A woman driving the wrong way on the 210 Freeway at 4:42 a.m. Sunday in Monrovia caused an accident that killed herself and left the driver of the other vehicle with major injuries. https://is.gd/CleYyb
- Brad Haugaard
Concert Scheduled to Support Church Members Battling Cancer
There will be a free concert to support a parishioner of Monrovia's St. Luke’s Episcopal Church who is battling cancer.
Healing Lives Through the Beauty of Music, a concert of chamber music by a string quartet from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 22, at noon at The Parish of St. Luke The Physician, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia. The performance will be followed by a buffet luncheon in the church’s Guild Hall. The event is free, and offerings for nonprofit cancer research and patient support are welcome. Guests are asked to RSVP to info@saintlukesmonrovia.org.
The event is inspired by Trish Gresham, a longtime St. Luke’s parishioner, choir member and administrative assistant to Rector Neil Tadken, as well as other community members who are currently undergoing cancer treatments. It is dedicated to her and the many local neighbors who are bravely battling the disease. The presentation is made possible by Mari Edelman through a grant from The Mari and Ed Edelman Charitable Fund for Music and Public Service.
- Brad Haugaard
Healing Lives Through the Beauty of Music, a concert of chamber music by a string quartet from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 22, at noon at The Parish of St. Luke The Physician, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia. The performance will be followed by a buffet luncheon in the church’s Guild Hall. The event is free, and offerings for nonprofit cancer research and patient support are welcome. Guests are asked to RSVP to info@saintlukesmonrovia.org.
The event is inspired by Trish Gresham, a longtime St. Luke’s parishioner, choir member and administrative assistant to Rector Neil Tadken, as well as other community members who are currently undergoing cancer treatments. It is dedicated to her and the many local neighbors who are bravely battling the disease. The presentation is made possible by Mari Edelman through a grant from The Mari and Ed Edelman Charitable Fund for Music and Public Service.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council to Discourage Vaping; New Development Tax; Reducing Plastic Waste; Etc.
~ In closed session, the sale of the properties, which comprise a parking lot, along the west side of Myrtle between Primrose and the train station park. https://is.gd/kXyzW8
~ A special city services tax for the 310-unit 127 Pomona Project near the train station. https://is.gd/2SvJxb
~ A joint resolution (with the Monrovia School Board) to "take all practical and necessary steps to discourage students and youths in community from smoking, including forbidding the use of tobacco products and vaping devices on campuses and during any school-related activities, and by providing student education and family information on the dangers of tobacco and vaping use." https://is.gd/bNoO0l
~ A resolution supporting Senate Bill 54, which would direct the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to adopt regulations to require manufacturers to reduce by 75 percent waste generated from single‐use packaging and priority single‐use plastic products in California by 2030. https://is.gd/GEaZPx
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Cafe X20
Lunch at Cafe X20, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. Got the Chicken Shawerma Plate for $12 and a beer at a special half-off price of $3. Very good! Liked it a lot. - Brad Haugaard
City Council Candidate Forum
Candidates from left: Incumbents Gloria Crudgington and Becky Shevlin, challenger Donna Baker.
The candidates from two open spots on the Monrovia City Council answered questions from a League of Women Voters moderator at a candidates' forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce tonight.
There did not appear to be much the candidates disagreed on (except a little bit on rent control and Airbnb rentals). Crudgington and Shevlin talked about their successes on the council and Baker said she thought the city could do better, particularly with development, fiscal responsibility and outreach to the community.
Rent Control
Crudgington doesn't oppose it and said she has kept rents low on the rentals she owns.Shevlin is "doubtful whether it helps or hinders." In the short term it may look good but she thinks "in the long run fewer residences are built.
Baker: "I'm for rent control." In Monrovia, she said, "there are more renters than homeowners."
Airbnbs
Shevlin: Against them. They turn multi-family units "into hotels." They can "decimate a community" by turning residences into "party central."Crudgington would distinguish between renting a spare room - where the owners can keep an eye on things - and renting an entire residence where the owner is absent.
Baker said they cause instability. "I do think they bring down the community."
Development
Crudgington and Shevlin said the state is requiring cities to provide for more housing, so the city is directing it - including lower-cost housing - to the area around the train station.Baker said there should be fewer luxury units and more affordable housing, and that the city should work with developers, churches and businesses to provide it.
Greenness
Baker would establish an Environment Commission for the city and follow through on older environmental plans the city set up.Crudgington said the city has phased out some pesticides and if more hasn't been done it's because "the wheels were coming off the city."
Shevlin believes the city should try to be more green "when fiscally responsible."
GoMonrovia
Baker would revisit the GoMonrovia Lyft program to make it easier for seniors. She'd also like trolleys from the train station to Old Town and add lighted crosswalks in Old Town.Crudgington said she watched the trolleys run empty and said seniors can already use a regular telephone (not a smart phone) to get a Lyft ride.
Shevlin said she was the one who suggested the Lyft program to former city manager, Oliver Chi, and it turned out to be a huge success.
Random
Crudgington said she is concerned about the Community Center. The building is old, she said, and she is worried what would happen to it in an earthquake.Baker would ask MOTAB (Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board) to recruit new businesses to Old Town.
Shevlin said the print media is dying. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, she said, is not endorsing candidates for the Monrovia race because of lack of staff.
Crudgington said Monrovia doesn't have the population to support Old Town and that the new development near the train station could help support it. "If you use Amazon," she added, "you're part of the demise of Old Town."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Curling Irons Theft; Pedestrian Punches Car, Escapes on Bus; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 364 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
February 6 at 1:44 p.m., a caller reported three vehicles collided into one another at the intersection of Colorado and Ivy. Officers responded and found no one was injured and the vehicles sustained minor damage. All parties chose to exchange information.
Grand Theft Auto
February 6 at 1:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding a stolen vehicle report. The resident walked outside her home and discovered someone had stolen her 2010 white Mercedes. The resident told officers it was taken sometime in the morning. The vehicle was entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Non-injury Traffic Collisions
February 6 at 6:12 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the intersection of California and Fig. Officers responded and contacted the drivers. Information was exchanged. No injuries were reported
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 8:12 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of S. Violet called to report a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description provided. The subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody per the authority of the warrant.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 5:20 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 900 block of S. Myrtle when he was alerted of a stolen vehicle in the area. The officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. After an investigation the driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 9:24 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious person in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located a subject matching the description provided to Monrovia Dispatch. The subject had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
February 8 at 2:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a bicyclist make a traffic violation. He stopped the bicyclist and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
February 8 at 2:35 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 900 block of S. Shamrock. Officers responded and discovered a vehicle had crashed into a fence off of an alley. The driver was contacted and he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. An investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
February 8 at 9:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of Ranchito regarding a vehicle theft. The resident called to report that items were taken from his unlocked vehicle. His vehicle was parked in front of his residence and sometime during the night someone entered the vehicle and took several valuable items. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 8 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a residential burglary. The resident reported that someone had burglarized his home while he was gone. Officers arrived and checked the interior of the house. It was discovered that the suspect(s) gained entry by forcing the back door open. A couple of rooms were ransacked but it was unknown exactly what was taken at the time. One of the residents reported her car was missing. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 9 at 6:33 p.m., an employee from the 300 block of W. Huntington called to report that a security guard was detaining a male subject to the front of the business for shoplifting. The store employee told the officers the subject entered the store, concealed items, and left without paying for them. An employee attempted to stop the subject but the subject pulled away. The two struggled over the backpack until a security guard assisted in detaining the subject until the police arrived. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 9 at 6:49 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called to report that a male subject was drinking a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka inside the establishment. Officers contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested taken into custody.
Petty Theft
February 10 at 12:27 p.m., an employee at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft. The employee was doing construction work at the location and sometime during the day his tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
February 10 at 8:22 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vandalism in the intersection of Magnolia and Duarte. A driver reported that while she was stopped at a red light at the intersection, a male adult suddenly appeared from the sidewalk and punched the side of her vehicle causing a minor dent. The subject yelled profanities at her and then got onto a public bus. The victim does not know the subject or why he punched her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
February 11 at 9:56 a.m., a caller reported two vehicles collided into one another at the intersection of Foothill and Encinitas. Officers responded to the location, there was minor damage to the vehicles and no one was injured. All parties chose to exchange information only.
Non-injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision
February 11 at 2:58 p.m., a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a Hit & Run incident. One of their customers collided into another customer’s vehicle in their parking lot and left without stopping to exchange information. Officers responded and found no one was injured. This investigation is continuing.
Weapons Offense – Suspect Arrested
February 11 at 11:54 p.m., several residents in the 500 block of Royal Oaks called to report a man in the street waving a handgun. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description provided. The subject was detained and a loaded handgun was found on his person. It was determined no shots had been fired and the handgun was unregistered. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the possession of a loaded unregistered handgun.
Probation Violation
February 12 at 8:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of S. Primrose when she saw a female subject at Library Park whom she knew was ordered by a judge to stay out of the park per her conditions of probation. The officer contacted the subject and told her that probation would be notified of the violation and had her leave the park.
Grand Theft
February 12 at 8:07 a.m., a caller reported a theft in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The owner of a vehicle parked in a hotel's private parking lot and when he walked outside his hotel room, he discovered someone had taken his vehicle's catalytic converter sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
February 12 at 12:36 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Bonita called to report a theft. The resident walked outside her home and discovered someone had entered her unlocked vehicle and took miscellaneous documents. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
February 12 at 4:24 p.m., an employee of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report a theft. A crew of two males and a female entered the store and took several curling irons then ran out of the store without paying. The subjects got into a getaway vehicle then fled the scene. Officers responded and searched for the suspects but did not locate them. This investigation is continuing.
Vintage Gas Pumps on Shamrock Removed for Restoration
Gem City Images reports that the vintage "Flying A" gas pumps at the old gas station on Shamrock Avenue have been removed for restoration. Pictures here: https://is.gd/mZDF8V
- Brad Haugaard
Santa Fe Gets Audio, Graphics, and Flight Tech Tools for New Paxton Patterson Lab
The lab offers students hands-on instruction in career technical education (CTE) pathways, which they can pursue in high school, college, and careers.
"Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School provides an educational environment structured to stimulate excitement about learning and foster innovation in our students," Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. "The opening of the Paxton Patterson Lab will ensure our students are prepared for their transition to high school and beyond."
The lab, which contains a series of topically focused stations, will give students an opportunity to develop creative and critical-thinking skills as they collaborate with each other in hands-on learning tasks.
"The opening of this lab today is a great example of the things happening across our District," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Whether the focus is in science, the arts or bi-literacy, each school in our District provides a critical component to our world-class education."
Students will receive access to lessons in fields such as audio communications, computer-aided drafting and design, computer graphics and animation, flight technology, health science, robotics, sports medicine, video production, structural engineering, and more.
"Today, Santa Fe takes another step forward in our commitment to giving our students outstanding opportunities for their future," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "This new lab will be a center of innovation that illuminates a path to our students' goals."
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Mellow Brownie - Just Wants Some Love
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
St. Baldrick's FuzzFest: Sheared Heads to Fight Childhood Cancer
On March 15, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will be hosting the annual FuzzFest in Old Town Monrovia during the Friday Night Street Fair to find cures for childhood cancers. Over the last 3 years raised almost $94,000. Get your head sheared or donate, or both. https://is.gd/oGjEhN
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Winds Tonight Through 9 p.m. Tuesday
UPDATE 2: Now extended to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Winds from 9 p.m. today through
"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result." The 210 may have strong cross winds.
- Brad Haugaard
School Board to Consider Renaming Bradoaks Elementary School
~ Renaming Bradoaks Elementary School to Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy.
~ Approving $83,898.60 to install a drain and artificial turf in the foul area of the MHS baseball field. To Biltright Construction, $68,520.28; and to purchase materials, $15,378.34 to Artificial Grass Liquidators, Inc. https://is.gd/L9AjrV
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at 38 Degrees
Dinner at 38 Degrees, on the south side of Colorado about a half block east of Myrtle. Got the Pastrami with sides of kimchi and “beans and greens” for $17 and a beer for $7. Really excellent!- Brad Haugaard
City Plans Mural to Accompany Japanese Neighborhood Treasure Plaque
The art should convey the story of Japanese Americans in Monrovia, reflecting their history and their impact they had on the formation of the City.
For more information contact Kerri Zessau, in the Monrovia Community Development Department at kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us, or by phone at 932-5564.
- Brad Haugaard
Power Outages this Sunday - Midnight to Noon
Approximate areas affected.
The outage will allow SCE to upgrade infrastructure, make improvements, and other repairs. For questions call Southern California Edison's outage phone number at (800) 759-6056, or Monrovia's Department of Public Works at 932-5575.
- Brad Haugaard
Robotics Adviser, Students, Discuss Trip to Spain
Listen to the discussion on School News Radio, here: https://is.gd/sCXV2L
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Thieves Go After Catalytic Converters; Thieves Grab Louis Vuitton Bag and Wallet; Washing Machine Quarters Burglary; Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle; Etc.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 406 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 1:39 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Olive called police to report someone was attempting to open her front door. Officers arrived and found an extremely intoxicated male standing near the front door. It was learned that the male subject used to live at the location and was only rattling the door knob. Monrovia Fire responded to the scene, but the subject refused to go to the hospital. The subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for public intoxication. He was held for a sobering period.
Burglary
January 30 at 8:38 a.m., a burglary was reported at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of E. Royal Oaks. The suspect cut a hole in the window screen and entered an unlocked window. The suspect drilled the locks on the washing machines and took a small dollar amount of quarters from the machines. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 8:39 p.m., a male subject called police to report that another male subject threw a stick at his vehicle while he was at a business in the 200 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and located a subject who matched the description provided. A consent search of the subject revealed he had a glass pipe in his possession which is used to smoke methamphetamine. There was no damage to the reporting person’s vehicle. The male subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista called police to report a suspicious vehicle in the area, possibly casing homes in the neighborhood. Officers arrived and located the vehicle. A computer check revealed one of the occupants had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Attempt Grand Theft
January 31 at 10:14 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia called police to report someone had attempted to remove two catalytic converters sometime during the night from vehicles parked in their lot. They did not get the catalytic converters off, but the vehicles sustained a significant amount of damage. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
January 31 at 1:56 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. While the victim was eating at a restaurant, someone stole the full-sized tire that was attached to the rear of her vehicle, along with the tire cover. Investigation continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 31 at 4:31 p.m., a motorist was traveling east on Foothill, waiting to make a left turn onto Canyon. Once traffic was clear, the motorist proceeded to make a left turn, but did not see a pedestrian who was crossing in the crosswalk. The pedestrian was struck by the vehicle at approximately 5 miles per hour. The pedestrian complained of pain and had minor visible injuries.
Residential Burglary
January 31 at 6:49 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1600 block of Venice. The resident left the house at around 2:15 p.m. When she returned home at approximately 6:45 p.m., she discovered the rear door to her home had been forced open. Officers arrived and searched inside the home. While searching the residence, officers could see the residence had been ransacked. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft
January 31 at 10:27 p.m., a caller reported a grand theft that occurred in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The victim was sitting at a table outside a business, when three suspects ran up and took his Louis Vuitton handbag and wallet, and then fled the area. He provided the officer with a description. An area check was conducted, but no suspects were located. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
February 1 at 12:31 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 700 block of W. Duarte. The victim parked his vehicle on the street at 7:45 p.m. When he returned to his vehicle at 12:30 a.m., he noticed the rear passenger window was completely smashed. The suspect took two tool bags containing miscellaneous tools and one duffle bag containing clothes. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 7:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Foothill when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted by the officer and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed the driver had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 2 at 1:58 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined that the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Grand Theft Auto
February 2 at 6:51 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim reported he was staying at a hotel and sometime during the night his vehicle was taken without his permission. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. Investigation continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Cited
February 2 at 8:21 a.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a male subject entered the business and concealed merchandise on his person. He then exited the store without paying for the items. He was detained by lost prevention employees. An officer arrived and conducted an investigation. The stolen items were recovered and returned to the store. The subject was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charge.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
February 2 at 5:57 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Chestnut when he received notification of a stolen vehicle in the area. The officer located the vehicle and attempted a high risk traffic stop. The driver stopped and a female passenger ran from the vehicle. The driver then drove away in an attempt to evade officers and crashed into a building in the 200 block of W. Foothill. The driver fled on foot, but the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was able to locate him and he was taken into custody. The female passenger was also located and taken into custody a short time later. The female was found to be wanted for another grand theft auto incident out of Covina. Both suspects were arrested.
Commercial Burglary
February 3 at 8:12 a.m., the owner of a business in the 200 block of W. Maple arrived to work and discovered the building had been burglarized sometime over the weekend. Officers responded to investigate and found the suspects had broken a window to gain entry. They took merchandise from the business and fled the building. The same type of burglary occurred at this business previously on December 21. This investigation is continuing.
Attempt Grand Theft
February 3 at 2:03 p.m., the manager of a truck dealership in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia reported that someone had attempted to take the catalytic converter off one of the trucks. The suspect cut half way through the converter, but wasn't successful in removing it. The attempt theft was discovered when the manager started the truck.
Annoying and Threatening Telephone Call
February 3 at 5:36 p.m., a female subject at a retirement home in the 300 block of Norumbega called police to report a threatening phone call. A male subject called the home and threatened to kill her. The victim did not recognize the voice and does not know who the caller is. The victim said the home has never received a call like this before, and it is possible it was a wrong number. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
February 4 at 8:11 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Central walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter off his truck sometime during the night. He called police to report the incident. This investigation is continuing.
Violation of Parole / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 11:20 a.m., while officers were handling a family argument in the 800 block of W. Walnut, a parole officer arrived to check on a parolee. She found the parolee to be in violation of parole and a parole hold was issued. Monrovia officers arrested the subject for the violation.
Residential Burglary – Suspect Arrested
February 5 at 8:31 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Peck called police to report she had just arrived home and heard noises in her backyard. She said it sounded like someone was breaking into her storage shed. Officers arrived and saw the suspect jump the backyard fence and run onto another property. He opened the front door to a neighbor's house and was confronted by the homeowner inside the house. He ran and was eventually apprehended by police. He was found to be in possession of items stolen from the shed. He had concealed other items near the shed so he could return and collect them later, including a rifle. He was arrested and the stolen property was returned to the owner.
Grand Theft
February 5 at 2:01 p.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report a grand theft. The catalytic converter was stolen off of his company’s truck a week prior. Initially, he did not report it until he discovered the cost. This investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Mayoral Candidate Forum Focuses on Housing, Environment
The Monrovia mayoral candidates, from the left: challenger Stephen Grollnek, incumbent Tom Adams, challenger Melissa Taylor.
At the mayoral candidate forum, the topics were mostly housing and the environment.
Melissa Taylor focused on housing for the homeless. She has an urban regional planning background and said she would work for "bold change" and a "more inclusive community." She said she'd like to bring back trolleys to transport people from Station Square to Old Town. Also, she said the city is not representative of the population. For example, the city does not celebrate Cesar Chavez Day.
Stephen Grollnik said he does not expect to win, and said he and Adams are the old generation and Taylor is the new.
Tom Adams focused on his record. He said that when took over as mayor the city had 180 water leaks a year, but that problem is being fixed by "the largest public works project in Monrovia history." He added that the city has raised its bond rating to AA, second best, and asked voters to make a choice between "a steady hand on the wheel" and inexperience.
Housing
Adams said the price of housing is a result of supply and demand, and we need more supply. To minimize traffic congestion, he said, the new housing is being built near the train station. He added that the city has provided housing for 23 homeless individuals, and "everyone has been offered" housing. The problem, Adams said, is that housing facilities have rules and some homeless people don't want to accept the rules.
Grollnik said we should keep Monrovia a small community. The Asian population moving in has raised prices, and thus raised property tax. Regarding a question about providing low income housing, he said, "I don't believe in giving anything free to anyone." He said traffic is bad and he doesn't want Monrovia to be like "Temple City or Arcadia," and "I'm not a bigot," he added. Regarding providing homes for the homeless, he said, the city should get three trailers with beds and showers and park them in front of the police station.
Grollnik said we should keep Monrovia a small community. The Asian population moving in has raised prices, and thus raised property tax. Regarding a question about providing low income housing, he said, "I don't believe in giving anything free to anyone." He said traffic is bad and he doesn't want Monrovia to be like "Temple City or Arcadia," and "I'm not a bigot," he added. Regarding providing homes for the homeless, he said, the city should get three trailers with beds and showers and park them in front of the police station.
Taylor said the city should focus on affordable housing and needs to reexamine its zoning to provide that housing. The city needs to add housing and needs more than 10 percent of it to be affordable. Monrovia needs to think strategically and have a traffic plan and battle gentrification. Everybody, she said deserves housing, that it is a human right.
Does the candidate favor low income housing, and would he or she commit to at least 10 percent low income housing?
Grollnek: "No and no."
Adams: If you want low income housing, the trade-off is more units per acre.
Taylor: She would commit to 20 percent low-income housing, not just 10 percent.
What about mansionization?
Taylor: Maintaining historic housing comes down to affordable housing.
Taylor: Maintaining historic housing comes down to affordable housing.
Grollnek: "Keep the city the way it is."
Adams said he called for a moratorium on tearing down old houses until new rules were put in place.
Environment
Do you take climate change into consideration in every decision?
Grollnek: "I don't believe in climate change."
Adams: Not when he puts on his shoes, but he wants to switch the city to electric vehicles where possible.
Taylor: The city should be out front in taking climate change into consideration, just as it was in banning plastic bags.
How can the city be more green?
Adams: "Being green is great as long as it is economically viable."
Grollnek: "I don't care. The plastic bag ban was the dumbest thing I ever heard."
Grollnek: "I don't care. The plastic bag ban was the dumbest thing I ever heard."
Taylor: Being green is a "huge" issue and the city needs to focus on it.
Vision for Old Town
Taylor: A lot of business are moving out and the city should be recruiting new businesses.
Adams: The city does recruit, but some landlords have "reached too high on rent." He said there are a couple owners who are adamant about what they want to charge and the city "can't force them to rent cheaper." Also, online retail is a big factor.
Grollnek: Chinese buying properties is having an effect.
Gun Violence and Lighting
Grollnek: Monrovia is doing "pretty good." There has been gang violence in south Monrovia, but the police have done a good job with that.
Taylor: The city should work on this. She knows of a woman who was hit crossing the street near Kohl's, and suicide by firearms is a serious problem.
Adams: Some residents don't want street lights. They have been offered them and have declined in order to keep their streets feeling more rural.
Candidates' Major Donors
Taylor: Herself, husband, family, friends, various Monrovians.
Adams: Sergio Jimenez, who gave $1,000.
Grollnek: "Nobody. I haven't asked. People wouldn't give to me anyway."
Watch the whole thing here:
Watch the whole thing here:
- Brad Haugaard
Frost Warning Tonight
Bring your sensitive plants - and of course, your pets - inside tonight. National Weather Service frost warning for 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday for San Gabriel Valley. Temperatures as low as 33 expected. - Brad Haugaard
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