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New Gold Line Website and Chairman


The Gold Line Extension folks have launched "a one-stop shop of information about the program of projects underway at the Construction Authority,” according Habib F. Balian, CEO of the Construction Authority. Here is the main page: http://www.foothillextension.org/

Here is the detail page about Phase 2A, which includes Monrovia. The design has parrots on it, which - come to think of it - is pretty relevant, even if they are kinda noisy: http://goo.gl/66PwF

Also, while the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors didn't select a Monrovian as its new chairman of the board, I guess as long as the chairman is from some point to the east of Monrovia (It's Glendora Mayor Pro Tem Doug Tessitor ), that person will be anxious to move the project along. http://goo.gl/j4ruV

- Brad Haugaard

Shopping Monrovia / City Wins Suit / Hoop Shoot / Santa Blast-Off

~ Charlotte Schamadan has a shopping adventure in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/pZa9K
 
~ City wins lawsuit by former deputy fire marshal. http://goo.gl/xUe2l
 
~ Kids can compete for awards in the Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Competition at the Mary Wilcox Center this Saturday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. http://goo.gl/MufaO


~ Santa Blasts-Off. Great home decoration. http://goo.gl/Gsmeg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Finances Improving

At its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will hear a mid year review by Mark Alvarado, Director of Finance, on the City's financial condition, which - in a word - is "better."

"Overall, our revenue projections (estimated in the Spring) for 2010-11 showed increases in both sales and property taxes. This was the first time we projected positive growth in three years. At this time, we are still anticipating positive growth."

However, this is not the end of pain, and because of shortfalls in the last couple of years city staff is recommending, among other things, "a 2% decrease to each department’s operating budget."

More details here: http://goo.gl/Rt7P2

- Brad Haugaard

Decorating Winners / Serve in Government / Vending Trucks

Home Decorating Contest
At its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will reveal the winners of the 2010 Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Categories are: Best Decorated Indoor Tree, Most Effective Use of Lighting a House, Best Outdoor Display, Neighborhood Award, Children’s Choice Award, Toyland Award, Snowman Award, Best Still Display, Holiday Spirit Award, Best Window Display, Best Decorated Outdoor Tree, Judges Award and the Tim McKeehan Best of the Holiday Season.

 
Open Slots in Government
If you are interested in serving in the Monrovia City Government, you may be interested to know that there are 11 anticipated open positions on the following boards and commissions: Planning Commission (3), Community Services Commission (2), Historic Preservation Commission (2), Library Board (2), and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) (2).

 
Rules for Vending Trucks
At its Tuesday meeting the City Council will consider a first reading of an amendment to the Monrovia Municipal Code regarding regulations for mobile vendors.

"The most significant changes are that mobile vendors will not be allowed in residential areas, Old Town, or within the same block. Ice cream, frozen dessert, and candy vendors will be allowed to vend all year round and not just from June through September, will not be allowed in Old Town or on the same block. Mobile food and ice cream vendors and on-motorized vendors will be allowed with a special event permit for block parties, street fairs and similar events."

Source: http://goo.gl/Rt7P2

- Brad Haugaard

Police Report: Knife Robbery, Drug Arrest, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 9-15. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 490 service events, resulting in 104 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
 
 
Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 7:50 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Lime regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim reported his vehicle had been broken into during the night and his GPS was taken.  The suspect broke the front passenger window to gain entry.  Investigation continuing.
 
Commercial Burglary     
December 9 at 9:47 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 800 block of South Myrtle regarding a burglary.  The victim reported his locked trailer had been broken into during the night.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vandalism
December 9 at 11:51 a.m., an officer went to Myrtle and Atara regarding two city signs having been tagged with graffiti.  A stop sign and a neighborhood watch sign had graffiti written on them with a black marker.  Investigation continuing.
 
Residential Burglary
December 9 at 4:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of North Alta Vista.  The resident had returned and saw someone had broken into the home.  She did not enter the house and called the police.  Officers arrived and made entry, but no suspects were located.  A rear window that is not visible from the street was pried open.  Investigation continuing.
 
Robbery
December 10 at 9:50 a.m., a victim called on his cell phone to report he was robbed at knife point.  He described the suspect as an adult male, mid-20's, with dark curly hair and a blue shirt with a hood.  He was not hurt, but he was confused as to his exact location.  The suspect walked up behind him, threatened him with a knife and took his wallet.  The dispatcher was able to establish the victim's location.  Officers arrived and conducted an area search with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support helicopter, but did not locate the suspect.  However, based on the suspect's description, officers thought they possibly knew the suspect from previous contact.  An officer put together a photo line-up and the victim positively identified the suspect.  A wanted person was entered into the computer system for the suspect.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vandalism / Throwing an Object at a Moving Vehicle / Nighttime Curfew - Suspects Arrested
December 10 at 10:13 p.m., a subject was traveling east on Huntington, approaching Primrose, when he saw five male juveniles standing in front of a fast food restaurant.  As the victim drove by, he saw one of the juveniles throw an object at his vehicle, which shattered the rear window.  The juveniles ran into the restaurant, where they were detained by officers.  The juvenile who threw the object was identified and arrested.  The other four juveniles were brought to the station and cited for curfew violation.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 2:04 a.m., a subject was riding passenger in a vehicle when he saw an officer in a parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill.  The passenger exited the vehicle and approached the officer.  He reported to the officer that the driver was drunk and refused to let him drive.  He cautioned the officer that the driver had said he had a firearm in the vehicle.  The driver was stopped, and determined to be under the influence.  During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unloaded firearm under the rear seat and two loaded magazines in the glove box.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 3:43 a.m., officers observed a driver northbound on Myrtle from Huntington, driving at a high rate of speed.  Officers stopped the driver and during the investigation, determined the driver was under the influence.  He was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Drug Activity
December 12 at 1:59 a.m., officers responded to the area of Central and Magnolia regarding possible shots heard.  When they arrived in the area, they saw a group of three male subjects.  As they approached, one of the subjects threw an object on the ground, which turned out to be a toy replica of a firearm.  The officers detained the subject who threw the item and discovered he was in possession of methamphetamine.  The subject detained was arrested, and the other two subjects were identified and released.  The shot heard turned out to be a tire blowout on the freeway.
 
Dog Bite
December 13 at 2:45 p.m., a six month old female was taken from the arms of her mother by a 3 year old Great Dane.  The mother and baby both sustained bite injuries. The infant was transported via helicopter to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. The baby is in stable condition in the neonatal unit.  The investigation is continuing.
 
Attempt Vehicle Burglary
December 14 at 3:01 a.m., an officer saw a male and female walking in the area of Grand and Aspen.  As the officer approached, the female threw something on the ground and quickly walked away from it.  The object was found to be methamphetamine.  The female subject was arrested.

Monrovia's Nick Bueno is MVP / Elves

~ Monrovia wins player awards for Rio Hondo League, including Nick Bueno as MVP. http://goo.gl/xXSJ4
 
~ A picture of some Target store "elves," who helped at the Unity Center. http://goo.gl/Z5Pkj
 
- Brad Haugaard

Dog to Die / Boy's Basketball Loses to Damien

~ Great Dane who attacked infant to die. http://goo.gl/htAVi
 
~ Monrovia boys basketball team loses to Damien High, 63-49. goo.gl/GlAvz
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baby Seems to be Getting Better

Increasingly it is sounding as if the Monrovia infant mauled by a Great Dane is doing better. http://goo.gl/3FzFm
 
Also, interestingly, the story is receiving very wide attention. Here is the article in the Washington Post, in the U.S. Capitol. http://goo.gl/gdxqD
 
- Brad Haugaard

Samson: Merry Christmas!


Someone has made sure that the Samson the Bear statue in Monrovia Canyon Park is in the Christmas spirit.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Runs Across Country / Baby Better / Sing Along / Carolers

~ Monrovia man completes trans-continental run. http://goo.gl/GQyY2
 
~ Monrovia infant recovering from Great Dane attack. http://goo.gl/5AdHW
 
~ Sing-along 6:30 tonight at fountain. Traditional music, hot cider and Santa. http://goo.gl/QFhHL
 
~ Picture of Monrovia carolers. http://goo.gl/2AKJh
 
- Brad Haugaard

Baby's Condition Serious / Congrats to Inventor Students

Dog Attack Update ~ Infant attacked by Great Dane in stable but guarded condition. http://goo.gl/bxE4H and http://goo.gl/scozY
 
Invention Challenge ~ Congratulations to Monrovia High students Carolina Ruiz, Corrine Marino, Michell Aranda and Evelyn Mejia for placing 7th out of 56 teams in the finals of the 2010 JPL Invention challenge. http://goo.gl/1IlZ6
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Infant Bitten


Here's a picture of the new MonroviaOpoly game, While supplies last you can get one for $25 at the Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Bookstore, and select stores.

Infant Bitten ~ Monrovia infant bitten by Great Dane. http://goo.gl/i3Dud

- Brad Haugaard

Local Train History / Robots

History ~ Before the Gold Line was the Red Line: http://sgvrememberswhen.org/

Robotics ~ Monrovia did pretty well in robotics competition: http://goo.gl/u5FlB

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Tree and Candle Safety

A few Christmas safety tips from the Monrovia Fire Department (more here: http://goo.gl/zWmeg):
 
Christmas Trees
 
U.S. fire departments annually respond to roughly 260 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. One third of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in five resulted from a heat source that's too close to the tree.
 
* If you have an artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
 
* If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
 
* Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
 
* Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
 
* Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
 
* Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of LED strands to connect.
 
* Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
 
* After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
 
* Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
 
 
Candles
 
December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the five top days for associated fires. NFPA statistics show that more than half of all candle fires start when placing them too close to things that can burn. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles:
 
* Keep them at least 12" away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
 
* Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces.
 
* Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep.
 
* Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Green January

The Monrovia City Council decided December 7 that January will be dedicated to reducing the City of Monrovia's carbon footprint, and the folks at City Hall would like us all to join in. Each week will feature a new theme:
 
- January 3-9 will focus on recycling: learning more about how to recycle year round, cleaning out closets and garages, and making way for new holiday gifts.
 
- January 10-16 will focus on reusing: the City is encouraging residents to host yard sales throughout the City with free yard sale permits which, for the first time, will be made available online. Those who apply will have their yard sale marketed on the City website for others to attend.
 
- January 17-23 will focus on donations, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will offer free at-home pickups for items residents want to donate. On Saturday, January 22, the Salvation Army will host donation bins in the Monrovia Park & Ride Lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for residents to drop off items in person and receive a tax receipt. Residents can even call and receive at-home pick ups for e-waste during this week.
 
- January 24-30, will focus on reducing. Athens Services will be offering free bulky item pickups. Residents only need to call and schedule the pickup.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/zWmeg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Game Pictures / Santa / Meteors / Painter / Inventors / Sports

Game Pix ~ Championship game video footage here http://bcove.me/oj5t4wsx and here http://goo.gl/4Bksm , and some great still pictures here: http://goo.gl/oABJP
 
Santa's Coming ~ Remember, Santa will be driving through town this week, starting tonight. Here's his schedule: http://goo.gl/iW0il
 
Meteor Shower ~ We should be able to see a nice meteor shower tonight. It is the high point in the Geminid shower. Starting around 11 p.m. See article for details. http://goo.gl/uK9e4


Artist ~ Monrovia artist Richard Scully on display. http://goo.gl/kdIel


Inventors ~ Monrovia High at Inventions Challenge. http://goo.gl/jHUFg
 
Soccer and basketball ~ Umm, MHS hasn't done quite so well as at football. http://goo.gl/D673B


- Brad Haugaard

Wildcats CHAMPS! Monrovia 38, Whittier Christian 8 :-)

Monrovia has won the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship - its first football championship ever.

In Q1 Whittier held the Wildcats scoreless, but then Monrovia broke out in Q2 to lead 14-0 by the end of the half.

The Cats opened Q3 with a long Bueno-to-Henderson touchdown followed shortly by a field goal, bringing it to 24-0. Then they did it again - Bueno to Henderson - score 31-0.

Then, just as I'm starting to feel sorry for the Heralds, they make a touchdown - 31-8.

But that was just a bump in the road. Early in Q4 Monrovia scores again - 38-8, the final goal of the game.

Star-News coverage ( http://goo.gl/PWuP8 ) and Patch story ( http://goo.gl/ZA3tx ).

- Brad Haugaard

Football / Runner / Good Students / Soccer

Tonight's Football Game ~ Comparing Monrovia to Whittier Christian.  An "uncanny resemblance" between the teams. http://goo.gl/bmklj
 
Help Runner and Unity ~ Foothill Unity Center volunteer David Overstreet is ranked 37th among tens of thousands of runners nationwide in the New Balance Movement Challenge. First Prize is a $25,000 donation to the charity of your choice. (In this case, Unity) You can give him ten points by signing up as his fan before Dec. 31. Visit movementchallenge.com, click Sign Up As a Fan, then Search Runners. Find David, click his name, then click Cheer for This Runner. http://goo.gl/MGcbH
 
Good Students ~ These Monrovia High students were recently honored for their outstanding academic achievement: Jose B. Diaz, Talia Favela, Adam Syzmkowski, Joseph Ling, Tressa Mikel, Kia Smith, Monica Hernandez, Jordan Cox, and Veronica Rivera.  Congratulations!
http://goo.gl/qkfMD
 
Boys Soccer ~ Monrovia 0;  La Salle 2 :-( http://goo.gl/hflUY
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Monrovia Win Predicted / Santa

Need a present for a Monrovia-phile. How about MonroviaOpoly. http://goo.gl/m2uf3
 
LA Times columnist predicts Monrovia football win. http://goo.gl/ERYL2
 
Reminder: Santa will be driving around town next week. Here are the dates. http://goo.gl/WkuWa
 
- Brad Haugaard

Chang's Thai Bistro


Kang Ka Ree (yellow curry chicken)

Chang's is a good lunch spot (614 South Myrtle in Monrovia). It has lunch specials. I like the curry (above) but my wife doesn't like coconut milk so she gets beef satay with peanut sauce. Both good.

Location: http://goo.gl/BS4D8

- Brad Haugaard