Monrovia Police Plan Drunk Driving Crackdown on Friday

Officers from the Monrovia Police Department's DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department's ongoing traffic safety campaign. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy on Friday, January 25, 2013, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

"This is a 'Zero Tolerance' crackdown, so Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!"

In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths in 2010 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

After falling dramatically for five straight years, figures for 2011 indicate that DUI deaths remained the same as 2010. Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 33 injury crashes in Monrovia, harming 45 of our friends and neighbors.

DUI can impact the economy, in addition to the pain and suffering of those immediately affected. Conservatively, a fatality has a $1.4 million impact, an injury $70,000, and a crash that only damages property averages nearly $9,000.

"California's roadways are very much safer than they were before 2006," said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. "The Monrovia Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts."

Funding for this program is from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers, Call 911!

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblymember Introduces Anti-Traffiking Bill

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced Assembly Bill 156, which he says will allow law enforcement officers to get a court order for a wiretap when they suspect human trafficking of minors.

The press release from Holden's office reads:

"You would think in this day and age when traffickers have become more sophisticated, law enforcement would have all the tools it needs to stop these criminals. But you would be wrong," said Assemblymember Holden. "This bill will change that and help stop this modern-day slavery that threatens our children, our families and our neighborhoods."

Law enforcement is currently authorized to obtain a court order to wiretap for investigation of drug trafficking or criminal gang activity, but not human trafficking. Under this bill, law enforcement officers can ask a judge for wiretap permit to investigate sex trafficking of a minor. Estimates are that 100,000 children nationwide are exploited each year.

"The California Police Chiefs Association takes human trafficking very, very seriously", stated John Lovell, Legislative Advocate for the Association. "California’s wiretap laws have been crucial in going after complex, multi-level criminal activities. The reality is that human trafficking is an organized criminal enterprise, and the full range of enforcement tools are needed to combat this particular crime."

"It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of these youngsters who are pimped and branded and badly mistreated. I think of my daughter and her friends and I want to do everything possible to stop these horrible crimes. It's the least we can do to protect our children," concluded Holden.

Similar laws are already on the books in several other states including Texas, Illinois and Maryland.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Green Defense Contractor | Extreme Couponing

~ An NPR story about how Monrovia's AeroVironment has 'a green side.' http://goo.gl/AszmD

~ Extreme Couponing seminar at the Monrovia Library. Learn how to find and best use coupons. Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1-4 p.m. in the Community Room.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Members Slam Shaw

Monrovia City Council members slam former member Clarence Shaw for how he handled his resignation. http://goo.gl/9XAe2

- Brad Haugaard

Truck Accident in Monrovia Canyon Park

Pictures of a park ranger truck that wemt over the side of the hill at Monrovia Canyon Park, this morning. http://goo.gl/0l7PS

- Brad Haugaard

Pavilions Driveways Being Worked On

Two of the concrete driveways at the Pavilions shopping area are being jackhammered out.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Welcome Wagon Honored

Photo: Welcome Wagon honored by Monrovia City Council for ten years of service. http://goo.gl/aid3z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Election Plan

Here is the City of Monrovia's plan on what to do about whether to hold a scheduled municipal election, since the number of office-seekers equals the number of open offices. http://goo.gl/QxQLn

Opinion: This seems like the ultimate no-brainer. Elections are to decide things and if there is nothing to decide, I can't see any point in having an election. It sounds like an excellent opportunity to save some bucks. Too bad, though, that there aren't more people interested in city administration, though I'm not running either so I guess I'm no one to talk.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Pho Lemon

Lunch at Pho Lemon, on, uh, Lemon. Just east of Myrtle. Got the Chicken Curry ($8.50) and - decided to be brave - an avocado smoothie ($3.75). Plus tax and tip. Both were fine though avocado smoothies will probably never be a first choice for me.

- Brad Haugaard

Shaw Resigns from Monrovia Council

Clarence Shaw resigns from Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/PNLUZ

- Brad Haugaard

City to Digest Advice to Create Multi-Year Plan

On Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. the Monrovia City Council will hold a study session to consider the advice it has received from residents through Plan Monrovia. The meeting will be in the City Council Chambers, 415 S. Ivy. The council will meet again on Feb. 9 to set goals for the next several years. On March 26 the council and staff will put together plans to align city services with the goals. The final plan should be done on April 16. You can attend any or all of these meetings.

Source: Monrovia city newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Church Celebrates First Anniversary | Cancel Monrovia Elections?

~ Fellowship Monrovia ( http://goo.gl/0QAwN ) is celebrating its first anniversary with "dancing, dining and fun" at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Duarte Performing Arts Center, according to a Facebook announcement. One of my sources tells me that the church, which meets at the Monrovia High Auditorium, recently had a Sunday attendance of 900 between its two morning services. Comment: Amazing growth! Pastor Albert Tate is an outstanding speaker and a cheerful, friendly guy. I've heard him repeatedly at my own church before he started Fellowship Monrovia. He is well worth hearing.

~ Monrovia could cancel its municipal election since there just as many open seats as there are candidates. http://goo.gl/kuEds

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Students to Chat with Astronauts

Monrovia students will chat with astronauts - in space. http://goo.gl/JAg5e

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen ID, Breaking and Entering and Breaking, Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 14-16. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 347 service events, resulting in 61 investigations.  

 

Vehicle Burglary

January 14 at 6:54 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1000 block of Orange Avenue.  The victim's vehicle was parked in the driveway.  The victim reported the vehicle was locked, but there was no sign of forced entry.  The loss was an empty case for sunglasses and a cord for an Ipod.  Investigation continuing. 

 

Commercial Burglary / Fraud / Identity Theft - Suspects Arrested

January 15 at 4:51 p.m., an employee of a business in the 400 block of West Huntington called to report a possible fraud incident at their location.  Three suspects entered the business, selected merchandise and went to the registers.  Two of the suspects claimed they forgot their store credit card and were allowed to enter their social security number on the touch pad and presented identification.  The employee believed the identification to be fraudulent and notified store security and a store manager.  The employee delayed the subjects until officers could arrive. 

 

Upon their arrival, the officers arrested two of the suspects for burglary, identity theft, forgery and other charges.  The third suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant.  During an inventory search in the jail, the arresting officer noticed a receipt which indicated one of the suspects purchased over $4,500 in merchandise from a store in Duarte.  The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was notified regarding the incident in their city. 

 

Burglary / Felony Vandalism

January 16 at 6:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of East Lime.  The victim left the residence to visit a relative in the front house between 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.  When she returned, she found someone had entered her home and smashed her computer, television, and a lamp.  Nothing was stolen.  There were no signs of forced entry.  The victim suspects the ex-boyfriend of her daughter, who had a key to the residence.  It appears the suspect entered the home with the intent of committing felony vandalism.  Investigation continuing.

 

Residential Burglary

January 16 at 9:42 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista on the report of a residential burglary.  The victim left home at 8:30 a.m., and when she returned at 9:35 p.m., she found her home had been ransacked.  The suspect pried open the rear door to gain entry.  A handgun, iPad and jewelry were stolen.  Investigation continuing

Standard & Poor's Lowers Monrovia Agency Credit Rating | Comedy Fundraiser | Gold Line | Dance Walkers

~ Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has lowered the rating of bonds from the former Monrovia Redevelopment Agency on the Central Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 from A- to BBB-, but with a "stable outlook." http://goo.gl/IduwW and http://goo.gl/2zdV4

~ Comedy fundraiser to rehab homes for elderly. http://goo.gl/ofmky

~ Posts being installed for retaining wall on north side of Gold Line maintenance yard. http://goo.gl/VK197

~ Dance walkers in Old Town Monrovia. http://goo.gl/NdcWE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblymember Holden Proposes Waiving State Penalties For Retirement Money Used for Mortgages

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill to waive state penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts when the funds are used to help stabilize mortgage payments.

A press release from Holden's office says:

 

As more and more homeowners struggle to pay their mortgages or watch as their home values plunge, they are turning to early distributions from their retirement accounts.  But that can trigger severe tax penalties if the borrower is less than 59-1/2 years of age. There is a 10% federal tax penalty and an additional 2.5% state penalty for early withdrawals. 

 

"These people are being penalized for trying to do the right thing and save their homes," explained Assemblymember Holden. "With several mortgage lenders acknowledging abuses, it's time to give homeowners a break.  In addition to helping these people stay in their homes, we're also helping restore stability to our communities and avoid the blight associated with foreclosures."

 

Under Holden's AB 132, eligible homeowners could avoid state tax penalties on up to $6,000 taken from their retirement accounts when they use them to pay their mortgage. The penalty is also waived as part of a home loan modification.  In addition, individuals must agree to receive financial counseling from a HUD-approved counseling agency prior to taking the distribution.

 

"I'm hoping that this bill will allow more homeowners to avoid foreclosure. The added funds may help stabilize homeowners for a month or two until they can refinance or sell. Although foreclosure rates across the state are down, California still has the nation's second-highest foreclosure activity," added Holden.

Comment: Interesting idea. I hope the Assembly gives it a thoughtful look.

 

- Brad Haugaard

City Council Holds Off on Festival Decision

Monrovia City Council delays decision on eliminating fee for Family Festival. http://goo.gl/B4Hgm

- Brad Haugaard

Employers May Be Able to Collect $7,000 for New Hires | Spicer and Shaw Running

~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce members may be able to collect up to $7,000 for hiring a new employee. The Chamber has partnered with the Foothill Workforce Investment Board to make available up to $7,000 reimbursement. Details: http://goo.gl/AyXXf

~ Larry Spicer and Clarence Shaw running for Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/ifv70

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Looking for this Guy

"On January 1, 2012, at approximately 0200 hours, the victim and his girlfriend were walking home from a New Years Eve event that was held in Old Town Monrovia. As they neared the intersection of Myrtle and Chestnut Avenues, they were approached from behind by three male subjects.

"Words were exchanged between the victim and the Hispanic male suspect. The victim was struck from behind and fell to the ground. The suspect repeatedly punched the victim in the head and face, causing serious facial injuries which require reconstructive surgery.

"I am seeking any information to identify the suspect in this crime."

Detective Rob Wilken at (626) 256-8000

Source: http://goo.gl/zzpUo

- Brad Haugaard

Get Gold Line Updates

Got a question about the Gold Line? You can walk in to the Monrovia office at 406 E. Huntington Drive, Suite 202, Mondays through Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, there is a 24-hour hotline - (626) 324-7098, the Construction Authority's Construction Updates webpage ( http://www.foothillextension.org/construction_phases/construction-updates/ ), email notices (sign up at http://www.foothillextension.org ), and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iwillride

- Brad Haugaard