- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets Vehicle-Charger Deal with Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors North America has added Monrovia's AeroVironment as an authorized supplier and installer of electric vehicle home-charging systems for the company's new all-electric vehicles. http://goo.gl/HOrmm
Portantino Does It Again | E-Waste Roundup | Monrovia High Fundraiser
~ Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, today introduced yet another bill to (my opinion - deservedly) whack the legislature. This one, AB 2068, would "require legislators who have distinctive legislative license plates on their personal cars to pay the same fees that almost everyone else does for personalized license plates." He said: "I was shocked, but not surprised to see that legislators would carve out a special situation for themselves and I'm determined to put an end to the practice." Source: Portantino press release.
~ E-waste roundup March 3 at Park and Ride Lot at S. Myrtle Avenue and Pomona Avenue, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. http://goo.gl/1ukGi
~ Monrovia High fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen. http://goo.gl/OoBUz
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fire Department Promotes Four
Monrovia press release:
The Monrovia Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotions of four members of its current personnel. The recent promotions were awarded to Ryan Phillips, Jeremy Sanchez, Dave Phillips and Harvey Hewitt, who combined have over 40 years of fire fighting experience.
Division Chief Ryan Phillips – With over 18 years of service, Ryan Phillips, a Monrovian resident, assumed the duties as the “A shift” commander on the morning of February 16. “Chief Phillips’ ability to effectively manage emergency operations is exceptional,” said Fire Chief Chris Donovan, who went on to highlight Phillips’ long tradition of professionalism and dedication to Monrovia. The Chief’s faith in Phillips was quickly confirmed; by 2 p.m. of his first shift as Division Chief, Phillips’ crew had already responded to four emergency incidents, and established incident command at both a vegetation and a structure fire. Under his new title, Chief Phillips will oversee the department’s Administration and Disaster Preparedness operations.Fire Captain Jeremy Sanchez – Chief Phillips promotion created a vacancy at the Fire Captain position. Monrovia Fire Department filled this by promoting Jeremy Sanchez. Captain Sanchez has over eight years experience in fire service. He has served as a Paramedic with the last three years as a Fire Engineer at Monrovia Fire. “Captain Sanchez has natural leadership abilities in addition to exceptional emergency operations and administrative skills,” said Fire Chief Chris Donovan. “This is a critically important position within our department, and Jeremy is certainly capable of performing his responsibilities.” Captain Sanchez has recently been placed in charge of the department’s apparatus. This includes being responsible for studying future needs for repair and replacement of the department’s fleet and maintaining the department’s overall operational readiness.
Fire Engineer Harvey Hewitt – Jeremy Sanchez’ promotion to Fire Captain created a vacancy in the Fire Engineer rank, which is being filled with the promotion of Harvey Hewitt. Fire Engineer Hewitt has four years of experience with Monrovia as a Firefighter/Paramedic in addition to five years experience with the Monterey Park Fire Department. In addition to his new duties as an engineer, Fire Engineer Hewitt will continue to evaluate requirements and training mandates for the department’s cadet program.
Fire Engineer Dave Phillips – Dave Phillips was promoted to Fire Engineer in September 2011 to fill the vacancy left by Fire Engineer Rob Vita’s retirement. Prior to this position Dave had served as a Firefighter/Paramedic for five years. During his service with Monrovia Fire, he has been instrumental in the brush abatement program, as well as many other programs involving training and development, including the successful Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Santana Convicted of Muder; Nothing to Steal, Stolen iPod
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 20-22. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 443 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Burglary
On February 20 at 9:59 p.m., a burglary of a garage was reported in the 500 block of West Foothill. The burglary occurred sometime between Sunday night and Monday night. The suspect(s) used bolt cutters to cut the hasp of the garage door to gain entry. The interior cabinets were ransacked, but there was no loss.
Vehicle Burglary
On February 20 at 10:36 p.m., an officer responded to a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 700 block of East Huntington. The burglary occurred in the parking lot of a gym. The suspect vehicle is a newer, grey Toyota Corolla. A male suspect punched the lock on the driver side door and stole an I-Pod from the vehicle. The suspect vehicle drove off southbound. Investigation continuing.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
2008 Attempt Murder Case Follow-up - Suspect Jimmy Santana Convicted
In February of 2008, a male subject/victim was riding his bicycle in the 2500 block of South Peck Road. He was approached by a suspect with a gun who walked up to him and shot him. The suspect, Jimmy Santana, is a known gang member. The incident was found to be gang related; however, the victim is not a gang member. This incident occurred in the county area of Monrovia and was investigated by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau detectives. Monrovia Police Department detectives and officers played a major part in the conviction of this suspect in testimony regarding gang affiliation.
In February of 2012, the suspect in this case, Jimmy Santana, was convicted of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder; the jury also found he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing great bodily injury to the victim. Santana was also convicted of shooting from a motor vehicle and assault with a firearm. The jury found the gang allegation true as to all counts. Sentencing is set for March 15, 2012.
Gold Line Agrees to Buy Land from Monrovia for $40.6 Million
Gold Line press release:
This morning, the Construction Authority, City of Monrovia, and the Successor Agency to the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency signed an agreement that will result in the Authority acquiring the remaining land needed for the project’s maintenance and operations facility. The agreement includes settlement of all lawsuits and claims related to the land acquisition and follows the City Council and Successor Agency’s approval of the terms earlier this week, and the Construction Authority Board’s approval last night.
The agreement is actually a “Stipulation for Entry of Judgment in Condemnation” and will now be sent to the Superior Court judge overseeing the eminent domain case for final approval and judgment. Once approved, the Authority will have the ownership rights it needs for 100% of the land required for the maintenance facility - an important milestone for the project, per our funding agreement with Metro and our contractual agreement with the Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture (the Alignment design-build contractor).
The terms agreed to today include four separate elements. The Authority agreed to pay $40.6 million to obtain the land held by the City and the Successor Agency and to settle the eminent domain case and all current and future claims and objections by the City related to this land acquisition. The Successor Agency and City agreed to reimburse the Authority up to $200,000 for legal expenses related to the Excalibur Property Holdings, LLC case and $650,000 environmental remediation costs associated with mitigating contamination on the land. The City and the Authority agreed to arrangements related to the planned parking facility for the future Monrovia Gold Line station. The Authority agreed to pay the actual amount (up to $15.75 million) needed to make public improvements around the 24-acre maintenance facility, as required under the City’s Transit Village Planned Development Area.
Needless to say, the terms agreed to today are an important achievement for the project. With this and all of the other property acquisition and design-build agreements complete, we are on track to stay within the approved budget for the M&O facility. We are appreciative of the City of Monrovia’s efforts to work with the Authority to come to terms that were mutually acceptable, and to keep the project on time and on budget.
- 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
- Brad Haugaard
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
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