Open Audition for Monrovia Rotary Talent Show

The Rotary Club of Monrovia is looking for local talent for its annual talent show and BBQ. The selected performers will compete for the title of best in town and a $500 grand prize.

Open auditions will be held at the YMCA (501 S Mountain Ave, Monrovia) on Saturday, August 27, September 10, and September 17 each from 12 noon-3pm for the annual Monrovia’s Got Talent competition. All ages are welcome.

Please RSVP to Denise Harvey (626-483-4861) prior to the auditions to pre-qualify. All types of acts are welcome such as singing, dancing, comedians, instrumentalists, magicians, guitarists, novelty acts, or any other unique talents.

The annual talent show titled “Monrovia’s Got Talent” is a fundraiser for the Monrovia Rotary Foundation, a 501c3 charity which supports community and international projects. The event will be a talent competition as well as a Texas BBQ held on Saturday September 24, 2011 from 5pm to 10pm at the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 East Lemon, Monrovia).

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by contacting Denise Harvey (626-483-4861) or Julie Roybal (626-222-0571).

Continually updated information on the event can be found at http://www.monroviarotaryevents.com

- Brad Haugaard (from press release)

Monrovia PD: Copper Wire Theft, Auto Theft, Domestic Violence, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for August 4-11 – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 534 service events, resulting in 79 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:

Robbery

On August 4 at 0:22 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of West Huntington regarding a male transient reporting, three male suspects took him inside the restroom in the 700 block of East Lemon and beat him up. The suspects then took his shoes and wallet and fled in an unknown direction. The victim walked to the 800 block of West Huntington and called police to report the incident. There were no suspects found. Investigation continuing.

Mail Tampering

On August 5 at 4:02 a.m., an officer responded to a call in the 500 block of Valmont, regarding two male subjects seen tampering with two mailboxes in the area. An area check was conducted but the suspects were not located. Investigation continuing.

Robbery

On August 6 at 9:03 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of West Huntington regarding a robbery that had just occurred. Officers were advised that a male suspect wearing dark clothing entered the business through the front door and proceeded to the “take out” counter. The suspect pointed a silver revolver at the female employee and demanded the money. The victim handed money to the suspect who fled out the front door and out of sight. Investigation continuing.

Burglary

On August 7 at 3:52 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a burglary. On August 5, a male suspect committed an unreported theft, where he stuffed a backpack full of merchandise, then fled prior to being caught. On August 7, the same suspect re-entered the store and immediately began cutting off security sensors from tools using a cutting tool. The property was valued at over $2,000. The suspect began stuffing his backpack and was detained to prevent him from fleeing the store again. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence

On August 8 at 11:52 an officer responded to the 800 Block of West Olive regarding a domestic disturbance. A male suspect became intoxicated and began to argue with his live in girlfriend. The argument escalated and he assaulted her several times causing visible injury. He was arrested for domestic violence and placed in the sobering cell until he could be booked. An emergency protective order was obtained on behalf of the victim.

Vehicle Burglaries

On August 8, dispatch received reports of two window smash auto burglaries. The first occurred in the 400 block of South Alta Vista between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the loss was an empty purse. The second occurred in the 100 block of North Mayflower between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., the loss was a black briefcase with cash, a telescope and a camera. There is no suspect information at this time. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On August 9 at 6:55 a.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of Fano regarding a stolen vehicle report. The victim told the officer he parked his vehicle on the street in front of the location and left the keys on the seat. He did not lock the vehicle and did not have an alarm. The victim went inside the residence and returned an hour later to discover the vehicle missing. The vehicle is a white, 1991 Honda Accord. Investigation continuing.

Stolen Vehicle

On August 9 at 11:45 a.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of West Walnut regarding a stolen vehicle. The victim told him she parked and locked her vehicle on the street in front of the location at 1:00 a.m. She returned to her vehicle at 4:00 a.m., and it was missing. All keys were accounted for and there was no glass on the ground where it was parked. The vehicle is a green, 1991 Honda Accord. Investigation continuing.

Burglary

On August 10 at 7:45 a.m. an officer responded to a business in the 700 block of West Huntington. The reporting party was a contracted electrician who is working at the location. The suspect(s) apparently forced open (by pushing in) a sheet of plywood covering a dock door on the north side of the building. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed approximately 100 feet of 1 inch copper wire and pushed a metal tool box out of the dock door opening. It appears, due to scrapes on the concrete floor, that the suspect(s) backed up a truck and loaded the metal tool box into it, and left undetected. Investigation continuing.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary

On August 10 at 11:40 a.m., an officer responded to 100 block of West Pomona regarding an attempt vehicle burglary. The reporting party reported that someone tried breaking into one of their vehicles, a Ford F-350 Van. The suspect(s) damaged the rear door lock of the van; however, no entry was made. Investigation continuing.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Donates Milk to Africa

Prolacta Bioscience, a Monrovia company that creates human breast-milk formulations for critically ill premature infants, partnered with International Breast Milk Project to provide 5,000 ounces of milk to Cape Town South Africa. http://goo.gl/ReOsa

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Business Workshop Rescheduled

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled the Small Business Workshop Series.  Part One will be held on September 8, and will cover "Ten of the Hottest Human Resource Topics," with information on how to keep your business from being vulnerable. RSVP by calling, 626 358-1159 or by email to Korrine Ramirez at kr@monroviacc.com.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Launch Campaign to Slow Driving

The Monrovia Police Department has launched a campaign starting in August that reminds us to slow down in the name of safety.

 

“The Keep Kids Alive - Drive 25” anti-speeding campaign kicked off on National Night Out on Aug. 2. The intent is to remind drivers with signs, vests and even stickers on garbage cans to drive within the speed limit – especially in residential neighborhoods.

 

“Traffic enforcement impacts the number of speeding violators on our residential streets, but it is not the only solution to the problem,” said Monrovia Police Chief Jim Hunt. “The Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 traffic safety education program will be an important tool to help reduce the number of drivers exceeding the residential speed limit.”

 

Residents can pick up free signs and stickers from the Police Department’s lobby at 140 E. Lime Avenue, or by calling Sgt. Glen Coleman at (626) 256-8020. To get a yard sign, all residents need to do is sign up by leaving their name and address, and the Police Department will come by in two months to pick up the signs so the signs can be used in another neighborhood.

 

The program was initiated following concerns expressed by participants of a neighborhood survey, in which they noted the number of speeders on their streets. In response, the department performed a street radar survey.

 

Through the street radar survey, it was discovered between 2 to 12 percent of drivers exceed the speed limit on residential streets, and over 70 percent of the speeders are residents of the neighborhood. The survey also revealed that while violations occurred throughout the day, the highest volume of traffic occurred in the morning and afternoon.

 

The Drive 25 campaign – which is part of a national campaign based out of Nebraska – will hopefully make these drivers more aware of their speed by reinforcing to them to slow down with images of children playing in the street. The campaign comes at a time when children are gearing up to return back to school.

 

The Drive 25 campaign is among the several traffic safety programs offered by the Monrovia Police Department. To learn more about these programs, visit the website at www.cityofmonrovia.org.

 

- Brad Haugaard (from Police Department press release)

Monrovia's World Vision in Somalia | School Board Candidates | Openness at Police Department

~ While the U.S. is becoming interested in helping with the famine in Somalia ( http://goo.gl/PM5Zk ), Monrovia's World Vision is already there: http://goo.gl/WsXEt

 

~ Candidates who want to run for Monrovia School Board need to turn in their paperwork by this Friday. As you can see, eight people have taken out papers and three have filed. (See last two columns): http://goo.gl/S5S10

 

~ New Monrovia Police chief promises more openness. http://goo.gl/b8Lgv

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Creates Huge Mural

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 Haugaard

City 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

Lunch at Nano Cafe (on Duarte just a smidge east of Mayflower). Got the Rueben sandwich. $8.99. It was good.

-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