Eastbound 210 Closing Late Tonight and Tomorrow Night

Full closure of eastbound 210 freeway for Gold Line bridge work tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. both days. So the crew can finish the columns and superstructure, and to remove scaffolding.

- Brad Haugaard

Watch Monrovia-Madison Game Live | Coach Maddox | AeroVironment Stock UP

~ Tune in to see the Monrovia vs. Madison game live, Saturday, Dec. 8, here: http://goo.gl/xbmmM

~ Feature on winning Monrovia football coach, Ryan Maddox. http://goo.gl/7sEJQ

~ Monrovia AeroVironment stock up 15% the morning after its great quarterly report. http://goo.gl/14Yoc

- Brad Haugaard

Supervisor Michael Antonovich Warns of Official Mailing That Looks Like Junk Mail

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich urged county residents to check their mailboxes for the "Official Notice to Property Owners of Public Hearing" which could result in a property tax increase.

"While the mailing looks like junk mail, it is an important document that allows one to protest the proposed parcel tax," he said.  

"It is vital that property owners return the protest form to stop this additional tax," he added.  "Property owners, schools and businesses already pay flood control taxes and now they are being asked to fork over more money at a time when families are struggling, schools are hurting and businesses are fleeing the state."

Residents have until January 15 to file their objection by returning their protest form or protesting at the public hearing on January 15, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. in the Hearing Room of the Board of Supervisors at the Hall of Administration.  If a majority of the property owners do not object, the Board of Supervisors can approve a mail-in-ballot to be sent to all property owners in March.  Passage requires only a simple majority.

Those who misplaced this mailer, please call (800) 218-0018 or email water.info@dpw.lacounty.gov.  

SAMPLE FLYER: http://goo.gl/L2qCG

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Has Great Quarter | Grand Theft Auto Arrest | Teacher Group Honors Chu | Citrus Top Transfer College | Home Decorating

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit. After hours its stock jumped up 9 percent. http://goo.gl/h6M24

~ Two men arrested in north Monrovia on suspicion of grand theft auto. http://goo.gl/4hkBE

~ Judy Chu, who represents the top of Monrovia in Congress, reports on Facebook that she "just received a leadership award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, which promotes excellence in teaching. They support my bill to recruit quality teachers in under-served communities."

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been named one of the top colleges for student transfers. http://goo.gl/jgM2N

~ Details on the Monrovia Home Decorating contest. http://goo.gl/7A5qi

- Brad Haugaard

City of Monrovia's Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the holiday season this Thursday, December 6 and enjoy the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade. The evening begins with the Tree Lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at Library Park, on the corner of Myrtle and Lime Avenues. The Holiday Parade will begin at 7 p.m., traveling north on Myrtle Avenue from Chestnut to Palm Avenue. This year’s parade theme is "All that Glitters is Gold" in celebration of this year's Grand Marshal, Kim Rhode, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist. The parade is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town merchants.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Assembly Member Introduces Bill Saying Legislature Wants Jobs, Economic Growth

Yesterday I noted that Monrovia's new Assembly Member, Chris Holden, had introduced a bill on his first day in office ( http://goo.gl/q06gQ ), but from the press release I wasn't quite sure what Assembly Bill 9 does, so today I looked it up and basically it says the legislature wants to pass laws to promote jobs and the economy. Here it is in its entirety:

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) California workers and businesses are currently facing some of the harshest economic conditions since the Great Depression.
(b) Unemployment in California remains in the double digits after the mortgage crisis and the subsequent economic collapse.
(c) It is estimated that over 2.5 million Californians have lost jobs during this recession and bankruptcies among small businesses have been nearly double the national average.

SEC. 2. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that promotes job and business growth and encourages economic development.

Source: http://goo.gl/WgVaa

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Speed Sign: Warns, Collects Speed Data, But No Pictures

A reader points out a rather different looking radar sign just north of Foothill on the east side of Mountain. "It occasionally works and flashes speed warnings when a car approaches above 25 miles per hour, and if one hits 30 mph, it has a bright flashing white light.

 

"It has no city affiliation noted on the unit that I can see."

But it is a city sign. Captain Alan Sanvictores of the Monrovia Police Department explains:

"The Monrovia Police Department was able to obtain the traffic speed measuring box through a federal grant. The Monrovia Police Department utilizes this speed measuring device as part of the "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25 Campaign."  The speed measuring box records the speeds of vehicles on the roadway in order to provide us with statistical data in order for us to gauge the success of the safety campaign.  As you are already aware, this device also provides visual speed indication to drivers. The device does not take photographs of vehicles. The goal of the device, along with the safety campaign is to educate and remind the motoring public of the importance of traffic safety."

- Brad Haugaard

Rotary Club of Monrovia Santa Clothes Project

On Dec. 8, 30 disadvantaged children identified by Santa Anita Family Services will get a special treat. Through the assistance of the Rotary Club of Monrovia, the students, from 5 to 10 year old, will get the opportunity to shop for new clothing and shoes. Each child will be paired with a Monrovia High School Interact Club member or with an adult Rotarian to assist with their shopping and will be able to purchase $120 work of school-appropriate clothing.

This is the first year that the Rotary Club of Monrovia has offered the Santa Clothes project to less fortunate children in the Monrovia area. According to Rotary President Julie Roybal, "Just one look at the smile on the face of any young person, Interact student, or Rotarian will indicate that this event is a win-win for all concerned. We hope to be able to continue this project for many years to come."

Tax deductible donations (501(c)3 EID: 51-0656409) are being accepted online for the Santa Clothes project to help fund more children at http://www.rotaryclubofmonrovia.com/donations.html

Source: Rotary Club press release

- Brad Haugaard

Catch a Ride on the Monrovia Santa Tour; Tour Schedule

Monrovia Santa Tours, sponsored by Monrovia Police, Monday, Dec 17 through Friday Dec. 21. If you want to ride with Santa, be one of the first to hop on the sleigh at the Monrovia Fire Station, 141 E. Lemon Ave. at
5:30 pm. (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent).

Schedule:

- Monday, Dec. 17: south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to 5th, includes Valley Circle.
- Tuesday, Dec. 18: east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.
- Wednesday, Dec. 19: west of Myrtle, north of Foothill.
- Thursday, Dec. 20: east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Rd., to east city boundary.
- Friday, Dec. 21: west of Myrtle, south of Foothill to Huntington between Myrtle and 5th.

Source: Becky Shevlin
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Preps for Madison Game | Chu Fiscal Cliff Survey

~ No time for Monrovia to relax as it hosts Madison High of San Diego on Saturday night. http://goo.gl/8CnqB

~ Judy Chu, who represents the top of Monrovia in Congress, has a survey asking asking how you would avoid the fiscal cliff. Note: The survey says that "By participating, you agree to receive periodic e-mail updates from Rep. Chu." http://goo.gl/uDAEF

- Brad Haugaard

Tenth Annual Small Works Show in Monrovia

River's Bend, 6"x8" by Lynne Fearman

Tenth Annual Small Works Show at Monrovia's Segil Fine Art Gallery, 110 W. Lime. More than 80 artists and all works are 9"x12" or smaller. Dec. 1-Jan. 10, Tuesdays-Saturdays 1-6 p.m. For more information: 358-5563.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Show at Monrovia's Sycamore Gallery

One-man painting show called As I See It featuring the works of Raymond Logan, at Sycamore Gallery, 116 E. Lemon. Tuesday through Saturday 1-6 p.m. Dec. 15-Jan. 31. 357-6200

 

- Brad Haugaard

Protecting Monrovia From Wildfires

Give your ideas on protecting Monrovia from wildfires. http://goo.gl/8cnOL

- Brad Haugaard

Wanna Be a Monrovia City Council Member?

Monrovia City press release:

Interested in serving as a Monrovia City Council member? Want to make a change in your community by serving as an elected official but not sure where to start? Then the Monrovia City Clerk's office is here to help.

In preparation for the April 9, 2013 Monrovia General Municipal Election, the Monrovia City Clerk's Office will be hosting a pre-nomination candidate information meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 5. This meeting will offer valuable insight on how to run for one of the five available elected positions in Monrovia. Information will include an overview of forms, campaign reporting requirements, and important timelines.

"I began this candidate information meeting several years ago in an effort to raise awareness about what it means to be a candidate so that people weren't blind-sided when they came to pull nomination papers," said City Clerk Alice Atkins. "Hopefully this meeting demystifies the process for them."

The period to file nomination papers opens on Dec. 17, 2012, and ends Jan. 11, 2013. Positions open for the upcoming Monrovia General Municipal Election are: Mayor (2 years), two City Council seats (4 years), City Treasurer (4 years), and City Clerk (4 years). The Municipal Election is April 9, 2013.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in running for local government in any city or who simply want to learn more about the election process. All Monrovia and non-Monrovia residents are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, 6 p.m., Monrovia Community Center, 119 W Palm Avenue.

To attend the Candidate Information meeting, please RSVP to the City Clerk's Office to (626) 932-5505.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: More on Teen Luring; Safekeeping or Theft? Aggressive Parolee; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 29 - Dec. 2. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Man Attempts to Lure Teen into Car
On Thursday, November 29, 2012, at approximately 8:10 a.m., a 15-year-old high school student was walking to school in the 500-600 block of West Olive when she was approached by a male white suspect driving a white, four-door, pickup truck, unknown size.  The suspect asked the student to get into his vehicle, but the student refused, stating she did not know him.  He drove forward and turned onto the 600 block of Monterey, parking along the curb.  He waited for the student to approach.  As the student approached the vehicle again, the driver offered the student $200 to get into his vehicle.  The student refused, and the suspect left the area.  The student notified school officials as soon as she arrived at school.

It is unknown if this is related to the incident which occurred on November 8, but detectives are investigating and are coordinating their investigation with school officials.
Suspect Description:  male, white, 30-35 years old, unknown height, thin build, black shaggy hair - medium length, wearing black framed prescription glasses.  The victim could not describe the suspect's clothing.

Suspect Vehicle Description:  older model, white, four-door, pickup truck.

Residential Burglary
November 30 at 10:50 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista to investigate a burglary that had occurred within the last two days.  The victims had been out of town and returned home to discover someone had broken into their home.  The suspect(s) smashed the glass backdoor and gained entry into the home.  Once inside, they took a purse and some jewelry from the home.  The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 30 at 4:14 p.m., a burglary was reported in the 800 block of Ridgeside Drive.  The location is a vacant residence that is in the process of being remodeled and was left unlocked.  The suspects entered the residence and took tools from the attached garage.  The suspect(s) then left the location undetected.  Investigation continuing.

Elder Abuse / Grand Theft
November 30 at 5:24 p.m., an elderly male subject came into the police department lobby and reported that several guns he owns were stolen from his apartment while he was in the hospital.  Further investigation revealed he had begun to associate with two female neighbors, who steadily gained his trust and took over his finances.  While he was in the hospital, they went into his apartment and took his property, including bank statements and gold jewelry.  He told the investigating officer that he never gave anyone permission to go into his apartment and take his property.  A call was made to the female neighbors, who admitted they had his property, but claimed he told them to take it for safekeeping while he was in the hospital.  An Adult Protective Services referral was generated.  The investigation is continuing.

Parolee at Large - Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 8:11 p.m., an adult male subject was aggressively confronting two people who were waiting for the bus at Magnolia and Huntington.  An officer in the area had stopped, noticing the subject, and was waved over by one of the people waiting for the bus.  The officer contacted the male subject, who then immediately became confrontational with the officer.  Additional officers arrived and the subject was determined to be intoxicated and had been in possession of an open container of alcohol.  He was arrested and taken into custody.  At the police station, a computer check revealed the subject is a parolee at large and considered armed and dangerous.  He has an extensive history of violent crimes.  A parole hold was obtained for the suspect.

Transformer Fire and Power Outage
November 30 at 8:48 p.m., a transformer on California, south of Evergreen, blew after the pole it was on fell due to the soft soil from the rain.  The transformer then struck another power pole.  Officers responded with fire personnel and contained the area. Southern California Edison was called and responded.  Power was restored quickly and Edison was to repair the downed pole.

Possession of Fraudulent Social Security and California Identification / Drinking in Public - Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 12:55 p.m., an officer observed a subject with an open alcohol container on Myrtle Avenue.  He stopped and detained the subject.  The subject presented a fraudulent identification card.  He was subsequently arrested and booked.  The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress
December 1 at 1:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to a possible fight in progress at a hotel in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue.  Several subjects were detained, and one male subject was checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics after reporting he had been sprayed with pepper spray.  He declined medical treatment and officers could not confirm the fact the he was sprayed with pepper spray.  One female subject was arrested for a warrant.  All of the subjects were detained and field interview cards were completed.  All persons not staying at the hotel left the premises.

Grand Theft Auto
December 2 at 9:10 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of Los Angeles.  The vehicle is a red, 1996 Honda Civic, which was taken from the street in front of the victim's home.  The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence / Driving Under the Influence / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer
December 2 at 10:43 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a maroon van driving east on Huntington at an unsafe speed.  The van turned into a parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington and scraped the bottom of the front bumper.  The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the male driver and two female occupants.  One of the female subjects was found to be a juvenile.  The driver was determined to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  The female juvenile gave a false name and was arrested.  The adult female complained of medical problems and was taken to a hospital, and while at the hospital, she stated the male driver had physically abused her.  The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and domestic violence.

New Monrovia Assemblyman Sworn In, Introduces Bill | State Lists Local Services

~ Assembly Member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, was sworn in today and introduced Assembly Bill 9, "addressing economic development and jobs creation." The press release says that "AB 9 provides the platform to develop, evaluate, and negotiate economic development policy."

~ The California Department of Community Services and Development has a new website. Here are some of its general services ( http://goo.gl/R4S4J ) and some speciically Monrovia-area services: http://goo.gl/qgVk9

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Gets Rights to Swedish Drone | Madison High | Library Book Christmas Tree | Your Monrovia Vision

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment is putting $3 million into Sweden-based CybAero AB to "develop and distribute a Tier II vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft system. AeroVironment gets exclusive rights to provide CybAero AB systems to United States customers and to government customers in NATO and other countries. http://goo.gl/51esq

~ A look at the Wildcats opponent in the state playoffs, Madison High School. http://goo.gl/FsK3J

~ Books become a Christmas tree at Monrovia Library. http://goo.gl/5032Y

~ If you want to give the leaders of Monrovia your vision for the future of the city, the next city forum is Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm, across the street on the north side of the Library.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wildcats in State Regional Playoffs

Monrovia Wildcats head for state regional playoffs. http://goo.gl/PWjHk

- Brad Haugaard

No Ice Cream for Weight Watchers

An unfortunate juxtaposition of signs. Weight Watchers doesn't actually meet at Baskin Robbins, but at its new home across the Pavilions parking lot in a storefront next to Cherry on Top.

Kitty Banks in Monrovia for Sandy Victims

Make-up Artist Kitty Banks in Old Town Monrovia to raise support for Sandy victims. http://goo.gl/aHKcR

- Brad Haugaard