Monrovia Bakery Makes Giant Cake

Monrovia's Merengue Bakery makes a HUGE cake. Video: http://goo.gl/wIIcl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Calls LAPD Chief a 'Disgrace'

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, slams LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck for "having no regard for the law" on immigration. He writes on Facebook: "So LAPD Chief Beck has no regard for the law, but he wants you and I to obey the law. I guess he wants to pick and choose which laws to obey and which to ignore, and he's LA's top cop? What a disgrace!" Donnelly links to this press release: http://goo.gl/g6O9r

- Brad Haugaard

Share a Great Monrovia Idea | Gold in Golden Years

~ If you have a great idea for Monrovia, the City wants to hear about it. City Manager Laurie Lile writes: "In the past, City priorities have centered around redevelopment in an effort to build critical infrastructure, reinvigorate blighted areas and create development centered around housing and business attraction. Now the focus shifts back on the community. Innovation and creativity for communities is no longer held within the walls of City Hall, but is open to anyone with a great idea." She said the city will be reaching out to people over the next few months.

~ Monrovia Providers Group will host its 11th Annual "Putting the Gold Back in the Golden Years" on Thursday, October 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Community Center. $5 for seniors 50 and older. For more information, call the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.

Source: City email, but hopefully will be online here shortly: http://goo.gl/67DMv

- Brad Haugaard

Job Seeker Program | Read to Kids | Gold for Monrovia High

~ Monrovia program connecting job seekers with local employers. http://goo.gl/SgTPp

~ Read stories to Monrovia K-5th grade students with Monrovia Reads' "Read Across Monrovia" program. 8â€"9 a.m. October 11. For details call Joanne Spring at 358-1952 or go to www.monroviareads.org

~ Golf tournament to benefit Monrovia High students. http://goo.gl/rFFLa

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Arrest in Knife Incident, Car Left Open and iPod Swiped, Burglary Arrest

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 1-3 -Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 496 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

October 1 at 3:27 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of East Lemon called police to report that he had been assaulted by his brother. The victim and his brother became involved in an argument and the brother ran at the victim with a folding knife that was locked in the open position. As he ran at the victim, he threatened to kill him. The suspect fled the location, but returned a couple hours later. He was arrested and taken into custody. An independent witness observed the crime.

Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle

October 2 at 6:42 p.m., a theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 100 block of North Heliotrope. The victim parked her vehicle on the street and left it unlocked with the window slightly down. Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took the victim's credit cards and iPod from the center console. Investigation continuing.

Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of Stolen Property / Possession of Marijuana – Suspects Arrested

October 4 at 4:43 a.m., an officer observed two suspicious male subjects walking in the area of Canyon and Palm. He turned his unit around and the subjects attempted to flee, but he was able to detain one of them. Assisting officers arrived and began looking for the second male subject. He was seen running from a nearby apartment complex and a foot pursuit ensued. He was located attempting to hide in some bushes and was detained without further incident. The subject was carrying a backpack which contained a woman's coin purse, a pair of women's prescription eyeglasses, a cell phone that didn't belong to him, and burglary tools. He was arrested and was found to be currently on parole. The other subject was cited for possession of marijuana. Police are attempting to locate the victim(s) of the stolen property.

Monrovia's Produce in the Park - This Saturday

Produce in the Park, this Saturday, October 6, 9-11 a.m. In front of the Mark Twain bench at Library park. "You don't need to bring any produce to share...just come and meet new friends and take home, possibly some fresh chicken eggs, herbs, cactus (sticks on fire) and possibly 'sprouted spelt millet wheat-barley beans lentils (dehydrated) cinnamon cakes."

No PR Agency for Monrovia | Taxpayer Association Honors Huff

~ Monrovia council tables idea of hiring PR agency for $8,000 a month. http://goo.gl/o66z2

~ California Taxpayers' Association, the state's oldest watchdog organization on tax and other public finance issues has awarded Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, a vote ranking of 100% for the 2012 legislative year. http://goo.gl/xyMAJ

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween For Kids

Free Halloween events from 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Monrovia's Library Park for kids to age 14. Dog costume contest, toddler area, arts and crafts, demonstrations, photo booth, face painting, wellness games, library story times. http://goo.gl/DgN3N

- Brad Haugaard

Donnelly Warns of Voter Fraud and Insecure Borders

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, has sent out two press releases ...

~ On driver licenses for illegal immigrants - "Given that Californians can now register to vote online with nothing more than a driver's license number, this bill will do irreparable harm, compromising the integrity of our elections." http://goo.gl/JPBui

~ On the loss of a border patrol agent - "While details of the tragedy remain unknown, this stands as a grim reminder that our borders are still insecure." http://goo.gl/Jrlre

- Brad Haugaard

Scorcher Today in Monrovia?

US Weather Service predicts: "Potential record breaking heat will affect the Southland. The combination of locally breezy conditions...hot temperatures...very low humidities...and very dry fuels will bring an increased potential for rapid fire growth...especially to the mountains..." http://goo.gl/iu4yf

However, Weather.com is predicting 96 in Monrovia, a bit cooler than yesterday ( http://goo.gl/0cqql ). Take your pick.

- Brad Haugaard

Bobcats in Monrovia

Bobcats in a Hillcrest backyard.

In the residential areas of Monrovia I've seen deer and bears and coyotes and raccoons and skunks, but for the first time - today - I've seen bobcats. A mom and three cubs, very casual and relaxed.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Carjacking Car Recovered, Theft From Unlocked Car, Drunk vs. Cops

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 27-30 -Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

On September 27, a parking control officer on patrol located a green, 2002 Dodge Caravan that had been taken during a car-jacking incident that occurred on September 25. The vehicle was left parked and unattended in the 300 block of West Olive. The van was recovered and brought to the station for processing by the Detective Bureau. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

September 19 at 1:04 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1400 block of Pilgrim Way. The vehicle was parked in the victim's driveway and had been left unlocked by the victim's son. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle and took the victim's checkbook and vehicle registration. Investigation Continuing.

Drunk in Public / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Assault on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

September 30 at 1:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of South Canyon regarding a female screaming. When officers arrived, they found a female subject sitting in the driver's seat of her vehicle with a male subject in the passenger seat. They contacted the subjects and separated them. The male subject was intoxicated and refused to cooperate with officers. He struggled with and yelled profanities at the officers. He was arrested for being drunk in public and was taken to the Monrovia Jail, where he continued to struggle and swung his fists at officers after the handcuffs were removed and he was placed into a cell.

- Brad Haugaard

Ballot Overview | Rehersals for Kids | Pregnancy Center Fundraiser | Girl Power

~ Free overview of ballot propositions by League of Women Voters on Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. at the Library Community Room. Seating is limited so call 358-1159 for reservations. Sponsored in part by Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.

~ The nonprofit Centre Stage is holding rehersals for children who want to be in a Little Mermaid "Under the Sea" production. Cost $250. centrestageinc@yahoo.com or 297-4758 for details.

~ Foothill Pregnancy Resource Center is having a fundraiser Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the Mary Wilcox Youth Center, 843. E. Olive St., Monrovia. Dinner, music, raffle, talk. $75 per person. Call 368-2122 for reservations.

~ Girl Power Community Conference, for girls in grades 5-12. Saturday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center. Tickets $10. Details: http://goo.gl/OWCO4

- Brad Haugaard

Football: Monrovia over St. Francis

Monrovia over St. Francis 17-13. http://goo.gl/3CKTe

- Brad Haugaard

Unhappy Monrovia School Board Member | Hot Days at Hand | Old Town Music

~ Monrovia school board member Alex Zucco is apparently not happy with a fellow board member. She writes on Facebook: "Disappointed, but not surprised, one Board member met privately with small group of unhappy parents to 'try' to work backroom deal...undermining MHS staff, administration and our Board."

~ Temperatures in Monrovia expected to be up to 102 by Monday. http://goo.gl/wcdgX

~ Video: Music on the street in Old Town Monrovia. http://goo.gl/WM0po

- Brad Haugaard

Governor Brown Signs Portantino Long-Gun Legislation

Governor Jerry Brown today signed Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's legislation banning the open carry of rifles and shotguns in California cities. Portantino represents part of Monrovia.

Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1000. Law enforcement personnel are exempt as are hunters and others carrying unloaded weapons under specified licensed circumstances and in most rural areas.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at T Burgers

Lunch at T Burgers on Foothill. For about $6 got a combo burrito and a drink. A generous helping of ground beef, cheese, and beans. Tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

210 Eastbound Closures

Reminder: Eastbound 210 will be completely closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday through Thursday this coming week, starting October 1. For Gold Line bridge work.

- Brad Haugaard

Senator Bob Huff on State Government Successes and Failures

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, gives an end-of-session wrap up. A few items ...

- Pension reform: "The good news: The State Legislature finally got around to passing pension reform legislation. The bad news: It doesn't solve most of our problems."

- On workers compensation: "Republicans and Democrats reached across the aisle to pass legislation that will reduce costs on employers while increasing benefits for workers who are injured on the job."

- CEQA: "The Legislature missed a golden opportunity to open up the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to a series of reforms during the final two weeks of legislative session. If there is any good news out of this failure, it's this: There is a new coalition building in favor of CEQA reform."

More here: http://goo.gl/xD2Jn

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. St Francis in Football | Los Victor's Gets a B | Got a Spare Refrigerator?

~ Preview of tonight's football game with St. Francis. http://goo.gl/JaZTD

~ Monrovia's Los Victor's Mexican restaurant gets a "B" rating from county. http://goo.gl/MjywS

~ Monrovia High snack bar needs a refrigerator and deep freezer. If you have one you'd like to donate, contact the Monrovia High ASB office.

- Brad Haugaard