~ A group opposed to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Duarte ( http://goo.gl/ZM4sj ) asked "pro-lifers to come out and defend life" at a meeting in Monrovia of the Foothill Community Democrats ( http://goo.gl/QX4qV ), featuring a Planned Parenthood speaker.
~ The Monrovia Library has a number of language learning tools you may not know about. http://goo.gl/Berj9 ~ A property owner who might be affected by the construction of a Gold Line maintenance facility is suing Monrovia. http://goo.gl/eHR9O and http://goo.gl/xR539 - Brad Haugaard
Dick Heimbold's Paintings at Monrovia's Selig Fine Art
Buster's, by Dick Heimbold, 24x18 oil
Selig Fine Arts is holding a Meet the Artist reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres to kick off a solo show of paintings by Dick Heimbold, whose "work utilizes the narcotic effect of brilliant color to connect the viewer with the character of the subject or place in his work." The event will be held Saturday, April 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Segil Fine Art, 110 W. Lime Ave., in Old Town Monrovia.
- Brad Haugaard
New Old-Town Monrovia One-Mile Walking Route
A set of mileage posts marking a new old town walking route has been installed along Myrtle Avenue.
This latest walking route is an idea that was brought to the City by resident Chris Shevlin. Mr. Shevlin, a Monrovia Kiwanis Club member, asked the group to fully sponsor this project—which they agreed to do. This route aims to help Monrovians become more active; while encouraging an increase of foot traffic throughout Monrovia’s historic old town district.
The old town walking route is one mile in length, starting at Foothill Boulevard, traveling south on Myrtle Avenue for approximately a half-mile to the Old Town Arch at Walnut Avenue, then returning to the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The walk takes participants past the Community Center, Library Park and through the heart of Old Town’s shopping, dining and entertainment district.
This route is the second of its kind within the old town district. The first, the “Fountain to the Falls” route, was installed late last year by Eagle Scout candidate Jeffrey Ramos. The “Fountain to the Falls” route starts at Old Town’s Library Park fountain and travels north to the waterfall in Canyon Park. A 7-Mile Run/Walk event, which will follow this route, is planned for Saturday, May 14 as part of the City’s 125th birthday celebration.
For more information on this route call (626) 303-6600.
More: http://goo.gl/EVaBi
- Brad Haugaard (from Dan Bell, City of Monrovia)
Fake City Worker Steals Cash, Burglary, Assault, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March. 17-23. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 510 service events, resulting in 91 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
Crime Notification - Imposter - City Water Department Worker
On March 14 at approximately 10:30 a.m., an elderly female resident in the 600 block of West Maple answered a knock at her door. A 35 to 45 year old Hispanic male wearing white pants and a white shirt identified himself as a "water department employee." This suspect was wearing an identification badge on a lanyard around his neck. He told the resident he needed to check her water because the water in the area was contaminated. The resident allowed the suspect inside her home. He checked the water in her kitchen faucet and then told the resident to check her bathroom faucet. When the resident left to check the bathroom faucet, the suspect removed cash and a checkbook from the resident's purse. The suspect left and the resident discovered the crime. Investigation continuing.
Formative Years Project
The Monrovia Police Department's classes for the Formative Years Project are scheduled to begin May 5, 2011. The Formative Years Project is a program aimed at parents and their children, grades 1st through 3rd, which introduces important life values and skills to children at an early age. Providing this training when children are young begins the process of building healthy and safe practices that can set the stage for a lifetime of success and healthy living. Please see the flyer attached at the end of this report for more information on how to register for classes.
Burglary
March 17 at 7:40 a.m., officers responded to the report of a break-in at a camp building in the 1100 block of North Canyon. The officer determined the suspect used a cylindrical piece of concrete to break the southwest window to gain entry and took a portable DVD player, 10 portable radios, and a backpack with a medical kit. The building was unoccupied at the time. Investigation continuing.
Brandishing a Knife - Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 4:36 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding a disturbance between two boys. On arrival, the officer detained the two subjects, one is 18 years old. Apparently, an argument began between the two boys and the 18 year old produced a knife and brandished it. He was arrested and later released on a citation.
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to Evergreen and Myrtle regarding a male subject that had been seen writing graffiti on the wall of the freeway. Officers responded and detained the subject. The graffiti was not gang related. The suspect was arrested for vandalism. The Monrovia Police Department's $100 Graffiti Bounty was given to the reporting party of this incident.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 12:38 a.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue regarding a disturbance between a male subject and female subject that were yelling at each other. When the officers arrived, the male subject was gone and the female was in her hotel room. A small plastic bag of methamphetamine was found on the ground next to the female, along with a used glass smoking pipe, which was found under her duffle bag next to her. The female was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 3:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Huntington when he observed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed stolen and officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested the driver. The driver claimed he just bought the vehicle, but Los Angeles Sheriff's TRAP detectives reported the vehicle had been stolen from a dealership. Investigation continuing.
Dog Incident
March 21 at 3:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Hurstview regarding a woman being attacked by a dog. The officer was able to scare the dog away and the female was able to leave the property without injury. The dog's owner was cited.
Residential Burglary
March 21 at 7:44 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of El Nido regarding a burglary alarm. When officers arrived, they discovered that someone had forced entry into the residence by removing a bathroom window screen and breaking the window. The resident was notified by the alarm company, and he reported that he had left the residence moments before the alarm activation. A witness was located who stated a newer, white Toyota Camry was seen leaving the location after the alarm activated. Investigation continuing.
Commercial Robbery
March 22 at 9:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of West Huntington regarding a robbery. A white female suspect walked into the business and approached the counter brandishing a large kitchen knife. She stated that this was a robbery and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk behind the counter stepped back and told a customer to call police because they were being robbed. The suspect calmly turned and walked out of the business, down the street and out of sight. An area search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. It was later learned that two similar robberies occurred in the City of San Dimas. Video surveillance was captured of the incident in Monrovia. The investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Weinerschnitzel
Monrovia Spring Classes and Events
The Monrovia Department of Community Services has a whole catalog of Spring events and classes planned - including, uh, Zumba?
Click here for catalog: http://goo.gl/yAqAv
Click here for registration form: http://goo.gl/dKV9R - Brad HaugaardGold Line Lawsuit / Women Who Rock / Monrovia High Students Honored
~ Property owner sues Monrovia over planned sale of land for Gold Line yard. http://goo.gl/xR539
~ On March 29th at 6:30 p.m., the Monrovia Public Library will present Women who Rock, featuring five women artists. For information, call the Youth Services Reference Desk at (626) 256-8256. http://goo.gl/6s8Wy
~ Rotary Club honors Monrovia High students for ethics essays. http://goo.gl/jCf6F
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Church Raises Money for Japan
After another offering on Sunday, Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church has raised $2,475 for for disaster relief in Japan. The money will go through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund to provide food, blankets, radios, batteries, sanitation kits, clean water and fuel. http://goo.gl/Yxb1P
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Birthday Schedule
Here is a schedule of Monrovia Day activities for Monrovia's big 125th birthday.
- Brad Haugaard
Mayor Lutz: There's Only One Mayor in Monrovia
At tonight's special City Council meeting (March 22), Mayor Mary Ann Lutz responded to Councilman Tom Adam's criticisms of her and of the proposed $39.6 million land sale - which he had stated earlier in a letter ( http://goo.gl/heLVN ) because he could not attend the meeting - by reading this prepared statement:
"I'm sorry that Mr. Adams is not present with us this evening. And I am equally sorry and disappointed that he chose to write a letter that was cc'd to the press - but to none of his Council colleagues - to protest our special meeting tonight.
"As the Mayor, I feel I need to respond to portions of his letter.
"Mr. Adams' letter refers to this special meeting as 'rushed' and even comments that the proceedings, in his opinion, are less than transparent. He seems to divorce himself from the fact that he has been a party to all of the Council discussions leading to this point. He believes that the value for the land, which we are considering tonight, is too low. He also has some choice words for me, as Mayor.
"Truly, I am the Mayor. And as Mayor, I have to try to lead this Council the best way I know how. We don't always agree on this dias, obviously. But we have always prided ourselves on knowing how to disagree; that is, what has historically set Monrovia apart - in my opinion - is that over the years diverse groups of people have been able to overcome personal differences and work toward the common good."
[Lutz diverged from her prepared statement at this point to say that Adam's comment about asking neighboring cities to help bear the financial burden "was never said and is not realistic." She said Monrovia is negotiating with the Gold Line about the land sale, not other cities.]
"Mr. Adams disagrees with the direction of the Council on this matter, and he is surely entitled to do so - as long as we all understand that there is a difference between his opinion and our reality. He's upset with me personally, and that's ok too. But Monrovia doesn't need petty squabbles, it needs leadership. Even more, it needs teamwork - healthy disagreement and honest debate, for sure - but teamwork, most definitely.
"That's all I'll say about Mr. Adams and his letter tonight.
"These are nearly unprecedented days we are living in California and Monrovia, and I don't believe that we have time for two sets of facts, or two policies for every issue, or two Mayors for this Council. I think Monrovia deserves better.
"Now, let's move on..."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council Delays $39.6 Million Property Sale
The Monrovia City Council put off until its regularly-scheduled April 5 meeting a decision about whether to sell a plot of land to the Gold Line Construction Authority for $39.6 million after City Manager Scott Ochoa said that staff found it "difficult to recommend wholeheartedly the contract before you."
Also, an attorney for one of the property owners whose land would be affected by the project objected that:
- agenda materials for tonight's meeting (March 22) were not available as early as required by law.
- if the issue will be discussed at the April 5 meeting, then the proposed contract and other relevant materials for that meeting should be available tonight, two weeks prior to the meeting.
- the city has 2004 agreement with the property owner not to use - or cause to be used - eminent domain to acquire his land.
Ochoa agreed that the city has an agreement with the landowner, but didn't think it applied in the current situation.
Also, Ochoa agreed with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz that there is a danger in delay; that the state may act in a way that would endanger the city's ownership of the property.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Color Guard is Tops
The Monrovia High School Color Guard is the number one color guard from among 97 other schools in its division. The color guard will compete in its final preliminary tournament of the season this Friday evening, March 25th at Arcadia High School. Source: http://goo.gl/rvwK7 - Brad Haugaard
Harlem Wizards Basketball at Monrovia High
The Harlem Wizards basketball team will take on Monrovia School District staff this Saturday (March 26) for an evening of "funny, theatrical and exciting tricks, hoops and alley oops! Come out to see the Harlem Wizards show off their great skill, teamwork and crazy slams."
All are welcome!
The fundraising event will be held at 7 p.m. on March 26 at the Monrovia High School Gymnasium. Advance Tickets: $10 for Students and Seniors, and $12 for General Admission. Tickets at the Door: $12 for Students and Seniors, and $15 for General Admission.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Monrovia High Student Affairs Office, or at the following link: http://goo.gl/cF30U
For questions, call Mr. Paul Dols at (626) 471-2800, or PDols@monrovia.k12.ca.us
- Brad Haugaard
Angry Adams | Monrovia's Bull's Eye Bar
~ I suggested in the previous post that Monrovia City Councilman Tom Adams was unhappy with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. Maybe I should revise that to "hopping mad" since this morning I find he has linked one of his own Twitter posts to an article that says he "Lashes Out" at the Mayor. (See above.)
~ Story of the revamping of the bar at Monrovia Black Angus into the Bull's Eye Bar. http://goo.gl/0TNQb
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Councilman Adams Objects to Gold Line Property Sale
[This item refers to the previous post, about the Monrovia City Council considering a sale of property to the Gold Line for $39.6 million. Councilman Tom Adams objects to the idea (and appears a bit unhappy with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz) but as he can't attend the meeting, he asked for the following letter to be read into the minutes of the Tuesday night meeting. - Brad Haugaard]
First, I want to apologize for not being here for this special meeting. I do my best to coordinate my personal life around city business but at times when meetings are called outside of the normal calendar I find that I must be absent. I noticed the City Manager that I could not attend this meeting but more importantly neither will most of Monrovia because they don’t know about it. I know we are told there is danger, danger that the State could take this land and block the Gold Line from coming. I would rather risk what the state could do than rush this through in an off cycle meeting at an inconvenient time that seems to be less than transparent.
Second, I’d like to say that I am 100% in favor of the Gold Line moving forward. Looking into our history cities lived or died based on their location close to transportation and the Gold Line is the right thing at the right time.
My objection is not about the placement of the yard but at what cost? Monrovia did not start out wanting a maintenance yard, we decided to offer it when no one else would take it, or so we are told. One question is what if no one would take the yard? Would the Gold Line never come? Are the rest of the cities along the line so uncaring about the Gold Line that they would see it go?
Being a good neighbor, Monrovia offered the property to the Gold Line Authority for $80 million dollars. That was based on the current value of the land and the future loss of revenue due to several factors including the fact that once this is transferred to the Gold Line the property will never again generate tax revenue. NEVER AGAIN, for ever. Most of the decisions the council makes are temporary, buildings can be torn down and rebuilt, zoning can change, but this is one of the few that are for ever. All the more reason why this decision should not be made in a special meeting, this should be decided at a regularly scheduled meeting that people attend! As for the money, I have asked repeatedly in our closed session meetings for our representative to the Gold Line, the Mayor to ask our neighboring cities to help bear this burden. Every city along the Gold Line will benefit from the Yard yet we are the only ones taking a loss from the transfer of our land to the Gold Line, which is wrong. It is wrong because our Mayor never asked, or at least there is no evidence that the Mayor asked and it is wrong because the people of Monrovia will be taking the economic hit for this decision. Money that could have been used for a park on the south side of town is still in the hands of our neighboring cities that will not help because they were never asked. Money that could have been used in Monrovia to make a difference, money that Monrovia will never see because our representative never asked.
The Mayor told the press on January 20th and I quote, “Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said that the city has a deal in place with the construction authority and is waiting for Gold Line officials to secure additional land before the council officially executes the deal.” What this means is that it would be unlikely to make a better deal after this announcement, our position has been declared, or so it would seem.
This is beginning to look a little like the city logo, the Mayor knows what the council approves before the council has an opportunity to approve it. The Mayor needs to be reminded that each seat has but one vote and each vote is as important as the rest.
I know that by not being here I have no vote but I hope by submitting this letter I still have a voice.
Monrovia Council to Consider Sale of Property to Gold Line for $39.6 Million
At its Tuesday, March 22, meeting, the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency (the City Council wearing a different hat) will consider selling the property bounded by Evergreen Road, Shamrock Avenue, Duarte Road and California Avenue, to the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority for $39,627,818. http://goo.gl/R1OhY - Brad Haugaard
Bark Pix / No Climbing / Monrovian: Woman of Year / AeroVironment CEO /Carden
~ Cute pictures from the Bark for Life anti-cancer fundraiser. http://goo.gl/oGK4W
~ "No climbing" sign installed at waterfall. (Good idea!) http://goo.gl/tsCl3
~ Monrovian Beth Costanza named 44th Assembly District's Woman of the Year. http://goo.gl/0eiKU
~ Nice profile in LA Times of Timothy Conver, CEO of AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/jqVq4
~ Carden of the Foothills School is sponsoring a golf tournament to raise funds for the school. http://goo.gl/eAavs
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia MAP Program a Finalist
Monrovia's "Monrovia Area Partnership" (MAP) program is a finalist - competing with cities across the nation - in two categories in an awards program sponsored by Neighborhoods USA: "Neighborhood of the Year Award," and "The Best Neighborhood Program Award." http://goo.gl/1bLzG
- Brad Haugaard
Endorsements for Monrovia City Council: Tom Adams & Becky Shevlin
On April 12 Monrovians will select two of five candidates to serve on the Monrovia City Council. (Actually, two of four, since candidate Joe Espinosa has withdrawn, though his name will remain on the ballot).
I think the best choices are the two incumbents, Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin.
My reasoning is that the overriding concern for Monrovia today is the city budget, and Shevlin and Adams have the focus and experience to deal with that.
At the candidates' forum I attended this seemed to be the main issue for both of them. Both talked about the city fixing its pension system and both spoke of attempts by the state to extract even more money from local government.
That was exactly the focus I wanted to hear.
Now I'm sure the challengers don't want to blow the budget either, but the incumbents are familiar with the problem and have been wrestling with it, and however competent the challengers may be, there is always a learning period before people become effective in a new position. But the situation is critical and I don't feel there is time for on-the-job training. We already have two competent people who understand the problem and are working on it - Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin - and I think we should stick with them.
I welcome other opinions.
[UPDATE: Please see responses by clicking the Comment link to the right, below.]
- Brad Haugaard
Association of Schools Visits Monrovia School
The Monrovia Adult School is welcoming a visiting team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (That's the group that accredits schools, so it's important.) http://goo.gl/7lx91
- Brad Haugaard
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