New Name for 'New Beginnings' Church

The former "New Beginnings Family Church," at the corner of Peck Road and Longden in Monrovia, has changed its name to Hope Unlimited Church, here: http://www.thehopeuc.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Valley Jewish Federation Collecting for Tornado Victims

The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened an Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the tornadoes and the aftermath.

"Millions have been affected by the tornadoes that have devastated communities in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and more over the past few days," said Federation President Stuart Miller. "The Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys' Jewish community is ready to respond to provide support to those most in need, and our thoughts and prayers go to all of those affected by these devastating tornadoes."

Community members wishing to make contributions for this cause can do so in one of two ways. The first is to mail, call or drop-off contributions at the Jewish Federation (Attn: Oklahoma City Tornado Relief, 550 S. Second Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 or 626.445.0810). Or, you may donate to Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) online at http://goo.gl/kT4Q7

All funds will be directed to social welfare agencies in the affected areas serving both the Jewish and general communities. The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to aid those most grievously affected.

For more information about the Jewish Federation's Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund, or additional ways individuals can help those affected, please contact the Jewish Federation by calling 626.445.0810 or sending an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.

Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and Federations across North America are committed to care for victims of global natural disasters, and have emergency relief plans into place to aid those in need. Over the past few years, Jewish Federations have raised funds for those affected by widespread storms around the U.S. and more than $2 million for victims of earthquakes, tsunamis and other situations around the world.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Public Works Week - Monrovia Utilities Division

As part of National Public Works Week Monrovia is highlighting its Public Works Department with a series of features. Here is the second:

Ever wonder where your water comes from?  How about where is goes once it’s down the drain?

TODAY: The Utilities Division.

The City of Monrovia operates its own water utility.  With a Well Field located at the south portion of the City, the Utilities Division ensures that each household in Monrovia has clean water and a sewer system you never have to think about.

The Water Maintenance Section is responsible for installation, maintenance and repairs to over 84 miles of water mains and approximately 9,317 water services. The Water Maintenance Section also exercises over 3,000 water main valves bi-annually.

Incredibly, the City’s 93 miles of sewer mains are cleaned once a year by a two person crew.  The Sewer crew is also responsible for all video inspections of the sewer system.

Monrovia produces its own water through a series of 5 ground water wells, 11 reservoirs, and 6 booster stations. All of the water that is pump from the Main San Gabriel Basin is treated, an average of over 7 million gallons per day. The treatment of the water is done by aerating the water through the air stripping towers and adding chlorination.  Without fail, Monrovia meets or exceeds the Federal and State water quality regulations.

On average, Monrovia’s Utilities Division produces 2.4 Billion gallons of water each year.  A single household of four consumes approximately 4,900 gallons per week.

“Water conservation is so important, that’s why we offer our Water4Life program which assists residents in reducing their overall water consumption inside and outside of their homes,” said Shawn Igoe, Utilities Division Supervisor. “The City offers water conservation kits which include low flow shower heads, faucet aerators, toilet leak detections tablets, and even water audits available at no cost upon request.”

To maintain a high level of customer service, while meeting the demand for water, Monrovia relies upon meter reading.  Customer Service staff read the 9,317 meters every month, investigate leaks, and test backflow devices. Ask the experts and they can give you answers to why you may have low & high water pressure, explain water quality or general inquiries about water. 

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Organization Responding to Oklahoma Tornado | A Welding App

~ Monrovia's World Vision, a Christian relief organization, is preparing supplies for the victims of the Oklahoma tornado. http://goo.gl/irIv8

~ Need to know what materials can be welded? Doesn't everyone? Well, there's an app for that, created by Monrovia's Miyachi Unitek. http://goo.gl/kEMBx

- Brad Haugaard

Things You Can Do With Books | Monrovia City Offices Closed Memorial Day

~ I always thought they were for reading, but the Monrovia Library shows there are other things you can do with books. http://goo.gl/pLkFK

~ Next Monday, Memorial Day, city offices will be closed. http://goo.gl/WBxbl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Parking Too Close Leads to Crowbar Fight; Gardener's Mowers Stolen; Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 16-19. - Brad Haugaard]

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of May 16-19, 2013

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto / Grand Theft

May 16 at 11:00 a.m., a gardener parked his pickup truck in the 300 block of Norumbega and left his vehicle unattended with two lawnmowers, a blower, and a chainsaw in the bed of his truck. The equipment was secured with a bicycle chain. He returned to the vehicle just minutes later to discover his vehicle had been taken, and he called police. Police responded, along with the Foothill Air Support helicopter, which was able to locate the victim's vehicle parked two blocks away from where it was taken from; the gardening equipment was missing. It appears the suspect(s) cut the chain, as broken chain links were found in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was recovered and returned to the victim at the scene. Investigation continuing.

Armed Robbery

May 16 at 12:50 p.m., a male victim reported an armed robbery incident that occurred the night before. He reported that he was riding his bicycle at 10:30 p.m., when he observed a female lying on the sidewalk in the 500 block of West Duarte Road. The victim got off his bike to see if the female needed assistance, when two male suspects suddenly appeared. One of the suspects took the victim's yellow mountain bike. The victim approached the suspects, and one of the suspects brandished a handgun. Both suspects fled without further incident. It does not appear the suspects knew the female, who said she was okay and only resting. The victim said he did not report the incident when it occurred because he had to work the following morning.

Suspect number one is described as a male Hispanic, 40 years old, 5'10", 250 pounds, medium-length black hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, and blue or black jeans. Suspect number two is described as a male Hispanic, 40 years old, 5'8", 180 pounds, medium-length black hair, wearing a brown striped t-shirt, dark pants, and black tennis shoes. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest

May 16 at 1:54 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of East Evergreen regarding a disturbing subject. The officer contacted the involved subjects and discovered one of the subjects had a $500,000 warrant issued by Pasadena Police Department for battery. The subject was arrested for the warrant and held, pending Pasadena Police Department's arrival to take him into custody.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon

May 16 at 9:27 p.m., an officer responded to a business parking lot in the 300 block of West Huntington regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. The victim entered a parking lot and parking his vehicle close to another vehicle. A passenger in the other vehicle pointed out to the victim that he had parked too close. The victim responded by challenging the passenger to exit the vehicle. The suspect and victim exchange words, and the victim walked away into a business to make a purchase.

When the victim returned, the suspect was next to his vehicle and was holding a crowbar. The victim wrapped his jacket around his arm and the two subjects began to fight. The suspect struck the victim on the wrapped arm with the crowbar, and the victim struck the suspect back in the face with a clenched fist. The suspect then struck the victim on the side of the head, causing a two inch laceration. The victim stumbled back and the suspect fled in his vehicle.

The victim was extremely uncooperative with officers, refused medical treatment, and refused to provide a detailed description of the suspect. Monrovia Paramedics were dispatched and managed to wrap the victim's injury. The victim also refused prosecution and stated that the incident was as much his fault and the suspect's. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

May 17 at 4:12 p.m., suspicious subjects were reported, possibly looking into parked vehicles in the 100 block of South Mountain. Upon the officer's arrival, two subjects were detained, a male and female. The female subject was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and a small amount of marijuana in her purse. The female was arrested for possession of the pipe. The area was searched, but no evidence of any vehicle tampering or burglary was found. The female also had outstanding warrants issued by the Arcadia Police Department. The second subject was identified and released.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

May 17 at 12:54 a.m., police received a call reporting a possible drunk driver traveling north on Myrtle from Longden. An officer responded and located the vehicle on Myrtle at the railroad tracks and conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

May 19 at 9:52 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a known subject walking on the sidewalk. He knew from prior contacts with her that she might have outstanding warrants. A computer check confirmed she had an outstanding warrant and she was detained. During a pat-down search, two drug pipes were found on her person. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Brandishing a Firearm / Battery / Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested

May 19 at 2:52 p.m., police were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Huntington regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. A male and female employee argued over a coworker that had been fired. The male employee blamed the female employee for the firing of his friend. The female victim alleged the male suspect struck her in the back of the head with his fist. He then drove his vehicle toward her while she was standing in the parking lot. The suspect then stopped his vehicle near the victim and pointed a handgun at her and threatened her. He threw several items from his vehicle at her and then fled the scene. The victim drove home and called police.

Police responded and located the suspect. He was arrested after giving conflicting statements about the incident and witnesses corroborated portions of the victim's statements. The officer obtained an emergency protective order for the victim after the suspect arranged to be bailed out of jail.

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