Monrovia Mayor Supports Medical Marijuana

Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz joins U.S. Conference of Mayors' call to allow medical marijuana. http://goo.gl/ub79d

- Brad Haugaard

Time-Lapse Video of Concrete Pouring for Bridge | Monrovia's Merengue Bakery Turns Four | Clean Up Day | Huff Bond Measure Defeated | Winner of Goodies

~ Time-lapse images of the pouring of the concrete for the 210 Freeway bridge. http://goo.gl/BIYy4

~ Merengue Bakery and Cafe at 111 E. Colorado is celebrating its fourth birthday today, the Chamber of Commerce reports.

~ Kiwanis and Rotary clean-up day this Saturday at Recreation Park, Library Park and Old Town. Details: http://goo.gl/MgYxB

~ Video ( http://goo.gl/X9oNb ) of Senator Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia) pushing for a measure he says would ensure bond money is properly spent. It was defeated. And Huff's written comment: http://goo.gl/LniFz

Tiger Mosquitoes Next Door to Monrovia

In next-door El Monte, the invasive Tiger Mosquitoes are back and spreading. http://goo.gl/QxmAF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Chris Shevlin Receives Citrus College Alumni Achievement Award

Monrovian Chris Shevlin (right) and fellow honorees Bobby Pedroza and Cynthia Cervantes McGuire.

 

Christopher B. Shevlin was supposed to play basketball during his tenure at Citrus College in the early 70s, but an injury to one of his hands forced him to sit out for a year. When his coaches suggested he try officiating because he knew the game so well, accident turned into good fortune for the long-time Monrovia resident, and eventually led to a 35-year career officiating high school and college basketball.

Shevlin returned to Citrus College to receive an Alumni Achievement Award, along with fellow alumni Cynthia Cervantes McGuire of Claremont and Bobby Pedroza of Azusa, on Saturday, June 16, at the college's 96th commencement ceremony. The honoree spent many years officiating Division 1 college games and served as an NCAA official for five years, but he said he never imagined he would take part in so many memorable events, including meeting great players such as Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, members of the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball "Dream Team."

 

The Citrus College alumnus has also earned a stellar reputation for his service to the Monrovia community. Shevlin has been a member of the Monrovia Kiwanis Club for 19 years, earning the organization's Super Distinguished Past President designation in 1999-2000. He has also served as a board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA (SAFYMCA) since 1996, and he was named the organization's 2010 "Humanitarian of the Year." Shevlin's list of accolades increased when the Foothill Boys and Girls Club presented him and his wife, Becky, with the "For the Love of Youth Award" earlier this year.

 

In addition to his experience as a basketball referee, Shevlin has worked as an account executive for Chicago Title for the past 16 years. Before becoming a professional success and a philanthropist, however, Shevlin was a student at El Monte's Arroyo High School, Class of 1970, and he attended Citrus College. After studying at Citrus College from 1970 through 1972, he transferred to California State University, Long Beach where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1976.

 

On accepting his award, Shevlin reminded the class of 2012: "Once an Owl always an Owl."

 

Source: Citrus College Press Release

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Frazier to Colorado | Spicer 'Not Bully' | Car Wash | Democrats to Hear About Local Climate Change Lobby

~ Monrovia football player George Frazier expected to play football for Colorado. http://goo.gl/7aJg4

~ Councilman Larry Spicer's wife says he's not a neighborhood bully. http://goo.gl/EwrGp

~ Support Monrovia High Marching Band and Color Guard. Car wash and newspaper recycling June 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Walgreens on Foothill in Arcadia. Suggested donation: $5 car, $8 truck or SUV.

~ Monrovia's Foothill Community Democrats will hear about the Pasadena/Foothills Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby - "a national organization that is working to implement a carbon fee dividend program to address climate change." http://goo.gl/FIdSM

- Brad Haugaard

Ellis McCarthy Fundraiser

Fundraiser for Monrovia football star, Ellis McCarthy, as he heads off to UCLA ( http://goo.gl/9bHoo ), but Star-News reporter J. Brian Charles wonders if it is legal: http://goo.gl/Znxat

- Brad Haugaard

Concrete Poured for 210 Freeway Bridge

Gold Line Extension spokesman Habib Balian writes: 

Skanska is nearing completion on the 18-hour concrete pour for the I-210 Gold Line Bridge. Since 11:00 p.m. last night (when the eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway were fully closed) crews have been non-stop placing 2,100 cubic yards of concrete into the superstructure and main outrigger beam that crosses the freeway. More than 200 truckloads have accessed the site from the freeway, center median and southern shoulder to strategically place what amounts to 50 typical swimming pools of concrete.
 
This important activity was planned over several months and took the coordination of multiple agencies. Skanska has done an outstanding job in the design and execution of this activity that went off smoothly and will result in the architectural elements of the superstructure permanently formed on the exterior of the structure.

- Brad Haugaard

Learn About Gold Line Construction

Open House meetings on the Gold Line tomorrow (Azusa), 26th (Arcadia), and 28th (Duarte). Details: http://goo.gl/wwauH

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino Tatoo-Removal Bill Advances

The state Senate has advanced a bill authored by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) which provides a new start for young women branded or tattooed by pimps. The Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously and with bi-partisan support approved Portantino’s AB 1956 today (7 to 0). The bill provides a first step in breaking the bonds of prostitution by allowing young women branded by pimps to take part in free tattoo removal programs. These women were left out of a federal program designed to offer young people the opportunity to remove gang tattoos.

"This bill helps generate a new start for young women who need to break free from the intimidating and troubling world of trafficking and prostitution," Portantino said.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monday Night Holdup at Monrovia Cell Phone Store

Gunmen in hoodies rob Verizon store. http://goo.gl/qjW7d

- Brad Haugaard

De'Shawn Ramirez Plays Friday | Fire Weather | Monrovia High Painting? | Job Fair

~ Monrovia football player, De'Shawn Ramirez, will be playing in the Hall of Fame All-Star Game on Friday. http://goo.gl/bwGgH

~ Foothills fire-weather warning until 8 p.m. Tuesday. http://goo.gl/Z6HGI

~ Exterior painting on Monrovia High? http://goo.gl/M7K0P

~ Job fair tomorrow, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm. http://goo.gl/6OBNf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bicycle Broadsides Car, Bad Drill Bit, Burglary of Alcohol, Bike Burglary, People Leave Cars Unlocked and Their Stuff Gets Stolen - Surprise, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 14-17. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

 

Attempt Grand Theft

On June 14 at 4:02 p.m., an attempt grand theft was reported in the 600 block of South Bradbury Avenue.  The victim parked her motorcycle on Bradbury, just North of Royal Oaks, early in the evening.  When she returned to her motorcycle the following morning, she saw someone had tried to punch the ignition with an electric drill.  Apparently, the bit broke and the suspect(s) gave up.  Investigation continuing.

 

Commercial Burglary - Suspects Arrested

On June 14 at 7:49 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Foothill regarding a commercial burglary.  The suspects where seen on store surveillance entering the business, selecting a bottle of liquor each and walking out without making any attempt to pay.  Officers conducted an area search and located both suspects and arrested them.  During the investigation, it was learned that the suspects planned their crime with the intention of selling the alcohol for cash and had no means to pay for the items.

 

Injury Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

On June 15 at 12:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of East Duarte Road regarding a traffic collision with a pedestrian injured.  A vehicle was backing up in a parking area and the driver did not see an elderly man walking behind the vehicle.  The vehicle bumped the man, which caused him to fall and injure his hip area.  Paramedics were summoned and the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.  

 

Theft From a Vehicle

On June 16 at 8:53 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of North Canyon. The victim parked her vehicle and left it unlocked.  Suspect(s) went into her vehicle during the night and stole her property.  Investigation continuing.

 

Injury Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Bicyclist

On June 16 at 9:49 a.m., a traffic collision occurred in the 400 block of West Foothill.  A vehicle and bicycle collided at Foothill and Alta Vista.  The vehicle had stopped northbound Alta Vista at Foothill and the driver looked left and right for vehicles, but failed to notice the bicyclists coming westbound.  The driver of the vehicle went across Foothill, failing to yield to the bicyclists.  The lead bicyclist broadsided the passenger door of the vehicle.  The bicyclist sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

 

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested

On June 16 at 4:15 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 600 block of West Huntington.  A male suspect entered the store, selected a bicycle and walked it out of the store without making any attempt to pay.  He was observed by store employees.  The employees got in their vehicle and followed the suspect, providing the suspect's direction of travel to police.  Officers arrived, detained the suspect and arrested him for burglary.  The suspect was found to be on parole.

 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

On June 16 at 11:42 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of West Duarte Road regarding a traffic collision.  The driver was traveling west on Duarte Road and attempted to make a left turn onto Encino, but failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle.  The driver collided into a vehicle that was traveling east on Duarte.  Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.

 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered - Suspects Arrest

On June 17 at 1:27 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 200 block of West Lime when he noticed two vehicles following each other.  The occupants were wearing hoodies and looked suspicious as the officer drove by them.  The subjects looked at the officer and began to accelerate at a high rate of speed.  The officer made a u-turn and the vehicles fled in two different directions.  The officer paralleled one of the vehicles and was able to locate it on a nearby street, where he conducted a traffic stop.  A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen out of El Monte.  The vehicle was occupied by three juvenile suspects.  They were arrested without incident.

 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

On June 17 at 2:13 a.m., police received a call regarding a subject who was driving under the influence.  While backing out of an apartment complex, the driver struck three parked vehicles.  The driver tried to exchange information, but the other vehicle owners smelled an odor of alcohol on the driver and called the police.  Officers responded and after investigation, arrested the driver for driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Theft From a Vehicle

On June 17 at 11:10 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks.  The victim parked his vehicle in the carport of his complex earlier in the evening and left it unlocked.  He returned to his vehicle the following morning and found that someone had ransacked his vehicle.  The suspect took CD's and change from the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.

  

Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

On June 16 at 7:46 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle in the area of Standish and Tree Lane for a vehicle code violation.  The driver was found to have three outstanding warrants and was arrested and taken into custody.  The vehicle was stored.

Monrovia Youth Baseball Wins Tournament | Napolitano Approves of Obama Immigration Decision

~ Monrovia Youth Baseball League Pinto Division All-Stars has won the championship at the Charter Oak Tournament. http://goo.gl/CXjkT

~ Grace Napolitano, candidate for the 32nd District, which includes Monrovia, approved of the Obama Administration's decision to halt deportations of some illegal/undocumented immigrant youth. http://goo.gl/9XmFW

- Brad Haugaard

Dodger Jansen at Monrovia Store Today | Library Film

~ LA Dodger Kenley Jansen will be at the Paul's TV (in Living Spaces) today. Details: http://goo.gl/jWq6F

~ Free film, Unfinished Business, about three who protested Japanese internment during WWII. Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/0c5BQ

- Brad Haugaard

Old Grenade in Monrovia | Huff Against State Budget | Helping Animals

~ Old grenade found in Monrovia county area. http://goo.gl/uhAKH

~ Video: A very unhappy Senator Bob Huff - who represents Monrovia - urges a no vote on the state budget, calling it a "fantasy world." "We should be ashamed of ourselves," he said. "We've borrowed from every fund that is not nailed down." ( http://goo.gl/KS34A ). And a written statement: http://goo.gl/EvfcW

~ Monrovia MOMS Club donates to animals. http://goo.gl/E82gV

- Brad Haugaard

Concrete Pouring Begins on 210 Bridge Starting Late Monday

The bridge from the air.

According to Gold Line Extension spokesman Habib Balian, starting late Monday, 2,100 cubic yards of concrete will be placed to form the main outrigger beam and lower half of the superstructure of the 210 Freeway bridge. This will require more than 200 concrete trucks accessing the site over an 18-hour period, and a full closure of the Eastbound 210 Freeway from 11 p.m. Monday night through 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Here are some more aerial pictures: http://goo.gl/XCh0A

 

Source: Gold Line press release

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Criticizes President's Actions as Dictatorial

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly says on Facebook that this is his "new decal."

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, today accused President Obama of acting dictatorially in his decision not to enforce some immigration laws, and mocked the distinction - often used in the immigration debate - between the terms "illegal" and "undocumented" with a sticker, shown above.

Regarding the President, Donnelly wrote on Facebook: "I wonder what the President had for breakfast this morning that gave him the impression that he is the Dictator-in-chief instead of the elected President, whose chief job as head of the executive branch is to see to the ENFORCEMENT of the laws, not the undermining of them."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council: Budget, Faith, and Legal Ads

At its June 19 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/VaeOf ) the Monrovia City Council will, among other things ...

~ Consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget and Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Schedule of Fees and Charges. The actual budget info does not seem to be on line yet, but when it is, it should be here: http://goo.gl/A5uHj

~ Recognize Eric Faith for his years of service to the City. "Mr. Faith served as Mayor from 1974 to 1976, as a Councilmember from 1976 through 1982, and was appointed to the Planning Commission in 1984, where he served continuously for 28 years."

~ Consider a bid from Beacon Media (Monrovia Weekly) to be the publisher for the city's legal ads at a cost of $9.50 per inch per column. "Pasadena Star News and Mountain Views newspaper did not respond." Staff recommends continuing the contract.

Comment: You will not read an editorial like this in any newsPAPER, but I think the day is coming (and should already be here) when legal ads are no longer required since a) nobody reads the newspaper anymore, b) the information can easily be put online for anybody who wants it, and c) if the state really feels there is a compelling reason to push these ads at people, then there is an increasingly strong argument that such ads should go in online media. But, frankly, why not just get rid of them?

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Zen Buffet

Lunch at Zen Buffet at the corner of Huntington and Fifth. I don't expect much from a buffet, but I thought everything was actually quite tasty. Deserts were good, too.  You can go back for more servings. A bit over $12 for lunch and an iced tea with tax, so come really hungry.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Runner to Compete in 100-Mile Mountain Run

Photo: Tom Crawford and his running buddy, Cormac.

Monrovian Thomas Crawford, who had the best time in Monrovia's Fountain to the Falls race, will be running in the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run, up and down mountains - with a total of about 18,000 feet up and 23,000 feet down - from Squaw Valley to Auburn. It starts on June 23.

Tom said if he has a good day he may complete the course in about 17 hours or maybe a little under. If you'd like to track him, all the runners are wearing a GPS unit, so you can follow along at the Western States web site: http://www.ws100.com/

- Brad Haugaard