Gold Line Bridge Construction Begins
Here is a video update of the construction of the new 210 Freeway bridge near the eastbound Santa Anita offramp. It's starting around now and will take about a year to build. http://goo.gl/B4hjw - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Street Repair - West Side Huntington Oaks | Unions Oppose Huff Measure
~ Street repair today along Monterey Avenue south of Huntington Drive. (That's on the west side of the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center). http://goo.gl/mkmJf
~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, said legislation he authored that would allow "school employee volunteers to provide emergency medical assistance to pupils with epilepsy who suffer a seizure while on campus" is being opposed by school unions. http://goo.gl/bTH1g
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fourth of July Fireworks
The show sponsors deserve some credit: Green Dot Corporation, Old Town Merchants Association, and Mayor Mary Ann and Corey Lutz. Thanks, folks, for a great time!
UPDATE: Oh, a much better picture of the fireworks than my cameraphone shots: http://goo.gl/Jt4Bu
-Brad Haugaard
City of Hope Bloodmobile in Monrovia
Help with summer blood shortages. The City of Hope Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot of Citibank (237 S. Myrtle) this Thursday, July 7, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule a time to give blood by calling Jill Schwartz at 626 471-7236 or email her at jschwartz@coh.org. Donate blood and get a free 30-day VIP pass at Foothill Gym, which includes classes and a free session with a personal trainer.
Happy Independence Day! | Loss of Former City Manager | Sena Open
~ Fourth of July Celebration tonight. Should be great fireworks. http://goo.gl/V4mdH ~ A letter from Pat Ostrye lamenting the death of former Monrovia City Manager Rich Beal. http://goo.gl/XHNTd ~ I have it on good word (a friend ate there) that the new Sena restaurant on Myrtle is now open and serves delicious food. http://goo.gl/9F8ir - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia al Quaida Story Spans Globe | July Four Celebrations
~ The story about al Quaida targeting AeroVironment has spread all over, from LA (KTLA http://goo.gl/r32Xw), to Sacramento (Sacramento Bee http://goo.gl/aYz4k), to India (Times of India http://goo.gl/S7FW3).
~ More on Monrovia's Fourth of July celebrations. http://goo.gl/ih45I
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Massilia
Monrovia Produce Swap | Huff Charges Wastefulness | Rising Football Star?
~ Swap produce (and "worm tea" and stuff) at the Library Park, July 1 (tomorrow, Saturday) from 9-11 a.m. http://goo.gl/L1Ved
~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, charges that the quasi-public California School Boards Association wastes money, with at least one "City of Bell-style" salary, association money spent at a casino, and allegations of kickbacks. http://goo.gl/4Uq5I~ Monrovia High's George Frazier, a replacement for Nick Bueno? http://goo.gl/3NdWe
- Brad HaugaardMonrovia City Council Date Moved
If you are a Monrovia city council attendee, the July 5 council meeting has been put off until July 6. I assume it will be at 6:30 p.m. Here's the agenda: http://goo.gl/YjS0g
Big item on the agenda appears to be a hearing about the Gold Line property.Also, staff is recommending the council take a stand on three state measures: oppose a bill making it harder for cities to go bankrupt; oppose a bill requiring an election before cities can contract out library services; and (tentatively) support a bill that would reform redevelopment. http://goo.gl/0dtz3 - Brad HaugaardAl-Qaida threatens Monrovia's AeroVironment
Al-Qaida threatens 11 executives of Monrovia-based AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/xahLN
- Brad HaugaardWhat Happened With Monrovia Pavilions Roof
The Fire Department reports that: "At 4:45 p.m. on June 23, Engine 101 responded to a reported roof collapse at Vons Pavilions. Upon arrival, firefighters found a large area of ceiling tiles that were buckling or had fallen due to an HVAC unit that had broken loose from the supports." "According to store personnel, additional solar panels had been recently added to the existing panels. ... Fortunately, a Vons facilities manager was local and he quickly dispatched a shoring company to stabilize the roof." - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Sites Closed for the Fourth
~ Monrovia Public Library will be closed Friday, July 1, until Tuesday, July 5.
~ Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be closed from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4.
~ City offices and the Community Center will be closed July 4.
Source: http://goo.gl/WtZ3O
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia City Manager: The State as Extortionist
In his weekly report (out early this time) the always colorful Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa compares the recent state budget to "extortion as practiced by organized crime as it preys on independent businesses." He said Monrovia would have to pay the state $1.1 million in "protection money" up front and an additional $400,000 every year thereafter.
Ochoa is objecting to a pair of bills, one which eliminates redevelopment agencies and the second that restores those that "voluntarily" contribute money to the state. He said the measures are "illegal and unconstitutional" and would be challenged in court.
Heron in Monrovia Canyon Park
I saw this bird wading in the Sawpit Debris Basin near Canyon Park today. I think it is a heron, but my opinion on such matters is for the birds.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Columnist Objects to Library Cuts
In her regular Star-News column (not yet on line), Charlotte Schamadan objects to the Board of Education's decision to cut library hours at Monrovia schools. She said it is true the board can't raise money, "but they can decide which need gets what percentage from the budget pot. And they shortchanged the libraries. ..." - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Library Gets Painted Bear | Legal Challenges to Killing Redevelopment | In-N-Out Is Out
~ The painted bear, "Bearlovian Paradise," will find a home in the youth area at the Monrovia Library. The bear is adorned with lots of other animals, including a squashed rat. http://goo.gl/dsYzx
~ Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz comments about the Legislature abolishing redevelopment on her Facebook page:
"The BAD NEWS: The Senate and Assembly voted to Eliminate Redevelopment! We are hopeful legal remedies will correct this. The GOOD NEWS: Monrovia's Representatives - Senator Bob Huff, Assembly Member Tim Donnelly and Assembly Member Anthony Portantino really came through for us. Not only did they NOT vote for AB 1X26 & AB 1X27 (which eliminated redevelopment), they continued to support their local constitutes by NOT voting for SB 87. Partticularly for Assembly Member Portantino this was a very brave thing to do; to put your constitutes ahead of political powers! Please show them you gratitude! This is the kind of representation we need for our city now and in the future! Join us: protechourlocaleconomy.com THANK YOU!!"
~ An agreement to bring an In-N-Out to town nearly fell apart, but negotiations back on. http://goo.gl/bzQR6 . UPDATE: Oops, negotions did fall apart: http://goo.gl/jPuAj
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Marijuana Chemistry Goes Wrong, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 23-28. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last six-day period, the Police Department handled 541 service events, resulting in 77 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
National Night Out Against Crime
On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, neighborhoods throughout Monrovia have been invited to join forces with over 34 million people from thousands of communities nationwide who will be participating in the Annual National Night Out Against Crime. This event is designed to: 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; 2) Generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts; 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community relations; and 4) Send a message to criminals, letting them know that our neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back. This event will also kick off the start of our new "Keep Kids Alive Drive 25" residential speeding traffic safety campaign.
Structure Failure
On June 23 at 4:45 p.m., police were called to the Vons Pavilion's store in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a structure failure. A loud bang was heard and the roof began to collapse. The Police and Fire Departments responded and helped to evacuate the building. There were no injuries. The air conditioning unit had a water leak and had weakened the supports. The building recently had solar panels installed on the roof, adding weight.
Attempt Robbery - Suspect Arrested
On June 24 at 8:00 p.m., police received a call from a female victim who reported that a male subject had tried to take her purse by force in the 700 block of East Huntington. The suspect failed and fled the area out of sight. The suspect was seen on video surveillance approaching the victim and trying to take her purse. The video provided a good image of the suspect, which was given to officers. During the investigation, an officer located a subject matching the description, and the victim and a witness positively identified the suspect. He was arrested, and during a subsequent interview, admitted to the offense.
Chemical Extraction / Chemical Synthesis of a Controlled Substance
On June 24 at 8:45 p.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a burn victim. When they arrived, they were told a male and female were burned while cooking in the kitchen, but there was no evidence to support their statements, the firemen requested police. The burn victims had already been transported to a hospital when officers arrived.
During the investigation, officers discovered what initially appeared to be a pipe bomb. Further examination and questioning of the male victim revealed the item was not a pipe bomb, but a homemade plastic device used to extract a chemical from marijuana. The male subject had researched the process online. During the process, the gases from the chemicals located an ignition source from a wall heater and ignited. The female subject suffered burns to her lower legs. The male subject sustained 2nd degree burns to 25 percent of his body, which included his arms, face and back. The investigation is continuing. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney's office.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
On June 25 at 3:12 a.m., an officer was traveling west in the 100 block of West Huntington. A computer check of the license plate indicated the vehicle was stolen. The officer made a u-turn and the driver turned around and headed west. The officer waited for additional units to arrive and then conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, it was discovered the vehicle was reported stolen out of San Gabriel from a rental car company. The driver was taken into custody without incident and the investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
On June 25 at 11:38 p.m., an officer was approached by a citizen who reported a vehicle screeching its tires in the Albertson's parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington. The vehicle was currently in the drive through line at a fast food restaurant. The officer followed the vehicle as it left the area, heading east on Huntington and then south on Mountain. The driver was traveling at 50 miles per hour on Mountain before the driver was stopped. During the investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 2:03 a.m., an officer was in the area of Foothill and Mayflower when she noticed a vehicle traveling north on Mayflower failed to stop for a red signal as the driver turned east on Foothill. The driver was stopped in the 400 block of West Foothill. During the investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision / City Property Damage
On June 26 at 4:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Terrace Drive regarding a water problem. When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle had struck a fire hydrant. Officers followed wet tire marks left by the vehicle up a driveway and spoke with the resident, who admitted striking the hydrant while backing out of his driveway.
Residential Burglary - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 7:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Canyon regarding a burglary. This location was being fumigated and was tented. An employee of the fumigation company arrived to inspect the location and noticed a large tear in the back of the tent. He looked through the tear and saw two assault rifles and a baseball cap on the ground, between the tent and the exterior of the residence. Investigation revealed the home was burglarized and the two assault rifles belonged to the resident. The resident reported that he owned a .22 caliber pistol that was also inside the house. Because of the chemicals used for the fumigation, the homeowner could not enter to conduct an inventory of his property and officers could not enter to clear the house. The assault rifles were recovered and placed into evidence for safe keeping.
Several hours later, a Glendale police officer stopped a bicyclist in their city. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of the homeowner's .22 caliber pistol. The bicyclist is a former Monrovia resident that is currently transient. Glendale Police Department recovered the pistol and arrested the bicyclist.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling
On June 26 at 9:31 p.m., police dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls regarding shots fired in the 900 block of West Colorado. One victim was reported to have been shot. A blue BMW occupied by four male subjects was seen parked near the apartment complex. The male victim was on the second story balcony of an apartment, and several shots were fired in his direction. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right leg and knee. The shots were fired from inside the apartment complex front gate. The shooter was not seen. The BMW then fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment; his injuries are not life threatening. The blue BMW is a vehicle of interest at this point. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery - Suspect Arrested
On June 26 at 10:54 p.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 100 block of West Cherry regarding a family disturbance. The investigation revealed that an argument had occurred between a husband and wife, resulting in the husband pushing the wife to the ground. The wife sustained visible red marks on her back. The husband was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody. The wife was issued an emergency protective order, which was served to the husband before he was released on citation.
Domestic Battery - Suspects Arrested
On June 27 at 1:30 a.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 500 block of South Magnolia regarding a family disturbance. The investigation revealed a pushing match between a boyfriend and girlfriend, resulting in minor visible injuries to both parties. The boyfriend was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody. Due to medical issues, a verified complaint request was completed on the female subject for spousal battery and will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for review. During the course of this investigation, a male associate of the couple was present. A computer check revealed he had a want issued by the Monrovia Police Department for spousal abuse; he was also arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft - Suspect Arrested
On June 28 at 8:28 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Home Depot in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a subject detained for shoplifting. The value of the items the subject had concealed in his pockets totaled $975.00. The loss prevention officer completed a private person's arrest, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Delaying and Obstructing a Peace Officer / Mental Evaluation
On June 28 at 8:30 a.m., officers responded to the report of a male subject throwing items and yelling at cars. He was last seen north on Myrtle heading toward Huntington. When the officer arrived, the subject ran north on Myrtle to Walnut and a foot pursuit began. A detective tried to intercept the subject, but the subject swung at him several times. The subject ran east on Walnut, stopped, and tried to run again, but was taken into custody. The subject was not under the influence, but was determined to require mental evaluation. The subject was cited and taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.
Residential Burglary
On June 28 at 1:39 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Bradbury regarding a possible break-in. The reporting party stated she and her mother left the residence at 10:30 a.m. and locked the front door, which is not visible from the street. When they returned, they found the front door had been forced open and they called police. Officers cleared the home and found the master bedroom ransacked. Some jewelry had been taken.
Residential Burglary
On June 28 at 7:10 p.m., residents in the 600 block of Parkrose left their home on June 24 and were gone for several days. When they returned on June 28, they found their home had been burglarized. Unknown suspect(s) pried open the backdoor and ransacked the interior of the location. Two handguns and items of jewelry were stolen. Investigation continuing.
Monrovia Summer Concerts | McFarland Pleads 'Not Guilty'
~ The Delgado Brothers kick off Monrovia's summer concert series this Fourth of July.
~ Monrovian, McFarland, pleads not guilty in kidnapping case. http://goo.gl/bbHqI
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: California Budget Dumbness
This has barely been reported yet, so even though it is California news and not specifically Monrovia, I thought I'd comment on it.
At a time when the state needs every penny it can get, the state's proposed budget has a provision that will actually cut state revenue by eliminating taxable income going to thousands of California companies and individuals.
The proposed budget has a provision that would require Amazon.com to collect sales tax on sales it makes to California residents.
Now, there is a good case to be made that it is unfair for physical stores to have to collect sales tax while online, out-of-state, retailers do not to have to do that, but Amazon is a Washington corporation, and California law does not have jurisdiction over Washington unless Amazon has a physical presence in California.
And it does! It has "associates," which are California individuals or companies that make money by promoting Amazon products.
But, while it does have that physical presence, it won't for long.
Amazon has just sent a notice to all its California affiliates saying it "will terminate contracts with all California residents that are participants in the Amazon Associates Program as of the date (if any) that the California law becomes effective." (I know this because as an associate - who hasn't made a dime in a decade - I got the letter.)
So, the only thing that will change is that more Californians will be unemployed (or underemployed) and as a result the state will collect less income tax. Amazon can still sell to Californians and still does not need to collect California sales tax.
Again, I agree the current situation is unfair, but this is just dumb and makes matters worse.
UPDATE - Well, the dumbness is now official. This, from Amazon: "Unfortunately, Governor Brown has signed into law the bill that we emailed you about earlier today. As a result of this, contracts with all California residents participating in the Amazon Associates Program are terminated effective today, June 29, 2011."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High's Bueno Shines | Portantino Bill Advances | Donnelly Claims Budget Victory | More on Fourth
~ MHS football star, Nick Bueno, shines in San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game. http://goo.gl/H6n0k
~ An Assembly bill, introduced by state Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, to create a system to report how colleges are doing financially and educationally, has been approved by the state Senate Education Committee. http://goo.gl/vB7FC ~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, said of the latest state budget: "The people won a major battle today. We blocked the Governor's plan to extend the temporary tax increase, forcing the budget to be balanced without hiking your taxes." http://goo.gl/tBcU0 ~ Here's the flyer for the Fourth of July in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/sJhaI - Brad Haugaard
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