Area Courtrooms to Hear Two High-Profile Pasadena Cases on Monday

Two significant Pasadena court cases—one criminal and one civil—are scheduled to be in court on Monday, March 11.

Hearing for Woman Who Allegedly Broke House Windows With Pickaxe 

An 8:30 a.m. hearing is scheduled today for Pasadena resident Beverly Ann Baker, a 65-year-old woman charged with felony vandalism. Baker allegedly used a pickaxe to break the windows of a neighbor’s house on October 24, at a residence in the 1700 block of Asbury Drive. The incident, captured on surveillance video, shows Baker yelling threats and smashing several windows around the house.

The homeowner, Arman Tchoukadarian, reported that his mother-in-law was babysitting his 6-week-old daughter inside the home at the time of the attack. They were unharmed after the mother-in-law moved the baby to safety just before a window above the bassinet was shattered.

Baker was later arrested at her residence in the 1600 block of Casa Grande Street. Authorities reportedly suggested she Baker may have been experiencing a mental health crisis during the alleged attack. 

The attack caused approximately $20,000 in damage. According to media reports, the Tchoukadarian family filed a restraining order against Baker.

The hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department D, Pasadena Courthouse, 300 E. Walnut St.

Personnel Records Inspection in Officer Sam De Sylva’s Lawsuit

At 10 a.m., an in-chambers personnel records inspection is scheduled in the lawsuit filed by Pasadena Police Lieutenant Sam De Sylva against the City of Pasadena. De Sylva, a Sri Lankan native, alleges he was subjected to retaliation after complaining about racist remarks made by a lieutenant, who also physically assaulted him, resulting in knee surgery.

De Sylva’s lawsuit details further allegations of harassment and contends that the Pasadena Police Department has a history of racial discrimination and harassment against non-white employees. 

The lawsuit also accuses a fellow officer of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and battery, claiming the accused officer was a member of the “Good Ole Boys,” an alleged gang of high-ranking white officers within the department.

Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris has stated that the Department’s Internal Affairs Section is investigating the claims, but there have been no reports or indications of “gangs” within the Pasadena Police Department during his tenure. Councilmember Tyron Hampton has called for an independent investigation into the allegations.

This action is set for 10 a.m. in Department 49 of the County Courthouse at 111 N. Hill St. in Los Angeles.