Monrovia's New Christmas Tree Lighted

After a few words from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, the lighting of Monrovia's new Christmas tree. The old one was blown over by the super wind storm. The new one was donated by Home Depot. It is at the southeast corner of Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Fiscal State: Difficult, But We Have a Balanced Budget

Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile explains the city's fiscal situation:

Our Current Condition: 

- Since 2008, we have reduced staffing by 17%, an equivalent of 47 positions, and cut $2 million in expenditures.
- These cuts came to our key services, like street resurfacing, the Monrovia Area Partnership, literacy services, community policing, building and engineering.
- Federal and State regulatory compliance has remained constant.  That means that we still have to comply with many government regulations, like Storm water, state realignment for prison releases, energy compliance measures, and shutting down Redevelopment.  These are things that cannot be ignored when we realistically discuss what the City should be focusing on.
- Redevelopment funding has been taken away, and we don’t expect it to come back any time soon.
- Sales tax revenue, the second largest revenue source to the City, has been down 25% over the past three years.
- Property taxes remain flat.
- The good news: Monrovia’s budget is structurally balanced.

Source: http://goo.gl/wL2XO

- Brad Haugaard

Tickets for Monrovia Playoff Game | Library Closed | City Manager, Mayor Explain 'Plan Monrovia'

~ Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco reports on Facebook that tickets for the Monrovia High State Regional Playoff game at Friday's street fair, from 5-8 p.m. "We hope to be located at the south end of Myrtle Ave. near Olive Ave."

~ Monrovia Library will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 13. http://goo.gl/qcr16

~ Video: City Manager Laurie Lile and Mayor Mary Ann Lutz discuss "Plan Monrovia." Lile writes: "With 47 positions cut and $2 million fewer dollars, the City can no longer be all things to all people. We have to pick and choose -- what are the most important things for the City to focus on achieving, and what can the community achieve on its own?" Video here: http://goo.gl/AkFlo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Chase, Two Arrested; Female Impersonator Robs Bank; Stealing Liquor

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 3-5. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 434 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

 

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Pursuit / Felony Evading / Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft Auto - Suspects Arrested

December 4 at 4:43 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of East Greystone called to report two suspicious male subjects who were standing next to the resident's parked truck.  When the resident asked the subjects what they were doing, they ran to two nearby vehicles and quickly fled the area.  The vehicle descriptions were broadcast and officers located both of them driving south on Mountain from Foothill. 

 

Officers stopped one of the vehicles at Mountain and Lemon.  The other fled, continuing southbound on Mountain.  The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and collided into a wall at Mountain and Shrode.  The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot through yards and into a wash.  Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputies responded to assist and detained the suspect at Mountain and Meridian.  He was positively identified as the driver of the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen out of West Covina. 

 

The suspect detained at Mountain and Lemon was found to be in possession of new power tools and had a suspicious story about how he obtained them.  A search was conducted of the area and officers found a vehicle parked in the 300 block of East Greystone that had fresh damage to the driver's door lock similar to the damage on the stolen vehicle.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.  The suspect who fled was charged with grand theft auto, felony evading, and conspiracy to commit grand theft auto.  The second suspect was charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft auto and suspicion of receiving stolen property.

 

Bank Robbery - Chase Bank in Monrovia

November 5, at approximately 10 a.m., a male suspect trying to disguise himself as a female robbed the Chase Bank at 690 West Huntington in Monrovia, California.

 

The suspect approached the teller's window carrying a briefcase.  The suspect made a demand for money and told the teller there was anthrax in the briefcase.  The teller gave the suspect the money. The suspect took the money and the briefcase and left the bank.  The suspect was seen getting into a silver PT Cruiser.

 

The suspect is described as an African American male, wearing a tan women's tracksuit with a hood.  The hood was pulled up.  The suspect had a white bandana on his head, clear lip gloss, cherry red nail polish, gold hoop earrings, dark brown Ugg style boots, glasses with black plastic frames and clear lenses, and was clean shaven.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau.

 

Commercial Burglary - Suspects Arrested

November 5 at 3:50 p.m., two adult suspects walked into a business in the 100 block of West Foothill.  The suspects were witnessed on camera stealing liquor and fleeing the business.  Police located the suspects at Foothill, near May.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Will Monrovia Coach Maddox Leave?

Will Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox move on after season? http://goo.gl/z3ATs

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Bridge: On-Time, On-Budget

Final details are being completed on the Gold Line Bridge, as Skanska readies the bridge for turn-over to the project alignment contractor (Foothill Transit Contractors) in just over one week. The landscaping, irrigation and lighting installation is well underway, and work will be completed over the next several days on the final barrier walls along the superstructure. Also, as you can see, nearly all of the reeds have been installed on the outrigger baskets.

With the rainy weather behind us for now, the contractor has cleared the way for an on-time, on-budget completion.

Source: Gold Line press release

- Brad Haugaard

Snow In Monrovia's Library Park | Nativity Scene | Tree Lighting | First Vineyard Service in New Building | Chu Cheers

~ The church, Fellowship Monrovia, has announced on Facebook that its Miracle on Myrtle event at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 in Library Park will be "1 big Christmas celebration with Real snow. Yes I said real snow!!!" There will also be "live musical performances" and "the world premiere of an animation called, "Miracle on Myrtle."

~ Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church has announced, also on Facebook, that it will be putting up its traditional nativity scene on the corner of Myrtle and Foothill this Saturday at 10 a.m.

~ Christmas tree lighting in Library Park Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., followed by "All that Glitters is Gold" parade (Grand Marshall, Kim Rhode) along Myrtle at 7 p.m.

~ Live Oak Vineyard Church will have its first meeting at its new Myrtle building (1307 S. Myrtle) this Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10-11:30 a.m. http://goo.gl/4cKvt

~ Monrovia's Congresswoman covering north-of-Hillcrest, Judy Chu, writes on Facebook: "Kudos to CA Attorney General Harris! Yesterday, she said local police don't have to participate in Secure Communities - a broken program that sweeps up immigrants who aren't even criminals." She adds, "We must secure our borders, but we should be smart and compassionate about it too."

- Brad Haugaard

Pretty-Lips Guy Robs Monrovia Bank - Had His Nails Done, Too

Lip-gloss guy robs Monrovia's Chase bank. Said he had anthrax. http://goo.gl/JQQjZ

- Brad Haugaard

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