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Whitenack and Unity Center

A nice profile of Joan Whitenack and the Foothill Unity Center. http://goo.gl/zSOFR
 
- Brad Haugaard

Senior to Regular Housing

At its next meeting, on Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m., the Monrovia City Council will consider whether to approve a settlement city staff has negotiated with the owner of the Primrose Villa and Villa Olive Oak apartments, which were built as senior housing.
 
History: The buildings were required to be senior housing for 20 years, but when the 20 years were up the owner, G&K Management Company, wanted to convert the buildings to be standard housing units. The City said no, that G&K needed a conditional use permit to do that. The owner and city disagreed but they worked on it for three years and came up with an agreement:
 
- At least 54 units will remain senior units and not more than 102 units will be conventional units.
 
- The owner will build parking structures at both locations, on Olive Avenue and on Colorado Boulevard.
 
- The owner will make various other improvements, including a bus shelter.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/kUozC
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Construction Meeting

You may recall that the visitor's bleachers at Monrovia High were the reason the MHS winning game was not played at Monrovia High. At a special meeting at 6 p.m. January 5 (agenda here: http://goo.gl/L1g4t), the School Board will consider having the bleachers improved and raised so they are the same height as the home bleachers, at a cost of $94,144. Source: http://goo.gl/q2yEY

Also, the district will consider:

~ Spending $20,988 for some concrete work.
~ Spending $83,673 for fire protection improvements to the auditorium.

~ Spending $25,866 to add some guard rails.

~ Hiring a new owner-representative (the previous owner-rep is unable to continue) to represent the school district in dealings with the MHS contractor.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Checkpoints / State of City Address

~ Drink responsibly this New Year's Eve because there will be drunk-driver checkpoints in Monrovia and surrounding towns. http://goo.gl/XE2oF
 
~ State of the City Address - If you'd like to hear in-person Mayor Mary Ann Lutz's State of the City address at 7 p.m. on January 24, you might want to get your tickets soon by calling 303-6600. The talk will be at the Krikorian theater. Or, after the event, you will be able to see a printed version of the talk on the city's website or the video on KGEM on cable, or on KGEM online (www.kgem.tv).

- Brad Haugaard

Mr. Monrovia / Wildrose Area

The 7th Annual Mr. Monrovia Competition will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 in the Clifton Middle School Auditorium.  Tickets are $5. See a great show while supporting the efforts of MHS Renaissance to "Save lives, change lives and impact futures."  Tickets are available from Ms. Partain in the student activities office or at the door. Source: http://goo.gl/3wiBt
 
The Wildrose Historic District. http://goo.gl/T74rL
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Liquor Store Robbery / Challenging Times

~ Robbery - Duarte Road liquor store robbed, clerk beaten with pistol. Here http://goo.gl/cVPcc and here http://goo.gl/977Wp


~ Most Challenging Times in 30 Years - Linda Taubenreuther of the Foothill Unity Center reports that: "In the last two and a half years, our client base has doubled. This is by far the most challenging opportunity in our 30-year history, and we need your help more than ever before."



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Gets $46.2 Million Order / MAP Program is Finalist

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment receives $46.2 million order. http://goo.gl/D8EKP
 
~ Monrovia Area Partnership program is a finalist in an international contest. http://goo.gl/CZeb9
 
- Brad Haugaard

City of Monrovia and Monrovia Unified School District To Host A Wildcat CIF Football Championship Victory Celebration On January 6th!

 The Monrovia Unified School District and the Monrovia City Council are pleased to honor the Monrovia Wildcat football team on Thursday, January 6 at 6:30p.m., in Monrovia Library Park, (321 South Myrtle Avenue).  The Wildcats are being recognized for bringing home the school’s first CIF football championship. This season was the Wildcat’s tenth attempt at a championship.  A processional parade will begin at the high school campus, travel along Colorado Boulevard and eventually arrive at Library Park in the Historic Old Town District.  Upon arrival at Library Park, the football team will be serenaded by the MHS Band and the high school’s cheerleading squad.  The champions and their coaching staff will be individually recognized and congratulated by the Monrovia City Council and Monrovia Unified School District Board Members. The public is encouraged to line the streets of the processional route from the high school to Library Park and then join the celebration at the park.  Congratulations Wildcats!


 


- Linda Wagner, Superintendent of Schools

Recycle Tree / Green January / Boys Soccer / Food Trucks

~ Recycle your Christmas tree. Place it on the curb during your regular trash collection day through Jan. 14. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands or tree will not be collected. Flocked and fire retardant coated trees will be accepted.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/fHNvA
 
~ Green January. Details about the four weeks of January: Recycle Week, Reduce Week, Donate Week and Reduce Week. Here: http://goo.gl/cHwj3
 
~ Monrovia boys soccer coach Mike Williams. http://goo.gl/CGtV0
 
~ No food trucks - at least not in Old Town. http://goo.gl/chAnz
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Movie Houses / Sanford

~ MonroviaOpoly - It may still be available. Get it while it lasts. $25 at library. http://goo.gl/vLSIN
 
~ History - About Monrovia's movie houses. http://goo.gl/EwYIl


~ Profile - Betty Sanford, long-time volunteer. http://goo.gl/ZZzCO
 
- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

[From Luke 2:1-19]
 
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be registered, every one into his own city.
 
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be registered with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in strips of cloth, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
 
And in that same region there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were very afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be for all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
 
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom he is pleased.
 
And it came to pass, as the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they had seen, they made known what was told them concerning this child. And all those who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Eve Services

~ At First Presbyterian Church tonight, a family service at 5 p.m. "Children's Ministry will present the Christmas Story, we will sing Christmas Carols and end by candle light." Childcare for infants-2 years. At 10 p.m. the candlelight service, featuring choir singing and leading in worship with carols proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ. No childcare available. http://goo.gl/I9Ev8
 
At Immaculate Conception today, a 4 p.m. English family mass, 6 p.m. English, 8 p.m. Spanish, and again at midnight with musical prelude at 11:30 p.m. More here: http://goo.gl/ka7UX
 
~ At St. Luke's Episcopal Church tonight, carol singing at 7:30 p.m., full Eucharist service at 8 p.m. Also, a children's story reading and visit from St Nicholas, with presents for the children. http://goo.gl/H9LtZ
 
~ First Baptist Church. Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 p.m.


~ Calvary Chapel Monrovia tonight. Soup and chili potluck at 5 p.m. followed by worship and study time.


~ Pastor's Christmas Story Time for parents and kids at Calvary Road Baptist Church, 319 West Olive Avenue, 7 p.m.


- Brad Haugaard

Injured Monrovia Child Home Again / Smoking in Parks

~ An infant injured by a Great Dane is home again.  http://goo.gl/XUWSI
 
~ Smoking remains legal in Monrovia Parks. http://goo.gl/zueyD
 
- Brad Haugaard

Lake Library


Looking out from the front door of the Monrovia Library today. A sea of water.

- Brad Haugaard

Sawpit Debris Basin Full

Sawpit Debris Basin, which was a mere mud puddle before the rains, is now an overflowing lake. (Corrected. I originally labeled this Sawpit Dam.)

-Brad Haugaard




Boys Soccer / Christmas Flash Mob

~ Boys Soccer: Garey 2, Monrovia 0 :-( http://goo.gl/wY5Yt and http://goo.gl/lQJR8

~ Next door in Arcadia, at the Nordstrom in the mall, a "flash mob" began singing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. If you are not familiar with the flash mob concept, read about it - and see the video - here: http://goo.gl/yaOeT
 
- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Victory Celebration on January 6

There will be a celebration of the Monrovia Wildcats' football victory on January 6, according to Mayor Mary Ann Lutz.
On her Facebook page, Mayor Lutz said the schedule will be:
- 6:30 pm: Depart MHS with escort of Fire and Police Department apparatus/vehicles. Players and coaches will be riding on decorated vehicles. They will travel east on Colorado, turn north on Myrtle, then circle Library Park (Palm, Primrose, Lime, Myrtle).
- 6:45 pm: The players will be delivered to the mid-300 block of Myrtle Avenue, where the MHS Band and Cheerleaders will already be present. Big M Boosters will be selling pompoms, etc., hot cocoa, etc.
- 7 p.m.: Celebratory program and presentation of the CIF championship trophy.
Source: http://goo.gl/5FY7Z
- Brad Haugaard




MHS Wildcat Parade

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa said that at tomorrow's city council meeting "the Mayor and Council will outline a community celebration featuring a parade/procession and a rally in Library Park." He guesstimates that the proclamation of "MHS Wildcat Day" will dominate the meeting.
He adds: "Also on the agenda, we have the recognition of the "Holiday Home Decorating Contest" (PR-2), the proposed amendment to the Monrovia Municipal Code relating to mobile vendors (PH-1), the rezoning of recently-acquired hillside property from a residential designation to a Hillside Wilderness Preserve zone designation (PH-2), and the mid-year budget update (AR-1)."
Source: http://goo.gl/m6ED8
- Brad Haugaard

Glowing-Nosed Rudolph


A red-nosed reindeer on N. Canyon in Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Household Tip

I'd like to share today a tip I have learned from painful experience. But because this is a Monrovia blog I'll have to ask you not to share it with anybody living across the border in Arcadia.

Okay? Okay!

So, let's say you have cats (an orange one and a black one in this example) and, further, let's say you like to wear t-shirts, but sometimes you gotta change into a button shirt to go to church or a Christmas party or something. However, the t-shirt isn't dirty yet - you know because you sniffed it (I'm talking to guys, here) - so you lay it on your bed, planning to come back to it after the formal event.

But what happens? The wrong-color cat comes and lays on your t-shirt! (See pictures.) Note that dark cats do NOT lay on dark t-shirts and light cats do NOT lay on light shirts. They know that their fur will not properly show up on a similarly colored shirt.

So anyway, now you have orange cat hair on your black t-shirt and black hair on your white t-shirt. Sigh.

But, here's where this handy household tip comes in.

When you take the t-shirt off, simply flip it inside out and lay it on the bed.

Then the cat comes along all smug-like and lays on the t-shirt and thinks he's getting it all covered with cat hair, but then you come back and - Ha Ha! - flip the t-shirt right-side-out and put it on again. It's a little bit tickley, but not a whisker's worth of cat hair showing!

It's not so hard to trick a cat if you really put your mind to it.

- Brad Haugaard




Home Decorations Map / Food Distribution / Girl's Basketball

~ A list of Holiday Home Winners here: http://goo.gl/OXc96 and here's a map you can print out: http://goo.gl/oNIjz
 
~ Picture of Foothill Unity Center's food distribution. http://goo.gl/NO7Q6
 
~ Girls Basketball: Arcadia 59, Monrovia 38 :-( 38 http://goo.gl/tKkf3
 
- Brad Haugaard

Unity Center Box-a-Thon




Many hands makes light work at Saturday's food boxing for Christmas distribution at Arboretum.
- Brad Haugaard

Rainy Saturday in Monrovia


It's umbrella weather today. Hot soup for lunch?

- Brad Haugaard

One of Biggest Distributions in LA County

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center is "racing to get ready for one of the biggest holiday distributions in LA County Sunday and Monday at the Arboretum. Total signups: 1,852 families, 2,988 children." http://goo.gl/dsWzD

When I contacted the Center I was told there is need for toy-packers this afternoon, starting at noon at the Arboretum and that I could just come on down to help, so I guess if you are an adult you could as well.

- Brad Haugaard

Soggy Santa & Caroling

I caught a few pictures of Santa touring Monrovia. I think you can just see him wearing a yellow raincoat. I don't blame him.

Also, Monrovia First Presbyterian Church friends and family gathered for dinner and caroling at local nursing homes. Here's a video collage: http://goo.gl/dSjNM

- Brad Haugaard




New Gold Line Website and Chairman


The Gold Line Extension folks have launched "a one-stop shop of information about the program of projects underway at the Construction Authority,” according Habib F. Balian, CEO of the Construction Authority. Here is the main page: http://www.foothillextension.org/

Here is the detail page about Phase 2A, which includes Monrovia. The design has parrots on it, which - come to think of it - is pretty relevant, even if they are kinda noisy: http://goo.gl/66PwF

Also, while the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors didn't select a Monrovian as its new chairman of the board, I guess as long as the chairman is from some point to the east of Monrovia (It's Glendora Mayor Pro Tem Doug Tessitor ), that person will be anxious to move the project along. http://goo.gl/j4ruV

- Brad Haugaard

Shopping Monrovia / City Wins Suit / Hoop Shoot / Santa Blast-Off

~ Charlotte Schamadan has a shopping adventure in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/pZa9K
 
~ City wins lawsuit by former deputy fire marshal. http://goo.gl/xUe2l
 
~ Kids can compete for awards in the Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Competition at the Mary Wilcox Center this Saturday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. http://goo.gl/MufaO


~ Santa Blasts-Off. Great home decoration. http://goo.gl/Gsmeg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Finances Improving

At its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will hear a mid year review by Mark Alvarado, Director of Finance, on the City's financial condition, which - in a word - is "better."

"Overall, our revenue projections (estimated in the Spring) for 2010-11 showed increases in both sales and property taxes. This was the first time we projected positive growth in three years. At this time, we are still anticipating positive growth."

However, this is not the end of pain, and because of shortfalls in the last couple of years city staff is recommending, among other things, "a 2% decrease to each department’s operating budget."

More details here: http://goo.gl/Rt7P2

- Brad Haugaard

Decorating Winners / Serve in Government / Vending Trucks

Home Decorating Contest
At its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will reveal the winners of the 2010 Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Categories are: Best Decorated Indoor Tree, Most Effective Use of Lighting a House, Best Outdoor Display, Neighborhood Award, Children’s Choice Award, Toyland Award, Snowman Award, Best Still Display, Holiday Spirit Award, Best Window Display, Best Decorated Outdoor Tree, Judges Award and the Tim McKeehan Best of the Holiday Season.

 
Open Slots in Government
If you are interested in serving in the Monrovia City Government, you may be interested to know that there are 11 anticipated open positions on the following boards and commissions: Planning Commission (3), Community Services Commission (2), Historic Preservation Commission (2), Library Board (2), and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) (2).

 
Rules for Vending Trucks
At its Tuesday meeting the City Council will consider a first reading of an amendment to the Monrovia Municipal Code regarding regulations for mobile vendors.

"The most significant changes are that mobile vendors will not be allowed in residential areas, Old Town, or within the same block. Ice cream, frozen dessert, and candy vendors will be allowed to vend all year round and not just from June through September, will not be allowed in Old Town or on the same block. Mobile food and ice cream vendors and on-motorized vendors will be allowed with a special event permit for block parties, street fairs and similar events."

Source: http://goo.gl/Rt7P2

- Brad Haugaard

Police Report: Knife Robbery, Drug Arrest, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 9-15. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 490 service events, resulting in 104 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
 
 
Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 7:50 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Lime regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim reported his vehicle had been broken into during the night and his GPS was taken.  The suspect broke the front passenger window to gain entry.  Investigation continuing.
 
Commercial Burglary     
December 9 at 9:47 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 800 block of South Myrtle regarding a burglary.  The victim reported his locked trailer had been broken into during the night.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vandalism
December 9 at 11:51 a.m., an officer went to Myrtle and Atara regarding two city signs having been tagged with graffiti.  A stop sign and a neighborhood watch sign had graffiti written on them with a black marker.  Investigation continuing.
 
Residential Burglary
December 9 at 4:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of North Alta Vista.  The resident had returned and saw someone had broken into the home.  She did not enter the house and called the police.  Officers arrived and made entry, but no suspects were located.  A rear window that is not visible from the street was pried open.  Investigation continuing.
 
Robbery
December 10 at 9:50 a.m., a victim called on his cell phone to report he was robbed at knife point.  He described the suspect as an adult male, mid-20's, with dark curly hair and a blue shirt with a hood.  He was not hurt, but he was confused as to his exact location.  The suspect walked up behind him, threatened him with a knife and took his wallet.  The dispatcher was able to establish the victim's location.  Officers arrived and conducted an area search with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support helicopter, but did not locate the suspect.  However, based on the suspect's description, officers thought they possibly knew the suspect from previous contact.  An officer put together a photo line-up and the victim positively identified the suspect.  A wanted person was entered into the computer system for the suspect.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vandalism / Throwing an Object at a Moving Vehicle / Nighttime Curfew - Suspects Arrested
December 10 at 10:13 p.m., a subject was traveling east on Huntington, approaching Primrose, when he saw five male juveniles standing in front of a fast food restaurant.  As the victim drove by, he saw one of the juveniles throw an object at his vehicle, which shattered the rear window.  The juveniles ran into the restaurant, where they were detained by officers.  The juvenile who threw the object was identified and arrested.  The other four juveniles were brought to the station and cited for curfew violation.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 2:04 a.m., a subject was riding passenger in a vehicle when he saw an officer in a parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill.  The passenger exited the vehicle and approached the officer.  He reported to the officer that the driver was drunk and refused to let him drive.  He cautioned the officer that the driver had said he had a firearm in the vehicle.  The driver was stopped, and determined to be under the influence.  During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unloaded firearm under the rear seat and two loaded magazines in the glove box.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 3:43 a.m., officers observed a driver northbound on Myrtle from Huntington, driving at a high rate of speed.  Officers stopped the driver and during the investigation, determined the driver was under the influence.  He was arrested and taken into custody.
 
Drug Activity
December 12 at 1:59 a.m., officers responded to the area of Central and Magnolia regarding possible shots heard.  When they arrived in the area, they saw a group of three male subjects.  As they approached, one of the subjects threw an object on the ground, which turned out to be a toy replica of a firearm.  The officers detained the subject who threw the item and discovered he was in possession of methamphetamine.  The subject detained was arrested, and the other two subjects were identified and released.  The shot heard turned out to be a tire blowout on the freeway.
 
Dog Bite
December 13 at 2:45 p.m., a six month old female was taken from the arms of her mother by a 3 year old Great Dane.  The mother and baby both sustained bite injuries. The infant was transported via helicopter to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. The baby is in stable condition in the neonatal unit.  The investigation is continuing.
 
Attempt Vehicle Burglary
December 14 at 3:01 a.m., an officer saw a male and female walking in the area of Grand and Aspen.  As the officer approached, the female threw something on the ground and quickly walked away from it.  The object was found to be methamphetamine.  The female subject was arrested.

Monrovia's Nick Bueno is MVP / Elves

~ Monrovia wins player awards for Rio Hondo League, including Nick Bueno as MVP. http://goo.gl/xXSJ4
 
~ A picture of some Target store "elves," who helped at the Unity Center. http://goo.gl/Z5Pkj
 
- Brad Haugaard

Dog to Die / Boy's Basketball Loses to Damien

~ Great Dane who attacked infant to die. http://goo.gl/htAVi
 
~ Monrovia boys basketball team loses to Damien High, 63-49. goo.gl/GlAvz
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baby Seems to be Getting Better

Increasingly it is sounding as if the Monrovia infant mauled by a Great Dane is doing better. http://goo.gl/3FzFm
 
Also, interestingly, the story is receiving very wide attention. Here is the article in the Washington Post, in the U.S. Capitol. http://goo.gl/gdxqD
 
- Brad Haugaard

Samson: Merry Christmas!


Someone has made sure that the Samson the Bear statue in Monrovia Canyon Park is in the Christmas spirit.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Runs Across Country / Baby Better / Sing Along / Carolers

~ Monrovia man completes trans-continental run. http://goo.gl/GQyY2
 
~ Monrovia infant recovering from Great Dane attack. http://goo.gl/5AdHW
 
~ Sing-along 6:30 tonight at fountain. Traditional music, hot cider and Santa. http://goo.gl/QFhHL
 
~ Picture of Monrovia carolers. http://goo.gl/2AKJh
 
- Brad Haugaard

Baby's Condition Serious / Congrats to Inventor Students

Dog Attack Update ~ Infant attacked by Great Dane in stable but guarded condition. http://goo.gl/bxE4H and http://goo.gl/scozY
 
Invention Challenge ~ Congratulations to Monrovia High students Carolina Ruiz, Corrine Marino, Michell Aranda and Evelyn Mejia for placing 7th out of 56 teams in the finals of the 2010 JPL Invention challenge. http://goo.gl/1IlZ6
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Infant Bitten


Here's a picture of the new MonroviaOpoly game, While supplies last you can get one for $25 at the Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Bookstore, and select stores.

Infant Bitten ~ Monrovia infant bitten by Great Dane. http://goo.gl/i3Dud

- Brad Haugaard

Local Train History / Robots

History ~ Before the Gold Line was the Red Line: http://sgvrememberswhen.org/

Robotics ~ Monrovia did pretty well in robotics competition: http://goo.gl/u5FlB

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Tree and Candle Safety

A few Christmas safety tips from the Monrovia Fire Department (more here: http://goo.gl/zWmeg):
 
Christmas Trees
 
U.S. fire departments annually respond to roughly 260 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. One third of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in five resulted from a heat source that's too close to the tree.
 
* If you have an artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
 
* If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
 
* Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
 
* Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
 
* Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
 
* Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of LED strands to connect.
 
* Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
 
* After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
 
* Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
 
 
Candles
 
December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the five top days for associated fires. NFPA statistics show that more than half of all candle fires start when placing them too close to things that can burn. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles:
 
* Keep them at least 12" away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
 
* Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces.
 
* Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep.
 
* Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Green January

The Monrovia City Council decided December 7 that January will be dedicated to reducing the City of Monrovia's carbon footprint, and the folks at City Hall would like us all to join in. Each week will feature a new theme:
 
- January 3-9 will focus on recycling: learning more about how to recycle year round, cleaning out closets and garages, and making way for new holiday gifts.
 
- January 10-16 will focus on reusing: the City is encouraging residents to host yard sales throughout the City with free yard sale permits which, for the first time, will be made available online. Those who apply will have their yard sale marketed on the City website for others to attend.
 
- January 17-23 will focus on donations, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will offer free at-home pickups for items residents want to donate. On Saturday, January 22, the Salvation Army will host donation bins in the Monrovia Park & Ride Lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for residents to drop off items in person and receive a tax receipt. Residents can even call and receive at-home pick ups for e-waste during this week.
 
- January 24-30, will focus on reducing. Athens Services will be offering free bulky item pickups. Residents only need to call and schedule the pickup.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/zWmeg
 
- Brad Haugaard

Game Pictures / Santa / Meteors / Painter / Inventors / Sports

Game Pix ~ Championship game video footage here http://bcove.me/oj5t4wsx and here http://goo.gl/4Bksm , and some great still pictures here: http://goo.gl/oABJP
 
Santa's Coming ~ Remember, Santa will be driving through town this week, starting tonight. Here's his schedule: http://goo.gl/iW0il
 
Meteor Shower ~ We should be able to see a nice meteor shower tonight. It is the high point in the Geminid shower. Starting around 11 p.m. See article for details. http://goo.gl/uK9e4


Artist ~ Monrovia artist Richard Scully on display. http://goo.gl/kdIel


Inventors ~ Monrovia High at Inventions Challenge. http://goo.gl/jHUFg
 
Soccer and basketball ~ Umm, MHS hasn't done quite so well as at football. http://goo.gl/D673B


- Brad Haugaard

Wildcats CHAMPS! Monrovia 38, Whittier Christian 8 :-)

Monrovia has won the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship - its first football championship ever.

In Q1 Whittier held the Wildcats scoreless, but then Monrovia broke out in Q2 to lead 14-0 by the end of the half.

The Cats opened Q3 with a long Bueno-to-Henderson touchdown followed shortly by a field goal, bringing it to 24-0. Then they did it again - Bueno to Henderson - score 31-0.

Then, just as I'm starting to feel sorry for the Heralds, they make a touchdown - 31-8.

But that was just a bump in the road. Early in Q4 Monrovia scores again - 38-8, the final goal of the game.

Star-News coverage ( http://goo.gl/PWuP8 ) and Patch story ( http://goo.gl/ZA3tx ).

- Brad Haugaard

Football / Runner / Good Students / Soccer

Tonight's Football Game ~ Comparing Monrovia to Whittier Christian.  An "uncanny resemblance" between the teams. http://goo.gl/bmklj
 
Help Runner and Unity ~ Foothill Unity Center volunteer David Overstreet is ranked 37th among tens of thousands of runners nationwide in the New Balance Movement Challenge. First Prize is a $25,000 donation to the charity of your choice. (In this case, Unity) You can give him ten points by signing up as his fan before Dec. 31. Visit movementchallenge.com, click Sign Up As a Fan, then Search Runners. Find David, click his name, then click Cheer for This Runner. http://goo.gl/MGcbH
 
Good Students ~ These Monrovia High students were recently honored for their outstanding academic achievement: Jose B. Diaz, Talia Favela, Adam Syzmkowski, Joseph Ling, Tressa Mikel, Kia Smith, Monica Hernandez, Jordan Cox, and Veronica Rivera.  Congratulations!
http://goo.gl/qkfMD
 
Boys Soccer ~ Monrovia 0;  La Salle 2 :-( http://goo.gl/hflUY
 
- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaOpoly / Monrovia Win Predicted / Santa

Need a present for a Monrovia-phile. How about MonroviaOpoly. http://goo.gl/m2uf3
 
LA Times columnist predicts Monrovia football win. http://goo.gl/ERYL2
 
Reminder: Santa will be driving around town next week. Here are the dates. http://goo.gl/WkuWa
 
- Brad Haugaard

Chang's Thai Bistro


Kang Ka Ree (yellow curry chicken)

Chang's is a good lunch spot (614 South Myrtle in Monrovia). It has lunch specials. I like the curry (above) but my wife doesn't like coconut milk so she gets beef satay with peanut sauce. Both good.

Location: http://goo.gl/BS4D8

- Brad Haugaard

Crèche at First Presbyterian Church


First Presbyterian Church gets in the Christmas spirit.

And this Sunday a sermon based on my favorite Christmas hymn: O Holy Night. Luke 2.8-12 http://goo.gl/sAcfs

- Brad Haugaard

Girls Basketball Coach / Blanco / Tour of Lights / Route 66 / Fountain / Physics / New Mexico

~ Profile of Monrovia High School girls basketball coach Eliazar Diaz Jr. http://goo.gl/ohNZW
 
~ Profile of Wildcats' running back Christian Blanco. http://goo.gl/nJIKy
 
~ Dec. 15 Light Tour of decorated homes in Monrovia, Pasadena and San Marino. The $10 per person fee includes a two-hour tour, holiday sing-a-longs, cookies, and a drive down the famous Christmas Tree Lane. The bus departs the Community Center at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, December 15. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256.8246.
 
~ A bit of history about Route 66 sites in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/tFrxh
 
~ Nice close-up picture of the fountain in Library Park. http://goo.gl/OIalZ


~ MHS Instructor Thomas Dobson is the school's FIRST Robotics team coordinator and JPL Invention Challange cooridnator. Here are some cool pictures from his class: http://goo.gl/QQ3WV


~ Thoughts on New Mexico by Monrovia columnist Sharlotte Schamadan. http://goo.gl/g9YPx
 
- Brad Haugaard

Will Fees Hurt Sports? / Gwendolyn Jones

~ Increased fees at schools may hinder Monrovia sports programs. http://goo.gl/xl7SJ
 
~ Vignette of Monrovia advocate Gwendolyn Jones. http://goo.gl/kjpUk
 
- Brad Haugaard

Police Report: Indecent Exposure, Burglaries, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 2-7. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last six day period, the Police Department handled 470 service events, resulting in 93 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

 
Vehicle Burglary
December 3 at 7:51 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of East Colorado regarding a vehicle break-in.  The victim had parked his vehicle in front of his residence in the evening and locked and set his alarm.  He left the driver side window down about two inches.  He returned to his vehicle in the morning at 7:45 a.m., and saw the driver side door open.  He checked inside and determined several CD's, approximately 10 dollars in change, and the vehicle's registration and insurance card were missing.
 

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered     
December 3 at 9:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Primrose regarding a stolen vehicle.  The victim had parked and locked his vehicle on the street in the evening.  He returned to his vehicle the next morning and found it was gone.  He is in possession of the only key and no one had permission to take the vehicle.  Late in the afternoon, a teletype was received from Baldwin Park Police Department advising that the vehicle had been recovered by their agency.  An officer responded to the towing company to dust the vehicle for possible fingerprints.
 

Theft from a Vehicle
December 3 at 9:39 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Valley View regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported an iPod and a Blackberry phone charger were taken from her vehicle during the night.  The victim did not know if the vehicle was locked.  There were no signs of forced entry.
 

Vehicle Burglary
December 3 at 4:07 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary came into the police department lobby to make a report.  The victim parked his vehicle in the public parking lot at Myrtle and Colorado.  While he was away from the vehicle, the suspect used either a wire hanger or slim jim to unlock the left rear door.  An iPod and a personal binder were taken.
 

Vehicle Burglary
On December 4 at 9:38 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 700 block of East Huntington on the report of vehicle burglary.  The female victim parked and secured her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside at 7:00 a.m.  She returned to her vehicle a short time later and saw a window was broken out and property was taken.
 

Felony Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
On December 4 at 1:48 p.m., a caller reported her neighbors, a mother and son, were causing a disturbance.  Officers responded to the residence in the 100 block of East Cherry and contacted them.  The son had broken several windows on his mother's vehicle.  He was arrested for felony vandalism and was taken into custody.
 

Commercial Burglary
December 4 at 8:30 p.m., two male suspects walked into a business in the 500 block of Huntington, grabbed numerous items of merchandise, and ran out of the location.  The suspects were last seen running south on Mayflower from the location.  Officers responded and conducted an area search, but the suspects were not located.
 

Vehicle Burglary
December 4 at 8:23 p.m., a female victim called to report her vehicle had been broken into while she was at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington.  Unknown suspects smashed a window on her vehicle and took the victim's purse from the front seat.
 

Battery Report
December 5 at 12:17 a.m., security at a business in the 300 block of South Myrtle was removing an intoxicated subject who was refused service.  While being escorted out of the club, the subject struck one of the security officers.  The subject was restrained by employees and sustained a small laceration to the back of the head.  The subject was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injury.  The establishment did not desire prosecution.
 

Commercial Grand Theft
December 5 at 1:04 a.m., a resident from the 1400 block of California called police to report a suspicious subject inside the yard of a business in a green pickup truck.  Officers responded to the location and observed the vehicle leaving the location.  The suspect drove to a nearby alley, where he abandoned his vehicle and fled.  Containment of the area was set up, and the suspect was found hiding on top of a storage container.  Irwindale Police Department responded with a police canine unit and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.  Officers located stolen copper wire in the bed of the suspect's vehicle.  The suspect was arrested for grand theft.

 
Indecent Exposure / Mental Evaluation
December 6 at 2:15 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a male subject standing in the street with his pants down, exposing himself.  Officers arrived and located the subject.  He had no shirt on and his pants were down.  The subject was detained and placed on a 72-hour mental evaluation.
 

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
December 6 at 8:10 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of North Mayflower observed two male subjects in dark clothing, one with gloves, attempting to gain entry into a car using a coat hanger.  The resident confronted the suspects and grabbed one by the back of his sweatshirt.  The suspect pulled free and both suspects fled.  The resident called police.  Officers arrived and conducted an area search, but did not locate the suspects.  A coat hanger was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence.  Vehicles in the area were checked to find if any others had been tampered with, but none were located.

Football / History / Cookies

MHS Football ~ Profile of Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox ( http://goo.gl/c51D6 ) and another of wheelchair-bound MHS Senior Captain Evan Sanchez ( http://goo.gl/HKFLp ).

History ~ Mr. Monroe's mansion, the Oaks. http://goo.gl/n96vi


Cookie Exchange ~ Cookie Exchange for Multiple Sclerosis will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday. http://goo.gl/GIH6W

- Brad Haugaard

State Money / Rangers Can Write Tickets / CIF Title?

Monrovia gets $995,000 from state for "multi-use open space within the planned Station Square Transit Village." http://goo.gl/y02PZ
 
Park rangers can now write tickets. http://goo.gl/PCLDI
 
Wildcats have been in 9 CIF title games, but never have been champions... yet. http://goo.gl/s9WSE
 
- Brad Haugaard

Aircraft to Norway / Soccer Loss / Literacy / Bros. Grimm / Choral

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment got a $4.9 million order from Norway for unmanned aircraft. http://goo.gl/zEH7S
 
~ The Monrovia Girl's Soccer team lost to Pasadena High. http://goo.gl/HZdvf
 
~ Welcome to the Monrovia Library's new Literacy Coordinator, Kathy Knudsen. http://goo.gl/cE3CB


~ Attend the Monrovia High drama program by attending the Fall Play: Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. This Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Event will take place in Room 210. http://goo.gl/46EPK
 
~ This Friday will be the Holiday Choral Celebration featuring the Monrovia High Camerata Singers and Alumni. It will be at First Presbyterian Church at 101 E. Foothill Blvd at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/46EPK


- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Extension Website

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has launched a new website at www.foothillextension.org to provide information about the project.

First picture:
map of Gold Line extension.
Second picture: rendering of planned overpass just west of eastbound Santa Anita offramp.

-Brad Haugaard




Where's the Game? Arcadia! / AeroVironment Financials / Cats-San Dimas Video

~ More on the difficulties in finding a spot for the Monrovia-Whittier Christian football game. http://goo.gl/8s2i3  (The game will be played at Arcadia High School. http://goo.gl/fqBtA )
 
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment reports that second quarter performance "exceeded our forecast," saying that "revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 was $63.8 million, up 24% from second quarter fiscal 2010 revenue of $51.4 million." However, "net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 was $0.3 million, down 88% from second quarter fiscal 2010 net income of $2.2 million." Still, having said that, the company "reaffirms its expectation to achieve revenue growth of 10% to 15% over fiscal year 2010, with an operating income margin between 10% and 12%." http://goo.gl/5pkR9 . More from LA Business Journal: http://goo.gl/hCMuV


~ Video clips of the Monrovia-San Dimas game here: http://goo.gl/Wti7E



 
- Brad Haugaard

Bad View from Bleachers? / Christmas Tree

~ Oops. Whittier Christian unhappy with visitor bleachers at Monrovia High for MHS vs WC football game. We can't see! http://goo.gl/ZtdSS
 
~ Buy a Christmas tree, help the Monrovia Library (PDF). 6-9 p.m. Dec. 15. http://goo.gl/Xoa7v
 
- Brad Haugaard

Preservation / Giving / Santa


270 N Myrtle

Historic Preservation ~ This Wednesday the Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the house at 270 N. Myrtle Avenue, described by City Manager Scott Ochoa as "a smallish Queen Anne/Craftsman/Spanish bungalow."

In his weekly report, Ochoa writes: "It seems that the new owners of the property will agree to keep and preserve the original portion of the existing house (the Queen Anne), while expanding and upgrading portions of it. In exchange, the HPC and the Planning Commission would approve necessary minor exceptions to the Code (in order to set the house and the addition appropriately on the lot). I don't think anyone is entirely happy, but sometimes that is the best sign of a good compromise."

City Employees Give to Community ~ Ochoa writes that Monrovia Municipal Employees' Association (MMEA) typically donates to the Unity Center or does other good works around the holidays, but this holiday season and next year, he says, MMEA will go further and perform "a host of community volunteer projects and efforts," starting with a food drive to complement the volunteer time and resources they donate to the Unity Center.
"In consultation with the board," Ochoa writes, "I am hopeful that they will be agreeable to allowing the Management Team to come alongside of them, and that the police officers' and firefighters' unions will want to partner up on a diverse array of community projects and programs as well."

Santa at Library ~ Toddlers and preschool children are invited to the Library on Tuesday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 8 at 10:45 a.m. for a Santa story time featuring holiday story, songs, and snacks. A very special guest will make a cameo appearance at the end of the show - jolly old St. Nicholas himself!

Source: http://goo.gl/Bcbdo

- Brad Haugaard

More Needy - Unity Center Needs Christmas Help

This year the Foothill Unity Center in Monrovia plans to distribute 3,500 toys to children in low-income families, 460 more than it distributed last year, plus food for about 2,000 families.
 
Joan Whitenack, of the Foothill Unity Center in Monrovia, told the Coordinating Council today that after a very busy Thanksgiving the Center needs to do it all again for Christmas. If you'd like to pack or otherwise help, give the center a call at (626) 358-3486 or email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

Monrovians Ulises Gutierrez, Lisa Barrios and Julie Gentile were honored Friday by the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the community. Gutierrez received the Iris Award; Barrios the Monroe Award, and Gentile the Dick Lord Award.
 
The Iris Award is equivalent to a Citizen of the Year award and is given to honor those in Monrovia for their contributions to our community.  Ulises Gutierrez was a troubled youth who found his way out of drugs and gangs through Teen Challenge, which for Ulises was a place of acceptance and encouragement that gave him strength to move beyond his background.  Ulises knew that there were still many young people in the same place from which he came; he was passionate and determined to do what he could to help them.  Taking all that he learned though experience, he formed a youth group for teenagers in similar situations to his, which became the Youth Alliance in Monrovia.  This in turn led to his job as Outreach Coordinator at the Santa Anita Family YMCA.  Ulises takes his passion to help, insights, experience and innate speaking abilities with him to all his volunteer activities.  Ulises volunteers his time for many community organizations, the Foothill Unity Center,  Make a Difference Day Monrovia and the Monrovia/Arcadia Ministerial Association, to name a few.  Ulises has many roles in the community, pastor, advocate, life coach and bridge builder, making him an outstanding role model for our community.  Additionally, Ulises serves on the boards of the Monrovia/Arcadia Ministerial Association, Foothill Unity Center, Social Model Recovery Systems, Liaison for the City of Monrovia and Duarte Mediation Team and is a partner with LegacyMakers International in Pasadena.  We congratulate, thank and commend Ulises Gutierrez for all that he does and will continue to do in our community.
 
The Monroe Award was established in 2000 for business person of the year in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community. The recipient for 2010 is Lisa Barrios of Paint 'n' Play2 in Old Town Monrovia.  Lisa Barrios is well known in the volunteer world as she volunteers her time and materials to many organizations in the community.  For the City of Hope's Helping Hearts Program, Lisa creates ceramic handprints of patients, both kids and adults.  For the Foothill Unity Center's Back to School Program and the Holiday distributions, working with children in need and helping them explore art and ceramic painting as part of the Unity Center outreach efforts.  She hosts workshops and fundraisers for the Girl Scouts of the Greater San Gabriel Valley, students with special needs find employment opportunities at Paint 'n' Play2.  Monrovia High School ceramics students benefit from Lisa's giving spirit as well, students are encouraged and promoted through opportunities to partner with Paint 'n' Play2 to further their craft and seek employment at Paint 'n' Play2.  Lisa is a supporter of the Village Afterschool Program, and the Boys and Girls Club by holding workshops for kids at her store.  Additionally, Lisa assists in promoting and fundraising and hosts a gallery for the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts MAFA; MAFA in turn supports the Monrovia Unified School District's arts education efforts.  Lisa volunteers her time to the Old Town area as well, assisting with organizing the Summer Art Walks and by promoting and participating in public activities in Old Town. 
 
Monrovia is fortunate to have a business leader who not only speaks about giving back, but also puts her money where her heart is, always finding time for another project, another worthy cause and another child.  Congratulations Lisa!
The Dick Lord Award is presented each year to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Monrovia Chamber over a period of time.  The Chamber is pleased to recognize Julie Gentile, Gentile, McCloskey & Company for the many volunteer hours she has given to the Chamber during the past several years.  Julie has been a member of the Ambassador Committee for four years and rarely misses an event.  Julie is always there to lend a helping hand and sponsors events throughout the year as well.  Julie is an essential advocate for the Chamber, promoting the benefits of membership and has brought in several new members to the Chamber and is considered by all involved a most valuable and cheerful volunteer.  The Chamber greatly appreciates all the time, effort and dedicated volunteerism Julie continues to provide the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.
 
- Edited from information supplied by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Crehan

IRS Raid / More Bleachers? / Assault on Officer

~ IRS raids Monrovia company. http://goo.gl/0tzci
 
~ Monrovia High may add bleachers for Wildcats-Whittier Christian game. http://goo.gl/mpiMm
 
~ A Monrovia man was arrested in connection with assault on Pasadena police officer at Rose Bowl. http://goo.gl/zblQC
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Cats Over San Dimas - 47 to 14

Monrovia Wildcats win against football rival San Dimas! Next Saturday the Cats take on Whittier Christian at home (but actual site is to be determined).

Details here http://goo.gl/Rn7uf and here http://goo.gl/YOEOQ .
- Brad Haugaard

Football vs. San Dimas / New Department Name

Football Tonight ~ The Wildcats face rival San Dimas at San Dimas High this evening. http://goo.gl/Jq7ht

If you can't make it to the game, you can follow it here: http://goo.gl/odGFN
 
New Department Name? ~ The Monrovia Department of Community Services (Recreation and Library Divisions) is thinking about a new name, logo and mission statement. Take the survey to give your thoughts. http://goo.gl/jqiU5
 
- Brad Haugaard

School Board Meeting: District Solvent ... for Now

At its December 8 meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/CGaGI ), starting at 7 p.m., the Monrovia School Board will, among other things:

~ Shuffle seats, electing a new president, VP, Clerk and Secretary from among the board members. http://goo.gl/3GCsm

~ Declare that it is fiscally responsible. As required by the State of California - which is deeply concerned that other governmental agencies be fiscal responsible - the school district will report that it is able to meet its fiscal obligations for this year and the following two years. However, Director of Fiscal Services, David Conway, warns that a little further out, "the district will not currently be able to maintain the required reserve at the end of fiscal year 2013-14." The required reserve is three percent. http://goo.gl/h8tes

- Brad Haugaard

Need Volunteers / Bueno / Fundraising

Volunteers ~ Foothill Unity Center needs volunteers from now through Dec. 21 for its biggest holiday distribution ever for sorting, packing, event and breakdown/cleanup shifts. To sign up or get more info, call Raina or Rob, (626) 358-3486, or email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org. Also, the center needs canned or packaged foods, new toys and clothing (hoodies!) for kids and teens, and funds are welcome. 9-5 weekdays. http://goo.gl/xkfQb
 
Bueno ~ Not stopping Wildcats' Nick Bueno. http://goo.gl/NAvyb
 
Police ~ Monrovia PD will stop using a fund-raising company. http://goo.gl/kwcTh
 
- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Coming to Town

Okay, all you adults who have children or who are children inside, here's the schedule for Santa Claus touring Monrovia on a Christmas-light-festooned Monrovia fire engine with a reindeer sleigh escorted by a carols-playing police car.

Santa Claus is coming to town (from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.) on ...

Monday, Dec. 13 ~ South of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, and to the south side of Monrovia.


Tuesday, Dec. 14 ~ East of Myrtle and north of Foothill.


Wednesday, Dec. 15 ~ West of Myrtle and north of Foothill.


Thursday, Dec. 16 ~ East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, to the east city boundary.


Friday, Dec. 17 ~ West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington, to the west city boundary.

Oh yeah, he'll be giving away candy canes!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia is Finalist / Parade Pix / Home Decorating

Vote for Monrovia ~ The City of Monrovia is one of ten finalists in the University of Kansas' Community Toolbox "Out of the Box" award. You can vote for the winner here http://goo.gl/gmnIc and you can review the finalists here http://goo.gl/dz6CX and see this page - http://goo.gl/WhwkK - for the description of Monrovia's "Monrovia Area Partnership," designed to restore peace in troubled neighborhoods, specifically to eliminate crime and blight on Sherman Avenue after some gang violence.

Parade Pictures ~ More Monrovia Christmas Parade pictures here http://goo.gl/BwLx1 and here http://goo.gl/y2qnV

Home Decorating ~ Remember, if you want to compete in the Holiday Home Decorating Contest, contest applications are due Dec. 10. Details here: http://goo.gl/4uDwj

- Brad Haugaard

Council Meeting: Water Level Low, Rules for Parks, More


A few items of note that will be considered at the Monrovia City Council's meeting on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ( http://goo.gl/bO9lu ). The council will... 

- Hear an update of the city's Water 4 Life water conservation program. The report says, "Due to recent droughts, the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin (which the City’s groundwater is pumped from) has reached historically low water levels." But the city has achieved significant water reduction using voluntary conservation (See chart above). http://goo.gl/rJiJb

- Consider a new ordinance regulating activities at city parks. http://goo.gl/YzbzF

- Set a public hearing for Dec. 21, 2010 on whether to change what is commonly known as "the Leonard Property" from a Residential Designation to Hillside Wilderness Preserve. http://goo.gl/Lijwp

- Set a public hearing for Dec. 21, 2010 to discuss regulations covering food and ice cream trucks. http://goo.gl/FtTgt

- Consider whether to continue using Athens Services for the "Old Town Franchise Area" (http://goo.gl/aGk1B) and  whether to continue using Athens for another six months for street sweeping. [Did you know Monrovia has 90 miles of streets, 4 miles of medians, and 12 miles of alleyways?] ( http://goo.gl/HMB2y ) and decide whether to give Athens a raise ( http://goo.gl/mAA0z ).

- Vote on whether to enter into a $12,300 contract with Dimensions Unlimited to update the city's Hazard Mitigation Plan. In other words, the plan for what the city will do in the event of a disaster. Details here:
http://goo.gl/x7Plm

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Holiday Parade

A few pictures of the parade this evening. I think one of the best
things about this parade is that it has no pretensions. No pretensions
at all.
- Brad Haugaard






Christmas Tree Lights Go On


10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 lights! The lights go on at the Monrovia Christmas tree.

(Uuug! Cell phone pictures aren't so great at night, are they?)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Report: Wandering Child, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 21-Dec.1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 454 service events, resulting in 81 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Commercial Burglary
November 26 at 8:50 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of East Evergreen regarding a burglary. The reporting party said someone had broken into the business either the day before or overnight. The suspects cut part of a corrugated steel panel to gain entry. A loss was not established and the investigation is continuing.

Gang Graffiti
November 26 at 12:21 p.m., an officer went to the 400 block of East Duarte on the report of graffiti in the area. The officer located the new graffiti on the southeast corner. The graffiti was gang related writing in black paint.

Grand Theft Auto
November 26 at 4:26 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Live Oak on the report of a stolen vehicle. An employee had parked the vehicle inside the fenced yard and locked it. In the afternoon, they went to use the vehicle and could not find it. All keys are accounted for and no one had permission to take the vehicle. The vehicle is a white, 2004, Ford F350 truck.

Child Endangering
November 27 at 8:59 a.m., a subject called to report finding a two year old, male child in the middle of the street at Shamrock and Ocean View. Officers responded and a door-to-door canvass revealed an open front door to a two story home. The residents did not respond to officers knocking. A contact for the location was called and this person responded to the location. The father of the boy was found to be asleep in the residence. Apparently, the parents know the child can open the door, but did not take any measures to ensure he could not get out. A report will be completed and forwarded to the Department of child and Family Services.

Petty Theft - Suspects Arrested
November 29 at 6:54 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington on the report of a petty theft. Two teenage sisters decided to steal items from the business and were stopped by loss prevention. Both had no criminal history. They were cited in the field and released to their mother, who had responded to the location.

Grand Theft Auto - Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 8:09 p.m., an officer on patrol received a LoJack hit on a stolen vehicle. With the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, officers tracked the hit to the area of Mayflower and Duarte Road. The signal was very inconsistent and officers had difficulty locating the stolen truck, but after a lengthy search, the truck was eventually located at a residence in the 500 block of Genoa inside a garage. The officer was able to see the truck through a crack in the garage door. The activity drew the resident out and she was questioned. She signed a consent to search for the garage and house. The garage was searched and the vehicle was recovered. The VIN number had been removed and was found on a workbench in the garage. The woman eventually admitted her husband had driven the truck there and put it in the garage. She claimed she did not know the vehicle was stolen. The wife called and asked the husband to come home, which he did. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Welfare Check / Mental Evaluation
November 29 at 8:37 p.m., officers responded to the report of a subject who claimed he wanted to kill himself with a razor. On arrival, officers determined the subject had ingested a significant amount of hard alcohol to the degree he needed medical aid. He also stated he wanted to die. Paramedics were summoned and they transported him to a hospital, where he will be held for mental evaluation.

Fraud / Warrant - Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 1:10 p.m., an officer was called to investigate a fraud which occurred at a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle. The suspect had passed a check on an account that had been closed in 2005. The suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant and she was brought to the station. She admitted to passing the check and knowing the account was closed for several years.

Receiving Stolen Property - Suspects Arrested
December 1 at 11:22 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of North May reported two subjects in the area looking into cars and checking car doors to see if they were unlocked. Officers arrived and detained two female juveniles, 15 and 16 years old, both where in possession of stolen property. They claimed to have received the property from another female subject. Officers were able to locate some of the victims and their property was returned; however, all of the victims could not be located. Some of the property taken included: several pairs of sunglasses, an iPod, CD's, and a resident's wallet and driver's license.

Grand Theft Auto
December 2 at 1:00 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of West Maple called police to report his truck had just been stolen by unknown suspects who left in an unknown direction. The vehicle is a silver, 2007, Chevy Silverado truck. Officers responded but the suspect could not be located. Investigation continuing.

Green Dot / The Aztec / Football

Green Dot Selling Stock ~ Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation, a prepaid financial services company, has begun a secondary public offering of 4,269,051 shares of its Class A common stock. http://goo.gl/bzLEW

Ragtime at the Aztec ~ On the last Sunday of each month there is ragtime music at the Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/GQOJc

Cats vs. San Dimas ~ More thoughts on upcoming football game with San Dimas. http://goo.gl/5cOuW

- Brad Haugaard

Wanna Be Mayor? / Christmas Concert / Boy's Basketball :-(

Want to run for mayor, or for a seat on the Monrovia City Council in April? The City Clerk's office will host an information meeting on Monday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Monrovia Library Community Room (PDF). http://goo.gl/FQQL1
 
Monrovia First Presbyterian Church's Christmas concert is this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/gjAla
 
Boys Basketball ~ Wildcats 56, Flintridge Prep 72. http://goo.gl/u29C3
 
- Brad Haugaard

City Council Video

For your viewing pleasure, the November 16 special meeting of the Monrovia City Council is now online. http://goo.gl/V8YnL
 
- Brad Haugaard