Monrovia Prepares for Flash Flood

Here is where the water will come down, at the top of Highland Place.

City officials held a press conference at the top of a Highland Place lined with K-Rail and with residents piling sandbags along their driveways to outline its preparations for the expected deluge tomorrow, Friday.

Interim City Manager Francis Delach said the heavy rain is expected to start about 3 a.m. tomorrow and may dump six inches of rain on the area within a 24-hour period. He said the barrier you see above is capable of holding back 15,000 cubic yards of debris, or the equivalent of 2,500 dump truck loads.

He said Monrovia is coordinating with other foothill cities and the county, is adding extra firefighters, has prepared police, has put all public works employees on call for tomorrow (if they are not already on duty), is working with volunteers who own businesses with heavy equipment, is opening the Community Center (on Palm across from the Library) as an evacuation center with cots, and has arranged discount rates at the Doubletree and Courtyard Hotels (details: http://goo.gl/oDiQ86 ) for Monrovia residents and their small pets in case they have to evacuate.

Some helpful info: http://goo.gl/oDiQ86

UPDATE: I understand some Monrovians have been getting robo-calls warning of flooding and telling where to get sandbags.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Theft; Burglary; Meth; Lying to a Cop; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 24-26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Petty Theft From an Unlocked Vehicle
February 25 at 1:22 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Norumbega regarding a theft from an unlocked vehicle. The victim parked her car earlier in the evening and the property was returned to the owner. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
February 25 at 5:00 a.m., police responded to a burglary that just occurred in the 900 block of Norumbega. The resident heard a banging noise around his attached garage. He attempted to turn on the lights in the house, but his power had been shut off. He went outside and saw his garage door was open and three subjects wearing all dark clothing ran out of his garage and fled. The resident immediately called 911. Officers arrived and searched for the suspects, but did not locate them. The lock on the garage door had been cut, but appears nothing was taken. The power had been shut off at the outside electrical panel. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 8:13 p.m., a driver called police to report a silver Honda had collided into two vehicles on the 210 Freeway and had exited at Mountain, the driver was possibly DUI. An officer arrived and detained the driver of the silver Honda, who was determined to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence. The California Highway Patrol was notified regarding the collision on the freeway.

Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales – Suspects Arrested
February 26 at 9:49 a.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington felt uneasy when two male subjects that were acting suspiciously entered the store and began to shop around. One of the subjects left the store and stood outside and the other approached the counter. The employee alerted a customer to call police. As officers arrived, both subjects were outside the business and began walking toward a vehicle and were detained. During the investigation, officers learned that the vehicle had been due back to a rental company two days prior. They called the rental company, and the rental company stated that they wanted the vehicle returned and would send an employee. During a search of the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine inside a cigarette box in the vehicle. The suspects were arrested.

Give False Identification to a Peace Officer / Warrant Arrest / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
February 26 at 6:19 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation at Palm and Mayflower. The passenger of the vehicle gave a false name to avoid being arrested for a no-bail warrant, but eventually gave her correct name and was arrested. She was also found to be in possession of a stolen credit card, which was added to her charges. The suspect had her 15-month-old son with her at the time. No family could be located, so the child was taken into protective custody.

Assemblyman Holden Speaking to Monrovia Democrats Tonight

Assemblyman Chris Holden tweets that he will be speaking at the Foothill Community Democrats meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at The Peach Cafe in Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Bills Introduced by Monrovia's State Senator and Assemblyman

Here is a list of bills introduced this year into the State Senate by Senator Carol Liu, and into the State Assembly by Assemblyman Chris Holden, both of whom represent Monrovia.

Bills introduced this year by State Senator Carol Liu (D):

- SB 827 would extend a law governing how LA County sends out notices indicating deeds, quitclaim deeds, or deeds of trust have been recorded. ( http://goo.gl/Y86bpF ) Comment: LA County can't figure out how to do this by itself?

- SB 833 would authorize a program so prisoners may voluntarily stay in the pokey up to another 16 hours after their release time so they can be discharged to a treatment center or during daytime hours. http://goo.gl/EGvfoA

- SB 914 would allow mobility-impaired seniors or dependent adults to have a representative speak for them in small claims court. http://goo.gl/WcrtOi

- SB 977 would make "technical, nonsubstantive changes" changes to law regarding dependency court court for minors. http://goo.gl/jby9ol

- SB 999 would make "technical, nonsubstantive changes" to the CalFresh Employment and Training Program. http://goo.gl/KWQfPD

- SB 1009 would authorize the Secretary of State to decide whether to keep or throw out state records, using "professional archival practices." http://goo.gl/EZhfHh

- SB 1023 would provide assistance for foster children in community colleges. http://goo.gl/33kT1t

- SB 1055 would "provide funding for the expansion and renovation of existing school health centers." http://goo.gl/9IjyLW

- SB 1060. If the state has enough money, this bill would require school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and the state special schools to provide programs of professional growth for teachers, administrators, and paraprofessional educators or other classified employees involved in the direct instruction of pupils. http://goo.gl/d2N17l

- SB 1093. "This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that requires regional centers to provide services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner..." http://goo.gl/2IoIGZ

- SB 1105 would make it easier for students to register to vote. http://goo.gl/xjGi6j

- SB 1123 would require "the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop standards for the implementation of quality programs." ( http://goo.gl/60keLo ) Comment: The state has to TELL the superintendent to develop standards?

- SB 1143 would add requirements for school districts offering independent study: http://goo.gl/2MmfP2


Bills introduced this year by Assemblyman Chris Holden (D):

- AB 1066 would "state the intent of the Legislature to promote infrastructure development." http://goo.gl/fi4gcA

- AB 1239 would make nonsubstantive changes to a law regarding state contracts with "sweatshops." http://goo.gl/pF2VAG

- AB 1451 would make changes to rules governing high school students taking classes at community colleges. http://goo.gl/IouPLu

- AB 1526 would extend to 2018 a wiretapping law that requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Legislature, the Judicial Council, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts regarding these interceptions ( http://goo.gl/5wt9YQ ). Comment: Well ... okay, but just to 2018? How about until, like, uh, forever? What happens in 2018 that makes it okay for law enforcement to start spying on people without oversight?

- AB 1543 would require employers contemplating mass layoffs or relocations to also notify the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development along with the other agencies that must already be notified ( http://goo.gl/pZKvi6 ). Comment: Ya know, if the point of this is to give the state time to try to persuade companies not to move to Texas, wouldn't it be easier just to make the state more business-friendly?

- AB 1551 would prohibit someone from using a licensed engineer's documents without the consent of the licensed engineer. http://goo.gl/0BJB5e

- AB 1557 would add to the board of governors of the California Community Colleges board one voting student member who is a member or former member of the armed forces of the United States ( http://goo.gl/gz2dQo ). Comment: As a former armed forces member, I gotta say this sounds like an utterly unnecessary proposal.

- AB 1566 would increase penalties for stealing kitchen grease. http://goo.gl/EvWlPx

- AB 1586 would require state agencies handing out contracts to give priority to "qualified" applicants "who are receiving or have exhausted entitlement to unemployment insurance benefits, veterans of the Armed Forces or the National Guard, on parole or were formerly convicted of a crime for which time was served in state prison, and residents of a targeted employment area." ( http://goo.gl/6OPxYM ) Comment: I appreciate the desire to help these folks, but doesn't this virtually ensure that the state ends up hiring merely "qualified" applicants when it could be hiring highly qualified applicants?

- AB 1672 would require school districts send truancy information, broken down by gender, ethnicity, etc., to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. http://goo.gl/nlVXtL

- AB 1747 says, "It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to prevent human trafficking and prostitution in massage therapy establishments." http://goo.gl/6tUiQe

- AB 1753. Life is too short to try to untangle this. Something about regional centers and something called "vendorization." http://goo.gl/MrJouu

- AB 1767 would increase penalties for dumping junk in the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. http://goo.gl/b5yN1L

- AB 1912 would promote President Barack Obama in California history books. http://goo.gl/ZcghXf

- AB 1921 would make some records of companies doing business with the state open to public inspection, and would require such companies to maintain these records. http://goo.gl/nRuAtS

-AB 1940 would establish a pilot grant program overseen by the State Department of Education to award grants to cover the costs associated with high schools establishing or expanding its advanced placement curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. http://goo.gl/AIgXco

- AB 1941 would expand the board of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 14 to 16 members. http://goo.gl/Z5PqLZ

- AJR 33 "would urge the United States Department of Defense to include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the Destroyer U.S.S. Frank E. Evans (DD 754) on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial." http://goo.gl/q0IJR1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Agenda | Everlert Launches Forensic Division

~ At its March 3 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/95CFEP ), the Monrovia City Council will recognize Canyon Park Volunteer of the Year Doug Elson and will consider drafting a letter opposing a House of Representatives bill that "would have legislators take a form of a pledge that would potentially restrict their votes on future legislation consistent with the political agenda of an outside national organization. Such efforts undermine the democratic process and representative government, because legislators lose the opportunity to make an informed decision about the specific impacts of legislation." http://goo.gl/EtYe2l

~ Everlert, Inc., of Monrovia, is launching a new Forensic and Security division to represent its line of forensic and security x-ray scanning equipment. http://goo.gl/nB8olj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Easter Egg Hunt; Fountain to Falls Run; Older American Nominee

~ Easter Egg hunt, Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. at Recreation Park.

~ 2014 "Fountain to the Falls" 7 Mile Run/Walk and Health & Fitness Expo, May 10.

~ Nominate an older (over 60) Monrovian for "2014 Older American of the Year Award."

Details on all three: http://goo.gl/Voq00B

- Brad Haugaard

Cafe X20 Replacing Mediterranean Grill

The Mediterranean Grill on Foothill is now gone. It is being replaced by Cafe X20.  Not open yet. I understand it is also Mediterranean-style food.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Flash Flood Watch Below Madison Fire Area: Friday Especially Dangerous; Prepare to Evacuate

Monrovia residents living in the Madison Fire area (north of Hillcrest Blvd between Madison Avenue and Alta Vista Avenue) are advised that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that there are two storms headed toward Monrovia with the potential to deliver heavy rain and dangerous mud flows.

The first storm will begin late Wednesday night from around Midnight to 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning.  This storm is anticipated to be slow moving, with ½” to 1” of rain expected with no thunderstorms.

The second storm is a larger event that may precipitate mudslides.  Heavy rain is expected after 3:00 - 4:00 a.m. Friday morning through Saturday.  This is projected to be a fast moving storm which will likely bring thunderstorms, unstable air masses and heavy downpours.  The heaviest accumulation of rain will come between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. possibly totaling up to 3”-5” rainfall by Saturday afternoon in the foothills.

A NOAA Flash Flood watch will remain in effect from Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, March 1 in all burn areas from Glendora to Monrovia.  Residents can expect ¾” to 1” rainfall per hour periodically during the second storm, well above debris flow model forecasts.  The City strongly advises affected residents to keep informed and be prepared to evacuate if evacuations are ordered.

“This will be the most significant rain event we have seen since the Madison Fire in April 2013,” said Monrovia Fire Chief Chris Donovan.  “Fortunately we have prepared in the event that we have mud or debris flows.  We are asking that all residents living within the burn area stay vigilant by taking actions now to prepare for this storm.  We will continue to update residents.  Monrovia and LA County Public Works personnel will also be on scene to assist in mitigating potentially damaging mud or debris flows.”

Residents are directed to remove vehicles, trash bins, and any other obstructions from the public streets.  Vehicles left in the rights-of-way may be subject to tow. Gravel and sand bags are available at Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Avenue, Monrovia, CA.  Residents may fill gravel bags at 839 Crescent Drive in Monrovia, and at the intersection of Highland Place and Scenic Drive.  Please bring eye protection, gloves, and a shovel to scoop gravel into the bags.  Sand is available at Recreation Park, in the parking lot adjacent to the Skate Park on E. Olive Avenue.

Evacuations are not required at this time, but residents are encouraged to stay updated with Nixle or the City’s website should an evacuation become necessary.  To subscribe to Nixle, text 91016 to 888777 or log on to www.nixle.com to sign up for emergency email and text alerts.

Residents are advised that there will be no trash pickup for neighborhoods impacted by K-Rail on Friday, February 28.  Trash will instead be picked up on Monday, March 3.  Those who need to move cars are asked to park them at the former Albertson’s parking lot on East Huntington Drive.

For residents who do evacuate, discount rates at the Doubletree and Courtyard Hotels for Monrovia residents and their small pets will be offered.  Doubletree has offered $99 room rates to evacuees and will waive the pet fee for pets under 35lbs.  To reserve call: (626)357-1900. Courtyard by Marriott has offered $109 room rates, which includes breakfast, to evacuees (pets allowed on extenuating, case by case basis).  To reserve call: (626)357-5211.  Should mandatory evacuations take place, the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Avenue, will also serve as a shelter.

The Monrovia Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will be activated at Level 1 beginning 6:00 a.m. Friday morning. Residents may call the main City phone line (626) 932-5550 with questions or check the city website at www.cityofmonrovia.org for updates.

Source: City press release

- Brad Haugaard

Video of Monrovia State of City Speech

Video of Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz's State of the City speech has been uploaded, if you'd like to watch it: http://goo.gl/68CuQQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Market Grill in Top 100

Monrovia's Market Grill makes the top 100 restaurants in the United States list, on Yelp.com. Number 75 to be exact. Good restaurant! http://goo.gl/Fl3nFR

- Brad Haugaard

Winning Monrovia Robotics Team Needs Support

Brian Johnson writes:

"The Monrovia High robotics program needs the Community's help! Our team "The Kings And Queens" was the top team out of a field of the best 48 teams in Southern California at the Los Angeles FTC Robotics Regional Tournament on Saturday 2/22 and earned a spot in the Western U.S. FTC Championship Tournament to be held in Sacramento on Mar 20-22.

"The cost to send the Kings And Queens to the Sacramento tournament is over $3000 for the entry fee, travel costs, needed parts for the robot, and materials to build a team display booth. We need your donations and business sponsorships to make this happen. Business owners - for a donation of $500 we will prominently feature your company's logo and information on our honored supporters board in our display area, and for a donation of $1000 we will also place your company logo right on the robot for everyone to see. If you would like to be a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Tom Dobson at MHS at 626-471-2800 x7243. If you want to support the team and don't need a tax receipt, please donate to our "Go Fund Me" campaign at http://www.gofundme.com/75ehc4. The girls have been amazing ambassadors for Monrovia at tournaments throughout Southern California and Nevada demonstrating everything that is good and special about our wonderful little city. Help them continue to represent us to the Western U.S., and hopefully to the World."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Warning: Watch Out for Flash Floods!

City of Monrovia warns residents living in the Madison Fire area (north of Hillcrest between Madison Avenue and Alta Vista Avenue), to watch out for flash floods: http://goo.gl/uDlwsR

- Brad Haugaard

Did You Lose a Tortoise? | Monrovia Librarian

 ~ Jen Havens has this tortoise, found at Mayflower and Foothill, about to go into Foothill traffic. Call or text 673-7978 if you are the owners. UPDATE: Happy ending. The tortoise was reunited with his family.

~ A brief history of a Monrovia librarian: http://goo.gl/0igiS2

- Brad Haugaard

Diamond Bar over Monrovia :-( | 100% Rain

~ Diamond Bar over Monrovia in soccer. http://goo.gl/6cwHg7

~ Wow! Chance of rain Friday is 100%, and 70% on Thursday and Saturday. http://goo.gl/QnmsD9

- Brad Haugaard

Rainstorm Power Safety Tips from Edison

With the approaching rainstorm, Southern California Edison has some tips on power-related safety issues that may occur because of the storm. http://goo.gl/RyTorH

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup

Household hazardous waste and e-waste roundup on Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Myrtle Avenue Park and Ride Lot at the corner of South Myrtle and Pomona Avenue. Details: http://goo.gl/hGA0We

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Renting Krikorian Theater for New Movie

The Monrovia church, Fellowship Monrovia, is renting out the Krikorian Theater for an exclusive showing of the new movie, The Son of God, on Feb. 27. http://goo.gl/lDDHQS

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center: New President is Monrovia Mayor; Honorees

Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, on the board of Foothill Unity Center, has been selected as the new president of the board, according to a Facebook posting by the Center.

Also, at its Fabulous '50s Golden Plate Awards benefit on April 24, Foothill Unity Center will honor ...

- Cynthia Kurtz, president and chief executive officer, San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
- Colleen McEvoy, longtime Center supporter.
- Simplicity Bank
-  Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, Temple Beth David, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Weizmann Day School

Tickets to the event at The Trinity Ballroom in Pasadena are $150 per person. There will be a showing of classic cars, silent and live auctions, and oldies music. Center is seeking sponsorships and items for auctions. For information: www.foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company: Peanut Butter Pretzel Monopoly? | Fundraiser for Reading

~ Does Monrovia-based Trader Joe's have a monopoly on peanut butter pretzels? http://goo.gl/ezQInL

~ Monrovia Reads is having a fundraiser March 13, 6-9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel. Details: http://goo.gl/XzMyFr

- Brad Haugaard

Crutchfield New Monrovia Football Coach? | Holden: Make Obama Prominent in State Textbooks

~ Star-News sports writer Fred Robledo wonders in a Twitter posting, whether "former Duarte coach Wardell Crutchfield be the next head football coach at Monrovia? Rumor is that he's interested."

~ Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill, AB 1912, called the "President Barack Obama Curriculum Act," that a Holden press release says "would be the first step toward acknowledging President Obama's legacy for generations to come." Specifically, the bill "would encourage the State Board of Education to provide academic curriculum on the election of President Obama and its historical impact of overcoming our nation's past and educating children to embrace diversity." The bill: http://goo.gl/b069hw

- Brad Haugaard