Memorial Day | Monrovia Teen Program | Relay for Life

~ Happy Memorial Day! Mayor Mary Ann Lutz writes on her Facebook page: "God Bless our fallen Service men & woman! Thank you for your sacrifice!"

~ There will be a supervised teen program each Friday night until late August at Library Park.

~ Relay for Life will be held June 2 and 3 in Recreation Park to raise awareness of cancer.

- Brad Haugaard

The Governor's May Revision: Impact on Monrovia Schools

Comment by Linda Wagner, Superintendent of Monrovia Schools

The Governor's May Revision is out, and the buzz that surrounds it indicates there is additional money for schools. This is absolutely not the case. If the Governor's Tax Initiative passes, schools receive no additional revenue. If the Governor's tax initiative fails, however, Monrovia Schools will face a $441 reduction per student attending public school.

The Governor's May Revise authorizes 15 furlough days over two years (which, in one scenario could be taken at the rate of 7.5 per year). Districts have the option to take these days over the next two years on top of the allowable days presently an option for schools. In Monrovia, we already have 6 furlough days per year. These six current furlough days plus the additional new 7.5 days would reduce the school year by a possible total of 13.5 days per year. This is just under 3 weeks of a student's school month. This further reduction of school days would also impose an additional 3% salary reduction for employees, on top of their current reduction of 3%.  This change to the school year and concommitant salary reduction is negotiable in every school District.  Other school districts may or may not decide to reduce the school year.  This "flexibility" has the potential of inequities if district offerings in the San Gabriel Valley and even in the entire state.


Even if we were to take all allowable days (to the detriment of our students) we would only be half way to solving the budget nightmare we face if the tax initiative does not pass.

The shadow schools find themselves in is large. We are required by those who provide fiscal oversight to plan for the worst. Having experienced cuts year after year, public schools have cut to the bone, increased class sizes and significantly reduced programs. Now faced with an additional cut in the range of ten percent, we have run out of things to cut.

You may have heard that schools were guaranteed minimum funding under Proposition 98. While it is true that some form of protection theoretically exists, Proposition 98 is subject to such manipulation at the State level as to not be a guarantee of funding at all. Items from the State budget are shifted in and out of the Proposition 98 calculation as is convenient to make State budgets work in Sacramento; often to the detriment of schools.

Deferrals continue in the May Revision. A deferral is a late payment from the State. If money is due to in May, for example, schools might not receive it until October. We learned recently that deferrals will result in schools not receiving the monthly apportionment dollars in June, July or August, despite financial obligations districts face. This forces districts to borrow in order to make payroll, and to buy basic school supplies. Schools also must pay the fees associated with borrowing.

Public education faces its most difficult year in a series of very challenging economic years. We urge you to pay close attention to these challenges and advocate for students and their educations
whenever possible.

Fiesta Pictures from Monrovia's Immaculate Conception Church

Great pictures of the Fiesta at Immaculate Conception Church. http://goo.gl/7KowM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball to Semifinals | Summer Art Show | Huff on Budget

Evaristo's Horchata Stand, at summer art show.

 

~ Monrovia High to baseball semifinals after victory over Jurupa Valley. http://goo.gl/2rNRW

 

~ Segil Fine Arts Summer Show, "The Farmer's Market - from Field to Farm, Market to Table," June 23 through August 18. 

 

~ More by Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on the Governor's budget. "It isn't half cuts," Huff said, "It doesn't even come close." He said the cuts are mostly transfering money from various state accounts for special purposes (the "cuts") into the general fund. http://goo.gl/8REAO 

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's License Plate Bill Passes

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's bill requiring lawmakers who have legislative vanity plates on their personal cars to pay the same fees paid by the general public, has been overwhelmingly approved by the state Assembly. AB 2068 passed the Assembly today on a vote of 63 to 0. Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Restaurant Devon,

Lunch at Restaurant Devon, on Lemon just off Myrtle. Got tomato basil soup and fish of the day (ahi tuna). Elegant place. Nice art on the walls. White tablecloths. Hot fresh bread with butter. Soup (not in picture 'cause I ate it) was excellent. Ahi was good, too. About $23, so sort of a once-in-a-while place.

- Brad Haugaard

Removing Old Track for Gold Line | Activist to Lead Democracy Writing Workshop at Monrovia Library

~ Foothill Transit Constructors has begun removing the old, freight rail track, starting in Arcadia, as shown here. http://goo.gl/il8p3

~ Free writing workshop led by Traci Kato-Kiriyama ("activist, community leader and performance artist"), 6:30-8:30 p.m. on May 30 at the Library. Reserve a spot by calling 256-8274. Participants will use "Farewell to Manzanar" to write on "what democracy means today and where it may be headed tomorrow." http://goo.gl/ezj9J

Opinion: This reminds me, Library. If you want a local Japanese-American writer to speak or lead a workshop, may I suggest Naomi Hirahara. I read her award-winning "Summer of the Big Bachi" and several other of her mysteries, which - unlikely though it sounds - feature as the detective an elderly Japanese gardener named Mas Arai, and somehow they really work. Great books and lots of local (Pasadena/LA-area) color. http://www.naomihirahara.com

- Brad Haugaard

KNX to Broadcast from Monrovia | Softball Defeat :(

~ KNX 1070 AM will be broadcasting from Monrovia Coffee Company throughout the day on June 1. http://goo.gl/FprrC

~ Beaumont over Monrovia in softball. http://goo.gl/7o7LK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Tough Budget

Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile reports that the city budget "has
been adversely affected by the loss of our redevelopment agency and
other declining revenues." She says "it's particularly frustrating
that municipal agencies—cities, school districts, and other agencies
that provide specialized local services—continue to be financially
pressed by the sluggish economy and competing state and federal
government priorities." http://goo.gl/emr5P

- Brad Haugaard

Could AeroVironment Drones Provide Emergency Communications? | Monrovia's IZZE Celebrates 10 Years | Verizon Store Hiring | Monrovia-Bishop Amat Game

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment believes that by tricking them out its hand-launched drone airplanes with onboard communications equipment, they could be used to re-establish communications following a disaster that renders communications networks unusable. AeroVironment will be demonstrating its drones' capabilities to the FCC. http://goo.gl/iba7Z

~ IZZE Beverage Co. of Monrovia is celebrating ten years of delivering all-natural sparkling juice beverages. (Never even knew it was in town, but it's headquarters is on S. Mayflower) http://goo.gl/F7FsQ

~ The Verizon store next to Daphne's is hiring. http://goo.gl/MjQsl

~ Reflections on the Monrovia-Bishop Amat baseball game. http://goo.gl/EuWIj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia PD Gas Tips

In light of a recent gas leak emergency, Monrovia PD hands along these
gas tips from The Gas Company:

Leaking gas from any damaged pipeline or gas meter could cause a fire,
explosion, property damage and serious bodily injury.

Follow these guidelines if you encounter a leaking gas pipe or meter:

REMAIN calm.

DON'T light a match, candle or cigarette.

DON'T turn electrical devices on or off, including light switches.

DON'T start an engine or use any device, including a telephone, which
could cause a spark.

IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the area, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas
at 1-800-427-2200 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CALL 911 promptly after evacuating the area if the damage results in a
natural gas leak that may endanger life or cause bodily harm or
property damage.

DO NOT attempt to control the leak or repair the damaged pipe or
meter. Do not use or turn off any equipment that could cause a spark.
Motorized or electrically powered equipment or vehicles may create an
ignition source if a gas leak is present. Safely abandon any motorized
or powered equipment or vehicles. Gas leaking from a plastic pipe can
create static electricity that can ignite the gas.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Coppers Look for Copper Burglar, Gas Leak, Thefts, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 21-23. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 478 service events, resulting in 92 investigations.

Fire Assist / Gas Leak

May 21 at 1:33 p.m., police responded to assist the Fire Department on a reported gas leak. A contractor working at a location in the 100 block of West Colorado struck a gas line, causing a leak. Residents near the location were evacuated for their safety. The residents were sheltered at the Community Center and a secondary location in the 100 block of West Olive. The Gas Company responded and fixed the problem.

Residential Burglary

May 21 at 10:39 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1100 block of Orange. The burglary occurred sometime between 3 and 9 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) entered through an unlocked rear window and jewelry was stolen. Investigation continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

May 22 at 3:12 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 200 block of East Chestnut located a stolen vehicle parked in the alley. The vehicle is a 1996 Honda Accord that was stolen out of the City of Claremont. Residents in the area stated the vehicle had been parked there for about three days, and no one had been seen around the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and Claremont Police Department was notified.

Commercial Burglary

On May 23 at 4:58 a.m., dispatch received a report of an alarm activation at a business in the 100 block of West Pomona. When officers arrived, they found the door to the business had been pried open. Copper wire and pipes had been stolen. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered

On May 23 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1200 block of Alta Vista. The Vehicle is a black 1996 Honda. There were no known suspects or evidence at the scene. The vehicle was later recovered in Victorville by San Bernardino Sheriff's Department who also printed the car for us. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Motorcycle

On May 23 at 7:28 a.m., a motorcycle was reported stolen in the 300 block of West Duarte Road. The motorcycle is a black 1988 Yamaha YSR. No known suspects or evidence found. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary / Attempt Fraud

On May 23 at 4:55 p.m., an officer responded to the 600 block of Huntington Drive regarding a Commercial Burglary and Fraud occurring in three businesses. A female had used a fraudulent credit card two times prior and was recognized by the store staff when she attempted to buy products using a fraudulent card again. When they advised her they were calling the credit card company, she fled from the store. The suspect is described as a female white or Hispanic, 5-5, 25 years old, blonde hair and appears to be pregnant. As she fled she was joined by a Hispanic male wearing a sports type jersey. It was later determined that the male suspect had also attempted two fraudulent purchases in the 600 block of Huntington. The male suspect fled when officers arrived in the area. A search was conducted but the male and female were not found. A total of three incidents of burglary/fraud were established in which the male or the female were the suspects. Investigation continuing.

Medical Assist

May 23 at 8:31 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of North Alta Vista regarding a call of a male who collapsed and was possibly having a heart attack. When the officer arrived he administered CPR for approximately 2-3 minutes before paramedics arrived. As of this morning, the subject is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

On May 23 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was in the 300 block of West Cypress on a different call when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the location and ran the plate. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Azusa.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Arrested

On May 24 at 3:24 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of West Olive regarding subjects drinking in the park. Officers detained several subjects; one subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. The others were field interviewed and released. 

Monrovia Charities Get $15k | Social Media Marketing

~ Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park has given Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center and Boys & Girls Club a total of $15,000. http://goo.gl/Cm9Zf

~ Free seminar on "Social Media Marketing Made Simple" by HUTdogs, Tuesday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Grand Slam Sports Center, 140 East Duarte Rd., and Wednesday, June 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Library. Grand Slam info (http://conta.cc/grandslam65 ) and Library info ( http://conta.cc/monrovia627 ).

- Brad Haugaard

New Technology in Lawn Signs

I was interested to see at a Monrovia house this combination of old-tech (lawn sign) and new-tech (Facebook,Twitter and QR code). Note: I'm not commenting one way or another on the candidate (I know nothing about him), just the technology.

- Brad Haugaard

U.S Army Buys Switchblades from Monrovia Firm

The U.S. Army is increasing its order for Switchblade drones from Monrovia's AeroVironment by $5.1 million, for a total $10 million order. http://goo.gl/Uz3Yx

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Beats Bishop Amat | USO Show Pix

~ Monrovia over Bishop Amat in baseball. http://goo.gl/8Hr14

~ Some pictures from Saturday's USO show in Library Park. http://goo.gl/5Mz3P

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Track Successes

The Monrovia High team of Kia Smith, Danielle Curry, Jasmine Thomas and Skylar Buchannan won the CIF Southern Section Track Division 3 4x100 meter relay championship last Saturday at Mt. Sac. "This is the second championship for the girls in the last three seasons." Also, Michael Harris broke the school record in the Triple Jump by two feet, jumping 47'6". This was the fourth longest jump in the Southern section and ninth best in California. Other top finishers were Skylar Buchanan, third in the 100 meters, fourth in the 200 meters and fifth in the long jump; Sabrina Thomas, fifth in the Discus and eighth in the Shot Put; Roberto Merkell, fifth in the High Jump; and Amanda Mansoorbakht, eighth in the 800 meters. http://goo.gl/04eWX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Arrested in Murder Case | Hong Kong Market Opening | Spelling Bee Video | Power Outage

~ Monrovian Chauncey Hollis, 41, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Altadena resident Edward Santana. http://goo.gl/AQJdl

~ Hong Kong Market to open on Duarte Road in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/8Adbw

~ Video of Citywide Zom-bee Spelling Bee winners. http://goo.gl/llKc9

~ Hour-long power outage caused by unknown object striking power equipment. http://goo.gl/vkXue

- Brad Haugaard

New Wasp Drone from Monrovia's AeroVironment

AeroVironment has come out with the new, smaller, 2.8-pound Wasp AE drone, which carries a color and infrared video camera.

"Wasp AE completes our fully digital family of small unmanned aircraft systems and incorporates the advanced capabilities of Puma and Raven into a smaller, lighter and more portable package for rapid deployment and minimal logistics support,” said Roy Minson, AeroVironment senior vice president. http://goo.gl/L5zTL

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino Supports Legislator Pay Cut | Xencor B-Cell Medicine in Clinical Trials

~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, said he would not object to a five percent pay cut for legislators. http://goo.gl/L05WK

~ Monrovia-based Xencor and Germany's MorphoSys AG have enrolled patient enrollment in the phase 1 clinical trial evaluating MOR208, an "anti-CD19 antibody with a proprietary modification to the Fc portion, that is being developed to treat B-cell malignancies."

- Brad Haugaard