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Progress in School-Baseball League Negotiations; New MYBL Initiatives

Monrovia Youth Baseball League board vice president, Jack Taylor, says he believes the MYBL and the Monrovia School District are making "good progress" and will successfully complete fee negotiations for field usage by February, when the league's season opens.
 
Previously, he said, the league was able to use the fields for free, and he'd like that to continue that for community groups such as MYBL, but he also understands the district is in a tough financial position. But, then, so is the MYBL. He said he has met with numerous school and city and officials and feels everyone is trying to be helpful.
 
If there must be fees, he said, he hopes they can be offset by work that the league could do at the schools, such as reseeding the fields.
 
Taylor said the league also has several new initiatives:
 
- Instituting a curriculum and increasing the number of training classes for coaches at each of the league's five levels, both in technical aspects of the game and in management of players and - ahem! - parents. The goal is for the players to be able to move directly to high school baseball when they graduate from MYBL.
 
- Recruiting a lot more Monrovia district students - at least 10 percent - to increase league membership to about 500, up from the current 370. Taylor said scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the fee. 
 
- Developing tighter relationships with the Monrovia community. He said MYBL is making a more determined effort to distribute flyers at schools, participate in the street fair, in Chamber of Commerce events, and develop relationships with city and school officials and civic organizations and give priority to Monrovia businesses. At its opening day fair, for example, he said the league wants Monrovia businesses to have the first crack at displaying their services and goods.
 
For more information about MYLB: myblpony.clubspaces.com
 
- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Newspaperman Dies | New Senior VP at AeroVironment

~ Former Monrovia newspaperman, Stuart Bonham, dies. http://goo.gl/GP5xZ

~ Wahid Nawabi, an executive from the power technology industry, has joined Monrovia's AeroVironment as senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems. http://goo.gl/LRJFh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robocats in the Finals | Townloop

~ Despite a broken lifter, Monrovia High's Darkmatter robot battled its way into the finals at the LA FTC Robotics Championship Tournament held at MHS. The Robocats hosted 37 other teams. The Cats other 'bots were Thundercat and Banana Pudding. http://goo.gl/lhgMe


~ Townloop (started in Pasadena by a friend) now has what I believe is its first deal with a Monrovia company, BigShrimps. The deal is you buy a discount coupon for a meal at BigShrimps and a school of your choice gets a kickback. http://goo.gl/zVmve


- Brad Haugaard

Snows Over Monrovia


The snow-capped mountains above Monrovia, as seen from Home Depot.

Monrovia Football Parade Postponed | Collecting Canned Goods

~ A report that the Wildcat victory parade will be postponed due to rain. http://goo.gl/YVQCZ
  
~ Monrovia Municipal Employee Association is collecting canned food for needy families. Donations can be brought to City Hall. For more information call 932-5550 during regular business hours Monday-Friday. See flyer: http://goo.gl/LiJej
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Dog Breaks Woman's Wrist, Pistol Robbery, Suicide Prevented, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for  Dec. 8-11. - Brad Haugaard]


Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia website at www.cityofmonrovia.org and click on the crime mapping link.


Dog Bite

On December 8 at 10:27 a.m., an animal control officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of Encinitas on the report of a dog bite.  During the power outage on December 1, an 80-year-old female subject was in her front yard when a dog approached her and bit her on the arm.  The dog owner tried to stop the dog, but failed.  The woman fell to the ground and was assisted by the dog owner.  The woman refused medical attention and no call was made to police to report the incident.  On December 8, the woman was taken to a doctor and discovered she had sustained a broken wrist.  The woman's daughter then called police to report the incident.  An animal control officer was dispatched to investigate.


Robbery

On December 8 at 10:30 a.m., a male victim was walking in the 1100 block of Norumbega when a dark colored sedan stopped ahead of him and a male suspect exited the vehicle.  The sedan drove up the street and the victim continued walking.  The suspect then approached the victim and pointed a black handgun at him and demanded his property.  The victim handed over his binoculars.  The suspect demanded the victim's wallet and then reached for the victim's rear pocket, but the victim slapped the suspect's hand away.  The suspect then fled south on Norumbega and got back into the sedan, which was waiting down the street.  The vehicle was last seen heading south on Norumbega out of sight.  The victim did not call police until 5:00 p.m. that evening, after being encouraged to report the incident by family members.  The suspect is described as a male Black, 20 years old, 6'1", weighing approximately 200 pounds.  Investigation continuing.


Vehicle Burglary

On December 9 at 4:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of West Cypress regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim parked his car at approximately 6:00 p.m. and went to work with his co-worker.  On his return at about 4:05 a.m., he discovered a window on his vehicle smashed and his stereo missing.  A screwdriver was found on the front seat.  Investigation continuing.


Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On December 11 at 2:33 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a subject drive through a stop sign at Myrtle and Walnut.  The officer stopped the driver and noticed a strong odor of alcohol and, after investigation, determined the driver to be under the influence of alcohol.  The driver was arrested.


Traffic Collision - Vehicle Versus Pedestrian

On December 11 at 6:04 a.m., a woman was walking to work and crossing in the crosswalk on a green light when she was struck by a driver whose windows were fogged up.  The driver did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk.  The pedestrian complained of pain in her arm and side and was taken to a hospital for treatment.


Stolen Bicycle Recovered - Suspect Arrested

On December 11 at 7:21 p.m., an officer took a report on a bicycle that was stolen from the 700 block of West Walnut.  At 8:11 p.m., another officer stopped a bicyclist in the 100 block of West Maple for not having a light during darkness.  The bicyclist had a warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody; the bicycle he was riding was brought to the police station.  The officer who took the stolen bicycle report noticed that the bicycle matched the description of the victim's stolen bicycle.  The victim came to the police station and positively identified the bicycle.  The suspect was additionally charged for receiving stolen property.  He claimed the bicycle belonged to a family member and he borrowed it without their knowledge or permission.


Outside Assist - Possible Attempt Suicide

On December 11 at 10:20 p.m., the Monterey Park Police Department called to report a suicidal female subject, possibly driving a black Honda in Monrovia.  The female was text messaging her boyfriend in Monterey Park and told him she took 30 sleeping pills because she wanted to die.  The female told her boyfriend she was in the 400 block of East Evergreen.  The boyfriend called Monterey Park Police Department and reported the incident.  Monrovia officers searched for the female, but she was not found.  Approximately two hours later, Monterey Park police called back and reported the female was now possibly in the 300 block of North Myrtle.  Monrovia officers began a second search and an officer eventually located the female subject in the 300 block of North Melrose.  She claimed to have taken 20 sleeping pills and was taken to a hospital by ambulance. 

Monrovia's Assemblyman Proposes Disaster Requirements for Utilities

In the wake of the recent windstorm that caused major damage throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) has proposed legislation to require each utility to report with every county in its service area every two years to review, update and improve their emergency disaster and preparedness plans. Portantino's proposal would also have the California Public Utilities Commission set preparedness standards
 
- Brad Haugaard (from press release)

Celebration for Victorious Monrovia Wildcats

Monrovia will hold a football championship celebration tomorrow,  Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reports on her Facebook page.
She says the celebration will be Tuesday the 13th (that's tomorrow) at 6 p.m. Like last year, a procession of the football team and coaches will start at Monrovia High and continue east on Colorado to Myrtle, and end in front of Library Park. The Celebration at Library Park should begin about 6:20 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Centre Stage Students Perform 'The Gift'

The vocal students of Monrovia's Centre Stage will perform "The Gift," an evening of classic and new carols, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21 at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. Tickets $15. Call (626) 533-4919 to order.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Christmas Tree Safety

Monrovia Fire Department reports that Christmas trees cause "a surprisingly low number of fires," but those fires cause a surprisingly high number of fatalities, about one in every 18 fires. So, tips on having a safe Christmas tree:

- Use a fire-retardant tree. Check that artificial trees are certified fire-retardant and that cut trees are fresh and adequately watered.
- Make sure lights are in good condition and used properly.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources.
- Don't let the tree or other decorations block exits.
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council May Choose a Temporary Member if Shaw Cannot Participate

Monrovia Councilman Clarence Shaw is on active duty and the City Council has left his seat open, but this resulted in a tie vote, so ...

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes that the "Council directed that the City Attorney and I consult with Councilman Shaw to determine definitively whether he can participate in Council deliberations during his tour of active duty. If he is precluded from participation, then the Council may reconsider the temporary appointment."
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

City Manager: Monrovia Best Responder After Windstorm

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa says he thinks Monrovia did better than any other agency during the windstorm:


I do believe that Monrovia responded faster and with more resources than any other agency affected by the windstorms. We kept field crews working all night, staffed the main City Hall switchboard so that folks could actually have a live person to talk to, and constantly updated all of our various media. Augmented by community members, such as our CERT volunteers and local contractor Steve Pokrajac's heavy equipment crews, Monrovia's clean-up efforts have been accelerated greatly!


But, he added, "I do worry that not enough of our homes are prepared to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours."




Opinion: Agreed! I think the city did a fabulous job. I know a city worker who was on the job even though his own home had serious damage. Also, I thought the giant bins around town for yard waste were a great idea. Suggestion - since we couldn't put palm fronds in those bins, maybe next time add a few bins just for palm fronds. 


- Brad Haugaard

Local Politicians and SoCal Edison

About SoCal Edison's ties with Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, and other politicians. Can politicians fairly investigate SoCal Edison when it gives them substantial money? http://goo.gl/lb0cx
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wins CIF Championship 53-14 :-)

The Monrovia Wildcats win the CIF championship - again.
 
San Gabriel beautifully played the Wildcats to a 14-14 standstill at the end of the first half, even leading briefly, but in the third quarter Monrovia exploded to a 36-14 lead, then in the fourth quarter pulled even further ahead to end the game at 53-14.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Brown Declares State of Emergency for San Gabriel Valley

Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for the San Gabriel Valley, which will allow local cities to recover some of the costs they incurred in responding to the windstorm. http://goo.gl/wLMyv
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Short on Food

From the Center's Facebook page:

With just ten days to go, we’re short 500 turkeys, and 1,100 pies for our annual Holiday Distribution. Each year, hundreds of our client families register to pick up generous holiday food boxes at this two-day event. This year, we’re expecting over 1,500 families with 3,000 children, and we need your help! You can drop off turkeys and pies any weekday from 9 to 5 at either Center location, 415 West Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia or 191 N. Oak in Pasadena. Short on time? Help us buy birds and pies to fill the gaps by clicking the Donate Now button on our website. One more easy (and tasty!) way to donate pies: at participating local Coco’s, you can buy an extra pie and they’ll hold it for us to pick up. Thanks for sharing with local families in need!
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Finances and Attendance Headed Down; Start Date;Advocacy

A few items on the Dec. 15 Monrovia School Board agenda ( http://goo.gl/6xbEN ): 

~ The Monrovia Unified School District projects that it will be able to meet its financial obligations for this year and the two years following, but after that, um, maybe not, because, well, who knows how much money the state will give to the schools. That would mean the schools would have to cut some more. http://goo.gl/ZsGJX
~ It appears that despite a nice little bump up in attendance from 2010-11 (5951) to 2011-12 (5961), Monrovia School District projects its enrollment will resume its decline - to 5886 in 2012-13 and to 5871 in 2013-14.  http://goo.gl/ZsGJX
~ If you want to plan a family vacation, note that school will start on August 27 in 2012, assuming the School Board approves this recommendation: http://goo.gl/TkTJV
~ Here is a list of "Board Advocacy" issues. Basically, appeals to the state for money ( http://goo.gl/Yyaz3 ) Opinion: I wonder if it would be possible for the state's school districts to create a separate taxing authority for k-12 education, separating its finances from the state's, as it used to be. I think the state government has demonstrated it is wretchedly irresponsible with money. Better to have separate bank accounts.
- Brad Haugaard

Randone Not Guilty of Murder of Monrovian Felicia Lee | Replace Shaw? | Chamber Open House | Freeway Closures | Tharpe

~ Brian Lee Randone found not guilty in death of murder of Monrovian Felicia Lee. Star-News: http://goo.gl/9KHT2 , Monrovia Patch: http://goo.gl/vJKsE


~ Monrovia City Council discusses temporarily replacing member Clarence Shaw, who has been called onto active duty in the Army: http://goo.gl/RTNi4


~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is having an open house Dec. 14. Admission price is a $10 child's toy, being collected for Foothill Unity Center. http://goo.gl/PrNzS


~ Between now and Dec. 24 there may be partial freeway closures on the 210 eastbound for bridge construction. Closures will occur no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the next day.


~ Feature story of Monrovia businessman Joseph Tharpe.  http://goo.gl/gI3gK


- Brad Haugaard

Dog Dies in House Fire

Dog dies in Monrovia house fire. http://goo.gl/zehOJ
 
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Daphne's


Lunch at Daphne's at 915 W. Huntington. "California Greek" style. Got the chicken wrap with chips and hummus. Nice and fresh. Quick service, cheerful atmosphere.

- Brad Haugaard