~ In a Facebook post, the City of Monrovia says, "Congratulations to Monrovia Fire Fighter Ernie Moreno, a 2013 Presidential MLK Drum Major Award Recipient. The award is given each year to those who have provided extraordinary acts of service, with reliability and commitment, and who seldom receive recognition. Ernie served as the driving force behind the over 1,000 toys and $6,000 donated to the Foothill Unity Center for the 2012 Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, and served in other communities as well to help organize donations to those less fortunate. Congrats, Ernie!"
~ Fellowship Monrovia's student ministry, YOUNG, doing the Harlem Shake. http://goo.gl/WGSJD Comment: Uh... I think I'm too old to enjoy it.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Candidate Interviews | Chu Blames Republicans | Rain?
~ Interviews of Candidates for Monrovia City Council:
- Alexander Blackburn: http://goo.gl/8SI6g
- Robert Parry (write-in): http://goo.gl/gIO79
- Larry Spicer: http://goo.gl/iEEMf
~ In a Facebook post, Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, blames Republicans: "Sequestration was never meant to be good policy, and Californian's will suffer as a result of the GOP's unwillingness to stop it."
~ Sixty percent chance of rain on Thursday and 70 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/k0Dpe
- Brad Haugaard
- Alexander Blackburn: http://goo.gl/8SI6g
- Robert Parry (write-in): http://goo.gl/gIO79
- Larry Spicer: http://goo.gl/iEEMf
~ In a Facebook post, Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, blames Republicans: "Sequestration was never meant to be good policy, and Californian's will suffer as a result of the GOP's unwillingness to stop it."
~ Sixty percent chance of rain on Thursday and 70 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/k0Dpe
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment: Revenue 'Fell Well Short'
Monrovia's AeroVironment reports a disappointing quarter: "'Third quarter revenue of $47.1 million and earnings per share of $0.17 fell well short of our plans primarily due to delays in government procurements expected during the quarter," said Tim Conver, AeroVironment chairman and chief executive officer.'" http://goo.gl/GStLi
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assembly Members: Holden Open House; Portantino Visiting Fellow
~ Current Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, will have an open house at his new district office (600 N. Rosemead Blvd., suite 117, Pasadena) on March 16 from 2-5 p.m.
~ Former Assemblymember Anthony J. Portantino, who used to represent Monrovia, reports that he is joining the USC Unruh Institute of Politics as a visiting fellow.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Former Assemblymember Anthony J. Portantino, who used to represent Monrovia, reports that he is joining the USC Unruh Institute of Politics as a visiting fellow.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Victim in Killing | Kim Rhodes Wins Top Sports Moment
~ Monrovian was victim in Pasadena execution-style killing. http://goo.gl/3PU8k
~ Kim Rhode's Olympic shooting identified as a top sports moment. http://goo.gl/BWAlA
- Brad Haugaard
~ Kim Rhode's Olympic shooting identified as a top sports moment. http://goo.gl/BWAlA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Hit Head at Skatepark, Intoxicated Victim Beaten Up, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Feb. 28-March 3. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Theft From a Vehicle
March 2 at 1:59 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of West Colorado. The victim stated that she left her small, black Coach purse containing some cash in the glove box of her unlocked vehicle. She believes the theft occurred sometime between 2:00 and 7:30 a.m. The investigation is continuing.
Medical Assist
March 2 at 3:49 p.m., police responded to a medical assist call at a skatepark in the 800 block of East Olive. A male juvenile fell and was conscious, but he could not move. Witnesses stated the subject was not wearing a helmet when he fell and he did not have one in his possession. His aunt was caring for him while his parents were out of town. Monrovia Fire Department personnel recognized the boy as a subject who had collapsed at school two days prior. The subject said he hit his head, but there was no visible injury. He was taken to a hospital for assessment and treatment.
Receiving Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 5:03 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and California observed a male adult subject riding his bike on a downtown city sidewalk. When the officer approached the subject to cite him for the violation, the subject appeared to be placing something in the bushes. The officer questioned the subject and he stated he was in possession of a wallet that he believed was probably stolen. The wallet was recovered and the possible victim information was obtained. The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and released on citation to appear in court.
Battery
March 3 at 7:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 700 block of East Lemon regarding a battery in progress. According to witnesses, several male African American suspects were beating up a male Hispanic victim. The victim suffered facial injuries and was taken to a hospital. The victim was intoxicated and uncooperative at the time of the incident. The victim's wallet was found in the general area, but it is unknown if he dropped it or if it was taken from him during the fight. Three male subjects were located in the immediate area and detained. The three subjects denied knowledge of the incident and did not have any visible injuries or torn clothing to suggest they had involvement. The three subjects were identified and released. The investigation is continuing.
Spousal Battery - Suspect Arrested
March 4 at 1:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of West Foothill regarding a domestic violence call. The female victim said her common-law husband was intoxicated and entered the bedroom where she was laying down. When she told him to get out, he became angry and began punching her in the leg several times. The victim did not have visible injuries, but complained of pain to her right leg. The suspect sustained superficial lacerations along the right side of his face, but he claimed to have sustained the injuries by falling down. The suspect was arrested for spousal battery and taken into custody.
Monrovia Students to Talk to Astronauts
Monrovia High students will get 20-25 minutes tomorrow to talk to astronauts in the International Space Station, according to School Board member Ed Gilliland. He said only six schools in the country have been given that honor.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
World Vision to Consolidate Monrovia Offices
World Vision, International, a Monrovia-based Christian relief agency on Chestnut, will be consolidating its operations from two buildings to one and selling or leasing the remaining building to help fund its ministry. A speaker from World Vision told the Monrovia Coordinating Council today that the organization, with 44,000 staff around the world (200 in Monrovia), opened its first office in Monrovia when it was founded by a Arcadian in the 1950s.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Skateboarding in Recreation Park | $5 Million Monrovia Home for Sale
~ Video clip of skateboarding at the Monrovia skateboard area (in Recreation Park). http://goo.gl/Wjwt9
~ $5 million home for sale in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/U8pnS
- Brad Haugaard
~ $5 million home for sale in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/U8pnS
- Brad Haugaard
Robotics Tournament and Science Expo at Monrovia High
Robotics Tournament, Space Station Downlink & Science Expo and Evening Star Party at Monrovia High tomorrow night 5-8 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/0NyPu
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Jake's Roadhouse
Lunch at Jake's Roadhouse on Myrtle in Old Town. Got the Jalapeño Burger ($10.95) and a beer. Lots of jalapeños, guacamole, tasty and messy. The extra napkins were a big help. Plus, quick and pleasant service. $14.76 plus tip.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Democrats Endorse Mary Ann Lutz and Larry Spicer | Rockhounds
~ The organization, Foothill Community Democrats, has "overwhelmingly endorced both Mary Ann Lutz for re-election and Larry Spicer for election to the Monrovia City Council." That, according to its Facebook post.
~ Monrovia Rockhounds will present its 52th Annual Gem and Mineral Show on March 2 and 3, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ayers Hall at the Arboretum. Details: http://goo.gl/hLIsa
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia Rockhounds will present its 52th Annual Gem and Mineral Show on March 2 and 3, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ayers Hall at the Arboretum. Details: http://goo.gl/hLIsa
- Brad Haugaard
Remodel | Women in Pain | Legend of Sara McGee
~ AW Collision Center of Monrovia renovates its building. http://goo.gl/3NRqw
~ Senator Carol Liu, who represents Monrovia, wants to designate September 2013 as Pain Awareness Month and September 13, 2013, as Women In Pain Awareness Day to draw public attention to "gender disparity in pain assessment and treatment in the United States." http://goo.gl/b74t9
~ Legend of Sara McGee. Wednesday March 20, 3-4 p.m. at Canyon Park Cabin. Learn about Monrovia's Rankins family and the Legend of Sara McGee as told by Park Ranger Hector Inzunza. Activities include a brief walk in Canyon Park after the story. For the whole family. Space is limited so sign up early. http://goo.gl/gBwVP
- Brad Haugaard
~ Senator Carol Liu, who represents Monrovia, wants to designate September 2013 as Pain Awareness Month and September 13, 2013, as Women In Pain Awareness Day to draw public attention to "gender disparity in pain assessment and treatment in the United States." http://goo.gl/b74t9
~ Legend of Sara McGee. Wednesday March 20, 3-4 p.m. at Canyon Park Cabin. Learn about Monrovia's Rankins family and the Legend of Sara McGee as told by Park Ranger Hector Inzunza. Activities include a brief walk in Canyon Park after the story. For the whole family. Space is limited so sign up early. http://goo.gl/gBwVP
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Fourth of July Show, Family Festival Fees, Water Cleanup
Among other things, at its March 5, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda http://goo.gl/4ABjS ), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ An agreement with Pyro Spectaculars for the production of the 2013 Fourth of July fireworks show. It'll cost $20,500. (Comment: Expensive but worth it. Beautiful show!) http://goo.gl/OxsTi
~ Whether Monrovia should forgive all the franchise fees Family Festival Productions owes the city for 2012 and waive all 2013 franchise fees for producing the Monrovia Family Festival? http://goo.gl/0Vg6p
~ How to comply with the federal government requirement that cities clean up water from rain storms. (Here's the staff report: http://goo.gl/IrCZh ). Staff is recommending that the city work with other local cities and either "watch, support, or protest the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Fee Initiative." I believe that's the tax LA County suggested a while ago, got slammed for, and took back to the drawing board.
- Brad Haugaard
~ An agreement with Pyro Spectaculars for the production of the 2013 Fourth of July fireworks show. It'll cost $20,500. (Comment: Expensive but worth it. Beautiful show!) http://goo.gl/OxsTi
~ Whether Monrovia should forgive all the franchise fees Family Festival Productions owes the city for 2012 and waive all 2013 franchise fees for producing the Monrovia Family Festival? http://goo.gl/0Vg6p
~ How to comply with the federal government requirement that cities clean up water from rain storms. (Here's the staff report: http://goo.gl/IrCZh ). Staff is recommending that the city work with other local cities and either "watch, support, or protest the Clean Water, Clean Beaches Fee Initiative." I believe that's the tax LA County suggested a while ago, got slammed for, and took back to the drawing board.
- Brad Haugaard
Report on Monrovia's Operation Safe Neighborhood
Stats for Operation Safe Neighborhood
At the March 5 meeting of the Monrovia City Council, Police Chief Jim Hunt will recommend continuing the Operation Safe Neighborhoods Program ( http://goo.gl/OMcBR ). He listed "a number of significant events over the past year from the City’s Operation Safe Neighborhoods and Gang Task Force efforts." Here are some, from Hunt's report:
- On September 15, 2012, Monrovia Nuevo Varrio gang members drove by a house in the 100 block of East Los Angeles Street and shot at subjects sitting on the front porch. They struck a female adult with a shotgun round. The victim was not a gang member. Monrovia officers were handling a loud party call nearby and heard the shots. Officers responded to the location while other officers checked the freeway for the suspects. Officers located the suspect vehicle on the 210 freeway and followed it south on the 605 freeway. The suspects tossed the shotgun out on the 605 freeway. Three gang members were in the vehicle and were arrested. The shotgun was recovered. The victim survived her injuries and the suspects are being prosecuted for attempted murder.
- Chaplain Jerry Johnson responded to the death of a sixteen year old teenager who had committed suicide on July 11, 2012. He counseled the family and assisted with the process of dealing with the coroner. Chaplain Johnson also counseled the young lady’s boyfriend who arrived on the scene. On his return, he met with the officers who had responded to deal with the initial call.
- Several weeks later, the team who works with MAGIC, Lt. Ortlund, Officer Bushmeyer and Chaplain Brown participated in an event addressing teenage suicide at Monrovia High School. This is one more example of how our personnel interact with the community regarding at-risk youth.
- The Monrovia Police Department was recognized by the California Regional Community Policing Institute with the Community Policing Finalist Award for the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program. This program which included innovative suppression, intervention and prevention components resulted in a 64% decrease in gang crime in Monrovia over the last five years.
- Brad Haugaard
Last Major Contract Awarded for Gold Line
At its meeting last night, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors awarded a 48.7 million contract, the third and final design-build contract for the Foothill Extension light rail project from Pasadena to Azusa, to Webcor Builders, a California-based construction company with more than forty years of experience building similar projects.
The contract is for design and construction of parking facilities for Gold Line stations, as well as enhancements at and around the stations to improve connections for train riders arriving by bus, foot or bicycle. Webcor will start by working on the design for the parking facilities and station enhancements.
"Webcor provided the best value to the Construction Authority," said Habib F. Balian, CEO of the Construction Authority. "Following the evaluation process, they received similar high marks for their experience and technical proposal as their competition; however, their price was almost $8 million less. Bottom line, we were able to get an extremely qualified team for the best price."
With this contract awarded, the Construction Authority has awarded all contracts needed to complete the 11.5-mile Foothill Extension project. The first contract was awarded to Skanska USA for the Gold Line Bridge in June 2010. The bridge was completed on time and on budget, and turned over to the Construction Authority in December 2012. Foothill Transit Constructors, a Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture, was awarded the $486 million Alignment design-build contract in November 2011. They have nearly completed design for the light rail project, cleared the right of way of old track and vegetation, and are under construction on numerous bridges, crossings and the first of six stations.
Source: Gold Line press release
- Brad Haugaard
The contract is for design and construction of parking facilities for Gold Line stations, as well as enhancements at and around the stations to improve connections for train riders arriving by bus, foot or bicycle. Webcor will start by working on the design for the parking facilities and station enhancements.
"Webcor provided the best value to the Construction Authority," said Habib F. Balian, CEO of the Construction Authority. "Following the evaluation process, they received similar high marks for their experience and technical proposal as their competition; however, their price was almost $8 million less. Bottom line, we were able to get an extremely qualified team for the best price."
With this contract awarded, the Construction Authority has awarded all contracts needed to complete the 11.5-mile Foothill Extension project. The first contract was awarded to Skanska USA for the Gold Line Bridge in June 2010. The bridge was completed on time and on budget, and turned over to the Construction Authority in December 2012. Foothill Transit Constructors, a Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture, was awarded the $486 million Alignment design-build contract in November 2011. They have nearly completed design for the light rail project, cleared the right of way of old track and vegetation, and are under construction on numerous bridges, crossings and the first of six stations.
Source: Gold Line press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblymember Introduces Bill To Keep Mentally Disordered Offenders in State Custody
Assemblymember Chris Holden (who represents Monrovia) has introduced AB 1065 - supported by Los Angeles County - that would require an inmate who has been classified as a Mentally Disordered Offender, or Mentally Disordered Sexual Offender and served time for a crime where he or she was required to undergo treatment in a state mental facility, to remain under state supervision.
Under the state's prison realignment law that went into effect in October 2011, more than 12,000 parolees have been put on probation in LA County rather than state parole. To qualify, their last offense must have been non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious. But the law only applies to that last offense, not their entire criminal history.
"The state system is better equipped to handle these offenders than the counties which are being asked to take up the difficult task of supervising very dangerous offenders," Holden said.
Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
Under the state's prison realignment law that went into effect in October 2011, more than 12,000 parolees have been put on probation in LA County rather than state parole. To qualify, their last offense must have been non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious. But the law only applies to that last offense, not their entire criminal history.
"The state system is better equipped to handle these offenders than the counties which are being asked to take up the difficult task of supervising very dangerous offenders," Holden said.
Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
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