Monrovian John Valadez has created a giant mural for Long Beach. http://goo.gl/fHsZm
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fundraiser for SEAL Families | Paying for Portantino's Proclamation
~ Monrovia's Team Crossfit Academy and the Monrovia Weekly are sponsoring a fundraiser to help the families of the Seals who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Details here: http://goo.gl/uuE93 . And a story here: http://goo.gl/uJHmW
~ State Assembly Speaker John Perez won't allow state funds to pay for a proclamation honoring a Pasadenan because it was proposed by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) and because Perez and Portantino are having a tiff, so a group of "little old ladies" have offered to step up and pay for the proclamation. Chee! Are there ANY adults in Sacramento? http://goo.gl/ZYUeq - Brad HaugaardCity of Monrovia Hires a New Police Chief
The City of Monrovia is pleased to announce the hiring of Jim Hunt as the new police chief. Chief Hunt was selectedafter the exhaustive and highly competitive selection process.
Jim is a 20 year veteran of the Monrovia Police Department. He was first hired in 1991 as a Police Officer. He progressed through the ranks and was appointed to the rank of Police Sergeant in 1998, Police Lieutenant in 2002 and then to Police Captain in 2008. He was appointed to the position of Interim Police Chief in May, 2011 upon the retirement of former Police Chief Johnson. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said, “I have known Jim along time, and he is definitelythe right man for the job. Monrovia has many challenges ahead and I am confident Jim will lead this department with integrity and wisdom."
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Garcia said, “Jim has been preparing himself to be a chief for some time, and now that dedication is paying off for him; we’re pleased to have him as our new chief.” Chief Hunt has a Bachelor’s Degree from Whittier College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration fromthe University of La Verne. He also completed both the California Law Enforcement Command College, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s esteemed National Academy for leadership development in 2010.
Councilman Tom Adams said, “Jim has served the department in many different capacities throughout his career in Monrovia; he was especially instrumental in the gang injunction process a couple years ago, and we’re excited to have him leading our force into the future.” Councilmember Becky Shevlin said, “I’m pleased to have Jim as our new chief, he has shown great leadership as a captain and I have no doubt that will continue as the chief.”
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator Huff Wants Easier Anti-Epileptic Treatments at Schools
State Senator Bob Huff, who represents part of Monrovia, is pushing for a bill to allow non-medical school employees to be trained to administer Diastat, a gel form of Valium that can stop epileptic seizures. Here is an article about that: http://goo.gl/KnSwq - Brad Haugaard
Background on Former Monrovia Fire Chief - now Federal Nominee
Background on Ernie Mitchell Jr., former Monrovia fire chief and nominee to head the United States Fire Administration. http://goo.gl/Yj91K
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Chamber Member Dies | Bike Racks | Portantino
~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce reports that a long-time member, Larry Van den Bossche, died of pancreatic cancer July 31. http://goo.gl/1tcRf ~ A picture of one of the new old-town bike racks. http://goo.gl/mCPFO ~ Not much new at this link, but this article has the cleverest headline I've seen regarding the Portantino Affair. It's called: "Portantino's Complaint." http://goo.gl/x0JKy - Brad Haugaard
Pix of Monrovia's Latest 'Produce in the Park'
Nice pictures of the latest "Produce in the Park" veggie exchange. http://goo.gl/pt4iP
- Brad Haugaard
Seussical Play by Monrovia Team | Help Paying Gas Bill
~ A correspondent mentions Monrovia's Centre Stage, and its latest production, "Seussical," at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner theater in Claremont. She writes:
"Wanted everyone to know of a wonderful hometown gem-of-the-foothills organization here in Monrovia for children - Centre Stage, with studio on Olive Ave. It was created as a nonprofit Community Theater Co in 2000 in order to offer the experience and joys of music and theatreand dance. Children can start as young as 4 and go through high school age. They produce amazing professional quality shows, providing the students with such a sense of fun and accomplishment. "
~ If you are having financial difficulties, Southern California Gas is offering several programs to help pay your gas bill. http://goo.gl/5qizb
- Brad Haugaard
Better Biking in Monrovia
If you are a bike rider, the Monrovia public works crews have just finished installing five new decorative old town bike racks 1. Breezeway across from the Krikorian theatre, 2. Northwest corner of Lemon and Myrtle, 3. Southeast corner of Colorado and Myrtle, 4. Southwest corner of Colorado and Myrtle, 5. On East Colorado near Ivy. http://goo.gl/xsCFP - Brad Haugaard
Pettiness in Sacramento | A South Monrovia Playground?
~ Democratic Assembly Speaker John Perez has blocked a proclamation by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (also a Democrat, and who represents part of Monrovia) to honor a Pasadenan. http://goo.gl/Tn9FL
Opinion: These proclamations are purely routine and really advance no political agenda, and for Perez to block it because he and Portantino are having a fight about another topic is vindictive pettiness of a kind you'd find on a badly run kindergarten playground.
~ Pushing for a South Monrovia park. http://goo.gl/fQbcb
- Brad Haugaard
Newspapers Sue to Get Legislative Records | Chu Seeks to Represent Monrovia | Emergency Tips
~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's skirmish with the State Assembly is turning into a battle. The Sacramento Bee and LA Times are now suing to force the Legislature to release office budget records. (Portantino represents part of Monrovia in the Assembly.) http://goo.gl/b8psW
~ Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) will run to represent Monrovia in the House of Representatives. http://goo.gl/L76lk
~ Some emergency earthquake, fire, terrorist tips from the city: http://goo.gl/FgD1C
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Nano Cafe
-Brad Haugaard
A Point for Monrovia's Assemblyman
According to records released by the State Assembly, while Assembly members have cut their office expenses a smidge this year, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (representing part of Monrovia) spent a bit more, but then, so did nine other Democrats and three Republicans. The significance of this is that the Assembly leadership is temporarily laying off Portantino's office workers and he says it is because he voted against Governor Brown's budget. Assembly leadership denies that and says it was because he overspent his budget (which he denies). http://goo.gl/fYu0f
Opinion: A big point for Portantino! To fully answer the question of whether Portantino is being singled out, we would have to know the budget for each Assembly member and whether they exceeded it. But since others have also increased their spending and are not being punished, that suggests Portantino is indeed - as he says - being punished for his vote.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fighter Plane Art
I love this mural/ventilator fighter plane. Very clever. It is in an alley on the west side of Myrtle. There is a path leading from Myrtle between Lemon and Lime. Take it and you'll see this.
- Brad Haugaard
Former Monrovia Fire Chief Nominated to be Top US Fireman
A former Monrovia fire chief - Ernest Mitchell Jr. - has been nominated to be head of the United States Fire Administration. http://goo.gl/68TFc
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Gets Help from Senator Hernandez
In the face of a lawsuit from a Monrovia landowner, Senator Ed Hernandez has been drafting legislation to expedite the Gold Line going forward. Here's an article: http://goo.gl/UbkZX
- Brad Haugaard
Construction on 210 Freeway Bridge Begins
Freeway bridge construction, on eastbound 210 at Santa Anita exit.
Habib Balian, spokesman for the Gold Line, writes that:
"Work on the Iconic Freeway Structure has begun. As you have seen over the last few weeks, the center median of the eastbound I-210 is clear and the 500-foot-long retaining wall is well on its way to completion. The retaining wall is the first step in the construction process, creating the needed wide flat surface for the large construction equipment to access the construction area....
"As construction continues in the coming weeks, the wall will be completed, and then work will begin on the 110 foot deep foundations. That will be the first time a late night full closure of the eastbound lanes will be needed. We will provide advanced notice of those activities."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Man Hit with Bat, Hit and Run, Battery and Batteries
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for July 28-August 3 – Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 552 service events, resulting in 80 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:
28th Annual National Night Out Against Crime
On August 2, 2011, the Monrovia Police Department united with cities across the nation to celebrate the 28th Annual National Night Out. National Night Out is an effective and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police/community partnership in our fight for a safer nation.
Mayor Mary Ann Lutz kicked off the event with the “Keep Kids Alive Drive 25” program, which is geared to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety in residential areas. Thirty-five families signed up for yard signs and stickers to promote the program.
The festivities this year took place at Library Park with music from the live band, “Upstream.” Hot links, snow cones, popcorn, and police displays brought approximately 500 people out to celebrate. Forty-five families participated in the Child Identification program, over 700 hot dogs were served, and over 400 snow cones were given out. A great night was had by all, and the benefits from this great community event will extend well beyond one night out.
Battery Thefts
On July 29, two curbside box battery thefts were reported in the early morning hours. The boxes were pried open and the batteries stolen. The thefts occurred on Duarte at Magnolia and the 400 block of East Cherry. The investigation is continuing.
Battery
On July 29 at 9:29 p.m., officers were flagged down by a male subject who was bleeding from the mouth. He told officers he was jumped by two to three male juveniles. No suspects were located. Investigation continuing.
Wanted Robbery Suspect Arrested
On July 30 at 11:09 a.m., officers located a named robbery suspect they had been searching for extensively. The suspect was wanted for the robbery of a business in the 300 block of West Huntington that occurred on July 12. The suspect had approached a cashier with his hand in his jacket pocket and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t give him the money from the register. After obtaining the cash, he fled the location. Officers had identified the suspect and had been watching several locations he was known to frequent. He was located working on a vehicle in the city of Duarte and was arrested without incident.
Domestic Violence / Child Abuse – Suspect Arrested
On August 1 at 3:49 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of East Los Angeles Avenue regarding a male subject hitting another subject with a bat. When officers arrived, they located a male subject that was bleeding from a head injury. The two suspects with the bat had left the location. The investigation revealed that the subject with the head injury had physically abused his girlfriend, with whom he has two children. He had also physically abused one of the children. This subject was taken to a hospital for treatment. The identity of the two suspects that assaulted the domestic violence suspect is unknown at this time. The injured suspect was arrested after he was treated and released from the hospital. Investigation continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
On August 2 at 12:06 a.m., police received the report of a vehicle striking the Acapulco Restaurant building. The occupants of the vehicle fled the scene. Officers arrived and determined there were no injured patrons in the restaurant and no occupants of the car remained at the scene. A driver’s license and an employee badge belonging to a female subject were found at the scene, along with an identification card for another female subject. Further investigation revealed that the driver at the time of the accident was probably the female with the identification card. A location check of her residence was made, but she was not located. The investigation is ongoing and charges for driving without a license and hit and run will be pursued. Investigation continuing.
Felony Vandalism
On August 3 at 7:25 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of East Olive reported her vehicle had been vandalized. The vehicle was parked on the street and had been keyed during the night. At about 12:01 p.m., officers returned to the location, as two other vehicles belonging to the same victim had also been keyed. All of the vehicles had been vandalized sometime between 12:00 p.m. and 7:25 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Stompers | Adult School on Vacation
~ An article on Monrovia's Senior Stompers exercise group. http://goo.gl/9URDP
~ Monrovia Adult School will be closed until August 15 for a summer break. http://goo.gl/Ab9Xu
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Fights for Legislative Openness | Monrovia Man Convicted of Murder | Small Business Seminar
~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia and is in a fight with the Assembly leadership, has proposed a bill to force the Legislature to disclose how much it spends on each of its members. http://goo.gl/Wxtep Opinion: Good for him! It is ridiculous that this is not already required by law. I would have thought it was a clear matter of public record. ~ Two men, including one Monrovia man, have been convicted of first degree murder in a San Bernardino Superior Court. http://goo.gl/0EWi1 ~ If you have a small business in Monrovia, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a three-part small business seminar. Here's a flyer with the details: http://goo.gl/F8g6v - Brad Haugaard
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