Monrovia Assemblymen at Odds

Monrovia Assemblyman Tim Donnelly and Monrovia Assemblyman Anthony Portantino now find themselves at odds. Donnelly writes on Facebook that he just voted against a gun bill authored by Portantino (AB 1547) because it "will continue to infringe on the Second Amendment by banning the open carry of long guns." Portantino's bill passed anyway.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Celebrates National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer at Monrovia United Methodist Church, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/3SsDt

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Does Well | Better Braces

~  Monrovia's STAAR Surgical reported that sales of its Visian ICL eye-lens product increased 25 percent to $8.6 million in the first quarter ended March 30, 2012. Total revenue grew 4 percent to $15.5 million from $14.8 million in the first quarter of 2011. http://goo.gl/2fvt6

~ Monrovia's 3M Unitek has launched Incognito Lite Hidden Braces, a new brace system "that is placed on the inside of the teeth, making it virtually unnoticeable to others." http://goo.gl/Q6eIJ

- Brad Haugaard

More Monrovians | More Circulation | Tea Garden Party

~ Small increase in Monrovia population since last year. http://goo.gl/9BrD8

~ The LA News Group, publisher of the Star-News, which covers Monrovia, reports circulation gains. The press release says: "According to March Publisher's Statements filed with the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), LANG's total daily circulation increased to 476,160, a gain of 0.9% over the past year, while Sunday circulation increased to 512,741 a gain of 1.6%." The press release notes that this number includes electronic editions as well. Opinion: While it doesn't say so, I'd guess this number is up solely because of electronic circulation.

~ Tea in the Garden, June 3 at the Monrovia Library. http://goo.gl/pMmDJ

- Brad Haugaard

Start a Business Seminar | Monrovia USO Show

~ Hire Yourself, a seminar on how to start a home-based business. Saturday 1-4 p.m. May 12 in the Library Community Room. Legalities, market research, credit cards, tax records, getting sales tax and business licences, myths of web designers, etc. Call 256-8274 to reserve a spot.

~ Theatre Americana USO Show Saturday, 2-3 p.m. May 19 at Library Park bandshell. Free. "An old-fashioned, patriotic and heartwarming tribute to our service men and women, past, present and future."

- Brad Haugaard

Comment: California Legislature - Maternity Insurance for Men

A couple days ago we got a letter from the company that provides health insurance for our son (see picture below), and were delighted to learn that our always-on-the-ball California state government had decided to force those eeevil insurance companies to provide our son with maternity coverage. And not just for him, but for all Californians!

High time! Too long have men been denied the maternity benefits that have routinely been offered to women.

Yeah, yeah. I can almost hear my fellow Californians complaining that it'll cost them more. True, but, Hey! what's a few more dollars out of all our pockets compared with the incomparable peace of mind in knowing that if our sons ever get pregnant, they're covered!

- Brad Haugaard

Scioscia to Visit Monrovia Boys & Girls Club | Huff on Teacher Firing Process

~ Angels Manager Mike Scioscia will visit Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. http://goo.gl/ykB3R

~ Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on the difficulty of firing "bad apple" teachers. ( http://goo.gl/0JrqC ). Comment: Senator Huff, there are some really baffling typos on your page.

- Brad Haugaard

Congrats to MHS Track Teams | Monrovia Day Events | STAAR Presentation | Huff Comments

~ The Monrovia High Boys Varsity Track team completed a perfect 9-0 season by defeating San Marino on Friday. The Wildcats also won three invitationals and were crowned San Gabriel Valley Track and Field Champions. The girls ended their season Friday by defeating San Marino, finishing their season with an impressive 8-1 record. Congratulations also to the following athletes, who set varsity school records: Zack Elradi, 400 meters; Amanda Mansoorbeckt, 800 and 1600 meters; Marlene Colin, pole vault; Mike Harris, triple jump; Skylar Buchanan, 100 and 200 meters; Max Armenta, 800 meters. http://goo.gl/ZifMl

~ Full list of Monrovia Day (May 19) events. Fountain to Falls Run, Monrovia Day Parade (entry form here: http://goo.gl/YfS4u ), Library Park activities, Old Town entertainment, Concert in Library Park, Line Dance in Library Park. http://goo.gl/DdKE8

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical, which makes implantable lenses for the eye, will do a presentation on May 8 at the Deutsche Bank 37th Annual Health Care Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. http://goo.gl/e7Nhm

~ Video: Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, objects to the creation of a Conference Committee to hear proposed legislation on mortgage reform in California. He said it would "disenfranchise" much of the legislature. http://goo.gl/6fHXl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coupon Company Streamlines Web Site

CouponMountain.com, a Monrovia-based online-coupon company, has redesigned its website "to simplify and streamline how people search for offers and promotions from thousands of popular retailers." http://goo.gl/BDvXS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gets Two New Eagle Scouts

 

New Eagle Scouts, Kevin Greenwood (left) and Clayton Taggart.

On Sunday, May 6, 2012, Monrovians Kevin Paul Greenwood and Clayton William Taggart will be presented with their Eagle Scout Awards at the Arcadia Community Center at 11 a.m.

Both began as Cub Scouts at the Barnhart School, and moved to Troop 103 in Arcadia after their time as Webelos.

They are currently seniors at Monrovia High School.  Kevin is the Student Body President, and Clayton was an integral part of the Football Team’s winning back-to-back League Championships.

Kevin Greenwood has been in Troop 103 for seven years.  He has earned a total of 31 merit badges, and he has served as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Instructor.

Kevin’s Eagle Project was to tear down and refurbish the Club Board at Monrovia High School.  They removed the supports, repainted the frame, replace the supports with sturdier redwood 2x4s, and then added marine grade plywood as the new background for the club logos.

  

The work took place over three weekends.  Thanks to the support of family, friends, and fellows Scouts, Kevin was able to complete his project before school began last fall.  Over 190 man-hours were logged on this project.

Clayton Taggart has been in Troop 103 for seven years.  He has earned a total of 22 merit badges, and he has served as Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.

Clayton’s Eagle Project was to renovate the concrete trash bin areas at Ronald McDonald House in Pasadena.  They demolished and removed the existing bricks on site.  They then prepared the area and poured fresh concrete, to provide a walkway and storage area for the large trash bins.

The work took place over three weekends.  Thanks to the support of family, friends, and fellow scouts, Clayton was able to complete his project this past November.  Over 141 man-hours were logged on this project.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins to be Honored

Honoree, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins

In honor of Municipal Clerk's Week, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins will be recognized at the Monrovia City Council meeting today, May 1, 2012. Here on the City Clerk's web page is an interactive introduction to all that her office does: http://goo.gl/c9fUh . And here is the press release:

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks has proclaimed the week of April 19- May 5, 2012 to be 43rd annual Municipal Clerk's Week.  This week features a weeklong series of nationwide activities aimed at increasing the public's awareness of Municipal Clerks and the vital services they provide for local government and the community. In honor of Municipal Clerk's Week, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins will be recognized at the Monrovia City Council meeting on May 1, 2012.

Monrovia's City Clerk is just one of seven elected officials who serve the community every day.  Her role is to encourage the public to participate in the democratic process and help ensure that government remains transparent and accessible.

Alice Atkins has worked in the City Clerk's Office since 2001, and has served as City Clerk since October 2009.  "It started as a job, and very quickly became a career I love.  When all else fails and people don't know where to go for help, they seem to call the City Clerk.  It's a perfect fit for someone who loves helping people – and if I don't know the answer, I love the challenge of finding it for them," said City Clerk Akins.

One of local government's oldest positions is the Municipal Clerk. Their duties have expanded over the years and, today, modern technology assists them with their increasing responsibilities. Last week, Sacramento City Manager addressed a meeting of the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC) saying "You are in the information business," he said, "and need to maximize the use of technology."  Clerk Atkins has done just that by placing an interactive presentation tool on the City's website to help provide information on just what the Monrovia Office of the City Clerk does.

Municipal and Deputy Clerks' main function is to serve as the council's foundation. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining ordinance and resolutions files, keeping the municipality's historical records, processing permits and serving as the clearinghouse for information about the local government.  They also record the actions of the various commissions and committees appointed by the council. Another important responsibility is administering part or all of the local election functions.
During this week, Municipal Clerks throughout the world will host open houses and tours of the Municipal Clerk's office, visit local schools and participate in other various events.  We encourage residents to stop by City Hall or visit our website to see all of the services the Office of the City Clerk has to offer, www.cityofmonrovia.org. 

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Cabin Near Monrovia for Sale | Helping Smoke Shop Leave | Monrovia Reads

~ Would you like a cabin in the mountains right near Monrovia? http://goo.gl/2B3FP

~ City trying to help head shop to leave town. http://goo.gl/ZUHHz

~ Monrovia Reads is sponsoring a fundraiser Spring Fiesta on May 7. http://goo.gl/XGF09

- Brad Haugaard

Possible Westbound Freeway Closures | Monrovia Woman in Crossfit Championships

 ~ Through May 12, there may be partial closures of WESTbound and/or eastbound 210 lanes for Gold Line freeway-bridge construction. Closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the following day. The construction crew members will be working on the mold into which they'll pour the concrete, and adding steel reinforcing. Source: Gold Line press release

~ Monrovia athlete will participate in Crossfit regional championships. http://goo.gl/RF6q4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shot in Shoulder, Herding a Bear, Open-Door Driving

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 26-29 – Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon

April 26 at 11:03 p.m., dispatch received a call from the California Highway Patrol advising that a male subject had been shot in the shoulder and was at a location in the 300 block of West Central. Officers responded and contacted the victim. The victim reported that he and a male friend were in the front yard of the location, and he was making his way to the front door when shots rang out. He was struck in the shoulder and immediately went inside the location. The friend saw two male subjects run east on Central toward Magnolia and out of sight. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision

April 26 at 11:36 p.m., a motorist reported a driver slumped behind the wheel of a vehicle at Duarte and Sixth. Officers responded and located the vehicle. The male driver was slumped over the wheel, the engine was running, and the vehicle had struck a fence in the 800 block of West Duarte. The driver did not have any visible injuries, but he appeared to be quite intoxicated. He was taken to a hospital to be checked for injury and charges will be reviewed by the District Attorney for filing consideration.

Residential Burglary

April 27 at 3:52 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Poinsettia. The suspect(s) entered an unlocked window and stole cash and coins from an unlocked safe. The victims are elderly and had left the residence for only for a few hours to visit family. Investigation continuing.

Bear Sighting

April 27 at 2:05 p.m., a bear was sighted in the area of Sunset and Highland. Officers worked to get the bear to move north toward the foothills. The bear went up a tree at Highland and Hillcrest. The officers continued to observe the bear from a distance until it came down out of the tree. The bear then went back up into the mountains.

Large Party / Under Age Drinking

April 27 at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista regarding a large party. When officers arrived, they assessed the number of people at the party to be several hundred. The only resident present was a 16-year-old male subject and there was no adult supervision. Alcohol and marijuana consumption had been taking place. Additional officers responded, including the Special Enforcement Team, the Foothill Air Support helicopter, and several officers from Arcadia Police Department. It took some time to clear the property of all the party goers. Several minors were cited for possession of alcohol. An adult sister of the 16-year-old resident responded and both were cited.

On April 28, the adult sister called police to report that a camera and a laptop computer were stolen from the house during the party. A young man was seen carrying a laptop from the party. Investigation continuing.

Possession of Hypodermic Needles / Possession of Anabolic Steroids – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 1:59 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle driving out of a parking lot in the 400 block of Foothill with one of its doors open. The officer notified the driver, but the driver ignored him and drove away at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the vehicle and made a traffic stop in the 100 block of Acacia. Although the driver was found not to be under the influence, a full box of syringes and a package of anabolic steroids were found in the vehicle. The subject was arrested and taken into custody and a search warrant was written for a residence in Arcadia.

At 7:13 p.m., officers, assisted by the Special Enforcement Team, went to a residence in the 1200 block of East Magnis in Arcadia to serve a search warrant. The search warrant resulted in finding quantities of mushrooms and marijuana. Additional charges of possession of controlled substance and possession of marijuana for sales were added to the suspect's offenses.

Medical Assist

April 29 at 9:14 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Colorado regarding a woman who was not breathing. When the officer arrived, he checked the woman's vital signs and determined she was not breathing and did not have a pulse. The officer directed the woman's fiancé to begin rescue breathing while he administered chest compressions on the woman. CPR was continued on the woman for several minutes until paramedics arrived and took her to a local hospital, where she received advanced medical treatment and was successfully brought back to life.

Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti Bounty Program. If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen will receive a $100 bill. Help keep Monrovia looking great!

- Brad Haugaard

No Flinging Monrovia Signs Over the Hillside Allowed

I ran into an acquaintance on the trails above Monrovia and he told me someone had flung the No Trespassing Because of Endangered Milk Vetch signs posted on the Clamshell trail over the side of the hill. I checked and I guess it was true because while the signs are now there they have a stern warning not to mess with city signs.

- Brad Haugaard

Military Re-Enactors, Yogurt, Huff on Governor's Bill

~ US Military re-enactors this weekend at Monrovia Historical Museum. http://goo.gl/bXrNE

~ Yogurtland to open soon (east side of Myrtle just south of Foothill). http://goo.gl/oUmLn

~ Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, writes: "Senator Mimi Walters and I recently sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown asking for his leadership in urging his Democratic colleagues and the members of the Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions to allow an up or down vote to be taken on Governor Brown's 'Twelve Point Pension Reform Plan.'" ( http://goo.gl/AFS1J ) Comment: Here we have Republicans introducing a Democratic governor's bill, verbatim, and now the Republicans are asking a Democratic governor to try to persuade Democratic legislators to allow a Democratic governor's bill to be voted on. Bizarre.

- Brad Haugaard

Marines Order Drones from Monrovia's AeroVironment

Monrovia's AeroVironment has received a $3.65 million order from the United States Marine Corps for its Raven drone and a set of spare parts. http://goo.gl/S9FPp

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Member to Represent District at Democratic National Convention | Job Workshop | Library Friends

 ~ Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco reports on Facebook that it "Looks like I'm going to represent the 27th Congressional District in Charlotte [North Carolina] at the [Democratic] Presidential Convention!!! Thanks to all the 141 people that came out to vote..."

~ All-day free workshop at the Library to help job-seekers freshen up resumés, interview wardrobes and sharpen job hunting skills. http://goo.gl/QAgMA

~ Want to be a member of the Friends of the Monrovia Library? Membership meeting May 16. http://goo.gl/G3vhn

- Brad Haugaard

Foot Juggler at Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Festival

He was pretty good!

Pea-Fowl Invade Monrovia

I took this picture today of two peahens (fancy tail is on the other side of the family, the peacock) near the parking area just south of Lime and west of Myrtle. Wandered in from Arcadia I guess. Hope they're just passing through.

- Brad Haugaard