~ Creative Woman - aka "The Wizard of Bras" - is featured in the LA Times today. (The store has 18,000 bra styles. Who knew?). http://goo.gl/e1FXJ
~ Foothill Unity Center has released a list of the kinds of supplies they need. http://goo.gl/BDbKp - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Senior Complex
More on Rose Gardens at Santa Teresita, the planned senior retirement homes planned on the Monrovia/Duarte border. http://goo.gl/HFa91 - Brad Haugaard
School Employees Get 3% Pay Cut - in 2013, Etc.
Proposed school employee salary adjustments
The Monrovia School District has negotiated with its various employee groups a three percent salary decrease ("in conjunction with a decrease of 6 days in all work calendars"), effective Sept. 1, 2013, and apparently no raises until then. http://goo.gl/ebzvu
That will be on the agenda of the Board of Education's July 20, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/V22T7 ). Also on the agenda, the board will consider ...
~ Upping the payment authorization to re-roof some Mayflower School buildings. Apparently the original estimate missed a few items. The price will now be $219,900. http://goo.gl/nZdaN
~ Consider switching to a data management system (Illuminate) that will save the district $20,000. http://goo.gl/7EaHR
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mayor on Air Quality | Flamingos | Green Dot
Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz discusses Monrovia's work to improve air quality on this video. http://goo.gl/8WkAj
First Presbyterian Church's high school department is covering Monrovia lawns with pink flamingos as a fundraiser. $20 per hit. http://goo.gl/TkIa2
Green Dot will announce its Q2 results July 28. http://goo.gl/UjDvW
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Bella Sera
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Redevelopment: Join or Die | New Old Town Signs
At its 7 p.m., July 19, meeting ( http://goo.gl/xIN3C ), the Monrovia City Council will ...
~ Consider whether to pay the state of California for the privilege of allowing Monrovia's redevelopment agency to exist. City staff recommends joining the program, even though its report characterizes the state action as a "raid on local funds" and seems to mock the volunatary nature of the arrangement.
~ Consider a city staff recommendation to replace various Old Town signs, which "are quite old and have been looking shabby for the past few years." The new ones would be paid for by Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board and "available franchise fees."
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Battle Heats Up | Monrovia Fundraiser | Shaw's Deployment
~ The battle between Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, and his own party's leadership gets serious. He is demanding budget office records from his own Democratic Party ( http://goo.gl/2xnWi ). Background: 1. Portantino voted against governor's budget. 2. Democratic leadership cut his budget. 3. He says it was as punishment. 4. They say it's because he overspent his budget. [Opinion: I don't know if Portantino overspent or not, but there is a) something suspicious about the timing, and b) something ludicrous about Assembly leaders accusing ANYbody of overspending.]
~ Help Unity Center by having dinner at Paco's, July 31, 5-8 p.m. 10% of proceeds go to the Center's Auxiliary.
~ More on City Councilman Clarence Shaw being called on to active duty. http://goo.gl/1TrK1
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Unity Center Needs Help To Serve Students
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center is looking for school supplies and funds to help equip low-income students going back to school in the fall. From the press release:
Throngs of children from local low-income families will fill the vast concourse at Santa Anita Park racetrack on Thursday, August 18, for Foothill Unity Center’s 13th Annual Back-to-School Fair. Last year, over 1,800 local kids participated in the distribution. This year, as the tough economy continues to put more families in desperate straits, the Center is preparing to outfit 2,000 local K-12 students. Only children of qualified low-income families can participate in the event. Families are asked to register their children by Friday, July 29.
On a day that’s a favorite for Center staff, volunteers, and the local community, the youngsters will pick out new backpacks; receive uniforms (clothing for high schoolers), underwear, socks and school supplies; and even get haircuts and manicures. Each child will also receive a shoe gift card from the Tzu Chi Foundation and a new age-appropriate book from Monrovia Reads. There will be dental screenings by the USC School of Dentistry, vision screenings by the Western University College of Optometry, and a ceramic art project with Paint N Play.
The entire community shares in this annual effort. Many of the costs of backpacks, clothing and supplies are covered by grants from major sponsors, including Vons Foundation and others. To date, however, this year’s sponsorships are down, making individual donations even more critical.
While donations of school supplies are welcome, monetary contributions allow the Center to buy much more efficiently. Just $50 helps to provide a uniform, socks, underwear, a new backpack and school supplies for one child. Checks may be mailed to Foothill Unity Center, Back to School Program, 415 West Chestnut Avenue, Monrovia, California, 91016. Donations can also be made securely online at www.foothillunitycenter.org.
School supplies may be dropped into one of sixty collection barrels in stores and offices throughout the community. Lists of collection sites, Back to School items needed and volunteer opportunities can be found on our website www.foothillunitycenter.org, or by visiting or calling the Center at (626) 358-3486.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Carrying an Un-Gun, Robbery, Suspicious Toolbox, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 7-13. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 609 service events, resulting in 102 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.
72-Hour Mental Evaluation
July 8 at 10:30 a.m., a caller reported seeing a female subject carrying a pistol in the 100 block of West Foothill. Officers located the subject, who was now walking on Lime, approaching Magnolia. The officers observed that the female was carrying a pistol. Once the female saw the officers, she immediately complied with their commands. The pistol turned out to be a very realistic replica of a semi-automatic pistol. As the officers interviewed the female, it became apparent she was a danger to herself and others, and she was taken to a hospital where she was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.
Juvenile Problem / Fighting in a Public Place - Suspects Cited
July 8 at 8:44 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding a fight. Three female juveniles were involved in an altercation over a boy. One female sustained an injury to her hand and was taken to a hospital for treatment. All three juveniles were cited for fighting in a public place.
Traffic Stop / No-Bail Warrant - Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 12:20 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver said that he did not have his driver's license with him, but identified himself and provided a driver's license number. The officer became suspicious and with further investigation, discovered that the driver did in fact have his license on him and he had provided a false name to the officer. A computer check with the driver's actual name revealed a no-bail warrant. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 4:25 a.m., a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 700 block of West Huntington. The driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.
Suspicious Toolbox
July 9 at 4:00 p.m., security in the 100 block of West Huntington saw a suspicious toolbox in the parking lot on the north side of a building. The security officers had made foot passes in the area and had not seen the toolbox prior to 4:00 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the location to inspect the toolbox. Based on the recent threats reported in the news and the unusual location of the toolbox, the Los Angeles County Bomb Squad was requested and responded to the location. The toolbox was opened by the bomb squad and no suspicious items were found.
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 6:09 p.m., a witness reported a male juvenile gang member was spray painting gang graffiti in the 100 block of East Walnut in the alley. Officers responded quickly and apprehended the suspect. He was arrested for vandalism. The citizen who witnessed the crime and took action reporting the suspect was rewarded with Monrovia Police Department's $100.00 Graffiti Bounty.
Bicycle Theft
July 11 at 7:06 p.m., a subject who lives in the 700 block of South Myrtle reported his bicycle stolen. His bicycle, a 10-speed silver mountain bike, was secured by locking the front wheel to the bike rack on the third floor of the parking garage. The suspect removed the frame from the front wheel. It appeared that two other bicycles were stolen in a similar fashion, but officers were unable to locate additional victims. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Tampering - Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 11:00 a.m., a business in the 200 block of East Huntington called police to report a male subject rummaging through a car that was not his. When officers arrived, the suspect was gone. One of the officers watched the store's security video and recognized the male subject from prior contact. She quickly apprehended him nearby and he was arrested for vehicle tampering.
Robbery
July 12 at 9:51 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington reported a robbery. The suspect approached a cashier with his hand in his jacket pocket. He threatened to shoot her if she didn't give him the money from the register. After obtaining the cash, he ran south on Magnolia, then west on Cypress, out of sight. The suspect was described as a male, African American, approximately 30-years-old, six foot tall, about 200 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He had some sort of tattoo next to his right eye. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence/Marijuana - Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 10:57 a.m., an officer stopped a female driver at Walnut and Fifth. During the investigation, it was determined the driver was driving under the influence of marijuana and the driver was arrested.
Vehicle Burglary
July 12 at 3:42 p.m. an officer responded to the 1600 block of South California, regarding a vehicle burglary. The owner discovered his car was broken into and stereo system and speakers were stolen. Investigation continuing
Vandalism
July 13 at 8:55 p.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of South Mountain regarding a smashed vehicle window. The victim parked his vehicle on the street at 7:45 p.m. When he returned to his car he had discovered the crime. There was no loss. Investigation continuing.
Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Annoyed at Post Office | McCarthy a Top Player | Starbird Retires | E-Waste | Volunteer Opportunities
~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce reports that it "has had so much trouble with the Post Office not delivering our mail that we are starting a file of problems to take to them and ask them to explain. If your business is experiencing problems with the Monrovia Post Office, please let us know." http://goo.gl/lBK3r
~ Monrovia High's Ellis McCarthy is third-highest rated defensive lineman. http://goo.gl/5nO7Z
~Jim Starbird, former Monrovia City Manager and current Glendale City Manager, is retiring. http://goo.gl/CZcR7
~ There will be an e-waste collection July 30-31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Myrtle and Pomona. They'll take computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, toner and ink cartridges. But don't bring household batteries, refrigerators, washers, dryers, paints, solvents, cleaners, oil, light bulbs or hazardous waste.
~ Foothill Unity Center needs volunteers to help get 2,000 kids back to school. If you'd like to help give local children a better start to school, complete with new backpacks, uniforms, supplies and even haircuts and manicures, download the signup sheet (here: http://goo.gl/HR3Km ) to help out.
~ You can help "Be The Match" Registry save cancer victims. If you are 18-60, willing to donate and in good health, you can register July 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. http://goo.gl/Xpxlb
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets Certification, Will Provide Chargers for State of Washington
Monrovia's AeroVironment has received certification on its fast car-charging systems ( http://goo.gl/8mbBD ). Also, more on the company's being selected to install chargers on Washington State's highways ( http://goo.gl/pKOK2 ) - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Cat Headed Home
Very hungry Monrovia cat found after two months. (I'm such a sucker for happy cat stories that I'll even link to the competition.) http://goo.gl/0XqtJ - Brad Haugaard
Portantino Accused of Overspending Office Budget
The state Democratic leadership is accusing Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, of overspending his office budget, which is why it is being cut, not - they say - because he voted against the governor's budget. Portantino denies he has overspent his $550,000 a year budget. http://goo.gl/Joc3q Opinion: I thought $550,000 a year was a lot until I read that the Assembly spends $146 million on its 80 members each year, or an average of $1.8 million per member per year. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Summer Events
~ Erica Silverman, author of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series, will be in the Library's Community Room July 14, at 2 p.m. This event is perfect for early readers.
~ There is a weekly stretch class held every Monday at 1 p.m. at the Community Center for seniors and active adults. $2 per class. Isometrics, yoga, tai chi, balance exercises and breathing techniques. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel. Call (626) 256-8246 for more information.
~ The Senior Stompers meet Fridays at 9 a.m. at the Community Center for a half hour stretch and a walk. Free and open to seniors and active adults. Call (626) 256-8246 for more information.
Source: http://goo.gl/nPCtO
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblymen: Portantino - Democrats Punishing Him; Donnelly - California Run by Thugs
~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, is charging the Democratic leadership in the Assembly with punishing him for voting against the state budget. http://goo.gl/tI56s
UPDATE: Mayor Mary Ann Lutz responds on her Facebook page: "This is WRONG on so many levels. Assembly Member Portantino supported his cities, voted according to his principles and this type of retaliation has no place in a democracy! Let Assembly Member Portantino know how grateful you are for his courageous stand! Thank him today!"
~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents the other part of Monovia, says that California is run by "lawless thugs." http://goo.gl/o01IO
- Brad HaugaardMonrovia Fireworks Attendance Double Last Year | AeroVironment | Lawsuit
In his weekly report, Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes that:
~ The crowd at the Fourth of July event was about 9,000 people, more than double the number who attended last year. Ochoa writes: "There were folks setting up their spots in Library Park at 10 a.m.! The Park and the 300 & 400 blocks of Myrtle were packed."~ When AeroVironment was threatened by terrorists, the city took "appropriate measures," but then, "Unfortunately - or fortunately, depending on your perspective - word about this threat was leaked to the media and a frenzy began." [Opinion: Well, I'll go with "fortunately." This was an important news story that needed to get out, frenzy or not.] ~ Regarding a lawsuit charging city councilmembers shouldn't be on the Gold Line board because it is a conflict, Ochoa says lots of regional agencies are arranged that way as long as it is "expressly allowed by law". So, he writes, if that's a problem, the law can just be changed to allow it. Source: http://goo.gl/nPCtO - Brad HaugaardMonrovia Concert Series | Football | Make a Basket
~ The Doo-Wah Riders performed in the Monrovia summer concert series at Library Park last night. Picture: http://goo.gl/FkRel . Next up, the Wonderelles (50s music), July 17 (this coming Sunday) at 7 p.m.
~ Football: Monrovia over Crescenta Valley, falls to Arroyo High. http://goo.gl/eB79p
~ Learn to make an African-style coiled basket. Teen area at Monrovia Public Library, Wednesday, July 13, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free. http://goo.gl/gLub7
- Brad Haugaard
WorleyParsons Hiring Oil and Gas Professionals
WorleyParsons - an international engineering firm with offices in Monrovia - is holding a job fair near the Ontario Airport to hire "Full-Time and Contract candidates with experience in the Oil and Gas Industry," according to a large ad by the company in today's paper Star-News. Nice to see somebody hiring these days. - Brad Haugaard
Toolbox is not a Bomb in Monrovia
Suspicious toolbox found on Myrtle Avenue parking lot in Monrovia is found to be harmless. http://goo.gl/RAiGx
- Brad Haugaard
Coffee-Table Book About Monrovia | Portantino Outraged Over Proposed College President Salary
~ Project One will be a coffee-table book documenting each of 52 weeks in a year of Monrovia's life with black-and-white photos by 52 photographers. http://goo.gl/oq3WJ ~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, is hopping mad about a plan to give the new San Diego State president a $400,000 salary. http://goo.gl/QxKP7 - Brad Haugaard
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