The Board of Education invites you to attend the 2012 State of the Schools Report to the Community,Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Monrovia High School, starting at 6 p.m. From 6-7 p.m. Friendship Circle student performances and school displays, then at 7:30 p.m. the State of the Schools Address in the Performing Arts Center. From Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Softball Wins! | Be on 710 Committee | Money for Transportation | Wil's Opening
~ Monrovia High softball team captures Northview Softball Tournament title. http://goo.gl/StAvJ
~ If you are interested in being on a Community Liaison Council about the 710 Freeway (the freeway that doesn't go through South Pasadena) "to support the SR-710 Environmental Study team in providing feedback on the technical study and overall outreach efforts," here's some detail: http://goo.gl/hnV7v
~ Gold Line spokesman Habib Balian reports that yesterday the Southern California Association of Governments’ Regional Council unanimously approved the 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan to spend "$524 billion over the next 25 years to enhance the regional transportation system," with an emphasis on freeways but with $246 billion for public transportation. Balian added that South Pasadena Mayor (and Assembly candidate for Monrovia's district) Michael Cacciotti "believes that even with these changes the plan continues to place too much emphasis on freeways."
~ Grand opening of Wil's Sport and Tackle (fishing gear) at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 13. 310 S. Myrtle.
- Brad Haugaard
Reacting to Violence on Sherman & Neighborhood Tips
In light of recent violence on Sherman Avenue, Monrovia's Neighborhood Strategy Team will be walking that neighborhood talking to residents. http://goo.gl/rE0QD
Tips for neighborhoods from the city:
~ Keep your porch and/or alley lights on at night
~ Become familiar with your neighbors
~ Report graffiti immediately (Graffiti Hotline 836-3654)
~ Report suspicious activity: Crime Stoppers (Anonymous tips via call or text) - (800) 222-TIPS; or Monrovia Dispatch (626) 256-8000
~ Don't be silent! If you hear or see something wrong, alert your neighborhood. Call Monrovia Neighborhood Services 932-5563
Monrovia Police: Lots of Shots, Burglary Tools, Prowling
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for April 2-4 – Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 473 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.
Shots Fired
On April 2 at 8:40 p.m., dispatch received numerous 9-1-1 calls of shots fired in the area of Sherman and Los Angeles. Officers responded to the area and found six cartridge casings in the street and two bullet holes in a front facing wall in the 1200 block of Sherman. No one was injured. A compact car was seen right after the shooting, driving westbound on Cherry at a high rate of speed. No suspect description. Investigation continuing.
Parolee-at-Large / Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of a Deadly Weapon
On April 4 at 2:39 a.m., an officer stopped and contacted a male and female walking in the 500 block of Parkrose. Upon talking with them, their statements conflicted as to why they were in the area and where they were going. Further investigation revealed the male subject was a parolee-at-large with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. The officer located a large knife and a burglary tool near the area where he arrested the suspect. The suspect later admitted possession of the knife and the burglary tool. He was charged with the additional crimes.
Prowling
On April 4 at 5:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to 600 block of West Olive, where a suspect was seen prowling at a residence. When the resident went outside, the suspect fled, running eastbound through a neighbor’s yard. An area search was conducted for the suspect, but he was not located. Investigation continuing.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Head Shop Moratorium | Drone Fears | Football | STAAR
~ Residents concerned about sale of drug paraphernalia at new shop; city bans new shops for study period. http://goo.gl/NyohV
~ Has Monrovia's AeroVironment unleashed a genie with its mini-drones? Some people think mini-drones could cause privacy problems. http://goo.gl/BJn06
~ Monrovia players take part in Nike football camp. http://goo.gl/0yecf
~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical appoints Samuel Gesten as its general counsel and secretary. http://goo.gl/vhXFe
- Brad Haugaard
Holden Monrovia Kickoff April 29
Pasadena Councilman Chris Holden is having a kick-off for his race for Assembly on April 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paint n' Play in Monrovia. Meeting is open to the public. Hosted by Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and Lisa Barrios. Source: Posting by Mayor Lutz on Facebook
- Brad Haugaard
Photo of New Monrovia City Manager
Laurie K. Lile, new Monrovia City Manager (Photo from City of Monrovia)
- Brad Haugaard
Meet Indy Car Driver | Let a Monrovia Cop Serve You
~ Meet Indy car driver Simona de Silvestro at an open house at Sir Speedy Printing April 11, 6-8 p.m., 411 W. Maple St. http://goo.gl/RgQDk
~ Help Monrovia Police support the Special Olympics by attending the annual Tip a Cop event this Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at Claim Jumper. "Come be served by a cop for a good cause." - From Monrovia PD Twitter posting
- Brad Haugaard
New Church in Old Monrovia
Monrovia Word Center, a new church, had its grand opening in Old Town. http://goo.gl/6IFXV
- Brad Haugaard
- 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
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
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