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Statement of City Council Candidate Genia Mills


Hello Monrovians,

My name is Genia Mills, and I am running for City Council. I am proud to call Monrovia my home for 19 years. It is where my husband and I raised our family.

Professionally, I worked in the entertainment industry for two decades after receiving my B.A. from the University of Southern California (USC).

Civically, I have held many positions within the community, including:

Community Services Commissioner for the last 11 years, including chair and vice-chair.
-Subcommittee member for Julian Fisher Park renovations.
-Subcommittee member for Lucinda Garcia Park renovations.

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Neighborhood Leader for 13 years.
I advocated for the city’s shopping cart ordinance; conducted neighbor mediations; led workshops; and organized neighbors to voice their concerns about the impact of nearby housing developments.

I am also a Neighborhood Watch Captain and served on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

My vision for Monrovia includes:

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility
We need to ensure that we keep solid reserves and do our best to offset costs by qualifying for grants, while using conservative estimates for revenue growth and generous estimates for cost growth.

Supporting Public Safety Enhancements
To ensure that people are safe, we need a dual track system that institutes programs that seek to provide people with the skills and mental health resources they need to avoid becoming criminalized while also holding people accountable for their actions.

I will enhance our Community Policing Program by encouraging more touch points between police and our community, and advocate for our police department to continue receiving the kind of de-escalation training that it has already effectively deployed.

Promoting Housing Availability and Affordability
I will encourage further participation with the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) to obtain additional moderate-income housing as exemplified at the Moda complex at Station Square. I will also seek to streamline the approval process for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs.

I will use my experience and collaborative brand of leadership to achieve these goals. I respectfully ask for your vote. For more information about my campaign, please visit votemills4monrovia.com.

Monrovia Police Tips for Drivers, Bicyclists, and Motorcyclists

May is National Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month and Monrovia Police Department has tips for drivers, bike riders and motorcyclists: https://tny.im/FyecX

- Brad Haugaard

US News & World Report Honors Plymouth School as '2022 Best Elementary School'

Plymouth Elementary principal, Dr. Greg Gero, reports that "U.S. News & World Report has selected Plymouth as a recipient of the '2022 Best Elementary School' award! Rankings are based on performance on state-required tests and how well students are prepared for high school." 

He added, "Over the past several years, Plymouth has reinvigorated the education that we provide our students, with an increased focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and literacy. Essential to our success has been our partnerships with families. Teachers and parents work closely together, conducting virtual visits, parent workshops, and volunteering in the classroom. Our PTA continues to support our students through literacy programs, arts instruction, and our amazing makerspace! At least as important has been our schoolwide focus on fostering a growth mindset in our students."


- Brad Haugaard

After Two Years Refurbishing, Pipe Organ at St. Luke's to Play Again

After a two-year refurbishing, Lucille, the three-manual, 42-rank pipe organ at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, will be played at the final Evensong of the choir season on Sunday, May 15 at 4 p.m. The church is at California and Foothill and admission is free.

"During the painstaking restoration, the instrument's thousands of pipes were removed and individually cleaned," says Music Director Kent Bennett Jones. "With the pipes out of the way, the entire interior of the church was replastered and repainted. Now everything is back in place, and Lucille is sounding more amazing than ever amid the church's spectacular acoustics."

The performance will include music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Villiers Stanford. It will feature William Boyce's anthem, "I Have Surely Built Thee an House," with soloists Marina Harris, Alex Miller and Victor Mazzone.  St. Luke’s Music Director, Kent Bennett Jones, will lead the ensemble.

An offering will be taken. Guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception in Guild Hall following the performance.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Anderson House Ceremony, 1979

Anderson House Ceremony 1979. L to R: H. Elroy Lindberg, Executive Secretary, California Community Foundation; Robert E. Cole, Manager, Monrovia Branch, Security Pacific Bank; Mrs. M.L. (Sandy) McIntosh, President, Friends of Monrovia Public Library. The Foundation had made a grant to the Friends Library so it could purchase the house. July 10, 1975. The property now belongs to the Monrovia Historical Society. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Uber-ish Service for Monrovia Students; 'Femineer' Engineering; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/xBtUc) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Contracting with HopSkipDrive (https://tny.im/LVulQ) to provide ride-sharing for school-aged children. It looks sort of like Uber for students: https://tny.im/Ep1dm

~ A Memo of Understanding (https://tny.im/taZIm) with Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State University to provide Monrovia schools with their "Femineer" program, which appears  designed to encourage students - primarily girls - to be involved in engineering: https://tny.im/MNgaL)

~ Accepting for public review prior to adoption, the textbook, "Human Geography A Spatial Perspective, AP Edition," (https://tny.im/xBtUc) for the high school history social science program. ($182.99 on Amazon: https://tny.im/DO4Iv).

~ Hiring Capturing Kids' Hearts for $55,000 (plus travel fee of $3,000) to conduct two staff training sessions, each two days long for up to 50 participants per session. According to its website (https://tny.im/1VMAq), the company "equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness." https://tny.im/POuLQ

~  Giving raises and other compensation and benefits to district employees. Total compensation increase is  3.04 to 3.56 percent. https://tny.im/8T5g6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports $23.6 Million Net Income for Q1


Monrovia-based Xencor, which develops pharmaceuticals to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported a net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 of $23.6 million, or $.39 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or $(.04) per share for the same period in 2021. https://tny.im/SKQSV

- Brad Haugaard

City Develops Draft Tree Planting Plan; Historic Tour; Energy Assessment


In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

~ The city has developed a draft Tree Planting Plan, (here) for only southern portion of Monrovia that has far fewer trees. Plan basically says …

  • Plant native trees first, then trees that thrive in Southern California climate.
  • Increase shade canopy where possible, and plant large trees where possible without creating maintenance or hazardous conditions.
  • Avoid tree planting in areas where parkway, utility or rights-of-way conflicts exist.
  • Avoid planting fruit, palm trees or non-native tree species.

~ There will be an Historic Walking Tour in Downtown Monrovia tomorrow, Saturday, May 7, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.  Learn about the early history of Monrovia Tour begins at 10 a.m. at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm, across from Library Park. Cost is $5 per person, the tour lasts about two hours, and RSVPs are not necessary.

~ The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments is offering a free home energy usage with an energy action plan and information about incentive and rebate programs. Schedule an assessment: https://www.sgvcog.org/esgv

- Brad Haugaard 

Some Monrovia Citrus Infected With Citrus-Killing Disease

Some citrus trees in Monrovia are infected with the incurable and deadly-to-citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), according to City Manager Dylan Feik. Expect California Department of Food and Agriculture staff to be around looking for HLB and treating any host plants within a 250-meter area around any new infections. The disease is spread by a bug, so when harvesting fruit that will leave your property …

  • Remove leaves, stems and branches. 
  • Wash fruit. 
  • Shake out citrus bags before they leave the property. 
  • Inspect clothes, personal items, and vehicles for plant materials and brush them off before leaving the property. 

- Brad Haugaard

Spanish Mediterranean Restaurant Proposed for Myrtle

Site of proposed restaurant.

A new Spanish Mediterranean restaurant is being proposed for 134 South Myrtle, on the east side of the street between Foothill and Palm. The restaurant, called The Lantern Coffee and Tea, needs Planning Commission approval to sell beer and wine. At its next meeting (agenda: https://tny.im/70HzN) the Monrovia Planning Commission will consider the proposal: https://tny.im/AHcVB

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 58 New Cases, No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 05/04/2022. Changes since 04/27/2022.

City of Monrovia: 8,401 cases (up 58), 104 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 881 cases (up 4), 4 deaths (unchanged)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: More Catalytic Converter Thefts; Cameras to Steal PIN Numbers; Stolen Vehicles; Drunk Driving; Man Arrested for Arson; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 28 – May 4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 385 service events, resulting in 66 investigations. 

Attempt Grand Theft
April 28 at 4:25 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Highland reported that he just interrupted four suspects attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his Prius. The suspects fled in two vehicles after being confronted. Officers responded to the area and located the two vehicles on Foothill. Both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed and officers discontinued any further pursuit for safety reasons. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
April 28 at 6:54 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report that the business was broken into sometime during the night. Officers arrived and saw the glass front door was shattered. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 10:11 a.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest called to report that sometime during the night his vehicle's catalytic converter was taken. This investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 11:52 a.m., a catalytic converter was reported stolen in the 2600 block of Doray Circle. This investigation continuing. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 12:17 p.m., an employee from a business in the 800 block of W. Huntington called to report that someone had broken into a vacant building and was possibly still inside. Officers arrived and located a suspect inside the building. Further investigation revealed that he was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Domestic Violence
April 28 at 3:08 p.m., Monrovia Dispatch received an emergency call regarding a domestic dispute that occurred somewhere on the 15 freeway. The involved parties were in the 700 block of S. Primrose. Officers arrived and contacted the couple. Further investigation revealed that a crime did occur. The California Highway Patrol was notified and the investigation was relinquished to them. 

ATM Tampering
April 28 at 7:10 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject attempting to tamper with an ATM. The subject had already left the area, but officers located two false panels hiding cameras positioned to capture customers pin numbers. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
April 28 at 7:31 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of S. Fifth. The victim advised that she had left her purse in the vehicle while the trunk was unlocked. Upon returning she found that her purse and other personal items had been stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 7:53 p.m., officers responded to a robbery alarm at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Upon arrival they saw that multiple suspects had entered the location and smashed display cases with hammers. Items from the display cases were stolen. The suspects had left the area when officers arrived. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
April 28 at 9:19 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington advised that three female suspects had stolen merchandise from the location. Officers checked the area, but the suspects had already left. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft
April 28 at 9:46 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of Bonita advised that her son’s scooter had been stolen from the front of their home. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence / Threatening – Suspect Arrested
April 28 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to a drive-thru restaurant in the 100 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject causing a disturbance. The female was found to be intoxicated and driving a vehicle. She attempted to back her vehicle into another vehicle while in the drive-thru and further investigation revealed that she had threatened several employees. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Vandalism
April 29 at 6:50 a.m., a caller in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported that the front window of his business had been smashed sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 29 at 9:02 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Genoa reported that his vehicle had been stolen from the front of his house sometime during the night. Officers entered the vehicle into the National Stolen Vehicle System. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
April 29 at 11:07 a.m., a caller in the 300 block of N. Grand reported that three juveniles in the park had just spray painted a rock. Officers arrived and located the juvenile offenders. A spray can and fresh graffiti were also located. The juveniles were issued citations and released to their guardians. 

Assault
April 29 at 6:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of S. Myrtle after a parent called to report that a male juvenile had slapped a female juvenile in the face. Officers checked the area and located the suspect on a nearby street. He was issued a citation and released to a guardian. 

Assault
April 29 at 9:00 p.m., an assault was reported in the 300 block of S. Myrlte. A juvenile caller reported that he was just assaulted by three other juvenile suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Weapon Offence – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 11:28 p.m., a caller reported a suspect brandishing a firearm in the area of Genoe and Mayflower. An investigation revealed that a male and female were involved in an argument inside their vehicle when an unknown suspect approached them. The suspect told the male to leave and then pulled out a firearm from his waistband. The suspect then walked away into a nearby residence. Officers located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 2:00 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Evergreen and Mayflower saw a vehicle swerving in the roadway. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was ultimately arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department j for a sobering period. 

Vandalism
April 30 at 10:38 a.m., a victim in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported that her rental vehicle had been keyed. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft / Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 11:36 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. The suspect was located and positively identified after providing officers with false information regarding his identity. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft Auto
April 30 at 11:49 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of E. Duarte reported that his vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. 

The vehicle was entered into the National Stolen Vehicle database. This investigation is continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 12:57 p.m., officers responded to a transient camp in the wash near the 1100 block of S. Fifth regarding a possible brush fire. The subjects there had made a small fire to cook food. Further investigation revealed that one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 2:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the intersection of Colorado and Magnolia when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Weapon Offence
April 30 at 6:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of S. Lincoln regarding a suspect who had brandished a handgun from a moving vehicle. An area check was conducted, but the suspect vehicle was not located. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 12:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower saw a vehicle fail to stop at a nearby stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Mental Evaluation
May 1 at 12:21 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill regarding a subject who was attempting suicide. Paramedics also responded and transported the subject to a nearby hospital for treatment. It was determined the subject also needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional. 

Want – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 10:23 a.m., while on patrol in the intersection of Primrose and Walnut, an officer saw a subject who he recognized from previous encounters. Further investigation revealed the subject was actively wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 1:35 p.m., a disturbance was reported in a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Further investigation revealed the subject had a warrant issued for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 1 at 4:33 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of E. Duarte advised that her purse had been stolen from her locked vehicle parked at the location. This investigation is continuing. 

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 5:20 p.m., officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a female suspect who had just stolen merchandise. The suspect was located and positively identified by the victim. A private person’s arrest was completed and the suspect was taken into custody. 

Vehicle Burglary
May 1 at 5:47 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported that someone had broken into her locked vehicle and stolen personal property. This investigation is continuing. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Hit and Run
May 1 at 6:24 p.m., a hit and run traffic non-injury collision was reported in the 900 block of S. Mayflower regarding a hit and run traffic collision. The victim reported that his vehicle was struck by an unknown vehicle while it was parked in the street. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 2:22 a.m., an officer was patrolling near the intersection of Live Oak and Longden when he saw a vehicle make several traffic violations. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was displaying symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and he was ultimately arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 7:40 a.m., an officer patrolling near the intersection of Central and Mayflower saw an equipment violation on a vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and further investigation revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 12:31 p.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Myrtle and El Norte. He conducted a traffic stop and after getting consent to search, he located a controlled substance on the person. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 2:15 p.m., a caller stated a female was lying on the ground near the intersection of Lemon and Shamrock. Officers arrived and woke up the female. Further investigation revealed she was in possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested and taken into custody. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 3:26 p.m., Arcadia Police Department called to report they had a suspect in custody with a felony warrant for burglary out of Monrovia. An officer responded to their department to pick him up. He was brought back to the Monrovia Police Department jail where he was booked and housed until his court appearance. 

Grand Theft
May 2 at 4:18 p.m., a victim in the 900 block of Valley View called to report that jewelry had been stolen from his residence. This investigation is continuing. 

Domestic Violence / Threatening – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of E. Lemon regarding a domestic dispute. A female subject advised that her husband had been drinking and was threatening her. An investigation revealed that the husband had held a knife to her throat and threatened to slit it. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. 

Burglary
May 3 at 3:36 a.m., a burglary in progress in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle was reported. A witness reported that two suspects had broken into the location, but then fled the area once confronted. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing. 

Commercial Burglary
May 3 at 10:34 a.m., an employee at a business in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower advised that someone had used a key to enter the business and steal electronics. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
May 3 at 11:32 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Olive reported that a suspect was vandalizing his vehicle with a crowbar. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
May 4 at 9:44 a.m., a victim staying at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth reported that someone had stolen the catalytic converter from her rented vehicle the night before. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing. 

Arson – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:02 p.m., officers responded to a structure fire at a residence in the 200 block of Jasmine. Flames were seen coming from the garage and were put out by fire personnel. A suspect was identified by the residents and officers checked the area. He was located and then ran from officers near Canyon and Hillcrest. Officers were able to locate him hiding in an alley. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia PD Jail for booking.

Lunch at Merengue Bakery


 Lunch today at Merengue Bakery and Cafe, on the west side of Myrtle a bit south of Lime. Got the MediaNoche sandwich (pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle) for $8.75 and a beer for $5. It came with plantain chips. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Colorado Woman Meets Her Mom in Monrovia After 50 Years

A Colorado woman and her birth-mother recently met in Monrovia after more than 50 years. Sarah Kleinhans, the daughter, was put up for adoption in South Korea when she was 14 months old and was adopted by a couple in New Hampshire. She successfully located her mother using a  genetic testing company. https://tny.im/Zq8ow

- Brad Haugaard

National Day of Prayer in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard 

MWD Water Restrictions Don’t Yet Apply to Monrovia

If you are wondering if the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency and it’s accompanying restrictions on watering apply to Monrovia, they do not... for now. Most of Monrovia’s water is pumped from the ground and comes from the mountains just to the north, not from MWD. That from City Manager Dylan Feik.

- Brad Haugaard 

Little Garth is an Adorable Lap Kitten


Seven-week-old Garth is incredibly soft and adorable! Garth is a lap kitten, but he also loves to perch on your thigh or knee. If he’s not already on your lap, he just might climb up your pant leg to get there! Garth is also very playful and loves his wand toy.

The adoption fee for kittens is $150. All kitten adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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 and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Myrtle and Olive in 1903

American National Bank building at the corner of Myrtle and Olive 1903. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Biotech Firm Opens Manufacturing Plant in Puerto Rico

CytoImmune Therapeutics Inc., of Monrovia, which develops therapies to kill tumors, opened a manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico in March to produce its products. https://tny.im/Fp7VP

- Brad Haugaard

Killer of Monrovia Couple is Himself Killed

Alfredo Valenzuela, 50, who murdered an elderly Monrovia couple in 2003, has been killed in his prison cell at Kern Valley State Prison. He was pronounced dead early Saturday morning. His cell mate is under investigation for the killing.

Valenzuela murdered Charles Shaum, 78, and his wife Bernice, 70, in July of 2003 after breaking into their home. https://tny.im/wAPMQ

- Brad Haugaard