- Brad Haugaard
Man Pleads Guilty in Collection Agency Scam
Man pleads guilty to running a collection agency scam in Bakersfield, Monrovia and Anaheim. http://goo.gl/CCuxf
Full Eastbound Freeway Closure Tonight | Spicer Sworn In | Green Dot Executive Resigns
~ At midnight tonight, all eastbound lanes of the 210 will be closed when approaching Santa Anita offramp. The freeway will be closed until 5 a.m. tomorrow (Jan. 18) when some lanes will reopen. All lanes will be open by 6 a.m.
~ Fill-in Monrovia City Councilman, Larry Spicer, will be sworn in tonight. He is taking Clarence Shaw's place while Shaw is on active duty with the army. http://goo.gl/MfTu3 Update: Councilman Tom Adams says Spicer has already been sworn in.
~ Mark Troughton, President, Cards and Network of Green Dot Corporation, is resigning at the end of this month. http://goo.gl/d68y3
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Shots Fired, Target Uncooperative; Embezzling; Marijuana Sales; Husband Battering; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]
Shots Fired
On January 13 at 10:42 p.m., residents in the area of 1100 South Primrose heard several shots fired. Officers responded and discovered four .45 caliber bullet casings in the south alley in the 200 block of West Huntington, near Magnolia. Video surveillance showed a male suspect, possibly White or Hispanic, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt in the alley. The suspect fired four rounds east in the alley, then he ran west out of sight. It is unknown what he was shooting at; however, at the time of the shooting, the manager of a business saw a male Black subject, approximately 18 to 20 years old, wearing baggy clothing, dancing around in the parking lot. He then ran east toward Primrose. It's possible he could have been the target and was attempting to avoid getting hit. No impact points or blood on the ground was located. Hospitals were notified, but no victims were reported during the night.
On January 16 at approximately 3:00 a.m., an officer stopped a suspicious subject. During the contact, the subject claimed to be the victim of the shooting that occurred on January 13. The victim said he was in a business parking lot and was shot at; he was not struck or injured. The victim would not cooperate with the officer and refused to provide any additional information. The clothing the victim was wearing during his contact with the officer matched the possible victim's clothing reported on the night of the shooting. The officer completed a supplemental report regarding his contact with the possible victim and an identification card was also completed. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto - Motorcycle
On January 14 at 2:33 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Shamrock heard noises in his front yard and went outside to investigate. He saw his 2005, orange and black, KTM, dirt bike motorcycle was missing off a trailer he had parked on the street in front of his house. Witnesses told him they saw a male Hispanic subject, approximately 30 years old, pushing it west on Lemon toward California. Officers searched the area for the suspect and the motorcycle, but did not locate either. Investigation continuing.
Theft
On January 14 at 10:19 a.m., officers responded to a theft report at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Myrtle. A pickup truck parked on the first level of the parking structure behind the security gate had two duffel bags stolen out of the bed of the truck. Investigation continuing.
Embezzlement - Suspect Arrested
On January 14 at 11:43 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle regarding an embezzlement report. The owner of the business noticed a discrepancy in the inventory and confronted the employee in charge, who admitted to embezzling property from the business. During investigation, the employee confessed to embezzling property from the business over the past five years. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Special Enforcement Team Activity
Traffic Stop / Possession of Marijuana for Sales / Warrants - Suspects Arrested
On January 14 at 8:46 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1600 block of South Myrtle. He recognized the driver and knew she had an active want for her arrest issued by Monrovia Police Department. A search of her vehicle revealed marijuana found in different containers, and a large quantity of cash was found on her person. Her cell phone contained multiple texts from people that indicated she was selling marijuana to them. She was arrested for the want, as well as possession of marijuana for sales and transportation. There was a passenger in the vehicle that was found to have five felony warrants, which included a no-bail probation warrant. The passenger was also arrested.
Domestic Violence / Outside Assist - Huntington Beach Police Department - Suspect Arrested
On January 14, the Special Enforcement Team detained a distraught female on Myrtle and Duarte. The subject said she was upset because her twin sister had been involved in domestic violence with her husband. While talking to her, her husband and sister arrived. After further investigation, the sister was arrested for domestic violence for battering her husband. Since the incident occurred in Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Police Department responded and took custody of the female suspect.
Bald Insurance Executives Help Monrovia Anti-Cancer Foundation
A bunch of insurance executives have recently shaved their heads ( http://goo.gl/oBYCF ) to raise $700,000 for Monrovia-based St. Baldrick's Foundation ( http://goo.gl/acWva ). St. Baldrick's raises money for research to find cures for childhood cancer. The organization has raised $78,804,186 since 2005 and $914,760 so far this year.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's McCarthy Switches to UCLA | Mayor to Conference | PetSmart Open | Salon Cheo | Dogwood's
~ Monrovia defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy has switched his commitment to UCLA. http://goo.gl/tsXyu
~ Mayor Mary Ann Lutz plans to attend the National Conference of Mayors. http://goo.gl/WQZm5
~ The PetSmart store on Huntington is now open. http://goo.gl/6CRwY
~ It appears a new business is opening on Foothill, Salon Cheo. http://goo.gl/oVh5J
~ By the way, I hear a rumor (nothing more), that the now-closed Dogwood's will be converted into an office building. Update: Yup, its true - http://goo.gl/6X2KA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman's Nephew | Free Mulch | Chase Grand Opening
~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, asks on his Facebook page for prayer for his two-day-old nephew, Maximilian, and his parents. Maximilian is going to have a stent installed in his heart today. Update: Successful, with a part-two operation later this week.
~ Free mulch! The recent windstorm knocked down a lot of trees and limbs, which have been helpfully ground up into mulch. If you want some, get it on Jan. 21 or 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Recreation Park (600 S. Shamrock next to the Boys & Girls Club). Bring a shovel, containers, gloves and safety glasses. Take as much as you need while it lasts. http://goo.gl/33dQx
~ The new Chase Bank at the former Spire's restaurant location had its grand opening Saturday. A photo: http://goo.gl/VtvzX
Monrovia Gallery to Feature 'Impressions of France' | Alex Zucco
Baignoire Chez Nous
~ Impressions of France show at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime Ave., Jan. 21-April 7. Demonstration of plein air (outdoors) painting Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. outside the gallery, of painting and sculpting from a live model (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.), and a panel discussion (4-5 p.m.) on creativity and the beauty of rural France. http://goo.gl/qV6Iv
~ A profile article about Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco, by the person who knows her best. http://goo.gl/ryNQg
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Pet-Food Drive | Third Gold Line Bridge Column Done | Huff Legislation
~ Unleashed by PetCo (614 W. Huntington Drive) is having a foodraising drive to benefit Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank. Get a raffle ticket for every can of food donated. http://goo.gl/2uYw5
~ The third Gold Line bridge column (near eastbound Santa Anita offramp) has been completed. http://goo.gl/FoLS1
~ A new measure authored by State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, would give the State Department of Finance "the authority to issue a corrective action plan, if an audit uncovers that bond funds have been misspent by a state entity or agency." http://goo.gl/4kcHv
~ Another Huff measure would "make a technical change to the Open Enrollment Act by changing the name of 'low-achieving' schools to a less judgmental and more benign title of 'open enrollment' schools." http://goo.gl/OjpCe
- Brad Haugaard
Portable Generator for Monrovia | Reroofing City Garage | Cacciotti Raises $108,953
~ Interim City Manager Mark Alvarado reports that the City Council will consider buying a portable generator in case the city experiences another power outage such as the one caused by the recent windstorm. http://goo.gl/Ecun6
~ Also, he said, staff is recommending re-roofing the Public Works Corporate Yard Garage, which was damaged in the storm. The roofing job will cost $29,340.
~ South Pasadena Mayor and Assembly District 41 candidate, Michael Cacciotti, today announced that he has raised $108,953 for his Assembly campaign in the first six weeks since he announced his intentions to run in late November. He said he is "overwhelmed by the strong rush of support" he has had. Source: Cacciotti press release.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Wildcat Victory Celebration
Tonight in Library Park, the Monrovia High Wildcats and the community celebrated the football team's second consecutive championship.
More pictures: http://goo.gl/FfZ6S
Full story: http://goo.gl/cWKte
- Brad Haugaard
Electric Car Chargers Installed by Monrovia's AeroVironment Almost On Line
Electric charging stations installed by Monrovia's AeroVironment almost ready to go on line in Oregon. http://goo.gl/TfgLt
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: hit and Run Details, Tagging
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 9-12. – Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, January 4-10, 2011, the Police Department handled 474 service events, resulting in 98 investigations. Following are the highlighted issues and events for the weekdays listed above.
Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On January 9 at 5:42 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling west on Foothill and stopped at Violet when a dark colored SUV collided into the bicyclist. The bicyclist was ejected approximately 20 feet and the driver of the SUV fled west on Foothill. The bicyclist was treated by Monrovia Fire Department at the scene and was taken to a hospital. His external injuries appeared minor, but his internal injuries were unknown, so as a precaution, he was taken to a trauma unit.
During the investigation, Monrovia Police Department received a call from a subject who claimed to have possibly been involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle on Foothill. The caller provided a description of his vehicle, which matched the description of the hit and run vehicle. Officers responded to the driver’s location and after further investigation, the suspect was arrested.
Detective Bureau – Case Follow-up
On November 16, 2011, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 300 East Colorado regarding vandalism in progress. The officers were able to locate one adult suspect and a juvenile suspect. The suspects were arrested for tagging in the area of 300 East Colorado. The tagging is unique and there were several reports describing the particular tagging.
A follow-up investigation by a detective discovered two additional suspects tied to the original suspects. After an extensive data collection effort by the detective, the cost of cleaning up the paint and replacing the damaged glass amounted to a felony vandalism charge. The detective was able to use the detailed preliminary investigation by the officer to secure a felony filing against all four suspects and close 25 cases. Since the case was filed, the detective has found two additional cases to add to the filing.
- Brad Haugaard
Filming in Monrovia
Neon Trees in Monrovia to shoot Buick commercial. http://goo.gl/yQtjK - Brad Haugaard
Deer Dining Spot in Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Football Celebration Tonight | Assembly Records | Antioxidants
~ Monrovia Wildcat football victory parade tonight at 5 p.m., from MHS, along Colorado, and north on Myrtle for a celebration at Library Park at about 5:30 p.m.
~ Analysis of recently-released Assembly records as they relate to the charge by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) that he was unfairly picked on by Speaker John Pérez. http://goo.gl/NhPW6
~ Brown bag lunch discussion on antioxidants at library, Jan. 17 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. http://goo.gl/T9CFF
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Church Serving In-N-Out | New Church | Theft From Church | Portantino Spent Less Than Most of His Democratic Colleagues
~ Monrovia's New Beginnings Family Church (2780 S. Peck Rd.) is serving free In-N-Out Burgers this Sunday. http://goo.gl/pzvfk
~ The new Fellowship Monrovia church will officially begin meeting this Sunday, at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. The church has already had several "prequel" meetings. http://goo.gl/Qkr7T
~ Monrovia man charged with stealing from Glendale church donation box. http://goo.gl/du2Jn
~ Last year Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, spent less than 38 of the 52 Democrats in the Assembly. http://goo.gl/kANpX
- Brad Haugaard
New Businesses in Monrovia | Huff Worries About Governor's Budget
~ A list of businesses that opened in Monrovia in 2011. http://goo.gl/LsJBR
~ Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia ) worries that Governor Brown's proposed budget will "increase the state’s dependence on highly volatile income tax payments by the state’s wealthiest individuals" and result in "yet another boom and bust cycle" ( http://goo.gl/B8M8e ). Opinion: Ya know, a boom and bust cycle wouldn't be so bad if Sacramento would only restrain itself during the booms so we don't go broke during the busts.
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino's Whistleblower Bill Passes First Hurdle
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s bill to provide Legislative staffers with the same protections from retaliation as other state employees has been approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a unanimous vote, according to a press release from Portantino's office. Portantino represents part of Monrovia.
The press release continues:
The bill marks the first time legislative employees will have legal protection from reprisals for reporting government wrongdoing such as waste or abuse. It’s part of Assemblymember Portantino’s broader efforts to ensure openness, transparency and accountability in state government.
“This is another self-serving protection that the legislature enacted that needs to be repealed. Workers should know that when they do the right thing they won’t have to face the threat of retaliation. Repealing this exemption show’s we are serious about finding waste and fraud. It’s the right thing to do,” commented Portantino.
Each year, thousands of Californians do the right thing by reporting waste, fraud, violations of law, and political corruption. When they do the right thing, they are protected from retaliation under the California Whistleblower Protection Act. In most state houses in the nation those who witness and report these abuses are also covered with protection. Not in California. Folks who work for the State Legislature have no such protection. AB 1378 will change this disparity.
AB 1378 would require the Rules Committees of both the Assembly and Senate to designate an officer to receive written complaints and the state Auditor would then investigate those complaints. Those found guilty of retaliation could face fines up to $10,000 and a year in county jail.
The bill now goes to Assembly Appropriations later this month.
- Brad Haugaard
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