City.
• 9-13-10, 3:37 PM, Huntington/Fletcher. Suspect is found to have false registration tabs on vehicle. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 41, Hacienda Heights.

THEFT

• 9-7-10, 8:30 PM to 9-8-10, 10 AM, 1000 block of Buena Vista. Suspect(s) enter V1 and V2’s vehicle, taking loss from V1’s vehicle. Suspect(s) then uses V1’s credit card to make several unauthorized purchases. LOSS: V1 – Wallet and car keys. V2 – None.
• 8-31-10, 10 AM to 7 PM, 1100 block of El Centro. Suspect(s) takes loss from victim’s unattended purse. Suspect(s) then uses victim’s credit card and makes several unauthorized purchases. LOSS: Wallet and checkbook.