Monrovia Pet Food Collection / Cold Stone / Golf

~ Help Foothill Unity Center, cats and dogs, and the Girl Scouts. Pet food collection, May 4, from 2-4 p.m. at Unleashed by Petco in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Details: http://goo.gl/m5JmR

~ Coupons for Cold Stone Creamery. http://goo.gl/ucx11

~ 12th Annual Carden Classic Golf Tournament, supporting Carden of the Foothills School. http://goo.gl/CH7nk

- Brad Haugaard

Know Any Good Monrovians?

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, is looking for nominees for "Citizen of the Year." Details on how to nominate: http://goo.gl/AzKIc
 
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at La Adelita


Got a fat carnitas burrito at La Adelita (south side of Colorado east of Myrtle). Traditional Mexican and very generous. Burrito was STUFFED with meat, plus rice, beans AND drink all for $5.99. Come hungry. I couldn't finish it. - Brad Haugaard

Coming Up at the Monrovia City Council

At the May 3 Monrovia City Council meeting (7 p.m.) the City Clerk will certify the election results and the Council will:
 
~ Consider an ordinance controlling "Wireless Telecommunications Facilities," which would generally "prefer" wireless antennas be located in commercial areas and "discourage" them in residential areas. 
 
~ Consider paying the YMCA $11,077 to conduct a sixteen week program called "Square One" to "provide guidance, supervision and mentorship to the unsupervised kids hanging out in Library Park, the Pavilions shopping center, etc." on Friday nights.
 
~ Consider having the city sell some properties, "generally located on the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive," to the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency, which recently transferred them to the city. Why the financial gymnastics? I think it is just a technique to keep the state's sticky fingers off the city's money.
 
~ Proclaim Betty Sandford as the 2011 Monrovia Older American of the Year and will honor two Monrovians who were finalists in the Star-News/Rose Magazine "Jewels of Pasadena: Women of Distinction" awards. The two are Rosemari Annear, finalist in the Community Service category, and Chamber of Commerce Member Julie Sagatelian, finalist in the Family category.
 
Details for all items here: http://goo.gl/tEuU9
 
- Brad Haugaard

Water District to Monrovia / Uno y Dos de Mayo / Fellowship / Networking Lunch

~ Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District moving to Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Ao8Ya

~ Remember, the big Monrovia Cinco de Mayo celebration falls on Uno de Mayo. http://goo.gl/EGcQd

~ And another Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, this one on Dos de Mayo, benefiting Monrovia Reads. http://goo.gl/4zucI

~ Starting May 6, Calvary Chapel of Monrovia is sponsoring "Breaking Bread Fellowship," a place to hang out Friday and Saturday nights, 6-10 p.m. Fellowship is at Baldwin’s Sidewalk Cafe, at 110 East Lime Avenue, just east of Myrtle in Old Town. Christian music, fellowship, food. Proceeds support the church's mission programs. http://goo.gl/HaSag

~ Snapshots of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch. http://goo.gl/KBgdQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Theft, Medical Assistance, Burglary, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 578 service events, resulting in 101 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
 
Grand Theft Auto
April 22 at 9:09 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a parking lot in the 1600 block of South Myrtle regarding a stolen vehicle.  The victim reported that he parked his vehicle in the lot at approximately 5:00 a.m. on April 21.  He returned to his vehicle that same day at 6:00 p.m. and found it missing.  No broken glass was found on the ground where it was parked.  He waited a day to make the report as he did not know the license plate number of his vehicle.
 
Grand Theft Auto
April 22 at 12:11 a.m., an officer responded to the parking lot of a business in the 3300 block of South Peck regarding a stolen vehicle report.  The victim parked his vehicle in the parking lot at 11:30 a.m. and went into the business.  He returned to his car at 12:00 p.m. and found it missing.  There was no broken glass on the ground where it was parked.  The vehicle is a red, 1989 Toyota Cresida with over-wide tires, spoke rims and tinted windows.
 
Petty Theft - Suspects Arrested
April 22 at 1:01 p.m., police responded to the report of a petty theft at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington.  Loss prevention officers saw a male subject grab and conceal cologne and perfume on his person.  The suspect walked outside where he met with a female subject.  Loss prevention officers followed at a distance and provided the direction of travel to police.  Officers located and detained the suspect.  The female did not take part in the theft, but was arrested for two outstanding no-bail felony warrants.  The male suspect, who was found to be on parole, was identified by loss prevention and arrested for theft. 
 
Medical Assist
April 22 at 10:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of Naples regarding a male subject having a heart attack.  Upon arrival, officers found the subject unconscious.  The officers examined the subject and discovered he was not breathing and had no pulse.  The officers administered the defibrillator and revived the subject.  He was taken to a hospital for treatment.  At last check, the subject was recovering in the hospital.
 
Burglary
April 23 at 10:48 a.m., an officer was sent to an apartment complex in the 400 block of West Duarte on the report of a burglary.  The apartment complex is under construction and some windows were left open for ventilation.  The suspect(s) entered an apartment through a kitchen window and removed a dish washer.  They left the location unnoticed.
 
Vehicle Burglary
April 25 at 5:31 p.m., an officer went to the 300 block of West Lemon regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim parked and secured her vehicle in the alley behind her residence.  She returned to the vehicle and saw the interior had been ransacked.  She checked her vehicle but could not determine if anything had been taken.  There were no obvious signs of forced entry.
 
Attempted Grand Theft Auto
April 26 at 12:35 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of South Fifth heard his car engine start.  The victim looked outside and saw someone backing his car out of the driveway.  The vehicle became stuck when it hit a wall.  A male suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  An area search was conducted by officers, but the suspect was not located.  The victim had left his keys in the unlocked car.
 
Probation Sweep - Two Subjects Arrested
On April 26, Monrovia Special Enforcement Team officers and Los Angeles County Probation officers conducted probation checks at two locations in Monrovia.  The first was in the 300 block of East Altern.  The subject was home and put up some resistance to being arrested.  He was charged with delaying officers, probation violation, and possession of a controlled substance.  The second location was in the 2100 block of Redell.  The subject was home, but hiding in the residence.  He was located and arrested.  He was charged with probation violation and several no-bail warrants. 
 
Grand Theft
April 26 at 10:10 a.m., an officer responded to an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Myrtle.  The victim reported two expensive bicycles were taken from the public garage.  Both bicycles were secured with the same chain and lock.  The chain was cut and the suspect(s) took the bicycles.
 
Grand Theft Auto
April 27 at 12:39 p.m., an officer responded to a business parking lot in the 1600 block of South Mountain.  The victim is an employee of the business and had parked his truck in the lot and secured it.  He was away from his vehicle between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  The vehicle is a white, 2000, extended-cab Chevy Silverado with a camper shell.
 
Attempt Burglary
April 27 at 2:46 p.m., an officer went to the 100 block of East Cypress on the report of a burglary.  Two windows had been broken to the rear of the residence.  One of the windows is to the kitchen and the other is to the living room.  There were pry marks on the window frame.  Fortunately, entry was not made and there was no loss.
 
Residential Burglary
April 27 at 4:44 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of West Lime reported that someone had broken into their home.  The victim was away from the residence from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  When she returned, she went inside and discovered items missing.  She then noticed the east facing kitchen window had been broken.  The suspect(s) used a piece of red brick to break the window and made entry; they exited through the same window.

Monrovia Baseball / STAAR Surgical / Patch

~ Baseball: South Pas Over Wildcats 6-1 :-( http://goo.gl/fUEPI

~ STAAR Surgical of Monrovia gets approval for eye-lens. http://goo.gl/axmkF

~ A couple articles about the new emphasis at AOL's Patch local-news websites (there is a Patch for Monrovia) on using free bloggers. Wired: http://goo.gl/kQOWD Forbes: http://goo.gl/8NFTY

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Response


Monrovia and Arcadia fire units responded to what I was told was a small fire at a house in the 200 block of Hillcrest. (Sorry for the yucky photo. Bad cellphone!)

- Brad Haugaard

McCarthy / Monrovia High Battle of Bands / Popstars / Home Tour / Beauty Award / Huff to Host Prayer

~ Monrovia football star Ellis McCarthy also does shot put. http://goo.gl/KXMY6

~ April 29, Monrovia High School Battle of the Bands, at Monrovia High, 6 p.m. Information: (626)471-2800. UPDATE: I understand the event will actually be held at Clifton auditorium since auditorium is still not ready at MHS.

~ April 30, Centre Stage Pancakes & Popstars. Entertainment, food and shopping at the First Presbyterian Church, 8 a.m.-noon; $5. Information: (626) 297-4758.

~ May 8, Mother's Day Home Tour. Five Victorian homes built prior to 1893 plus Leven Oaks and the Historical Museum. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets $17 adults, $14 Seniors 65+, $9 Teens; 12 and under free. Purchase at Paint N’ Play, Monrovia Bakery, Monrovia Chamber and, beginning April, 1 at the Friday Family Festival, or on the day of event at Historical Museum, 743 East Lemon Ave.

~ Boys & Girls Club gets beautification award. http://goo.gl/jF3Q8

~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, will co-host the California Prayer Breakfast this year. http://goo.gl/wNFMc

(Thanks to Becky Shevlin for the events.)

- Brad Haugaard

More Job Losses, But Recovery / Telenovela

~ Economist speaking in Monrovia says more job losses coming, but recovery has started. http://goo.gl/Cqh9Z

~ Author of "Telenovela" will speak at Monrovia Library Community Room on May 2. http://goo.gl/TsqnD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Acknowledge the Arts Night

Acknowledge the Arts Night, Saturday, May 7, 7-10 p.m. Drinks, buffet and entertainment to benefit arts education. Details: http://goo.gl/yIHo0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia News Site Wants Bloggers

The news website, Monrovia Patch, and apparently - from my spot-checking - all the Patch websites across the country, will be trying to build out their sites using local bloggers, who will be paid, according to Monrovia Patch, in "gratitude." http://goo.gl/0447j

Opinion: This is interesting because it appears similar to the strategy Arianna Huffington used to build her Huffington Post website, and since she is now in charge of Patch I would guess this move is her handiwork.

Using volunteer writers worked well with Huffington Post, but I suspect that the contributors there built her website because of their political passion (the site leans left), not because they wanted to add to Arianna's millions.

Anyway, there are two things that occur to me:

First, I'm not sure people will be as anxious to work for free for what they may consider to be more of a business (Patch) than a cause (Huffington Post). But, I suppose, we shall see.

Second, I have never understood Patch's business model. Its expenses have always seemed too high. Still, we need good local journalism and Nathan McIntire and his team have been doing it. So I hope this is not an indication that Patch is abandoning professional journalism for mostly-volunteer reporting. I hope that's not happening, but I'm afraid that's how I would bet.

- Brad Haugaard

Johnson Says 'Not Guilty' / Cody Phillips Top in Cycle League

~ Derrick Johnson, 18, Monrovia High School football player, pleaded not guilty of attempted murder, other charges. http://goo.gl/WcOTp

~ Monrovia High Junior, Cody Phillips, has clinched the title in the SoCal High School Cycling League. http://goo.gl/gLwap

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Power Outage / Job Seekers / Company Bought

~ Power outage hits South Monrovia. http://goo.gl/HLWEu

~ If you are looking for a job, check out the Job Seekers event at the Library on May 7. http://goo.gl/CDhKZ

~ Monrovia's Caffe D'Amore joins Kerry Ingredients. http://goo.gl/XBmhl

- Brad Haugaard

MHS Football Star Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder

Derrick Arnold Johnson, linebacker for Monrovia High's CIF-winning team, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. http://goo.gl/7Cr2M
 
- Brad Haugaard

Sandford Honored / Free Brush Disposal

~ On April 14, Betty Sandford was honored as the 2011 Older American of the Year Award at the Senior Spring Luncheon at the Monrovia Community Center. http://goo.gl/Ym8rM


~ Residents in the Very High Fire Hazard Zone can dispose of branches and cuttings from their annual brush clearance through a Fire Department program. This may be the last year the City can offer this free service. Details: http://goo.gl/Ym8rM


- Brad Haugaard

Support Music Program and Eat


Help the Monrovia Wildcat Band and Color Guard tomorrow (Tuesday, April 26) by printing the attached flyer and then buying food with it at the Panda Express at The Huntington Oaks Shopping Center from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.  Panda will support the music program with 20% of your purchase.
- Brad Haugaard

Slides of Monrovia / Surgical Device

~ A nice little slide show of images of Monrovia, past and present. http://goo.gl/WJ8gE


~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical has developed some sort of device I don't quite understand that has to do with eye surgery. http://goo.gl/ZuZyw


- Brad Haugaard

Happy Easter

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" - Luke 24:5-6

- Brad Haugaard

No Sunday Market Easter / Resurfacing Huntington Monday / Mattress

~ Due to the Easter holiday there will be no Sunday "Market at the Park" this week. http://goo.gl/KIioP

~ On Monday, April 25th the resurfacing project will begin on West Huntington Drive, from Fifth Avenue east to Magnolia Avenue. http://goo.gl/KIioP

~ The Monrovia High Drama Team is presenting "Once Upon a Mattress," opening Thursday May 5 and running Thursday Friday and Saturdays through May 14, 7:30 p.m. at Clifton Middle School. $10. http://goo.gl/6gBhI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to Talk with Food-Truck Vendors

Monrovia to talk with food-truck vendors to attempt to avoid expensive lawsuit. http://goo.gl/a4zDn
 
- Brad Haugaard

Baseball: Monrovia 2, Temple City 3 :-(

Monrovia High Baseball Loses to Temple City. http://goo.gl/3j0mi

- Brad Haugaard

Salmon at Monrovia's BigShrimps


Got a very nice-sized and very tasty salmon lunch for $8.95. Restaurant is on Colorado just east of Myrtle. A great addition to town. - Brad Haugaard

Fixing a Sorta-South Monrovia Park / Art Bear / QuickBooks

~ Star-News Editor Steve Scauzillo has been on a crusade to promote the Peck Road Water Conservation Park, just a smidge south of Monrovia and open to Monrovians. Now he is promoting a group that is being formed to spiff up the park. It really is a nice water park, but the sign on Peck Road is almost impossible to see, and when you do see it it looks trashy. See his column here: http://goo.gl/mDLRm

~ Monrovia Art Bear in progress. Looks like it'll be a bear in a tuxedo. http://goo.gl/SHFUJ/

~ If you'd like a free QuickBooks lesson, bring your lunch on Tuesday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the Library and join Patricia Richardson as she demonstrates the small business accounting tool. http://goo.gl/TGKhU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia KIIS Gas Promotion


Some fortunate folks got a free tank of gas at a KIIS promotion at the Shell station on Huntington this morning. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Egg Hunt Saturday / Tour Aztec Hotel / Free Gas

~ Monrovia Community Services and the Santa Anita Family YMCA are sponsoring an egg hunt and Healthy Kids Day this Saturday at Recreation Park. Registration at 9:45 a.m. and events from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For information call Community Services at (626) 256-8246 or The YMCA at (626) 359-9244.
 
~ Get a free tour of the old Aztec Hotel on April 30, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with Docent Steve Baker. Sponsored by the Monrovia Old Homes Preservation Group.


~ Free gasoline. http://goo.gl/coHCe

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia PD: Burglary, Theft, Robbery, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for April 14-20. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 560 service events, resulting in 107 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:

Residential Burglary / Vehicle Burglary

April 14 at 2:09 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of East Palm regarding the report of a burglary. The victim reported that someone had come into her house through a downstairs window and took her laptop from her second story bedroom. This happened two days prior, but the victim did not report it until convinced by co-workers. While the officer was taking this report, the victim reported that her vehicle was also broken into three weeks prior. The front passenger window was broken out and items were taken.

Petty Theft with Priors / Receiving Stolen Property – Two Suspects Arrested

April 14 at 7:07 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 3300 block of South Peck Road on the report of two male suspects receiving property over the fence from someone inside the business. The officer arrived at the location and observed the two suspects on the outside of the business and detained them without incident. Assisting officers set up a perimeter and a thorough search of the business was conducted. A canine unit and the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter were utilized in an attempt to locate the suspect, but he was not found. Officers did locate a vehicle filled with used radiators and other copper and aluminum parts. The two suspects were arrested and booked for receiving stolen property, and one of the suspects had approximately ten prior theft convictions.

False Information to a Peace Officer / Misappropriation of Found Property / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested

April 15 at 2:58 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Magnolia and Huntington observed a disturbance between a male and female subject. They approached the subjects and determined both had been drinking. The officers obtained identification from the subjects. The female presented a driver’s license that did not belong to her and claimed to be that person. Her true identity was discovered when her male companion called her by her true name, she then admitted to giving officers a false name. She was arrested for providing false information to a peace officer. Further investigation will be conducted to confirm if the identification was lost or stolen. The suspect claimed to have found the driver’s license.

Commercial Burglary

April 15 at 4:03 a.m., police received a burglary alarm indicating windows had been broken at a business in the 900 block of West Huntington. A broken window was visible to the first officer on scene. An extensive search was conducted; however, the suspect(s) were gone on police arrival. The suspect(s) used a claw hammer to break the store window and took merchandise, dropping one item as they fled.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested

On April 15 at 3:10 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called to report their loss prevention officers were detaining a subject for shoplifting. The subject was uncooperative and had struggled with the loss prevention officers. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for robbery.

Attempt Suicide / Mental Evaluation

April 15 at 8:39 p.m. a male subject who was distraught after his fiancé called off their engagement, attempted to commit suicide by slitting his wrists. An officer responded and detained him for his own safety. The wounds were not severe. He was treated by Monrovia Fire Department Paramedics and taken to a hospital, where he will be held for mental evaluation.

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered

April 16 at 5:00 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle in an alley in the 400 block of East Olive. It was determined to have been taken from the 100 block of East Monrovia behind a restaurant. The steering column was damaged and the pink slip and registration were taken, as well as the stereo. The victim did not yet know his car had been stolen.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

April 19 at 6:48 p.m., two male subjects were arguing, when a third subject walked up and struck one of the subjects on the head with a shovel. The victim managed to run away and called police. Officers responded and located the suspect and he was arrested. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and treated the victim, who was taken to a hospital by ambulance. Two other subjects were present, but stated they did not see anything. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

April 20 at 7:47 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of East Huntington regarding two subjects being detained for shoplifting. While investigating, officers learned one of the subjects being detained had methamphetamine in her vehicle. Officers retrieved the substance and arrested her for shoplifting and for possession of a controlled substance.

Battery

April 20 at 8:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Primrose regarding a fight in progress. The suspect had fled the location in a red truck. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was in the area and located the vehicle on Huntington, heading toward the City of Duarte. The driver was detained by officers in front of his home and a field show up was conducted. The suspect was identified and arrested. Apparently the suspect was leaving his parents home when the victim called the suspect a thief. The suspect approached the victim and threw him on the ground.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Battery Recycling / AeroVironment Sells Tiny Planes

~ Now there are three places in Monrovia to ditch your old batteries. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reports the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments has begun a battery recycling program, which includes these collection points in Monrovia:

1. Digitech Camera Repair, 447 W. Foothill Blvd
2. Dollmakers' Kattywompus, 412 S. Myrtle Ave.
3. Army/Navy Surplus, 626 S. Myrtle Ave.

Details: http://goo.gl/1mFCa

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment has made an $11.5 million sale of tiny airplanes to Army's Special Operations Command. http://goo.gl/b38zt

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia STAAR Surgical Results / Gardening Workshop

~ STAAR Surgical of Monrovia has announced that it will release financial results for the first quarter on Tuesday, May 3. http://goo.gl/NsKwZ

~ Free Monrovia Smart Gardening Workshop, hosted by city. Learn about composting, water and fire-wise gardening, grasscycling, how to beautify your home and garden. Saturday, April 30, 2011 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. http://goo.gl/8lXlQ

- Brad Haugaard

Serve on a Monrovia Board / Round One Goes to PetSmart

~ If you are interested in serving on a Monrovia board or commission, applications are due May 12, so don't dilly-dally. Here is the application: http://goo.gl/Tbs6k

~ PetSmart, which would like to move to town, won a first round at the Monrovia City Council meeting over opposition by local veterinarians. But before the store comes to town, the city will study how much noise it'll make. http://goo.gl/jNFY0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Electrocuted

A Monrovia man was electrocuted while trimming a tree. http://goo.gl/W0rSn

- Brad Haugaard

What School Will Monrovia's Nick Bueno Pick? / Horse Trainer Dies / Read to a Dog

~ Where will Monrovia quarterback Nick Bueno go to college? Cal Lutheran? http://goo.gl/ki8vd

~ Monrovia horse trainer Lou Carno has died at the age of 90. http://goo.gl/bFjrB

~ Read to a dog at Monrovia Library. http://goo.gl/JPKnh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wildcat Car Wash / Editor to Speak

~ The Monrovia High Marching Wildcats Band is having a car wash April 23, from 10 to 2 p.m. at Pep Boys. http://goo.gl/VoFfQ

~ Local Patch Editor, Nathan McIntire, and some of his fellow editors, will speak on "Net Neutrality" to the membership of the Foothill Community Democrats. http://goo.gl/m9Or2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Seafood - Big Shrimps


Big Shrimps is now open. Just east of Myrtle on Colorado. $8.95 for a salmon dinner and nothing over $9.95! I'm going to have to give it a try. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia FD Clearing Brush

The Monrovia Fire Department is clearing brush near some hillside neighborhoods and has contracted with "noted local biologist, Daniel S. Cooper, to survey brush-thinning project areas ... to avoid disturbing nesting birds and other environmental values, such as endangered plant species."
 
The California Fire Safe Council insists on the survey, and since it is paying for the one-time clearance, it gets its way.

Source: http://goo.gl/il9dX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia MAP Clones

The Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) program is getting wide notice, according to City Manager Scott Ochoa's weekly report.
 
MAP staff have met with community groups interested in duplicating the program in Lennox and parts of Huntington Beach.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/il9dX
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council to Consider PetSmart

Monrovia City staff is recommending that the City Council approve a proposed PetSmart store at its Tuesday meeting. The store - which would be located at at 745 W. Huntington Drive - was challenged at a Planning Commission meeting by local vets.
 
City Manager Scott Ochoa writes: "At the Planning Commission, testimony was received from local veterinarians regarding the impact that these ancillary services would have on their businesses. Still, the use is allowed on the property and the City is precluded from unjustifiably denying such a seemingly consistent and compliant application."
 
Assuming it is approved, "the proposed PetSmart will assume the entire 25,000-square-foot retail store, and will also include pet boarding and veterinary services. These ancillary uses, contained within the PetSmart, are allowed by the zoning through a conditional use permit."
 
Source: http://goo.gl/il9dX
 
- Brad Haugaard

Get Out of Paying Monrovia Taxes / Painted Bear / Leven Oaks History

~ If you are a low-income Monrovia resident, you can apply to be exempted from the city tax for the Wilderness Preserve and Library. http://goo.gl/eLCVm

~ One of the painted bears makes an appearance in town. http://goo.gl/Vmrj9

~ The history of Monrovia's oldest hotel, Leven Oaks. http://goo.gl/GPriC

- Brad Haugaard

Adoptable Pets



Bella, the Labrador Retriever, is waiting at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, in San Gabriel, for a new home. http://goo.gl/LGcwg

Monrovia actually uses the Inland Valley Humane Society in Pomona, so you might want to look there, too, if you need a pet.

- Brad Haugaard

Rattlesnake Above Monrovia


It's spring and the mountains above Monrovia are full of many happy little woodland creatures, like this rattler, which I almost ran over on my bike. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Agenda: Budget, Progress Tracking, Etc.

At the 7:30 p.m. April 20 meeting of the Monrovia School Board ( http://goo.gl/xlYk6 ) the board will:

~ Receive a preliminary budget which says that Monrovia schools are going to have about $2.8 million less money to work with in the 2011-12 year as compared to the 2010-11 year. That's about a 7.7 percent decrease and is based on the Governor's January Budget Proposal, and assumes the proposed tax extension does not pass. According to David Conway, director of Fiscal Services, in light of the breakdown in budget discussions in Sacramento, this is a "best-case" scenario. Lots more painful data here: http://goo.gl/jj8M6
~ Hear a report on district plans to move more from tracking aggregate student progress to tracking individual progress. http://goo.gl/m1fuF
~ Hear a report on the Canyon Early Learning Center Program. http://goo.gl/DSOBi
~ Deal with several items regarding construction at Monrovia High.
~ Consider laying off two part-time PE attendants and a full-time painter. http://goo.gl/19NDG
~ Consider spending $390,000 for new English textbooks. As I commented before, this seems insanely expensive to me. http://goo.gl/42nc5
- Brad Haugaard

Mikomi Japanese Restaurant for Lunch


Went to Mikomi Japanese Restaurant on Myrtle for lunch. Got the Chef's Choice Special Sushi Combo with eel and avocado roll. With miso soup, which I haven't pictured because one bowl of miso looks just like another and besides it came first and I was hungry. The food? Very good!
- Brad Haugaard

Santa Anita Family Service Has New President, Expanded Board

Santa Anita Family Service, with offices in Monrovia, has a new president and several new board members, as the organization continues to grow and expand its services throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
 
Barbara Veenstra, a resident of Temple City and a vice president of Citizens Business Bank, has been elected to head the organization's Board of Directors. She succeeds Dick Singer of Monrovia, who had served as President of the Board since 1997.
 
The Board of Directors itself has expanded recently, adding several new members, including Barbara Cavalier, Gloria Crudgington and Traci French of Monrovia, Jay Coleman and Chris Mead of Arcadia, Alexis Newell of Pasadena and Mike Thompson of Redondo Beach.
 
Santa Anita Family Service celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year, serving communities in the San Gabriel Valley since 1951 with a wide range of mental health and social services, including senior assistance and case management, family preservation programs, drug and alcohol treatment, domestic violence intervention and child abuse therapy.
 
Each year, the organization’s offices in Monrovia, San Gabriel, Covina and Pomona provide low-cost service to thousands of individuals and families from communities throughout the region.
 
Additionally, through its affiliations with colleges and universities, Santa Anita Family Service is a training ground for graduate students in psychology and counseling disciplines, and has helped educate hundreds of this region’s mental health and social service professionals.
 
For more information on Santa Anita Family Service and its programs, call (626) 358-1185 or check online at www.santaanitafamilyservice.org.
 
- Brad Haugaard (from press release)

Monrovia Has a Distillery / Y Needs Games, DVDs, Etc.

~ Monrovia has its own distillery. Who knew? http://goo.gl/gbgm2

~ If you have board games, G-rated DVDs, art supplies and puzzles that are just lying around and need a good home, the Santa Anita Family YMCA would be happy to put them to good use. Contact karenmacnair@ymcala.org http://goo.gl/5rGA4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Rename Olive Ave. Park? / Buy Myrtle-Duarte Property? / Fireworks / Etc.

Here are a few items that the Monrovia City Council will discuss at its 7 p.m. April 19 meeting. http://goo.gl/zDnIs

~ The Council will consider whether to rename Olive Avenue Park to "Lucinda Garcia Park." Who was she? The city report says: "Mrs. Garcia was a matriarch of the Mexican-American community in Monrovia for decades. Yet it was her efforts to achieve racial equality in Monrovia – in a period well before the American Civil Rights Movement – that made Mrs. Garcia's contributions truly extraordinary and positive."

~ The Council (aka Redevelopment Agency) will consider whether to authorize negotiations to buy the property at the south-east corner of Myrtle Avenue and Duarte Road so Lowe Enterprises Development Group (which appears to be this company: http://goo.gl/1lD6G ) can develop a retail center there.

~ The Council will consider awarding a $20,500 contract to Pyro Spectaculars for this year's Fourth of July Fireworks Show. (If you didn't see the whiz-bang show last year, by the way, it was truly awesome! You gotta go.)

~ A pilot project with the Monrovia School District to open Monroe Elementary School grounds as a weekend park was a success, and city staff is recommending the Council extend the program to all five elementary schools.

~ In closed session the Council will chat about the lawsuit filed against the city by the owner of the property that could be used for a Gold Line maintenance yard.

- Brad Haugaard

Railroad Gives Up Right-of-Way for Metro Lines

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway signed an agreement today to abandon its rights to use the corridor between (roughly) the future Arcadia and Irwindale Stations along the planned Gold Line Extension from Pasadena to Azusa. That is according to the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.

Basically, if I understand this, it means Metro trains won't have to share with freight trains.

- Brad Haugaard

Huff Says Governor and Republicans 'Were Close'

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia in Sacramento, said that before Governor Jerry Brown broke off budget negotiations with the Republicans - "We were close." http://goo.gl/ZM3GO

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Child Injured, Burglary, Theft, Helping Torrance

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for April 7-13. – Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 499 service events, resulting in 99 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted issues and events:


Vehicle Burglary


April 7 at 7:49 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 900 block of Diamond. The victim had parked her vehicle in the driveway the evening before, locked it and set the alarm. She returned to her vehicle in the morning and found the left rear window shattered. She never heard the alarm activate; however, she did hear a vehicle speed away around 4:00 a.m., but did not think anything of it. The items taken were a computer, a DVD player, and a black wallet and purse.


Residential Burglary


April 7 at 11:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Lemon regarding a burglary. The victim reported that someone broke into his garage overnight. The suspect(s) used some type of pry tool to force open the east door of the unattached studio. It is unknown if anything was taken.


Vehicle Burglary


April 7 at 11:30 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1600 block of Pilgrim on a vehicle burglary report. The victim reported that his vehicle was broken into during the night. The suspect(s) broke the right front passenger window, reached in and removed a radar detector from the windshield, where it had been attached.


Residential Burglary


April 7 at 1:56 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Shamrock on a residential burglary report. The victim believed his house was broken into between 8:00 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. The officer checked the property and determined the suspect(s) made entry through a closet window. He checked the window and noted the locking mechanism was loose and he wiggled it open. The suspect(s) left through the side kitchen door.


Vehicle Burglary


April 8 at 6:44 a.m., an officer went to the 1200 block of South Magnolia regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim had parked his vehicle across the street from his residence in the evening and secured it. He returned in the morning and found the driver side door was unlocked and the interior was ransacked. He checked the trunk and discovered his stereo amplifier and subwoofer were missing. The vehicle does not have an alarm and there were no signs of forced entry.


Grand Theft


April 8 at 2:18 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut on a grand theft report. The victim is a gardener and had parked his truck, leaving his gardening tools in the truck. While he was busy working on a client’s house, the suspect(s) removed his equipment and loaded it onto their truck, a white, four-door, crew cab, 2007-2009, Chevrolet Silverado. The suspect vehicle fled southbound on California from the location.


Fight / Officer Injured


April 10 at 1:30 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a fight in progress in front of a business in the 300 block of South Myrtle and immediately requested additional officers to respond. During the course of restoring order, officers encountered a combative male suspect and his female associate who would not comply with their orders to disburse. Officers used their pepper spray on the suspects and they were detained and arrested. As the officers were attempting to put the male suspect into the back seat of the police vehicle, he continued to struggle and resist. During the struggle, one of the officers received minor injury to his hand.


Traffic Collision / Vehicle vs. Child


April 10 at 12:22 p.m., a family looking to rent an apartment in the area of Magnolia and Linwood became distracted and their two year old child wandered off. The boy ran between two parked cars and into the street. He was struck by a vehicle and sustained abrasions and bruises over his entire body. He was conscious and crying when officers arrived and was taken to a hospital.


Outside Assist – Torrance Police Department


April 11 at 8:42 p.m., Monrovia Police Department received a DCFS referral and contacted the reporting party by telephone, since she did not reside in Monrovia. Officers learned the victim was at Torrance Police Department filing a report, since the crime occurred in that city, during 2006 to 2008. The investigating detective informed Monrovia Police Department of possible additional victims living in Monrovia at a residence in the 800 block of South Canyon. Officers responded to the location to conduct a welfare check and discovered the possible victims did not reside at the location, but the suspect did. Torrance Police Department requested we arrest the suspect. The suspect was arrested and Torrance Police Department responded to take him into custody for multiple sex crime offenses. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia's Stop-Tree


This is not a trick photo. The tree is really growing right up the middle of the stop-sign pole and out the top. On N. Canyon. - Brad Haugaard

Ernie's Auto Parts Gone


Just noticed. Ernie's Auto Parts at Huntington and Mayflower is gone, moved to Azusa. Shame. They were very helpful for me once. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Pet Association / Huff vs. Epilepsy

~ The World Pet Association of Monrovia is sponsoring the "America's Family Pet Expo." And here I didn't even know Monrovia had a World Pet Association. http://goo.gl/uKO5R


~ The Senate Health Committee has approved legislation by Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, authorizing school districts to provide employee volunteers with training to provide emergency medical assistance to pupils who suffer epileptic seizures on campus. http://goo.gl/D6Oub


- Brad Haugaard

Which Monrovia Logo? / AeroVironment

~ Which Monrovia logo do you like? Let the city know: http://goo.gl/4enxD

The single logo is the proposed one; the other group are alternatives. 

For me? I dunno. I think I actually prefer E. Simple and cheerful.

~ AeroVironment gets $14.8 million order from the Army. http://goo.gl/EjKSf

 - Brad Haugaard



Monrovia Election Returns

[ 9:46 - Becky Shevlin and Tom Adams win reelection to the Monrovia City Council. So does Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, but that's no surprise since she ran unopposed. The play-by-play is below.]


If you want to follow the Monrovia election returns tonight, click here: http://www.ci.monrovia.ca.us/elections


I'll be updating this post as well.


8:35 - Vote by mail votes are in and Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin have taken a strong lead. Shevlin: 1218, Adams: 1015, Ziegler: 470, Joe Espinosa: 273 (not bad for having withdrawn, but perhaps people voted before he did), and Jason Cosylion: 71.


9:06 - A few more numbers from precinct 1.


TOTALS

Joe Espinosa: 292

Jason Cosylion: 79

Chris Ziegler: 530

Tom Adams: 1096

Becky Shevlin: 1341


9:11 - Becky Shevlin has been involved in sooo many community organizations. It seems she made quite a few friends along the way.


9:12 - Adding on precinct 8:



TOTALS

Joe Espinosa: 302

Jason Cosylion: 89

Chris Ziegler: 578

Tom Adams: 1185

Becky Shevlin: 1452


9:15 - Precinct 21  reporting, which adjusts the totals to ...



TOTALS

Joe Espinosa: 314

Jason Cosylion: 95

Chris Ziegler: 603

Tom Adams: 1228

Becky Shevlin: 1508



9:25 - With all but one precinct  reporting at least some numbers now ... 



TOTALS

Joe Espinosa: 355

Jason Cosylion: 123

Chris Ziegler: 752

Tom Adams: 1534

Becky Shevlin: 1848


9:26 - Seems pretty safe to call it for Shevlin and Adams.


9:27 - Looking at the numbers, it is pretty amazing how many people voted by mail.





9:40 - It appears all the votes except for precinct 30 have been fully counted, if my math it right.



9:44 -  The votes have now all been counted and it appears clear that Becky Shevlin and Tom Adams, the incumbents, have won, and will be returning to the city council.


9:44 - Final numbers:



TOTALS

Joe Espinosa: 382

Jason Cosylion: 132

Chris Ziegler: 785

Tom Adams: 1615

Becky Shevlin: 1936








- Brad Haugaard

Polls Are Open, Monrovia


For today we've dropped the wall of separation between church and state. Here is the polling location at First Presbyterian Church. Vote today!

- Brad Haugaard

Voting Day in Monrovia! / Flute & Clarinet / Gold Line

~ Don't forget to VOTE today! Two seats on the Monrovia City Council will be decided.  
 
~ Enjoy the sounds of Le Petit Duo, a flute and clarinet duo at the library April 18 at 7 p.m. http://goo.gl/epI7K
 
~ This Star-News editorial hopes the sale of Monrovia  property for the Gold Line can happen soon so construction won't be held up. http://goo.gl/lAvNi
 
- Brad Haugaard

Vote Tuesday! / Student Leadership / Huff

~ Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12, is election day in Monrovia. Be sure to vote!

~ Monrovia high school age students are invited to attend the Duarte/Monrovia Youth Leadership Summit. http://goo.gl/ZFtSI

~ Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia in the state senate, has introduced legislation to allow government agencies to contract out for supplies and services with private business. http://goo.gl/mRVa5

- Brad Haugaard

Dollar Deal


Nice deal. Buy a kid-size frosty at Wendy's for a buck (which goes to charity) and you get this tag, which entitles you to a free kid frosty each time you buy something at Wendy's for the rest of the year. - Brad Haugaard

Special Forces Hamsters


"Kung Zhu Ninja Warriors and Special Forces Hamsters." I don't know how you can resist (I couldn't) even though they are over the border at the Target in Duarte. - Brad Haugaard

See Old Monrovia Victorian Homes

If you are interested in seeing the insides of old Victorian homes in Monrovia, you might want to sign up to go on the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's 29th Mothers Day Home Tour. It features five Victorian homes built before 1893, plus Leven Oaks and the Historical Museum. It lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 Seniors 65 and older, $9 for Teens, and children 12 and younger are free. Tour starts at Historical Museum 743 East Lemon Ave. You can purchase tickets at Paint N’ Play, Monrovia Bakery, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and at the Friday night Family Festival. For more information, go to www.mohpg.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Monrovian


Had dinner tonight at the Monrovian restaurant. Steak and potato with vegetables cooked just right, not limp and not raw. It came with a green salad which you don't see because I ate it. Good, standard American food, no pretensions.
- Brad Haugaard

Assets of Monrovia's Soliant Energy Company Sold

It appears that Monrovia's Soliant Energy is no more. Its core assets - "equipment, inventory, software, licenses, intellectual property, and tooling for the rooftop solar energy product line" - having been sold to EMCORE Corporation, of New Mexico, which will "integrate the former Soliant research and development and pilot production line into its existing facilities located in Alhambra, CA." 

The press release goes on to say that Soliant "was" a leading developer of photovoltaic systems for commercial rooftop applications.

- Brad Haugaard

Survey of Monrovia Candidates / Mother's Day Tour

~ A survey of the candidates for the Monrovia City Council. Remember, election is this Tuesday, April 12. http://goo.gl/PTlOt
 
~ Mother's Day Old Homes tour. http://goo.gl/6rRPi
 
- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers for Food Drive / Antonovitch vs. State

~ Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center needs scouts, social groups and other teams of volunteers for its May 14 canned food drive with the National Association of Letter Carriers. Details: http://goo.gl/vXqUh

~ Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovitch, who represents Monrovia, objects to Governor Jerry Brown's plan to transfer state prisoners to local jails. http://goo.gl/fX8oK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Old Town Bistro


The new Old Town Bistro (by the old Box Jewelry clock). Owned by the same folks who own the Mediterranean Grill. Nicely decorated, but simple, inside. I got cream of asparagus soup (yum!) and press-grilled roast beef and bleu cheese sandwich. Tasty. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Quake-Safe? / Café-On-Tour / AeroVironment Selected

~ Would Monrovia schools be safe in an earthquake? http://goo.gl/TuBzY

~ Monrovia Café-On-Tour. Poetry, music and performance art. Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library's Community Room. Free but reserve a spot by calling (626) 256-8274. http://goo.gl/1N01B

~ AeroVironment has been chosen to expand a private electric vehicle charging network in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. http://goo.gl/yjwHC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Trail Reopens / Shooting Arrest / Gardening / Huff on Budget

~ Bill Cull trail reopens in Monrovia Canyon Park after fire. http://goo.gl/5G6ws
 
~ Monrovia woman arrested in connection with Altadena shooting. http://goo.gl/IMVr0
 
~ Smart Gardening workshop on April 30. Everything from worm composting to water- and fire-wise gardening. Sign-up info here: http://goo.gl/Ss3Vk
 
~ State Senator Bob Huff, representing Monrovia, blames Democrats for state budget impasse. http://goo.gl/IMVr0 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia PD: Barricaded Suspect, Drugs, Burglary, DUI

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 31 - April 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 540 service events, resulting in 97 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
 
Burglary - Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 1:55 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a subject being detained for theft.  The officer determined the subject had used a receipt from a previous purchase and returned to the business, where he selected the same items again.  He also put on two shirts and went to the counter to get a refund using his receipt.  His account was credited and he exited the doors.  He was detained by store loss prevention.  He was arrested and charged with burglary.
 
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants - Suspect Arrested
April 1 at 2:19 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 600 block of West Huntington.  The driver exited the vehicle quickly, but the officer took control without any incident.  The subject was found to have a warrant out for his arrest.  A search of the vehicle revealed he had some crystal methamphetamine and several different pills.  The driver was arrested.
 
Felony Driving Under the Influence / Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 3:26 a.m., officers were dispatched to Shamrock and Huntington regarding a vehicle that collided into and destroyed the light signal box, shutting off the light signals in that intersection.  The driver attempted to disassociate himself from the accident and refused to take responsibility; however, officers were eventually able to place him behind the wheel.  The driver was determined to be under the influence, but refused to take any tests.  His passengers were injured and were taken to a hospital for treatment.   The driver was arrested.
 
Burglary
April 2 at 10:49 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Lemon.  The residence was being fumigated and workers noticed some of the tent pins holding the tent shut had been removed.  They peeked in and saw the doggie door had been kicked in and they called police.  The residents are in the process of moving and many of their belongings had already been packed.  A responsible party eventually responded to the location.  Investigation continuing.
 
Barricaded Suspect / 72-Hour Mental Evaluation
April 3 at 7:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call reporting that a male subject had threatened his girlfriend with a sword.  He then retrieved ammunition for his firearms.  His girlfriend and her sister feared for their safety and ran out of the location and called the police.  When officers arrived, the male suspect refused to cooperate and made suicidal comments.  He barricaded himself inside the residence.  Officers contained the location and the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET) was activated.  An arrest warrant was obtained for the male suspect regarding the incident with his girlfriend.  After several hours of negotiations, FSET personnel deployed chemical agents into the residence.  The suspect then surrendered without further incident.  He was taken to a hospital and held for a 72-hour mental evaluation, pending criminal charges.

Star-News Endorses Adams and Shevlin

The Pasadena Star-News has endorsed Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin for Monrovia City Council. Voting day is April 12. http://goo.gl/WqnaX
 
- Brad Haugaard

Donnelly's Immigration Bill Killed / Monrovia Baseball :-(

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, representing Monrovia, has released a notice indicating he is unhappy with a party-line vote in the Assembly Judiciary Committee that shot down his proposed immigration law. http://goo.gl/lzmym

~ Baseball: Glendora over Monrovia 15-5. http://goo.gl/u3gPC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball :-( / Sample Ballot / City Logo / World Vision

~ Baseball. Arcadia over Monrovia 3-0 :-( http://goo.gl/j8MVP

~ If you lost yours, click the link to see a sample ballot for the April 12 Monrovia election. http://goo.gl/Q1HIr

~ City Manager calls proposed new city logo a "good idea gone awry." http://goo.gl/3DRPh

~ Lorraine Pierce, he widow of Bob Pierce, who founded World Vision, in Monrovia, has died. http://goo.gl/WA3Cl

- Brad Haugaard

Cupcakes / Children's Books

~ Enter a cupcake baking contest for Monrovia Day. http://goo.gl/Ng1MY

~ If you have any children's books you can spare, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library could use them. http://goo.gl/FEuM6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Cinco de Mayo - Biggest in the Valley?

Organizers expect the upcoming Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival to be the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the San Gabriel Valley, with more than 5,000 people expected, and also the first in Monrovia’s 125 years.

The free festival will take place from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, at Colorado and Myrtle in Old Town. It will transform the streets with educational and cultural exhibits and musical performances from Grammy-winning entertainers, along with an array of dance performances from popular Folklorico and Oaxacan dance troupes.
 
The event kicks off with performances from CaliMex roots quartet, Los Fabulocos, and popular Latin Jazz ensemble, The Banda Brothers. The fiesta continues at the children’s stage where Folklorico and Oaxacan dance troupes will perform into the early evening. Throughout the celebration, attendees can enjoy works by more than 75 local artists, displaying works in a variety of media, including watercolor, oil painting, photography, ceramics, and glasswork. Visitors can also sample popular Mexican food from a variety of Monrovia restaurants, including Rudy’s Mexican Food Restaurant.
 
The event continues with special performances from the popular Delgado Brothers performing their Latin-infused blues and will culminate with a special performance from the Grammy Award-winning group, The Mariachi Divas, a multi-cultural, all-female mariachi ensemble. 
 
The festival is being produced by the Monrovia Cinco de Mayo Association in partnership with the Nuvein Foundation for Literature and the Arts to celebrate the diversity that is Monrovia and to promote an understanding of all peoples and their cultures. It is a community effort led by a 12-person committee headed by local business owner, Rudy Castrellon.

"I invite everyone to Monrovia to be part of history," Castrellon said.

For more information, including a schedule of the event, please visit www.monrovia5demayo.org.

- Brad Haugaard (from press release)

Monrovia's Bear / Goodbye Trolleys! / Donnelly


~ Some history of Samson the Hot Tub Bear - including new representations of him that will decorate Old Town. http://goo.gl/V0f27

~ Last Day of Monrovia Old Town Trolley Service, May 27, 2011. http://goo.gl/0EFle

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents Monrovia in Sacramento, introduces Arizona-like immigration law. http://goo.gl/d433H

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schoolyards Become Parks

As of April 1, the schoolyards of all five of Monrovia's elementary schools will double as parks on the weekends. It's a partnership between the school district and city.
- Brad Haugaard

Serve in Monrovia Government

If you would like to serve (for free) in the Monrovia city government, there are openings available for a number of positions, all for three-year terms (except for one) and all which begin on July 1.


You can apply for a position on the Planning Commission, Community Services Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, or the Old Town Advisory Board (a two-year term, and open only to Old Town business or property owners). Deadline to apply is May 5.


If you are interested, there will be an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26 at City Hall. Call 932-5598 to register.


- Brad Haugaard

Winning Y Logo / Tent Sale


~ The winning logo for the YMCA's vans, with 48 percent of the vote. http://goo.gl/qxq0R
~ Living Spaces is holding a multi-day parking lot tent sale. http://goo.gl/8Bd9q
- Brad Haugaard

Jim Hunt to be Interim Monrovia Police Chief

When Police Chief Roger Johnson retires on May 1, after 30 years of service, Captain Jim Hunt will become Interim Police Chief while the city recruits a new chief.
 
In his weekly report, City Manager Scott Ochoa said Hunt "is an excellent law enforcement professional, and I have every confidence that he will be able to manage the affairs of the Department during the upcoming selection process."
 
Ochoa also commended Johnson:

"Chief Johnson has built an impressive legacy and has faced many challenges during his career with the Monrovia Police Department. In addition to being a consummate law enforcement professional, he is also an insightful leader and resourceful business manager. These last several years have been some of the most challenging that Monrovia has ever faced. I am glad Chief Johnson has been a part of this team; truly, Monrovia has been the better for it. Congratulations, and thank you, Roger."
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

No Monrovia Land-Sale to Gold Line for Now

In his weekly report, City Manager Scott Ochoa explained why the proposed sale of property for a Gold Line maintenance yard was dropped from the agenda:

"I should note right off the bat that the scheduled public hearing regarding the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency's (MRA's) proposed sale of land to the Gold Line Construction Authority (GLCA) has been cancelled. Unfortunately, GLCA and City/MRA have been unable to come to terms at this time regarding the transaction. For the time being, the City of Monrovia - and presumably GLCA - will mull their respective positions; if a deal is possible, we will re-notice at a future date."
 
However, the topic will still be discussed under Mayor Mary Ann Lutz' portion of the agenda.
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

SWAT team / Police Car Hits Tree / Bakery

~ SWAT team responds to barricaded suspect in 600 block of Shady Oaks Drive, use tear gas to end standoff, arrest man. http://goo.gl/M6UBs

~ Police car forced to hit tree. http://goo.gl/RZE13


~ Monrovia Bakery and "Iceland" pilot filming. http://goo.gl/7aSYV


~ UPDATE: Oops! I've removed a burglar item from here. It referred to the wrong Monrovia. My goof.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Young at 100

Monrovia Centenarian Grace McKeehan taking up golf. http://goo.gl/YvmWZ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Old Town Bistro Open


Old Town Bistro is now open. Sandwiches, paninis, crepes, salads. Next to the old Box Jewelry clock on Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Park Porker

Sweet Pea the pig visits Library Park regularly. http://goo.gl/JYPWg

- Brad Haugaard

New Signal at Myrtle & Chestnut


It appears the new traffic signal at Myrtle and Chestnut has almost been finished. - Brad Haugaard

An Almost-Monrovia Park

Steve Scauzillo, Opinion Editor at the Star-News, recommended that since Monrovians want a park on the south side of town, they consider "adopting" Peck Road Water Conservation Park, at 5401 Peck Road in Arcadia, but just a hop and a jump from Monrovia. ( http://goo.gl/gGxGC ) So, I thought I'd go take a look. Here are some pictures I took.





- Brad Haugaard

Mediterranean Garden Grill


Warm day, nice for outdoor dining. We went to Mediterranean Garden Grill. Got the Chicken Schawarma. Enjoyed it. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Honored as 'Green' / Mishap with AeroVironment Plane

~ Mayor Lutz reports that Monrovia's Library has been honored by The U.S. Green Building Council Los Angeles Chapter with its 2011 Municipal Green Building Conference and Exposition Award of Recognition. The organization said the library "will serve as a model of measures to promote energy and water efficiency and methods to reduce resource consumption." Monrovia will receive the award at a ceremony on April 14. http://goo.gl/ta43W

~ Something went wrong with a test flight of the Global Observer, a robo-plane developed by Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/9d3G6

- Brad Haugaard

South Monrovia Park / Got Shopping Bags? / Y Honorees

~ Thoughts on building a park on the south side of Monrovia. We already have one ... sort of. http://goo.gl/gGxGC
 
~ Got any left-over plastic shopping bags? Foothill Unity Center could use them. http://goo.gl/nrJst
 
~ Santa Anita Family YMCA honors community members. http://goo.gl/agigG
 
- Brad Haugaard