West Nile Virus Found In Monrovia; Legal Response to MALDEF; 4th Dimension; Etc.

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/GoKhjt ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ West Nile Virus has come to Monrovia. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports ( http://goo.gl/DwpI8W ) that a dead bird that tested positive for West Nile Virus was found in Monrovia. City Manager Oliver Chi adds that "since West Nile Virus was first found in California in 2003, more than 5,588 people have been infected with the West Nile Virus disease, and 229 deaths have occurred."

~ The city is working with the City Attorney to prepare its response to the legal threat by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), demanding that the city switch to district-based elections, rather than elections at large.

~ A developer is considering buying the old 4th Dimension building on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town for a 5,000 square foot restaurant and 22,000 square feet for office space. Chi said the potential buyer "will be finalizing the decision regarding whether or not to purchase the 4th Dimension building within the next few weeks."

~ Monrovia has contracted with Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) to make sidewalk repairs throughout the city. The company has gotten started and uses a "patented diamond-cutting technology to salvage existing sidewalk panels when possible." Chi said this lowers the cost of sidewalk. It appears the company shaves the edges of sidewalk blocks so blocks that are offset come together without a ledge.

~ Monrovia plans to replace worn banners honoring members of the military with new banners. If you or a member of your family living in Monrovia is serving in the armed forces, let the city know so that person can be recognized. Details: http://goo.gl/vUd2Tx

~ Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its annual Fall Book Sale on September 9 & 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. 50 cents for mass market paperbacks, $2 for trade paperback and hardback books, 25 cents for children's books, $2 for CDs and movies, and a few larger books priced at $5. Then, on Sept. 9 from 4-5 p.m. shoppers can buy a grocery bag of books for $5.

- Brad Haugaard