Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

An Artsy Utility Box in Gold Hills

Artsy-painting a utility box in Gold Hills. http://goo.gl/CtawL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Elections Are On - Write-in Votes Could Make It a Contest

The Monrovia City Council decided tonight to go ahead with a municipal election even though there are only two candidates for two open city council seats. Why? Because while the regular filing period is over people can still run as write-in candidates, but if you want to do that you gotta file with the city clerk promptly. If you don't, any write-ins for you won't be counted.

But if the council wanted to hold the election, couldn't the filing period just be extended? Nope. The city attorney said it was already extended and can't be further extended.

The council also decided to delay appointing a replacement council member until its first meeting in March, so the council will be down to four members until that time.

Councilwoman Becky Shevlin added that despite suspicions, the appointment of fill-in Councilman Larry Spicer was her idea, not Shaw's, and she believes Spicer, who is running for office for himself now, is more hurt by events than a beneficiary.

And a bit of tension. At the beginning of the meeting Mayor Mary Ann Lutz criticized Councilman Tom Adams, who had criticized former Councilman Clarence Shaw for how he resigned his seat at the last moment. Lutz said Adams did the same thing before, changing his mind at the last minute after saying he would not run, so "he has no credibility on this matter." Adams did not respond.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia State of the City Address

If you are interested in attending Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz' Annual State of the City Address (Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Krikorian), get there early as there is limited seating. You can read the speech on the City website or watch on KGEM or www.kgem.tv in the days following the address.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Congresswomen on Guns and Mental Health | Aztec Beer

~ North-Monrovia Congresswoman, Judy Chu, writes on Facebook that Congress should pass Senator Feinstein's "assault weapons" ban. She says, "Let's reclaim our public security and get these war machines off our streets." South-Monrovia Congresswoman, Grace Napolitano, says she co-hosted a panel discussion examining the status of mental health in America, apparently as it relates to gun violence ( http://goo.gl/4l0uR ).

~ The Mexican restaurant planning to go in the Aztec Hotel is considering serving a beer made by Aztec Brewing Company, a small brewery in Vista, California, according to a post by the restaurant on Facebook.

- Brad Haugaard

Man Runs Away from Scene of Crashed Car

Monrovia Police looking for man who crashed a car, possibly stolen, and ran. http://goo.gl/A5IKo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblymember: Get State Budget Under Control

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, agreed with Governor Brown's State of the State address that the state needs to get its finances in order.

Comments by Holden from his press release:

"[W]hile California's economy is coming back, we must get the state's budget deficit under control or face big problems down the road. We don't want to be in the same position five years from now when Prop. 30 goes away as we are today - facing large deficits and dramatic cuts to services.

"I am committed to restoring California's economy by stimulating private sector business and encouraging job creation, expanding light rail in the San Gabriel Valley, providing help for struggling homeowners, and restoring funding and confidence in our public schools."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Parolee With Ankle Bracelet Arrested in Suspected Burglary; Unlocked Car and House Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 497 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.

Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle

January 21 at 10:24 p.m., police responded to the report of a theft from an unlocked vehicle in the 400 block of West Huntington. The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. in a business parking lot. Two cell phones and a GPS were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested

January 22 at 4:16 p.m., an employee at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a burglary in progress. A male suspect had entered the store and was using some type of tool to cut the sensor tags off merchandise. He received a phone call, possibly to tell him that the police were in the area. He then exited the store. He was quickly detained and arrested. The suspect was found to be on parole and is currently being monitored with an ankle bracelet.

Residential Burglary

January 22 at 9:08 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of East Greystone reported that someone had broken into their home. The crime occurred between 3:00 and 9:00 p.m. The suspect entered through a very small, unlocked window and ransacked the house. Jewelry and an iPad were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Rain through Monday? | De-Mystifying Tech | San Marino Over Monrovia :-(

~ Rain could continue through Monday. http://goo.gl/bo1Xs

~ Tech guru Alexis Newell de-mystifies technology and talks about finding good free resources on the Web. Wed., Jan. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Library. Free. http://goo.gl/z9R9I

~ San Marino Girls Soccer team over Monrovia. :-( http://goo.gl/796SH

- Brad Haugaard

Extend Filing Deadline for Monrovia Council? | Monrovia Congresswoman Applauds Allowing Women in Combat | 'Like' Shopping Center | Rain? | New Holden Stuff

~ LA Daily News suggests that Monrovia extend the filing period so more people can run for the City Council. http://goo.gl/xmkAx

~ Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, writes on Facebook: "One of the last bastions of inequality in our military has just been lifted - women will now be allowed to serve in combat. This is a major step towards equality in our armed forces."

~ If you want to keep up with the Foothill Park Plaza (that's the Pavilions shopping center), it now has a Facebook page ( http://goo.gl/G93Wt ). The page will announce "special offers for shopping and dining, new tenants that are opening, and get updates on improvements we have underway, such as improved landscaping, painting, new signage and enhancements to the parking lot!"

~ There is a 60% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow. http://goo.gl/Y3u64

~ Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill (AB 139) clarifying that an existing law that imposes a fee of $500 on every person who is granted probation for a crime of domestic violence cannot have that fee reduced for time served. http://goo.gl/Rp5UW

~ Also, here is the text of Holden's bill (AB 156) to make it easier for law enforcement to wiretap in human trafficking cases ( http://goo.gl/N5wWF ). Earlier story here: http://goo.gl/7zmzK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets $12 Million Contract | Drones in the Rockies | Huell in Monrovia

~ The U.S. Army is buying $12 million worth of Wasp drones for the Marine Corps from Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/1wL91

~ Scientists at the US Geological Surveyâ€™s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center are using Raven drones from Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/Krjwt

~ Huell Howser in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/1Jz7P

- Brad Haugaard

Spicer is - Technically - No Longer on Monrovia City Council

With the resignation of Monrovia City Councilman Clarence Shaw, fill-in Councilmember Larry Spicer's service with the city is also at an end, according to City Manager Laurie Lile.

She writes - for an agenda item at a special meeting (this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. - http://goo.gl/9zY9a ) - that "the City Council's only practical option for action to fill the vacancy is to appoint a replacement candidate for the remaining few weeks of Councilmember Shaw's existing term." http://goo.gl/4nEaH

Also at the meeting, the Council will decide whether to hold an election or cancel it since there are the same number of candidates as there are offices.

Comment: I suppose the council could, technically, appoint someone other than Spicer to serve the remainder of Shaw's term, though, if I understand, Spicer would be right back on the council since there is nobody running against him. Should be interesting.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wilderness Area May Open by February | Shaw Resignation Letter | Holden Proposes Break for Armed Forces | Church Anniversary Video

~ According to a report on the city web site, there is now "informal access" to the long-delayed Hillside Wilderness Preserve, but but the formal opening will probably be this month or in February 2013. City Manager Laurie Lile reports that you can follow progress in opening the reserve and recreation area here: http://goo.gl/4wDST

~ Shaw's resignation letter to the Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/H5GmG

~ If you buy something in California, you pay sales tax, collected by the seller, and if you buy it outside the state and bring it in, you are still supposed to pay tax on it, but it is called a "use tax." But what if you are a member of the armed forces who buys something and then is transferred to California? Well, Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill to exempt from use tax property purchased by armed forces personnel who are then transferred to California. http://goo.gl/yBqj7

~ Fellowship Monrovia church has released a video celebrating its first anniversary. http://goo.gl/VEiBx

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Truck Chase and Crash; Returning an Empty Box for Refund; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary

January 17 at 3:30 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of West Hillcrest. The resident left her home at 7:00 a.m. and locked her front door. At 10:30 a.m., she returned home and discovered someone had pried open her front door and gained entry inside. The suspect had fled the scene prior to the resident arriving home and had stolen a 42 inch flat screen TV, a Kindle Fire tablet, and a Nintendo Wii. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

January 18 at 5:37 a.m., police responded to a hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Huntington and Shamrock. The suspect collided with the victim and fled the scene. Officers located the suspect in the area and stopped him at Mountain and Huntington. The suspect vehicle had moderate front end damage and a broken windshield. The suspect was positively identified and a private persons arrest was made.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Hit and Run Traffic Collision

January 18 at 7:37 a.m., an officer observed a speeding vehicle weaving through traffic while traveling eastbound at Huntington and Ivy. The officer followed the vehicle, which turned south onto California. The vehicle, a Toyota Tacoma pickup, continued at a high rate of speed, weaving back and forth. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but as he did so, the driver attempted to turn east onto Los Angeles and lost control of the truck, which crashing through the fence of a residence on the southeast corner of California and Los Angeles. The driver immediately exited the truck and jumped over a wall on the south side of the property.

A perimeter was set up to contain the suspect; however, he was not located. Subsequent investigation included the owner of the truck making a grand theft auto report. The person who reported the truck stolen was not the suspect driver the officer observed. The investigation is continuing.

Driving on a Suspended License / Warrant - Suspect Arrested

January 18 at 8:50 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a suspicious white van driving east on Hillcrest from Madison and turned his police car around to check on the van. The driver pulled over some distance ahead and walked toward a group of three construction workers standing in front of a home that is under construction. The officer exited his vehicle and spoke to the group. He asked a few questions and realized the three construction workers did not really know the subject who had exited from the van. The driver had pulled over and attempted to mingle with the subjects, hoping to fool the officer. The officer determined the driver of the van was driving on a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody for the charges and his vehicle was stored.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant - Suspect Arrested

January 18 at 4:47 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a suspicious person possibly using or dealing drugs in front of a business in the 100 block of West Foothill. An officer responded and detained the suspect and determined he had illegal possession of the prescription drug, Xanax. He also had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested.

Suicidal Subject / Warrants - Two Suspects Arrested

January 18 at 6:21 p.m., a female subject called to report her daughter was suicidal and had threatened to hang herself. Officers arrived and searched the location for the suicidal subject, but she was not at the home. During the search of the house, a large cache of cameras and other electronics was found. A female subject who was at the location was found to have a warrant for receiving stolen property. While she was being taken into custody, the suicidal subject returned home. She was taken to a hospital and held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. Because of the volume of property at the location, a search warrant was served. Another male subject who was wanted by the Burbank Police Department for receiving stolen property showed up at the location. He was also arrested. The investigation is continuing.

Narcotics Warrant - Suspect Arrested

January 19 at 10:23 a.m., officers went to a residence in the 200 block of West Palm seeking a subject wanted on a narcotics related arrest warrant. Upon their arrival, the subject fled to the garage and attempted to hide. He climbed through the attic area of the garage which connects to two neighboring garages. Officers convinced him to climb back into his garage and surrender himself. He was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.

No-Bail Warrant / Possession of Marijuana - Suspect Arrested

January 19 at 3:37 p.m., an anonymous caller reported the location of a subject who was wanted on a no-bail warrant. The subject was at a business in the 100 block of West Huntington with several other subjects who were thought to be gang members. When officers arrived and approached, the suspect attempted to flee. Officers detained him, but he continued to resist. He was eventually subdued and arrested. The suspect was also found to be in possession of marijuana. One of the officers received minor injuries in the altercation.

Commercial Burglary - Suspects Arrested

January 20 at 3:17 p.m., two brothers entered a business in the 300 block of West Huntington with an empty, but sealed, Kindle box and returned it for cash. One brother distracted the manger, while the other brother returned the box. When the employee went to open the box, the suspect turned and ran. The other brother had exited the store just prior. An officer responded and was able to locate one of the suspects and arrested him for burglary. The brother who took the money was still outstanding. Later that evening, the outstanding suspect turned himself in at the Monrovia Police Department and he was also arrested for burglary.

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. "Californiaâ€™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