Monrovia's Senator: No Transparency, No Balanced Budget, No Likelihood of Tax Passing

Video: Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, complains that Republicans are learning budget information from the newspapers before they get it from their colleagues. He also said while Sacramento has made $3 billion in cuts, it has added much more in spending. Finally, he doubts the proposed tax increase will pass since the cigarette tax failed. http://goo.gl/MrROs

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to Get Redesigned Website; Contracts with Lobbying Firm, Chamber of Commerce

At its July 3 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/juc1c ) the Monrovia City Council will consider several one-year contract extensions, including ...

~ With Mad Haus Creative, to redesign (and host and maintain) the city's website for $21,600. The company already hosts and maintains the website. (Comment: $21,600 seems a very fair price for redesigning, hosting and maintaining the site, but it seems very high for just hosting/maintaining. Since redesign is just an occasional cost, I think I'd break this into two separate contracts, one for redesign and one for maintenance/hosting.)

~ with the Washington D.C. lobbying firm, David Turch and Associates, for $24,000.

~ With the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce (for $48,688) to help the city produce "city-wide events and marketing opportunities."

The Fourth of July in Monrovia's Library Park | Count Butterflies

~ The Fourth of July in Monrovia will feature a free concert and fireworks show in Library Park, with the 60's and 70's music of Person to Person beginning at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Adjoining streets will be closed. No BBQs are permitted at Library Park. Also, personal fireworks (including sparklers) are prohibited in Monrovia. Comment: It is GREAT! Come early.

~ Count butterflies in Monrovia Canyon Park for the North American Butterfly Association. Join rangers and volunteers for a hike to learn about the butterflies of the region, their role in the native ecology, and to participate in the national survey. Dress for hiking, and bring water, food and sun protection. Saturday, July 14, 8:30 a.m. â€" 2:30 p.m. $10 per participant (includes $5 parking). Maximum 20 people. Call (626) 256-8282 to get involved.

Source: City Manager's weekly email report

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Manager: State Power Grab 'Unconscionable'

Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile says the state government is grabbing too much power. In her weekly email report, she writes:

One of the budget trailer bills, AB1484, vested the State Department of Finance with an extraordinary amount of authority to withhold City’s property tax and sales tax if, in the judgment of the state, the payments required through the dissolution of the redevelopment agencies are not adequate.  Our staff is reviewing the bill’s language to better gauge the potential impact to our community; however, despite the immediate financial impact, the power that the state has created for itself to take away resources at a local level is unprecedented and unconscionable.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Among Most Improved in San Gabriel Valley | Green Dot to Issue Its Own Prepaid Visas and Mastercards

~ According to a report in the Star-News, of San Gabriel Valley schools, Monrovia showed some of the biggest improvements, "increasing its graduation rate to 87.9 percent from 84.3 percent and lowering its dropout rate to 6.3 percent from 9.3 percent." http://goo.gl/xPZQg

~ Monrovia's Green Dot will now be able to issue its own prepaid Mastercard and Visa cards through its own bank, Green Dot Bank, which used to be Bonneville Bank until Green Dot bought it. http://goo.gl/VS8wa

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Canyon Continuation School is a 'Model'

Canyon Oaks High School is now a Model Continuation School for California, according to the latest edition of the city's Monrovia Today magazine.

The magazine says: "The school earned a perfect score from the WASC Accrediting Commission, which certifies and validates a school's quality of education."

- Brad Haugaard

Metro Board: No Money to Extend Gold Line

From Gold Line Spokesman Habib Balian:

"We are disappointed, but not surprised today after the Metro board approved the ballot initiative to extend Measure R for an additional 30-years (to 2069) with no funding for the Gold Line Foothill Extension to Claremont.

"There were many comments made at the meeting in support of completing the Foothill Extension to Claremont as required by Measure R.  The many who have advocated on the projects' behalf stressed that  Metro is not meeting the 2008 voter mandate; a congressional letter read during the meeting called attention specifically to provisions of the enabling legislation which "delineated the Gold Line Foothill Extension as terminating in Claremont."  Unfortunately, contrary to law,  the board did not amend the expenditure plan to include the project to Claremont.

"The project is once again grateful to Congress members Judy Chu, Adam Schiff, Grace Napolitano and Joe Baca for submitting the letter (below) to the record today that urged Metro to amend the expenditure plan and include funding for completion of the project to Claremont. Their support and dedication to the project has never been stronger. I also want to thank California Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez who continues to work on our behalf in Sacramento to amend the enabling legislation (AB1446) currently moving through the Senate.

"In addition, La Verne Councilwoman Robin Carder, former-Claremont Mayor Al Leiga (also a former Construction Authority board member), Phil Hawkey from the University of La Verne and Katie Gagnon from the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership attended the meeting today and spoke on behalf of completing the Foothill Extension to Claremont. We thank them for their dedication to the project.

"The issue now goes to the Board of Supervisors for their approval. If passed, the initiative will be on the November 2012 ballot."

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino Mammogram Bill Progresses in State Senate

A bill by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, to eliminate guidelines in the insurance code that limit coverage for mammograms for younger women, was approved by the Senate Health Committee. "Instead of basing the need for mammograms only on a woman's age, AB 137 allows doctors to order diagnostic tests based on a more complete list of risk factors." Portantino says the current regulations are outdated.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Says He Will 'Never Pay' Obama Healthcare Tax

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, reacts on Facebook to the Supreme Court ruling on the Obama healthcare plan, saying he will never pay the tax for it. He writes:

When the government can tell you what to buy in a market in which they are the biggest player, forcing you to subsidize those who made poor choices, you are no longer free. This is not about healthcare; it's about freedom. This is not about a tax or a mandate; this is about whether or not Americans will choose to live free or bow down to a tyrannical government. Obamacare is the trojan horse of... socialism. The choice confronting every American is whether you will obey this encroachment of your liberties, or throw off the yoke of servitude and nullify this unconstitutional directive. They can put a gun to my head, but I will never pay this tax, nor participate in Gov't run healthcare. What say you?

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 50-Years-to-Life in Sex Assault, Injury, Theft, Burglary, Barricaded Suspect Incident

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 25-27. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 505 service events, resulting in 65 investigations.

 

Injury Traffic Collision

June 25 at 8:36 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting two vehicles involved in a traffic collision with injuries. Investigation revealed that a driver of a vehicle headed southbound on Mountain failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle when turning east onto Lemon. Both drivers received minor visible injuries, and one of the drivers was transported to a hospital due to complaint of back and neck pain. Both vehicles

sustained moderate damage. Investigation continuing.

 

Theft From a Vehicle

June 25 at 7:53 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of Parkrose. The theft occurred sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The vehicle was ransacked and a flashlight and some miscellaneous change were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Barricaded Suspect / Ex-Felon With a Firearm – Suspect Arrested

June 26 at 1:19 p.m., officers responded to the report of a suicidal subject in the 800 block of West Duarte Road. A friend of the subject called and reported the man had been drinking heavily and had stated he was going to commit suicide. He also threatened to shoot police and refused to exit the house. The Foothill Special Enforcement Team was activated to handle the barricade situation. Duarte Road was shut down and residents were evacuated.

 

During the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had several firearms in his residence. It was also learned that he is a convicted felon. Detectives obtained a warrant for the suspect's arrest. He continued to refuse to cooperate. Distraction devices were deployed and tear gas was utilized. The suspect surrendered at approximately 1:00 a.m. The Red Cross responded to provide aid to the residents who had been evacuated.

 

Vehicle Burglary

June 26 at 10:05 p.m., a window-smash vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of West Huntington. The burglary occurred in a business parking lot sometime between 4:30 and 10:05 p.m. An iPod was stolen from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

 

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

 

Sexual Assault Case – Suspect Sentenced

In February 2011, a sexual assault occurred at a residence on Alta Vista involving a relative that committed sexual assault against a family member. The suspect entered the apartment of his niece and sexually assaulted her while she was asleep on the living room floor with a female friend. The suspect had been drinking and fled before police arrived at the location. The case was assigned to detectives. Detectives filed the case with the District Attorney's Office and coordinated efforts with State Parole Agents to have the suspect tracked down. The suspect was located and arrested, and multiple charges were filed against the suspect by the District Attorney's Office. The case went to trial the week of June 18, 2012, and the suspect was found guilty of two serious felony counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to 50 years to life.

 

Barricaded Suicidal Subject – Suspect Arrested

On June 26, patrol officers and detectives responded to the 800 block of West Duarte Road regarding a barricaded suicidal subject – See above June 26 incident for details. Detectives worked collaboratively with patrol officers to obtain an arrest warrant for the subject. After a lengthy standoff with police, he eventually exited his home and was taken into custody. The suspect was booked and charges will be sought against him.

Portantino's Name-Change Plan Would Cost State $150,000

A measure by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, to change the name of the state "Department of Fish and Game" to "Department of Fish and Wildlife" will cost the state $150,000. http://goo.gl/H1JVN

Opinion: I don't really care about the name change, but I think it is irresponsible for the state to spend ANY more money on non-critical expenses until the state's finances are in order, which they absolutely are not, and this is about as non-critical as I can imagine. Trivial is more like it. I like Portantino, but shame on him for this. He should at least amend his proposal to implement it only when the state is in the black.

Monrovia Representatives on Budget | Music | Friends Cafe

~ Videos: Senator Bob Huff - who represents Monrovia - attacks an "irresponsible budget" that "relies upon the assumption that voters will approve a massive $47 billion tax hike" ( http://goo.gl/8vcJw ). Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, doesn't like it either: http://goo.gl/qSFdI

~ Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band and Kattywompus String Band (traditional folk and international music), Saturday, June 30, 7-9 p.m. 412 S. Myrtle in Old Town.

~ Monrovia Coffee Co. in Old Town is becoming Friends Cafe and holding a grand opening this weekend, June 30-July 1, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. "Ice blended coffees, smoothies, desserts."

- Brad Haugaard

No Money to Build Gold Line Past Azusa?

Gold Line Extension spokesman Habib F. Balian said the Metro board has indicated that there will be no more money to complete the rail line past Azusa, even if the Measure R sales tax passes.

He writes:

"This is extremely disappointing since the San Gabriel Valley legislators worked hard in 2008 to define the project to Claremont, and Metro staff helped sell Measure R to voters by specifying the project to Claremont in their materials."

"On several occasions of late," Habib writes, "Metro has misinterpreted our request to be included in the expenditure plan. The misconception voiced by Metro is that we are insisting on funding the remainder of the project exclusively using Measure R funds. Not true. We are simply requesting to be treated like every other under-funded Measure R project. We ask that they include the true total cost to complete the Foothill Extension to Claremont in the expenditure plan, and provide a strategy for funding project completion through a combination of federal, state and local funds - like every other project. Not special treatment, just funding commensurate with the dictates of the Measure R promises; not more, and certainly not less."

Also, good story on the issue by San Gabriel Valley Tribune writer Steve Scauzillo: http://goo.gl/RP0uC

Opinion: Welll, I'm not sure I see any reason why anybody in the San Gabriel Valley should vote for Measure R.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Has New Marketing Program | Cushman Graduates From Air Force Training

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical is launching a new online marketing program and website to market its implantable eye lenses throughout the world. http://goo.gl/JMM5H

~ Monrovia High grad, Airman Jonathan R. Cushman, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. http://goo.gl/w60zd

- Brad Haugaard

Armed Man Barricaded in Monrovia House; Surrenders After Tear Gas

Man barricaded in house on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/oudNI

UPDATE: Gives up after tear gas used. http://goo.gl/CblyJ

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Profits Up | Monrovia School Closures Unlikely | Thoughts on Myrtle | Huff on Open Enrollment

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment reports fiscal fourth quarter profits up. http://goo.gl/OKEfZ

~ Monrovia School Board president Bryan Wong says although the possibility of closing schools is in the district's contingency plan, it is a remote possibility. http://goo.gl/SOFX7

~ Some photos and thoughts about development along Myrtle Ave. http://goo.gl/8RyV3

~ Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, tells how his open enrollment measure works. (Sounds more like something parents living outside Monrovia need to know, however). http://goo.gl/PJZqh

- Brad Haugaard

Register for Free Monrovia Neighborhood Conference

The Monrovia Area Partnership is hosting the annual MAP Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, August 11th from 10am â€" 3pm at Monrovia Community Services Center.

While the MAP Neighborhood Conference is being offered free of charge, pre-registration is required and can be found online at cityofmonrovia.org, at the front counter of City Hall or by calling Neighborhood Services Staff at (626) 932-5563.

The MAP Neighborhood Conference will feature hands-on workshops covering material regarding community safety, programming skills, character development and ways to connect in the community.

These workshops and activities have been designed for a diverse set of participants and that's why this Neighborhood Conference is the perfect day of casual training and networking for employees, volunteers, employers, board members and all residents looking to be an effective leader.

Participants will also enjoy free breakfast and lunch, closing the day with an ice cream social and raffle prizes. During these activities, participants will have the unique opportunity to casually network with City staff, local resource representatives, community service clubs & agencies and other residents wanting to partner efforts to lead the community into a bright future.

Groups who pre-register with 10 or more participants will receive recognition at the Conference and Groups with 15 or more will receive a certificate and recognition at the following City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 4th.

This event only comes once a year and it’s not to be missed. Be sure to save your spot by registering early and tell your friends to do the same. Let’s keep growing together!

Source: City press release

- Brad Haugaard

'Long Gun' Measure by Monrovia Assemblymember Portantino Passes Senate 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 Senate Public Safety Committee on a vote of 4 to 2. AB 1527 would outlaw the open carry of unloaded long guns â€" such as rifles or shotguns.

Portantino writes: "Last year, we tried to craft a narrow bill to close a loophole in the hopes that gun enthusiasts would support ending this dangerous practice. Unfortunately, the open carry folks reacted by carrying rifles and other long guns, alarming the public and creating a potentially dangerous situation. As law enforcement officials tell us, it not only creates a tense situation, but wastes time and money when police have to roll out and respond to these unnecessary calls."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Area Democrats to Vote on 'Fracking'

According to its Facebook page, Monrovia's Foothill Community Democrats will vote at its Thursday meeting on whether to urge the LA City Council to ban "fracking," a new method of extracting oil from the ground.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia UPS Store Has New Location

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce reports on its Facebook page that The UPS Store, that has been in Monrovia for about twenty years, has recently relocated to a new location at 710 S. Myrtle Ave.

- Brad Haugaard