Monrovia Mayor to Attend Mayor's Institute on City Design

Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz will join an elite group of elected officials this week as she travels to Houston, Texas, to attend the National Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD), a conference intended to provide mayors from across the nation with tools to help them lead their cities in urban design. 

Mayor Lutz will be one of only eight western U.S. Mayors invited to contribute to this organization’s study of urban design issues on topics such as downtown revitalization, design of new public buildings, and transportation planning. “I am honored to be invited to this event,” Mayor Lutz said, “It’s a testament to the fact that Monrovia is at the forefront in urban design.”

The Mayors' Institute on City Design is a National Endowment for the Arts Leadership Initiative in partnership with the American Architectural Foundation and the United States Conference of Mayors. Since 1986, the Mayors’ Institute has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. The MICD achieves its mission by organizing sessions where mayors engage leading design experts to find solutions to the most critical urban design challenges facing their cities. “The Mayors’ Institute was founded both to educate mayors about design and to educate the design community about the latest practical needs of our cities,” according to MICD officials.

The sessions are designed to provide mayors with hands on experience and advisement from professional planners. Each session is limited to less than twenty participants, half mayors and half a resource team consisting of outstanding city design and development professionals. Each mayor must present a problem from his or her city for the other mayors and designers to discuss. Mayors present a range of challenges, including waterfront redevelopment, downtown revitalization, transportation planning, and the design of new public buildings such as libraries and arts centers.

The Institute has graduated more than 850 mayors and more than 600 design professionals.

This week’s session is being hosted by the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture. Other west coast invitees include representatives from the cities of Boulder, Colo.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Santa Barbara, Carson and Redwood City, Calif.; and the mayors from Baytown and New Braunfels, Texas.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Williams Goes with UC Davis | Drama Teacher Resigns

~ Monrovia High's Luke Williams has committed to UC Davis. http://goo.gl/iGkcV

 

~ MHS Drama Director, Marc Segal, resigns. http://goo.gl/OvvF7

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Hit and Run | Pink Vandalism at Band Shell | Laser vs. Airplane | Stabbing, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 26-29. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Residential Burglary

On January 26 at 4:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of East Lemon called to report a burglary.  An unknown suspect entered the residence sometime after the resident left for work and ransacked the home.  A video game station was stolen.  Additional property was found by the victim on the front lawn.  Investigation continuing.

 

Residential Burglary

On January 27 at 2:48 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Colorado regarding a burglary.  The victim reported that she left her home for work at 10:00 a.m. on January 26 and returned home at 2:45 a.m. on January 27 to find her house ransacked.  There were no signs of forced entry; however, the front door was open.  Money was taken from a shoe box in the living room.  Investigation continuing.

 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Vehicle Versus Pedestrian - Suspect Arrested

On January 27 at 3:31 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred at Huntington and Canyon.  A 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle as she tried to cross the street.  After stopping briefly down the road, the driver drove off and did not stop to check on the child or to render any aid.  The child was severely injured and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition.

 

Officers conducted an intense search for the suspect driver.  Witness statements and evidence at the scene led officers to an address in Monrovia, where the suspect vehicle was recovered and the passenger who had been in the car during the incident was found.  Through further investigation, officers eventually located the suspect at a business in Duarte.  The female suspect admitted to driving the vehicle and striking the child.  She was arrested and booked for the appropriate charges. 

 

The father of the child called later and reported that the victim had been upgraded to stable condition.

 

Vehicle Burglary

On January 27 at 8:06 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim reported that he arrived at the location at about 7:00 p.m., parked his vehicle in the parking area, and went into the hotel.  When he returned to his vehicle at about 8:25 p.m., he found the dashboard had been removed and the navigation system was missing.  Also missing was a briefcase containing personal information and other miscellaneous paperwork.  Investigation continuing.

 

Vandalism

On January 28 at 2:53 p.m., graffiti was reported at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  Suspects wrote on the band shell in the park in pink/red letters.  Investigation continuing.  

 

Discharge of a Laser at an Aircraft

On January 28 at 9:13 p.m., the Foothill Air Support helicopter reported being hit by a green laser from the area between Diamond and El Dorado.  Arcadia Police Department was also notified.  Monrovia officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the source of the laser.

 

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On January 29 at 12:30 a.m., an officer responded to a local hospital regarding a stabbing victim at their facility who reported that the incident occurred in Monrovia.  The victim, a 16-year-old male, stated that he and several friends had left a friend's house in the 100 block of East Evergreen and began walking to another friend's house in the 800 block of East Olive.  When they reached California, they were confronted by two male Hispanic subjects.  The victim pushed the suspect and the suspect stabbed him in the arm.  The second suspect jumped in and hit the victim in the face.  Then they separated and walked away in different directions.  The victim was taken to a hospital by friends.

 

Suspect number one is described as 18 to 22 years old, 5 foot 5 inches tall, 140 to 160 pounds, black hair, thin moustache, wearing a light colored baseball cap, gray hooded sweatshirt and light colored shorts.  Suspect number two is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 22 years old, 5 foot 7 inches tall, 140 to 160 pounds, black or brown medium length shaggy hair, wearing a black t-shirt.  The weapon is a pocket knife with a 4-inch stainless blade.  Investigation continuing.

Monrovia's Acapulco Restaurant Goes Dark

Monrovia's Acapulco Restaurant, on Huntington Drive, has gone out of business. All that is left of the business sign is a shadow and there is a "for lease" sign out front. Its parent company, Real Mex, is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. http://goo.gl/UqXUo

- Brad Haugaard

Dam North of Monrovia Appears Low on Water

Cogswell Dam seems a bit low on water.

I took some pictures this weekend of the water level in Cogswell Dam - in the West Fork of the San Gabriel River in the mountains just north of Monrovia. The water appears to be way low. Friend Steve Scauzillo, environmental reporter for the Star-News, comments on it. "Pray for rain," he says. Here's another picture and Steve's commentary: http://goo.gl/xqx2m

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of City Video On-Line | Sutherland Honored | Snail's Pace

~ Mayor's State of the City video now on line. http://goo.gl/uqyCo

~ Monrovian Karen Sutherland honored by Chamber of Commerce. http://goo.gl/zb7gK

~ The Monrovia running store, A Snail's Pace, gets national recognition. http://goo.gl/EvfHO

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hit-and-Run Victim Improving | Donnelly Honored | Police Investigate Stabbing

~ 12-year-old girl struck by car in Monrovia is improving. http://goo.gl/Cnn6M

 

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, reports on Facebook that he was named State Legislator of the Year for 2011 by the California chapter of Concerned Women for America, an organization that fights for "Faith, Family and Freedom."

 

~ Police investigate Monrovia stabbing. http://goo.gl/n4YVD

 

- Brad Haugaard

Driver Arrested in Hit-And-Run | Girls Basketball | Tax Services

~ Driver who allegedly hit-and-ran after striking an 12-year-old girl has been arrested. Girl in critical condition. http://goo.gl/vCDHr

 

~ Monrovia High School girls basketball over South Pas. http://goo.gl/WYQ4Z

 

State Senator Carol Liu and others were at the Foothill Unity Center in Monrovia, CA to talk about free tax services that are available to working Californians. http://goo.gl/XLuDs

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's State Senator on Education Spending, Local School Authority,and Chiropractors

California education spending and its results.

~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, said he created this scatter graph of school district spending versus student performance. He said: "If there is a connection between the two factors–in other words if more spending as a rule results in better student performance–there should be some kind of correlating line beginning in the lower left quadrant and ending in the upper right quadrant. But results do not show even a faint line from left to right. The dots are fairly random and it is difficult—if not impossible—to see a relationship between these two factors." http://goo.gl/X2BcD

~ Huff said he wonders if Governor Jerry Brown is coming around to the view that Sacramento should return authority to local school districts. He quotes Brown as saying it is important to "give more authority to local school districts to fashion the kind of programs they see their students need," and Huff responds that, "it is refreshing to see the governor arrive at this position. It is finally sinking in that state bureaucracies can no longer play school board." http://goo.gl/X2BcD

~ A Huff measure to stop chiropractors from treating allergies has been approved by the State Senate. http://goo.gl/ucPrK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Looking For Car in Hit-and-Run on 11-Year-Old Girl

Monrovia Police looking for a car possibly of this make and model, a pearl white Infinity.

On Friday, January 27, at 3:51 p.m., the Monrovia Police Department received a call of an injury traffic collision at Huntington Drive and Canyon Blvd Officers determined an eleven-year-old female had attempted to cross the road and had been struck by a passing car. The child was injured and is now hospitalized. Investigators are still gathering evidence at this time. Witnesses observed a pearl white Infinity, possibly a 2004, j30 model or a similar vehicle, strike the child. The driver fled without stopping at the scene, continuing west on Huntington, south on Myrtle and then West on the 210 Foothill Freeway. 

Anyone with information about this collision please call the Watch Commander at the Monrovia Police Department. 626-256-8000.

Source: Monrovia City press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Cafe LuMar

Lunch at the new Cafe LuMar, 136 E. Colorado Blvd. Clean and attractive, with paintings of Croatia on the walls. I got the roasted pork panini, added a bit of mustard to my taste and it was yummy and filling. Oh, also got a banana chocolate crepe for desert, which I can recommend highly!
- Brad Haugaard

Peek at the Sun at Monrovia's Library Park

The Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project outreach program will be at Library Park, at the northwest corner of Myrtle and Lime, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, with a solar telescope and some handouts, like solar glasses. Come out and look at our nearest star.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Black History Events

Black history events at Monrovia United Methodist Church ( http://goo.gl/lYoHP ) and at the Krikorian ( http://goo.gl/lgRQW ).

 

- Brad Haugaard

Trial Starts in Shooting in Unincorporated Monrovia

Trial begins in 2008 shooting of teen in unincorporated county area near Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Bu45E

 

- Brad Haugaard

Films at Monrovia Library

Film nights at the Library. Midnight in Paris, Jan. 30; Beginners, Feb. 6; The Help, Feb. 13. All at 6 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/xon52

 

- Brad Haugaard

Getting Ready to Pour Abutments for Gold Line Bridge

Installing the form work for the southern bridge abutment. Late next week, crews are scheduled to pour concrete. http://goo.gl/h3WYP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Green Dot Ends 2011 with Strong Quarter

Green Dot Corporation of Monrovia reported strong Fourth Quarter 2011 results: http://goo.gl/SyelT

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Oops! Wrong Address on Narcotics, Wrong Gift Cards, A Quiet Place to Smoke Weed, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for  January 23-25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Suspicious Package

On January 23 at 1:41 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of West Chestnut regarding a suspicious letter received by a local business.  A white powdery substance was contained within the letter.  Monrovia Fire Department, in coordination with Los Angeles County Fire and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Hazmat Teams, responded to recover the suspicious letter.  The substance was analyzed and tested positive as a narcotic substance.  The origination of the letter is under investigation and being handled by the Monrovia Police Department.

Possession of Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested

On January 24 at 11:30 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist run a stop sign in the 900 block of Alta Vista.  After stopping the subject, he received consent to search.  During the search, he found the subject was in possession of several gift cards.  The names on the cards matched the names of victims from thefts that occurred earlier in the week in Monrovia.  The suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property and the investigation is continuing.

Trespassing - Suspect Arrested

On January 24 at 9:52 p.m., officers responded to an audible alarm activation at a residence in the 200 block of North Myrtle, which is a house that is under construction.  When officers arrived, it appeared as if someone had climbed through an unlocked rear window.  Upon closer examination, a wallet with identification was found inside the house. 

While officers were speaking with neighbors, they noticed a male subject walking nearby.  His head was down as if he were looking for something he had dropped.  The officers contacted him and discovered he was the owner of the wallet found in the vacant house.  This individual lives in the neighborhood.  He said he was looking for a place to smoke Marijuana, and he knew that the house was vacant.  He climbed through an unsecured window and activated the audible alarm, which caused him to flee and drop his wallet.  There was no evidence indicating the suspect entered the location to steal any property.  He was arrested for trespassing.

Possession of Burglary Tools - Suspect Arrested

On January 25 at 4:08 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of West Olive reported hearing suspicious male voices in the alley.  Officers responded and detained two subjects.  One of them was arrested for possession of burglary tools.  Nearby, the officers found a red and black, "Gary Fisher" brand, mountain bike that had been discarded.  The bike was taken as found property and the officers began attempting to locate its owner.  Investigation continuing.

Attempt Burglary

On January 25 at 9:03 p.m., an attempted residential burglary was reported in the 1000 block of Orange.  The incident occurred sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.  An unknown suspect attempted to pry open the front door of the residence.  There was no loss.  Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Search Warrant - Suspect Arrested

A proactive investigation by patrol officers gave Monrovia Police Department's Detective Bureau enough information to secure a search warrant for a residence in the 200 block of West Olive, which was served on January 25.  The residents are suspected to be selling stolen property and narcotics from the residence.  As a result of the search warrant, detectives, assisted by Special Enforcement Team officers, found several items that have been listed in recent theft from vehicle incidents.  Special Enforcement Team officers stopped one of the primary suspects of the search warrant outside of the residence.  The suspect was carrying a quantity of packaged methamphetamine and was arrested and taken into custody.

Conditions inside the residence were reported to Monrovia Code Enforcement and the Department of Children and Family Services.  This warrant will hopefully net additional arrests.

Portantino Breast Cancer Bill Approved by Assembly

A health bill by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has been unanimously approved by the Assembly. The measure requires health insurers to provide information to women about when they should start being screened for breast cancer. The press release continues ...

 

“There has been a lot of confusion in recent years over when a woman should and shouldn’t begin receiving these screenings,” explained Assemblymember Portantino. “This measure cuts through that confusion and gives patients and doctors maximum flexibility.  It’s good for the patient and in the long run, good for the insurance provider.  Early detection helps save lives and certainly saves healthcare dollars.”
 
AB 137 also eliminates outdated guidelines to the Insurance Code that limits coverage for mammograms in younger women.  Instead of basing the need for mammograms only on a woman’s age, AB 137 allows doctors to order diagnostic tests based on a more complete list of risk factors that are part of today’s medical science.  The existing code requiring insurers to provide a baseline mammogram beginning at age 35, is now outdated. Many women who are at “high risk” for breast cancer often develop cancer in their 20’s and 30’s and should be screened at an earlier age.  AB 137 will allow doctors more control in when to order this diagnostic test.
 
AB 137 now moves to the state Senate for consideration later this session.

 

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment's HummingDrone passes DARPA Milestone

The itty-bitty hummingbird drone, developed by Monrovia's AeroVironment, has passed Phase II technical milestones set out by DARPA  (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). http://goo.gl/S17bw