Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Fire in Monrovia Hills

It looks like a brush fire in the mountains in northwest Monrovia. Firefighting helicopters reloading at the helipad just below Monrovia Canyon Park.

Bear 'Bluff' Attack in Monrovia

Monrovian Albert Vergara, on the Nextdoor.com "Monrovia Bears" (upper Monrovia) group reported a close encounter with a bear. He wrote:

"My wife found herself between a bear and her cub!! definitely not a favorable place to find yourself. The mother bear became agitated and did what we hope was just a 'BLUFF CHARGE,' right in the middle of Mayflower, one house above Hillcrest. An unknown gentleman in a car saw what was happening and drove his car between the bear and my wife! The man blared his horn which helped to retreat the bear."

Comment: Like I've said, these critters are getting bolder and bolder.

- Brad Haugaard

League of California Cities Promotes Monrovia

Monrovia gets a nice write-up at the League of California Cities website for its work in making the city more attractive to residents, tourists and business. http://goo.gl/1oycy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Repeat Loiterer-in-Park; Burglary; Drug Paraphernalia

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 414 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Residential Burglary

April 15 at 2:46 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of South Mayflower. The resident left her residence at 7:30 a.m. and returned home at 2:46 p.m. to discover the front door wide open. A rear window was smashed and property was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested

April 17 at 5:11 p.m., a known subject with a restraining order that prevents him from loitering at Library Park was observed in the park by an officer on patrol. He was detained; the restraining order was confirmed, and he was arrested for the violation.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

April 17 at 11:23 p.m., an officer contacted a suspicious subject in the area of Montana and Primrose. The subject consented to a search of his person, and during the search, the officer located a syringe in his possession. He was arrested and cited out in the field for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lunch at Something Healthy

Lunch at Something Healthy, on Shamrock just a smidge north of Huntington. Got the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Panini ($7.45 including tax) and an ice tea. This is always a pleasant place for lunch and the panini was fine.

- Brad Haugaard

UPDATE: Monrovia Water Line Break

The City of Monrovia reports:

"There has been a main line water break on California at Duarte Rd. Some neighborhoods are experiencing low to zero water pressure due to this break. Currently, most calls are coming in south of Huntington between Magnolia and Shamrock. Crews are responding and assessing the situation. We do not have an estimated time of when water will be restored. We will update you on the situation as information becomes available."

UPDATE: The city reports that "water has been restored to most affected areas."

- Brad Haugaard

Water Efficient Landscaping Class in Monrovia

Free water-efficient landscape class, "Sustainable Gardening for the Home," 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 4. 602 E. Huntington Drive, Suite B (enter through back of building). For reservations call 443-2297. More classes in El Monte: http://goo.gl/ZljnW

- Brad Haugaard

Brush Clearance Time for Monrovians North of Hillcrest

If you live north of Hillcrest you will be getting a letter from the Monrovia Fire Department on brush clearance. The annual brush inspection program will begin May 1 with initial inspections in the very high fire hazard zone. They'll continue through June. For details click here: http://goo.gl/s2iQd

Source: This Week in Monrovia newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Birthday Fig Tree

This Saturday, Saturday, April 20, from 2-3 p.m., the City of Monrovia will celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the largest Moreton Bay Fig trees in California, the one in Library Park. The celebration is free. Come listen to stories, make a craft and enjoy a birthday snack in the shade of the majestic tree branches. Don't forget a blanket or chair.

Source: This Week in Monrovia newsletter (picture, too)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Earthquake Emergency Drill - This is Just a Drill

Monrovia Fire Station 2 was taken over by bloodied victims, fire fighters and CERT responders today during an Emergency Disaster Drill from 10 a.m. to noon. The disaster drill is one of two that the City does every year. The scenario presented was an earthquake which resulted in the damage to a reservoir and a buckled apartment building. At Fire Station 2, these “victims” – who were volunteers – walked out of the building screaming “what happened to my face,” CERT volunteers raced to respond to people inside the building, and fire fighters carried out people who were tasked with being deceased. The intention of the drill is to simulate a real life scenario.

Source: Jennifer McLain, City of Monrovia (Thanks, Jennifer)

- Brad Haugaard

Harassment Lawsuit vs. Monrovia Schools | Monrovia Track and Field

~ Lawsuit against Monrovia Schools by counselor who claims sexual harassment and retaliation. http://goo.gl/rrPwg

~ Pictures of Monrovia vs. South Pasadena track and field competition. http://goo.gl/3dxmx

- Brad Haugaard

Assemblymember Holden's Buy-California Food Bill Passes Hurdle

The Assembly Agriculture Committee today heard testimony on Assemblymember Chris Holden's legislation to ensure that California fruit, nuts, livestock and vegetables are given priority when it comes to state purchasing. Holden represents Monrovia.

Under Holden's AB 199 Choose California Act, state agencies would be required to give California agriculture producers priority when purchasing food products if the price is within 5% of the lowest out-of-state competitor. School districts would have to purchase California grown products as long as they aren't more expensive than out-of-state products.

"AB 199 uses the state's purchasing power to bolster California's Agri-business and that means more jobs and more revenue and that's good for California's bottom line," said Assemblymember Holden. "This bill is a win-win for everyone. The public institutions get a locally-grown product, we're helping create opportunities for our farmers and a new appreciation for local food helps stimulate the economy."

"California Citrus Mutual is excited to support this legislation as it puts before our young people and population the wonderful bounty we produce in California. To have this focus is a win for agriculture and a win for our state." Joel Nelsen, President, California Citrus Mutual

The Agriculture Committee voted unanimously (7 to 0) in favor of AB 199. Earlier in the session the measure was approved by the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee. It now moves to Assembly Appropriations for fiscal consideration.

Source: Holden press release

Opinion: That the Agriculture Committee likes this awful bill is small surprise, but the bill is still bad. First the state makes life miserable for businesses, then when powerful, politically-connected businesses such as film and agriculture complain, then the state attempts to alleviate the damage it has caused by making things even more costly and more complex, in this case, by increasing the cost of state government by requiring state agencies pay more for food. Wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper for the state to just stop tormenting businesses in the first place?

- Brad Haugaard

Garcia Farewell Dinner | Moby Dick | Citrus Tops

~ Tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, farewell dinner for city Council member Joe Garcia, DoubleTree by Hilton, 924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, $50 per person No Host Bar; Social 6:30 pm; Dinner and Program. 7:30 pm; information/reservations call (626)932-5555x1400

~ Tomorrow through Saturday, Monrovia High Spring Musical "Moby Dick", at the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Theater at Monrovia High. $7 tickets at the door; 7 p.m. each night.

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been named one of the top 50 community colleges for Hispanics. http://goo.gl/ZQNf2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Day Promotional Video

Promotional video - featuring Old Town businesses - for Monrovia Day, Saturday, May 18 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. http://goo.gl/7WP3l

- Brad Haugaard

Williams Will Run for Monrovia School Board

Terrance Williams announces he will run for Monrovia School Board. http://goo.gl/b0vSn

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church to Treat 700 Clifton Students to Floats

As part of its Caring for Clifton Middle School program, Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church will be serving free ice cream floats to more than 700 Clifton students at lunchtime on April 30, according to a Facebook posting by the church.

- Brad Haugaard