- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator: Republicans Introduce Democratic Governor's Pension Bill
State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, says Senate and Assembly Republicans have introduced - word for word - Democratic Governor Jerry Brown's pension-reform legislation. Huff called upon Democrats to support the measure as well. http://goo.gl/IPa9d
Mayflower Fundraiser | Clifton Girl Better | Video of MHS Band Practice | Schools Investigation
~ Mayflower School fundraiser Thursday (Feb. 23) at Rigo's Mexican restaurant at Mayflower and Foothill, 4-9 p.m. 20% back to the school. http://goo.gl/vOJua
~ Clifton girl struck by hit-and-run driver doing much better. http://goo.gl/fjScC
~ Video of Monrovia High Band practicing before going to Carnegie Hall. http://goo.gl/nQKrf
~ In light of the Miramonte teacher sex scandal, the Star-News is investigating nine local school districts, including Monrovia, though the paper gives no indication there is any specific lead it is following in any of the districts it is looking at. http://goo.gl/NZW9X
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Assemblyman Portantino Proposes Bill to Return Unspent Legislative Money to General Fund
Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, today introduced Assembly Bill 1887, which "calls on the State Controller to conduct a comprehensive and systematic audit of the state Legislature’s finances for a period of two years (2012-13 and 2013-14)." It also sets up procedures for future audits, "requires that the Assembly and Senate return any unused funds to the General Fund at the end of the legislative year," and "provides that line item monies allocated to the Senate and Assembly cannot be diverted to other agencies or programs unless such diversion is approved by a vote of the legislature and the signature of the Governor."
Opinion: Wow! Not that they're going to pass, but Portantino is on a roll with his open government proposals. I guess its a lot easier to stand up for your principles when you a) have some, b) have already ticked off the head of your own party - Speaker John Perez, c) don't mind ticking him off some more, and d) aren't planning to run for office in the near future. Good for Portantino.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Boy's Soccer | Wal-Mart | Allergies
~ Monrovia Boy's Soccer 0-4 against Cajon :-( http://goo.gl/mcvO2
~ Spezzano Consulting, of Monrovia, said Wal-Mart has re-established itself as an "everyday low price" leader for national brands after experimenting with private-label merchandise. http://goo.gl/84XSp
~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, is authoring legislation to designate May 13-19 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in California. http://goo.gl/uRzWk
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglar in the Bedroom, Vandalism, Drugs, Burglary, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 16-19. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On February 16 at 1:28 p.m., a citizen called to report a subject vandalizing a city trash dumpster at a park in the 800 block of East Olive. The suspect had written graffiti on the dumpster. The witness was able to give a description of the suspect. Police responded to the area and detained a subject matching the description and the witness positively identified him as the suspect who vandalized the city property. The suspect was arrested and the citizen who reported the graffiti is eligible to receive a $100 bill through Monrovia Police Department's Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.
Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On February 16 at 2:04 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of East Lemon regarding possible drug activity. As officers arrived on scene, one of the officers saw a subject drop a clear plastic baggie under the bleachers where he was seated. The item was recovered and found to contain one solid white pill. The pill was determined to be an illegal substance and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
On February 17 at 10:58 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Parkrose. The suspect(s) entered by forcing a rear sliding door off the track. The location was ransacked and the suspect(s) took cash and jewelry. The burglary occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. A witness reported seeing a male Black subject in a red/maroon, four-door vehicle in front of the residence at about that time. Investigation continuing.
Commercial Burglary / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer - Suspects Arrested
On February 17 at 4:16 p.m., a burglary was reported by store personnel at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. A male Hispanic subject entered the store while a female accomplice waited outside in a vehicle. The suspect walked directly to an isle in the store, took merchandise from the shelf, and then immediately exited the store without attempting to pay for the item. Officers arrived in the area quickly and spotted the suspect vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle stopped and the male suspect exited the vehicle and ran. There was a brief foot pursuit by officers, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect. One of the officers sprained his ankle during the pursuit. Both suspects were arrested for burglary. The male suspect is a known gang member.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On February 18 at 2:29 a.m., a call was received from a resident in the 700 block of East Foothill. The caller stated her 18-year-old son had been drinking and was getting physical with the family. An officer arrived and saw the subject coming out of a side gate onto Foothill. The officer told the subject to stop, but the subject took off on a bicycle. The officer ran after the subject and detained him at Foothill and Shamrock. The subject was arrested for resisting and delaying a peace officer. At the jail, a small amount of cocaine was found in the subjects clothing. The subject was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Hot Prowl Burglary
On February 19 at 12:10 a.m., a female resident in the 400 block of East Foothill called to report an attempt burglary. She reported she was asleep, but woke when she heard someone in her bedroom. She saw a subject in the room and yelled out, asking who was there. The suspect yelled back that the manager said no one was supposed to be there and he ran out the front door. The suspect was described as a light-skinned, male Black, approximately 5' 6", wearing a baseball cap, windbreaker, and dark jeans. The suspect apparently removed four louvers from the front window to gain entry to the location. Investigation continuing.
72-Hour Mental Evaluation
On February 19 at 2:50 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1500 block of South Myrtle observed a subject acting strange at the corner of Evergreen and Myrtle. The officer stopped to check on his welfare. The subject was disoriented and did not know where he was or the day and time. He could not state where he lived. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics were summoned to examine him for medical problems and he was found to be okay. Officers determined the subject was unable to care for his own well-being and advised him of the 72-hour hospitalization. The subject stated he did not want to go to the hospital and he ran from the officers. Officers caught up to him quickly, but he further resisted their attempt to detain him. He was eventually taken into custody and taken to a hospital without further incident.
Monrovia's Assemblyman Wants to Freeze Pay for Top State Employees
Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has re-introduced (for the eighth time, he says) a measure to freeze the pay for two years for state employees who earn more than $100,000, a move he said could affect about 3,300 state employees.
He said that “it is unacceptable to be giving raises and bonuses when we are still struggling with a budget deficit in the billions and one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Over the past four years, my bills on this issue have been held on 'suspense' in the Assembly even though it saves the state money. ... If President Obama can freeze the salaries of White House employees making $100,000 or more, why can’t we do the same here in California?”
He added, “At a time when we are asking seniors, students, children, and taxpayers to bear the budget burden, the least we can do is freeze these high salaries until we can see our way clear of the budget crises.”
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Full Closures of Freeway Coming Up | Sherman Ave Honored | Monrovia's Xencor Partners with German Firm
~ Up to 11 nights of full closure for eastbound 210 between Feb. 19 and March 3 for construction on the Gold Line bridge "falsework" (a platform on which to construct the bridge). All full-closures between midnight and 5 a.m. with partial closures possible between 10 p.m. and 1 p.m. From press release.
~ Sherman Avenue to get special signs honoring residents for their work in revitalizing the Neighborhood. http://goo.gl/CFHfv
~ Xencor, Inc., of Monrovia, a company engineering next-generation antibodies, is partnering with Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim. http://goo.gl/vmKPK
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Silver Green Award
More detail on Monrovia winning a silver award for its sustainability efforts. http://goo.gl/4M8GT
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Symphonic Band off to Carnegie Hall
The Monrovia High Symphonic Band will be performing in the 2012 New York Wind Band Festival, held this Sunday (Feb. 26) at Carnegie Hall. Monrovia is one of only six high school ensembles from throughout the country selected to perform in this prestigious event.
Daniel Magallanes, Director of Instrumental Music at MHS, said, "We will be leaving for NYC on Wednesday night for a five-day tour of the city. This tour will include workshops and interscholastic rehearsals in preparation for the festival performance. While in Manhattan we will also visit the American Natural History Museum, the 9-11 Memorial and see the Broadway production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."
The MHS Symphonic Band is one of several award-winning instrumental music ensembles at Monrovia High School. Made up of woodwind, brass and percussion students, the Symphonic Band rehearses and performs classical and contemporary concert band literature while increasing the musicianship and leadership skills of its members.
Update: Charlotte Schamadan adds that the Monrovia-Duarte Quota Club helped raise some of the money to send them to New York.
-Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Son of Red Tail Airman works on Red Tail Movie | Democrats for Holden | Gun Owners vs. Portantino
~ Monrovia illustrator and son of a Tuskegee Airman, David Russell, worked on the movie Red Tails, about the Tuskegee Airmen. http://goo.gl/pJLJH
~ Democratic Party endorses Chris Holden for Assembly district including Monrovia. http://goo.gl/e4Xkj
~ Gun owners hope to reverse Anthony Portantino's no-open-carry law in courts. http://goo.gl/MGCVk
- Brad Haugaard
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
- 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
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