There is a power outage affecting 1,745 Monrovia customers. I saw the lights were all out around Foothill Boulevard near Magnolia Ave. Southern California Edison is estimating it will be mostly restored by 7 p.m. today. It says it doesn't know the cause, but I'm guessing wind. Details: http://goo.gl/DqGeC
UPDATE: 2,712 customers affected. Cause: "Weather Conditions"
More here: http://goo.gl/fZ5bJ
- Brad Haugaard
Former Monrovia Mayor Earns Degrees Before End of World | First Presbyterian Provides Breakfast for Teachers
~ Former Monrovia mayor and current school board member, Rob Hammond, reports that he has finally been awarded the degrees he went back to school to earn. "After four long years it is finally over. Double major in Organizational Management and Public Relations & Marketing." After mentioning a list of supporters, he says: "Thank you all... Good thing I finished before the end if the world!"
~ Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church is providing a continental breakfast for Clifton Middle School teachers this morning as part of its Caring for Clifton program. http://goo.gl/WGLFj
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church is providing a continental breakfast for Clifton Middle School teachers this morning as part of its Caring for Clifton program. http://goo.gl/WGLFj
- Brad Haugaard
Freeway Bridge Completion Ceremony | New Restaurant at Aztec Hotel | Where's Santa?
Construction Authority Board Chairman Doug Tessitor makes remarks during the bridge completion ceremony.
~ On Saturday more than 350 guests and officials gathered to mark the on-time, on-budget completion of the Gold Line Bridge. Speakers included Representatives Grace Napolitano and Judy Chu; State Senator Carol Liu; Supervisor Mike Antonovich; and Metro and Construction Authority board member John Fasana.
~ New restaurant "will soon be opening in the Aztec Hotel." http://goo.gl/kvkfT
~ Tonight Santa will be touring south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries. Also on Valley Circle. For full schedule: http://goo.gl/KLSKG
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: The Season for Drunk Driving, Metal Knuckles, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 13-16 – Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On December 14 at 12:52 a.m., an officer observed a driver go through a stop light at Huntington and Magnolia. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and the investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On December 14 at 5:50 a.m., an officer observed a driver go through the stop sign at Mountain and Foothill. He stopped the driver and conducted a DUI investigation. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
On December 14 at 6:29 p.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of West Foothill. A male suspect entered the store, concealed alcohol under his clothing and fled the location. Loss prevention chased the suspect, caught him and called police. The suspect admitted to entering the store with the intent to steal alcohol as he had no money to pay. He was arrested and charged with burglary.Weapons Violation / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
On December 15 at 3.20 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by two male subjects in the 200 block of East Huntington. Both occupants had outstanding warrants, and the driver had a suspended driver's license. Upon searching the vehicle, the officers located metal knuckles beneath the center bench seats. The driver claimed ownership of the metal knuckles and was additionally charged for the weapons violation. Both subjects were arrested.Monrovia Schools Restore Some Cuts with Passage of Prop 30
The Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education authorized the
restoration of five school days and one staff development day for the
2013-2014 school year as a result of proactive fiscal management and
new state revenue, Superintendent Linda Wagner announced today. In
addition, the board also announced the end of salary reductions for
school employees.
Due to ongoing state budget cuts and declines in revenue, the school
district had been forced to reduce student and staff development days
over the last three years, as well as institute an across-the-board
three percent salary reduction for school employees. However, as a
result of proactive and smart fiscal management by the school district
and the passage of Proposition 30 in Nov, the school board was able to
restore all cuts to days and end the salary reduction.
"Our students and our schools owe a big thank you to the voters for
supporting Proposition 30," said Monrovia Unified School District
Superintendent Linda Wagner. "Despite budget cuts from the state, we
pulled together and found solutions that ensured our students
continued to receive the level of education they deserve. Our
teachers, staff and the school board should be commended for their
efforts over the last few years."
Over the last three years, Monrovia school leaders have taken
proactive steps to reduce costs and protect local schools from the
impacts of state budget cuts. In addition to reducing school days and
employee pay, the school district has adopted other local cost-saving
measures, including:
- Reduced administrative support in K-8 schools
- Modified library hours
- Streamlined adult education course offerings
- Created greater efficiencies with textbook ordering
The new school days will be a part of the 2013-2014 academic schedule,
which will be made available in the Spring of 2013. Restoration of
employee salaries will coincide with the start of the new school year.
For more information, please visit www.monroviaschools.net.
Source: School District press release
- Brad Haugaard
restoration of five school days and one staff development day for the
2013-2014 school year as a result of proactive fiscal management and
new state revenue, Superintendent Linda Wagner announced today. In
addition, the board also announced the end of salary reductions for
school employees.
Due to ongoing state budget cuts and declines in revenue, the school
district had been forced to reduce student and staff development days
over the last three years, as well as institute an across-the-board
three percent salary reduction for school employees. However, as a
result of proactive and smart fiscal management by the school district
and the passage of Proposition 30 in Nov, the school board was able to
restore all cuts to days and end the salary reduction.
"Our students and our schools owe a big thank you to the voters for
supporting Proposition 30," said Monrovia Unified School District
Superintendent Linda Wagner. "Despite budget cuts from the state, we
pulled together and found solutions that ensured our students
continued to receive the level of education they deserve. Our
teachers, staff and the school board should be commended for their
efforts over the last few years."
Over the last three years, Monrovia school leaders have taken
proactive steps to reduce costs and protect local schools from the
impacts of state budget cuts. In addition to reducing school days and
employee pay, the school district has adopted other local cost-saving
measures, including:
- Reduced administrative support in K-8 schools
- Modified library hours
- Streamlined adult education course offerings
- Created greater efficiencies with textbook ordering
The new school days will be a part of the 2013-2014 academic schedule,
which will be made available in the Spring of 2013. Restoration of
employee salaries will coincide with the start of the new school year.
For more information, please visit www.monroviaschools.net.
Source: School District press release
- Brad Haugaard
Fellowship Monrovia: Toys for 350 Children
According to a Facebook post, the church, Fellowship Monrovia, has adopted 350 children in low-income families and is collecting toys today for their parents to give them at Christmas.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Biking Saves Life of Owner of Stan's Monrovia Bike Shop
Feature article about Carlos Morales, new owner of Stan's Monrovia Bike Shop, and how biking saved Morales' life. http://goo.gl/QC8ak
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Wild Motorcycles Made in Monrovia
Check out the video of a wild motorcycle created by Dugally MADercycles of Monrovia. Had no idea a company like this was located in town. http://goo.gl/woc78 . And here's its website: http://dugallery.com/
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Local Reaction to Connecticut Killings.
Monrovia Patch has a good round-up of local leaders' reaction to the tragic killings in Connecticut. http://goo.gl/sbBr8
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Soccer Star Trying Out to Play Major League Soccer
Monrovian Joe Franco (partial bio: http://goo.gl/jIwtE ), who led Cal State Northridge to "its most successful season in seven years" and was "the 2012 Big West Defender of the Year," will get a chance to try out to play Major League Soccer.
Franco was invited to the 2013 Adidas MLS Player Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from Jan. 11-15, where he will demonstrate his skills to coaches from the 19 MLS clubs, giving him the chance of being drafted on Jan. 17.
Only 54 players have been invited to the Combine so far this year and only 38 will be drafted in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17 in Indianapolis.
Source: Major League Soccer press release
- Brad Haugaard
Franco was invited to the 2013 Adidas MLS Player Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from Jan. 11-15, where he will demonstrate his skills to coaches from the 19 MLS clubs, giving him the chance of being drafted on Jan. 17.
Only 54 players have been invited to the Combine so far this year and only 38 will be drafted in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17 in Indianapolis.
Source: Major League Soccer press release
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Remodeled Jim's Burger
Lunch at the remodeled Jim's Burger at Sixth and Duarte Road. It is remodeled on the outside but identical on the inside, including the good burgers. Got a cheeseburger with avocado for $4.85 plus the cost of an iced tea and tax. Liked it.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's 'French Tip' Robber | School Soon Out | Santa Schedule | Unity Center
~ Photos of Monrovia's "French Tip" Chase bank robbery suspect: http://goo.gl/Rh1oy
~ Monrovia schools will be out on Christmas break starting Dec. 20. Drive safely! http://goo.gl/sJZLE
~ Santa tour schedule here: http://goo.gl/KLSKG
~ Monrovia's Unity Center prepared more than 1,500 students for school in August. Also, the center is looking for volunteer truck drivers and packers, and money for dental services and hygiene kits for the homeless. Call: 358-3486. The Center's latest newsletter: http://goo.gl/6FPpS
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia schools will be out on Christmas break starting Dec. 20. Drive safely! http://goo.gl/sJZLE
~ Santa tour schedule here: http://goo.gl/KLSKG
~ Monrovia's Unity Center prepared more than 1,500 students for school in August. Also, the center is looking for volunteer truck drivers and packers, and money for dental services and hygiene kits for the homeless. Call: 358-3486. The Center's latest newsletter: http://goo.gl/6FPpS
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council May Impose Settlement on Firefighters, Will Hear Report on Gold Line Improvements, Chat With Lawyers
At its December 18 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/ThA4I ), the Monrovia City Council will...
~ Consider imposing its "last, best and final offer" on the city firefighters since the union voted the offer down and the city and union are now at an "impasse." Implementing this would include "the suspension of merit salary adjustments and the Longevity/Performance Bonus Program. In addition, members will pay 6% (2/3) of the employee cost (9%) of the Public Employees' Retirement Benefit." This would save the city $208,000 a year, but there would be increases of about $34,000, which I gather means the savings would be about $174,000. Source: http://goo.gl/pFK6C
~ Hear a report on planned public improvements for the Station Square Transit Village. (That's the area around the planned Monrovia Gold Line station.) Here's the report: http://goo.gl/lVOEo
~ Meet in closed session to discuss three lawsuits and one property negotiation, all of which appear to be connected with the Gold Line development. http://goo.gl/MfPSA
- Brad Haugaard
~ Consider imposing its "last, best and final offer" on the city firefighters since the union voted the offer down and the city and union are now at an "impasse." Implementing this would include "the suspension of merit salary adjustments and the Longevity/Performance Bonus Program. In addition, members will pay 6% (2/3) of the employee cost (9%) of the Public Employees' Retirement Benefit." This would save the city $208,000 a year, but there would be increases of about $34,000, which I gather means the savings would be about $174,000. Source: http://goo.gl/pFK6C
~ Hear a report on planned public improvements for the Station Square Transit Village. (That's the area around the planned Monrovia Gold Line station.) Here's the report: http://goo.gl/lVOEo
~ Meet in closed session to discuss three lawsuits and one property negotiation, all of which appear to be connected with the Gold Line development. http://goo.gl/MfPSA
- Brad Haugaard
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Old Town Monrovia
On New Year's Eve, 7 p.m. to midnight in Old Town, a live band, ball drop and a beer and wine garden.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: The Dogs Bark in Vain, Meth Arrest, Burglary
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 10-12 – Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 421 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 12:28 a.m., police received a call reporting suspicious individuals in the 300 block of West Palm. When officers approached, they saw a male subject hide something in a bush. Methamphetamine and cash was recovered. The suspect, who is currently on parole, was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
December 12 at 5:07 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported by a resident in the 500 block of Date Court. The vehicle was parked on the second level of a parking structure between midnight and 5:00 a.m. The victim reported that he locked his vehicle. There were no signs of forced entry. Tools were stolen from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.
Hot-Prowl Burglary
December 12 at 11:26 p.m., a hot-prowl residential burglary was reported in the 1300 block of South Primrose. The victim left for work at 8:00 a.m. She locked her bedroom door before leaving. When she returned at 11:15 p.m., she found her bedroom had been ransacked and her jewelry had been stolen. The suspect had removed the screen from an unlocked rear window to enter the bedroom. The victim's mother was in the house when the crime occurred, but did not hear or see anything suspicious. Another family member was in the rear house, which faces the point of entry. The family's dogs were heard barking at approximately 4:00 p.m., but no one checked to see what was disturbing them. Investigation continuing.
Monrovia Firm Starts 'Koupon Kitty' Internet Company
Monrovia's venture capital firm, Juvo Capital (in the old Dogwood's market - http://goo.gl/9rHNS ), has started a new company called Koupon Kitty, a web browser "bookmarklet" to provide coupons for online shoppers: http://kouponkitty.com/
Source: http://goo.gl/GKEfQ
- Brad Haugaard
Source: http://goo.gl/GKEfQ
- Brad Haugaard
The Snake Belly Bridge is Now Done
The next time you drive under the new Gold Line bridge on the 210 Freeway, remember that you are lower than a snake's belly. Yup, the bottom of the bridge is patterned after a diamondback rattler.
Today the Gold Line folks gave the media a tour of the new 210 Freeway bridge, which (congrats!) was completed on time and on budget.
The press materials describe the bridge this way: "The 584-foot dual track Gold Line Bridge is anchored by two 25-foot 'baskets' that pay tribute to the indigenous peoples of the San Gabriel Valley and the oversize iconic roadside traditions of nearby Route 66. The serpentine main underbelly of the bridge features casted grooves and hatch-marks that simulate the patterns found on the Western Diamondback snake, metaphorically referencing the spine of the transit system. As the most visible element of one of the region's largest transit projects, the bridge serves as the Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley."
I wondered how much the art work that decorates the bridge cost. Answer: About $1 million of the $18.6 million cost or about five percent. But as a percentage of the total cost of the Foothill Extension, about half a percent.
A bit of trivia: Spokesman Habib Baluan said that a lot of the old rails that are being pulled up will be reused in the Line's maintenance yard in Monrovia.
- Brad Haugaard
Today the Gold Line folks gave the media a tour of the new 210 Freeway bridge, which (congrats!) was completed on time and on budget.
The press materials describe the bridge this way: "The 584-foot dual track Gold Line Bridge is anchored by two 25-foot 'baskets' that pay tribute to the indigenous peoples of the San Gabriel Valley and the oversize iconic roadside traditions of nearby Route 66. The serpentine main underbelly of the bridge features casted grooves and hatch-marks that simulate the patterns found on the Western Diamondback snake, metaphorically referencing the spine of the transit system. As the most visible element of one of the region's largest transit projects, the bridge serves as the Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley."
I wondered how much the art work that decorates the bridge cost. Answer: About $1 million of the $18.6 million cost or about five percent. But as a percentage of the total cost of the Foothill Extension, about half a percent.
A bit of trivia: Spokesman Habib Baluan said that a lot of the old rails that are being pulled up will be reused in the Line's maintenance yard in Monrovia.
- Brad Haugaard
Disney Animators Work on Monrovia Church Production | Rain? | Rowland Over Monrovia :-(
~ From Twitter: "Fellowship Monrovia has teamed up with top notch Disney animators in order to produce a custom made cartoon for our Miracle on Myrtle event!" Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. in Library Park.
~ Should be getting some rain tomorrow. http://goo.gl/y1aun
~ Rowland High School basketball over Monrovia. http://goo.gl/uDrsN
- Brad Haugaard
~ Should be getting some rain tomorrow. http://goo.gl/y1aun
~ Rowland High School basketball over Monrovia. http://goo.gl/uDrsN
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Community Planning Meeting
Community meeting to give ideas for Plan Monrovia, the city's five-year plan, at the Community Center. Ten tables for about six people each. Roughly 48 community members. Each table with a tall flip chart on which to write ideas. Some preliminaries from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and City Manager Laurie Lile, then small group discussions, reporting on small group discussions, then voting on priorities. If you missed it there will be another meeting on Jan. 12 at Calvary Chapel (just south of the freeway). It's pretty painless. Give it a try.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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