Monrovia Drone Used to Monitor Environment

Raven drone made by Monrovia's AeroVironment used to monitor dam and river habitat on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. http://goo.gl/LC17T

- Brad Haugaard

Text a Business Suggestion for Pavilions Center to Monrovia City Hall

The city is asking Monrovians to tell the city what kind of business they would like to go in the Foothill Park Plaza (that's the Pavilions shopping center). Just use your cell phone to text your answer to 616 219-0804. City staff will use the answers in building its new Monrovia Strategic Plan.  [Source: press release]

In her weekly letter, City Manager Laurie Lile adds: "After the Council provides their direction on our proposal, we will be coming to you with a variety of ways that you can participate, from texting us your comments, connecting to us through our website, to attending a “town-hall” meeting.  The success of this effort will rely a lot on the willingness of our residents and stakeholders to talk to us and share their views."

And, "Starting with a Fill-Up Old Town campaign, the City’s Economic Development Department is actively seeking out input from residents, shoppers and businesses via text message to weigh in on what new businesses the City should attract to Old Town."

Source: http://goo.gl/unouo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Hire PR for Lawsuit, Money for Strategic Plan, Oppose Defense Cuts, SG Valley Council of Governments

At its 7:30 p.m. meeting on October 2 (agenda: http://goo.gl/VDKsm ), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Paying $8,000 a month for the rest of the year to Cerrell Associates, Inc., to provide public relations in the Station Square Transit Village development lawsuit. "[I]t is critically important to embark on a public outreach campaign that will inform Monrovia residents and our community the facts of the lawsuit, as well as provide litigation support.

~ Spending up to $65,450 "to develop a new City-wide Strategic Plan to guide the City's programs and services in this time of budgetary constraints."

~ A proposal to oppose federal government "sequestration" cuts that would affect defense. This is relevant to Monrovia because Monrovia companies Roncelli Plastics, AeroVironment, and Ducommun Aerostructures could suffer layoffs. Interesting stats: Roncelli's business is 30% defense related; AeroVironment 80%; and Ducommun Aerostructures 49%.

~ Spending $16,000 to be a member of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.

- Brad Haugaard

Another Lawsuit Against Monrovia?

It appears Monrovia is anticipating yet another lawsuit, so the City Council (wearing its hat as the former Redevelopment Agency) will meet in closed session at 7 p.m. this Tuesday with its attorney to discuss the impending suit, by - if I understand correctly - the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.

The announcement says: "A point has been reached where there is a significant exposure to litigation against the Agency, in the opinion of the Agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on the Notice of Proposed Eminent Domain Proceeding and of Opportunity to be Heard sent to the Agency by the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority on August 28, 2012." http://goo.gl/WakUr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Armed Robbery and Carjacking

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 24-26 -Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 479 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Car-Jacking / Armed Robbery

September 25 at 6:38 a.m., a male victim called police and reported that he just had his vehicle taken from him at gunpoint on Fifth Avenue, between Chestnut and Walnut. One of the suspects approached the victim and asked if he would help jump start his late 1980's, small, white, pickup truck. The truck was occupied by another suspect and was parked on Fifth Avenue. The victim agreed to help and drove his vehicle up to the suspect's vehicle, at which time one of the suspects pointed a small, silver-colored handgun at the victim and demanded all his money. The victim complied and the suspects fled the area, one in the suspect's pickup truck and the other in the victim's 2002, green Dodge Caravan.

Suspect one, the driver of the pickup, is only described as a male, unknown race. Suspect two, the suspect who took the victim's money and drove off in his vehicle, is described as a male White, in his late 30's, 5'9" tall, thin build, with blond shoulder length hair, wearing blue jeans and a blue T-shirt with a circle logo on the front. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. Investigation continuing.

- Brad Haugaard

Yemen to Get Drones from Monrovia's AeroVironment | Firefighter Builds 'Little Libraries'

~ The country of Yemen will get four AeroVironment drones. http://goo.gl/8oSo8

~ Monrovia firefighter builds "little libraries" for Monrovia Reads. http://goo.gl/2lUCy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Band Fundraiser

The Monrovia High Wildcat Band and Colorguard had a fundraiser at the Fresh and Easy market on Foothill today.

Monrovia Olympian, Kim Rhode, Will Be Grand Marshal of Pomona Parade

Monrovia Olympian - gold medalist in skeet shooting - Kimberly Rhode will be the grand marshal of the Pomona Christmas Parade, according to the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, organizer and primary sponsor of the parade.

 

This year's parade theme, "A Golden Christmas," is a compliment to Rhode and her accomplishments as well as recognition of Pomona's heritage. The parade committee, which consists of local community members, also plans to honor individuals that have worked tirelessly to make a difference in Pomona.

 

The parade, which involves local bands, JROTC groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, sporting leagues, school clubs and more, takes place Saturday, December 8 at 10 a.m. along Second Street in Downtown Pomona. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teacher an LA County Teacher of the Year | Liu in Dubious Tax Scheme? | Uniforms to Kosovo | The Bug Man | Halloween Parade

~ Monrovia teacher, Kyle McClure, a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. http://goo.gl/wNwxU

~ This article asks if State Senator Carol Liu, who is running to represent the Monrovia area, was involved in a dubious tax shelter scheme. http://goo.gl/oxpc1

~ Wine of the Month Club owner, Paul Kalemkiarian, packs softball uniforms off to Kosovo. http://goo.gl/Oi662

~ Steven Kutcher, The Bug Man, will talk about entomology (that's bugs), and his work in Hollywood at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the Monrovia Canyon Park cabin. Free.

~ Halloween Costume Contest and Parade of Characters on October 31. http://goo.gl/PKMi5

- Brad Haugaard

Wine Tasting at Big Shrimps Restaurant

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce reports that bigSHRIMPS (just east of Myrtle on Colorado) is having a complimentary wine tasting today (Tuesday) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stealing a Bike from 12-Year-Old, Thieves Make off With Safe, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 20-23 -Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Parole Violation - Suspect Arrested

On September 21 at 2:31 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 1200 block of Encino when they noticed a group of subjects in front of a residence. They recognized the subjects and requested a warrant check, which revealed one of the subjects had a no-bail warrant for parole violation. Officers approached and took the suspect into custody without incident.

Robbery

On September 21 at 8:47 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a robbery that just occurred near the 100 block of West Lemon. A 12-year-old boy had been hit in the head by an unknown suspect and his bicycle was taken from him. The suspect is described as a male White, late teens or early twenties, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen riding the stolen bicycle north through an alley with a male Hispanic subject who was wearing a red shirt and was on another bicycle.

Officers made an extensive area check, but did not locate the suspect. The stolen bicycle is a Sabroso brand, Stunt Jumper, model MX, with red forks. The victim was checked by paramedics and then taken to a hospital for further examination. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary

On September 23 at 4:02 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Huntington Drive regarding a burglary. Suspect(s) pried open the rear door of a business and removed a small safe from the premises. The loss was a small amount of cash. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On September 23 at 7:43 a.m., a female juvenile from a girl's home in the 100 block of North Ivy stole one of the home caretaker's vehicles. The suspect is currently on probation for grand theft auto and has a history of running away. Officers made an area check around town for the vehicle with negative results. The Sheriff's Department helicopter assisted with the area check. California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department were notified. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On September 23 at 10:58 a.m., a 1998 Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 1100 block of Royal Oaks. The victim parked his vehicle at 11:00 p.m. in his assigned parking space to the rear of his apartment complex and locked his vehicle. When he returned to it the next morning at about 6:30 a.m., the vehicle was gone. The victim did not give anyone permission to take his vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence - Suspect Arrest

On September 23 at 7:55 p.m., employees of a business in the 400 block of West Foothill called police regarding a female subject that stumbled into their store with an injury to her face. She claimed her husband had just hit her. Officers arrived and determined the crime had just occurred in the 100 block of South Mayflower. The husband was located and arrested. Both subjects were found to be intoxicated.

Removing Palm Trees in Monrovia

Cutting down palm trees along Hillcrest between Myrtle and Encinitas. http://goo.gl/HukpT

- Brad Haugaard

The Gold Line Bridge As It Will Soon Look

Gold Line spokesman Habib Balian sent along these pictures of the Santa Anita freeway bridge. In the first photo the basket-design has been super-imposed on a photo so you can see what it looks like. In the second picture you can see each "weave" element.

Habib reports that the basket "elements are being fabricated in Gardena; each weave of the basket is nearly 6 feet long and weighs 800 pounds. Each basket is made up of 60 weaves, individually cast. They will start to be assembled on site in the next month."

- Brad Haugaard

Brown Signs Portantino Mammogram and Disaster Prep Legislation

Over the weekend, Governor Brown signed Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's legislation to ensure that more women have access to mammograms (AB 137) and legislation requiring investor-owned electric utilities and water companies to develop an emergency and disaster preparedness plan every two years (AB 1650) and to hold comprehensive disaster preparedness meetings with the counties and cities they service.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Patch to Get Remake | Maryknoll Brunch | Comedy at Monrovian

~ The Patch websites (to which Monrovia Patch belongs) are apparently being redesigned to have a lighter, more community-forum vibe, rather than a small-town newspaper feeling, although news will apparently still play a part. Journalism website Poynter has the story ( http://goo.gl/zde4K ) and here is an example of the new Patch style: http://bellmore.patch.com/

~ Maryknoll Sisters of Monrovia is celebrating the final event of its centennial year: a Centennial Brunch/Bake Sale and Country Store will on Sunday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Adults, $15, Children under 12, $7. At 300 Norumbega Drive, Monrovia. Grand Raffle - first prize $1,000; second prize $500.00, and third prize $250.00. Raffle tickets are a $2 donation each, or a book of 12 for $20. Drawing at 2 p.m. Winner need not be present. For more information call (626) 358-1825. Food, a centennial display, shop for baked goods, treats and crafts. Admittance is free to the centennial display, bake sale, and country store.

~ Comedy to make a difference at the Monrovian: http://goo.gl/L39tX

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Recalls Peanut Butter

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling its "Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter" out of "an abundance of caution." Details: http://goo.gl/ysdkE

- Brad Haugaard

White Saddle Construction

A lot of construction at White Saddle, a mountain road junction above Monrovia Canyon Park. A guy I met up there said Southern California Edison is upgrading power lines taking wind farm power from Tehachapi to Chino Hills, and had to fix up the roads near the power lines as well.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Store, Outlet EOS, Now in Azusa

The Outlet EOS store, which had to move out of Monrovia for a Gold Line maintenance yard, now has a much bigger place in Azusa. http://goo.gl/KS6fC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia E-Waste Round Up | Free Health Check | Calling Singers

~ E-waste round-up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Mt. Sierra College (101 E. Huntington). It accepts electronic devices that plug in or take batteries. Not accepted: batteries, fluorescent lights, wood, glass, tires or large appliances. ACTS Thrift Store will donate to Foothill Unity Center for each pound of electronics donated.

~ Get a free health check on Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. â€" 3 p.m., at SET for LIFE's 8th Annual "Healthy Living for LIFE Expo 50 " at the Fannie M. Goodwin Education Center, 925 South Shamrock Ave., in Monrovia. Families can get free stroke, cholesterol, diabetes, low vision, BMI, hearing and blood pressure screenings with no pre-registration. Raffle prizes, live music and free lunch for anyone who gets four or more screenings. To register for a free mammogram, call (951) 485-4031. For details, http://setforlifenews.org or (626) 386-8071.

~ Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Choral Company is looking for singers. Details: http://goo.gl/b3OSy

- Brad Haugaard

Space Shuttle Endeavor Flies By Monrovia

The space shuttle Endeavor flies by Monrovia just past noon today on its way over JPL. Photo sent by Brad Hori, snapped by Joe K, who, Brad says, "took the pictures as I was busy looking through my binoculars."

- Brad Haugaard