New York Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Illegally Uploading Copy of X-Men ‘Wolverine’ Movie to Internet Site

           LOS ANGELES – A New York man who admitted illegally uploading to the Internet a pirated, nearly final “workprint” copy of the movie “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was sentenced this afternoon to one year in federal prison.

            Gilberto Sanchez, 49, who resides in The Bronx and who used screen names that were variations on “skillz,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Margaret M. Morrow, who described the offense as “extremely serious.” In addition to the prison term, Judge Morrow imposed one year of supervised release and numerous computer restrictions.

            “The federal prison sentence handed down in this case sends a strong message of deterrence to would-be Internet pirates,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute persons who seek to steal the intellectual property of this nation.”

            Sanchez “uploaded the workprint more than one month before theatrical release, he has a prior conviction for a similar offense, he had been regularly uploading pirated movies for four or five years, and did not appear remorseful after charges were brought,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

            Sanchez pleaded guilty in March to one count of uploading a copyrighted work being prepared for commercial distribution. When he pleaded guilty, Sanchez admitted that he uploaded a “workprint” copy of the copyrighted “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” to www.Megaupload.com in March 2009, about one month before the motion picture was released in theaters. After uploading the Wolverine movie, Sanchez publicized the upload by posting links on two publicly available websites, so that anyone who clicked on the links would have access to the movie and be able to download it. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation owns the copyright to the movie.

            “Although Fox was able to get defendant’s Wolverine Workprint removed from his Megaupload account within approximately one day, by then, the damage was done and the film had proliferated like wildfire throughout the Internet, resulting in up to millions of infringements,” prosecutors said in court documents.

            This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Connecticut Man Allegedly Affiliated with Anonymous Arrested on Charges of Attacking and Shutting Down Gene Simmons’ Website

            LOS ANGELES – FBI Special Agents this morning arrested a Connecticut man who is charged with waging a denial of service attack against GeneSimmons.com, a website operated by the frontman for the rock band KISS.

            Kevin George Poe, 24, of Manchester, Connecticut, who used the screen name

spydr101, was taken into custody without incident at the federal courthouse in Hartford. Poe made his initial appearance this morning in United States District Court, where a judge ordered Poe released on a $10,000 bond and ordered him to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on a date that has yet to be scheduled.

            A federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned an indictment last week that accused Poe of being affiliated with the Anonymous hacking group. The indictment specifically charges Poe with two counts – conspiracy and unauthorized impairment of a protected computer.

            During a five-day period in October 2010, Poe and others linked to Anonymous allegedly conducted a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack against Simmons’ computer systems, sending tens of thousands of electronic requests designed to overload the computer server and render the website useless. According to the indictment, Poe used a favorite software tool of the Anonymous collective – a Low Orbit Ion Cannon, which is a computer program that is used to send extremely large numbers of “packets” or requests over a network in an attempt to overwhelm a target computer.

            If convicted of the two counts in the indictment, Poe would face a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

            The case against Poe was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. Poe was arrested by special agents at the FBI New Haven Field Office.

LA County passes new amendments to dog regulations

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has just passed an amendment to its existing dog regulations.

The new amendment is more stringent and less tolerant of so-called dangerous dogs and re-defines what is considered an aggressive dog. It also re-defines what is considered a severe injury from aggressive dogs.

Full Story http://www.myabc7.com/wap/news/text.jsp?sid=11&nid=56377408&cid=3&scid=-1&ith=1&title=Los+Angeles

ANTONOVICH INCREASES REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN DODGER STADIUM BEATING CASE TO $25,000

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich to increase the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the attack on Bryan Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium on March 31. 

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES® FOUNDATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

Jacqueline Howard to Lead the Tournament of Roses Foundation                                                                          

                                                                             

PASADENA, Calif. (July 8, 2011) – The Tournament of Roses® Foundation has elected Jacqueline Howard as its new president.  Howard is an adjunct professor in the Education Department at California State University, Northridge and an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at National University.  She was appointed to the Tournament of Roses Foundation Board in July 2007 when the board expanded from nine to 13 members.  She served as secretary in May 2008 and became vice president in May 2009.  Former Foundation President Wellington Chen held the office since May 2009 and will remain on the board.

In addition to volunteering on the Tournament of Roses Foundation Board, Howard is a member of the Pasadena/Altadena Links and was recently elected as vice director of the Western Area of Links, Inc.  She founded “Pasadena’s BEST Program,” a five-year, after-school program for latch-key children.  Howard was also the co-founder of “Links, Inc. Saturday School,” an academic enrichment program for at-risk students.

Professionally, Howard served for more than 30 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).  While employed with LAUSD, she was a classroom teacher, reading specialist, curriculum advisor, personnel advisor, assistant principal and elementary principal.

Howard is a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum Design and Development and a Master of Science Degree in Administrative Services from California State University, Los Angeles.  She is married to Charles Howard and has two children and three grandsons.

The Tournament of Roses Foundation is a tax exempt, non-profit public benefit corporation established in 1983 to receive and manage contributions from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, its supporters, and the general public. The Foundation supports charities in the Pasadena area by funding sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, and volunteer motivation and leadership development. The thirteen member board of directors is comprised of community leaders and Tournament members, appointed by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.  Organizations or individuals interested in making a contribution or requesting a grant application may contact the Foundation at (626) 449-4100 or visit our website at www.tournamentofroses.com/pasadena-tournament-of-roses/foundation.

CA Abolition Bill Passes Committee

The bill to abolish the death penalty in California has successfully passed committee and is en route to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Senator Hancock, author of the bill, stated, “Capital punishment is an expensive failure and an example of the dysfunction of our prison system. California’s death row is the largest and the most expensive in the United States”. Click here to keep the bill moving toward abolition!

Altadena Crime Blotter

Friday, July 8th
4:30 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 200-block of E. Palm St. Suspect(s) stole a purse that was placed on top of the victim’s vehicle. Loss: blk/gry Coach purse containing personal items.

Monday, July 11th
Between 5:50 PM & 6:30 PM – A petty theft from a vehicle occurred at Millard Campground. Suspect(s) entered an unlocked blk Nissan Pathfinder. Loss: beige purse containing a red wallet & a pink Samsung Fascinate cell phone.

Friday, July 15th
8:33 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen in the 20-block of E. Woodbury Rd. Loss: wht/blu ’99 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Lieutenant Joseph Dempsey
626-798-1131
jedempse@lasd.org

Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

League of California Cities, California Redevelopment Association and Two Cities File Lawsuit in State Supreme Court to Overturn Unconstitutional Redevelopment Elimination Legislation (AB 1x26/27)

Today, the League of California Cities (League), the California Redevelopment Association (CRA) and the cities of San Jose and Union City filed a petition with the California Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of AB 1X 26 and AB 1X 27, the two redevelopment bills passed as part of the state budget in June. AB 1x 26 eliminates redevelopment agencies. AB 1x 27 allows agencies to continue to exist (albeit on life-support) if they agree to pay their share of $1.7 billion this year and $400 million annually in perpetuity.

 

The lawsuit also requested the California Supreme Court to issue a stay to prevent the legislation from going into effect until the Court can rule on the merits of these claims.

 

The central claim in the lawsuit is that AB 1X 26/27 violate Proposition 22, the constitutional amendment passed by 61 percent of California voters in November 2010, just eight months ago. Prop. 22 was passed by voters to “conclusively and completely prohibit State politicians in Sacramento from seizing, diverting, shifting, borrowing, transferring, suspending, or otherwise taking or interfering with” revenue dedicated to local government. The revenues protected by Prop. 22 specifically include the annual increments of property taxes allocated to California’s 400 redevelopment agencies.

 

“California voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 22 just eight months ago to stop State raids, shifts and diversions of local redevelopment funds,” saidChris McKenzie, executive director, League of California Cities. “The Governor and legislature have blatantly ignored the voters and violated the State Constitution. We must now go to the Supreme Court to uphold the voters’ will and the Constitution by overturning this unconstitutional legislation. We are confident the Courts will uphold the will of the voters.”

 

Unless nullified, AB 1X 26/27 will result in the elimination of redevelopment agencies or force “ransom” payments by local agencies that will greatly reduce the ability of local agencies to pursue revitalization and job-creation projects. The measures will kill hundreds of thousands of jobs and leave many communities with no opportunity to revitalize downtrodden areas with high unemployment, high crime and significant blight.

 

John Shirey, executive director, California Redevelopment Association, said: “Since the budget bills passed, many redevelopment agencies have notified us that they cannot afford the ransom payment and will cease to exist. And those agencies that are planning on making the payment tell us that it will greatly diminish their ability to pursue vital local projects. This legislation is a job-killer and an opportunity killer for many local communities in need. Fortunately, voters passed Prop. 22 to put a stop to these types of destructive raids by the legislature. We must now go to the Courts to protect our local communities and economies.”

 

Joining as co-petitioners are the cities of San Jose and Union City. In declarations provided to the Court each city says that it currently anticipates being unable to make the payment required to avoid redevelopment agency elimination.

 

The city of San Jose declares that, unless overturned, AB 1X 26/27 could result in the forced termination of its redevelopment agency and kill hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of vital redevelopment projects. These include the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, a project to revitalize 20 of the city’s most disadvantaged and struggling residential neighborhoods; a flood control project needed to protect industrial properties; and several interchange widening projects near Hwy 101.

 

The city of Union City does not currently believe it will be able to pay the funds required to avoid elimination of its redevelopment agency. Elimination will kill the “Station District Plan” to create a transit-oriented development near BART and multiple rail lines, with planned housing, office, commercial development and pedestrian and roadway connections on formerly contaminated industrial land. This project has been in the planning and implementation process for several decades, and the agency has spent tens of millions of dollars. The Station District Project will remain unfinished if the agency is dissolved.

 

The cities of Brentwood, Oakland, Modesto, West Sacramento, and Guadalupe also filed declarations in support of the lawsuit.

 

The Petitioners’ counsel are Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk & Rabkin, located in San Francisco. The petition was filed directly in the state’s highest court because expedited resolution is needed. Under the terms of AB 1X 27, cities with redevelopment agencies intending to make the “ransom” payment must notify the state by October 1. The petition asks the Supreme Court to make an initial ruling on the request for stay by Aug. 15. 

 

For a full copy of the press release please visit the Coalition’s website.

NASA TO ANNOUNCE LANDING SITE FOR NEW MARS ROVER

WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host a news

conference at 10 a.m. EDT, Friday, July 22 to announce the selected landing site for the agency's latest

Mars rover. NASA Television and the agency's website will provide live coverage of the event that

will be held at the museum's Moving Beyond Earth Gallery. In addition, the event will be carried live

on Ustream, with a live chat available, at http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl .

The news conference participants are:

-- John Grant, geologist, National Air and Space Museum, Washington

-- Michael Meyer, Mars Exploration Program lead scientist, NASA Headquarters, Washington

-- John Grotzinger, Mars Science Laboratory project scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena,

Calif.

-- Dawn Sumner, geologist, UC Davis, Calif.

-- Michael Watkins, Mars Science Laboratory project engineer, JPL

To participate, reporters must contact Isabel Lara at larai@si.edu by 1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT)

Thursday, July 21.

The Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity, will land on the surface of Mars in August 2012. Curiosity

is being assembled and readied for a November launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Curiosity is about twice as long and more than five times as heavy as any previous Mars rover.

The rover will study whether the landing region had environmental conditions favorable for supporting

microbial life and for preserving clues about whether life existed.

July 22 is Mars Day at the National Air and Space Museum. The annual event marks the July 20, 1976

landing of Viking 1, the first spacecraft to operate on Mars. The day will feature displays, family

activities and presentations by scientists from the museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, the

Museum of Natural History and NASA. Visitors will learn about the latest Mars research, missions and

see a life-size model of Curiosity.

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv .

For more information about the new rover, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/msl .

JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science

Laboratory mission for NASA.

Altadena Sheriff's Station - Community Day in the Park

This event is designed to show law enforcement’s appreciation to the citizens of Altadena. Our mission is to build strong, positive relationships with the community we serve. This event will allow the citizens of Altadena an opportunity to come together, interact and bond. This will be a festive family atmosphere filled with food, fun, and safety information. Please come celebrate with us as we continue to grow as a community.

Location: Charles White Park
77 Mountain View St.
Altadena, CA 91001

Date: Saturday, August 6, 2011 

2011 National Night Out in Altadena

Join the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, the Altadena Sheriff’s Support Group and all the Neighborhood Watch Groups for a Community Potluck and Barbecue.

Learn about Neigborhood Watch Programs, CERT training and other safety tips to help keep the Altadena Community Safe.

For further information, contact Deputies Greg Gabriel, LaMark Williams or Sgt. Mike Randenberg at (626) 296-2134

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

Deputies seek robbers who met with Chihuahua Counterattack

Two suspects, one armed with a rifle, got an unexpected canine counterattack on July 7th, when they entered an Altadena smoke shop to rob it at 7:30PM.

The men entered Ace Smoke Shop on North Lake Avenue, with Suspect #2 pointing a rifle at the victim. Both suspects repeatedly ordered the victim to give them his money, telling him to put it into a backpack that Suspect #1 placed on the front counter.

Fearing for his life, the victim gave the suspects his cash, placing it in their backpack.

During the robbery, the victim’s pet Chihuahua attacked the suspects by barking and jumping on them. The dog appeared to create such a nervous distraction to the suspects that Suspect #2 even pointed his rifle at the dog. The suspects hurriedly fled the location on foot, last seen running southbound on Maiden Lane from Mariposa Street, with the victim’s money in their backpack and the dog chasing after them.

The robbery victim and the dog were not injured.

Surveillance footage of the robbery is available for viewing on the LASD youtube below. Please advise the Sheriff’s Department if you think you may know one or both of the suspects:
http://www.youtube.com/LACountySheriff

Suspect #1: MH/18-25 years, 5’06”-5’10”/150-180 pounds; wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt; white shorts; black shoes; and a red bandana; carrying a black/gray backpack

Suspect #2: MH/18-25 years, 5’06”-5’10”/150-180 pounds, wearing a black jacket with yellow trim, dark shirt, dark pants, and a black ski mask, armed with a rifle

Weapon: Rifle, dark in color, unknown make/model

Detectives at Altadena Sheriff’s Station are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Detective Binder at 626-296-2114 or 626-798-1131. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.


To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/ 

Supreme Court asked to invalidate actions by Gov. Jerry Brown

A group representing Los Angeles and other cities asked the state Supreme Court on Monday to invalidate action by Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature that will dissolve redevelopment agencies in California unless they pay the state $1.7 billion.


Full Story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/cities-ask-state-supreme-court-to-block-raid-on-redevelopment-money.html

Carmageddon a success

The success of "Carmageddon" has given way to a political and lifestyle question: If L.A. residents can cut their driving for one weekend, why can't they drive less the rest of the time?

The closure of the 405 Freeway over the Sepulveda Pass came with the threat of epic gridlock -- but the exact opposite happened. Streets and freeways were clear. Caltrans statistics show there were significantly fewer cars on some freeways and significantly less traffic, even in areas far from the 405.

Full Story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/carmageddon-success-has-some-hoping-la-will-ditch-cars-more-often.html

SUPERSCOOPER FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT LEASE CONTRACT APPROVED FOR DUTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – To prepare for the 2011 fire season, County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors authorized a contract to lease two CL-415 SuperScoopers fire-fighting aircraft from the Government of Quebec for use by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“To ensure our County Fire Department has the tools they need to be fully prepared for fire season, these vital aircraft have been requested to supplement the Department’s water-dropping helicopters and other fire-suppression machinery,” said Antonovich. 

SuperScoopers are a fixed-wing aircraft that can carry up to 1,620 gallons of water and takes only 12 seconds to scoop water from a lake and inject it with fire-resistant foam – a combination up to 3 times more effective than water alone.  They can be airborne in as little as five minutes and fly three hours before refueling.

The SuperScoopers are expected to arrive on Monday, September 1, 2011, and will be placed into service through November 31, 2011.

Amazon is battling the online tax in several states

Reporting from New York— 

Amazon.com Inc. has insisted that California's new law requiring it to collect sales taxes from customers in the state would hurt the company's ability to compete in the nation's biggest retail market.

Nevertheless, in New York, the company and other out-of-state, Internet-only retailers have paid $250 million in sales taxes over three years, thanks to a similar law that state adopted in 2008.



Full Story http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-amazon-taxes-20110719,0,5661341.story

Homeowners pay new fee to live near fire zones

Fire season may seem distant on a day like today, but California is already planning for it. The Los Angeles Times reports that Gov. Jerry Brown and the state legislature re now requiring “rural homeowners who rely on state firefighters to pay a $150 annual fee for fire-prevention services.” 


Full Story http://www.scpr.org/blogs/environment/2011/07/19/morning-greens-homeowners-pay-new-fee-live-near-fi/

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL BOGAARD ON REDEVELOPMENT BILLS PASSED BY CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE

On behalf of the Pasadena City Council and the entire community, I want to extend gratitude to Assemblyman Anthony Portantino for his opposition to two California Assembly bills and his support for redevelopment.  

Last week, despite his opposition, the California Legislature, as part of their budget package, passed the two bills – ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 – that seek to extract $1.7 billion from redevelopment agencies this year and $400 million next year and ongoing into the future. 

ABX1 26, as adopted, eliminates redevelopment agencies effective Oct. 1, 2011; ABX1 27 exempts any redevelopment agency from elimination if it makes specified payments to the state.

At this time we do not know the exact payment amounts. Legislation of this type directly underminesPasadena’s financial ability to move forward with many of our planned projects such as the rehabilitation of the YWCA building, renovations to the Villa-Parke Community Center gymnasium and improvements to Central Park in Old Pasadena.

This legislation also jeopardizes many jobs throughout our community and eliminates millions of dollars in revenue that otherwise could be used to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities for Pasadena residents who need them most.

We will continue to analyze the two bills and formulate a strategic response to the legislative action that will keep Pasadena’s tax dollars in Pasadena.

Nonetheless, we believe, along with many legal experts throughout the state, that the bills violate the following provisions of the California Constitution:

·         Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits city or county property tax from being used for schools.

·         Article XIIIA, Section 1, which prohibits the transfer of property tax to transit districts.

·         Article XIII, Section 24, which prohibits the legislature from restricting the use of taxes imposed by local governments for their local purposes.

·         Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits indirect allocation of tax increment to schools, transit districts and fire protection districts.

·         Article XVI, Section 6, which prohibits the transfer of city or county revenues to schools,  transit districts and fire protection districts, which are unlawful gifts of public funds.

·         Article XIIIB, which prohibits the use of property tax to fund state mandates.

·         Article XVI, Section 16, which requires all tax increment to be used to repay indebtedness incurred by redevelopment agencies to carry out redevelopment projects.

·         Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits city and county property tax from being transferred to special districts without a 2/3 vote.

Overall, we stand with the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Associationand their members in the belief that ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 are bills that would eliminate the only local tool available to create jobs, eliminate blight and fund affordable housing.

PASADENA POPS TO LIGHT UP SKY IN CELEBRATION OF CITY’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

The Pasadena POPS, founded in 1928 as the Pasadena Civic Orchestra and initially funded by the city of Pasadena, will celebrate Pasadena's 125th anniversary with a special concert of patriotic music and fireworks Saturday, June 18, at the lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium. 

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets range from $25 to $90. Children 14 and under are $10. Seating options range from round tables with chairs to lawn seating for those who want to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Concert goers may bring their own picnics and beverages or pre-order from four restaurants. Parking is free at the site.

The Fireworks POPS Spectacular will be led by guest conductor Michael Krajewski, principal Pops conductor for the Houston, Atlanta and Jacksonville symphony orchestras.

The concert will feature a multimedia screening that commemorates the beauty of Pasadena and its fascinating history. 

The evening will end with a dazzling display of fireworks set to music. Programming will include “1812 Overture,”  “America the Beautiful,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rockin’ with the Beach Boys.”

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or call (626) 793-7172.

For more information about all of Pasadena’s 125^th anniversary celebrations, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/125 or call (626) 744-4755.

Former Schiff Intern Captures Big Win on Jeopardy!

Wednesday June 01, 2011

Washington, DC– Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29) is proud to acknowledge the accomplishment of former intern Tom Brown, on his big Jeopardy win. Brown served as an intern in the Congressman's Washington, DC office in the summer of 2006. While simultaneously juggling an internship and coursework at Princeton University, Brown demonstrated a strong work ethic and intellect that served him well in preparing for his big win in Jeopardy.

“It is wonderful to see our interns move on to succeed in life as impassioned educators, entrepreneurs, businessmen, policy makers, or in Tom Brown’s case, a Jeopardy winner!” exclaimed Schiff. “Witnessing the successes of members of our team reminds me of how fortunate I am to be working with such unique and talented individuals. This is a great achievement for Tom, and I hope he continues to thrive in all of his future endeavors.”

Brown currently works as a special assistant to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Schiff Condemns Murder of Pakistani Journalist

Wednesday June 01, 2011

Washington, DC –Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29) released the following statement after reports that Asia Times Online’s Pakistan bureau chief Syed Saleem Shahzad was found tortured and slain yesterday near the town of Mandi Bahauddin, about 75 miles southeast of Islamabad:

“I am deeply distressed and saddened by the news that Asia Times Online’s Pakistan bureau chief Syed Saleem Shahzad was found tortured and slain yesterday about 75 miles southeast of Islamabad.

“For months Shahzad had expressed to colleagues that he feared for his life, as he had been warned by intelligence agents to stop writing about sensitive matters.

“The 40-year-old went missing on Sunday, two days after he published an article claiming Al Qaeda had infiltrated the Pakistani navy and asserting that the May 22 siege on a naval base in Karachi, which resulted in the death of 10 security personnel, was carried out by militants in retaliation after the military refused to release a group of naval officials suspected of having militant ties.

“Reporting is a dangerous business, especially for journalists reporting on militant groups in Pakistan, the intelligence community and potential links between the two. My thoughts and prayers are with Shahzad's family and friends in their time of loss and sorrow, and I strongly condemn this brave journalist’s death.

“Tragically, Shahzad’s death is just the latest in a long series of beatings and murders of journalists in Pakistan, which the Committee to Protect Journalists listed as the world's most dangerous country for reporters in 2010. Last year alone, eight journalists were killed in the country, and Shahzad was the third reporter to be slain in Pakistan this year.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan’s constitution, in addition to other legislation, such as the Official Secrets Act, authorizes the government to stem freedom of speech on a myriad of issues, from the constitution itself, to the armed forces, the judiciary, and religion.

“These principles violate international law, which clearly guarantees freedom of expression and the right to a free press. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press, I urge the Pakistani government to undertake all efforts to ensure the safety of journalists within its borders, in addition to a full, independent and transparent investigation into the death of Shahzad.

“Governments throughout the region and elsewhere in the world must protect journalists and allow them to do their work without having to fear being harassed or detained, or worse.

“A free and open media is an essential guarantor of human rights. The censorship, intimidation, imprisonment, and murder of journalists violate not only their personal liberty, but also the rights of those who are denied access to these ideas and information.

“The Pakistani government must make every effort to bring Shahzad’s killer to justice, as the failure to prosecute individuals who have carried out crimes against journalists contributes to that nation’s climate of intolerance and impunity.”

Metro announces June changes affecting Altadena routes

From the AltadenaBlog

Via LAist, Metro has announced some route changes and cuts that will affect bus transit in Altadena:

180 Hollywood-Glendale-Pasadena via Los Feliz Bl & Colorado Bl

New late night shuttle service on Lake Av between Colorado Bl and Altadena Dr, providing connections with Metro Gold Line Lake Station. Shuttle will operate daily.

485 Altadena-Downtown LA via Lake Av. & El Monte Busway

Operate Line 485 from Altadena Dr & Lake Av to Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) between the hours of 6am and 9pm with a frequency of 40 minutes at peak hours and 60 minutes off-peak, weekdays only. Discontinue Saturday and Sunday service. Late night weekday service on Lake Av provided by new Line 180 shuttle.

More details on routes and schedules are at www.metro.net.

SASI Innovation Grants to Enable Pasadena City College to Achieve Set Goals

The Pasadena City College Board of Trustees recently provided Student Access and Success Initiative (SASI) innovation grants to select faculty and staff. The grants will provide a structure and process for individuals, cross-­disciplinary groups, and campus departments or divisions to develop and implement new and innovative educational projects that will help the college achieve the Project 90 goals set forth in the Educational Master Plan (EMP).

            Monika Hogan, PCC English Division associate professor, was awarded $10,000 to support the creation of a guest speaker series, campus-wide First Year Experience (FYE) task force, and the “One Book, One Campus” program.

            “The FYE speaker series and the “One Book, One Campus” initiative will contribute to and inform our ongoing conversations about who our students are and how we can best serve them, as well as what kind of campus we want to be,” Hogan said. “The FYE Task Force and “One Campus, One Book” committees will serve in a crucial advisory role as we begin to offer the FYE course for pathways students.”

            Russell Di Fiori, PCC Natural Sciences Division instructor, was awarded $48,000 to develop interdisciplinary, contextualized learning modules that will enhance the mastery of course content and attract more students to successful completion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees.

            “In each module, student teams from more than one discipline will work together to solve a real scientific problem linked to a professional environment,” Di Fiori said. “The contextual learning projects will be employed at both the general education and major level so that students recruited into the STEM majors will have higher success rates in subsequent courses.”

            Salomon Davila and Deborah Bird, PCC Engineering and Technology Division instructors, were awarded $100,000 to fund a model Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, a professional learning community for students with an interest in design careers. The pathway curriculum will apply contextualized basic skills in math and English. Using multidisciplinary design problem-solving, students will work in teams applying design technology, math, and English to develop solutions. Curricular development from pathway faculty will focus on success in certificate and transfer possibilities.
            Katie Rodriguez and Paul Jarrell, PCC Natural Sciences Division instructors, were awarded $100,000 to develop structured block programs with accelerated options for highly prepared “pre-health science” students. Students in these pathways will be guaranteed placement in courses and will receive supplemental instruction as needed. To increase access to advisement and resources, faculty within the Natural Sciences Division will develop an online portal for the pre-health sciences, and many courses will be prepared for online delivery. Faculty will work with PCC Distance Education to be trained in online teaching and learning before delivering courses online.
            Lastly, Leslie Tirapelle, interim director of PCC Distance Education, was awarded $93,500 to purchase and to train in Lecture Capture technology for online, hybrid, and on-campus courses.

            “Echo360 Lecture Capture combines the instruction, visuals, video, and instructor into a seamless environment that can be viewed any time, anywhere by students,” Tirapelle explained. “Learning outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction are improved when students can access and review lectures and course content as needed. The ability to easily capture high-quality instructional media increases distance learning opportunities and expands access to impacted courses and reducing strain on facilities.”
            For more information, please contact Robert B. Miller, interim dean of Educational Services, at (626) 585-7171.

CLAREMONT OFFICIAL APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PASADENA HUMAN SERVICES AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Pasadena City Manager Michael J. Beck has announced the appointment of Mercy Santoro as director of the Human Services and Recreation Department effective June 1.

The department develops neighborhood leadership and linkages and promotes positive use of recreation and leisure time. Social services, recreation and education activities are delivered at several community centers and parks in Pasadena as well as 14 Pasadena Unified School District sites. 

Over the past two years Santoro has directed the Human Services Department in Claremont, including social services, human relations, recreation classes, adult and youth sports programs, and parks and facilities management.

“Mercy Santoro has all the qualifications and capabilities needed for Pasadena ’s next director of human services and recreation,” said Beck.  "I am confident she will continue the traditions of leadership, management and community partnerships that have been the hallmarks of the department.”

During her tenure in Claremont, Santoro oversaw the update to the city’s Youth and Family Master Plan, developed a phased approach to the 17-acre Padua Avenue Community Park with Claremont’s first sustainable park design, carried out a needs assessment to direct services and programs communitywide, developed the process for restoration of the 144-acre Sycamore Canyon Park, helped secure more than $4.5 million in grant funding to acquire 150 acres of open space, coordinated the city’s homeless funds and resources with local agencies, developed the Healthy Community Policy adopted by the Claremont City Council this year and initiated various branding efforts to convey wellness benefits of services through city programs and the park system.

“I am honored by the opportunity to join the Pasadena team and look forward to meeting and working with the community and staff in addressing the quality of life needs of our great city,” said Santoro.  “I plan to be present in community life so I can connect with partners to ensure our goals for community well-being remain a top priority.”

Santoro served as deputy director of the Claremont Human Services Department from 2006 to 2009, was a superintendent and supervisor in the department from 2000 to 2006 and was recreation supervisor and coordinator for the Rialto Recreation and Community Services Department from 1995 to 2000. She taught developmental psychology at theUniversity of La Verne as adjunct faculty from 2005 to 2007.

She holds a Master’s Degree in child development from the University of La Verne and a Bachelor’s Degree in English literature from California State University-San Bernardino.

She is Claremont ’s liaison to the San Gabriel Valley Housing and Homeless Coordinating Council, is a member of theCalifornia Parks and Recreation Society, completed studies in human services leadership from Pacific Oaks College and certification in recreation risk management from the Joint Powers Insurance Authority.  In 2009 she earned the city ofClaremont the honor of receiving the League of California Cities prestigious Helen Putnam Award for a shuttle service that connects underserved teens to youth programs throughout Claremont .

The mother of one daughter, Santoro lives in Claremont .

PCC Architecture Student Places Second at Prestigious “2x8” Exhibition

 Gabriella Colmenares, Pasadena City College architecture student, placed second at this past weekend’s “2x8,” an annual exhibition sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that showcases exemplary student work from architecture and design institutions throughout California.

The AIA jurors selected Colmenares’ project, “Places of Performance Los Angeles Grand Central Market,” from 22 entries by Los Angeles-area undergraduate and graduate architecture students. Competing programs included Woodbury, SCI-Arc, USC, UCLA, Art Center, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal Poly Pomona. The “2x8” exhibition was held at the A&D Museum in Los Angeles.

            “The students’ design work is judged by a noteworthy panel of architects and designers,” said Coleman Griffith, PCC Architecture Department coordinator. “This year’s esteemed jury included Zoltan Pali, Michael Folonis, and Sam Lubell.”

            Former PCC student Cody Glen won first place at last year’s “2x8” event. During the 2009 competition, PCC student Erick Rodriguez won second place overall.  The 2x8 exhibitions have raised close to $100,000 in scholarship funds to support California design students.

            For more information, please contact Griffith at (626) 585-7370.

PCC Community Business Center to Hold Passport Mixer on May 19

The Pasadena City College Community Business Center (3035 E. Foothill Blvd.), which began offering passport services this past April, will be holding a festive mixer on May 19 at noon to celebrate the new service.

            The event will include music, food, drinks, goodie bags, and of course, passport and travel information. The Los Angeles Passport Agency, United States Postal Service, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and PCC Police and Safety Services will be present. Additionally, Walgreens will be offering passport photos at a discounted price. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will be performing a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

            PCC students, faculty, staff, as well as the general public, are invited to attend the festivities. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about passport applications, renewal applications, and other passport-related processes. All regular passport application fees apply.

            In addition to passport services, the CBC also offers Live Scan fingerprinting, ink fingerprinting, notary, child identification cards, and mobile services. No appointments are necessary.

            For more information, please contact Tunisia Bailey, supervisor of the Community Business Center, at (626) 585-3210.