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Judge's Ruling Keeps Gold Line on Track | Huff: Cap College Bosses' Salaries | Beauty Queen

~ A ruling today by LA County Superior Court Judge Michelle Rosenblatt in the eminent domain case involving Monrovia and the Gold Line gives the line "full control over the property, and results in the Authority controlling more than 50 percent of the land needed for the project’s maintenance facility." With more than 50 percent control this means the funding will be released to keep the train track on track for completion in 2015. Source: Gold Line press release.
 
~ Video of Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, speaking in support of capping top California college system administrators' salaries. http://goo.gl/C5fjv
 
~ Miss LA County, Monet Bagneris, honored by Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/dRAlq
 
- Brad Haugaard

Four Arrested in Monrovia in Statewide Alcohol-and-Minors Sweep

From Monrovia Police Press Release:
 
Monrovia, California – Investigators from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and Officers from over 90 local law enforcement agencies joined forces on Friday, March 16, 2012, in the largest Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation ever assembled in California.

The operation was conducted statewide for the first time ever. The task force operation resulted in 4 local arrests. Statewide over 300 adults were cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors and
dozens more were arrested for other crimes, such as public drunkenness, driving under the influence, drugs, parole violations and outstanding warrants.

ABC Investigators and local law enforcement conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which can lead to the arrest of adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will
stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen
pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromised health, and can result in unintentional injury and death.

- Brad Haugaard

Sparse Snow


The mountains above Monrovia looked like they were covered with a lot of snow from below, but when you got up into the hills a day later it was pretty sparse. This picture from a little below White Saddle.
- Brad Haugaard

Meeting about New Monrovia City Manager | Food for Easter | World Vision

~ Another closed session City Council meeting about a city manager. http://goo.gl/sBD3I
 
~ The deacons at First Presbyterian Church are teaming up with the Cub Scouts to collect food for seven needy families for Easter. http://goo.gl/qI4bD 
 
~ Monrovia's World Vision warns that more than 6 million people face food shortages in Niger. http://goo.gl/Ns4WV
 
- Brad Haugaard

Star-News Columnist: Local School Districts Like Vermin


Star-News columnist Frank Girardot compares local school districts (presumably including Monrovia) to "vermin" and "cockroaches" ( http://goo.gl/Ztbiy ) following a legal demand from the Star-News to 28 districts on teacher misconduct. Here is Monrovia's response: http://goo.gl/LWY8m


Opinion: I have stated this in other forums, but let me do so again: I understand the Star-News is within the law, and I believe the school districts should respond according to the law, and if the SN was following up on an allegation or even a vague suspicion, I would applaud this, but for the newspaper to burden already cash-strapped school districts with pointless administrative work (and thus extra costs) based on nothing but a whim strikes me as  very irresponsible. And to compare school districts to cockroaches ... oh, man! That is just way over the top.

Monrovia Police: Tool Burglary Binge, He Yelled Too Loud, Biting an Officer, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 15-18. - Brad Haugaard]
 
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
 
Burglary
March 15 at 7:56 a.m., police received a call reporting a burglary in the 600 block of West Duarte Road.  Suspect(s) entered a locked maintenance room located to the rear of an apartment complex.  There was no damage to the door.  The suspect took several power tools.  Investigation continuing.
 
Burglary
March 15 at 8:32 a.m., an officer responded to the 1800 block of South Eighth Avenue regarding a burglary report.  The suspect(s) entered a parking structure and broke into a locked storage locker by prying the latch that holds the lock.  The suspect took tools from the location.  Investigation continuing.
 
Burglary
March 15 at 8:35 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a burglary in the 500 block of West Duarte Road.  The suspect(s) smashed the driver side window on a truck to gain entry and then took tools from inside the cab.  The truck was parked in a carport.  Investigation continuing.
 
Theft From a Vehicle   
March 15 at 10:54 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The victim left her vehicle unlocked and went inside the business.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took her purse, containing her wallet, keys and license.  The purse was left under the passenger seat.  Investigation continuing.
 
Attempt Burglary
March 15 at 4:58 p.m., an attempt burglary was reported in the 1800 block of South Eighth Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered a parking structure and broke into a locked storage locker by prying the latch that holds the lock.  The victim does not think anything was taken.  Investigation continuing.  
 
Suspicious Subjects / Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Public - Suspect Arrested
On March 15 at 6:03 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Montana regarding 6 to 7 suspicious subjects loitering in a carport area.  Police located and detained the subjects.  Upon further investigation, one of the subjects was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun; the subject was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm. 
 
Domestic Disturbance / Parolee at Large - Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 1:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of North Myrtle regarding a male and female subject yelling at each other, keeping their neighbors awake.  After contacting the two subjects, it was determined they were having a verbal argument only.  The male involved in the argument was found to be a parolee at large and he was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
 
Mental Evaluation
March 17 at 5:21 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Cypress regarding a male subject who had struck his mother and threatened to kill her.  He grabbed a knife and locked himself in a bathroom.  Officers attempted to speak to him and get him to come out of the bathroom, but he refused.  Officers eventually entered the bathroom and the subject surrendered himself without further incident.  He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.
 
Curfew Violations - Suspects Arrested
On March 17 at 11:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of South Violet regarding a disturbance coming from a garage.  The officer arrived and found several unsupervised juveniles in the garage and evidence of alcohol consumption occurring.  The officer arrested five juveniles for curfew violation.  They were taken to the Monrovia Police Department, where four of the juveniles were cited and released to their parents.  The parents of the fifth juvenile were in Central California and unavailable.  East Lake Juvenile Hall was notified and per the probation officer, the fifth juvenile was taken to a detention alternative program.  The parents were advised by telephone.
 
Glendale Police Department Hit & Run Investigation - Outside Assist / Driving Under Influence - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 1:11 a.m., Glendale Police Department was conducting a hit and run investigation in their jurisdiction and requested Monrovia Police Department check the registered owner's address.  The license plate of the suspect vehicle was registered to a residence in the 300 block of West Walnut.  An officer was put in position to watch the residence and observed the suspect vehicle arriving home.  The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered the driver was intoxicated.  The subject was arrested for driving under the influence, and Glendale Police Department was advised of the detention. 
 
Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Weapons Violation - Suspects Arrested
March 18 at 1:50 a.m., an officer stopped a speeding vehicle in the area of Myrtle and Foothill.  The vehicle was occupied by three male adults.  Investigation revealed the driver and passengers were under the influence of a controlled substance.  During a search of the vehicle, the officer found a 26-inch wooden baton on the floorboard, wedged between the driver's seat and door.  The driver admitted ownership of the baton and said it was for his personal protection.  The three suspects were arrested for the appropriate charges.
 
Domestic Violence / Resisting and Delaying a Police Officer / Battery on a Police Officer - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 9:17 a.m., officers responded for a second time to a family disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of Hurstview.  Upon arrival, they could hear a female yelling. Officers asked for the male subject to open the security gate and come outside.  The male subject complied.  The officer then asked the female to come outside.  As she was exiting the home, she tried to hit and kick at the male subject.  As the officers were attempting to detain her, the female subject began to struggle and bit one of the officers.  She was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Battery - Suspect Arrested
On March 18 at 10:38 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington called to report a battery.  An argument occurred between a male, off-duty employee and a female patron of the bar.  The female alleged she was punched in the face by the male and desired prosecution.  An independent witness was located by the officer and the victim's injury was consistent with her statement.  The victim made a private person's arrest and the suspect was taken into custody. 
 

Outlet Moving from Monrovia, Building in Azusa

The Outlet by E.L.S., a Monrovia discount store that is moving to make way for a Gold Line train maintenance yard, is building a new store facility in Azusa. http://goo.gl/85GGH
 
- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Bridge Construction | Fighting With Your Neighbors?

~ Construction of the Gold Line freeway bridge near the Santa Anita off-ramp may require occasional closures of up to three lanes of the eastbound 210 between March 18-31. Closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the following day.
 
~ An LA company that develops series for cable networks wants to pay $1,000 to feuding neighbors (homeowners only) for a TV show. The company will provide a professional mediator to find a solution. Email neighbortvshow@gmail.com (Oh rats! I'm getting along with my neighbors.) Source: press release
 
- Brad Haugaard

Cacciotti Platform | Huff in the News | MonroviaNow Top-Listed Monrovia News Site | Wine Tasting

~ Assembly candidate Michael Cacciotti, running in the 41st Assembly District to be  Monrovia's representative, lists his priorities as: "job creation, fiscal resourcefulness, 21st century transit, energy, and education systems." Here's his web site: http://www.michaelcacciotti.com/


~ Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on NBC4's "News Conference" with Conan Nolan. http://goo.gl/KfHky


~ With a recent Google algorithm change, MonroviaNow is the first result for a search for "monrovia news," the third for "monrovia ca," and the sixth for a search on "monrovia." It is also the first news website listed for each of these search results. (This refers to a regular Google search, not a Google News search.) Update: Hmm. That the cause is the algorithm change is reasonable, but it is my assumption, and assuming is bad journalism. Forget the algorithm part; I don't know that part for sure.


~ Foothill Oaks Academy of Duarte (which includes the former Carden of the Foothills school of Monrovia) is having a wine tasting fundraiser. Details: http://goo.gl/yL8LK


- Brad Haugaard

Special Event Expo in Monrovia | Donnelly

~ Special Event expo at Monrovia's Courtyard Marriott April 29. http://goo.gl/pDoh8
 
~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly's newsletter, focusing on a discussion with a manufacturer thinking of leaving California because it is "all stick and no carrot." Donnelly represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/u8ri8
 
~ Donnelly wants plea deal on gun-at-airport incident. http://goo.gl/YkjQg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Snow Over Monrovia


A nice dusting of snow on the mountains above Monrovia this morning.

Rain Possible Through Monday | Monrovia Baseball :-( | Huff Video

~ Rain today, and maybe tomorrow and Monday. http://goo.gl/sCAj0 


~ Monrovia Loses to San Marino in Baseball. http://goo.gl/ASgqv


~ Video of Monrovia's Senator, Bob Huff, on education proposal. http://goo.gl/nXOEn


- Brad Haugaard

Happy 100th First Baptist Monrovia | Sport and Tackle Shop | More $ for Gold Line

~ First Baptist Church is also (like the Maryknoll Sisters) celebrating its 100th anniversary. http://goo.gl/9x9lq
 
~ Wil's Sport and Tackle is moving into the spot formerly occupied by Scratch Cookies and Bakery. http://goo.gl/ZJjzt
 
~ The Senate has approved a transportation bill that should help the Gold Line. http://goo.gl/JD0PR
 
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Red Lobster


Lunch at Red Lobster on Huntington. Got the Harborside Lobster and Shrimp on the special "Lobsterfest" menu. Came with some great biscuits and salad (not pictured 'cause I ate 'em). At about $28, not cheap for lunch (but, after all, it is lobster). Very good and lots. Had to take six shrimp and some biscuits home.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Business Showcase | Huff on Education and Tax Proposal

~ Here's a sign-up flyer for businesses that would like to participate in the Chamber of Commerce's Business Showcase on April 27 - http://goo.gl/59RIz
 
~ Senator Bob Huff's weekly video comment (on education and the Governor's tax proposal): http://goo.gl/Ojrto
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fourth of July Fireworks Show; Miss LA County; Maryknoll

Among other items on the March 20 City Council meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/AAcP2 ), the council will ...
 
~ Consider contracting with Pyro Spectaculars for an 18-minute Fourth of July fireworks show at Library Park. The $20,500 show (at 9 p.m.) will be a collaborative effort between the Fire, Police, Public Works and Community Services Departments. Opinion: Yeah! This is a great event. 
 
~ Recognize Miss LA County 2012, Monrovia resident Monet Bagneris.
 
~ Present a Certificate of Recognition to the Maryknoll Sisters in honor of their centennial celebration.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor Named 'Woman of Achievement'

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has been selected as the 2012 "Woman of Achievement" for the 24th Senate District in the category of Environment. She will be honored with special celebration along with eight other women on March 23 as part of Women's History Month.  http://goo.gl/EIA5a
 
- Brad Haugaard

Land and Seascape Exhibition at Monrovia's Segil Fine Art


Rolling In

"Land and Light" exhibition of new oil paintings by Laura Wambsgans, March 24-April 28 at Segil Fine Art. Opening reception, Saturday, March 24,5-7 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Re-arrested on Suspicion of Vandalizing Jail; No Checking Account for You; Tire Vandalism

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 12-14. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 402 service events, resulting in 81 investigations. 
 
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On March 12 at 9:29 p.m., a subject in custody was caught vandalizing his jail cell.  He used the metal fitting from his jail wristband to scratch gang graffiti into the paint of the jail bunk.  Special Enforcement Team officers had arrested the male subject on a no-bail warrant for violating Monrovia Police Department's gang injunction.  The Additional charges were added to his offenses.
 
Commercial Burglary / Forgery / Fictitious Identification
On March 13 at 2:44 p.m., a male subject walked into a bank in the 100 block of East Huntington with a fictitious license and attempted to open a checking account.  The bank employee noticed the license appeared counterfeit and called police.  The subject was taken into custody without incident.  The suspect's motives for opening an account are unknown.  Investigation continuing.
 
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
This week, detectives were working on a case that involved a husband and wife who are separated and getting a divorce.  The husband left threatening messages on the wife's phone and began committing minor acts of vandalism involving her car.  The situation escalated, and the wife's car tires were being punctured.  The wife moved in with her mother for protection.  
 
Due to the increase of violence in the husband's suspected activity, patrol officers were positioned to maintain surveillance on the location and the victim's car.  The husband arrived at the location and was seen damaging the wife's tires on her car.  The suspect attempted to drive away, but officers detained and arrested him for the vandalism, and for driving under the influence.  Detectives were able to get a seven-count indictment from the District Attorney's Office.

Monrovia Assemblyman Portantino Honored for Gun Control Measures

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has been named Legislator of the Year by the California Police Chiefs Association for his measure banning the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places, and a later measure prohibiting individuals from openly displaying unloaded rifles and shotguns in public.
 
Source: Portantino press release
 
- Brad Haugaard