Bicyclist Injured in Monrovia

Bicyclist injured in collision with minivan on Huntington. http://goo.gl/Vnv9L

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Temperatures Could be Below Freezing Tonight

Temperature could drop to 29 degrees, well below freezing, tonight. http://goo.gl/OBKUy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Gets Clean Audit; Reinstating Pay; No Taxes! Outstanding Employees

At its January 16 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/PykaT ), the Monrovia Board of Education will, among other things ...

- Receive the auditor's report, performed by Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., CPAs, of which the crucial paragraph says: "In our opinion, Monrovia Unified School District complied, in all material respects, with the compliance requirements referred to above that are applicable to the government programs noted below that were audited for the year ended June 30, 2012." http://goo.gl/tLeVk

- Consider an agreement for 2013-14 with employee groups to reinstate salary schedules prior to a three percent cut and reinstate the previous work schedule, getting rid of six furlough days. http://goo.gl/lnH7O

- Consider opposing a proposed county "Clean Water, Clean Beaches" tax that would cost the district about $65,631 a year. http://goo.gl/4qohc

- Join with the Chamber of Commerce to recognize these district employees for their outstanding service: Georgina Tadeo, Playground Aide, Plymouth Elementary School; Maria Akl, Teacher, Plymouth Elementary School; Maria Ornelas, Instructional Aide, Monroe Elementary School; Marlen Ordaz, Teacher, Monroe Elementary School.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor Lutz Running for Reelection | Holden Introduces Water District Bill

~ Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has announced on Facebook that she intends to run again for mayor. She writes: "I am proud and honored to serve as your Mayor for the past four years. Monrovia is an amazing place with amazing people who live and work here. I have decided to run for re-election for your Mayor. We have much work to do together. Join me in my recommitment to all Monrovians. Re-elect me as your Mayor on April 9, 2013!"

~ Assembly Member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill that would change the date when members of municipal water districts take office to "noon on the first Friday in December succeeding their election" instead of January 1. http://goo.gl/ovsGG

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Sena

Lunch at Sena, on Myrtle, just south of Lime. Got the Pastrami on Myrtle from the lunch specials menu for $7, plus cost of an iced tea, which comes in a bottle, and tax and tip. This is a different and tasty take on the pastrami sandwich, with cheese, pickle and cole slaw. Good, but my favorite here is still the amazing carnitas burrito.

- Brad Haugaard

Near Freezing Nighttime Temperatures in Monrovia | Carne Asada Tampiquena | Pony League | iPad Mini

~ You might want to bring any sensitive outdoor plants in for a few days. Nighttime temperatures are down around freezing. http://goo.gl/SxbTk

~ Here is an item from the menu of the Mexican restaurant that is going in to the Aztec Hotel: "Carne Asada Tampiquena - A flavorful, grilled 8 oz. rib eye steak served with choice of black or pinto beans and cilantro infused rice topped with pico de gallo." Courtesy of Facebook.

~ Registration for Pony League baseball. http://goo.gl/DRRtX

~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will raffle off an iPad Mini on Friday January 25. Tickets are $10 each at the Chamber office. http://goo.gl/oMZPY

- Brad Haugaard

Friday Street-Fair Company Wants a Break from Monrovia on Fees

At its Jan. 15 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/zHbw4 ) the Monrovia City Council will consider, along with other stuff, a request from Family Festival Productions, which puts on the Friday street fair, that "the City Council forgive all outstanding franchise fees incurred during 2012 and waive all franchise fees due in 2013 for production of the Monrovia Family Festival."

Family Festival wants the adjustment because of "increasing insurance costs, a downturn in vendors and general financial hardship." The staff report says "the Contractor approached City staff in December requesting a waiver of an estimated $37,200.00 in future franchise payments and forgiveness of $16,575.00 worth of past-due franchise payments from 2012. In the past, leniency has been granted on payments. In 2009, the City Council voted to reduce the Contractor’s weekly franchise payment from $850.00 per show to $425.00 for a six month period. Eventually, the $425.00 was set as the franchise rate. Moving forward, the Contractor is asking the City Council consider further reducing the franchise rate through 2014 to $0."

City staff is recommending that the council "Waive past due fees and temporarily waive the franchise fees through 2013."

Source: http://goo.gl/c5mmb

- Brad Haugaard

Cheap Children's Books From Friends of Monrovia Library

In February the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Bookstore will having a Children's Books Extravaganza, selling children's books for as little as a quarter and no more than $5. http://goo.gl/0AbLN

- Brad Haugaard

710 Freeway Gap Public Meetings

If you are interested in what Metro is considering regarding the 710 freeway gap at South Pasadena, there will be several open houses (details: http://goo.gl/9n7nd ) during which Metro will share five alternatives:

- No-Build
- Transportation System Management/Transportation Demand Management
- Bus Rapid Transit
- Light Rail Transit
- Freeway Tunnel

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Children's Storytime and Senior Stretching

~ Children's Storytime starting up again at the Library. For six to 24 months, with a caregiver, Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.; For two year olds, Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m.; for three to five year olds, Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. For details call the Library at 256-8274.

~ Senior stretching class Mondays at 1 p.m. at the Community Center. $2 per one-hour class. All techniques are easy on the joints and are geared to prevent falls. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring a towel and water. For details call Community Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Monrovia Gas Station to Mini-Mart | Microbrewery Coming to Town

~ The reeeally old gas station at the corner of Stedman and Foothill is being turned into a mini-mart. http://goo.gl/LNkdb

~ Pacific Plate Brewing Company, a new microbrewery with tasting room, will be moving in at 1999 S. Myrtle. http://goo.gl/LNkdb

- Brad Haugaard

Assemblyman Holden Likes Governor's Proposed Budget

Assembly Majority Whip Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, released the following statement on the Governor's 2013-14 State Budget Proposal:

"The Governor’s proposal marks a turning point for California's budget. For the first time in several years, California is not facing drastic cuts to important services.

I am especially pleased that the Governor's proposal offers more money for public education, colleges and health care. These are areas that were severely affected by sharp reductions in funding over the past few years and will welcome the additional money.

I am also excited about the Governor'€™s plan to convene a working group that focuses on the state's transportation and infrastructure needs and explores long-term funding options for transportation projects.

The Assembly will convene committee hearings addressing the proposed budget over the coming months, and will work with the Governor to craft a final budget.

Today's news is definitely reason for optimism. California is back on the road to financial stability and that will help restore California'€™s economic promise."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: ABC Bomb Threat Goes to Wrong Office, 36 Macy's Gift Cards, Thefts from Cars

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 7-9. - Brad Haugaard]

   

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 405 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.  

 

Bomb Threat - Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Office

January 8 at 10:35 a.m., the ABC office in the 200 block of East Huntington received a phone call from a male subject who was upset about losing his ABC license.  He had the wrong state office, but he still threatened to blow the place up.  The building was evacuated along with several nearby buildings.  Police and fire department personnel searched the building for any possible packages or devices.  No suspicious items were found and the building was cleared.  The California Highway Patrol will be investigating the incident. 

 

Receiving Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested

January 9 at 8:20 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of West Duarte for a traffic violation.  During a search of the vehicle, a backpack containing 36 Macy's gift cards, three laptop computers, and a Visa card in another subject's name were found.  The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property, and a computer check revealed that the suspect was a parolee-at-large.     

 

Theft From a Vehicle

January 9 at 9:08 p.m., a theft from a vehicle parked in a parking lot in the 500 block of South Mountain was reported to police.  While the victim was in a business at the location, an unknown suspect stole an iPod from her unlocked vehicle.  The investigation is continuing. 

 

Vehicle Burglary

January 9 at 9:23 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported from a business parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The victim's wallet was stolen from inside his vehicle while he was in the business.  The victim reported that his vehicle was locked.  There were no signs of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Dads Keep Eye on Mayflower School | 39% Chance of Rain

~ Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) patrol Monrovia's Mayflower School, even before the Connecticut shootings. http://goo.gl/nIssO

~ Thirty percent chance of showers in Monrovia today. http://goo.gl/sJQTd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Spokesman Dan Bell Moving On

Monrovia Spokesman Dan Bell is taking a new job in Glendale. http://goo.gl/GMTm8

Comment: Well, that is too bad for Monrovia but good for Glendale.
I've had dealings with Dan and he is a real professional. Best wishes,
Dan.

- Brad Haugaard

Cold Weather for Monrovia

In Monrovia "Cold temperatures ... generally around 10 degrees below normal ... are expected to continue through the weekend," according to the National Weather Service. http://goo.gl/fckwp

- Brad Haugaard

Army Picks Monrovia's AeroVironment | Another Library Elephant

~ US Army picks Monrovia's AeroVironment and four other companies to compete for supplying the Army with up to $248 million in small drones. http://goo.gl/deidJ

~ An unnamed Monrovia Library board member has adopted another elephant, part albino, named Faraja for the library's Adult and Circulation Services group, according to a library Facebook posting.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Discovers Old Bone Belonged to Dinosaur

Monrovia woman discovers old family treasure is a stegosaurus bone. http://goo.gl/BeVRh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Che Guevara Wallet Robber, Honey Oil Fire, iBurglary, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 3-6. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

 

Traffic Collision / Felony Driving Under the Influence / Child Endangerment - Suspect Arrested

January 3 at 4:04 p.m., a traffic collision involving three vehicles occurred at Madison and Foothill.  Officers responded and determined the female driver who caused the collision was intoxicated.  Her 13-year-old daughter was injured in the collision and was taken to a nearby hospital.  The female driver was arrested for felony driving under the influence, child endangerment and driving with a suspended license.  The Los Angeles County Department of Children Services was notified of the incident.

 

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

January 5 at 1:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of West Duarte regarding a driver that was heading eastbound on Duarte and collided into three parked vehicles.  Officers arrived and determined the driver was intoxicated and was driving under the influence.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Armed Robbery

January 5 at 3:45 p.m., police responded to the report of an armed robbery.  A 20-year-old, male subject was at a coin-operated car wash in the 400 block of West Duarte Road when he was approached by a male suspect.  The suspect displayed a handgun in his waistband and demanded the victim's wallet and cell phone.  The victim gave his wallet to the suspect and told him he did not have a cell phone.  The suspect took the wallet and fled westbound on Duarte Road.

 

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, wearing a black T-shirt with a picture of "Che Guvarra" on it and the name written in white letters, baggie blue jeans, and Adidas tennis shoes.  The suspect is approximately 5' 8" tall, thin build, with a black moustache.  There was a light grey, 1990's Acura Integra that pulled up to the area where the suspect fled and the car may be associated with the suspect.  The loss was a wallet containing approximately $70 and miscellaneous credit cards.  There were no injuries.  Police searched the area and notified surrounding agencies.  The suspect was not located.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Residential Burglary

January 5 at 6:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of North Alta Vista.  The resident left his home at 5:00 p.m. to walk his dogs and left the house and garage unlocked.  He returned at 6:30 p.m. and discovered someone had taken an iPhone and two iPads from his residence.  There were no signs of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Structure Fire With Injuries

January 6 at 5:01 a.m., officers responded to the report of a structure fire in the 200 block of East Walnut.  Upon arrival, they found a residence engulfed in flames.  It appears three male occupants were attempting to make a substance called honey oil from marijuana in the home and caused the fire.  Making honey oil in a confined, poorly ventilated space like a bedroom is extremely dangerous.  The Monrovia Fire Department is investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire.  

 

All three suspects were seriously burned and were taken to a hospital for treatment for their injuries.  They are expected to survive.  The homeowners were in another room and were able to escape unharmed.  Monrovia officers are investigating the possibility these men were making honey oil illegally and will file charges if the investigation reveals they have committed a crime.   

 

Critical Missing Person Located

January 6 at 5:27 p.m., police were dispatched to a home for the elderly in the 100 block of South Myrtle regarding a critical missing person who had walked away from the location.  The elderly male subject wears a Project Lifesaver bracelet, which is a tracking device that can be used to locate him.  Officers were able to utilize the Project Lifesaver System and located the elderly man at a nearby church.  He was not injured and was returned to the facility.  The missing subject was located quickly once the Project Lifesaver was activated.

Wednesdays in Old Town | Run for Monrovia Office | Giant Clue Game | Old Carriage House | CIF Celebration | 80+ Fastest Growing Monrovia Group

~ Wednesday, Jan. 9, is the kickoff for a weekly "Wednesdays in Old
Town" program, a 4-8 p.m. Sidewalk sale with live entertainment,
between Lime and Olive.

~ If you want to run for a Monrovia political office, hop over to the
City Clerk's office to get nomination papers by the deadline, Jan. 11.

~ Giant Clue game for teens (sixth to ninth grade) at the Library on
Saturday, Jan. 12, 7-9 p.m.

~ Jim Wigdon, head of Monrovia's historic preservation group, reports
there is an old carriage house at Encinitas and Greystone that needs
to be moved. Problem is cost, about $40,000.

~ Monrovia Schools is planning a celebration at Monrovia High for the
football team's third consecutive CIF championship, according to
School Board Member Ed Gililland. No details yet.

~ Fastest growing group in Monrovia is seniors 80-plus, according to
the head of the Monrovia Providers Group.

- Brad Haugaard