Get your poetry stamped into a Monrovia sidewalk.
As part of Monrovia Renewal, the city will stamp Monrovia resident's original poems into newly poured sections of sidewalk. The contest is open to all residents of Monrovia. Your poem could appear anywhere around the city.
Which poems will be selected will be determined by a contest which ends December 31, 2017. For more information, a contest application, and a poem I hope does not win the contest, click here: https://goo.gl/fRMnHz
- Brad Haugaard
Stores Within a Store for Small Business Saturday
Smitten on Paper, at 114 E Lemon, will host about 15 vendors in its store - selling a variety of items, from jewelry, stationery, and apparel to coffee and baked goods - on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Small Business Saturday.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Two Pedestrians Hit By Cars in Separate Incidents; Did Fire Mask Auto Theft? Check Stolen From Monrovia Post Office, Cashed; Theft; Drugs; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 13-15. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 8:32 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding the report of a traffic collision. A driver was traveling westbound on Huntington when she was sideswiped by another vehicle that continued westbound and never stopped. The driver of the hit and run vehicle was reportedly swerving all over the roadway, striking the center divider several times. The suspect driver was eventually located in Arcadia. He was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and the hit and run traffic collision.
Burglary / Theft From a Vehicle – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 9:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding the report a burglary. An unknown suspect stole items from an unlocked storage space located in the carport of the complex. Items were also stolen from the bed of a truck, which was parked in the carport. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 13 at 10:25 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Los Angeles regarding an alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers saw the two doors on the west side of the residence were kicked open. The master bedroom had been ransacked, but it is unknown what was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 11:14 a.m., police received a call reporting a possible domestic dispute in the area of Foothill and Garfield. The male subject fled from the location in a vehicle and the female fled on foot. Officers located the male subject in the 700 block of Mountain View and the female was located by Arcadia police officers at Colorado and Fifth. The female was uncooperative and would not provide any information. The male subject had a visible injury to his face and was treated at the scene by the Monrovia Fire Department paramedics, and he refused prosecution. The male subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the drug charges.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:11 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. Two suspects stole electronics and fled the store without paying. Both suspects were apprehended and arrested. The property was recovered and returned to the business.
Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 13 at 3:35 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. A pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle turned onto Mountain from a parking lot and struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The pedestrian complained of pain on both sides of her body and had an abrasion on her right elbow. She was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.
Vehicle Burglary
November 14 at 9:28 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. The suspects entered the victim's open garage and went into the victim's unlocked vehicle. The suspects stole the victim's wallet and laptop from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud Incident
November 14 at 9:57 a.m., a victim came into the police lobby to report a fraud incident. On October 6, the victim dropped off a check written to Southern California Edison at the post office in the drive-through mailbox. The victim later received a notice from her bank advising her that she had insufficient funds in her account. Upon checking her bank account, the victim realized the check she had made out to Southern California Edison was cashed for a much larger amount than she had written on the check. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 3:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect entered the business, selected items, and walked to the return desk. He used a fraudulent receipt in an attempt to return the selected items. The suspect then fled, but was apprehended by officers nearby in Duarte. The suspect was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collison
November 14 at 4:11 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Magnolia. The driver of a vehicle was turning onto Magnolia from Colorado, when he struck a pedestrian walking in the crosswalk. The pedestrian complained of pain to his left jaw and left knee. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Grand Theft Auto
November 15 at 3:24 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 900 block of S. Magnolia. The victim dropped off his vehicle at the business in October. The business was destroyed in a structure fire. The victim was informed by the detective handling the case that his vehicle was not at the scene when the fire took place. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 11:50 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 of E. Lemon when he contacted a subject in a park after closing hours. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and received a citation for being in the park after hours.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 2:43 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of W. Huntington when he observed a suspicious subject on a bicycle with his face covered. The officer contacted the subject and identified him. The subject was found to be in possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 3:41 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a theft in progress in the 100 block of N. Mayflower. Officers responded and detained an adult, female suspect. The investigation revealed the victim met the suspect and brought the suspect to his brother's home. The suspect went into a room, took jewelry and attempted to leave the location. She was detained by the victim until officers arrived. The stolen property was recovered and the suspect was arrested. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 8:32 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding the report of a traffic collision. A driver was traveling westbound on Huntington when she was sideswiped by another vehicle that continued westbound and never stopped. The driver of the hit and run vehicle was reportedly swerving all over the roadway, striking the center divider several times. The suspect driver was eventually located in Arcadia. He was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and the hit and run traffic collision.
Burglary / Theft From a Vehicle – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 9:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding the report a burglary. An unknown suspect stole items from an unlocked storage space located in the carport of the complex. Items were also stolen from the bed of a truck, which was parked in the carport. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 13 at 10:25 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Los Angeles regarding an alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers saw the two doors on the west side of the residence were kicked open. The master bedroom had been ransacked, but it is unknown what was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 11:14 a.m., police received a call reporting a possible domestic dispute in the area of Foothill and Garfield. The male subject fled from the location in a vehicle and the female fled on foot. Officers located the male subject in the 700 block of Mountain View and the female was located by Arcadia police officers at Colorado and Fifth. The female was uncooperative and would not provide any information. The male subject had a visible injury to his face and was treated at the scene by the Monrovia Fire Department paramedics, and he refused prosecution. The male subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released on a citation to appear in court on the drug charges.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:11 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. Two suspects stole electronics and fled the store without paying. Both suspects were apprehended and arrested. The property was recovered and returned to the business.
Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 13 at 3:35 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. A pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle turned onto Mountain from a parking lot and struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The pedestrian complained of pain on both sides of her body and had an abrasion on her right elbow. She was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.
Vehicle Burglary
November 14 at 9:28 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. The suspects entered the victim's open garage and went into the victim's unlocked vehicle. The suspects stole the victim's wallet and laptop from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud Incident
November 14 at 9:57 a.m., a victim came into the police lobby to report a fraud incident. On October 6, the victim dropped off a check written to Southern California Edison at the post office in the drive-through mailbox. The victim later received a notice from her bank advising her that she had insufficient funds in her account. Upon checking her bank account, the victim realized the check she had made out to Southern California Edison was cashed for a much larger amount than she had written on the check. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 3:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect entered the business, selected items, and walked to the return desk. He used a fraudulent receipt in an attempt to return the selected items. The suspect then fled, but was apprehended by officers nearby in Duarte. The suspect was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collison
November 14 at 4:11 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the area of Colorado and Magnolia. The driver of a vehicle was turning onto Magnolia from Colorado, when he struck a pedestrian walking in the crosswalk. The pedestrian complained of pain to his left jaw and left knee. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Grand Theft Auto
November 15 at 3:24 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 900 block of S. Magnolia. The victim dropped off his vehicle at the business in October. The business was destroyed in a structure fire. The victim was informed by the detective handling the case that his vehicle was not at the scene when the fire took place. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 11:50 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 of E. Lemon when he contacted a subject in a park after closing hours. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and received a citation for being in the park after hours.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 2:43 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of W. Huntington when he observed a suspicious subject on a bicycle with his face covered. The officer contacted the subject and identified him. The subject was found to be in possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 3:41 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a theft in progress in the 100 block of N. Mayflower. Officers responded and detained an adult, female suspect. The investigation revealed the victim met the suspect and brought the suspect to his brother's home. The suspect went into a room, took jewelry and attempted to leave the location. She was detained by the victim until officers arrived. The stolen property was recovered and the suspect was arrested. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's Recalls Yogurt Dip, Tahini Sauce
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling Trader Joe's Cilantro & Chive Yogurt Dip (SKU# 78720) and Trader Joe's Tahini Sauce (SKU# 78723) because of potential listeria contamination. https://goo.gl/wY6hy9
- Brad Haugaard
Fundraiser for Foothill Unity Center
Foothill Unity Center's fundraising Holiday Salon Concert will feature performances by Dr. Adam R. Kendall, Dr. Samuel W. Chung and other local artists. Dr. Kendall (and his little white dog) regularly perform at the Monrovia Farmer's Market. Dr. Chung, a medical oncologist, is also a violinist, While studying Biology at Riverside, he was concertmaster of the University Orchestra for all four years, and was the featured soloist with the Orchestra on three occasions, performing the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, the Carmen Fantasy by Pablo de Sarasate, and the Mendelssohn Violin concerto. The concert is at the Santa Anita Park Chandelier Room (285 West Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Free Parking through Gate 5) on Wednesday, Dec. 6 5:30 to 7 p.m., with the concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 individual or $130 per couple. Purchase tickets here: https://goo.gl/XqB7p6
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Is Monrovia's Unfunded Retirement Liability $112 Million ... Or $305 Million?
I was contacted recently by George Schirtzinger, President of Monrovia's Air Logistics Corp., and a former auditor of government agencies for the international auditing firm, Deloitte, who is concerned that even if Monrovia passes a bond to cover the $112 million shortfall in its retirement liabilities, that won't be enough - by far. His argument is that even with CalPERS (the state organization which runs most government retirement programs in the California) reducing the estimate (by fiscal year 2020-21) of what it can earn to 7 percent, that is still unrealistically high. He thinks a return of about 4 percent is more reasonable. But, he says, if CalPERS can only earn 4 percent, that means Monrovia's real unfunded retirement liability would be $305 million, rather than $112 million. (Some background: https://goo.gl/Hvp1se)
I asked City Manager Oliver Chi to comment on this assertion. As I understand his response, it is that the city expects that 7 percent probably is a bit of a high estimate but that CalPERS is expected to further lower its estimate of what it can earn to about 6 percent, which Monrovia believes is realistic.
But that's my understanding. Here is Chi's response in full (the bold face type is his):
The matter of public pensions / unfunded pension liabilities is certainly a politically charged topic with individuals and groups on both sides of the debate. In very broad generalities, there are some who believe that public pensions are too generous and that pension benefits need to be reduced, while others maintain that there is no problem with the existing pension system as it stands. Both sides engaged in the issue have published their own studies to further articulate and illustrate their point, and the 4% rate of return that Mr. Schirtzinger cites is relatively consistent with studies published by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy, which is now utilizing a 3.250% rate of return to calculate pension related liabilities on a market basis. Additionally, there are other entities that have published studies which assert that CalPERS can and will earn a higher rate of return than that identified on a market basis, and that the actuarial calculation of projected future pension costs is the appropriate way to outline future liabilities.
With all of that being said, the fact remains that under the current system, CalPERS pension costs and future pension liabilities are calculated based on an actuarial basis. And one of the primary drivers of projected pension liabilities is the assumed discount rate, or rate of investment return, included in the analysis. Over the years, CalPERS has very appropriately been reducing their assumed rate of return, and the discount rate reductions have included the following:
Moving ahead, based on conversations I’ve had with individuals involved in the CalPERS policy making process, it seems that CalPERS will in the next few years further reduce their assumed rate of return to somewhere around 6.0%, which I believe is a realistic and appropriate decision. Also for your reference, the actual audited financials for CalPERS illustrate that their actual earned investment rate or return (as of June 30, 2016) during the past several years is as follows:
- CalPERS actual audited investment return performance through June 30, 2016, has been:
As we have analyzed all of these associated factors here at the City, we continue to believe that our overall CalPERS Response (CPR) Plan makes sense and is a responsible way of addressing the City’s future unfunded pension liability. Currently, our actuarially determined unfunded liability and other pension liabilities total around $112.4 million. And the cost for servicing that debt load is scheduled to increase from its current level of $6.1 million / year to $11 million / year in FY 2025/26. Additionally, the cost for paying down those pension liabilities will be assessed a roughly 7% interest rate factor.
By refinancing all of our existing unfunded pension liabilities in the current market rate environment, we reduce our annual payments by $4.3 million / year and save the City $43.2 million during the course of the next 30 year period. This is primarily due to the fact that current market rates indicate the possibility for us to refinance our debt load at an interest rate of around 4% - 4.5%, and over a 30 year borrowing term, so long a CalPERS can earn an investment return greater than our borrowing costs, the refinancing will work in the City’s favor.
Additionally, once we do refinance all of our pension liabilities, the City’s overall CalPERS pension account will effectively be 100% fully funded. The City recognizes that as we move ahead, it is likely that CalPERS will, at some point, accrue new pension liabilities due to future investment return losses and actuarial assumption adjustments. While the chances of growing a large future pension liability will decrease as CalPERS reduces its assumed investment rate of return, realistically, future liabilities will almost certainly accrue.
In an effort to resolve that particular issue, the City has also established a UAL Funding Policy, which draws on lessons from the best performing public pension funds in the world. In particular, the New York pension fund – which offers pension benefits similar to those in California – is currently 95% funded. The way they have achieved this high funding level is by aggressively paying down any new unfunded liabilities that develop. Our adopted UAL Funding Policy in Monrovia draws upon that experience and requires that the City explicitly disclose on an annual basis any increase / decrease in pension liabilities. Further, the policy requires that the City develop a payoff plan for any new accrued pension liabilities that develop annually.
The refinancing of our pension debt and our UAL Funding Policy – combined with our employees agreeing to shoulder a larger portion of our pension costs, a modest increase in our Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate, and establishing new Community Facility Districts on new development to pay for increased service delivery expenses – puts Monrovia on a solid financial footing moving forward into the future.
However, as we discussed at our City Council meeting last Tuesday, November 7, 2017, the scale and impact of the pending CalPERS unfunded pension liability cost increases will require a wholesale reassessment of how government works in California. The costs are not sustainable, which is why Monrovia acted to address the issues now through adoption of our overall CPR Plan. However, as the financial markets change and private financing interest rates increase, other agencies who are not proactively working to manage the situation now will be forced to consider significant cuts in services or the establishment of additional revenues to fund burgeoning pension debt costs.
- Brad Haugaard
I asked City Manager Oliver Chi to comment on this assertion. As I understand his response, it is that the city expects that 7 percent probably is a bit of a high estimate but that CalPERS is expected to further lower its estimate of what it can earn to about 6 percent, which Monrovia believes is realistic.
But that's my understanding. Here is Chi's response in full (the bold face type is his):
The matter of public pensions / unfunded pension liabilities is certainly a politically charged topic with individuals and groups on both sides of the debate. In very broad generalities, there are some who believe that public pensions are too generous and that pension benefits need to be reduced, while others maintain that there is no problem with the existing pension system as it stands. Both sides engaged in the issue have published their own studies to further articulate and illustrate their point, and the 4% rate of return that Mr. Schirtzinger cites is relatively consistent with studies published by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy, which is now utilizing a 3.250% rate of return to calculate pension related liabilities on a market basis. Additionally, there are other entities that have published studies which assert that CalPERS can and will earn a higher rate of return than that identified on a market basis, and that the actuarial calculation of projected future pension costs is the appropriate way to outline future liabilities.
With all of that being said, the fact remains that under the current system, CalPERS pension costs and future pension liabilities are calculated based on an actuarial basis. And one of the primary drivers of projected pension liabilities is the assumed discount rate, or rate of investment return, included in the analysis. Over the years, CalPERS has very appropriately been reducing their assumed rate of return, and the discount rate reductions have included the following:
- 2004 – reduced assumed rate of return from 8.25% down to 7.75%
- 2012 – reduced assumed rate of return from 7.75% down to 7.5%
- 2016 – reduced assumed rate of return from 7.5% down to 7.0%
Moving ahead, based on conversations I’ve had with individuals involved in the CalPERS policy making process, it seems that CalPERS will in the next few years further reduce their assumed rate of return to somewhere around 6.0%, which I believe is a realistic and appropriate decision. Also for your reference, the actual audited financials for CalPERS illustrate that their actual earned investment rate or return (as of June 30, 2016) during the past several years is as follows:
- CalPERS actual audited investment return performance through June 30, 2016, has been:
- Last 3 years – 6.9%
- Last 5 years – 6.8%
- Last 10 years – 5.1%
- Last 20 years – 7.0%
- Since inception (1988) – 8.3%
As we have analyzed all of these associated factors here at the City, we continue to believe that our overall CalPERS Response (CPR) Plan makes sense and is a responsible way of addressing the City’s future unfunded pension liability. Currently, our actuarially determined unfunded liability and other pension liabilities total around $112.4 million. And the cost for servicing that debt load is scheduled to increase from its current level of $6.1 million / year to $11 million / year in FY 2025/26. Additionally, the cost for paying down those pension liabilities will be assessed a roughly 7% interest rate factor.
By refinancing all of our existing unfunded pension liabilities in the current market rate environment, we reduce our annual payments by $4.3 million / year and save the City $43.2 million during the course of the next 30 year period. This is primarily due to the fact that current market rates indicate the possibility for us to refinance our debt load at an interest rate of around 4% - 4.5%, and over a 30 year borrowing term, so long a CalPERS can earn an investment return greater than our borrowing costs, the refinancing will work in the City’s favor.
Additionally, once we do refinance all of our pension liabilities, the City’s overall CalPERS pension account will effectively be 100% fully funded. The City recognizes that as we move ahead, it is likely that CalPERS will, at some point, accrue new pension liabilities due to future investment return losses and actuarial assumption adjustments. While the chances of growing a large future pension liability will decrease as CalPERS reduces its assumed investment rate of return, realistically, future liabilities will almost certainly accrue.
In an effort to resolve that particular issue, the City has also established a UAL Funding Policy, which draws on lessons from the best performing public pension funds in the world. In particular, the New York pension fund – which offers pension benefits similar to those in California – is currently 95% funded. The way they have achieved this high funding level is by aggressively paying down any new unfunded liabilities that develop. Our adopted UAL Funding Policy in Monrovia draws upon that experience and requires that the City explicitly disclose on an annual basis any increase / decrease in pension liabilities. Further, the policy requires that the City develop a payoff plan for any new accrued pension liabilities that develop annually.
The refinancing of our pension debt and our UAL Funding Policy – combined with our employees agreeing to shoulder a larger portion of our pension costs, a modest increase in our Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate, and establishing new Community Facility Districts on new development to pay for increased service delivery expenses – puts Monrovia on a solid financial footing moving forward into the future.
However, as we discussed at our City Council meeting last Tuesday, November 7, 2017, the scale and impact of the pending CalPERS unfunded pension liability cost increases will require a wholesale reassessment of how government works in California. The costs are not sustainable, which is why Monrovia acted to address the issues now through adoption of our overall CPR Plan. However, as the financial markets change and private financing interest rates increase, other agencies who are not proactively working to manage the situation now will be forced to consider significant cuts in services or the establishment of additional revenues to fund burgeoning pension debt costs.
- Brad Haugaard
How to Learn About (and Protest, if You Want) New Water Rates; Park Improvements; Why City Staff May Be Fuzzy; Train Station Almost Done; Etc.
Julian Fisher Park renovations nearing completion.
In his weekly update (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ If you want to have your say regarding increasing water rates (cost for water is expected to increase around $37 a month by 2021-22 above what the typical residential customer pays today) the city has set up a series of 7 p.m. public meetings at the library's Community Room on Thursday, Nov. 30; Wednesday, Dec. 13; Saturday, Dec. 16; Monday, Dec. 18; Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018.
~ "[D]uring the week of Nov. 20, staff will be mailing public hearing notices to all affected customers detailing the proposed rate adjustment and the reasons behind the rate increases. These notices will include a protest ballot that can be returned to the City to protest the rate adjustment. If a majority (50% + 1) of affected customers protest the proposed rate adjustments, then the City Council will not be able to adopt the new rates. If a majority protest does not occur, then the City Council can adopt the new rates after the public hearing on Jan. 16, 2018." If adopted the new costs would become effective as of March 8, 2018. the Historic Santa Fe Depot, which is planned to be utilized as a café / restaurant once it is fully restored. Should be done by the end of the year.
~ Major renovations at Julian Fisher Park are almost done. Most recently completed was the sports coating on the new basketball courts, as shown above. The remaining tasks, which should be completed over the next two months, include: Gazebo improvements, landscaping, an "interpretive sign."
~ The old Santa Fe Depot, which is being set up as a restaurant space, should be fully restored by the end of the year.
~ All City staff who participate in the "No Shave November" cancer awareness event by paying $20 (all of which will be donated to charity) may forgo shaving during the entire month of November. The event is to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. As part of the event there will be an exotic car show held on Dec. 2, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Library Park.
~ Kids can build a planter with California wildflowers at the Nature Center at Monrovia Canyon Park between 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. For more information, call Monrovia Canyon Park at 256-8282.
~ Help Monrovia Fire Department with its "Fill the Boot" fundraising campaign on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the corner of Mayflower Avenue and Huntington Drive. Funds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and usually the event raises between $3,000 - $5,000.
~ Join Monrovia Fire & Rescue for its Spark of Love Toy Drive on Nov. 24 and 25. Stuff the Monrovia Fire Engine with toys in front of the Studio Movie Grill (formerly the Krikorian Theater) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions, contact Monrovia Fire & Rescue at 256-8181.
~ The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, beginning with the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Library Park, at 6 p.m., and then the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm. If you're interested in submitting an entry to the Parade, please return the application to the Monrovia Community Center by Wednesday, Nov. 22. For questions, contact Lisa Hansberger at 256-8246, or at lhansberger@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Police Follow a Trail of Transmission Fluid; Driver Hits Pedestrian; Vehicle Thefts; Wanted Suspects Call Attention to Themselves
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 9-12. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 6:33 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of S. Peck Road. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence in the evening. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found it was missing. The vehicle is a white, Chevrolet Express van. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
November 9 at 6:38 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill. A suspect threw a rock at the glass door of the business, causing it to shatter. There were metal bars on the door that prevented the suspect from entering the business. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Burglary
November 9 at 12:17 p.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A suspect threw a rock at the front door, which is Plexiglas, causing it to scratch. The suspect then attempted to push the door open, but was unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 3:26 p.m., an officer responded to the report of an attempted grand theft auto at a business parking lot in the 3300 block of Peck Road. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot for approximately one hour. When she returned to her vehicle, she found the steering column was damaged and she could not put the vehicle in drive. The vehicle had to be towed. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 9:26 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Colorado and Magnolia for vehicle code violations. A computer check on the driver revealed he was unlicensed and had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. His vehicle was stored.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 10 at 2:37 a.m., a resident from the 100 block of Madison called police to report a vehicle that drove up onto his lawn and over a retaining wall. The vehicle then fled south, out of view. An officer responded and followed a trail of leaking transmission fluid to the 800 block of Olive, locating the suspect vehicle, which was now unoccupied. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 1:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. The victim parked their 2008 Mercedes to the front of the business and went inside. When they returned, they realized their vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 2:37 p.m., two vehicles were reported stolen from a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. Unknown suspects broke into a lockbox to obtain the vehicle keys and took the vehicles. The incident occurred sometime between November 8 and 9. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 10:05 a.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision involving injuries at the intersection of Foothill and Canyon. A vehicle was traveling south on Canyon and made a left turn onto Foothill, striking a pedestrian that was walking in the crosswalk with a green light to walk. Multiple subjects witnessed the incident. The driver was cited and the pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 11 at 12:00 noon, an attempt grand theft auto was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the carport. When she returned to her vehicle the next day, she found a broken shaved key in the ignition and someone had rummaged through the interior of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism in Progress – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 12:04 p.m., a suspect was reported vandalizing the wall of a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill with a sharpie marker. Officers responded and located the suspect inside a nearby business. The suspect was positively identified by a witness and a computer check revealed the suspect also had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 2:27 p.m., officers responded to Mountain and Duarte regarding a welfare check of a subject sitting on the curb with his legs in the street. Officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was also found to be in possession of a bag of cocaine he had in his wallet.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 6:33 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of S. Peck Road. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence in the evening. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found it was missing. The vehicle is a white, Chevrolet Express van. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
November 9 at 6:38 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill. A suspect threw a rock at the glass door of the business, causing it to shatter. There were metal bars on the door that prevented the suspect from entering the business. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Burglary
November 9 at 12:17 p.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A suspect threw a rock at the front door, which is Plexiglas, causing it to scratch. The suspect then attempted to push the door open, but was unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 9 at 3:26 p.m., an officer responded to the report of an attempted grand theft auto at a business parking lot in the 3300 block of Peck Road. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot for approximately one hour. When she returned to her vehicle, she found the steering column was damaged and she could not put the vehicle in drive. The vehicle had to be towed. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 9:26 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Colorado and Magnolia for vehicle code violations. A computer check on the driver revealed he was unlicensed and had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. His vehicle was stored.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 10 at 2:37 a.m., a resident from the 100 block of Madison called police to report a vehicle that drove up onto his lawn and over a retaining wall. The vehicle then fled south, out of view. An officer responded and followed a trail of leaking transmission fluid to the 800 block of Olive, locating the suspect vehicle, which was now unoccupied. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 1:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. The victim parked their 2008 Mercedes to the front of the business and went inside. When they returned, they realized their vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 10 at 2:37 p.m., two vehicles were reported stolen from a business in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. Unknown suspects broke into a lockbox to obtain the vehicle keys and took the vehicles. The incident occurred sometime between November 8 and 9. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 11 at 10:05 a.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision involving injuries at the intersection of Foothill and Canyon. A vehicle was traveling south on Canyon and made a left turn onto Foothill, striking a pedestrian that was walking in the crosswalk with a green light to walk. Multiple subjects witnessed the incident. The driver was cited and the pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 11 at 12:00 noon, an attempt grand theft auto was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the carport. When she returned to her vehicle the next day, she found a broken shaved key in the ignition and someone had rummaged through the interior of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism in Progress – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 12:04 p.m., a suspect was reported vandalizing the wall of a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill with a sharpie marker. Officers responded and located the suspect inside a nearby business. The suspect was positively identified by a witness and a computer check revealed the suspect also had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 2:27 p.m., officers responded to Mountain and Duarte regarding a welfare check of a subject sitting on the curb with his legs in the street. Officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was also found to be in possession of a bag of cocaine he had in his wallet.
Christmas Cantata at Monrovia First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church (at Myrtle and Foothill) will present “Let There Be Christmas,” a family Christmas cantata with choir and orchestra, by Joseph M. Martin, on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Music, sing-along carols, photos with Santa, refreshments. An offering will be taken.
Brad Haugaard
Former MHS Student Says Teacher Gave Class All Test Answers
Former Monrovia High student claims teacher gave students all the answers prior to a test. https://goo.gl/GJkVWA
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Sharkie Poke
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Football Completes League Play Undefeated :-)
Monrovia football undefeated as it finishes league play. On to the playoffs! https://goo.gl/HA5fxt
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Is There Progress on the Long-Stalled Clock Tower Building?
Things again seem to be happening at the long-stalled refurbishing of the clock tower building on the east side of Myrtle across from the library. Old Town businesswoman, Pam Fitzpatrick, said drywall has been delivered and a van from an elevator company was parked outside. https://goo.gl/mqrbuf
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Young Musicians Ensemble Musical Bake Sale
Monrovia Young Musicians Ensemble will hold a musical bake sale at the Pavilions supermarket on Sunday, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m. each day. MYME serves the community by sharing music and promoting awareness of the necessity to keep music alive in local schools.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglary Suspect Arrested Because He Made a Fuss; Four-Year-Old Wanders Streets; Shoplifting; Wallet Swiped; Bikes Stolen
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 6-8. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 440 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 7:02 a.m., an officer responded to the area of Monterey and Walnut regarding a four-year-old boy wandering. The child was taken to the Monrovia Police Department and the Department of Children and Family Services was notified. It was determined that the father left the boy alone in the house to take the child's mother to work. There is a domestic violence restraining order against the father. The father was arrested for child endangerment. A verified complaint was submitted to the court to file charges of child endangerment on the mother.
Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 3:55 p.m., officers on patrol saw a subject running out of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. Store loss prevention was following after the subject. The subject had attempted to steal merchandise from the business. Once confronted by loss prevention, the subject fled. He was located by officers and arrested for the theft.
Theft
November 6 at 7:09 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft. Two suspects selected backpacks and shoes from the store and fled out of an emergency exit. The suspects had fled prior to officers arriving. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspects Arrested
November 7 at 1:15 a.m., a couple that reside in the 800 block of W. Walnut were involved in a physical altercation. There were conflicting statements and officers were unable to establish the primary aggressor. Both subjects were arrested for domestic violence.
Traffic Collision with Injury / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 4:03 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Olive regarding an injury traffic collision. One driver was traveling southbound on California and the other was traveling eastbound on Olive, where they collided in the intersection. One of the drivers was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. The other driver complained of pain.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 4:57 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a female suspect that stole merchandise and fled the location on foot. The officer arrived and located the female suspect in a nearby parking lot. The stolen property was recovered. The suspect was positively identified by store loss prevention and arrested for the theft.
Theft of Bicycles
November 8 at 1:29 p.m., two bicycles were reported stolen from the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. The bicycles were stolen from the front common area of an apartment complex. The investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft / Fraud
November 8 at 2:22 p.m., a petty theft of a wallet was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim placed her backpack on the back of her chair. A witness saw a male suspect reach into the backpack and remove the wallet, while a second suspect attempted to block the witness’s view by standing up. The witness notified the manager, but when the witness and manager returned to the victim's table to inform her of the theft, the suspects were gone. The victim's debit card was later used at a business nearby. The investigation is continuing.
Burglary
November 9 at 12:06 a.m., the front glass door of a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill was reported shattered. Officers responded and confirmed a burglary had occurred. Surveillance video showed a male, white suspect with a beard, wearing a plaid jacket. The suspect broke the glass with a rock and entered the location. He searched the cash register drawers and left, taking nothing.
Approximately an hour later, officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and recognized the subject as the suspect that committed the burglary on Foothill. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
November 9 at 5:50 a.m., a grand theft of a bicycle was reported in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded to the location regarding the theft and located a vehicle nearby that was leaving the area. The vehicle was stopped and the bicycle was recovered from inside. The suspect was arrested for the theft.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 440 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 7:02 a.m., an officer responded to the area of Monterey and Walnut regarding a four-year-old boy wandering. The child was taken to the Monrovia Police Department and the Department of Children and Family Services was notified. It was determined that the father left the boy alone in the house to take the child's mother to work. There is a domestic violence restraining order against the father. The father was arrested for child endangerment. A verified complaint was submitted to the court to file charges of child endangerment on the mother.
Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 3:55 p.m., officers on patrol saw a subject running out of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. Store loss prevention was following after the subject. The subject had attempted to steal merchandise from the business. Once confronted by loss prevention, the subject fled. He was located by officers and arrested for the theft.
Theft
November 6 at 7:09 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft. Two suspects selected backpacks and shoes from the store and fled out of an emergency exit. The suspects had fled prior to officers arriving. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspects Arrested
November 7 at 1:15 a.m., a couple that reside in the 800 block of W. Walnut were involved in a physical altercation. There were conflicting statements and officers were unable to establish the primary aggressor. Both subjects were arrested for domestic violence.
Traffic Collision with Injury / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 4:03 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of California and Olive regarding an injury traffic collision. One driver was traveling southbound on California and the other was traveling eastbound on Olive, where they collided in the intersection. One of the drivers was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. The other driver complained of pain.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 4:57 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a female suspect that stole merchandise and fled the location on foot. The officer arrived and located the female suspect in a nearby parking lot. The stolen property was recovered. The suspect was positively identified by store loss prevention and arrested for the theft.
Theft of Bicycles
November 8 at 1:29 p.m., two bicycles were reported stolen from the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. The bicycles were stolen from the front common area of an apartment complex. The investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft / Fraud
November 8 at 2:22 p.m., a petty theft of a wallet was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim placed her backpack on the back of her chair. A witness saw a male suspect reach into the backpack and remove the wallet, while a second suspect attempted to block the witness’s view by standing up. The witness notified the manager, but when the witness and manager returned to the victim's table to inform her of the theft, the suspects were gone. The victim's debit card was later used at a business nearby. The investigation is continuing.
Burglary
November 9 at 12:06 a.m., the front glass door of a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill was reported shattered. Officers responded and confirmed a burglary had occurred. Surveillance video showed a male, white suspect with a beard, wearing a plaid jacket. The suspect broke the glass with a rock and entered the location. He searched the cash register drawers and left, taking nothing.
Approximately an hour later, officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and recognized the subject as the suspect that committed the burglary on Foothill. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
November 9 at 5:50 a.m., a grand theft of a bicycle was reported in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded to the location regarding the theft and located a vehicle nearby that was leaving the area. The vehicle was stopped and the bicycle was recovered from inside. The suspect was arrested for the theft.
Veterans Day Ceremony
There will be a Veterans Day ceremony at Library Park this Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia State Senator Wants Whistleblower Protection to Apply to Legislative Staff Members
Monrovia's State Senator, Anthony Portantino, thinks some women on legislative staffs in Sacramento have legitimate complaints about abuse and intimidation and thinks whistleblower protection would help. He writes:
"Recently, the legislature has been facing legitimate complaints and serious accusations from women within and outside the capitol workforce. As the father of two daughters, spouse of a working professional and a person who has consistently helped place communities of our district in the hands of extremely talented women I continue to believe a significant barrier to just outcomes and workplace security has been the lack of whistleblower protection for legislative staff. You might be surprised to learn that although whistleblower protection is California law it does not apply to the state legislature and most importantly our staff is not protected against reprisal for shining the light on inappropriate behavior or criminal activity. I first learned of this discrepancy in 2011 and I authored a bill to extend this protection to legislative staff then and again in 2012. Both bills were killed. Upon being elected to the State Senate, I supported a third bi-partisan attempt to make this prudent change to how business is conducted in the state capitol. Everyone who works in Sacramento should have the confidence to bring complaints and observations of wrongdoing forward without fear of retribution.
"There are many good people working to figure out prudent and effective next steps to protect women in the capitol from abuse and intimidation. Immediately extending whistleblower protection is a necessary and easy first step. It is my intention to once again bring it forward in January when we return to regular legislative business."
Source: Portantino letter.
Comment: Noooo, actually it does not surprise me at all that whistleblower protection does not apply to the state legislative staff members.
- Brad Haugaard
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents 'In Dulci Jubilo'
On Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., the San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present In Dulci Jubilo at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. The event will feature Michael Praetorius' 17th century piece for double choir and the singing of holiday music in Hebrew, Georgian, Spanish, and English. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.sgvccsingers.org or by sending a check payable to "SGVCC" to PO Box 2225 Monrovia, CA 91017. They will also be available at the door.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Original Celtic Woman Chloë Agnew in Concert at St. Luke
"Ireland's Celtic Songbird," Chloë Agnew, a founding member of Celtic Women, will join special guest Dermot Kiernan to present Chloë's Christmas, a holiday concert, on Friday, Dec. 1, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert may be ordered at ticketleap.com for $20 plus $2 handling.
Chloë Agnew appeared in the PBS special Celtic Woman at fourteen and the US response led to a debut album that remained on the Billboard World Music Chart for 81 weeks. The group's next two albums went on to hold the top three positions on the chart. Agnew was named 2012 Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Music Awards. The following year, she moved to Los Angeles to launch a solo career. She has toured internationally with some of America's most distinguished orchestras.
Dermot Kiernan has toured extensively with Dublin's Pro Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral Choirs, appearing as a soloist for their recordings and concerts worldwide. In 2009, he joined The Celtic Woman Aontas Choir and toured with it across the globe. He was later named its choir leader/director. Now based in Los Angeles, he performs, directs and teaches across the country.
- Brad Haugaard
Chloë Agnew appeared in the PBS special Celtic Woman at fourteen and the US response led to a debut album that remained on the Billboard World Music Chart for 81 weeks. The group's next two albums went on to hold the top three positions on the chart. Agnew was named 2012 Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Music Awards. The following year, she moved to Los Angeles to launch a solo career. She has toured internationally with some of America's most distinguished orchestras.
Dermot Kiernan has toured extensively with Dublin's Pro Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral Choirs, appearing as a soloist for their recordings and concerts worldwide. In 2009, he joined The Celtic Woman Aontas Choir and toured with it across the globe. He was later named its choir leader/director. Now based in Los Angeles, he performs, directs and teaches across the country.
- Brad Haugaard
Mayor Tom Adams: Monrovia Faces a Serious Struggle
The Monrovia City Council tonight approved a series of measures, including a big bond measure, (see here for details: https://goo.gl/Hvp1se) to prevent the city from going bankrupt over the next few years from increases in pension costs.
Mayor Tom Adams said, “Monrovia will be okay, but, boy! it’ll be a struggle.” But neither he or City Manager Oliver Chi was optimistic about the fate of many other cities and government agencies throughout the state, saying there will likely be “a lot of bankruptcies.”
Chi and Adams blamed the state for changes it made during the Gray Davis administration that increased costs for its CalPERS retirement program. Chi added that some cities have already been tracking and dealing with these liabilities and he proposed that Monrovia's city staff be required in the future to inform the council of any new liabilities that will - likely - come along.
Chi is recommending buying a bond to cover the shortfall (total unfunded pension liability is $112 million) because borrowing costs are at an historic low, currently in the 4 percent range.
- Brad Haugaard
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