Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Shevlin Appointed Commissioner by Antonovich

Monrovia City Council member Becky A. Shevlin has been appointed to the Commission for Children and Families, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Shevlin, a Monrovia City Councilwoman, previously served on the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and the Community Service Commission for the City of Monrovia and is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills and Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Commission for Children and Families receive input from community groups and individuals concerning children services, monitor and evaluate community programs, and report the commission’s findings to the Board of Supervisor’s to enhance the delivery of children services.

Source: Antonovoch press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Cops Wait on Tables for Tips for Charity

Monrovia Police Department's Tip-A-Cop event will take place on May 2, 2013, from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Claim Jumper Restaurant ( http://goo.gl/GuVvj ). Help support the Special Olympics by having Monrovia Police Officers wait on you. All tips are tax deductible and will be used to support sports training, gear and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More about Tip-A-Cop and Special Olympics Southern California: http://goo.gl/XEMS0

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Disappointed in Fate of His Prison Bill

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, said he was disappointed that his prison bill was shot down. His statement:

"I was extremely disappointed today that my effort to improve care for seriously mentally ill offenders was defeated in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

"I think it's important to understand that under prison realignment the continuity and quality of mental health treatment for Mentally Disordered Offenders is jeopardized when these individuals are forced to transfer from State care to County care which often lacks the resources to treat these patients," said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).

"I believe this is an important issue that needs to be addressed in order to maintain both patient care and the safety of our communities. I will continue to work with Los Angeles County Probation and Mental Health officials and will take the bill up again," concluded Holden.

Jerry Powers, Chief Probation Officer, Los Angeles County added: "While I am very disappointed with the outcome of the vote today, I appreciate the work of Assembly Member Holden for recognizing and understanding the problem and stepping up to address this issue. I was also encouraged by and appreciated the support of Assembly Member Holly Mitchell and believe that we must make progress on this issue to improve public safety not only for Los Angeles County but all counties throughout the State."

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia Celebrates 125 Years

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia is celebrating its 125th birthday with a night of music and worship and a hamburger bar-b-cue starting at 6 p.m. on May 18, and then on Sunday, May 19, with a fiesta after the church service, with a "bounce house" and $5 taco bar. http://goo.gl/tpEx2

- Brad Haugaard

Military No Longer Wants AeroVironment's Global Observer Drone

After funding its development, Pentagon no longer wants to buy the huge Global Observer hydrogen powered drone built by Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/yXetR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Gets 'Big Boost'

Kurt Scoby's arrival gives Monrovia Football "a big boost." http://goo.gl/dtb1X

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Drones Look for Drug Smugglers at Sea

Drones made by Monrovia's AeroVironment look for drug smugglers in the Caribbean. http://goo.gl/4gvNr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Careful Where You Train for Paintball, Careful About Flipping Off Cops While Crossing Against Light, DUIs, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 25-28. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Suspicious Person

April 25 at 5:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male subject in black clothes, a ski mask, a hat and knee pads; the subject was running in front of the library with what appeared to be some type of firearm. Upon arrival, police found a male subject, wearing paintball attire and carrying an Airsoft gun. He told police he was training for an upcoming paintball event. The subject was informed of the fear he had caused to citizens in the park and was advised to choose a more appropriate place to train for his event.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence

April 25 at 6:23 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision in the area of Mayflower and Colorado. An adult female subject was driving west on Colorado and struck a vehicle as she turned north onto Mayflower. The driver failed to stop and continued north on Mayflower. She then attempted to turn west onto Linwood and drove through a chain-link fence, coming to rest in the front yard of a Monrovia residence. Officers arrived and determined the driver had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The driver was uncooperative and refused to submit to any sobriety or chemical tests. She was transported to a hospital as a precaution, where she continued to be uncooperative with hospital staff, so the extent of her injuries could not be determined; no visible injuries could be seen. The report will be completed and a verified complaint will be filed.

Residential Burglary

April 25 at 11:14 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Greystone. The victim left her residence at 6:00 p.m. and returned at 11:10 p.m. She entered her residence and noticed the three bedrooms had been ransacked. The suspect(s) made entry through an unlocked living room window. The loss appears to be cash and jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Alarm Activation / Burglary

April 27 at 6:35 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at an elementary school in the 200 block of Jasmine Avenue. The officers found an open window and could see inside the room; it did not appear to be ransacked. The interior of the school was checked, but no suspect(s) were located. A night janitor arrived on scene and said it did not appear that anything had been taken, but a request will be made to school officials to verify any possible loss. Investigation continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 27 at 10:25 p.m., an officer was traveling south on Myrtle and observed an adult female pedestrian crossing Myrtle, at Olive, against the red light. The officer honked his horn to get the subject out of the intersection. She looked toward the officer and made an obscene hand gesture. She appeared surprised when the emergency lights were activated, and she later stated she was unaware that the vehicle was a police vehicle. She was stopped once she crossed the street. A computer check revealed she had an outstanding, felony no-bail warrant; she was arrested for the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 1:41 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Central noticed a vehicle facing north on Myrtle, preparing to turn west onto Central. There was loud music emitting from the vehicle. The light turned green, and as the driver was making the turn, he struck the concrete center median. The driver was stopped. As the officer approached, he detected an odor of alcohol. The driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 7:12 a.m., an officer saw a transient male subject who he recognized as the suspect in a child annoying case he had investigated several months prior. The suspect had been annoying a teenage resident of Monrovia. He also knew the subject is a sex registrant from Florida. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest regarding that same case. The officer arrested the subject and he was taken into custody.

Marijuana / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 4:46 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a subject in the 300 block of Genoa smoking marijuana on the street. Officers arrived, located the suspect, and as they began to investigate further, the male subject ran from them. A short foot pursuit ensued, but the suspect was quickly apprehended and arrested for obstructing and delaying officers, as well as for the original violation of possessing marijuana.

Fire Danger | Veggies at Monrovia's Library Park | Book Sale

~ Elevated fire danger in the area. Warm and dry. http://goo.gl/3vKpD

~ The May "Produce in the Park" veggie exchange will take place May 4, 9-11 a.m. near the Mark Twain sculpture in Library Park. http://goo.gl/qIFmj

~ Plan ahead. Friends of the Monrovia Library book sale in the Community Room and outside in Library Park on May 17 and 18 from noon to 5 p.m. Plus, $2-a-bag sale Saturday from 4-5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Opinion: Should Government Pay for Restaurant Meals?

Opinion: I just saw this "We Accept EBT" (Electronic Benefit Transfer, aka "food stamps") sign on the Weinerschnitzel fast-food restaurant on Huntington (there's one on the Church's Chicken across the street as well). This seems just totally wrong to me. I can understand the government helping people buy healthy food so they can prepare meals for their families, but should the government really be paying people to eat in restaurants, particularly fast-food restaurants? Am I missing something?

- Brad Haugaard

Slideshow of Houses on Monrovia Old Homes Tour

Here is a slideshow of the six houses that will be on the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's 2013 Old Homes Tour, on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. http://www.mohpg.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Reorganize, Hear Reports on Fire and Water Main Break

At a special Monrovia City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 7 p.m. (agenda: http://goo.gl/2YOwJ ), the council will reorganize. Councilman Joe Garcia will say a few words and step down and newly-elected officers will take the oath of office. The one new face will be Alexander Blackburn.

The only other business will be a report on the status of the emergency response to the California Avenue water main break and to the Madison fire.

- Brad Haugaard

No Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Monrovia This Year

On its Facebook page, the Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Association announced: "The 2013 Monrovia Cinco de Mayo event has been CANCELLED! This is an official notice and there is NO reschedule date. Thanks for your interest!!"

According to Jennifer McLain, at the Monrovia City Hall, the city's involvement in last year's event was limited to issuing street closures. She said she does not know why this year's event was cancelled, but "What I do know is that at the March 13 MOTAB [Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board] meeting, Rudy Castrellon announced his resignation from the Cinco de Mayo Association.

Castrellon was president of the association and very involved with previous Monrovia Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

- Brad Haugaard

T Phillips for Lunch

Went to T Phillips for lunch, at Myrtle and Colorado. Got the T Burger with the homemade potato chips and a Spaten beer. Nice sitting in the outside patio on a pleasant day. Burger ($10) and beer ($6) were good, as always. (Plus tax and tip.)

- Brad Haugaard

Drones Watch Bunnies | Monrovia Wildflower Tour | Girl Scouts Collect Food | Portantino Honored

~ Raven drones from Monrovia's AeroVironent are being used to keep an eye on little bunny rabbits (See mini-bunny picture at bottom of page). http://goo.gl/Bsfvp

~ Guided wildflower tour of Monrovia hills tomorrow, April 27, 8:30-11 a.m. at Monrovia Canyon Park lower parking lot. Learn why some flowers only appear in certain areas, while others will only appear after a fire. Wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks and water. Register with Community Services at 256-8246. $10 per person.

~ The Girl Scouts and Ralphs Supermarkets will be collecting food for Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center tomorrow, April 27, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For information on how to help, call Raina Martinez or Diane Ortiz at 358-3486.

~ Former State Assemblymember, Anthony Portantino, who represented Monrovia, has received the Marge Wyatt Advocacy Award "for his longtime support of children and families."

- Brad Haugaard

Contemporary-Style Monrovia Church Growing Rapidly

Monrovia's new church, Fellowship Monrovia, got a lengthy write-up in the paper version of the Star-News this morning (I can't find it on line or I'd just link to it). A few blurbs from the article:

- Pastor Albert Tate: "We don't look the same, and we don't vote the same, but we are united as one in the gospel."

- Tate: "If you come and never make a disciple, never reach out to the poor, never share the gospel in the community, we aren't accomplishing our vision."

- The church is known for "dynamic contemporary music and preaching that is relevant and applicable to everyday life."

- The church is developing a network of "intergenerational and multiethnic Life Groups" where people "can be known, cared for, and unleashed to serve others."

- At last Sunday's service, the Monrovia High School auditorium (where the church meets at 9 and 11 a.m.) was "nearly filled."

- Brad Haugaard

Maryknoll Fundraiser | New Member of Board for Monrovia's AeroVironment

~ Spring Flowers Luncheon/Card party to be held on Tuesday May, 14, 2013 at the Maryknoll Center, 300 Norumbega Drive. Card players may come at 10 a.m. Luncheon at 12 noon. Cost is $15 per person. For reservations call 358-1825. Funds raised are for the betterment of the Maryknoll Sisters and their Monrovia residence.

~ Stephen F. Page has been appointed to the board of directors of AeroVironment. Page most recently served on the corporate boards and audit committees of Lowe's Companies, Inc., PACCAR, Inc., and Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc., where he was lead director, and on the board of trustees at Loyola Marymount University. http://goo.gl/vdOJQ

- Brad Haugaard