City May Outsource Film Permits

Monrovia may consider outsourcing film permits. http://goo.gl/GKhIu

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Public Works Department: Environmental Services and Administration

This is National Public Works Week and Monrovia wants to to highlight its Public Works Department, and is sending out a series of features this week. Here is the first:

Because of Public Works… Monrovia is one of the region’s leaders in environmental efforts and sustainability.

This week is National Public Works Week, a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.

The Monrovia Department of Public Works is the largest Department in the City, with incredibly varied and intensive programs. Each day this week will highlight the different divisions within Public Works.

TODAY: the Environmental Services and Administration Division.

The Environmental Services and Administration Division have taken Monrovia far beyond the efforts that most cities have made to become environmentally sustainable. Environmental Services is in charge of the City’s solid waste contracts, managing the new stormwater regulations, leading the City’s Green team and environmental accord efforts, and running the Department’s compost program.

Not only has environmental services managed to promote waste reduction and implement a commercial recycling program throughout the City, Monrovia boasts the lowest residential trash rates in the region. But it’s more than just providing black, blue and green barrels. They understand that in order for any waste reduction efforts to truly be met, there must be education about environmental issues.

“We believe in the value of public education. Each quarter we work hard to put out an issue of ‘Recycle News’ to give our residents and businesses practical, easy-to-use tips on how to reduce their impact on our landfills and environment,” says Environmental Services Division Manager Heather Maloney. “Education is important in everything we do- from stormwater to composting to simply being water wise. Understanding is the key to sustainability.”

The Administration Staff are the face of Public Works. They are the voice on the other end of the line when residents call in to report fallen trees, sidewalk cracks and even lost keys in a storm drain. If you visit the Public Works Department, they can answer any question you may have, sell you a low-cost compost bin, or even provide a free used motor oil recycling kit.

You can reach Public Works by calling the Administrative Staff at 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Contact Environmental Services at 932-5553 or email ess@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

210 Freeway Snarl in Monrovia

Traffic snarl caused by big-rig crash on 210 in Monrovia. It appears both directions are affected. http://goo.gl/sISL1

At Huntington Drive: http://goo.gl/rXAUj

Carrying a big load of grapes: http://goo.gl/9GXHH

- Brad Haugaard

Tutoring Center Opens in Monrovia

C2 tutoring center opens in Huntington Oaks Center. http://goo.gl/8XsuQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Providers Group Tea

A photo-essay on the Monrovia Providers Group annual Tea and Fashion Show. http://goo.gl/7O7Aw

- Brad Haugaard

Fountain to the Falls Race

~ Fastest runner in Fountain to Falls race. http://goo.gl/pCB8g

~ Full list of top finishers. http://goo.gl/GAkCV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Organization Helps Texas Tornado Victims

World Vision, a Monrovia-based Christian humanitarian organization, is sending relief supplies to families affected by the recent deadly tornadoes in north Texas. http://goo.gl/krL45

- Brad Haugaard

Zumba on Myrtle

If you ever wondered what Zumba is, this is it. A dance-exercise thing. Part of the Monrovia Day celebration around Library Park.

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fountain to the Falls Race Starts

The Fountain to the Falls race begins. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz yells "Go."

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Honor Students and Staff, Settle Payment Dispute; Board Policies

At its May 22 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/FvQtG ), the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Honor Regional Occupational Program Outstanding Students of the Year: Adam Anderson - Graphic Design - Silver Medal; Viviana Lopez-Arambula - Fashion Merchandising - Bronze Medal; Margarita Sandoval - Child Development - Bronze Medal; Susan Beltran - Child Development - Bronze Medal; Hayden Cedeno - Photography - Bronze Medal.

~ Honor SkillsUSA Regional and State Qualifiers: Zach Carels & Erica Flores - TV-Video Productions; Tanya Orona - Child Development; Regional Bronze Medalist Vincent Rayney - Photography; and Regional Gold Medalists and State Gold Medalists Scott Card and Jalen Mason - TV-Video Productions.

~ Honor - along with the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce - these Monrovia Unified School District employees for their outstanding service: Helen Hernandez, Library Technician I, Mayflower Elementary School; Joann Wiegand-Wallace, Teacher, Mayflower Elementary School; Tamille Buckell, Instructional Assistant-Computer Lab, Santa Fe Middle School; Julie Smith, Teacher, Santa Fe Middle School.

~ Consider settling with a company that did some computer work for the district to avoid a court battle. http://goo.gl/g0pDr

~ Consider a bunch of school board policies.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Baja Fresh

Lunch at Baja Fresh, at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Baja Burrito with carnitas ($6.79) and a small drink ($1.69). Plus tax. I like the salsas, from mild to fairly hot, and like the name says, everything was fresh. 

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Assemblymember Chris Holden's Mother Dies

Announcement on Facebook by Assemblymember Holden, who represents Monrovia:

It is with great sadness that Assemblymember Chris R. Holden announces the death of his mother, Fannie Louise Holden at the age of 78.

Ms. Holden, a longtime resident of Pasadena, died May 10th following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her son Chris (Melanie Caldwell-Holden); son Reggie Holden (Heidi); grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah, Christine and Jennifer; sisters Annie Jackson (Douglas), and Maxine Shaw (Johnny); first cousins Janice Chaffin and Nicole Ward (William); and her former spouse Nate Holden.

Fannie Louise Holden was a lifelong member of Scott United Methodist Church in Pasadena. Services and internment are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the: Alzheimer's Association - To view and make contributions to the memorial page created for Fannie Louise Holden Alzheimer's Research Fund, please click here: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pxfid=96205&pg=fund&fr_id=1060

- Brad Haugaard

Runners, Zumba Dancers to Take Over Monrovia on Saturday

Hundreds of health lovers and outdoor aficionados will be in Old Town Monrovia on Saturday morning for the City of Monrovia's "Fountain to the Falls 7 Mile Run/Walk," which starts in front of Library Park, heads up to Canyon Park to the 25-foot waterfall, and then returns at Library Park.

In addition to the run, the city - in partnership with the Santa Anita Family YMCA and Assemblyman Chris Holden - is hosting a Health and Fitness Expo featuring free Zumba classes at 7:05 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., free health screenings and lots of giveaways. Participating vendors include:

A Snail's Pace, 24-Hour Fitness, New Sensational Styles, Movement Unlimited Fitness, Xylem Salon, Pacific Transportation Federal Credit Union, Move Your Mountain Fitness, Balance Chiropractic, M3 Sport Psych, City of Hope, it Works!, Kaiser Permanente, Little Green Forks, New Liberty Nutrition, Hala Skin and Body, the Monrovia Fire Department, and the Office of Assemblyman Chris Holden.

The Monrovia Days Association, along with Center Stage Inc., will be hosting family fun activities including carnival style booths, food vendors, music and entertainment, birthday cake and balloons, and a fun Monrovia History Game.

There are 352 racers registered, the highest in the three years since the City has hosted the event. Monrovia is home to nearly 37,000 people, and is a community that stresses the important of healthy lifestyles. In addition to the accessibility to numerous hiking and biking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, the City has dozens of businesses that support healthy living, including the headquarters of Trader Joe's, VegeUSA and Naked Juice.

Registration to the race has closed, but all other activities are free and open to the public. The Health and Fitness Expo is from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The race kicks off at 7 a.m., Zumba in the street is at 7:05 to 7:35 a.m., and again at 10:30 to 11 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 10 a.m.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Pet Events: Red Carpet for Dogs; Pet Health, Etc.

~ Canine Caviar presents a "Red Carpet Soiree," a fundraiser to support Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank. Saturday, May 18, 4-7 p.m. Dress up and strut your pet down the red carpet. Celebrities expected include host John Littlefield ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), Joey Luthman (Nickelodeon's "How To Rock"), Isabella Palmieri (Disney's "Jessie"), Mykayla Sohn (NBC's "Guys with Kids"), Malia Tyler ("Granite Flats"), among others. Highlander Pet Center, 419 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia.

~ Veterinarian Sylvia Garcia shares information about maintaining your pet's good health and well being. Trainer Judy Paterson shares tips on being a courteous pet guardian. Saturday, May 25, 1-2 p.m at the Library Community Room. Fee. http://goo.gl/9Z7bN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Condo-Commercial Building on S. Fifth; Rainwater Treatment; Allow a Tear-Down? Cop and Fire Contract

At the Tuesday, May 21 Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/tuUJg ) the council will ...

~ Consider preliminary measures that would permit the construction at 1110 and 1212 South Fifth Ave. of a 154-unit multi-family structure with a commercial storefront. http://goo.gl/80YeF

~ Consider an agreement with Arcadia, Azusa, Bradbury, Duarte, Sierra Madre, LA County, and the LA County Flood Control District to treat, as required by law, rainwater runoff. This will cost the city "approximately $133,603.11." http://goo.gl/U8C6T

~ Consider an appeal of a homeowner who discovered the cost of rehab-ing his house will be more than he bargained on, about $200,000, so he wants to replace it. Problem: it was built before 1940, so the property is subject to demolition regulations, and it is on the city's list of Potential Historic Landmarks. The Historic Preservation Commission denied his request. http://goo.gl/sOoY6

~ Chat in closed session about a contract for the Monrovia police and firefighters. http://goo.gl/Br25m

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Fire Calls and Pancakes

The Monrovia Fire Department responded to 84 calls last week, including this fire ( http://goo.gl/SyS3y ). That, and served about 2,000 people at the annual Pancake Breakfast on May 11, at which there were also rock and rollers, face painting, maps, and thank you's and photos from the Madison Fire.

Source: "This Week in Monrovia" newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Saturday's Monrovia Day Schedule

Monrovia Day Schedule of Events, this Saturday, May 18

6:00 am - Health & Fitness Expo Opens

6: 45 am - Brief Walkers/Runners on Race Rules

6:50 am - National Anthem - Centre Stage

7:00 am - Fountain to the Falls Race STARTS

7:00 - 11:00 am - Centre Stage Pancake Breakfast

7:05 am - Zumba in the Street

7:15 - 11:30 am - Musical Marathon at the Library Park Band Shell

10:00 am - Fountain to the Falls Winners are Announced

10:30 am - Body Vibe Demonstration in Library Park

11:00 am - Expo Closes

11:30 - 12:00 pm - Founders Celebration

- "Light of the silvery moon" performance by Centre Stage

- Monrovia Facts presented by Steve Baker

- Happy Birthday Monrovia from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz

12:30 - 3:00 pm- Band Performances in Library Park


Source: "This Week in Monrovia" newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Learn How to Be Involved in Monrovia Government

For information about how to become involved in Monrovia city government, come to tonight's meeting, Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers. Email the City Clerk at aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call (626) 932-5505 to RSVP.

The City is accepting applications to fill positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB).

Source: Monrovia Facebook posting

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Bill Incorporated in Governor's Budget

Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, says his bill influenced Governor Jerry Brown to change course and not burden counties with some parole costs. His statement:

"I introduced Assembly Bill 1065 this legislative year because of strong concerns with criminal justice realignment. Assembly Bill 1065 requires individuals released from prison that were previously certified as a mentally disordered offender (MDO) or mentally disordered sexual offender (MDSO) to be subject to state parole supervision instead of post-release community supervision by the county.

The Governor's administration has changed course and heard our concerns about the MDO/MDSO population and the strain it is causing to cities and counties. The Governor has included Assembly Bill 1065 into his budget proposal. Individuals who have been certified as an MDO/MDSO suffer from severe mental disorders and have committed crimes that involved violence or grave bodily injury, and represent a substantial danger of physical harm to themselves and others. This population and our communities are best served when this population is monitored by state parole officers.

I look forward to working with the Governor's administration to ensure the passage of these policies and am thankful for his willingness to revisit these issues to ensure that our communities are safe."

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Bears Are Back - Be Bear Aware

May is "Be Bear Aware" Month and the Monrovia Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife want to remind the public to act responsibly when in bear country.  Spring is the time of year when California's black bears emerge from their winter dens in search of food.  Because bears are attracted to anything edible or smelly, their search often leads them into residential neighborhoods, where trash and food is readily available.  Throughout spring and summer, CDFW receives many calls when bears break into homes and rummage through trash bins.  These bears are often labeled "nuisance" bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them, foraging for food.

 

Tips for Bear-Proofing Your Home:

 

Bears have keen noses and can smell an easy meal from miles away. They can easily tear a front door off its hinges if they smell food left out on the kitchen counter. To protect your family and property from bear break-ins follow these simple tips:

 

•   Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container.

 

•   Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.

 

•   Don't leave trash, groceries, or animal feed in your car.

 

•   Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.

 

•   Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.

 

•   Only provide bird feeders during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears.

 

•   Don't leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.

 

•   Keep doors and windows closed and locked.

 

•   Consider installing motion-detector alarms, electric fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.

 

•   Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.

 

•   Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.

 

Source: Monrovia Police Neighborhood Watch newsletter

- Brad Haugaard