Monrovia Police Personnel Honored

Officer Jose Pacheco (Medal of Valor winner) and other Monrovia police personnel honored for their service. http://goo.gl/JGqhu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board About to Interview Superintendent Candidates

The Monrovia Board of Education is beginning to interview candidates to replace Superintendent Wagner. There will be a closed session of the board this Monday, June 10, at 5:45 p.m. to talk with the candidates. http://goo.gl/dmwP6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Firefighters Fill Boot | Budget Study Session

~ On May 30, Monrovia Firefighters participated in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Fill the Boot" fundraiser. Firefighters canvassed the intersection at Mayflower and Huntington from 7 a.m.-noon and raised $6,145 in five hours http://goo.gl/nbBZy

~ Another city budget study session for 2013-2015. Monday, June 10, 4 p.m. http://goo.gl/OzbTt

- Brad Haugaard

History of Monrovia's Big M , and More, in City Magazine

The latest Monrovia Today magazine is out. 44 pages of info. You can see it here ( http://goo.gl/Ij2M7 ) or wait for it to show up in your mailbox. Classes for children and adults and city information, including a history of the "Big M" on the mountainside above Monrovia. It was built in 1951 and is made of 25 tons of crushed rock and lined with 27 lights, which are lit to celebrate Monrovia High victories.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Meetings for Folks on the North Edge of Morovia

The Monrovia Fire Department has scheduled neighborhood meetings for each of the city's fire hazard zones, along the north edge of the city.

- Fire Zone West (from south side of Hillcrest north, from west edge of city to Mayflower): Wednesday, June 19 (tentative), 6:30-8p.m.

- Fire Zone West-Central (from north side of Hillcrest north, from Mayflower east to Myrtle): Thursday, June 20, 6:30-8p.m.

- Fire Zone East (from north side Grand and Graystone north, from the east end of Hillcrest to east city border): Sunday, June 23, 3-4:30p.m.

- Fire Zone East-Central (from north side of Hillcrest north, from Myrtle east to about Grand): Tuesday, June 25, 6:30-8p.m.

RVSP to (626) 256-8181 or email cwpp@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: This Week in Monrovia newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

A Good Monrovia Bear | Vaccinate Your Dog

~ Great photo of a bear where it is supposed to be - in the mountains above Monrovia. http://goo.gl/S1rDn

~ Vaccinate your dog in Monrovia on June 12. http://goo.gl/8lbYi

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Guns and Ghosts, Transients, Bringing Meth Pipe to a Theft

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 3-5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 80 investigations.

Mental Evaluation

June 3 at 8:49 a.m., officers responded to a verbal dispute where an unruly older transient was confrontational and had spit on the driver of a Foothill Transit bus. The driver did not desire prosecution against the man, and he was released. Approximately 30 minutes later, another caller reported an older male transient, matching the same description of the previous subject, who had become verbally abusive and had spit on him. Officers responded and detained the man. The subject was taken to a hospital and held for mental evaluation.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

June 3 at 10:06 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a male transient subject acting suspiciously in the area of Peck and Longden. The officer made contact with the subject and identified him. A computer check of the subject revealed he had numerous warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and picked up by Covina Police Department on their outstanding warrant.

Mental Evaluation

June 3 at 12:45 p.m., a subject who has had regular police contact with our department and has a history of mental health problems came to the lobby to report a theft, which was civil in nature. He told the officer that if they didn't handle the matter immediately, he would take it into his own hands and get a gun. He further stated he sees ghosts and was off his medication. He was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.

Failure to Yield / Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested

June 4 at 1:38 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle driving away from him without their headlights on. He attempted a traffic stop, but the driver did not yield. The vehicle accelerated away, and the officer followed in pursuit. After a short distance, the suspect jumped from the moving vehicle and broke his leg. The vehicle then jumped a curb and hit a parked car. The suspect was taken to a hospital. Criminal charges will be submitted to the District Attorney's Office for filing.

Petty Theft / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

June 5 at 12:06 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported they had a suspect detained for theft. The suspect had placed items in his pockets and walked out of the store without paying. Officers arrived and the suspect was arrested for petty theft. The suspect's car was stored. The inventory search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe which contained crystalline methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance was added to the charges. The suspect had prior convictions for possession, making this a felony. He was charged with felony drug possession, possession of smoking paraphernalia and petty theft.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

On May 30, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force conducted a parole search at a residence in the 200 block of East Chestnut. The parolee was found to be in possession of one ounce of tar heroin that had been packaged for sales in 21 separate balloons. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, and a parole hold was obtained.

Monrovia Senator's Bills Go to Assembly

The state Senate approved legislation by Sen. Carol Liu [who represents Monrovia] to improve funding for public schools, modernize adult education programs, and provide more revenue for local transportation improvements.

Sen. Liu has authored 11 bills that all passed the Senate by Friday (May 31, 2013),which was the deadline to approve and send to the Assembly any bills introduced in the Senate this year.

"I am pleased to receive widespread, bipartisan support for these important measures," said Liu, D-La Cañada Flintridge and Chair of the Senate Education Committee. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly as these bills advance."

The Legislature has until September 13 to approve any legislation introduced this year. Governor Brown has until October 13 to sign or veto legislation. All of Sen. Liu's legislation can be reviewed at www.leginfo.ca.gov. Sen. Liu's bills include:

SB 69, the Senate's version of a Local Control Funding Formula that will increase per-pupil funding for California students in kindergarten through 12th Grade, especially in disadvantaged communities. The proposal improves upon a similar plan by the Governor.

SB 416, which will help Caltrans sell state-owned homes that will never be needed for a proposed extension of State Route 710 in Los Angeles, Alhambra, South Pasadena, and Pasadena. Caltrans has rented out the houses for nearly 50 years, and this bill will remove barriers to selling the properties and using revenues for transportation improvements in the area.

SB 173, which updates and streamlines funding for adult education programs. The bill establishes processes and new authorities to align student assessment policy, performance data and accountability systems, teacher qualifications, and fee policy for adult education at public schools and community colleges.

Source: Liu press release: http://goo.gl/McvA2

Comment: A bit of ambiguity here. According to the state database, Liu is the author of 21 bills, not just 11. Go here ( http://www.legislature.ca.gov/port-bilinfo.html ), select "Senate," click "Author(s)," enter "Liu," press "Search," go to page 3 and check the count number beside the last bill.

- Brad Haugaard

Was Murderer a Monrovia High Homecoming Princess?

Was Monrovian Leslie Van Houten a homecoming princess at Monrovia High? A commenter on the Facebook page "I grew up in Monrovia, CA" says he believes she was. Van Houten has been in prison for years after being convicted for her part in the Charles Manson inspired murders in 1969. She is getting another parole hearing. http://goo.gl/FTlGr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Honor Clifton Middle School and Lots of People

At its May 22, 7 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/0p4md ), the Monrovia Board of Education will honor a school and scads of folks ...

~ Clifton Middle School, which has been named a 2013 California Distinguished School.

~ Regional Occupational Program Outstanding Students of 2013: 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.

~ These SkillsUSA students. Regional and state qualifiers: Zach Carels and Erica Flores - TV-Video Productions and Tanya Orona - Child Development. Regional Bronze Medalist Vincent Rayney - Photography. Regional Gold Medalists and State Gold Medalists Scott Card and Jalen Mason - TV-Video Productions.

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

- Brad Haugaard

21 Unit Development Planned for South Magnolia

Here is a planned 21-unit Planned Unit Development (21 two-story, detached houses) for 1323 South Magnolia, recently approved by the Monrovia City Council. Details: http://goo.gl/nAiTk

- Brad Haugaard

Law Enforcement Torch Run Comes to Monrovia Tomorrow

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a relay run which started in Chula Vista on May 28, will make its way to the Monrovia Police Department between 9:30-10:30 a.m. tomorrow, June 6. Monrovia Police officers will then carry the torch 4.2 miles through the City and hand it off to the Arcadia Police Department.

The event is designed to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics. The run involves more than 2,000 officers who are carrying the torch more than 500 miles, through more than 150 communities.

Source: http://goo.gl/HI7HL

- Brad Haugaard

Bear Buffet Video in Monrovia

Video of a bear-buffet in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/5LqRk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police vs Fire Basketball | Fake Gas Co. Employees | July 4! | Neighborhood Conference

~ Police vs. Fire charity basketball game, Friday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Monrovia High School gymnasium. $5. Children 12 and under are free. All proceeds donated to American Cancer Society. http://goo.gl/OQyDI

~ Watch out for fake gas company employees. http://goo.gl/aci6x

~ Plan ahead. Fourth of July at Library Park, for the whole family! Concert featuring Stone Soul 7-8:30 p.m. Fireworks Show, 9 p.m. http://goo.gl/CDZso (Comment: It's awesome!)

~ Plan way ahead. Sign up for a free neighborhood conference, Saturday, August 10 at Monrovia High. All about getting involved and meeting people. Details: http://goo.gl/z1r4x

- Brad Haugaard

Progress on Monrovia Metro Maintenance Facility | Broken Ankle | Fine Becoming Fee

~ At the main Metro maintenance building in Monrovia crews are nearing completion on the under-car service pits and the underground utilities for the 24-acre site. Additionally, a retaining wall measuring over 870-feet in length is now under construction along the northern boundary of the property. Source: press release

Man jumps from moving car being pursued by police, breaks ankle. http://goo.gl/auEN9

~ Assemblymember Chris Holden's AB 139 was unanimously approved today in the Senate Public Safety Committee. The bill stipulates that the $500 payment imposed upon every individual who is granted probation for a crime of domestic violence is a fee, and not a fine. This clarification is important because the probationer's fee strengthens programs available for survivors and their children. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Professional Production of The Music Man Coming to Monrovia

Tickets are now on sale for a production of The Music Man at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center (the Monrovia High auditorium). The play will be presented on July 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and July 20 at 2 and 8 p.m. Nearly 50 actors, singers and dancers of all ages.

Though on the high school campus, Patrick Garcia, director of performing arts for the district, said this is a professional production, being produced with a hired creative team, with financial help by the music-oriented Boone Foundation. Garcia hopes to put on two or three professional productions each year. For tickets, call 800 838-3006 or get 'em here: http://goo.gl/onFCu

- Brad Haugaard

Miss Majorette is from Monrovia

Monrovia High senior Elyssa Santano is "Miss Majorette of California." Video: http://goo.gl/gau4r

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Recognize Outstanding Employees

The Monrovia Police Department will be recognizing the accomplishments of four of its employees on Thursday, June 6, 2012, at 5 p.m., in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. One recipient will be awarded the Medal of Valor, one will be recognized as the Officer of the Year, and two will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia.

The Honorees are:

Medal of Valor: Officer Jose Pacheco

Distinguished Service Medal: Sergeant Daniel Verna, Officer John Donchig, Communications Operator Christal Stubbe

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Pulling Wires While Nude; Assaulting Grandma With Canned Corn; Waving Handgun While Wearing Only Underwear

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 27- June 2. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weeks highlighted issues and events.

Weapons Offense / Possession of Marijuana – Suspects Arrested

May 27 at 7:49 a.m., an officer observed a male and female subject coming out from behind a church in the 500 block of East Duarte Road. The church was not open for services, and the officer felt it was suspicious they were there. He contacted them, and a consent search revealed the male subject to be in possession of marijuana and the female was in possession of a large, straight-edged knife, wrapped in a towel. Both subjects were arrested. The female was later found to be in possession of marijuana, also.

Warrant / False Information to a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

May 27 at 4:00 p.m., an officer on patrol saw two female subjects in possession of shopping carts that had been removed from their properties. He spoke to them and identified the women. One provided a false name, using the name of her sister, who lives out of state. When her true identity was revealed, it was determined she had a warrant for her arrest out of San Bernardino. She was arrested and charged for providing false information to a peace officer and for using the personal identifying information of another to avoid being identified.

Felony Vandalism / Indecent Exposure / Mental Evaluation

May 28 at 7:27 a.m., a subject known to officers to have mental health problems was pulling on electrical wires on the roof of a business in the 600 block of West Huntington and yelling obscenities. He was nude, except for a shirt. When officers arrived, he had fled the scene, but was located and detained at a mobile home complex a short distance away. He was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation. He did about $1500 in damage to the business.

Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested

May 28 at 3:29 p.m., a witness called police to report a male suspect masturbating as he stood behind three junior-high-aged girls, who were waiting at the bus stop at Huntington and California. The girls were unaware he was doing this behind them. Officers arrived and detained the suspect, but the girls and the reporting party had left the location. The reporting party returned, identified the suspect and was willing to be listed as a witness for prosecution. The suspect was found to have prior convictions for similar offenses, qualifying this incident as a felony. He was arrested for the felony charge and held on bail.

Residential Burglary

May 30 at 10:00 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of Crescent left her house for the day and returned home at 3:00 p.m. She didn't notice anything out of place immediately. After about an hour, she discovered a side window to the house was open, as well as the backdoor. She looked to see if anything was missing and discovered her jewelry missing from her jewelry box in her bedroom. She immediately called the police. The investigation is continuing.

Elder Abuse / Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested

May 30 at 8:15 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Genoa regarding a report of elder abuse and domestic battery. The 83-year-old grandmother of the suspect had a water bottle blessed by the pastor of her church and instructed her grandson, who lives with her, not to touch it. While she was cooking, the suspect grabbed the bottle of water and began drinking it. The grandmother attempted to take the bottle from the suspect and he slapped her in the face and threw an open can of corn at her, which did not hit her. The suspect then stormed out of the residence, and the grandmother locked the door and called police. While she was on the phone, the suspect grabbed a brick and threw it through the kitchen window.

Officers arrived quickly and detained the grandson. The grandmother stated she had been trying to get him out of the house because he was becoming more abusive. The suspect was arrested. The officer was able to obtain an Emergency Protective Order, and the suspect was held for bail and served in jail with the order.

Petty Theft From a Vehicle

May 31 at 8:00 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 1100 block of Carmelita when they observed a white BMW parked in a residential driveway. The officer noticed the passenger door was not closed all the way and thought it looked suspicious. Officers investigated and discovered the vehicle had been ransacked. The owner was contacted and was unaware of the incident. The vehicle had been left unlocked. The ashtray, containing money, was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation / Weapons Confiscated

June 1 at 9:11 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Mayflower. A man was reportedly standing on his porch, waving a handgun. The man was wearing only underwear. The reporting party had knowledge that the man is mentally ill. Officers arrived and saw the man seated near the garage with a holstered handgun on a table about two feet away. The man was disoriented and talking to himself. An officer yelled verbal commands to the man. He complied and was detained without incident. No one was injured. The man said he was off his medication and was hearing voices. He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The handgun and several other weapons were confiscated and held for safekeeping.

Petty Theft / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

June 1 at 9:34 p.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 100 block of West Foothill reporting a theft. A male and female had exited the store pushing shopping carts containing food, and they had not paid for the items. A few minutes later, police received a second call reporting two subjects going to the rear of a residence, pushing shopping carts. Officers responded and detained the suspects. They were arrested and, during the pat down search, one of the suspects was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Residential Burglary

June 2 at 3:00 p.m., a homeowner in the 1400 block of South Fifth left their house to go shopping. When they returned home at 4:00 p.m., they discovered their house had been burglarized. The backdoor was left unlocked, which is how the suspect gained entry. A laptop, an iPad mini and an unknown amount of U.S. currency in change was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

June 3 at 5:24 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of West Duarte Road reported seeing two male suspects breaking into a vehicle parked to the rear of an apartment complex. When officers arrived, the suspects were gone. A window had been shattered on the vehicle and the dashboard had been dismantled. Officers located the victim and processed the vehicle for evidence. The investigation is continuing.

Status of Bills by Monrovia's Assemblymember

Status of several bills by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia:

The California Assembly has approved several bills by Assemblymember Chris Holden. These bills now move to the Senate for consideration. In his first legislative session, Assemblymember Holden authored measures to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, streamline programs for small businesses, and encourage state agencies to buy California first.

AB 139 - Domestic Violence Fees This measure strengthens penalties that abusers are required to pay to ensure that more funding is available to Domestic Violence Shelters. It was the first piece of legislation heard on the Assembly floor this session and was unanimously approved.

AB 143 - Military Use Tax Exemption Gives active duty military a tax break from state Use Tax on personal property purchased prior to being transferred into the state. AB 143 is supported by the State Board of Equalization and Veterans groups throughout California.

AB 199 - Choose California Act Encourages state run institutions to buy California agricultural products. Under AB 199, state agencies, public schools districts and public colleges would be encouraged to give California agriculture producers priority when purchasing food products.

AB 201 - Small Business Loan Guarantee Program This bill streamlines the program by making it accessible and user friendly by maintaining an Internet Website that would include information on programs on small business financial guarantees, direct lending and disaster loans.

AB 250 - iHUB Program Will expand the development of iHubs across California and develop more economic opportunities for start-up companies, promoting greater collaboration between innovators and venture capital investment within the state.

AB 358 - Lead Testing Kits Provides specific standards for lead hazard evaluation in public and residential buildings.

AB 358 allows California Department of Public Health to include EPA recognized tests in its lead testing programs.

AB 359 - Airport Rental Agreement Streamlines the Airport Rental Car Facility charge audit process by permitting California's airports, many of which are operated by local governments, to submit to the Legislature the same facility information contained in mandatory disclosures currently required by other regulatory agencies. This bill will remove the financial burden of duplicative audits while maintaining all existing consumer protections enacted by the Legislature.

AB 630 - Architects Prohibits a person from using an architect's work without a written contract or written assignment authorizing that use.

In addition, Assemblymember Holden's AB 72 - Municipal Water Districts - has been approved by both legislative houses and is now on Governor Brown's desk pending his signature.

Holden's AB 132 - Foreclosure Prevention Bill - will be heard June 10 in the Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee.

- Brad Haugaard