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Fun Things I Saw in Monrovia Today

~ I saw a woman with a little dog on a leash. She set the leash down for a few moments and the little unrestrained dog quietly looked over at some big dogs. Then the woman picked up the leash and instantly the little dog went crazy, barking at the other dogs and straining at the leash to get at them. I guess its easy to be brave when you know you don't have to be.
 
~ The menu at Shanghai Dumpling House (Foothill at May) has dumplings (spicy pork ones are really good, by the way) but also has "Shanghai Confusion Meat." Being a little confused, myself, I asked what it was. It's Shanghai-style ham.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council: Covering the Wash, Deals with the Gold Line

At its Tuesday, Feb. 21, meeting, the Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/lmA5h ) will consider, among other things:
 
~ Whether to award a $173,450 contract to Kormx, Inc., to build a cover over the Santa Anita Wash at Huntington Drive and Fifth Ave. New land for development, and the cover will connect the land on either side of the wash. http://goo.gl/96e8z
 
~ Whether to do street upgrades for the Gold Line near Myrtle and Duarte, California and Duarte, and
Mountain and Duarte. The Gold Line will reimburse the city for the work. http://goo.gl/9DDPL
 
~ Whether to work a deal with the Gold Line for a parking facility at the coming Gold Line train station. http://goo.gl/1Z5Om
 
~ A report on the city's economic development efforts. http://goo.gl/IRxRM
 
- Brad Haugaard

More Than 50 Face Layoffs at Monrovia Schools - Bus Fees, Too

The Monrovia School Board will consider authorizing the layoffs of approximately 52 full-time staff members due to lack of money and anticipated lower enrollment at its Wednesday, Feb. 22, meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/Ykhzx ). Details:


~ Despite a little 10-student upward blip in Monrovia school enrollment recently, it appears the overall trend is down. For 2012-13, Monrovia Schools' Director of Fiscal Services, David Conway, estimates a 1.76 percent decline. One bright sign: Elementary enrollment seems to be inching up, which "could portend well for district enrollment trends." Fewer students means fewer staff, and he projects the loss of the equivalent of 2.4 full time staff members, 1.4 at Monrovia High and 1 at the elementary level. http://goo.gl/yN0wp


~ And then there are the cuts from just not having enough money. The equivalent of 42.3 full time employees will be let go. School District staff is recommending cuts in K-12, Adult Ed, and Regional Occupational Programs. (If my reading is correct, these numbers include the 2.4 mentioned in the previous item.) http://goo.gl/Ze3D9


~ Plus (why it is a separate item, I don't know) cuts of the equivalent of 9.4 full time staff members for pre-Kindergarten services due to "lack of work and/or lack of funds." http://goo.gl/8XEbK


~ And further, also for lack of money, district staff is recommending charging a $50-per-semester fee for transportation to and from school.  http://goo.gl/pEoIJ


~ An effort by the Monrovia School District to increase attendance (and hence, state funding) hasn't been working so far. According to a report by the district, school attendance is essentially unchanged since last year. Ups here, downs there, but pretty steady overall. http://goo.gl/vB9pl


- Brad Haugaard





Lunch at Planet Cookies




Had lunch at Planet Cookies (at Myrtle and Lime). It's not just cookies. Sandwiches, soups, salads. I got a pepper beef sandwich on sourdough. I liked it a lot. I think the word "cookie" may put off some people looking for lunch, but it shouldn't. Tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Unity Center - Giving Help, Needing Help

Foothill Unity Center's latest newsletter reports the organization helped 12,117 people in 2011 with more than 3 million pounds of food, health and crisis services, not to mention food for 726 pets. This year the center's food inventory is at a 10-year low. If you can help, drop off rice, pasta, beans, soup, peanut butter, cereals, canned foods, tomato/spaghetti sauce, and meal helpers like tuna and mac and cheese. The center is at 415 W. Chestnut Ave.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to Honor Those in Service | Portantino Introduces Residential Care Bill

~ Monrovia will host a Salute to Service on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to honor Monrovia Servicemen and Servicewomen. http://goo.gl/sPd75
 
~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has introduced a bill that will allow continuing care retirement communities to provide services in private residences without the residence having to become a licensed care facility. http://goo.gl/j4NrR
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Senator: Cal State Needs to Control Administrator Pay

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, said he agrees with Gov. Brown about "the ever-escalating pay packages" of Cal State University administrators. He said, "On the same day that the CSU Board of Trustees voted to increase administrators' salaries, they also voted to increase student fees." Huff said he couldn't recommend confirming nominee Herbert Carter to the Cal State Board until there is "real evidence that the CSU Trustees are making the tough decisions needed to control escalating costs that are being passed onto students and their families." http://goo.gl/44XBO
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Home Fire | Presidents Day | Tardy Sweeps

~ Fire at Monrovia home. http://goo.gl/TslUJ
 
~ Monrovia City facilities and schools will be closed Presidents' Day, Monday, February 20.
 
~ Random tardy sweeps at Monrovia High "because of a sharp increase in tardies throughout the school day. ... If you are caught, you will be assigned Saturday School." Uh-oh. Better watch out! http://goo.gl/juzTh
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fat Dog or Thin Burglar, Burglary, Theft, Etc

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 13-15. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 433 service events, resulting in 96 investigations.
 
Grand Theft Auto
On February 13 at 3:23 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington reported her vehicle stolen from the parking lot.  She parked her vehicle in the lot near the front of the business at 7:00 a.m.  When she returned to her vehicle at 3:00 p.m., she discovered it missing.  The vehicle is a black, 1996 Honda Accord.  The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System and the investigation is continuing.
  
Attempted Vehicle Burglary
On February 13 at 6:23 p.m., an attempted vehicle burglary was reported at a condominium complex in the 700 block of South Myrtle. The victim parked her vehicle in the bottom level parking structure at approximately 5:00 p.m.  She returned to her vehicle approximately one hour later and found that someone had attempted to smash the driver side window and had tried to pry open the passenger door.  The attempt was unsuccessful and there was no loss from inside the vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.
 
Residential Burglary
On February 14 at 10:54 p.m., police responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of East Olive.  The suspect entered through a doggy door.  The circuit breakers on the home were turned off, the Internet cable was pulled apart, and the only loss was an alarm clock and a cell phone charger.  Investigation continuing.
  
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
 
Robbery Case Update - Third Suspect Arrested
On February 9 at 10:57 p.m., three male suspects robbed a male victim while he was walking in the area of Colorado and Violet.  One of the suspects hit the victim in the face, possibly with a gun, and they took a small amount of cash he had on him and his cell phone.  Officers arrived quickly and detained two of the suspects in the area of Violet and Linwood; they were arrested for robbery.  The Foothill Air Support helicopter and Irwindale Police Department's canine unit assisted with a search for the third suspect, but he was not located. 
 
Following up on leads, detectives served a search warrant on February 15 on two locations.  The detectives were searching for the third suspect and a weapon used in the crime.  Detectives searched both locations and the weapon was not located.  The third suspect, however, was found at one of the locations and was arrested and taken into custody.

Assembly Candidate Supports Public Transportation

Michael Cacciotti, South Pasadena Mayor and candidate for the 41st Assembly District (which includes Monrovia), said state money should be spent on light-rail and bus-ways instead of freeways. He said these "can drive our economy forward and create more jobs than building new freeways.” and, he said. “Public transit gets us off foreign oil, out of traffic jams, and cleans up our air pollution too.”

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

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.