Monrovia Schools: A Lot of Layoffs, Improved Attendance, Enviro Science, 'Transitional' Kindergarten

Attendance improvements equal more money from State.

At its Wednesday, May 9, meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/Qq7eq ), the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Let go a bunch of employees, effective at the close of this school year. http://goo.gl/x3Jbh

~ Hear a report on the district's success improving student attendance rate. (The more students attending, the more money from the state.) At the district's traditional schools attendance increased a little over a half a percent (.52), and for all schools, the increase was .46. http://goo.gl/8bRc6

~ Consider offering an advanced placement course in environmental science ( http://goo.gl/qrx1n ) and a textbook to go with it ( http://goo.gl/bn6zk ).

~ Consider creating a "transitional" kindergarten at Plymouth School. This seems to be sort of a preschool. The idea? To "attract students to our district" and "to provide them [students] with skills that are attractive to their parents, to institutes of higher education, and to future employers" and to "boost future academic achievement." Again, the more students, the more cash from the state. http://goo.gl/1ESx1

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Applebee's

Lunch at Applebee's. Got lunch special with a fried green tomato and turkey club sandwich with tomato basil soup. $6.99 (plus an iced tea). It was good. Never had fried green tomato before.

- Brad Haugaard

New Trail Above Monrovia

A new trail is being created just before the entrance to the Trask Boy Scout camp. (Entry point shown in picture.) Not ready for prime time. Poison oak, lots of debris, lots of hands-and-feet climbing. It goes to a ridge heavily covered with brush. Advice? Wait a while.

- Brad Haugaard

Yard Sale at Monrovia HIgh for Band and Colorguard

Yard sale at Monrovia High School this Saturday, May 5th, to support the MHS Wildcat Band and Colorguard. 8 a.m-noon. 825 W. Colorado Blvd. (Student Parking Lot on Madison).

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia City Manager's First Report

In her first weekly report  ( http://goo.gl/v6f2t ), new City Manager Laurie Lile writes that, "I have been overwhelmed this past week by the friendly and gracious welcome I have received from the entire community."

She also reports that a new four-unit development planned for 212 and 216 West Olive Avenue (see above) incorporates an existing 80-year-old house into the development and the three new two-story units incorporate several of the same design features as the existing house. The developer will probably break ground in early summer.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Honors Employees

UPDATED: The Monrovia Police Department honored 11 employees today at 5 p.m. Some details:

~ Medal of Valor winner, Officer Pacheco, won this highest award during an incident on Myrtle in which a man held a gun to a woman's head. Pacheco got out of his car, approached the man while demanding he put the gun down. Instead the man (the woman's ex-husband) put the gun to his head and shot himself.

~ Mary Taylor worked with the phone company to find a suicidal man she had on the phone by the location of his cell phone. Police arrived just after he passed out by breathing carbon monoxide, and he survived.

~ The Monrovia members of the Foothills Special Enforcement Team were honored for rescuing a badly wounded person during the shooting at the Southern California Edison plant in Irwindale. Without their quick help the victim would not have survived.

~ Officer John Donchig was honored for his initiative in creating a technical training program and Officer William Burkhalter for his work obtaining and managing a grant for alcohol enforcement training.

~ Officer Richard Schneider was named Officer of the Year for his work expanding the Explorer Program from 10 to 20 participants and for his skill and dedication in detecting and arresting drunk drivers.

The Honorees were:

Medal of Valor 
Officer Jose Pacheco

Officer of the Year
Officer Richard Schneider

Distinguished Service Medal
Sergeant Nicholas Manfredi
Detective Heath Harvey
Agent Luis Villalobos
Agent Javier Leon
Officer William Burkhalter
Officer Gerald DeHart
Officer John Donchig (Two Awards)
Officer John Jefferson
Officer Jose Pacheco
Communications Operator Mary Taylor

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Radiation Company Launches New Website

Radcal, a Monrovia corporation that makes radiation measuring systems, has just created a new website containing updated product information and industry news. http://goo.gl/2DaZf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Help Police Catch Brass Thieves, Burglary, Auto Theft, Etc.

 

How city brass fittings have been stolen

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 30 - May 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 413 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

 

Theft of City Property - Police Requesting Public's Help

Over the last several months, a number of city sprinkler valves have been cut and the brass fittings have been stolen.  These valves operate the city sprinkler systems for the parkways along our city roads.  The valves are most likely being stolen for the value of the brass.  Suspects are cutting the brass out with a Sawzall type tool.    

 

City signs are also being stolen at an increasing rate.  Suspects are steeling stop signs, street name signs, street sweeping signs and speed limit signs.  Police are requesting help from the public to report crimes and help catch these thieves.  These suspects may even appear to be contractors servicing the equipment. 

 

If you see individuals tampering with any of these items, please call police immediately. 

 

Vehicle Burglary

April 30 at 5:16 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of West Lemon.  The victim's car was parked on the street near their residence.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took a laptop computer and other miscellaneous property.  Investigation continuing.

 

Drunk in Public / Resisting Arrest / Warrant Arrest - Three Suspects Arrested

May 1 at 2:30 a.m., an officer observed three male subjects drinking alcohol in front of an apartment complex.  He attempted to detain all three subjects as they walked down the driveway.  One subject stopped and the other two fled.  Officers made a thorough search of the area and located the two subjects that ran.  One subject was arrested for drunk in public and an outstanding warrant; the other two were arrested for resisting and delaying a police officer.

 

Grand Theft Auto

May 2 at 6:19 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of West Lime.  The reporting party parked his vehicle, a red, 1988, Toyota Tacoma truck in front of his residence, locking the vehicle.  The following morning he discovered the vehicle missing.  There was no evidence at the scene to indicate a window had been smashed.  Investigation continuing.

 

 

Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up

 

Gang Association Search Warrants

On April 26, Monrovia Special Enforcement Team officers and detectives were assisted by several outside agencies in serving "gang association" warrants at multiple locations from Pasadena to San Dimas.  The results were positive and many of the objectives of the search warrants were met.  The warrants were served in connection to gang related crimes.

Monrovia Assemblymen at Odds

Monrovia Assemblyman Tim Donnelly and Monrovia Assemblyman Anthony Portantino now find themselves at odds. Donnelly writes on Facebook that he just voted against a gun bill authored by Portantino (AB 1547) because it "will continue to infringe on the Second Amendment by banning the open carry of long guns." Portantino's bill passed anyway.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Celebrates National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer at Monrovia United Methodist Church, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/3SsDt

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Does Well | Better Braces

~  Monrovia's STAAR Surgical reported that sales of its Visian ICL eye-lens product increased 25 percent to $8.6 million in the first quarter ended March 30, 2012. Total revenue grew 4 percent to $15.5 million from $14.8 million in the first quarter of 2011. http://goo.gl/2fvt6

~ Monrovia's 3M Unitek has launched Incognito Lite Hidden Braces, a new brace system "that is placed on the inside of the teeth, making it virtually unnoticeable to others." http://goo.gl/Q6eIJ

- Brad Haugaard

More Monrovians | More Circulation | Tea Garden Party

~ Small increase in Monrovia population since last year. http://goo.gl/9BrD8

~ The LA News Group, publisher of the Star-News, which covers Monrovia, reports circulation gains. The press release says: "According to March Publisher's Statements filed with the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), LANG's total daily circulation increased to 476,160, a gain of 0.9% over the past year, while Sunday circulation increased to 512,741 a gain of 1.6%." The press release notes that this number includes electronic editions as well. Opinion: While it doesn't say so, I'd guess this number is up solely because of electronic circulation.

~ Tea in the Garden, June 3 at the Monrovia Library. http://goo.gl/pMmDJ

- Brad Haugaard

Start a Business Seminar | Monrovia USO Show

~ Hire Yourself, a seminar on how to start a home-based business. Saturday 1-4 p.m. May 12 in the Library Community Room. Legalities, market research, credit cards, tax records, getting sales tax and business licences, myths of web designers, etc. Call 256-8274 to reserve a spot.

~ Theatre Americana USO Show Saturday, 2-3 p.m. May 19 at Library Park bandshell. Free. "An old-fashioned, patriotic and heartwarming tribute to our service men and women, past, present and future."

- Brad Haugaard

Comment: California Legislature - Maternity Insurance for Men

A couple days ago we got a letter from the company that provides health insurance for our son (see picture below), and were delighted to learn that our always-on-the-ball California state government had decided to force those eeevil insurance companies to provide our son with maternity coverage. And not just for him, but for all Californians!

High time! Too long have men been denied the maternity benefits that have routinely been offered to women.

Yeah, yeah. I can almost hear my fellow Californians complaining that it'll cost them more. True, but, Hey! what's a few more dollars out of all our pockets compared with the incomparable peace of mind in knowing that if our sons ever get pregnant, they're covered!

- Brad Haugaard

Scioscia to Visit Monrovia Boys & Girls Club | Huff on Teacher Firing Process

~ Angels Manager Mike Scioscia will visit Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. http://goo.gl/ykB3R

~ Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, on the difficulty of firing "bad apple" teachers. ( http://goo.gl/0JrqC ). Comment: Senator Huff, there are some really baffling typos on your page.

- Brad Haugaard

Congrats to MHS Track Teams | Monrovia Day Events | STAAR Presentation | Huff Comments

~ The Monrovia High Boys Varsity Track team completed a perfect 9-0 season by defeating San Marino on Friday. The Wildcats also won three invitationals and were crowned San Gabriel Valley Track and Field Champions. The girls ended their season Friday by defeating San Marino, finishing their season with an impressive 8-1 record. Congratulations also to the following athletes, who set varsity school records: Zack Elradi, 400 meters; Amanda Mansoorbeckt, 800 and 1600 meters; Marlene Colin, pole vault; Mike Harris, triple jump; Skylar Buchanan, 100 and 200 meters; Max Armenta, 800 meters. http://goo.gl/ZifMl

~ Full list of Monrovia Day (May 19) events. Fountain to Falls Run, Monrovia Day Parade (entry form here: http://goo.gl/YfS4u ), Library Park activities, Old Town entertainment, Concert in Library Park, Line Dance in Library Park. http://goo.gl/DdKE8

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical, which makes implantable lenses for the eye, will do a presentation on May 8 at the Deutsche Bank 37th Annual Health Care Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. http://goo.gl/e7Nhm

~ Video: Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, objects to the creation of a Conference Committee to hear proposed legislation on mortgage reform in California. He said it would "disenfranchise" much of the legislature. http://goo.gl/6fHXl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coupon Company Streamlines Web Site

CouponMountain.com, a Monrovia-based online-coupon company, has redesigned its website "to simplify and streamline how people search for offers and promotions from thousands of popular retailers." http://goo.gl/BDvXS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gets Two New Eagle Scouts

 

New Eagle Scouts, Kevin Greenwood (left) and Clayton Taggart.

On Sunday, May 6, 2012, Monrovians Kevin Paul Greenwood and Clayton William Taggart will be presented with their Eagle Scout Awards at the Arcadia Community Center at 11 a.m.

Both began as Cub Scouts at the Barnhart School, and moved to Troop 103 in Arcadia after their time as Webelos.

They are currently seniors at Monrovia High School.  Kevin is the Student Body President, and Clayton was an integral part of the Football Team’s winning back-to-back League Championships.

Kevin Greenwood has been in Troop 103 for seven years.  He has earned a total of 31 merit badges, and he has served as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Instructor.

Kevin’s Eagle Project was to tear down and refurbish the Club Board at Monrovia High School.  They removed the supports, repainted the frame, replace the supports with sturdier redwood 2x4s, and then added marine grade plywood as the new background for the club logos.

  

The work took place over three weekends.  Thanks to the support of family, friends, and fellows Scouts, Kevin was able to complete his project before school began last fall.  Over 190 man-hours were logged on this project.

Clayton Taggart has been in Troop 103 for seven years.  He has earned a total of 22 merit badges, and he has served as Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.

Clayton’s Eagle Project was to renovate the concrete trash bin areas at Ronald McDonald House in Pasadena.  They demolished and removed the existing bricks on site.  They then prepared the area and poured fresh concrete, to provide a walkway and storage area for the large trash bins.

The work took place over three weekends.  Thanks to the support of family, friends, and fellow scouts, Clayton was able to complete his project this past November.  Over 141 man-hours were logged on this project.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins to be Honored

Honoree, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins

In honor of Municipal Clerk's Week, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins will be recognized at the Monrovia City Council meeting today, May 1, 2012. Here on the City Clerk's web page is an interactive introduction to all that her office does: http://goo.gl/c9fUh . And here is the press release:

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks has proclaimed the week of April 19- May 5, 2012 to be 43rd annual Municipal Clerk's Week.  This week features a weeklong series of nationwide activities aimed at increasing the public's awareness of Municipal Clerks and the vital services they provide for local government and the community. In honor of Municipal Clerk's Week, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins will be recognized at the Monrovia City Council meeting on May 1, 2012.

Monrovia's City Clerk is just one of seven elected officials who serve the community every day.  Her role is to encourage the public to participate in the democratic process and help ensure that government remains transparent and accessible.

Alice Atkins has worked in the City Clerk's Office since 2001, and has served as City Clerk since October 2009.  "It started as a job, and very quickly became a career I love.  When all else fails and people don't know where to go for help, they seem to call the City Clerk.  It's a perfect fit for someone who loves helping people – and if I don't know the answer, I love the challenge of finding it for them," said City Clerk Akins.

One of local government's oldest positions is the Municipal Clerk. Their duties have expanded over the years and, today, modern technology assists them with their increasing responsibilities. Last week, Sacramento City Manager addressed a meeting of the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC) saying "You are in the information business," he said, "and need to maximize the use of technology."  Clerk Atkins has done just that by placing an interactive presentation tool on the City's website to help provide information on just what the Monrovia Office of the City Clerk does.

Municipal and Deputy Clerks' main function is to serve as the council's foundation. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining ordinance and resolutions files, keeping the municipality's historical records, processing permits and serving as the clearinghouse for information about the local government.  They also record the actions of the various commissions and committees appointed by the council. Another important responsibility is administering part or all of the local election functions.
During this week, Municipal Clerks throughout the world will host open houses and tours of the Municipal Clerk's office, visit local schools and participate in other various events.  We encourage residents to stop by City Hall or visit our website to see all of the services the Office of the City Clerk has to offer, www.cityofmonrovia.org. 

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Cabin Near Monrovia for Sale | Helping Smoke Shop Leave | Monrovia Reads

~ Would you like a cabin in the mountains right near Monrovia? http://goo.gl/2B3FP

~ City trying to help head shop to leave town. http://goo.gl/ZUHHz

~ Monrovia Reads is sponsoring a fundraiser Spring Fiesta on May 7. http://goo.gl/XGF09

- Brad Haugaard