Portantino Introduces Bill to Regulate Boot Camps
Alleged abuses at a boot camp run by Kelvin McFarland, of Monrovia, has prompted Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, to co-author a bill to regulate such programs. http://goo.gl/SWE09 - Brad Haugaard
Yogurtland to Monrovia | Donate Prom Dress | Good Safety on Bridge
~ Yogurtland will replace Quiznos on Myrtle near Foothill. http://goo.gl/CgU2W
~ Donate a prom dress to a Monrovia High girl. http://goo.gl/va6BD
~ Gold Line reports no injuries in 30,000 hours of work on Gold Line bridge. http://goo.gl/Jmd2k
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets Air Force Order | Rusnak Enters Assembly Race
~ AeroVironment gets Switchblade drone order from Air Force. http://goo.gl/FqEbV
~ Victoria Rusnak, of the Pasadena Rusnak car dealerships, enters the race in Monrovia's Assembly district, running as a Democrat. http://goo.gl/YI8Ek
- Brad Haugaard
African American Quilts | Teacher Jeopardy at Monrovia High
~ African American quilts and the Underground Railway, at the Library's Community Room 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. You may need reservations, so see details (click to enlarge): http://goo.gl/JCjiM
~ Teacher Jeopardy, this Friday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Monrovia High auditorium. "Watch 4 teams compete for the trophy in a grueling set of questions!" Tickets are $3 at the door. http://goo.gl/OjIxu
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Introduces Bill to Eliminate Statute of Limitations on Rape
Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has introduced Assembly Bill 1682, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for rape, which is currently set at 10 years.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Senator: California Credit Upgrade Nice but Budget Not Fixed Yet
State Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, said Standard & Poor's decision to upgrade California's credit ratings outlook from stable to positive is a nice move, but "we still haven’t fixed our structural budget gap." http://goo.gl/TKjOR
- Brad Haugaard
Valentine Dance in Old Monrovia | Genzme Re-Signed
~ Amateur Valentine dance competition tonight for those 18 years and older to support charity. At Paint n' Play, 418 S. Myrtle, 7-10 p.m. Tickets $10. http://goo.gl/fc6Kv
~ LabCorp, which bought Monrovia's Genzyme, a bio-tech company, has recently changed the sign at 655 E. Huntington to LabCorp. http://goo.gl/jsUZs
- Brad Haugaard
Falsework on Freeway Bridge Begun | STAAR Surgical | Parasoft
~ Gold Line crew installs the first falsework cross beam. The "falsework" is basically a frame to build the permanent bridge on.
~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical will be introducing several recently-developed surgically-implanted eye lenses at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Abu Dhabi from Feb. 16 through 20. http://goo.gl/0eMNQ
~ Monrovia's Parasoft, which makes tools to help build defect-free software, has introduced SOAtest: a "performance testing solution that helps QA teams ensure secure, reliable, compliant business applications." http://goo.gl/8Yxkb
- Brad Haugaard
AeroVironment Partners With Aussie Firm | Freeway Closures | Beware the *-72 Scam
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment and Australia-based Sentient today announced the signing of an exclusive global license agreement that allows AeroVironment to distribute Sentient’s video-based automatic target detection software. It can be used with small unmanned aircraft systems, such as those AeroVironment makes. http://goo.gl/VzeF4
~ Freeway closures midnight to 5 a.m. starting tonight through February 17 for Gold Line bridge construction.
~ LA Sheriff's Department warns against the star-72 (*72) scam. http://goo.gl/zXjXV
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: 'Kid, I Got Candy', BMW DUI, Assault, Dog Kills Dog, Robbery, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 9-12. - Brad Haugaard]
Burglary / Robbery - One Suspect Arrested
On February 9 at 6:56 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a theft of merchandise that had just occurred. The suspects were described as male Hispanics, both wearing hats and black t-shirts, one was wearing shorts and the other was wearing blue jeans. When loss prevention officers told the suspects to come back into the store, both suspects ran. One suspect ran off through the parking lot and out of sight. The other suspect ran to a vehicle and drove away; he hit one of the loss prevention officers as he ran passed him to get to the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped by Special Enforcement Team officers and the suspect was arrested for burglary and robbery. The second suspect was not located. Investigation continuing.
Robbery - Suspects Arrested
On February 9 at 10:57 p.m., a male subject called to report he had been robbed while walking in the area of Colorado and Violet. He stated that there were three male suspects and one hit him in the face, possibly with a gun. They took a small amount of cash he had on him and his cell phone. Officers arrived quickly and detained two male subjects in the area of Violet and Linwood that fit the description of the suspects. One of them had blood on his hand and clothing. Paramedics were summoned to treat the victim. The Foothill Air Support helicopter and Irwindale Police Department's canine unit were requested and responded to assist with a search for the third suspect, but he was not located. The two suspects detained were arrested for robbery. Investigation continuing.
Suspicious Circumstances / Possible Child Annoying
On February 10 at 5:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of child annoying. The mother of a 10-year-old boy reported that her son was approached while walking home from school in the 200 block of East Foothill. There were four male suspects in a light brown vehicle, possibly a Volkswagon, which pulled up next to him. One of the suspects asked him to get into the car and said they had candy. The suspects are described as four male subjects with long hair. The suspect who spoke to the child is described as a male White, between the ages of 20-30 years old, with long blond hair, a scruffy goatee, and average build. Investigation continuing.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
On February 10 at 9:25 p.m., officers responded to the area of Hillcrest and Madison regarding the report of a traffic collision. Officers arrived and found a black BMW with major damage parked along the curb, with the female driver inside. Officers determined the BMW had sideswiped two unoccupied vehicles and then rear ended a third vehicle, causing it to move forward. The female driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
On February 11 at 2:58 a.m., Irwindale Police Department requested Monrovia Police Department respond to Live Oak and Myrtle regarding a traffic collision that occurred in Monrovia's jurisdiction. Officers responded and determined the driver was driving under the influence and the driver was arrested.
Vehicle Burglary
On February 11 at 10:50 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of East Olive. The victim parked his 2007 Chevy Tahoe to the rear of the location. Sometime between February 9 and February 11, suspect(s) gained entry into the vehicle by punching the lock on the driver side door. The two rear seats and some tools were taken. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
On February 11 at 1:46 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3000 block of South Peck Road. The victim went to the location and parked the vehicle in the lot while shopping. When he returned approximately an hour and a half later, the vehicle was gone. The vehicle is a gold, four-door, 1994 Nissan Altima. Investigation continuing.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Robbery - Suspects Arrested
On February 11, an officer conducted a follow-up investigation regarding an assault with a deadly weapon and robbery case that occurred on February 4. During the course of his investigation, he interviewed an additional witness and presented a photo line-up to the victim, who positively identified two of the suspects. Both suspects live in the 800 block of West Duarte Road. Special Enforcement Team officers went to the two locations and arrested the two suspects. The officer interviewed one of the suspects, who admitted to fighting with the victim. Both suspects were arrested and are being held, pending their court appearance.
Injured Animal
On February 12 at 9:36 a.m., the owner of a small dog and her mother were walking their dog on a leash when they stopped to read a missing dog flyer. As they were reading the flyer, an unleashed boxer-mix dog ran between the two women and grabbed their small dog in its mouth. The little dog sustained substantial bite wounds. The dog was taken to a local veterinarian, where it later died. The boxer was taken to its home by a neighbor and secured in the rear yard. The owners are out of town. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Pursuit / Vehicle Recovered - Suspect Arrested
On February 12 at 11:38 a.m., an officer on patrol ran the license plate of a suspicious vehicle and it returned stolen. The vehicle entered the 210 Freeway and was followed by the officer. When assisting units arrived, the officer conducted a high-risk traffic stop. The driver was ordered out of the car. The driver exited the vehicle and ran, but was quickly detained by officers without further incident and was arrested.
Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity
Felony Vandalism / Gang Enhancement - Suspects Arrested
On February 9 at 10:26 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were driving west on Huntington from Buena Vista when they saw a subject on the south side of Huntington who appeared to be etching something into the tree. They made a u-turn to contact the subject. The subject saw the officers and began walking away. He was detained and a fresh etching of gang graffiti was found on the tree. The subject is a known gang member and was arrested. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department gang deputy was advised and will be writing a supplemental report for the gang enhancement charge, which makes this a felony.
Possession of Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested
On February 10 at 7:43 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation with three subjects inside. A consent search of the vehicle revealed a stolen Mac laptop reported to the Pasadena Police Department. One of the subjects had claimed the laptop was his. He was arrested for possession of stolen property.
Wanted Burglary Suspect Arrested
Special Enforcement Team officers were notified by Arcadia Police Department of a wanted burglary suspect and later learned the suspect lives and works in Monrovia in the 100 block of South Encinitas. On February 11 at 10:54 p.m., they set up surveillance on the suspect's work location and saw him exit the rear door and walk toward his residence. They detained and arrested the suspect and released him to Arcadia Police Department's custody.
Monrovia Youth Summit | Valentine's Day - Pro and Con | Portantino Introduces Disaster Prep Bill
~ The 2012 Monrovia/Duarte Youth Summit will be held Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santa Fe Middle School. Some more details: http://goo.gl/a4TdT
~ Nic and David Conway win giant teddy bear in the Old Town Valentine's Day drawing. http://goo.gl/n0LzW
~ Anti-valentine's Day at London Gastropub. http://goo.gl/n0LzW
~ Assembly member Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) has introduced Assembly Bill 1650 to require gas and electric companies to hold disaster preparedness meetings every two years with the counties and cities they service, and calls on the Public Utilities Commission to set preparedness standards for public utilities.
- Brad Haugaard
Goodbye Pottery Ranch
Monrovia Painting Demonstrations
Studies in Yellow
Impressions of France Painting Demonstration Day at Segil Fine Art Gallery, 110 W. Lime, this Saturday, February 18:
- 2-3 p.m. "Collecting Artwork" with Margaret Danielak, and the "Importance of Art Appraisal" with Laura Segil
- 3-5:30 Live Painting Demonstrations by Elizabeth B. Tucker and Lynn Gertenbach
- 5:30-6:30 Informal Reception for Artists and Guests.
RSVP by e-mailing or calling the gallery at 626-358-5563 or info@segilfineart com
Filming on Myrtle Today | Monrovia Computer Club | Literacy Teacher
~ According to a city announcement, there will be a commercial be filmed today in old town (5 a.m.-1 p.m.). Minor delays and parking restrictions between Lemon and Palm Avenues.
~ Ten techies or techie-wannabes attended the library's first Computer Club Meeting. More info here: http://goo.gl/3SE14
~ Profile of library literacy teacher. http://goo.gl/9ETre
- Brad Haugaard
Robbery Suspects Detained | Boutiquing | Oscar Films
~ Suspects detained in robbery. http://goo.gl/Za0db
~ Boutiquing in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Y4dkT
~ Film three in Monrovia Library's Road to the Oscars free film series. http://goo.gl/rpEFm
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Academic Decathlon Team Does Well
School Board Member Alex Zucco posted this report on Facebook:
Great work by the Monrovia HS Academic Decathlon Team: Crystal Morris - Silver Award in Art, Matthew Shepard - Gold Medal in the Speech AND a Silver Award in the Essay, Alana Koritzke - Bronze Award in the Interview, Kevin Greenwood - Silver Award in the Interview, Jackie Cabrera and Crystal Morris - both receiving the Gold Award in the Interview. And in only their second year competing took "Top 20 Honors" in the head to head competition, finishing one spot behind San Marino HS. Great work team and Go Wildcats!
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Reaches Agreement with Property Owner for Maintenance Yard
Yesterday, the Construction Authority and Excalibur Property Holdings, LLC agreed to terms for purchase of the remaining privately-held property needed for the maintenance facility. The Metro funding agreement requires control of half of the required real estate before the remaining $527 million can be committed. Yesterday’s agreement brings the Authority’s total to approximately half of the land needed. Meeting this milestone allows the project to stay on budget and on schedule.
As you know, Excalibur – which owns 20% of the total land needed for the facility - has initiated several lawsuits against the Construction Authority over the last year. At the same time, the Authority has initiated eminent domain to acquire its land. All of these actions have been progressing on separate schedules and each has been affecting the other, together creating significant legal and financial risk to the project.
Over the last two weeks, the Authority, Metro and Excalibur representatives have agreed to terms through the guidance of Superior Court Settlement Judge Helen Bendix. As the result of this effort, all lawsuits are settled for $24 million, protecting taxpayer funds by avoiding continuation of costly litigation and associated significant project delays (which we estimate could increase the project cost by well over $100 million). The agreement amount is within the approved budget for the maintenance facility, keeping the project on budget and on schedule.
Gold Line press release
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Alitalia Pizza
- BradHaugaard
Opinion: Parking and the Hillside Reserve
In his weekly report Interim City Manager Mark Alvarado summarizes the City Council's vote (see his summary here: http://goo.gl/NxDH8 ) on what to do with the hillside area the city bought years ago, but there is one phrase I'd like to highlight.
In her motion to adopt the recommended plan, City Councilwoman Becky Shevlin added additional requirements, the one that concerns me here directs "the City Engineer to work with the Traffic Safety Committee and the property owners on issues relating to traffic and parking."
Great, but this should be understood as addressing the question, "How much parking do we add and where do we put it?" not, "Let's reduce parking near the trails."
I know more traffic and parking would be hard on the homeowners near the Cloverleaf trailhead, but they were in the forefront of asking all Monrovians to pay for this reserve-recreation area, and they got that! That was the trade-off. They avoided residential development right above their heads by agreeing to a bond issue that would make it a reserve-recreation area that people could use, and for a few dozen of them to now try and make it more difficult to access an area that all Monrovians own is just not right. So I hope the city engineer can work out a plan that will give people easier access to the area and minimize the impact on the neighbors as much as possible.
- Brad Haugaard
Hit-and-Run Victim Better | Chu to Speak
~ The 12-year-old girl who was badly injured by a hit-and-run driver is in better shape. http://goo.gl/EpSzB Opinion: Hooray! ~ Representative Judy Chu will be at the Peach Cafe (141 E. Colorado) Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. to discuss "the new districts and the vast changes to the landscape" and "the new open primary rules." Free. Sponsored by Foothill Community Democrats. - Brad Haugaard
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