- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Girl Selling Doggy Treats for Children's Hospital
Monrovia girl, Hannah IIer, plans to raise $5,000 for Children’s Hospital by selling her homemade rawhide and peanut butter doggy treats. Available on Saturday Dec. 16 from 9-11 am at 710 Oakdale Ave., in Monrovia. https://goo.gl/NdXYz5
Lower Interest Rate for Monrovia Bond; Christmas Tree Lighting, Parade; Santa Touring Times
In his weekly report, City Manager Olive Chi reports that ...
~ The bond-rating agency, S&P, has this past week assigned Monrovia's proposed $115 million bond (to cover unfunded retirement costs) a rating of AA-, its fourth highest rating, giving the bond a "High Grade" rating, meaning Monrovia can borrow money at a lower interest rate. Also, the city as a whole has been assigned an AA rating, S&P's third highest rating.
Chi said, "This is a terrific accomplishment for the City, and our entire community should be proud of the achievement! It wasn't that long ago that securities from the City were considered lower medium grade investments in the BBB- to BBB+ range."
Here is S&P's rating report for Monrovia: https://goo.gl/XEYZML
~ On Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Library Park, followed by the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.
~ Santa will tour Monrovia in a fire engine, accompanied by other city vehicles. Here's the schedule:
For more information, please contact the Police Department at 256-8000.
~ You should be getting the Monrovia Today winter brochure in your mailbox on November 30, but if you'd like an early peek: https://goo.gl/WdsFkn
~ This Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30, concrete panels on Foothill at Acacia and Melrose that were removed during the recent sewer improvements will be replaced. Foothill will be reduced to one lane in eac direction while the concrete is placed and cures.
~ In the next few weeks the city will be installing at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue fencing, lighting, tables, bike racks, trash cans, benches, better watering, a Christmas tree, and a new Samson Bear, which has been ordered by the Kiwanis Club and is being painted.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The bond-rating agency, S&P, has this past week assigned Monrovia's proposed $115 million bond (to cover unfunded retirement costs) a rating of AA-, its fourth highest rating, giving the bond a "High Grade" rating, meaning Monrovia can borrow money at a lower interest rate. Also, the city as a whole has been assigned an AA rating, S&P's third highest rating.
Chi said, "This is a terrific accomplishment for the City, and our entire community should be proud of the achievement! It wasn't that long ago that securities from the City were considered lower medium grade investments in the BBB- to BBB+ range."
Here is S&P's rating report for Monrovia: https://goo.gl/XEYZML
~ On Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Library Park, followed by the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.
~ Santa will tour Monrovia in a fire engine, accompanied by other city vehicles. Here's the schedule:
- Monday, Dec. 18, south of Huntington, west of Myrtle.
- Tuesday, Dec. 19, east of Myrtle and north of Foothill.
- Wednesday, Dec. 20, west of Myrtle and south of Foothill to Huntington.
- Friday, Dec. 22, west of Myrtle Avenue and north of Foothill.
For more information, please contact the Police Department at 256-8000.
~ You should be getting the Monrovia Today winter brochure in your mailbox on November 30, but if you'd like an early peek: https://goo.gl/WdsFkn
~ This Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30, concrete panels on Foothill at Acacia and Melrose that were removed during the recent sewer improvements will be replaced. Foothill will be reduced to one lane in eac direction while the concrete is placed and cures.
~ In the next few weeks the city will be installing at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue fencing, lighting, tables, bike racks, trash cans, benches, better watering, a Christmas tree, and a new Samson Bear, which has been ordered by the Kiwanis Club and is being painted.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Noted in Capitol Weekly Newspaper
The newspaper, Capitol Weekly, which covers California government, has taken note of Monrovia's efforts to avoid bankruptcy from unfunded retirement costs. https://goo.gl/ByH3fH
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunk Crashes Into Cemetery; Gun Robbery; Red-Light Runner Crashes; Cell Phones Stolen; Lots More
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 20-26. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 12:06 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. A female subject who works at location reported that she was pushed by and ex-boyfriend. When he pushed her, she fell into a bookcase, which left a mark on her back. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 21 at 1:56 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte and Walker. A vehicle was traveling eastbound on Duarte Road at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle hit the curb and crashed through the fence at the cemetery. The driver was the sole occupant and was uninjured. The investigation revealed she was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely and she was arrested for driving under the influence.
Vandalism
November 21 at 9:13 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 100 block of E. Olive. The victim reported a window had been smashed at the location. Surveillance video showed a suspect wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt throwing something at the window. The suspect then looked inside the location, but did not make entry. The item thrown at the window was found to be an empty glass vodka bottle. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 1:37 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Shamrock and Huntington. A driver was traveling west on Huntington, approaching Shamrock, and failed to stop for the red light. The driver broadsided a vehicle that was traveling south on Shamrock with a green light. The driver that ran the red light had a complaint of pain and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Commercial Burglary
November 21 at 2:29 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a construction site in the 1600 block of S. Shamrock. An employee at the site realized there had been a theft at the location and called police. Unknown suspects entered the site and removed a lockbox which contained a key to a trailer and a building at the site. The suspects entered the trailer and took power tools. They also entered the building, but there was nothing to take inside. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 4:39 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 1700 block of California observed a traffic collision at the intersection of California and Evergreen. A driver was traveling east on Evergreen and ran a red light at California. The vehicle was broadsided by a vehicle that was traveling south on California and had a green light. The driver of the vehicle traveling on California complained of neck pain and was taken to a hospital for further treatment.
Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft
November 22 at 7:07 p.m., two male African American suspects entered a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington and used bolt cutters to remove several cell phones from a display. The suspects fled to a waiting vehicle, which then left the area. The vehicle was described as an older model, black Mercedes Benz. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 22 at 8:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Kirkwood. The victim returned to his home and discovered it had been ransacked. Officers responded and cleared the residence. The investigation revealed the suspects entered the location by breaking through a set of doors to the rear. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 22 at 8:35 p.m., a robbery incident was reported in the 500 block of Fano. The male victim was sitting in his vehicle waiting for a friend. The friend arrived and sat in the vehicle with the victim. A third person approached with a handgun and threatened to kill the victim while the friend took the victim's phone and backpack. The two suspects then fled on foot. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Burglary
November 22 at 9:03 p.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a residence in the 700 block of Ridgeside. The officers arrived and found a back window had been broken. It does not appear that the suspects made entry to the home. The investigation is continuing.
Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 3:02 a.m., a caller reported a male subject that was exposing himself inside the lobby of a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue. Officers arrived and detained the suspect inside the lobby. Video surveillance showed the suspect exposing himself near the front lobby counter. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for indecent exposure.
Attempt Burglary
November 24 at 6:06 a.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a residence in the 100 block of Montana. The victim heard their living room window break. When she went out to check, she saw an arm reaching in the window. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction. Officers responded and searched the area, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 24 at 10:36 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of Sierra Blanca. The vehicle is a silver, 1996 Honda Accord. All keys are accounted for and the investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 24 at 1:05 p.m., a burglary was reported at a residence in the 400 block of Granite Avenue. Unknown suspects stole a remote for the garage in September, but the homeowner did not report the theft at the time. The suspects returned at a later date and stole tools that had been left in the garage by the homeowner. There were no signs of forced entry to the garage. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Forgery / Fraud / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 1:26 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Lincoln regarding drug activity going on in a vehicle. Four subjects were contacted at the scene. The investigation revealed one of the subjects was on parole and in possession of a controlled substance, an altered credit card and a fraudulent out-of-state identification card. He also had keys to two rental vehicles which were rented using another person's name. He was arrested, the vehicles were stored and a parole hold was obtained. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovered
November 24 at 4:21 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle parked in the 300 block of Bella Vista with the windows down and the keys on the driver’s seat. The investigation revealed the vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle out of Rosemead. The vehicle was recovered.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 8:07 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of Huntington regarding a theft in progress. The suspect was detained in the parking lot. The suspect was positively identified by store security and was arrested for shoplifting.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 3:15 a.m., an officer contacted a suspicious subject that was loitering outside a closed business in the 3300 block of Peck Road. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and during a search, he was found to have methamphetamine in his wallet. He was arrested for the warrant and possession of a controlled substance.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 3:22 a.m., a citizen called police and reported a suspicious vehicle parked near their residence that was occupied by two subjects. The vehicle was parked near the intersection of El Nido and Hillcrest. An officer arrived and one of the suspects fled. The officer told the suspect to stop, but he continued to run. He was detained moments later by two other responding officers. The suspect was arrested for resisting and delaying an officer.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a person possibly in distress. The officer arrived and contacted a subject that was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk and public.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 7:17 p.m., a shoplifting incident in progress was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The suspect exited the store and fled from store security. Officers arrived in the shopping center parking lot and detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 12:06 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. A female subject who works at location reported that she was pushed by and ex-boyfriend. When he pushed her, she fell into a bookcase, which left a mark on her back. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 21 at 1:56 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Duarte and Walker. A vehicle was traveling eastbound on Duarte Road at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle hit the curb and crashed through the fence at the cemetery. The driver was the sole occupant and was uninjured. The investigation revealed she was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely and she was arrested for driving under the influence.
Vandalism
November 21 at 9:13 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 100 block of E. Olive. The victim reported a window had been smashed at the location. Surveillance video showed a suspect wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt throwing something at the window. The suspect then looked inside the location, but did not make entry. The item thrown at the window was found to be an empty glass vodka bottle. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 1:37 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Shamrock and Huntington. A driver was traveling west on Huntington, approaching Shamrock, and failed to stop for the red light. The driver broadsided a vehicle that was traveling south on Shamrock with a green light. The driver that ran the red light had a complaint of pain and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Commercial Burglary
November 21 at 2:29 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a construction site in the 1600 block of S. Shamrock. An employee at the site realized there had been a theft at the location and called police. Unknown suspects entered the site and removed a lockbox which contained a key to a trailer and a building at the site. The suspects entered the trailer and took power tools. They also entered the building, but there was nothing to take inside. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 21 at 4:39 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 1700 block of California observed a traffic collision at the intersection of California and Evergreen. A driver was traveling east on Evergreen and ran a red light at California. The vehicle was broadsided by a vehicle that was traveling south on California and had a green light. The driver of the vehicle traveling on California complained of neck pain and was taken to a hospital for further treatment.
Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft
November 22 at 7:07 p.m., two male African American suspects entered a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington and used bolt cutters to remove several cell phones from a display. The suspects fled to a waiting vehicle, which then left the area. The vehicle was described as an older model, black Mercedes Benz. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 22 at 8:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Kirkwood. The victim returned to his home and discovered it had been ransacked. Officers responded and cleared the residence. The investigation revealed the suspects entered the location by breaking through a set of doors to the rear. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 22 at 8:35 p.m., a robbery incident was reported in the 500 block of Fano. The male victim was sitting in his vehicle waiting for a friend. The friend arrived and sat in the vehicle with the victim. A third person approached with a handgun and threatened to kill the victim while the friend took the victim's phone and backpack. The two suspects then fled on foot. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Burglary
November 22 at 9:03 p.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a residence in the 700 block of Ridgeside. The officers arrived and found a back window had been broken. It does not appear that the suspects made entry to the home. The investigation is continuing.
Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 3:02 a.m., a caller reported a male subject that was exposing himself inside the lobby of a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue. Officers arrived and detained the suspect inside the lobby. Video surveillance showed the suspect exposing himself near the front lobby counter. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for indecent exposure.
Attempt Burglary
November 24 at 6:06 a.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a residence in the 100 block of Montana. The victim heard their living room window break. When she went out to check, she saw an arm reaching in the window. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction. Officers responded and searched the area, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
November 24 at 10:36 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of Sierra Blanca. The vehicle is a silver, 1996 Honda Accord. All keys are accounted for and the investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
November 24 at 1:05 p.m., a burglary was reported at a residence in the 400 block of Granite Avenue. Unknown suspects stole a remote for the garage in September, but the homeowner did not report the theft at the time. The suspects returned at a later date and stole tools that had been left in the garage by the homeowner. There were no signs of forced entry to the garage. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Forgery / Fraud / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 1:26 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Lincoln regarding drug activity going on in a vehicle. Four subjects were contacted at the scene. The investigation revealed one of the subjects was on parole and in possession of a controlled substance, an altered credit card and a fraudulent out-of-state identification card. He also had keys to two rental vehicles which were rented using another person's name. He was arrested, the vehicles were stored and a parole hold was obtained. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovered
November 24 at 4:21 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle parked in the 300 block of Bella Vista with the windows down and the keys on the driver’s seat. The investigation revealed the vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle out of Rosemead. The vehicle was recovered.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 8:07 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of Huntington regarding a theft in progress. The suspect was detained in the parking lot. The suspect was positively identified by store security and was arrested for shoplifting.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 3:15 a.m., an officer contacted a suspicious subject that was loitering outside a closed business in the 3300 block of Peck Road. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and during a search, he was found to have methamphetamine in his wallet. He was arrested for the warrant and possession of a controlled substance.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 3:22 a.m., a citizen called police and reported a suspicious vehicle parked near their residence that was occupied by two subjects. The vehicle was parked near the intersection of El Nido and Hillcrest. An officer arrived and one of the suspects fled. The officer told the suspect to stop, but he continued to run. He was detained moments later by two other responding officers. The suspect was arrested for resisting and delaying an officer.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a person possibly in distress. The officer arrived and contacted a subject that was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk and public.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 26 at 7:17 p.m., a shoplifting incident in progress was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The suspect exited the store and fled from store security. Officers arrived in the shopping center parking lot and detained the suspect. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting.
View the Moon Tonight
Get a close-up view of the moon tonight (weather permitting) with the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers In Library Park at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets. The telescopes should be set up by roughly 7 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at LeRoy’s
Lunch at LeRoy’s, on the north side of Huntington just west of Mayflower. Got the Hobo sandwich for $8.95 and an iced tea for $2.50. I’d always though of LeRoy’s as a breakfast place but no, great lunches, too. The sandwich was excellent and I could barely finish it.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Three-Car Smash-Up; She Breaks a Water Main and Drives Off; Roll-Over Crash at Mayflower and Lime; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 16-19. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 16 at 10:54 a.m., an elderly female driver was pulling out of a parking lot onto eastbound Huntington and failed to yield to traffic coming off the 210 Freeway offramp. She collided into three vehicles. She complained of pain to her shoulder from her seat belt. A DMV re-examination form was completed for the driver.
Vehicle Burglary
November 16 at 6:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of S. Myrtle. The victim’s car had been parked in the parking structure for two days. When he returned to his vehicle, he discovered the window had been broken and electronic items that had been left in the vehicle were missing. The investigation is ongoing.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 17 at 1:41 p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. The vehicle was parked in a red zone for several days with a flat tire and it had paper plates on it. Officers responded and conducted a computer check of the VIN number, which revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of San Dimas. The vehicle was recovered.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 4:35 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect entered the store, took a circular saw from a display and walked out of the store without paying for it. He was detained by loss prevention personnel. A private person's arrest was completed and the suspect was taken into custody for the theft.
Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 8:07 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a shoplifting incident in progress. The suspect fled and ran through the parking lot. An officer arrived and the suspect was detained on Huntington. A computer check of the suspect revealed an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting and the warrant.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 18 at 11:31 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The female suspect parked her vehicle in the rear lot of a business. Another driver double parked behind the suspect’s vehicle. As the suspect was backing out and was trying not to hit the vehicle that blocked her in, she ended up colliding into the building, striking a water main. Water started shooting out into the parking lot. The suspect then fled the scene in her vehicle at a high rate of speed.
Witnesses obtained a license plate number from the vehicle. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was called to assist in locating the registered owner at their residence, however, they were unable to locate the owner at the location. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 18 at 1:29 p.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at Mayflower and Lime. A driver was traveling west on Lime, stopped at the stop sign at Mayflower and entered the intersection, failing to yield to oncoming traffic. The vehicle collided into another vehicle and rolled over in the intersection. Three subjects involved were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment for minor to moderate injuries.
Vehicle Burglary
November 18 at 5:49 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1200 block of N. Canyon. The victim parked their vehicle and went hiking in Canyon Park. When they returned approximately four hours later, they found their wallet containing credit cards and cash had been taken from their car. The victim's credit card was used at a business in Monrovia and then in Pasadena. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 18 at 10:59 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of W. Walnut for vehicle code violations. After investigation, the passenger was arrested for warrants and the driver was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 2:06 a.m., an officer stopped a subject riding a bike without lighting equipment during darkness. After further investigation, the rider was cited in the field for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 2:43 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for vehicle code violations in the area of California and Euclid. The driver was found to be too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. The vehicle was stored.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 16 at 10:54 a.m., an elderly female driver was pulling out of a parking lot onto eastbound Huntington and failed to yield to traffic coming off the 210 Freeway offramp. She collided into three vehicles. She complained of pain to her shoulder from her seat belt. A DMV re-examination form was completed for the driver.
Vehicle Burglary
November 16 at 6:29 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of S. Myrtle. The victim’s car had been parked in the parking structure for two days. When he returned to his vehicle, he discovered the window had been broken and electronic items that had been left in the vehicle were missing. The investigation is ongoing.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 17 at 1:41 p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. The vehicle was parked in a red zone for several days with a flat tire and it had paper plates on it. Officers responded and conducted a computer check of the VIN number, which revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of San Dimas. The vehicle was recovered.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 4:35 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The suspect entered the store, took a circular saw from a display and walked out of the store without paying for it. He was detained by loss prevention personnel. A private person's arrest was completed and the suspect was taken into custody for the theft.
Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 8:07 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a shoplifting incident in progress. The suspect fled and ran through the parking lot. An officer arrived and the suspect was detained on Huntington. A computer check of the suspect revealed an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting and the warrant.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 18 at 11:31 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The female suspect parked her vehicle in the rear lot of a business. Another driver double parked behind the suspect’s vehicle. As the suspect was backing out and was trying not to hit the vehicle that blocked her in, she ended up colliding into the building, striking a water main. Water started shooting out into the parking lot. The suspect then fled the scene in her vehicle at a high rate of speed.
Witnesses obtained a license plate number from the vehicle. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was called to assist in locating the registered owner at their residence, however, they were unable to locate the owner at the location. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 18 at 1:29 p.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at Mayflower and Lime. A driver was traveling west on Lime, stopped at the stop sign at Mayflower and entered the intersection, failing to yield to oncoming traffic. The vehicle collided into another vehicle and rolled over in the intersection. Three subjects involved were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment for minor to moderate injuries.
Vehicle Burglary
November 18 at 5:49 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1200 block of N. Canyon. The victim parked their vehicle and went hiking in Canyon Park. When they returned approximately four hours later, they found their wallet containing credit cards and cash had been taken from their car. The victim's credit card was used at a business in Monrovia and then in Pasadena. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 18 at 10:59 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of W. Walnut for vehicle code violations. After investigation, the passenger was arrested for warrants and the driver was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 2:06 a.m., an officer stopped a subject riding a bike without lighting equipment during darkness. After further investigation, the rider was cited in the field for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 2:43 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for vehicle code violations in the area of California and Euclid. The driver was found to be too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. The vehicle was stored.
Citrus College Again Named a 'Military Friendly School'
Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been named a 2018 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse magazines.
This is the college's eighth consecutive appearance on the Military Friendly Schools list, which honors the top 15 percent of the nation's colleges, universities and trade schools that have demonstrated a commitment to embracing military students by providing them with the resources needed to ensure success.
Source: Citrus press release
- Brad Haugaard
This is the college's eighth consecutive appearance on the Military Friendly Schools list, which honors the top 15 percent of the nation's colleges, universities and trade schools that have demonstrated a commitment to embracing military students by providing them with the resources needed to ensure success.
Source: Citrus press release
- Brad Haugaard
Homes for the Homeless; Virtual Tours of City Facilities; Washing Sidewalks
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ The Monrovia Homeless Outreach Team has rounded up permanent housing for seven of our homeless population. They are required to enroll in a program to teach job training, and rehabilitation / mental health care.
~ Monrovia was recently awarded $30,000 to address homelessness. L.A. County and the United Way developed the grant program, that allows a maximum award of $30,000 for cities the size of Monrovia.
~ Wander around in more city facilities using Google 360. See the Monrovia Community Center (https://goo.gl/42SPuv), Canyon Park Cabin (https://goo.gl/KSgmWj), and the Monrovia Historical Museum (https://goo.gl/18VzDo), although this one looks like just a patio and clicking "Monrovia Historical Museum" in the image takes you to Florida. Especially helpful if you'd like to rent a facility. You can check it out easily.
~ The City has scheduled pressure washing Old Town sidewalks during the next few weeks. Preparation for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The Monrovia Homeless Outreach Team has rounded up permanent housing for seven of our homeless population. They are required to enroll in a program to teach job training, and rehabilitation / mental health care.
~ Monrovia was recently awarded $30,000 to address homelessness. L.A. County and the United Way developed the grant program, that allows a maximum award of $30,000 for cities the size of Monrovia.
~ Wander around in more city facilities using Google 360. See the Monrovia Community Center (https://goo.gl/42SPuv), Canyon Park Cabin (https://goo.gl/KSgmWj), and the Monrovia Historical Museum (https://goo.gl/18VzDo), although this one looks like just a patio and clicking "Monrovia Historical Museum" in the image takes you to Florida. Especially helpful if you'd like to rent a facility. You can check it out easily.
~ The City has scheduled pressure washing Old Town sidewalks during the next few weeks. Preparation for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
- Brad Haugaard
Beauty and the Beast at Monrovia High
The Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (Monrovia High auditorium) on Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Details and tickets: https://goo.gl/bKyofp
- Brad Haugaard
Wheelhouse Ceramics Sale Dec. 1 & 2
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Recalls Some Salads
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling its White Meat Chicken Salad, Curried White Chicken Deli Salad, and Turkey Cranberry Apple Salad because its supplier notified the company that they may contain pieces of glass or hard plastic. https://goo.gl/w3n7Qd
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council to Consider Making Another House An Historic Landmark
At its Nov. 21 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/Y9L2xw) the Monrovia City Council will, among other things, consider making the house at 101 East Greystone Avenue an historic landmark. https://goo.gl/3VD2dN
Update: Please see clarification in comments section.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at T Phillips
- Brad Haugaard
Get Your Poem Stamped in a Monrovia Sidewalk
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)