AOL Closing Many of Its Patch News Websites

AOL has announced that it will close, sell or find partners for about 300, or about a third, of its Patch local news websites ( http://goo.gl/ne4EzL ) but CEO Tim Armstrong reportedly said there is "zero probability" that Patch as a whole would be shut down ( http://goo.gl/yUNRUU ). Monrovia has a Patch news site.

- Brad Haugaard

Next Up - White Christmas | AeroVironment in Slides

~ Following the professional production of The Music Man at the Monrovia High Auditorium (aka Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center), next on the agenda is White Christmas, according to Monrovia columnist Charlotte Schamadan, who writes in the Star-News supplement, The Weekly Star. She said it should open in early December.

~ A cool slideshow of the history of Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/x4W3Gh

- Brad Haugaard

Help Choose New Monrovia High, Santa Fe Principals

If you have children at Santa Fe Middle School or Monrovia High School, School Board member Alex Zucco writes on Facebook that you can help select a new principal for your school by giving your thoughts on August 8 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Fe Library and August 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Monrovia High School Library. No RSVP needed - just show up.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Producers to Present at Film Fest

Producers for Monrovia's KGEM will present ten new shorts and documentaries at the Action on Film Festival at the Krikorian, August 16 and 17, 8–10 p.m.

August 16

Title: Spirit of Flying

Time: 3 minutes Producer: Jack Tossman Synopsis: A preview of "The Spirit of Flying", a documentary in the works about flying over 20 years in the making.

Title: The Waking Universe Handbook

Time: 6 minutes Producer: Lance Mungia Synopsis: A brief exploration of our connection to each other and the universe we live in.

Title: Max on a Mission: A Hospice Cat's Tale

Time: 8 minutes Producer: Marlene Gibb Synopsis: Meet Max preparing for his weekly visit to Mission Hospice in South Pasadena. It's the story of how Max was found, starved, under a car in Tennessee by his owner Jeanne Johnson. How Jeanne saw the potential in this Bengal Cat and his journey to being a beloved Hospice Cat.

Title: Hula Moani: The Sweet Fragrance of Hula

Time: 5 minutes Producer: Lyn Nakamura Synopsis: A performance of "Waipi'o Påka'alana" by Hālau Hula Moani'a'ala Anuhea, a dance studio based here in LA that teaches the traditions and culture of Hawaii thru dance.

Title: GEMS of Monrovia

Time: 5 minutes Producer: Angie Jackson Synopsis: KGEM Producers highlight their films in this short of last year's Action Film Festival. They discuss their dreams and desires for making a film, the fun and frustration that goes into producing the film and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Title: Green Century Part One: a Means to an End

Time: 27:54 minutes Producer: Robert Mejia Synopsis: A thought-provoking, four-part television mini-series that ponders human potential, the choices we've made in powering our world, and the fate of human-kind on a warming planet. Viewers are guided through the first episode of this science fantasy-style documentary from the perspectives of dual narrators Robert Tristan and KB Solomon while subject-matter experts provide commentary on human motivation, sustainability, and clean energy.

Title: Spotlight On: 1920s Jazz

Time: 20 min, 17 sec. Producer: Hannah Nielson Synopsis: A fast-paced compelling visual exploration of the Jazz age, embodying the Spirit of Jazz itself. An interview with accomplished Jazz bassist layer, Clarence Robinson, is interwoven with archival footage, live performance, a discussion of the 1920s art and society, as well as a music video in the style of avant-garde filmmakers of the era.

Title: Pullin' Teeth

Time: 11 minutes Producer: Dave Gaw Synopsis:This short takes us into the world of Reilly Dental, a family-owned and operated dental practice. Dad is senile. Mom is manipulating. Frank, the younger son, is dangerously stupid while Red, the responsible son, is just trying to keep the family business afloat, waiting patiently for his chance to become the boss. But Mom may have something else to say about that in this offbeat comedy short.

Title: Soar Together in Peace

Time: 17 minutes Producers: Jack Tossman and Susan Tossman Blue Synopsis: Highlights of the 186th Street Elementary School's 8th Annual Peace March in honor of Martin Luther King.

Title: Becoming the Solution

Time: 14 minutes Producers: Community Media of the Foothills Synopsis: Monrovia Mayor, Mary Ann Lutz, purchases her first electric vehicle, the Volt, and discovers what it entails to own and operate an electric car. Highlights interviews with various industries leaders, such as, Sierra Honda, SCE and Aero Environment the new challenges facing the auto industry in the 21st century.

On Saturday, August 17, the 90 minute documentary will air from 8–10 p.m.

Title: In Time: The Delgado Brothers

Time: 90 minutes Producer: Lance Mungia Synopsis: "In Time" is a documentary feature about the musically gifted Delgado Brothers, a tight knit Latino family just one more song from fame for over 50 years since their start in the East L.A. music scene. They're often called up to jam with some of the most respected jazz and blues musicians in the world, despite the fact they've always remained a gig away from fortune of their own.

Source: KGEM

 

- Brad Haugaard

Car Bashes Monrovia Wishing Well at Lime and Myrtle

The City of Monrovia wishing well was damaged in a late night car crash on Tuesday, August 6.  At 11:28pm, Officers were dispatched to Lime and Myrtle regarding a traffic collision.  They found a black BMW 328i had collided into the stone monument (wishing well) on the northwest corner of Lime and Myrtle. Both the vehicle and  wishing well were heavily damaged.

The driver, a 64 year old woman from Pasadena, sustained injuries to her face and hands and was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for treatment. No one else was injured in the collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

The wishing well has served as a historical Monrovia monument at the southeast corner of Library Park for many years-at one time housing the old City bell.  It currently serves as a water fountain.  Members of the Public Works Department have collected all of the pieces of the structure and aim to repair and replace it over the next several months.

If the driver is found to be at fault, the city may charge the driver for the cost of the repair to the city property.

Source: City of Monrova

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Banning Plastic Bags | New VP at AeroVironment

~ Monrovia City Council will consider a plastic bag ban in October. http://goo.gl/Sc6wJE

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment appoints a new senior vice president and general counsel. http://goo.gl/NtMKCn

- Brad Haugaard

History of Monrovia's Big M

The history of the big "M" on the hillside above Monrovia. It is made of 25 tons of crushed rock. http://goo.gl/pBGxWj

- Brad Haugaard

Park Victoria, Monrovia?

Curious. The Apple map of Monrovia in the iPhone and iPad reveal whole sections of Monrovia I've never heard of. I wonder if this is even correct. Have you heard of these districts - underlined in red - in Monrovia? I've heard of Canyon Park, but as a park, not as a district just north of Huntington and east of California. Park Victoria? Lyric Place? Hamby Park? Click image to enlarge.

- Brad Haugaard

Man Shot in Monrovia County Area

Man injured in shooting in Monrovia county area. http://goo.gl/oxyuyK

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteer for 'Back to School' Distribution

Foothill Unity Center of Monrovia wrote on Facebook that it "is still signing up volunteers for our Back to School Distribution next Monday and Tuesday. Morning and afternoon shifts both days, plus an evening shift Tuesday. Email raina@foothillunitycenter.org to check what's open."

- Brad Haugaard

Film Fest in Monrovia

Action on Film International Film Festival will be held in Monrovia starting August 16-24. Dozens of independent films in many genres. Details: http://goo.gl/C0EDmy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Bugged by Court Decision That Could Release Convicts

Monrovia Police Department is apparently bothered by a Supreme Court decision it says would release up to 10,000 convicts onto California streets.

In its Neighborhood Watch Report, the department quotes California Police Chiefs Association President, Covina Police Chief Kim Raney:

"Despite the requests of the Governor, the California State Sheriffs, and the California Police Chiefs, all who are still dealing with the early impacts of Realignment on California's criminal justice system and rising crime rates in California, the Court majority apparently decided to place convicted criminals' concerns over the safety of California's communities and citizens. The Court refused to consider the improvements made in California's prisons and the already reduced population figures and chose instead to allow for the release of more felons into already overburdened communities."

The CPCA represents the state's municipal police chiefs, whose agencies protect over 78 percent of the citizens of California.

Source: Monrovia Police Department

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Pistol Robbery on West Lime; Designated Driver Is Not Enough; Pedestrian Succeeds in Getting Hurt; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 1-4. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  

 

Robbery

On August 1 at 12:03 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Lime regarding a robbery.  The victim was standing in front of his residence when he was approached by a male, Black, early 20's, 6-03, 190 lbs, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.  The victim was on his cell phone and believed the suspect may have been a friend, when he turned to look at the suspect he realized that he did not recognize him.  The suspect pulled out a black and silver semi-auto pistol and pushed the barrel against the victim's shoulder and told him to empty his pockets.  The victim retrieved $30.00 from his pockets and gave it to the suspect.  The suspect was last seen heading west on Lime.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

On August 2 at 1:09 a.m., police responded to Primrose and Chestnut regarding a traffic collision.  The suspect was being driven home by a friend because he had too much to drink. The suspect told his friend they had reached his home and she handed him the keys.   The friend got into another vehicle and was driving away, when she noticed the suspect get back into his vehicle and begin to drive away.  The friend followed the suspect as he drove at a high rate of speed until he collided with a legally parked car.  The impact caused the vehicle to roll over onto the roof. An officer arrived and found the driver still strapped in by his seatbelt.  Upon contacting the driver, he noticed signs and symptoms of alcohol use.  The suspect was taken by ambulance to a hospital.  While at the hospital, the suspect refused to submit to a blood test.  The officer will be requesting a subpoena for lab results and charges pending further investigation.

 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

On August 3 at 12:19 a.m., an officer was contacted by a concerned citizen who pointed out a suspicious person in a vehicle in the 200 block of North Shamrock.  The officer contacted the subject who claimed to be waiting for a friend who lives in the area. A computer check revealed he was on probation and had an outstanding, felony no-bail warrant.  The officer also located an air-soft, semi-auto, pistol beneath the right front passenger seat.  The suspect claimed he confiscated the pistol from his son.  The suspect was arrested for the warrant.

 

Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Carrying a Concealed Firearm / Suspended License - Suspects Arrested

On August 3 at 5:25 p.m., Special Enforcement Officers conducted a traffic stop on a motorist for a vehicle code violation.  Upon contacting the two occupants, the officers discovered the occupants are gang members and both on probation.  The occupants appeared unusually nervous and the driver did not have valid identification.  Both occupants were asked to exit the vehicle. A pat-down search on the passenger recovered a revolver concealed in his waistband, the weapon was not loaded.  The passenger was arrested for the weapons violation and the driver was arrested for a vehicle code violation pending verification of his identity. Both suspects were booked and served with the gang injunction court order.

 

Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian / Mental Evaluation Hold

On August 4 at 7:00 a.m., a pedestrian wanted to harm himself and intentionally darted into traffic in the 400 block of East Duarte.  The pedestrian was struck by a motorist and sustained minor injuries.  The pedestrian was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated and placed under a 72 hour hold for mental evaluation.

 

Theft From a Vehicle

On August 5 at 5:03 a.m. an officer responded to the 100 block of El Nido regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim's laptop computer was taken from her unlocked vehicle that was parked in the driveway.  The investigation is continuing.

Principal Letourneau to Glendora | Music Man Article

~ On Facebook, School Board member Alex Zucco thanks and congratulates Santa Fe Middle School Principal, Ron Letourneau, who has been selected to be principal of the Glendora Unified School District Continuation High School and Alternative Education Program.

~ An article in the Star-News about the professional production of The Music Man at Monrovia High.
http://goo.gl/yDRnti

- Brad Haugaard

Mariachi Music in the Park | E-Waste Recycling

~ Summer concert at the bandshell in Library Park, this Sunday, August 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Mariachi Divas (Mariachi).

~ Just saw a sign saying there will be an electronic waste recycling event at Monrovia Home Depot on August 10.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Y Announces Its Honorees

On Facebook, the Santa Anita Family YMCA in Monrovia has announced its honorees for its Red Envelope Gala on September 26. They are:

- Sandra Mejia - Cathy Hotchkin Humanitarian Award
- Monrovia Memorial Hospital - Business of the Year
- Terry Hotchkin - Volunteer of the Year

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Rudy's Mexican Food

Lunch at Rudy's Mexican Food at Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Carne Asada Plate ($8.65) with an iced tea. Very good. Cut up the steak and made tacos. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: New Fire Training Tower; Report Crimes Online; Etc.

At its August 6 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/ECJC1x ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider replacing the existing three-story training tower at fire station 102 with a new four-story tower. The new tower will cost $716,765 and its associated equipment $153,228. Monrovia would split operational costs with Arcadia and the thing would be paid for by a Homeland Security grant. http://goo.gl/9yywwn

~ Consider spending $25,110 to buy an online reporting system so residents can file lower priority police reports from their home or business computers, thereby reducing the time officers spend preparing these types of reports and allowing officers to remain in the field to handle higher priority calls. http://goo.gl/tIJU1O

~ Consider spending $79,862 to buy two firefighter survival mobil props. Paid for by a Homeland Security grant. http://goo.gl/qD5qNK

~ Consider spending $122,055.00 to replace bad sewer line on Ridgeside Drive. http://goo.gl/uE1K2z

~ Consider paying Karen Warner Associates $46,015 for an update of the city's Housing Element, part of Monrovia's General Plan. http://goo.gl/seujuC

~ Have another closed session meeting about police and fire negotiations.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Unveils New Interim Website

The City of Monrovia launched an interim website on August 1, 2013 as part of a larger redesign process approved by the City Council in July 2013.

The interim site serves as the first step in the design process.  The site currently features most of the content from the old site, with some pages are still under construction.  All website content will be uploaded to the interim site over the next few weeks.

The redesign process allows for the City to offer information on programs, services and access to public information in a way that is more streamlined for residents, visitors and businesses logging on to www.cityofmonrovia.org. 

The new, customized design will be incorporated into the site September 2013.  Once completed, it will feature micro-sites for each City Department, a mobile-specific site for those accessing the website on a smartphone or tablet, email subscriptions, an emergency alert ticker, a Google-optimized search engine, social networking integration, rotating banner images, photo album slideshows, and the customized design for branding and marketing.

Aha Consulting, an Oregon-based website firm that specializes in government websites, is hosting the interim site and designing the new website.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Petty Thefts, Delusions, Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 29–31. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 449 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Commercial Burglary / Petty Theft with Prior - Suspect Arrested

On July 29, at 4:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a shoplifter in custody. A male suspect was being detained for stealing over $500 worth of merchandise and using a booster bag. A computer check revealed he had several prior thefts with convictions. The suspect was arrested and charged with burglary and petty theft with a prior.

Mental Evaluation / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

On July 31 at 4:00 p.m., an officer stopped a male in the 100 block of East Lemon, who had been reportedly bothering several store owners by walking in and out of their stores behaving oddly. A computer check revealed the subject had minor warrants out of Los Angeles. While the subject was being booked he was having delusional thoughts and began banging his body against the wall and the bars of the jail. The subject was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.

Residential Burglary

On July 31 at 8:21 p.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of West Foothill regarding a residential burglary. The victim went home after work and noticed someone had been in the home. She was unable to say what was taken. The suspect (s) entered through a front unlocked window. There were no signs of forced entry found.