At its next meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/nm6qZS ) the Monrovia School Board will hear a report on average class size. Summary: Average for K-5 classes is 27.84. For middle school it's 28.45, and for Monrovia High it is 30. Highest elementary class size is the fifth grade class at Monroe, with 35. Details: http://goo.gl/JBk3IQ
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Resistor Records in the News
Monrovia's Resistor Records gets some love from LA Weekly, which calls the little store on Myrtle (west side, just south of Lemon), "Los Angeles County's most lovingly curated record shop." And if you don't know what a "record" is, ask your parents. http://goo.gl/3LjrCh
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at London Gastropub
Dinner at London Gastropub, on the west side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Got the Butter Burger for $10 and a beer for $6. Cheerful place with music. Burger was fine.
- Brad Haugaard
Tom Gulley Withdraws from City Council Race
Monrovia City Council candidate has announced that he has withdrawn from the council race. He writes:
"Just to let you know that I did withdraw my name from the race for City Council. ... I'm sorry for any inconvenience that this might of caused you."
"Just to let you know that I did withdraw my name from the race for City Council. ... I'm sorry for any inconvenience that this might of caused you."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Stripping to Fool Police; Hit and Run - On Foot; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for February 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Grand Theft / No-Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 7:06 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from the front of a business in the 100 block of East Olive. Officers responded to the area and located the suspect riding the bicycle. When the suspect noticed the patrol cars, he immediately rode in the opposite direction. As the suspect was riding, he began taking off his outer garments in an attempt to confuse the officers. One of the officers was able to stop the suspect, but he attempted to flee and tried to hide behind a retaining wall. The suspect would not comply with the officer’s commands until other officers arrived to assist. He was then taken into custody without incident. The suspect also had an outstanding no-bail warrant issued for his arrest, which was added to his charges.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 11:05 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a suspicious male subject riding a bicycle in a park in the 600 block of South Shamrock. When the subject noticed the police vehicle, he rode in the opposite direction, and the officer lost sight of the subject as he went around a corner. The officer searched the area, found the subject and contacted him. As a result of the investigation, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Burglary
February 17 at 6:34 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Olive. The vehicle taken was a black, 4-door, 1995 Toyota Avalon. During the investigation, an officer discovered a vehicle parked in a nearby alley with the driver's side window down and the steering column damaged, with wires exposed. The owner of the vehicle lives in same complex as the victim of the stolen vehicle. The owner was contacted and confirmed his GPS system was stolen from the vehicle. It appears the suspect attempted to steal the vehicle, but couldn’t get the vehicle started. It is unknown if the crimes were committed by the same suspect. The investigation is continuing.
Bicycle Theft
February 17 at 7:19 p.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the 800 block of South Primrose. The victim parked his truck in front of the location and walked into a building. He left his bicycle in the bed of his truck; it was tied down, but not locked. When he returned to his truck about an hour later, the bicycle was gone. The bicycle is described as a black, 16-speed, street bike, with a sticker on the frame with red and white lettering on it. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspects Arrested
February 17 at 7:41 p.m., a vehicle exited the 210 Freeway at Myrtle and Evergreen at a high rate of speed. The vehicle jumped the curb, went up on the sidewalk and hit a gas station sign. The occupants of the vehicle all exited and fled. Police dispatch received numerous calls reporting the location of the suspects. Two of them were pointed out to responding officers by witnesses and were arrested. The driver of the vehicle was not initially located. An area check was being made, when dispatch received calls reporting a male subject running on the freeway, approaching Mountain. An officer responded and detained the suspect at gunpoint until backup arrived. The suspect was determined to be extremely intoxicated, and he admitted to being the driver of the vehicle involved in the hit and run. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Littering – Suspect Arrested
February 18 at 8:37 a.m., a resident reported a suspicious male subject emptying the contents of a bag onto the sidewalk in the area of Melrose and Foothill. The contents of the bag appeared more likely to belong to a female, according to the reporting party. Officers responded and contacted the subject. After investigation, the officer determined the subject had not stolen anything and was in possession of his own property; however, he was in possession of a usable quantity of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe. In addition, the officer observed him walking away from trash he had dumped on the sidewalk prior to making contact with him. He was arrested for drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and for littering.
Assault
February 18 at 3:22 p.m., a gas company employee was parked in his marked vehicle and in uniform, when a resident in the 500 block of East Los Angeles drove up in his vehicle and verbally confronted him about parking in the space on the public street. The resident was very agitated and said the space was his. He proceeded to use verbal obscenities toward the gas company employee and then swerved his vehicle toward him to intimidate him. He then parked his car and walked toward his home, intentionally bumping into the gas company employee as he passed, continuing to berate him verbally. An officer was requested, but the suspect left the location before the officer arrived. As the officers were not able to speak directly to the suspect, the investigation will continue and a verified complaint with the District Attorney’s Office may be filed. The investigation is continuing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Grand Theft / No-Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 7:06 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from the front of a business in the 100 block of East Olive. Officers responded to the area and located the suspect riding the bicycle. When the suspect noticed the patrol cars, he immediately rode in the opposite direction. As the suspect was riding, he began taking off his outer garments in an attempt to confuse the officers. One of the officers was able to stop the suspect, but he attempted to flee and tried to hide behind a retaining wall. The suspect would not comply with the officer’s commands until other officers arrived to assist. He was then taken into custody without incident. The suspect also had an outstanding no-bail warrant issued for his arrest, which was added to his charges.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 16 at 11:05 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a suspicious male subject riding a bicycle in a park in the 600 block of South Shamrock. When the subject noticed the police vehicle, he rode in the opposite direction, and the officer lost sight of the subject as he went around a corner. The officer searched the area, found the subject and contacted him. As a result of the investigation, the subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Burglary
February 17 at 6:34 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Olive. The vehicle taken was a black, 4-door, 1995 Toyota Avalon. During the investigation, an officer discovered a vehicle parked in a nearby alley with the driver's side window down and the steering column damaged, with wires exposed. The owner of the vehicle lives in same complex as the victim of the stolen vehicle. The owner was contacted and confirmed his GPS system was stolen from the vehicle. It appears the suspect attempted to steal the vehicle, but couldn’t get the vehicle started. It is unknown if the crimes were committed by the same suspect. The investigation is continuing.
Bicycle Theft
February 17 at 7:19 p.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the 800 block of South Primrose. The victim parked his truck in front of the location and walked into a building. He left his bicycle in the bed of his truck; it was tied down, but not locked. When he returned to his truck about an hour later, the bicycle was gone. The bicycle is described as a black, 16-speed, street bike, with a sticker on the frame with red and white lettering on it. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspects Arrested
February 17 at 7:41 p.m., a vehicle exited the 210 Freeway at Myrtle and Evergreen at a high rate of speed. The vehicle jumped the curb, went up on the sidewalk and hit a gas station sign. The occupants of the vehicle all exited and fled. Police dispatch received numerous calls reporting the location of the suspects. Two of them were pointed out to responding officers by witnesses and were arrested. The driver of the vehicle was not initially located. An area check was being made, when dispatch received calls reporting a male subject running on the freeway, approaching Mountain. An officer responded and detained the suspect at gunpoint until backup arrived. The suspect was determined to be extremely intoxicated, and he admitted to being the driver of the vehicle involved in the hit and run. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Littering – Suspect Arrested
February 18 at 8:37 a.m., a resident reported a suspicious male subject emptying the contents of a bag onto the sidewalk in the area of Melrose and Foothill. The contents of the bag appeared more likely to belong to a female, according to the reporting party. Officers responded and contacted the subject. After investigation, the officer determined the subject had not stolen anything and was in possession of his own property; however, he was in possession of a usable quantity of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe. In addition, the officer observed him walking away from trash he had dumped on the sidewalk prior to making contact with him. He was arrested for drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and for littering.
Assault
February 18 at 3:22 p.m., a gas company employee was parked in his marked vehicle and in uniform, when a resident in the 500 block of East Los Angeles drove up in his vehicle and verbally confronted him about parking in the space on the public street. The resident was very agitated and said the space was his. He proceeded to use verbal obscenities toward the gas company employee and then swerved his vehicle toward him to intimidate him. He then parked his car and walked toward his home, intentionally bumping into the gas company employee as he passed, continuing to berate him verbally. An officer was requested, but the suspect left the location before the officer arrived. As the officers were not able to speak directly to the suspect, the investigation will continue and a verified complaint with the District Attorney’s Office may be filed. The investigation is continuing.
Pieology Pizza Coming to Monrovia
Gem City Images reports that Pieology, a build it yourself pizza place is going into the location formerly occupied by Daphne's. http://goo.gl/iWFIAC
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Vaccination Discussion in Sierra Madre
On February 26 at 6:30 p.m., Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, is joining health professionals for a community forum on vaccinations. Topics: Who should get the vaccine? How well-vaccinated is your child's school? Concerns about the safety of the vaccine. At the Sierra Madre City Hall, Council Chamber, 232 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Easter Egg Hunt and Fountain to the Falls Race Planned
~ The Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day Event will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m., at Recreation Park. Registration for all egg hunts will begin at 9:45 a.m. Activities include arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, refreshments, wellness activities, demonstrations, toddler activities, teen activities, music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
~ The fifth annual 7-mile out-and-back Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park waterfall will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 7 a.m. First through third place awards will be given for each age category. The race is limited to 325 participants. Advance registration is required. The $35 entry fee includes a participation ribbon and a t-shirt. Registration will only be accepted on-line at www.cityofmonrovia.org [although right now I can't find anywhere to register on the site - Brad]. No late starts or unregistered participants. Registration will be accepted through May 6, or until filled. For more information, contact the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The fifth annual 7-mile out-and-back Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park waterfall will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 7 a.m. First through third place awards will be given for each age category. The race is limited to 325 participants. Advance registration is required. The $35 entry fee includes a participation ribbon and a t-shirt. Registration will only be accepted on-line at www.cityofmonrovia.org [although right now I can't find anywhere to register on the site - Brad]. No late starts or unregistered participants. Registration will be accepted through May 6, or until filled. For more information, contact the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Robotics Team Advances to Regional Competition
The Kings and Queens Robotics Team
Their robot, Sir Lancelot.
Ten students from Monrovia High School and their purple robot “Sir Lancelot” were one of the top teams at the Los Angeles FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Regional Championship Tournament held in Monrovia this past Saturday. Along with seven other teams from across Southern California they qualified to advance to compete with 71 top teams from twelve western states at the West Super-Regional FTC Robotics Championship to be held at the Oakland Convention Center March 27-29. Teams at the West Super-Regional will compete for the chance to go on to the FIRST Robotics World Championship to be held in St. Louis in April.
The “Kings and Queens” team, made up of four seniors, one sophomore and five freshmen, designed and built their own 18 by 18 inch robot from t-slot channel, Plexiglas, and machined aluminum to compete with alliances of robots on a 12 by 12 foot playing field. They stand out not just for their driving skill, design prowess, and their robot’s ability to quickly scoop up baseball-sized whiffle balls and deposit them in four-foot-high goals. Heads turn when they take the field dressed in their signature costumes of purple velvet gold-embroidered renaissance dresses for the girls and fur-trimmed black velvet jerkins with purple capes for the boys. They also spread the word of robotics design as they share their robot adventures with students around Monrovia as well as mentor other middle and elementary school robotics teams.
Engineer and computer programming judges from major regional companies chose the team from among a field of the top 48 FTC robotics teams from throughout Southern California as a "role-model" team for their on-field success, teamwork, inspiration to others, representation of the First Robotics program to their school and community, and embodiment of "Gracious Professionalism," the core value of the FIRST program. They were named as second runner-up for the Inspire Award, the top award given at the tournament. On the playing field the Kings and Queens were outstanding with their alliance finishing second in the tournament overall.
This is the second year in a row that the Kings and Queens team has advanced to the Western Super-Regional Championship. Last season the team went on to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in St. Louis where they finished ranked 100th overall for the season out of nearly 4000 FTC robotics teams worldwide. Monrovia High School Robotics advanced all five of its teams to the Los Angeles Regional Championship, which drew winners from eight qualifier competitions held across Southern California in December and January. This high school FTC after-school program is one of many opportunities supporting STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) in conjunction with Monrovia High’s Math and Science Academy.
The Monrovia High School FTC robotics program seeks tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the cost of sending The Kings and Queens to Sacramento and hopefully on to St. Louis. Donations may be made at the team’s GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/kingsandqueens2015
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council Members Ask for Report on Loss of $927,000 Grant
At tonight's Monrovia City Council meeting council member Tom Adams noted the loss by the city of a grant of $927,000 for fixing up the old train depot (apparently referring to this: http://goo.gl/79oQEF ) and asked for a staff report on the matter. "There may be other money at risk," he said. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz repeated Adams request, asking for a "full, detailed report."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Reader Challenges Monrovia Campaigns to Keep it Civilized
I received a note from MonroviaNow reader Janet Wall lamenting the tone of the current council/mayor race on social media sites, such as Facebook. She asks, "If the tone of the campaign is this hostile this early, how bad will it be as the election date gets closer?"
She challenges candidates to:
Run a civilized and respectful campaign
- Stick to the issues
- Do not engage in personal attacks on your opponent
- Discourage “anonymous” postings on social media as most mean-spirited posts come from anonymous posts
Think of the long term good of the city
- Will mean spirited and untrue comments help the City when the campaign is over?
- Will remarks that are made by candidates, and their supporters, make it impossible for people who supported different candidates to work or volunteer together after the campaign?
- Will the tone of this campaign reflect the values of the City and will it make the citizens of Monrovia proud of its leaders and future leaders?
She says, "Let’s not allow this election to tear the community apart."
COMMENT: I've not seen nasty comments by the candidates themselves, though I have seen some from their supporters. I do allow anonymous postings on MonroviaNow.com and have had some minimal problems as a result. I bleeped one comment and wrote a warning in another instance. I allow anonymous postings because I don't want to put any hurdles in the way of people making their voices heard, and so far it has not gotten out of hand, so at the moment I'll keep it the way it is, but I agree with Janet Wall, please keep it civil.
- Brad Haugaard
She challenges candidates to:
Run a civilized and respectful campaign
- Stick to the issues
- Do not engage in personal attacks on your opponent
- Discourage “anonymous” postings on social media as most mean-spirited posts come from anonymous posts
Think of the long term good of the city
- Will mean spirited and untrue comments help the City when the campaign is over?
- Will remarks that are made by candidates, and their supporters, make it impossible for people who supported different candidates to work or volunteer together after the campaign?
- Will the tone of this campaign reflect the values of the City and will it make the citizens of Monrovia proud of its leaders and future leaders?
She says, "Let’s not allow this election to tear the community apart."
COMMENT: I've not seen nasty comments by the candidates themselves, though I have seen some from their supporters. I do allow anonymous postings on MonroviaNow.com and have had some minimal problems as a result. I bleeped one comment and wrote a warning in another instance. I allow anonymous postings because I don't want to put any hurdles in the way of people making their voices heard, and so far it has not gotten out of hand, so at the moment I'll keep it the way it is, but I agree with Janet Wall, please keep it civil.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Car Wash Crash With Injuries; Drunk Driving; Take Keys from Locker, Steal Car
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for February 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 13 at 3:41 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision involving multiple vehicles and victims at a car wash in the 900 block of East Huntington Drive. The collision involved an adult, male driver of a Toyota Camry who was attempting to exit an express car wash. The driver lost control of his vehicle and collided into four cars that were parked on the property. A 10-year-old boy was standing near the collision scene and was struck by one of the vehicles, knocking him to the ground. The boy sustained a head injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was listed in serious, but stable, condition. The boy’s 3-year-old sister was in a child restraint car seat inside the vehicle. She sustained minor bruising on her face and was also taken to a hospital for treatment. The mother of the two children was vacuuming the vehicle and sustained bruising on her upper body. She did not desire medical treatment at the scene.
During the course of this multi-vehicle collision, a white Toyota Rav-4 was also struck by the driver of the Toyota Camry. An adult woman was drying off this vehicle when it was struck, and she sustained injuries to the right side of her body. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She was listed in stable condition. The driver of the Toyota Camry sustained a minor injury to his nose. His 8-year-old son was in the back seat and complained of pain to his right arm. He was treated at the scene by paramedics. The driver of the Toyota Camry and his 8-year-old son were not taken to the hospital. There was no indication of alcohol or drugs related to this traffic collision.
The 10-year-old boy’s parents were contacted by police later in the week, and they reported that the child is home recovering and is doing well.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 14 at 12:55 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle run a red light in the 500 block of South Myrtle. The investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Injury Traffic Collision
February 14 at 5:22 p.m., an injury hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Magnolia. A witness provided a description of the suspect vehicle as a Grey Volkswagen Jetta with major front end damage. Witnesses said the vehicle had Mexico plates. The suspect vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 15 at 1:55 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the area of Foothill and Primrose for making a right turn on a red against a posted sign. During the contact, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto
February 15 at 1:06 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of South Mountain regarding a vehicle theft that just occurred. The vehicle taken was a silver, 4-door, 2002 BMW. Further investigation revealed that the suspect entered a locker room and cut the victim's lock. He then took the victim’s backpack, which contained the victim’s car keys, from the locker and stole the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
February 13 at 3:41 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision involving multiple vehicles and victims at a car wash in the 900 block of East Huntington Drive. The collision involved an adult, male driver of a Toyota Camry who was attempting to exit an express car wash. The driver lost control of his vehicle and collided into four cars that were parked on the property. A 10-year-old boy was standing near the collision scene and was struck by one of the vehicles, knocking him to the ground. The boy sustained a head injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was listed in serious, but stable, condition. The boy’s 3-year-old sister was in a child restraint car seat inside the vehicle. She sustained minor bruising on her face and was also taken to a hospital for treatment. The mother of the two children was vacuuming the vehicle and sustained bruising on her upper body. She did not desire medical treatment at the scene.
During the course of this multi-vehicle collision, a white Toyota Rav-4 was also struck by the driver of the Toyota Camry. An adult woman was drying off this vehicle when it was struck, and she sustained injuries to the right side of her body. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She was listed in stable condition. The driver of the Toyota Camry sustained a minor injury to his nose. His 8-year-old son was in the back seat and complained of pain to his right arm. He was treated at the scene by paramedics. The driver of the Toyota Camry and his 8-year-old son were not taken to the hospital. There was no indication of alcohol or drugs related to this traffic collision.
The 10-year-old boy’s parents were contacted by police later in the week, and they reported that the child is home recovering and is doing well.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 14 at 12:55 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle run a red light in the 500 block of South Myrtle. The investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Injury Traffic Collision
February 14 at 5:22 p.m., an injury hit and run traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Magnolia. A witness provided a description of the suspect vehicle as a Grey Volkswagen Jetta with major front end damage. Witnesses said the vehicle had Mexico plates. The suspect vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 15 at 1:55 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the area of Foothill and Primrose for making a right turn on a red against a posted sign. During the contact, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto
February 15 at 1:06 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of South Mountain regarding a vehicle theft that just occurred. The vehicle taken was a silver, 4-door, 2002 BMW. Further investigation revealed that the suspect entered a locker room and cut the victim's lock. He then took the victim’s backpack, which contained the victim’s car keys, from the locker and stole the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot. The investigation is continuing.
Opera Animata, 'Resonant Witness,' Youth Discussion Group at St. Luke Church
~ Opera Animata returns on March 20 and 21, from 8 to 10 p.m., with two performances of Orfeo ed Euridice. The staged production with chamber orchestra offers a twist on Gluck's famous setting of the classic Greek myth about love and hell. At St. Luke Church. Tickets at operaanimata.com.
~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Resonant Witness at 7:30 p.m. on March 28. Featuring music by J. S. Bach, Dvorak, Coleridge-Taylor, Hailstork, and Robles, Resonant Witness weaves a musical tapestry of the civil rights movement, the Trail of Tears, the crucifixion and other poignant images in a choral journey from grief, loss and injustice toward hope, healing, and reconciliation. Tickets available here: http://goo.gl/I04h6X . At St. Luke Church. More at sgvccsingers.org.
~ A new Youth on the Way program is launching at St. Luke Episcopal Church as a discussion gathering for people 12 to 18 to "create a safe place where kids can make new friends and talk about what's really going on in their lives and how God fits in." The group meets the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 4 p.m. in the church library.
~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Resonant Witness at 7:30 p.m. on March 28. Featuring music by J. S. Bach, Dvorak, Coleridge-Taylor, Hailstork, and Robles, Resonant Witness weaves a musical tapestry of the civil rights movement, the Trail of Tears, the crucifixion and other poignant images in a choral journey from grief, loss and injustice toward hope, healing, and reconciliation. Tickets available here: http://goo.gl/I04h6X . At St. Luke Church. More at sgvccsingers.org.
~ A new Youth on the Way program is launching at St. Luke Episcopal Church as a discussion gathering for people 12 to 18 to "create a safe place where kids can make new friends and talk about what's really going on in their lives and how God fits in." The group meets the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 4 p.m. in the church library.
Monrovia Candidate Statements
Here are all the Monrovia candidate statements I received before the deadline (midnight last night), in alphabetical order.
Mayor
Leonard Holen
Mary Ann Lutz
Tom Adams
City Council
Becky Shevlin
Chris Ziegler
Clifford DeCosta
Gloria Crudgington
Jordan Kittleson
Robert Parry
Scott Austin
Stephen Grollnek
Tom Gulley (I did not receive a candidate statement from Mr. Gulley).
- Brad Haugaard
Mayor
Leonard Holen
Mary Ann Lutz
Tom Adams
City Council
Becky Shevlin
Chris Ziegler
Clifford DeCosta
Gloria Crudgington
Jordan Kittleson
Robert Parry
Scott Austin
Stephen Grollnek
Tom Gulley (I did not receive a candidate statement from Mr. Gulley).
- Brad Haugaard
Chris Ziegler Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council
As a 20-year Monrovia resident, homeowner and volunteer, I am running for City Council because I care about Monrovia’s future.
My experience as a Navy veteran and former financial services IT professional taught me valuable problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate challenges. I will ask tough questions, prioritize issues and provide the vision to move Monrovia forward, promising to:
- Value your input, serve you honestly, and restore integrity to Monrovia’s business and political processes. Anything less is unacceptable!
- Hold town-hall meetings, building a more effective, connected and informed citizenry.
- Employ experienced resources, crafting smarter policy, building long-term financial prosperity.
- Seek partnerships with higher-levels of government, addressing macro concerns. We must end Clean Water mandate opposition and capitalize on funding sources to build a cleaner, safer, more enjoyable Monrovia.
- Work toward more than just a park for residents in “southern” Monrovia. Our city’s fabric must be re-woven to value and include ALL constituents equally.
My volunteer experience is exceptional (see www.Ziegler4Council.com).
I encourage you to contact me directly and seek-out individuals who know me personally. What I lack in endorsements from current city government, I make up for with broader vision, grass-roots hard work and dedication to a better Monrovia. If you are satisfied with the status quo, then vote for who they support. If you believe Monrovia deserves a new approach, use your voice and vote to insist on change, moving Monrovia into the future: a future where your representatives are honest and direct, where they responsibly administer the important service they are tasked with delivering, and where OUR TAX DOLLARS are not abandoned in Sacramento or Washington for other cities to appropriate.
We are ALL invested in this great city. Let’s work together, making it even better! Humbly, I ask for your vote.
Becky Shevlin Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council
BECKY A. SHEVLIN, INCUMBENT FOR
RE-ELECTION TO THE MONROVIA CITY COUNCIL
It has been an honor to serve Monrovia for the past six years. I pledge to remain connected and informed in working together to meet the needs of all my fellow Monrovians. My commitments include:
Council Representative
- Adopt-A-School; Clifton Middle School
- Community Services Commission Liaison; past Commissioner serving 11 years
- Foothill Transit Executive Board Member
- Mayor Pro Tem (2013/2015)
- Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board
- Southern California Association of Governments and its Community, Economic & Housing Development Committee
- SG Valley Council of Governments Housing Committee VP
- Alternate –
- Foothill Workforce Investment Board
- LA County Sanitation Districts 15/22
- SG Valley Council of Governments
- San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Community
- Friends of the Monrovia Library
- Monrovia Historic Preservation Group
- Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Board Member
- Monrovia Reads Board Member since 2003 and Past President 2008 and 2009
- Monrovia Community Coordinating Council Member 17 Years; serving two terms each in all Executive Board positions; current Calendar Coordinator
- Monrovia Chamber BEACON; Secretary; past Chamber Board Member; President 2007
- Monrovia Guild – Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
- Organize and participate in clean-up events and Make-a-Difference Days
- LA County Commission for Women Commissioner; current President
- Sunday School Teacher ongoing 34 Years
- Supporter of numerous other Community Groups/Organizations
Monrovia Wrestler to State Championships | Rain?
~ Monrovia High wrestler Brianna Dominguez took third place in the CIF Finals and has earned a trip to the State Championships in Visalia in 2 weeks. http://goo.gl/GBEsg7
~ 60% chance of rain next Wednesday. http://goo.gl/qNSzD8
- Brad Haugaard
~ 60% chance of rain next Wednesday. http://goo.gl/qNSzD8
- Brad Haugaard
Leonard Holen Election Statement - Running for Monrovia Mayor
LEONARD HOLEN
Candidate for Mayor of Monrovia
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am running for Mayor of the City of Monrovia because I believe we each have a responsibility to make the world a better place in his or her own way. I am going door to door meeting people and shaking hands.
First, I would like to share with you all a few facts about myself. I was born on a farm in the Midwest and, as a child, moved to a small town. Small town values and common sense were instilled in me by my parents and family. I served in the U. S. Army for eight years and a veteran of the Gulf War. I am married to my wife, Rocio Holen, have one son that is married and has two children who are also residents of Monrovia.
I am an elected Trustee with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2070, and a member in good standing of the American Legion. Each month I volunteer to feed the homeless. My dedication to community service and desire is to do what is best for the City of Monrovia. This has motivated me to run for Mayor.
Some of the programs I would like to institute as Mayor of the City of Monrovia are:
- Institute a women's shelter for Veteran's with Children
- Installation of community pocket parks and gardens
- Collaboration with water district and city to install sustainable landscaping for water conservation
A vote for me, Leonard W. Holen, as Mayor of Monrovia is a vote for our City.
See you in the neighborhood,
Leonard Holen
Gloria Crudgington Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council
Gloria Crudgington
Candidate for City Council
I am running for City Council because I am deeply concerned about the following issues:
· I attended the 2014 City Council Budget Study Sessions (10 sessions over 9 months, not videotaped), the only member of the public that attended regularly. I learned that we have $38 Million in unfunded deferred maintenance and budgeted only $300,000 to fix it. At this rate, it would take 125 years to fix everything, assuming nothing else breaks. In other words, we balance the budget by essentially ignoring the deferred maintenance.
· Despite assurances from City officials that our zoning codes protected us from Arcadia-style McMansions, they don’t. Please visit my website, www.GloriaCrudgington.com, to view the Youtube video that led to the temporary moratorium. I am a 17-year Monrovia Historic Preservation Group Board Member and activist. New construction must be compatible with our neighborhoods. Who you elect will determine the future of our architectural heritage.
· Last year, we were told we didn’t receive a grant to restore our historic train depot. That was untrue. (Visit my website to view another Youtube video, “Monrovia Train Depot Disaster.”) The City lost a $927,000 grant to restore our train depot. According to a note sent to me by Interim City Manager Fran Delach last year, the grant was “neglected,” “the funds had to be returned to the MTA,” and “the employee responsible for the project was terminated by the City.” This would mean the grant loss was not “deliberate” or “thoughtful,” as recently described by the City.
In the past year, these circumstances have turned me, an 11-year Community Services Commissioner, former Citizen of the Year and dedicated volunteer, into a whistle blower. I refer you to my website for my additional credentials, and I ask for your vote.
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