Monrovia Assemblyman Portantino Denied Access to Assembly Finance Info

In a battle with his own Democratic party, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has been denied information regarding fellow legislators' budgets. He had been accused of overspending (he denies it) and I think he'd like to compare his office expenses with those of other Assembly members. http://goo.gl/k0dw7

Opinion: This makes the Assembly leadership smell like a rotten chicken. Portantino - and for that matter, the public - should be able to see how much money the Assembly is spending on each of its members.  Star-News reporter Beige Luciano-Adams did a good job on this article.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Dental Clinic | Alta-Dena Dairy

~ Free dental clinic for Monrovians August 5. http://goo.gl/7gjeu

 

~ Some history: Alta-Dena Dairy started in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Jld0l

 

- Brad Haugaard

 

Gold Line Plans to Award $500 Million Contract

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors will consider awarding a nearly $500 million design-build contract for the 11.5-mile light rail extension from Pasadena to Azusa tomorrow at a Special Board Meeting. This contract is anticipated to create nearly 7,000 jobs and $1 billion in economic output to the region during the next four years of design and construction.

The July 27 board meeting is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arcadia City Hall Council Chambers, 240 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia.

Update: According to Gold Line spokesman Habib F. Balian, the Gold Line intends to award the Pasadena to Azusa Alignment Design-Build contract to Foothill Transit Constructors - A Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture.

- Brad Haugaard (from Gold Line press release) 

Monrovia and Gold Line | Artist's Work Displayed

~ The Star-News is sorta happy with how things are progressing between Monrovia and the Gold Line. http://goo.gl/xKOR6 . Opinion: And I'm sorta in agreement, though I don't see the Monrovia City Council in the negative light the Star-News casts it as compared with the saintly Gold Line.

Update (from City Council Member Becky Shevlin): Brad – Thanks for giving us the benefit of the doubt.  The reason that we have to wait until September is that the State has rendered the Redevelopment Agencies powerless unless of course we pay their ransom; which is what we agreed to at our last meeting; with the resolution process now taking place, it won’t be until September that we can actually take any further actions.  As for the being “ambushed” don’t believe it. 

~ Here is a review of artist Susan Dobay's work at Monrovia's Scenic Drive Gallery. http://goo.gl/7le0d

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Police Chief 'Soon' | Gold Line Deal Not Done | Redevelopment Law Challenge | State Government 'Frightening'

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/HGju5 ), Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa ...

~ Says the city should have a new police chief very soon. He said the city is now down to three candidates. "I think Monrovia will be well-served by this process and we will have our new Chief seated very soon."

~ Adds a bit of caution to reports that Monrovia and the Gold line have reached a land-sale agreement. He writes: "I must note that there can be no deal until and unless the Monrovia City Council / Redevelopment Agency Board agrees to the transaction. Considering the position all cities and redevelopment agencies are in because of the State budget, Monrovia cannot consider this matter until early September - at the earliest."

~ Lays into the state government again. He said the state's new redevelopment law ("AB 1X 26 and AB 1X 27, commonly referred as the redevelopment 'elimination and extortion' bills") are being challenged in court.

~ Says it is "frightening" that the "State Legislature seems overcome with a need to control the entire apparatus of government in California. They appear to be desirous of making policy at every level, for every level. Today, the State effectively controls school districts and counties" and, he said, the state is becoming "increasingly aggressive" towards cities.

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino Gets HERO Award from Gay Group

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has been given a HERO award by The Stonewall Young Democrats, "whose mission is to represent and mobilize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning and Allied youth within the Democratic Party." http://goo.gl/x5Hm8

 

- Brad Haugaard

Financials from Monrovia's STAAR Surgical | Macramé | Mills View Mansion

~  will release financial results for Q2 August 2. http://goo.gl/SYzfx

~ Make a macramé owl. British sailors passed the time on long voyages by knotting intricate useful objects. An instructor helps you get started. All materials provided. In the Teen Area of the Library, Wednesday, July 27, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free. http://goo.gl/h0Kp8

~ History of Monrovia's Mills View Mansion. http://goo.gl/Y8GBI

- Brad Haugaard

Rob Hammond to Run for School Board

Former Monrovia Mayor Rob Hammond plans to run for the school board seat being vacated by Clare Chesley. http://goo.gl/FrA26
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia and Gold Line Tentatively Come to Terms

Apparently the Gold Line Construction Authority and the City of Monrovia have agreed to terms for the Gold Line to purchase the much-disputed Monrovia properties.

Here is a news release from Gold Line spokesman Habib F. Balian: 

"Just moments ago, the Construction Authority and City of Monrovia agreed to purchase terms for 14-acres of city-owned land within the 24-acre M&O site. The purchase terms will now go to the Authority Board and City Council for final approval.

"Although negotiations have been challenging over the last few months, all parties have stayed strongly committed to making this critically important transaction happen, as well as remained unwavering in their dedication to the project. Click here to view our press release.

"Because our Funding Agreement with Metro requires the Authority to own half of the land for the M&O facility before significant funds are transferred to the Authority to build the Pasadena to Azusa extension, this agreement could not have come at a better time. Next Wednesday, July 27, the Authority board will consider awarding the Alignment contract to one of the three short-listed design-build teams. Staff and our multiple evaluation committees - who’s hard work I must acknowledge - have completed our work and I will recommend to the board that the Foothill Transit Constructors – A Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture win this important contract. However, the board will make the final decision on Wednesday - so stay tuned!

"If you want to attend the board meeting on Wednesday, it will be held at Arcadia City Hall, in the Council Chambers starting at 9:30 a.m. The contract award agenda item is scheduled in the second half of the meeting, following closed session, and will start after 10:30 a.m."

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Member Clare Chesley's Resignation Letter

Here is the text of Clare Chesley's resignation letter to the Monrovia Board of Education:

Dear Board of Trustees:

Please accept this letter of my resignation from the Monrovia Unified School Board of Trustees effective August 1, 2011. My resignation is due to the fact that I will be moving my place of residence to La Canada, California for personal reasons.

It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Monrovia and the students and staff of our district. I have enjoyed working side by side with all of you who are consummate professionals and share the common goal of making our district World Class.

Sincerely,

Clare R. Chesley, Esq.

Oh, yeah, she adds that she and her children, Fiona and Emory, "just completed the Oxnard 'Strawberry Fields' Triathlon on Sunday. It was our 6th. The kids did great. Fiona got on the podium (3rd) despite getting a flat tire and having to carry her bike the last 2 miles barefoot."

Helping Business in Monrovia

Monrovia is unveiling a new web page designed to help businesses thinking of opening or moving to Monrovia. Here it is: http://goo.gl/8vH1O

 

- Brad Haugaard

Kidnapping Case vs. Monrovian | Book Club

~ More on the kidnapping case with Monrovia defendent Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland. http://goo.gl/Fjvsb

~ A new book club will meet in the Children's Story Room at the library on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Sarah's Key by Taitana de Rosnay. In August the club will read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. "Be prepared to shed torrents of tears for that one." [Do people read books to cry? I guess I'm wired differently.] http://goo.gl/zTQRh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Biotab to Pay $1.75 Milion

The Orange County Weekly writes that Monrovia company, Biotab, which makes a male enhancement product, has agreed to pay $1.75 million in an action brought by the Orange County District Attorney's office. http://goo.gl/Yiefg

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Member Chesley Resigns

Monrovia School Board member Clare Chesley has given her resignation from the board, according to fellow board member Alex Zucco. Zucco says that the board "accepted Clare Chesley's resignation as she begins a new chapter...or book in La Canada." http://goo.gl/0vWzA

Comment: She will be missed. Clare is razor sharp and passionate and has solid good sense. She has left a very positive mark on Monrovia School District. Best wishes, Clare!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Adjusting Stereo while Drunk; Stealing Lawnmowers, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for July 14-20 – Brad Haugaard]</I

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 572 service events, resulting in 105 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested

On July 14 at 10:49 p.m., a driver was traveling east in the 400 block of West Foothill. She reached down to adjust the car stereo, drifted toward the right side of the lane, and collided into a parked vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined the driver was under the influence and she was arrested.

Public Drunkenness – Suspect Arrested

On July 17 at 8:49 p.m., police received a report of a disturbing subject, possibly intoxicated, at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle, where a summer concert was being held. An officer responded and located the subject in question on Palm Avenue. After assessing the subject, the officer determined that she was unable to adequately care for herself. She was arrested for public drunkenness and later released after sobering.

Grand Theft

On July 18 at 2:32 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Parkrose regarding a theft. A gardening crew working in the area left two lawnmowers in two different yards while they took a break in the backyard of a house. When they returned to the front of the house, the lawnmowers were missing. The lawnmowers are valued at approximately $1700.00 each. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On July 19 at 9:30 a.m., a white, 1986 Toyota truck was stolen from a parking lot in the 3300 block of South Peck Road. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system.

Grand Theft Auto

On July 19 at 5:27 p.m., a victim discovered his blue, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado truck had been stolen out of a parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington. An officer viewed surveillance videotape and saw the suspects commit the theft. Two male subjects drove into the lot in a white, Chevrolet Silverado truck, broke into the victim’s truck and drove away. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary

On July 19 at 5:32 p.m., a male subject returned to his home in the 900 block of West Hillcrest and discovered his front door was unlocked and his dog was out. Further investigation revealed forced entry had been made through the rear glass door. The suspect entered through the rear yard gate. The suspect stole jewelry and cash. Investigation continuing.

- Brad Haugaard

National Night Out in Monrovia

Give a going away party for crime. The Monrovia Police Department is sponsoring National Night Out in Library Park, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2. The event is designed to alert residents about crime prevention, and will feature police displays, demonstrations and refreshments. Flyer here: http://goo.gl/NvziK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision Helps Somalia | Traditional Music | County Says Portantino's Bill a Burden

~ With the United Nations warning of spreading famine in Somalia, World Vision, a Monrovia-based relief organization, is already at work in Somalia with food, healthcare, sanitation and development projects. http://goo.gl/6Xk0i

~ During the Summer Art Walk (7-10 p.m. July 30 along Myrtle in Old Town) there will also be a traditional music performance in the breezeway behind the east-side businesses, featuring Half Again ("Smooth folk with rich harmonies") and the Kattywompus String Band. http://goo.gl/Ca2zB

~ Supervisors for California's Nevada County are unhappy about the rape-kit reporting requirement proposed by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia. They say the measure does not provide funding for the extra work. http://goo.gl/qIq5N

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Has Best Football Team - Star-News

Star-News says Monrovia High football team is tops. "There really can't be any disputing Monrovia is the No. 1 team in the area." http://goo.gl/5pKbi

- Brad Haugaard

Fake Gunshots for Movie

Did anyone hear gunshots today near the corner of Duarte Road and Sixth Avenue? If so, it was a movie being filmed. http://goo.gl/gKtsp

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reps Oppose Gays-in-History Teaching Mandate | World Songs and Fashion

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly and Senator Bob Huff, who represent Monrovia, oppose a new state mandate that schools teach about gays in history. http://goo.gl/ueVPh

World songs and fashion, at the library. Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m. Free. Reserve at Adult Reference, or call 626-256-8274. http://goo.gl/BqnLv

- Brad Haugaard