~ A special meeting of the Monrovia City Council (agenda: http://goo.gl/vHfPNM ) this Friday at 8 a.m. to discuss the $650,000 in change order expenses for the Station Square project that Mayor Mary Ann Lutz referred to here: http://goo.gl/wCQUzl . Staff is recommending the council authorize the expenses.
~ South Hills over Monrovia in softball. 10-0. :-( http://goo.gl/qwVTn3
~ There will be a day of free family-friendly games including basketball, family Group Ex, swimming and a bean bag toss on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. YMCA program sign-ups, a visit from Stewie the Duck (who will be reading to kids) and community sponsor booths. Santa Anita Family YMCA, 501 South Mountain. 359-9244. http://goo.gl/8bKH8v
- Brad Haugaard
Distraction Burglary in Monrovia
Beware of distraction burglaries. From the Monrovia Bears group on the Nextdoor network:
"Today we were burglarized by being distracted by one man while another ransacked the house. Beware of a man posing to do work on a power pole in your backyard to distract you. Also, they took mainly cash and jewelry but they took my husband's ashes by mistake. The ashes are in a plain black, wooden box (12"x12"x5")."
- Brad Haugaard
"Today we were burglarized by being distracted by one man while another ransacked the house. Beware of a man posing to do work on a power pole in your backyard to distract you. Also, they took mainly cash and jewelry but they took my husband's ashes by mistake. The ashes are in a plain black, wooden box (12"x12"x5")."
- Brad Haugaard
$650,000 in Change Orders for Station Square Never Approved by Monrovia Council
The following letter is from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz:
We were informed by City Staff during the Council meeting last night that approximately $650,000 in change orders for construction work on Station Square was somehow authorized and went forward last year without first getting City Council approval.
All of the changes had been discussed with the Council in general terms and had received the Council's okay, but were never brought back for approval of the actual expenditures. The $650,000 is covered in the project's budget, with another $751,445 remaining in unallocated funds.
That this happened during a time of major staff cutbacks and changes in management is no excuse. The Council will be meeting again Friday in a special session to receive a report from Staff on how this unacceptable oversight occurred.
As this is the last week before the Mayoral and City Council elections, we can expect a good deal of political rhetoric surrounding this situation. Please do not rush to judgment.
I am the Mayor. This happened on my watch, and I accept my share of the responsibility. My opponent Council Member Adams, who has direct oversight responsibility for Public Works, was also surprised by this disclosure. We share both the blame and the responsibility to find out exactly what happened and to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Mayor Mary Ann Lutz
- Brad Haugaard
We were informed by City Staff during the Council meeting last night that approximately $650,000 in change orders for construction work on Station Square was somehow authorized and went forward last year without first getting City Council approval.
All of the changes had been discussed with the Council in general terms and had received the Council's okay, but were never brought back for approval of the actual expenditures. The $650,000 is covered in the project's budget, with another $751,445 remaining in unallocated funds.
That this happened during a time of major staff cutbacks and changes in management is no excuse. The Council will be meeting again Friday in a special session to receive a report from Staff on how this unacceptable oversight occurred.
As this is the last week before the Mayoral and City Council elections, we can expect a good deal of political rhetoric surrounding this situation. Please do not rush to judgment.
I am the Mayor. This happened on my watch, and I accept my share of the responsibility. My opponent Council Member Adams, who has direct oversight responsibility for Public Works, was also surprised by this disclosure. We share both the blame and the responsibility to find out exactly what happened and to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Mayor Mary Ann Lutz
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Turns Off Water to Medians | Library Park Fig Tree Trimmed to Prevent Limb From Collapsing | Newspaper Group Comes to Town | Steve Baker is 'Distinguished'
In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
- last week the city turned off the sprinklers for the medians on Huntington Drive and Highway Esplanade to comply with Governor Jerry Brown's order to restrict water usage. The city is planing to re-landscape those areas in a low-water fashion. The fountain in Library Park uses recirculated water, so, if I'm understanding him, it will not be affected.
- the Morton Bay Fig Tree in Library Park was trimmed last Friday, April 3, to save the large branch that is now being supported by two braces. Large cracks have developed along the main branch. Chi wrote that "there was a real concern from our arborist that the main branch could collapse if the pruning work was not implemented."
- the Los Angeles News Group, which owns the Pasadena Star News, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and other newspaper publications, is moving to Monrovia. It will be leasing 33,000 square feet of office space at 605 East Huntington Drive (northwest corner of Huntington and Shamrock).
- City Treasurer Steve Baker has been selected to receive the Lucky Baldwin Boy Scout District Distinguished Citizen award.
- Brad Haugaard
- last week the city turned off the sprinklers for the medians on Huntington Drive and Highway Esplanade to comply with Governor Jerry Brown's order to restrict water usage. The city is planing to re-landscape those areas in a low-water fashion. The fountain in Library Park uses recirculated water, so, if I'm understanding him, it will not be affected.
- the Morton Bay Fig Tree in Library Park was trimmed last Friday, April 3, to save the large branch that is now being supported by two braces. Large cracks have developed along the main branch. Chi wrote that "there was a real concern from our arborist that the main branch could collapse if the pruning work was not implemented."
- the Los Angeles News Group, which owns the Pasadena Star News, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and other newspaper publications, is moving to Monrovia. It will be leasing 33,000 square feet of office space at 605 East Huntington Drive (northwest corner of Huntington and Shamrock).
- City Treasurer Steve Baker has been selected to receive the Lucky Baldwin Boy Scout District Distinguished Citizen award.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College: Food Trucks and History
~ Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College (Huntington and Myrtle) reports that it is hosting food trucks on the first Thursday of every month, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. http://goo.gl/GUAxiL
~ A bit of history about Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College. http://goo.gl/7a4BQC
- Brad Haugaard
~ A bit of history about Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College. http://goo.gl/7a4BQC
- Brad Haugaard
Bills By Monrovia Assemblyman Approved by Committee
Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has had a couple bills approved in Assembly committees.
- AB 265 would require used car companies to give a 10-day grace period before repossessing the car by using a starter-interruption device. The bill also calls for a final warning 48 hours before using the gadget to shut down the vehicle remotely. It was approved by the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
- AB 288 (College and Career Access Pathways Act) encourages school districts and community colleges to enter into formal agreements so high school students who want to enroll in college courses or career tech classes can more easily do so. It has been unanimously approved in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
- Brad Haugaard
- AB 265 would require used car companies to give a 10-day grace period before repossessing the car by using a starter-interruption device. The bill also calls for a final warning 48 hours before using the gadget to shut down the vehicle remotely. It was approved by the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
- AB 288 (College and Career Access Pathways Act) encourages school districts and community colleges to enter into formal agreements so high school students who want to enroll in college courses or career tech classes can more easily do so. It has been unanimously approved in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Invites Residents to Annual MAP Conference
The City of Monrovia invites you to the 6th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference, Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 West Palm.
MAP is a partnership of residents, agencies and city departments, joining unique skills, knowledge and expertise to make Monrovia a strong and vibrant community. Since 2006, MAP has worked year round to develop and promote programs that enhance public trust, practice effective problem solving and educate residents on the subjects of neighborhood safety and community pride.
This event only comes once a year and it’s not to be missed. Be sure to save your spot by registering early and tell your friends to do the same. At the Conference, participants will enjoy free food, workshops, an information/health fair and small group discussions with other residents, community leaders, city staff and local. This event is free, fun and a great way to be part of Team Monrovia!
Join us to celebrate our community and learn about all the ways we continue to work together for a stronger Monrovia. Register today to save your spot in workshops like:
- Rail Safety
- Sidewalk First Aid/CPR
- Coffee with a Cop
- Stress Relief/Breathing Exercises
- Library Resources 101
- Disaster Preparedness, and much more
To find out more or register for the Conference, visit www.cityofmonrovia.org, call 932-5504 or e-mail map@ci.monrovia.ca.us
While the MAP Neighborhood Conference is being offered free of charge, registration is required. Register online at cityofmonrovia.org or in person at the following locations: Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center or the Monrovia Public Library. For more information, you can also call Neighborhood Services Staff at (626) 932-5504.
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Homes on Monrovia Mothers' Day Old Home Tour
Here are the homes that will be on display for the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's Mothers' Day homes tour: http://goo.gl/pyF9IG
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Five-Time Trespasser | Two Green Lights? | Drunk, Drunk, Drunk | Veggie Fire | Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 2-5. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive on the report of a subject trespassing. This was the fifth encounter involving this same subject causing problems and trespassing at the location. Upon contacting the subject, the officer determined he was, in fact, trespassing and that the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested and held due to the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
Injury Traffic Collision
April 3 at 8:08 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue. The drivers both claimed they had a green light entering the intersection and striking each other. There were no independent witnesses to the collision. At the time of the incident, both drivers stated that they were not injured, but later in the day, one of the drivers returned with her husband and stated she had begun to feel bad after the officer left. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Traffic Collision
April 3 at 9:34 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Huntington and Primrose. The two vehicles collided when the driver on Primrose failed to yield to cross traffic at Huntington. No injuries were reported at the scene. The driver that failed to yield was cited for the collision.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Encinitas on the report of a man down. Upon arrival, the officer determined the person was intoxicated to the point of not being able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Primrose when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and determined he as extremely intoxicated and was not able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:28 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Acacia when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and discovered the person was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The officer arrested the suspect for public intoxication and he was held for sobering.
Medical Assist
April 4 at 12:31 p.m., police responded to the report of a female subject passed out on a trail at Canyon Park, approximately a half mile from the waterfall. The officer arrived and found the woman was conscious and breathing. According to family members, she had grown dizzy and fainted after sitting down. She had no visible injuries. She was taken to a hospital to be checked out.
Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
April 4 at 18:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male and female arguing inside of a vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was located and the occupants were detained. Both subjects were determined to be intoxicated. The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the female subject was arrested for public intoxication. The subjects were held for a sobering period.
Incident Report – Vegetation Fire
April 4 at 11:17 p.m., Monrovia officers were handling a disturbance call at a residence in the 1100 block of Starlit Lane, where approximately 200 teenagers were causing a disturbance at the location. During this call, a small vegetation fire began on a property in the 300 block of Elfwood. One of the officers immediately contained the fire by using fire extinguishers until Fire Department personnel arrived and put the fire out completely. There was no structure or property damage reported, and no one was injured as a result of the fire. A blue truck with a camper shell was seen leaving the area at about the same time the fire was discovered, but the vehicle was not located.
Commercial Burglary
April 5 at 7:13 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Employees arrived for work and discovered the front window of the business had been smashed. A search of the business revealed the building had been ransacked, but no items were found to be missing. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington Drive on the report of a subject trespassing. This was the fifth encounter involving this same subject causing problems and trespassing at the location. Upon contacting the subject, the officer determined he was, in fact, trespassing and that the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested and held due to the likelihood of reoccurrence, pending his court appearance.
Injury Traffic Collision
April 3 at 8:08 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte Road and Fifth Avenue. The drivers both claimed they had a green light entering the intersection and striking each other. There were no independent witnesses to the collision. At the time of the incident, both drivers stated that they were not injured, but later in the day, one of the drivers returned with her husband and stated she had begun to feel bad after the officer left. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Traffic Collision
April 3 at 9:34 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Huntington and Primrose. The two vehicles collided when the driver on Primrose failed to yield to cross traffic at Huntington. No injuries were reported at the scene. The driver that failed to yield was cited for the collision.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 3 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Encinitas on the report of a man down. Upon arrival, the officer determined the person was intoxicated to the point of not being able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Primrose when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and determined he as extremely intoxicated and was not able to care for his own safety. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 4 at 1:28 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Acacia when he observed a subject stumbling. The officer contacted the subject and discovered the person was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The officer arrested the suspect for public intoxication and he was held for sobering.
Medical Assist
April 4 at 12:31 p.m., police responded to the report of a female subject passed out on a trail at Canyon Park, approximately a half mile from the waterfall. The officer arrived and found the woman was conscious and breathing. According to family members, she had grown dizzy and fainted after sitting down. She had no visible injuries. She was taken to a hospital to be checked out.
Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
April 4 at 18:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of South Myrtle on the report of a male and female arguing inside of a vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was located and the occupants were detained. Both subjects were determined to be intoxicated. The male driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the female subject was arrested for public intoxication. The subjects were held for a sobering period.
Incident Report – Vegetation Fire
April 4 at 11:17 p.m., Monrovia officers were handling a disturbance call at a residence in the 1100 block of Starlit Lane, where approximately 200 teenagers were causing a disturbance at the location. During this call, a small vegetation fire began on a property in the 300 block of Elfwood. One of the officers immediately contained the fire by using fire extinguishers until Fire Department personnel arrived and put the fire out completely. There was no structure or property damage reported, and no one was injured as a result of the fire. A blue truck with a camper shell was seen leaving the area at about the same time the fire was discovered, but the vehicle was not located.
Commercial Burglary
April 5 at 7:13 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Employees arrived for work and discovered the front window of the business had been smashed. A search of the business revealed the building had been ransacked, but no items were found to be missing. The investigation is continuing.
Inside/Out Exhibit at Monrovia's Saga Fine Art
The exhibit, "Inside / Out," plein air and studio landscapes, will open April 7 at Saga Fine Art, on Lime just south of Library Park. Artist reception 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Trader Joe's Again Listed as a Top Supermarket
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's again snags top spot in best-ranked supermarkets. http://goo.gl/ezXDIC
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Candidate Austin Way Ahead in Fundraising | Music Scholarship
~ Star-News reports that Monrovia City Council candidate Scott Austin "has raised nearly as much money as the other seven candidates combined". http://goo.gl/brDjMO
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will award the $250 third annual Alexander Ruggieri Memorial Music Scholarship this spring to a college undergraduate music student who lives in and/or attends school in Southern California (including high school seniors if they intend to enter college this fall). Applications will be accepted through April 24. For an application, contact the Ruggieri Scholarship Committee at ruggierischolarship@gmail.com or 626-579-2433.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will award the $250 third annual Alexander Ruggieri Memorial Music Scholarship this spring to a college undergraduate music student who lives in and/or attends school in Southern California (including high school seniors if they intend to enter college this fall). Applications will be accepted through April 24. For an application, contact the Ruggieri Scholarship Committee at ruggierischolarship@gmail.com or 626-579-2433.
- Brad Haugaard
Happy Easter, Monrovia | 100% Chance of Rain Tuesday
~ Happy Easter, Monrovia! He has risen!
~ 100% chance of rain on Tuesday. 10% Monday. http://goo.gl/c9h2ZR
- Brad Haugaard
~ 100% chance of rain on Tuesday. 10% Monday. http://goo.gl/c9h2ZR
- Brad Haugaard
Commenting on MonroviaNow Will Be Moderated Through Election
I'm a bit bothered by unsubstantiated and anonymous accusations against a couple candidates that keep appearing here, so I feel I now have to approve every comment that is posted. I'll be as lenient as I can. I had it open so anyone could post, including anonymously, because I wanted to encourage conversation, but I guess that I'll need to require approvals until the election is over. Expect a bit of delay before your comments show up. Sorry about that.
- Brad Haugaard
Tried Rita's Ice Custard Happiness
Tried Rita's Ice Custard Happiness in the Sprouts shopping center on Huntington. Got a Gelati for $4.19 (with tax). It is three layers in a cup. Frozen custard, ice, and custard on top. Different but good.
- Brad Haugaard
Papa Murphy's Pizza Coming to Monrovia
Papa Murphy's Pizza coming soon to Monrovia. In the Sprouts shopping center on Huntington.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mayoral Candidate Offers $1,000 to Person Who Can Prove He Voted Against Gold Line
Tom Adams, who is running for Monrovia mayor, has offered $1,000 in a Facebook posting to the first person who can show from city council minutes where he voted against the Gold Line. Adams challenged Mayor Mary Ann Lutz' assertion in a campaign mailer that he voted against the Gold Line.
Comment: My suspicion is that Lutz is referring to Adams' opposition to selling the property next to Home Depot to the Gold Line for a train maintenance yard. At the time, if I recall correctly, he argued that the yard could stay in LA where it had been and that the sale of that property to a governmental agency would take that property off the tax roles. But I'm guessing and I would welcome clarification from the Lutz campaign.
- Brad Haugaard
Comment: My suspicion is that Lutz is referring to Adams' opposition to selling the property next to Home Depot to the Gold Line for a train maintenance yard. At the time, if I recall correctly, he argued that the yard could stay in LA where it had been and that the sale of that property to a governmental agency would take that property off the tax roles. But I'm guessing and I would welcome clarification from the Lutz campaign.
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: How About an Award For Best Low-Water Landscaping?
Governor Brown's emergency drought orders ( http://goo.gl/5m4Lgv ) reminded me of a suggestion I made some time ago that Monrovia ought to give out awards for the best low-water landscaping. I still think it is a good idea. After all, we give out awards for the best decorated homes for Halloween and Christmas. Same concept.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Oppose Change in Municipal Bond Law; Historic Preservation
At its April 7 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/ovKFQo ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ sending a letter to federal officials objecting to a reduction in the amount of interest on municipal bonds that is tax deductible. The report says that, "included in President Obama's FY 2016 budget request is a proposal to cap the tax-exempt municipal deduction at 28 percent. Had this 28 percent cap been in place over the last decade, it would have cost state and local governments an additional $173 billion in interest payments." http://goo.gl/RWyZib
~ applying to be part of the Certified Local Government Program, "a national program designed to encourage the direct participation of a local government in the identification, registration, and preservation of historic properties located within the jurisdiction of the local government." http://goo.gl/i9dyfV
- Brad Haugaard
~ sending a letter to federal officials objecting to a reduction in the amount of interest on municipal bonds that is tax deductible. The report says that, "included in President Obama's FY 2016 budget request is a proposal to cap the tax-exempt municipal deduction at 28 percent. Had this 28 percent cap been in place over the last decade, it would have cost state and local governments an additional $173 billion in interest payments." http://goo.gl/RWyZib
~ applying to be part of the Certified Local Government Program, "a national program designed to encourage the direct participation of a local government in the identification, registration, and preservation of historic properties located within the jurisdiction of the local government." http://goo.gl/i9dyfV
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Cafe X2O
Dinner recently at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill a couple blocks west of Magnolia. Got a chicken kebab ($10) and a beer ($5). It was fine.
- Brad Haugaard
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