- Brad Haugaard
Easter Weekend at Monrovia Parks
Easter in the parks: At Recreation Park on the Saturday before Easter Sunday (April 7), there will be Easter egg hunts for kids of different ages ( http://goo.gl/bBr3y ) and on Easter (April 8) there will be a morning service at 10 a.m. at Library Park, sponsored by the new Fellowship Monrovia Church.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Hong Kong Supermarket
The former Super A market on Duarte Road on the edge of Arcadia, is becoming a Hong Kong Supermarket. http://goo.gl/qr83C
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator Says He has Education-Saving Budget Solution
State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, reports that he "is offering a budget solution that eliminates the need for education trigger cuts and tax increases." Details: http://goo.gl/ecTIQ
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Taco Bell
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Over Temple City :-) | Brush Clearance
~ Monrovia Wildcats win in baseball against Temple City, 4-2. http://goo.gl/akzpg
~ Brush clearance season is approaching and it is homeowners' responsibilty to dispose of brush. For more information call the Fire Department hotline at (626) 256-8109 or click here: http://goo.gl/2LoD4
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Woman to Olympics | State Senator Huff on Budget
~ Monrovia trap shooter Kim Rhode going to the Olympics again. http://goo.gl/xYmMg
~ Video of Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia) outlining a budget plan endorsed by Senate and Assembly Republicans. http://goo.gl/D7dBJ
- Brad Haugaard
Moratorium on Monrovia Smoke Shops? | Honoring Police and Fire Employees
At its Tuesday, April 3, meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/1m93X ), the Monrovia City Council will, among other things ...
~ Consider forbidding new tobacco-related businesses for 45 days to give the city "additional time to study the nature and character of the use and potential regulatory controls for tobacco stores." http://goo.gl/plefd
~ Honor police and fire employees. These are: firefighter Mike Bailey, who has worked on several projects with "Rebuilding Together-Los Angeles," which earned him the Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer Award and a letter of Commendation from President Obama; police employees Officer Thomas Montes, Officer Gerald DeHart, Sergeant Nick Manfredi and Sergeant Patty Newton, who are recipients of the 2012 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award. http://goo.gl/1m93X
New Monrovia City Manager Soon? | Ready, Set, Go | Fundraiser for School Supplies | Huff on Education | Older American
~ New city manager announcement shortly? http://goo.gl/ToKc2
~ The Fire Department is participating in the nationwide Ready, Set, Go! Program, designed to teach people who live in high risk wildfire areas how to best prepare themselves and their properties against wildfires. Details (scroll down a bit): http://goo.gl/XNy4e
~ Monrovia Reads and Plays program, to raise money for educational supplies. http://goo.gl/mWJox
~ More information from State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on allowing school districts to have kid-appropriate ads on the outside of buses, and making it easier to let bad teachers go. http://goo.gl/Bfd6w
~ Know an older Monrovian you'd like to see honored as Older American of the Year? Must be over 60. Details here: http://goo.gl/TjZC8
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Vehicles and Stuff from Vehicles Stolen - Tip: Don't Leave Valuables in Plain Sight in Car
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 26 - 28. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 501 service events, resulting in 106 investigations.
Grand Theft Auto
March 26 at 8:49 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of Royal Oaks. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street in front of his house. The vehicle is a 1991, red, Nissan pick-up. Investigation continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
March 27 at 5:26 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of Garfield regarding a theft from an unlocked vehicle. The loss was a women's coat. Cash and a laptop computer were left behind. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
On March 28 at 6:27 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of South Madison. The victim parked her blue 2000 Durango in front of her residence with her purse and keys in the front seat. Her purse was later recovered in the laundry room of her apartment complex the following morning and her vehicle was recovered with the keys in the vehicle. Investigation continuing
Theft From a Vehicle
On March 28 at 1:53 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Garfield regarding a theft from an unlocked vehicle. The victim parked her vehicle in front of the residence with her purse on the front seat. The victim returned to her vehicle the following morning and discovered her purse missing. Investigation continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
On March 28 at 3:10 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of Sunset Place regarding a theft from a vehicle. The victim left his vehicle parked in front of his residence unlocked. He returned to his vehicle the following day and discovered 2 ipods missing. Investigation continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
On March 28 at 4:42 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block North Garfield regarding theft from a vehicle. The victim left his unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway. He returned to his vehicle the following morning and discovered his GPS, ipod and Alpine stereo face plate missing. Investigation continuing.
Tip of the Week
Theft Prevention from Vehicles
Always lock your doors and roll up all windows when you leave your car. Car thieves regularly patrol parking lots and try door handles to see if they will open. They will even try door handles on cars parked in driveways late at night when you are sleeping. They are hoping for an unlocked vehicle that they can get into quickly and they will take anything left inside. You should always store valuable items in the trunk, so that a criminal does not see them and become tempted to break into your vehicle.
Monrovia High Super-Fan Dies
Monrovia High football fan, "Big Bob," dies. http://goo.gl/kriAt
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Join Monrovia School Budgeting | Drones Scan Rocket Grounds | McFarland Charges
~ Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco reports on Facebook that community members will have three opportunities to be part of the budget conversation: Wednesday, April 11 at 5 p.m. at Monroe Elementary; Monday, April 16 at noon at the District Office; and Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at Santa Fe Middle School.
~ Raven drones made by Monrovia's AeroVironment scan the grounds before rockets are launched at Vandenberg. http://goo.gl/Y07vu
~ Monrovian Kelvin McFarland, who ran a youth boot camp, has been charged with sexual assault on two teen girls, according to the Star-News. http://goo.gl/9J8d6
- Brad Haugaard
Donnelly: Initial Success in Repealing 'Illegal' Fire Tax
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, reports that AB 1506 - which he co-authored - has been approved by the Assembly's Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan vote. The measure would repeal what Donnelly called "the illegal California Fire Tax," which requires residents in primarily rural areas to pay an additional $150 tax for every inhabitable structure on their property. http://goo.gl/mAvoY
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Star Party Tonight at Monrovia High | Get a Government Job | Pitcher'sDuel | South Pas
~ Star party tonight at Monrovia High. Open to all. [Thanks to Alex Zucco for this.]
~ Know how things oughta be run around this town? Apply to be on a city commission or board. http://goo.gl/bx3Sg
~ Zero-zero tie in Monrovia/La Canada pitchers' duel. http://goo.gl/8KyQx
~ Monrovia and South Pas to face off in track showdown. http://goo.gl/92WL8
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Video: Sights Along the Gold Line
A nine-and-a-half minute video about attractions along the coming Gold Line. http://goo.gl/nqwDW
Opinion: Professionally done, but I don't understand why it is a good expenditure of money to tell residents about the attractions of their own home towns, especially in an era of tight money.
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Pimp Brand Removal Bill Approved by Committee
It is not unusual to find pimps marking girls and women with “brands” or tattoos to indicate they are property. The brands make it harder for girls – or boys – to break out of prostitution. A recent news story shows that some who are forced into trafficking are "bar coded" by their abusers. To help these people get a fresh start, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) has introduced legislation that would give these people free tattoo removals. Today, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to approve Portantino’s AB 1956. Source: Portantino press release.
Monrovia Companies: Prolacta and Parasoft
~ Monrovia's Prolacta Bioscience has made an initial donation of $7500 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, part of a minimum annual donation of $30,000 from Prolacta. http://goo.gl/lokcj
~ Parasoft Corporation will present a research paper titled “Automated Defect Prevention for Embedded Software Quality” on March 27-29, 2012 at Design West in San Jose, CA. http://goo.gl/27Zg5
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Gun Bill Passes Assembly Committee
A measure by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, to expand on last year’s ban on openly carried handguns, has passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a vote of 4 to 2. AB 1527 would outlaw the "open carry" of unloaded long guns – such as rifles or shotguns. According to Portantino, AB 1527 has the support of the California Police Chiefs Association, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the California Chapters of the Brady Campaign and the Legal Community against Violence. Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Neighborhood and Energy Surveys
If you have a few minutes, you can take both Monrovia's Thriving Neighborhood Survey ( http://goo.gl/Koi0I ) and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Energy Survey ( http://goo.gl/S8wL8 ). Both online.
- Brad Haugaard
Film Festival in Monrovia | MHS Track Over Temple City | Extreme Couponing | Monrovia Today
~ The Chamber of Commerce reports on Facebook that new member, EFC Films, is bringing a film festival to Monrovia. Action On Film International Film Festival comes to town August 17-25. The Chamber says the event attracts more than 20,000 guests each year for a week-long celebration of film-making and writing. There will be a screening more than 700 films from filmmakers worldwide at the Krikorian Theater, plus daily seminars, symposiums, celebrity dinners, mixers, and a black-tie dinner and awards show. For more information, contact Nina at (626) 325-3406. http://goo.gl/31RMV
~ Monrovia High's boy's and girl's Track teams who defeated Temple City Thursday. The boys won by a score of 112-24 and the girls won by a score of 106- 30. The Wildcats will be running against South Pasadena this Wednesday at 3:15 at MHS. "Come out and cheer them on as they run for the League Championship." http://goo.gl/B7iGG
~ Extreme couponing. Learn about it at the library, this Saturday, 1-4 p.m. http://goo.gl/OCElE
~ The April-June edition of the Monrovia Today magazine is out. You can see an online version here: http://goo.gl/tpzGJ
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman Gets Probation and Fine for Gun-in-Airport Incident
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, has received three years probation and must pay a $2,215 fine for bringing a gun into the Ontario airport. ( http://goo.gl/KBHbW ) Donnelly posted a link to this article himself on his Facebook page. He added:
I am grateful to all of you who have supported us through this whole ordeal. Your prayers, your phone calls and your notes of encouragement have meant the world to Rowena and our entire family. This personal battle is over, but the war to restore our liberties, restrain our government and rebuild our economy rages on.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Careful Who You Challenge to Fight, Robbery Suspect Whacked with Cue Stick, Plus Burglaries and Batteries and More
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 22-25. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Residential Burglary
March 22 at 12:32 p.m., police responded to a residential burglary in the 300 block of Norumbega. The resident was away from the home for approximately 2 hours. When she returned, she found a screen had been removed from a window and the house had been burglarized. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Residential Burglary
March 22 at 5:44 p.m., an attempt residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of South Canyon. The resident found a screen on one of the windows of the home had been cut; however the suspect(s) did not gain entry. Investigation continuing.
Residential Burglary
March 22 at 7:22 p.m., a resident living in the 300 block of Norumbega returned home and discovered his residence had been burglarized. The suspect(s) pried open the back door and made entry to the home. They ransacked the home and took the resident's jewelry. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
March 22 at 10:27 p.m., police were dispatched regarding the report of a stolen vehicle in the 800 block of West Colorado. The resident parked her new, black, 2011 Kia Optima on the street in front of her house. She locked the doors and went into her home. She went back outside at approximately 10:25 p.m. and saw that her vehicle was gone. There are dealership paper license plates on the vehicle from Kia of Covina. Investigation continuing.
Challenging to Fight
March 23 at 5:13 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Alamitas. A caller advised police that a large group of teens from Duarte were outside threatening a girl who resides there. Officers detained a group of juveniles from Duarte High School. The conflict stemmed from the reporting party posting rude remarks about the girls on a social network site. She had challenged the girls to come to her residence to fight. Races were mixed and no gang associations were noted. A complaint will be filed with the court once the investigation has been completed.
Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 7:51 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a female subject who had stolen some items and exited the store. An officer arrived and saw the female running from loss prevention officers. The female was detained with the stolen items and no means to pay for them. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Commercial Burglary
March 24 at 6:36 p.m., a business in the 400 block of West Huntington called to report a theft that had occurred a half hour earlier. A male Hispanic and a female Hispanic entered the store. While the male subject bought beer and paid for it, the female selected other items. She attempted to remove the security tab, but was unsuccessful. The security sensor went off when she walked out the door with the items. They fled the location in an older, black, Jeep Cherokee with paper license plates. Investigation continuing.
Robbery
March 25 at 1:40 a.m., police received a call from a local bar in the 1500 block of South Myrtle reporting that three male suspects had robbed them. Officers responded and the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter assisted. The suspects were described as about 5'10", early 20's, wearing black clothing and black baseball caps with bandanas covering their faces. One of the suspects had a handgun, which may have possibly been a toy replica. One of the suspects removed the business owner's wallet from his pocket, which contained his ID and cash.
Before the suspects could exit the business, a patron struck the suspect holding the gun with a cue stick, causing him to fall to the floor. Another patron tried to take the gun away. As this was going on, another patron struck the other suspect in the head with a beer bottle. The suspects ran out the side door into the alley and out of sight. Investigation continuing.
Residential Burglary
March 25 at 8:57 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 900 block of Genoa. The Burglary occurred some time between 7:00 and 8:45 p.m. Entry was made through a rear door, which was pried open with an unknown tool. Two laptop computers and one empty safe were taken. The investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Obstructing and Delaying a Peace Officer / Criminal Threats - Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 9:18 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a male subject trespassing. When officers arrived, the suspect locked himself in a bathroom at the location for several minutes, but eventually came out. The suspect became verbally abusive with officers and refused to obey their commands. He was arrested at the location for trespassing and obstructing and delaying an officer. The suspect was uncooperative during the booking process and threatened to kill one of the officers. The suspect was additionally charged for criminal threats.
Spousal Abuse - Suspect Arrested
On March 25 at 10:59 p.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 500 block of West Duarte. Officers arrived and found the female subject/victim had visible injuries after being assaulted by her common-law husband; he was arrested at the location for spousal abuse. The incident was reported to the Department of Child and Family Services because the children were present. An Emergency Protective Order was issued and served to the suspect while he was confined at the Monrovia Jail.
Spousal Battery - Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 12:40 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Colorado regarding spousal battery. The investigation revealed that a boyfriend and girlfriend were arguing over information placed on a social network site. The male alleged his girlfriend hit him in the head and the female alleged her boyfriend threw a shoe at her. Based on the officers investigation, he determined the female to be the primary aggressor and she was arrested for spousal battery.
Monrovia Old Homes Tour
Monrovia Old Homes Tour is coming up. See information on tickets and a slideshow of the homes here: http://goo.gl/appy8
- Brad Haugaard
Accident at Huntington and Hwy Esplanade
A report from correspondent Brad Hori ...
This happened just feet in front of us Sunday at 1:15 PM at Huntington Dr and Hwy Esplanade. We were in the turn lane. One car was flying through the red and t boned a black Jeep going S into the shopping center and hit the white car waiting to turn N on Hwy Esplanade. It just started to rain an hour before.
I forgot to mention how funny it is when they block off the street and all cars are diverted up Hwy Esplanade. All cars will turn left on to Maple (my street) only to find out its a cul-de-sac. Some go up to King St and make the same mistake before finding their way on to Chestnut.
Thanks Brad!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator on the Budget Process | Monroe Cottage
~ Video: Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, in his weekly Capitol Comment, on the budget process. He predicts a balanced budget based on all taxes and no cuts.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Profile of the "Monroe Cottage," built by Monrovia founder William N. Monroe. http://goo.gl/03qvV
- Brad Haugaard
The Best-Selling Item at Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Markets Is ...
The CEO of Monrovia-based Trader Joe's says his favorite product (because it is the customers' favorite) is Charles Shaw wine (aka "Two-Buck Chuck"). It is the stores' best-selling product. http://goo.gl/NwFSD
- Brad Haugaard
Hot Rods for Monrovia's Unity Center
Hot rodders help Foothill Unity Center. Some nice car pix at the link. http://goo.gl/kH0Dj
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia School Board May Adopt Official Paint, Allow Pay-by-Work for Baseball League, Etc.
At its March 28 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/TbR9B ) the Monrovia School Board will consider, among other things, ...
~ adopting Dunn-Edwards as the standard paint for the district. Yeah, really. Because it matches the paint used on the new construction. http://goo.gl/ef3Lq
~ revising its recently adopted policy on charging for the use of school facilities to allow in-kind work as payment. http://goo.gl/vEFrn
~ signing a memo of understanding with the Monrovia Youth Baseball League allowing it to take advantage of the previous item by letting the league to use school facilities if it works on the school fields. http://goo.gl/O2rlt
~ adopting a three-year technology plan (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015). http://goo.gl/1iwjO
~ instituting bus fees ( http://goo.gl/5IvHX ) and rules regarding staff use of mobile cellular devices ( http://goo.gl/8fvsG ).
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Prep Work in Monrovia | Astronomy
~ Some prep work for the Gold Line maintenance yard will take place March 26 (Monday), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will affect Duarte Road (along the railroad tracks) from Mayflower Avenue to Mountain Avenue, and the railroad grade-crossings at Mayflower Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Myrtle Avenue, California Avenue, Shamrock Avenue, and Mountain Avenue. http://goo.gl/KuP4c
~ Astronomy on the sidewalk in Old Town. http://goo.gl/dajEy
- Brad Haugaard
No More Freeway Closures Anticipated
No more freeway closures for Gold Line bridge anticipated. Gold Line spokesman Habib Balian:
I am ... pleased to announce that the I-210 Bridge temporary false-work is now complete and work has begun on the form-work for the superstructure. The false-work construction took several months and required more than 20 full eastbound closures of the I-210 Freeway. Skanska has done an outstanding job to complete a very challenging element of the overall project, under conditions that are much less than ideal. Above, you can see the tremendous work that has been done over the last eight months. The photo ... provides a unique perspective, looking down on the deck of the false-work where the superstructure will be formed and placed over the next several months.
Lunch at Popeyes
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Senator Slams 'Sham' Budget
In this video State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, slams a "sham budget" and a secretive legislative approval process. http://goo.gl/pBPf7
- Brad Haugaard
Manzanar Author to Speak at Monrovia Library
On April 14 at 1 p.m. the author of "Farewell to Manzanar," Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, will speak at the Monrovia Library about the three years she spent in a United States internment camp during World War II. http://goo.gl/JRuXX
- Brad Haugaard
No Hunger Games for Bradoaks Students | Art Award Winners
~ Monrovia School District cancels field trip for Bradoaks students to see Hunger Games: http://goo.gl/RJvMO ~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts awards Donna Baker its Renaissance Award and Betsy Matz wins the Hearts in the Arts award. http://goo.gl/zPJ9o
- Brad Haugaard
Police Pick up Trophy | Tiger Mosquitoes | Monrovia Today | World Vision
~ The Monrovia Police Department has a new trophy for its cabinet. On March 12, Councilmember Larry Spicer and Police Chief Jim Hunt went to the annual California Police Chief Symposium in Sacramento to pick up the department's James Q. Wilson Award.
~ Invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes are back. They're little black and white guys. Last reported in El Monte, South El Monte, and unincorporated area just south of Duarte. They seem to be reviving as the weather warms. If you see any, call San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District at (626) 814-9466 ( http://goo.gl/kQGVP ). And here's a flyer: http://goo.gl/wAUxW
~ The April-June edition of Monrovia Today is on the way, heading for your mailbox.
~ Monrovia's World Vision says food running out in African country of Niger. http://goo.gl/nc5qp
- Brad Haugaard
Children's Slide to be Removed from Monrovia's Library Park
The children's slide will be removed from Library Park by next Thursday, according to the City Manager's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/kQGVP ). Here's why:
Unfortunately we have been informed by our playground equipment contractor that the slide in Library Park has a manufacturer's defect and must be taken out. It seems that without some sort of covering around the top of the "bigger kids" slide, it makes it too easy to climb up the slide, which is potentially dangerous for small children. The slide is closed now, and will be removed by the contractor next Thursday, March 29. In addition, a dying Silver Maple tree, located at the edge of the playground area, will be removed as well. We are looking at replacing the tree, as well as the slide (with a piece of equipment that is compatible). Whatever happened to the good old days when getting cuts and bruises in the playground was all part of the fun of being at the park??
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Police Look for D Man, Meth, Gun Safety
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 19-21. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 403 service events, resulting in 93 investigations.
Possible Vehicle Tampering
March 20 at 4:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of West Chestnut regarding possible vehicle tampering. The reporting party noticed a subject sticking his head into a vehicle in a carport and believed the subject was looking for something to take. When the reporting party confronted the subject, he walked out of the carport area and out to the street. The subject fled on foot, dumping his bicycle, when an officer arrived in the area. The officer ordered the subject to stop, but he ran. Containment was established, but the suspect was not located. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, mid-twenties, dark shirt, dark blue basketball-style shorts, shaved head with a tattoo of the letter "D" on the top of his head. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Narcotics - Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 3:36 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a suspicious subject riding a bicycle in the area of Magnolia and Palm. When the officer attempted to stop the subject for a traffic violation, the subject tried to evade the officer. The subject was detained in the 200 block of West Palm. During a consent search of the subject, a baggie of methamphetamine was found in the subject's shoe. The suspect was arrested.
Tip of the Week: Gun Safety
Even if your family doesn't have a gun in the home, chances are that your child will come in contact with a gun at some time during his or her childhood. Relatives and neighbors own guns that are probably hidden, but children may find them. Children are exposed to guns early on from television, cartoons and movies, arousing their natural curiosity. The best safety measure for gun safety in the home is to avoid having one in your home. However, if you already own a gun or plan to purchase one in the future, following the guidelines below can help protect your family's health and safety.
If you own a gun:
- Always keep your gun unloaded and locked up.
- Lock and store bullets in a separate location.
- Make sure children do not have access to the gun lock keys.
If you do not own a gun:
- Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
- Tell your children to stay away from guns when they are in the homes of their friends.
- Speak with the parents of your children's friends to determine whether or not they have a gun in the home.
- If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up.
Wind Damage Reimbursement Instructions
If you'd like to get reimbursed from Southern California Edison for damage during the recent windstorm, here are instructions: http://goo.gl/eYFoO
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman: Job Loss as State Implements Cap and Trade
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, writes on Facebook that he heard Lord Monckton (a British politician: http://goo.gl/D9W2X) testify that global warming is false at a hearing in Sacramento today. Here's Donnelly's comment:
Just listened to Lord Mockton eviscerate the Global Warming hysteria as a massive FRAUD. As California implements a Cap & Trade program under AB32 (administered by CARB), energy prices including gasoline prices will do nothing but rise, while businesses who fall under this regulation continue to flee this environmental extremist regime, costing us an estimated 485,000 jobs. Really made a compelling case that it is immoral to attempt to reverse the natural cycle of warning and cooling that has gone on for centuries.
- Brad Haugaard
Judge's Ruling Keeps Gold Line on Track | Huff: Cap College Bosses' Salaries | Beauty Queen
~ A ruling today by LA County Superior Court Judge Michelle Rosenblatt in the eminent domain case involving Monrovia and the Gold Line gives the line "full control over the property, and results in the Authority controlling more than 50 percent of the land needed for the project’s maintenance facility." With more than 50 percent control this means the funding will be released to keep the train track on track for completion in 2015. Source: Gold Line press release.
~ Video of Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, speaking in support of capping top California college system administrators' salaries. http://goo.gl/C5fjv
~ Miss LA County, Monet Bagneris, honored by Monrovia City Council. http://goo.gl/dRAlq
- Brad Haugaard
Four Arrested in Monrovia in Statewide Alcohol-and-Minors Sweep
From Monrovia Police Press Release:
Monrovia, California – Investigators from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and Officers from over 90 local law enforcement agencies joined forces on Friday, March 16, 2012, in the largest Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation ever assembled in California.
The operation was conducted statewide for the first time ever. The task force operation resulted in 4 local arrests. Statewide over 300 adults were cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors and
dozens more were arrested for other crimes, such as public drunkenness, driving under the influence, drugs, parole violations and outstanding warrants.
ABC Investigators and local law enforcement conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which can lead to the arrest of adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will
stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.
The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen
pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromised health, and can result in unintentional injury and death.
- Brad Haugaard
Sparse Snow
- Brad Haugaard
Meeting about New Monrovia City Manager | Food for Easter | World Vision
~ Another closed session City Council meeting about a city manager. http://goo.gl/sBD3I
~ The deacons at First Presbyterian Church are teaming up with the Cub Scouts to collect food for seven needy families for Easter. http://goo.gl/qI4bD
~ Monrovia's World Vision warns that more than 6 million people face food shortages in Niger. http://goo.gl/Ns4WV
- Brad Haugaard
Star-News Columnist: Local School Districts Like Vermin
Star-News columnist Frank Girardot compares local school districts (presumably including Monrovia) to "vermin" and "cockroaches" ( http://goo.gl/Ztbiy ) following a legal demand from the Star-News to 28 districts on teacher misconduct. Here is Monrovia's response: http://goo.gl/LWY8m
Opinion: I have stated this in other forums, but let me do so again: I understand the Star-News is within the law, and I believe the school districts should respond according to the law, and if the SN was following up on an allegation or even a vague suspicion, I would applaud this, but for the newspaper to burden already cash-strapped school districts with pointless administrative work (and thus extra costs) based on nothing but a whim strikes me as very irresponsible. And to compare school districts to cockroaches ... oh, man! That is just way over the top.
Monrovia Police: Tool Burglary Binge, He Yelled Too Loud, Biting an Officer, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 15-18. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Burglary
March 15 at 7:56 a.m., police received a call reporting a burglary in the 600 block of West Duarte Road. Suspect(s) entered a locked maintenance room located to the rear of an apartment complex. There was no damage to the door. The suspect took several power tools. Investigation continuing.
Burglary
March 15 at 8:32 a.m., an officer responded to the 1800 block of South Eighth Avenue regarding a burglary report. The suspect(s) entered a parking structure and broke into a locked storage locker by prying the latch that holds the lock. The suspect took tools from the location. Investigation continuing.
Burglary
March 15 at 8:35 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a burglary in the 500 block of West Duarte Road. The suspect(s) smashed the driver side window on a truck to gain entry and then took tools from inside the cab. The truck was parked in a carport. Investigation continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
March 15 at 10:54 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington. The victim left her vehicle unlocked and went inside the business. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took her purse, containing her wallet, keys and license. The purse was left under the passenger seat. Investigation continuing.
Attempt Burglary
March 15 at 4:58 p.m., an attempt burglary was reported in the 1800 block of South Eighth Avenue. Suspect(s) entered a parking structure and broke into a locked storage locker by prying the latch that holds the lock. The victim does not think anything was taken. Investigation continuing.
Suspicious Subjects / Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Public - Suspect Arrested
On March 15 at 6:03 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Montana regarding 6 to 7 suspicious subjects loitering in a carport area. Police located and detained the subjects. Upon further investigation, one of the subjects was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun; the subject was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm.
Domestic Disturbance / Parolee at Large - Suspect Arrested
March 16 at 1:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of North Myrtle regarding a male and female subject yelling at each other, keeping their neighbors awake. After contacting the two subjects, it was determined they were having a verbal argument only. The male involved in the argument was found to be a parolee at large and he was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
March 17 at 5:21 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Cypress regarding a male subject who had struck his mother and threatened to kill her. He grabbed a knife and locked himself in a bathroom. Officers attempted to speak to him and get him to come out of the bathroom, but he refused. Officers eventually entered the bathroom and the subject surrendered himself without further incident. He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.
Curfew Violations - Suspects Arrested
On March 17 at 11:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of South Violet regarding a disturbance coming from a garage. The officer arrived and found several unsupervised juveniles in the garage and evidence of alcohol consumption occurring. The officer arrested five juveniles for curfew violation. They were taken to the Monrovia Police Department, where four of the juveniles were cited and released to their parents. The parents of the fifth juvenile were in Central California and unavailable. East Lake Juvenile Hall was notified and per the probation officer, the fifth juvenile was taken to a detention alternative program. The parents were advised by telephone.
Glendale Police Department Hit & Run Investigation - Outside Assist / Driving Under Influence - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 1:11 a.m., Glendale Police Department was conducting a hit and run investigation in their jurisdiction and requested Monrovia Police Department check the registered owner's address. The license plate of the suspect vehicle was registered to a residence in the 300 block of West Walnut. An officer was put in position to watch the residence and observed the suspect vehicle arriving home. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered the driver was intoxicated. The subject was arrested for driving under the influence, and Glendale Police Department was advised of the detention.
Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Weapons Violation - Suspects Arrested
March 18 at 1:50 a.m., an officer stopped a speeding vehicle in the area of Myrtle and Foothill. The vehicle was occupied by three male adults. Investigation revealed the driver and passengers were under the influence of a controlled substance. During a search of the vehicle, the officer found a 26-inch wooden baton on the floorboard, wedged between the driver's seat and door. The driver admitted ownership of the baton and said it was for his personal protection. The three suspects were arrested for the appropriate charges.
Domestic Violence / Resisting and Delaying a Police Officer / Battery on a Police Officer - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 9:17 a.m., officers responded for a second time to a family disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of Hurstview. Upon arrival, they could hear a female yelling. Officers asked for the male subject to open the security gate and come outside. The male subject complied. The officer then asked the female to come outside. As she was exiting the home, she tried to hit and kick at the male subject. As the officers were attempting to detain her, the female subject began to struggle and bit one of the officers. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Battery - Suspect Arrested
On March 18 at 10:38 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington called to report a battery. An argument occurred between a male, off-duty employee and a female patron of the bar. The female alleged she was punched in the face by the male and desired prosecution. An independent witness was located by the officer and the victim's injury was consistent with her statement. The victim made a private person's arrest and the suspect was taken into custody.
Outlet Moving from Monrovia, Building in Azusa
The Outlet by E.L.S., a Monrovia discount store that is moving to make way for a Gold Line train maintenance yard, is building a new store facility in Azusa. http://goo.gl/85GGH
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Bridge Construction | Fighting With Your Neighbors?
~ Construction of the Gold Line freeway bridge near the Santa Anita off-ramp may require occasional closures of up to three lanes of the eastbound 210 between March 18-31. Closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the following day.
~ An LA company that develops series for cable networks wants to pay $1,000 to feuding neighbors (homeowners only) for a TV show. The company will provide a professional mediator to find a solution. Email neighbortvshow@gmail.com (Oh rats! I'm getting along with my neighbors.) Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
Cacciotti Platform | Huff in the News | MonroviaNow Top-Listed Monrovia News Site | Wine Tasting
~ Assembly candidate Michael Cacciotti, running in the 41st Assembly District to be Monrovia's representative, lists his priorities as: "job creation, fiscal resourcefulness, 21st century transit, energy, and education systems." Here's his web site: http://www.michaelcacciotti.com/
~ Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on NBC4's "News Conference" with Conan Nolan. http://goo.gl/KfHky
~ With a recent Google algorithm change, MonroviaNow is the first result for a search for "monrovia news," the third for "monrovia ca," and the sixth for a search on "monrovia." It is also the first news website listed for each of these search results. (This refers to a regular Google search, not a Google News search.) Update: Hmm. That the cause is the algorithm change is reasonable, but it is my assumption, and assuming is bad journalism. Forget the algorithm part; I don't know that part for sure.
~ Foothill Oaks Academy of Duarte (which includes the former Carden of the Foothills school of Monrovia) is having a wine tasting fundraiser. Details: http://goo.gl/yL8LK
- Brad Haugaard
Special Event Expo in Monrovia | Donnelly
~ Special Event expo at Monrovia's Courtyard Marriott April 29. http://goo.gl/pDoh8
~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly's newsletter, focusing on a discussion with a manufacturer thinking of leaving California because it is "all stick and no carrot." Donnelly represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/u8ri8
~ Donnelly wants plea deal on gun-at-airport incident. http://goo.gl/YkjQg
- Brad Haugaard
Rain Possible Through Monday | Monrovia Baseball :-( | Huff Video
~ Rain today, and maybe tomorrow and Monday. http://goo.gl/sCAj0
~ Monrovia Loses to San Marino in Baseball. http://goo.gl/ASgqv
~ Video of Monrovia's Senator, Bob Huff, on education proposal. http://goo.gl/nXOEn
- Brad Haugaard
Happy 100th First Baptist Monrovia | Sport and Tackle Shop | More $ for Gold Line
~ First Baptist Church is also (like the Maryknoll Sisters) celebrating its 100th anniversary. http://goo.gl/9x9lq
~ Wil's Sport and Tackle is moving into the spot formerly occupied by Scratch Cookies and Bakery. http://goo.gl/ZJjzt
~ The Senate has approved a transportation bill that should help the Gold Line. http://goo.gl/JD0PR
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Red Lobster
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Business Showcase | Huff on Education and Tax Proposal
~ Here's a sign-up flyer for businesses that would like to participate in the Chamber of Commerce's Business Showcase on April 27 - http://goo.gl/59RIz
~ Senator Bob Huff's weekly video comment (on education and the Governor's tax proposal): http://goo.gl/Ojrto
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fourth of July Fireworks Show; Miss LA County; Maryknoll
Among other items on the March 20 City Council meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/AAcP2 ), the council will ...
~ Consider contracting with Pyro Spectaculars for an 18-minute Fourth of July fireworks show at Library Park. The $20,500 show (at 9 p.m.) will be a collaborative effort between the Fire, Police, Public Works and Community Services Departments. Opinion: Yeah! This is a great event.
~ Recognize Miss LA County 2012, Monrovia resident Monet Bagneris.
~ Present a Certificate of Recognition to the Maryknoll Sisters in honor of their centennial celebration.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mayor Named 'Woman of Achievement'
Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has been selected as the 2012 "Woman of Achievement" for the 24th Senate District in the category of Environment. She will be honored with special celebration along with eight other women on March 23 as part of Women's History Month. http://goo.gl/EIA5a
Land and Seascape Exhibition at Monrovia's Segil Fine Art
Rolling In
"Land and Light" exhibition of new oil paintings by Laura Wambsgans, March 24-April 28 at Segil Fine Art. Opening reception, Saturday, March 24,5-7 p.m.- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Suspect Re-arrested on Suspicion of Vandalizing Jail; No Checking Account for You; Tire Vandalism
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 12-14. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 402 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On March 12 at 9:29 p.m., a subject in custody was caught vandalizing his jail cell. He used the metal fitting from his jail wristband to scratch gang graffiti into the paint of the jail bunk. Special Enforcement Team officers had arrested the male subject on a no-bail warrant for violating Monrovia Police Department's gang injunction. The Additional charges were added to his offenses.
Commercial Burglary / Forgery / Fictitious Identification
On March 13 at 2:44 p.m., a male subject walked into a bank in the 100 block of East Huntington with a fictitious license and attempted to open a checking account. The bank employee noticed the license appeared counterfeit and called police. The subject was taken into custody without incident. The suspect's motives for opening an account are unknown. Investigation continuing.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
This week, detectives were working on a case that involved a husband and wife who are separated and getting a divorce. The husband left threatening messages on the wife's phone and began committing minor acts of vandalism involving her car. The situation escalated, and the wife's car tires were being punctured. The wife moved in with her mother for protection.
Due to the increase of violence in the husband's suspected activity, patrol officers were positioned to maintain surveillance on the location and the victim's car. The husband arrived at the location and was seen damaging the wife's tires on her car. The suspect attempted to drive away, but officers detained and arrested him for the vandalism, and for driving under the influence. Detectives were able to get a seven-count indictment from the District Attorney's Office.
Monrovia Assemblyman Portantino Honored for Gun Control Measures
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has been named Legislator of the Year by the California Police Chiefs Association for his measure banning the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places, and a later measure prohibiting individuals from openly displaying unloaded rifles and shotguns in public.
Source: Portantino press release
Wildcats Baseball Over Arcadia :-) | Monrovia Cover Girl? | Huff Slams Brown Tax Proposal
~ Wildcats, 8-2 nonleague victory over Arcadia in Baseball. http://goo.gl/el6Ao
~ Monrovia cover girl competitor. http://goo.gl/xIVIk
~ Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia) has issued the following statement regarding news that the Governor would introduce a revised version of his $31 billion tax hike:
“Just days after insisting that his was the only responsible tax plan for an integrated budget solution, it looks like the Governor has capitulated by accepting the public employee union tax hike scheme.
This back-room tax increase deal does not bode well for the prospects of real public employee pension reform since it is now clear that the public employee unions are controlling the entire agenda.
The Governor has previously acknowledged that a heavily top-weighted tax would further increase the volatility of state tax revenues that are already subject to severe boom and bust cycles.
This larger and longer tax scheme will inevitably lead to massive state government spending growth and set the stage for yet another budget crisis in California. The idea that a seven-year tax increase is “temporary” defies credibility.”
Source: http://goo.gl/FPyBs
- Brad Haugaard
New Monrovia City Manager? | False-work Almost Done | Win a Shopping Spree
~ The Monrovia City Council is holding a special closed session meeting this Friday morning on what appears to be the topic of the city manager. The city has been looking for a new city manager, so (I'm guessing) perhaps it has a candidate it intends to vote on. http://goo.gl/2gxP7 [Update: Nope. I checked and the city is still in the interviewing stage.]
~ Gold Line spokesman Habib Balian reports that the "false-work" - the wooden frame on which the 210 Freeway bridge will be constructed - "will be fully erected early next week, a significant milestone for the project that required more than 20 full late-night closures of the eastbound I-210 Freeway over the last two months. Once complete, crews will focus on constructing the main cross beam and superstructure."
~ Win a shopping spree in Old Town Monrovia. http://goo.gl/ZuoKU
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator: Proposing No-More-Miramonte Rules | Diggin for Daisy's | Antonovich
~ Monrovia's State Senator, Bob Huff, says Republicans are proposing rules to prevent any more Miramonte-type sexual abuse by teachers. Rules would prevent old records from being discarded, end delays in dismissal process, have dismissal review done by an administrative law judge alone, allow disciplinary dismissal without pay (reimbursed if found not-guilty), require teachers under law enforcement investigation to be removed from the classroom, strip pensions from felons, etc. http://goo.gl/jhBtU
~ Intro to Diggin for Daisy's eco-friendly kid store. http://goo.gl/advLi
~ Monrovia's County Supervisor, Michael Antonovich, will run virtually unopposed. http://goo.gl/Orw9N
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Track Does Great | Easter Egg Hunt
~ Monrovia High Boy's and Girl's Varsity Track teams both won team titles last weekend at the Cougar Relays at Azusa Pacific University. There were more than 40 teams participating and well over 3,000 people in attendance. Skylar Buchanan, Ellis McCarthy, Micheal Harris and Sophia Carnevalle all won two events apiece to lead the Wildcats. The Wildcat Frosh/Soph team also had a great day finishing runners-up in their respective divisions. Overall the Wildcats brought home over 75 medals and four trophies from the invitational. The Wildcats will run against Covina HS on Wednesday at 3:00 on our new track. Source: http://goo.gl/SaOUQ
~ A Spring Easter Egg hunt will be held April 7 from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Recreation Park. Details here: http://goo.gl/xGylQ
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman Slams Cal State Executive Compensation
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino says that although this is "Sunshine Week" (advocating transparent and accountable government), "that idea seems to have fallen on deaf ears at the California State University." Portantino (and Senator Leland Yee) said "recent news reports suggest that CSU officials continue to conceal details about excessive compensation for campus presidents – including tens of thousands of dollars in perks such as housing, car allowances, and retirement and health benefits." They add: "There is no justification for these bloated salaries and even less justification for hiding the truth from the taxpaying public." Both Portantino and Yee are sponsoring governmental-salary legislation. Portantino's AB 1787 would freeze compensation for public employees making over $100,000. Yee's SB 967 would prohibit raises for top executives during bad budget years or within two years of a student fee hike.
Meet '365 Thank Yous' Author at Monrovia Library
Monrovia Reads is sponsoring an event at the Monrovia Library on April 9 at 7 p.m. to meet John Kralik, author of "A Simple Act of Gratitude," and "365 Thank Yous." When Kralik's life hit a desperate low, he decided on New Years Day that if he could focus on what he had instead of what he didn't have, that perhaps his life would become at least tolerable. In "365 Thank Yous," Kralik chronicles the following year, in which he wrote a thank you note every day to anyone and everyone he could think of. Event is free but donations appreciated. Space is limited, so contact Diane Delmatoff at 303-6600 for a spot. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Huff: Reform Teacher Dismissal Process | Monrovia High from Above | World Vision
~ Monrovia's State Senator, Bob Huff, is planning "legislation aimed at reforming the teacher dismissal process following a scandal within Los Angeles Unified School District where teachers were charged with lewd crimes against students." He says, "State law has hamstrung school administrators from firing teachers when misconduct crimes occur." http://goo.gl/7TlDd
~ Monrovia High from above ... at night: http://goo.gl/IbYaf
~ Monrovia's World Vision is still helping tens of thousands of families a year after the Japanese earthquake/tsunami. http://goo.gl/0gUIg
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Church Building for Sale
A for-sale sign is up for the church building at the corner of Primrose and Palm (across from the northwest corner of Library Park). Broker is CNL Religious and Educational Real Estate.
- Brad Haugaard
Curves Holds Fundraiser for Foothill Unity Center
Curves of Duarte is kicking off its 2012 Curves Food Drive today with a challenge to collect 4,000 pounds of food for Foothill Unity Center. The club is asking members to donate bags of non-perishable food or cash throughout March to fight hunger in the community. The club will also waive the joining fee for new members who bring in a bag of non-perishable food or donate $30 to Foothill Unity Center from March 12–24. For more information about Curves of Duarte, at 1159 Huntington Dr., contact Stacey Park at 626-303-4800 or curves.duarte@verizon.net.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets Drone Order | Six-2-Six
~ AeroVironment gets $11.1 million order for Raven drone. http://goo.gl/6EfsA
~ Balloon-popping event at Six-2-Six store's anniversary. http://goo.gl/dxRqI
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Baseball Loss to La Salle | College-Bound Students Honored
~ Monrovia loses to La Salle in Baseball :-( http://goo.gl/txPwr
~ College bound Monrovia students honored. http://goo.gl/vWLHo
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Still Running Out of Money, Buy Web Hosting and Audio-Visual Equipment
At its Wednesday, 7 p.m., March 14 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/QyRNf ), the Monrovia Board of Education will, among other things ...
~ Hear a report saying it won't be able to pay its bills. "We are projecting a negative $1,280,625 Ending Fund Balance at the end of 2013-14. ..." and worse in the future. That estimate assumes voters reject a tax hike. http://goo.gl/ydVqP
~ Consider paying $21,314 for a one-year contract to SchoolLook/SchoolWires to provide "web hosting for student email and parent portal." ( http://goo.gl/bDDEu ) Opinion: I dunno about this. Unless there's something I'm missing, $21k a year seems like way too much money for what sounds like a boilerplate set-up-and-forget portal/email system.
~ Will consider buying classroom audio-visual equipment for a cost of $731,367. http://goo.gl/SFnBW
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Opportunities for Local Small Biz | Education Cuts Meeting | Huff Commentary
~ The Gold Line and Foothill Transit Constructors (Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture) hosted a "Meet the Primes" networking event for small businesses today. More than 120 people, representing more than 75 local and regional small businesses, attended and learned about opportunities on the project and how they can participate. Gold Line spokesman Habib F. Balian said this was "one way the Authority could help bring small businesses together with the prime contractor, as they aspire to meet the Authority’s 16 percent goal for small business participation in our project."
~ Saturday forum on education budget cuts with Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, out in Glendora. http://goo.gl/3j1sv
~ A "Capitol Comment" video from State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia. http://goo.gl/xibbT
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Baja Mar
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia: Deer City USA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Green Dot Buys Loopt - Enters E-Wallet Arena
Monrovia's Green Dot, which specializes in prepaid credit cards, is moving into the "electronic wallet" arena with the purchase - for $43.4 million in cash - of Silicon Valley's Loopt, Inc., "a pioneer in mobile user interface design, real-time location-based mobile rewards marketing, and geo-location application technology." The press release says this will "provide the opportunity for Green Dot to become a leader in mobile wallets, rewards and payment solutions at retailers nationwide."
Opinion: Very cutting edge. Basically this means letting you use your cell phone as a credit card and probably giving you the option to get coupons as you walk by various stores.
- Brad Haugaard
SoCal Gas: Watch for Fakes | Above Monrovia | Baseball :-(
~ Southern California Gas Company is warning of fake company inspectors claiming to be doing leak inspection. Check their ID. http://goo.gl/O2sA2
~ Beautiful picture looking down on Monrovia at night. http://goo.gl/e1KRy
~ In baseball, Monrovia came in fifth in Arcadia Elks Tournament. http://goo.gl/AL7VP
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Graffiti Bounty | Biking Against Diabetes
~ Last year, Monrovia had approximately 7,100 calls reporting graffiti, which cost $70,000 to remove. If you witness vandalism call (626) 256-8000. If police arrest the suspect, you will receive a $100 bounty. For more information on the Graffiti Bounty Program: http://goo.gl/hdoBO
~ Cyclists tour Monrovia to raise money to fight diabetes. http://goo.gl/UcCIj
- Brad Haugaard
Wall Street Expected More from Monrovia's Staar Surgical | Conviction Upheld
~ Wall Street was hoping for better financial results from Monrovia's Staar Surgical. http://goo.gl/yJwLz
~ An appellate court has upheld the conviction of two gang members in the 2008 killing of a girl in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/pZSgJ . Update: http://goo.gl/9oTtm
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia: Tree City USA
A picture of Mayor Lutz and council members Adams, Shevlin and Spicer holding up the Tree City USA banner at today’s Arbor Day celebration. http://goo.gl/aGUE9
- Brad Haugaard
Historic Pictures of Monrovia
A bunch of great historic pictures of Monrovia. Well worth looking at: http://goo.gl/L0chu
- Brad Haugaard
Summer Enrichment | Sentencing in Hit and Run
~ Summer enrichment classes offered. http://goo.gl/CdyNU
~ Sentencing of hit-and-run driver set for Friday. http://goo.gl/d1UmP
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia to Get Hong Kong Supermarket
The Hong Kong Supermarket is coming to the Mon-Arc Center on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/GzT1r
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Old Homes Tour | Caring for Clifton Teachers | Gerontologist on TV | AeroVironment Earnings Up | STAAR Surgical, Too
~ Tickets now on sale for the 30th annual Mother's Day Old Homes Tour, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. http://goo.gl/Fj9PN
~ Monrovia Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a drive to make the wishes of Clifton Middle School teachers come true. school supplies and stuff. http://goo.gl/tr0Kp
~ KCET will feature Monrovia gerontologist Mary Winners. http://goo.gl/1DLxP
~ AeroVironment reports: "As of the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 our revenue is up 15% and diluted earnings per share have grown by 50% compared to the same point last fiscal year." http://goo.gl/niDtU
~ And, Monrovia's STAAR Surgical reported that revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2011 grew 14% to $16.4 million. http://goo.gl/8JGyR
- Brad Haugaard
Adopt a Pet | New Owner for Monrovia Salon
Snoopy, at Inland Valley, wants a home.
~ Need a kitty or doggy? Monrovia uses Inland Valley Humane Society in Pomona. Cats: http://goo.gl/tdJ5K ; Dogs: http://goo.gl/H3Iey ; Other Critters: http://goo.gl/YQmf6 . Also nearby is the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society: http://goo.gl/LGcwg
~ New owner for All About Beauty Supply and Salon. http://goo.gl/aiaV3
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's World Vision Helping Tornado Relief | Learn Facebook
~ Morovia-based World Vision will be assisting in Midwest tornado relief operations with clothing, shoes, toiletries, blankets and cleaning supplies, which will be provided through church partners in Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama and Louisiana. http://goo.gl/tuwuw
~ The Monrovia Computer Club will demonstrate some of the cool features of Facebook this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Cookies, too.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Suspect Accidentally Shoots Himself, Drugs, a Fall at Canyon Park, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for March 1-4 – Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On March 2 at 1:57 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle on Chestnut, just east of Monterey, for failing to stop for a stop sign. The officer observed an open alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle, so the officer removed the occupants to recover the evidence. When he removed one of the male subjects, he discovered this subject was in possession of a glass methamphetamine pipe. The officer arrested the subject for possession of the pipe and for the open container.
Medical Assist
On March 2 at 1:14 p.m., a group of teens with a school group were at Canyon Park at the falls when one of the female teens tumbled 20 to 30 feet, striking her head. She was able to walk, but complained of dizziness and a possible broken hand. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics arrived and the teen was treated and taken to a hospital.
Possession of Hypodermic Needle – Suspect Arrested
On March 2 at 4:59 p.m., police received a call reporting a subject on top of the roof of an empty business in the 200 block of South Myrtle. Officers arrived and found a male subject just coming off the roof. He was detained, and during a pat down search, a hypodermic needle was located. He was arrested and taken into custody for the violation.
During the investigation, it was determined that this subject and two others have been living to the rear and on the roof of this building. All subjects were warned about trespassing on the property and loitering in the area. The property owner will be advised and given information on how to prevent the trespassing.
Failure to Yield / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On March 2 at 11:08 a.m., an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 3300 block of South Peck, but the driver did not stop. The driver went east on Pomona, from Myrtle, and eventually pulled over. The driver was uncooperative and refused to perform any field sobriety tests or provide a breath sample. The driver was found to be on non-revocable parole for prior driving under the influence arrests. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Evading / Possession of Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
On March 3 at 6:09 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers went to a residence in the 2400 block of Fairgreen regarding wanted suspects living at a home. They observed two male subjects leaving the residence in a vehicle. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit ensued for a few blocks, prior to the suspects stopping.
One parolee was arrested for three warrants, and the driver, a probationer, was arrested for evading, being an unlicensed driver, and possession of methamphetamine. A parole and probation search was conducted at their residence and police recovered methamphetamine, several methamphetamine pipes, and numerous checks, blank bank cards, and other items to conduct fraud. Investigation continuing.
Shots Fired / Filing a False Police Report / Carrying a Concealed Weapon
On March 3 at 7:51 p.m., Arcadia Methodist Hospital called Monrovia Police Department to report a male subject in their Emergency Room with a gunshot wound. The subject claimed it happened in Monrovia, near Parker and Monterey. An officer responded to the hospital for the investigation.
The subject claimed he was confronted by three male subjects and they got into a fight. He claimed that during the fight, he was shot and he ran away. He was then taken to a hospital by friends. The investigation raised suspicion, and it was eventually determined that the subject had a handgun in his waistband that accidentally went off when he bent at the waist, and he shot himself. A complaint for filing a false police report and carrying a concealed weapon will be filed with the court.
Shooting Investigation
On Sunday, March 4, 2012, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers responded to the area of California and Cypress regarding a shooting investigation.
The investigation revealed a male adult victim was backing his vehicle from a residential driveway with his three year old son in the backseat. A gray sedan occupied by at least three male Hispanics suddenly pulled up and stopped in the roadway. The right front passenger of the gray sedan exited the vehicle and fired approximately six shots, striking the driver side of the victim’s vehicle. The “shooter” returned to the gray sedan and the vehicle fled from the area at a high rate of speed. The “shooter” is described as a male Hispanic wearing a blue baseball cap. No one was injured during this incident. The investigation is continuing.
Loud Music Disturbance / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
On March 4 at 11:13 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of South Shamrock regarding a loud music disturbance. When they arrived, an intoxicated guest at the residence answered the door. The officers saw a 4-year-old boy approach the front door and immediately became concerned for the child’s safety, because there did not appear to be a sober adult present to properly care for the child. The officers asked to speak with the child’s parents, but the subject refused to answer them and attempted to close the door. Officers prevented the subject from closing the door. The subject continued to resist and struggled with the officers, so the officers arrested him without further incident. The officers eventually located the child’s parents in the residence, who were sober enough to properly care for the child. The residents were also advised regarding the loud music.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Assemblyman Attacks Another Fee/Tax
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, has co-authored a bill to repeal $150 state fees on rural residents instituted last year. Donnelly said it is not a "fee," but a "tax" that violates the requirement that taxes be passed by a two-thirds majority. http://goo.gl/iJB4V
- Brad Haugaard
210 Freeway Closures Expected
Up to eight nights of full closure of eastbound 210 for Gold Line bridge construction is expected between now and March 17. Full closures between midnight and 5 a.m. Partial closures may last from 10 p.m. to 1 p.m. the following day.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
AeroVironment Gets $8.8 Million Defense Contract
AeroVironment has been awarded an $8.8 million Department of Defense drone contract. The contract modifies an existing contract. http://goo.gl/xdwvm
- Brad Haugaard
Men Shoot Up Car in Monrovia
Monrovia Police Department press release:
On Sunday, March 4, 2012, at approximately 9 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers responded to the area of California and Cypress regarding a shooting investigation.
The investigation revealed a male adult victim was backing his vehicle from a residential driveway with his three year old son in the back seat. A gray sedan occupied by at least three male Hispanics suddenly pulled up and stopped in the roadway. The right front passenger of the gray sedan exited the vehicle and fired approximately six shots striking the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle. The “shooter” returned to the gray sedan and the vehicle fled from the area at a high rate of speed. The “shooter” is described as a male Hispanic wearing a blue baseball cap. No one was injured during this incident.
The investigation is continuing.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Little League Season Begins
Former Dodger pitcher Dennis Powell helps launch Monrovia Little League season. http://goo.gl/r7vmu
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Wins Miss LA County Title
Monrovia woman, Monet Bagneris. wins the Miss Los Angeles County title, not to mention being "Miss Congeniality". http://goo.gl/xFqrX
- Brad Haugaard
Donnelly: It's Not a Fee; It's a Tax
State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly - who represents part of Monrovia - and five other Assembly members, are asking the members of the State Board of Equalization to oppose a cost to state homeowners of what Donnelly says will be "up to $90 per habitable structure on their property." He said the cost is being called a "fee" when it is actually a "tax" that violates the California Constitution and Proposition 26. http://goo.gl/kvbJN
- Brad Haugaard
The New Jim's Burgers | Paco's Fundraiser for Unity Center
~ The new look of Jim's Burgers on Duarte Road, after the Mon-Arc Center remodeling. (I hope they serve the same great burgers.) http://goo.gl/hYO0v
~ On Sunday, March 11, Paco's Mexican Restaurant in Arcadia will donate 10% of all dining proceeds from 3 to 10 p.m. to Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary to help families in need. Paco's is at 200 E. Foothill Blvd.; (626) 357-7270.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Entering Shell Eco-Marathon High-Mileage Race in Texas
Monrovia High's entry and team for last year's high-mileage marathon.
A Monrovia High School team led by auto shop instructor Phillip Jelinek will have a vehicle entry in the Shell Eco-Marathon, in Houston, Texas, again this year. The object of the event, from March 29-April 1, is to build the world’s most fuel-efficient vehicle - and produce the fewest emissions. Details on the race: http://goo.gl/0D43t
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Sena
Lunch at Sena, on west side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Nice back patio. I'd heard the tacos were really good so I got the spicy pork tacos. Wow! Delicious! Best tacos I've had since maybe... ever! Highly recommend.
-Brad Haugaard
First Relay Race at Monrovia High | World Vision Helps Mali Refugees
~ First relay race to be held at Monrovia High's new stadium. http://goo.gl/ZtAEC
~ Teams from Monrovia's World Vision International respond to refugee problem caused by violence in Mali. http://goo.gl/zFmux
- Brad Haugaard
Report on Monrovia's Success Against Gangs
According to a report that will be presented to the Monrovia City Council this coming Tuesday (March 6), the police department's Operation Safe Neighborhoods anti-gang program seems to be doing fairly well. Though the numbers are small and stats with small numbers are both iffy and jumpy, the most serious offence, "murder and attempted," is down, as are most categories for local gangs. Among serious crimes, only "assault with a deadly weapon" seems not to have declined much among hometown gangs. See the full report here: http://goo.gl/0lrDU
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Councilman Wins Backyard Contest | Replacing a Tree on Arbor Day | Sherwin-Williams Opening
~ The backyard of Monrovia City Council Member Joe Garcia and his wife Kathy King is featured in the latest Costco magazine as third place winners in the Backyard Makeover contest. Here's the magazine page: http://goo.gl/T0AHo
~ This Arbor Day (March 7) Monrovia Community Services and the Teen Advisory Board are going to plant a tree to replace one knocked over in the windstorm. You're welcome to attend. It's at 4 p.m. at the Community Center. http://goo.gl/oBzts
~ The new Sherwin-Williams paint store (503 W. Huntington) will hold its grand opening Saturday, March 10. 40% off paints and stains.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator Wins Charter School Association's 'Elected Leader of the Year' Award
State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, has won the Hart Vision Award for Elected Leader of the Year from the California Charter Schools Association. CCSA President Jed Wallace said, "On every bill introduced in recent years to turn back the clock on charter schools, Senator Huff has been a stalwart partner with CCSA and a champion for protecting the integrity of the California Charter Schools Act." http://goo.gl/XW1xi
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglary Fail, 50 to Life
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Feb. 27-29. -Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 412 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.
Attempted Residential Burglary
On February 28 at 3:20 p.m., a 15-year-old male subject that lives in the 200 block of Violet observed a male suspect tampering with the window screen on the backdoor of the apartment where he lives. The suspect eventually left the area. Police were not called until the subject’s stepfather arrived home, a few hours later. The window screen appeared to have been cut, but the suspect did not make entry into the home. The suspect is described as a male, 6'0", thin build, wearing dark pants and a gray or black hooded sweatshirt, which covered his face and hands. Investigation continuing.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
Gang member, Gary Sanchez, was convicted of murder in the Pasadena Superior Court last week. Sanchez was convicted of several gun and gang enhancements, and is facing fifty years to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2012.
This case stems from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2009, at approximately 8:04 p.m. Sanchez shot and killed Jason Gentile near the intersection of Colorado and California in Monrovia. Sanchez also wounded Gentile’s girlfriend, who has completely recovered from her wounds. Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives investigated this case, but Monrovia Police Department personnel played a major role in the investigation and prosecution.
- Brad Haugaard
AeroVironment Drone in the Movies | Mark Twain's Other Woman
~ The Raven hand-held drone is featured in the recent Acts of Valor movie. Story and video clip: http://goo.gl/KBzil
~ Learn about "Mark Twain's Other Woman," from the author of the book by that name. March 3, 1-3 p.m. in the Monrovia Library Community Room. Free but reserve a spot: http://goo.gl/Zb1sg
- Brad Haugaard
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