New Church in Old Monrovia

Monrovia Word Center, a new church, had its grand opening in Old Town. http://goo.gl/6IFXV

 
- Brad Haugaard

Announcement of Monrovia's New City Manager

The City of Monrovia is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie K. Lile as their new City Manager. Ms. Lile was selected after an exhaustive and highly competitive selection process.

Laurie comes to Monrovia from the City of Palmdale where she was employed for the past 24 years. She was first hired in Palmdale in 1988 as a Principal Planner. Over the next ten years she progressed through the ranks and was appointed to Assistant Planner, and later to an Associate Planner. In 1998 she was appointed Director of Planning. She served in this role until she was appointed Assistant City Manager in 2006, the position she currently occupies in Palmdale.

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said, “We interviewed some very qualified individuals during this process, and I feel extremely confident that we have chosen the best candidate. Lutz also said, “I look forward to working closely with Laurie on realizing all of Monrovia’s goals and objectives as we move forward.” Mayor Pro Tem Joe Garcia said, “Laurie has moved through the ranks in Palmdale, and we feel she possesses the right skills to lead our City for a long time.” 

Lile obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree from UC Davis and an MBA from Pepperdine University in 2010.

Councilman Tom Adams said, “We’re excited to have Laurie leading our City and our staff into the future.” 

Councilmember Becky Shevlin said, “Laurie was the unanimous choice for our Council and we are pleased to have her join our team.”  Councilman Larry Spicer said, “Laurie will bring a nice balance and good leadership to our City.”

Ms. Lile will be replacing former City Manager Scott Ochoa who resigned in December to become the City Manager in Glendale. Administrative Services Director Mark Alvarado has been serving as the Interim City Manager.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Green Dot Spends $43 Million for Company | Xencor

~ Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation has completed its purchase of Loopt for 43 million in cash and retention-based incentives. http://goo.gl/Kub7d 

 

~ Monrovia's Xencor has received its second milestone payment from Boehringer Ingelheim under their antibody technology license agreement. http://goo.gl/rz3cR

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Announces New City Manager

Pending final approval, Monrovia's new city manager will be Laurie Lile, currently serving as Assistant City Manager of Palmdale. http://goo.gl/xSO8d

According to her Linked-In page, she has an MBA from Pepperdine, a bachelor of science degree in  Range and Wildlands Science from UC Davis, and is a member of the California City Management Foundation. http://goo.gl/3ZUxj

She appears to have served as Palmdale's Planning Director before becoming assistant city manager there. http://goo.gl/jCl5Q

- Brad Haugaard

'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Unity Center Fundraiser

Drop Dead Gorgeous, a musical murder mystery, will be presented on Sunday, April 22, by The Renaissance Murder Mystery Players as a Fundraiser for the Foothill Unity Center. This three-course dinner and interactive myrder mystery show will be held upstairs at the Monrovian Family Restaurant. Tickets are $60 per person. For reservations call 359-8364, or the Foothill Unity Center at 358-3486. Source: Unity Center press release

 
- Brad Haugaard

Filming 'The New Normal' in Old Monrovia

From the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Facebook page:

There will be a filming in Old Town this Thursday, April 5th. 20th Century Fox will be filming a television pilot called "The New Normal." Most filming activity will be on the west side of Myrtle from Lemon north to the old Los Gueros restaurant. They will be prepping this location on Wednesday, April 4th. Myrtle Avenue will be closed to thru traffic from Lime to Lemon on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (they may open it up earlier)

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino's Open-Carry Law Being Challenged

The ban on open carry of handguns, drafted by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, is being challenged in court. http://goo.gl/mYEQ0

 

- Brad Haugaard

Full-Speed-Ahead on Gold Line

The Gold Line Authority has given the Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture group a full-speed-ahead notice to complete the rail line from Pasadena to Azusa by late 2015. According to Gold Line spokesman Habib F. Balian, the group had earlier received an Interim Notice to Proceed, but that was just for design and pre-construction work. But the two remaining hurdles have been overcome, allowing the Full Notice to Proceed. Burlington Northern Santa Fe has abandoned its rail right-of-way west of Irwindale and the Gold Line has obtained full control of more than 50% of the land needed for the project’s maintenance and operations facility. Source: Gold Line press release

- Brad Haugaard

Library Book Sale Next Month

Several thousand books and media will be available at the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Spring Sale will be held Saturday, May 19 in Library Park as part of the Monrovia Day celebration.

 

Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the sale will feature the “$2 a Bag” sale. Purchase a grocery bag for $2 at the door beginning at 3 p.m.,  then fill the bag with your selections. For this sale, there will also be a one-time special $5 Bag Sale. Purchase one of the Friends canvas bags for $5 and fill it with free books.

 

The sale tables will be restocked during the day giving all customers an opportunity to find excellent bargains. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Monrovia Public Library.  The Friends Store at the Monrovia Public Library will be closed during the sale.

 

Membership in the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library is annual from May 1 through April 30. Membership forms are available for download from the Friends website or you may pick one up in the Friends Store. We are sending reminders to our not-yet-renewed-friends in the next several weeks. Dues remain unchanged: $15 for an individual; $25 for families; $50 for patrons.

 

The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library promote the Library by stimulating a greater use and appreciation of the literary, educational, and cultural advantages the library offers throughout the community.

 

Monrovia Public Library 321 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016.  For more information, call (626) 932-5555, Ext. 3124 or visit www.friendsofmonroviapubliclibrary.org 

 

Source: Friends of the Monrovia Public Library press release

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Arrested in Stabbing, Robbery by Threat of Gun, Shots Fired, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 29 - April 1. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

 

Vandalism Vehicle

On March 29 at 7:21 a.m., an officer responded to the 1600 block South Primrose regarding vehicle vandalism.  The victim reported that sometime during the evening his company truck was sprayed painted with the paint he kept in his truck.  Investigation continuing.

 

Robbery Person

On March 29 at 9:35 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Monrovia Police Department lobby regarding a robbery investigation.  The victim came to report that on March 28 between 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., he had been robbed. The victim was approach in the 900 block of Royal Oaks by a male suspect who told him you have something I want and I have a gun.   The victim did no see the gun but said he feared for his life and gave the suspect $400 dollars he had. The suspect then told the victim he liked his gold chain so the victim gave him the 24 carat gold chain.  The victim went home and did not report the crime until the following morning.  Investigation continuing.

 

Petty Theft

On March 31 at 5:26 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of West Huntington regarding a petty theft.  The women working in the store were distracted by subjects in the store and during that time their purses were stolen from behind the counter. Investigation continuing.

 

Shots Fired

On March 31 at 11:28 p.m., dispatched received a number of calls from residents reporting they heard shots fired in the 1200 block of South Sherman.  In checking the area, officers located two shotgun shell casings on the sidewalk.  No victims were located and no damage to vehicles or homes was located. Neighbors did not have information on the suspect or a suspect vehicle. Investigation continuing.

 

Driving Under the Influence / Warrants

On March 31 at 11:28 p.m., an officer responded to the 1200 block of Sherman regarding gun shots heard in the area.  While the officer was in route to the location he observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The occupants stopped were a female and a male. Although, not involved with the shots fired call, the female was arrested for driving under the influence and the male was arrested for warrants.

 

Vehicle Burglary

On April 1, at 2:44 a.m., an officer responded to the1200 block of South Mayflower. The victim reported she had parked her 2003 CRV Honda at 10:00 p.m.  When she returned to the vehicle at 2:40 a.m., she found two broken windows and property taken from inside. Investigation continuing.

 

Assault With a Deadly Weapon

On April 1, at 3:17 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of West Cypress regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Three males subjects were talking and play fighting on the sidewalk several houses from where a party had been. They were confronted by the suspect who made a comment to them. One of the three subjects told the suspect that they did not know him and to leave. The suspect pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed one of the three subjects. The suspect left eastbound. The victim sustained several puncture wounds and a slicing wound; he was taken to Arcadia Methodist Hospital. Through investigation officers were able to obtain information on a possible location where the suspect fled.  Officers responded to the location.  While there, one of the subjects at the location admitted he had stabbed someone. Friends of the victim who had gone to the hospital were contacted and a field show up was conducted. The suspect was identified and arrested.

 

 

Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

 

Possession for Sales / Transportation of Methamphetamine / Drug Paraphernalia

On March 28 at 8:35 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a suspicious vehicle leaving the 1600 block of South Mountain for vehicle code violations.  The driver was on probation for drugs and when he opened his glove box, officers could see several canisters of marijuana inside.  A consent search of the vehicle revealed several baggies of methamphetamine, a weight scale and syringes.  He was arrested for possession for sales, transportation of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

Parole Warrant

On March 31 at 5:04 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers saw a parolee in the 1500 block of South Myrtle who had a "no bail" parole warrant. The parolee was detained and arrested for the warrant. 

Mt. Sierra College Reaches Out | Monrovia Chamber Mixer | Cinco de Mayo

~ Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College reaches out to the community. http://goo.gl/Gs2Og

 

~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Mixer at First City Credit Union, 404 E. Huntington Drive. April 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

$10 members, $15 prospective members. http://goo.gl/GyAoP

 

~ Cinco de Mayo festival along Myrtle Ave. April 29 from noon until 9 p.m. on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia.  http://goo.gl/gcRl6

 

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Week Services in Monrovia

~ Community Services: Good Friday service at noon at First Baptist Church with speaker Albert Tate of Fellowship Monrovia. Easter SonRise service at the fountain at Library Park, 7 a.m. Speaker William Kelly of Abundant Life of San Gabriel. Worship led by Fellowship Monrovia. http://goo.gl/eqGJO

~ Calvary Chapel: 10 a.m. Easter Sunday at the Monrovia High Auditorium. http://goo.gl/Fcjn9

~ Fellowship Monrovia: Easter service at 10 a.m. at Library Park. http://goo.gl/0j2Nn

~ First Baptist Church: Easter Sunday worship service at 10:55 a.m. http://goo.gl/gG7Vm

~ First Presbyterian: Good Friday service featuring John Rutter's "Requiem" at 7:30 p.m. and Easter service Sunday at 10 a.m. http://goo.gl/lbTZc

~ Immaculate Conception: Friday, April 6th: Passion, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; Saturday, Easter Vigil with Baptism at 7:30 p.m.; Easter Sunday, Mass at 8, 10 and 10:15 a.m. http://goo.gl/WDeD5

~ New Beginnings Family Church: Good Friday service 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Easter Sunday services at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. Also, Easter egg hunts, jumpers and train rides for children. (Church is at 2780 Peck Road near Longden) http://goo.gl/NdLdR

~ Restored Life Fellowship. Easter Sunday services 7:30 a.m. (sunrise service in the parking lot) and 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium.  Meets at Wild Rose Elementary School. Enter from 233 Heliotrope Ave. http://goo.gl/AlcLd

I didn't mean to leave anyone out. Use the comment field to let me know if I missed an Easter-week service and I'll add it to this post quick as an Easter bunny.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Electric Highway Builder | Horror Flick

~ AeroVironment provides the chargers for electric cars along  Interstate 5 in Oregon, with planned expansion along the I5 from Mexico to Canada. http://goo.gl/YvzlE

 

~ There was a re-shoot for the horror flick "Crush" on the 200 block of Encinitas Avenue Sunday. http://goo.gl/4Ud7X

 

- Brad Haugaard

New Video Cam for AeroVironment Drones | Possible Partial Freeway Closures

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment has developed a new payload for its Raven drone. It is a "high-resolution color and an infrared thermal video sensor, as well as a laser illuminator." http://goo.gl/QgEq0

 

~ Occasional partial freeway closures (no full closures) on the eastbound 210 through April 14 for Gold Line bridge construction, from no earlier than 10 p.m. to no later than 5 a.m. No full closures. Source: Gold Line press release.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Painting Demo | Monrovia's Green Dot Hires Head of Processing

Amanda at work

~ A live demonstration of painting a still life from a photograph at Segil Fine Art (110 West Lime Ave.), featuring artist Amanda Fish, Saturday, April 14, from 2-6 p.m. 

~ Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation has hired Ralph Calvano as Senior Vice President, Processing. Calvano starts at the Company today and will lead Green Dot's strategic initiative to bring key elements of its transaction processing in house, thereby reducing reliance on third parties. http://goo.gl/3zCkJ

- Brad Haugaard

In-N-Out Coming to Monrovia? Nope.

It would appear that that the old Acapulco restaurant site will become an In-N-Out, at least according to this sign: http://goo.gl/rdgZA . Update: But that appearance would be wrong. Just an April Fool's joke. (One I admittedly believed. Thanks for setting me straight, Nathan.) 

- Brad Haugaard

Easter Weekend at Monrovia Parks

Easter in the parks: At Recreation Park on the Saturday before Easter Sunday (April 7), there will be Easter egg hunts for kids of different ages ( http://goo.gl/bBr3y ) and on Easter (April 8) there will be a morning service at 10 a.m. at Library Park, sponsored by the new Fellowship Monrovia Church.

- Brad Haugaard

Hong Kong Supermarket

The former Super A market on Duarte Road on the edge of Arcadia, is becoming a Hong Kong Supermarket. http://goo.gl/qr83C

 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Senator Says He has Education-Saving Budget Solution

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, reports that he "is offering a budget solution that eliminates the need for education trigger cuts and tax increases." Details: http://goo.gl/ecTIQ

 

- Brad Haugaard

Purple Car

Beautiful old car on Foothill near Encinitas.

- Brad Haugaard