Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Did Argument Lead to Fatal Crash?

Did an in-car argument lead to the fatal crash that killed a Monrovia woman?

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Rises Above Polio

An inspiring story of a Monrovia polio survivor who didn't let it defeat him, but has taken up para-triathlons, in which he races in a wheelchair, hand-propelled cycle, and swims.

http://tinyurl.com/2gy3m3f

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager: Sacramento Fiddles While Rome Burns

I don't think Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa is a fan of the state legislature. This comment is from his weekly report:

"Among the issues and bills Monrovia tracks are the Bell-related disclosure pieces of legislation and Prop 22. The Bell legislation is mostly political grandstanding by the Legislature - the proof? A bill that would have required the Legislature to live under the same rules as those being imposed on cities died a quiet death in the Senate. A budget 90 days late, and they fiddle while Rome burns..."

http://tinyurl.com/29h2k57

- Brad Haugaard

Is LA Times Investigating Monrovia, Other Cities?

From Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa's weekly report:

"Seeing as the Bell-scandal is the gift that keeps on giving, the LA Times is now requesting a great deal of information from (I believe) all cities. Specifically, the paper wants - going back to January 1, 2005 - all redevelopment agency documents relating to legal services, lobbying services, any professional services contracts over $10,000 a year, bond counsel and bond underwriting fees, any maintenance services contracts over $100,000 a year. They also want detailed information on our towing contractor. Luckily, we have much of this information on hand because our own local gadflies make similar types of requests. Still, this is a pretty tall order."

http://tinyurl.com/29h2k57

- Brad Haugaard

Cops at Friday Night Activities

The city has assigned two bicycle officers to patrol Library Park and the Pavilions shopping area because some juveniles "were acting as you would expect for teenagers to act - generally goofy and sometimes wild." That according to City Manager Scott Ochoa, who said in his weekly report that, "Much of this problem would be abated if parents would simply keep track of and supervise their kids."

http://tinyurl.com/29h2k57

- Brad Haugaard

In-N-Out Burger Approved for Home Depot Parking Lot

City Manager Scott Ochoa reports that the Planning Commission has approved a proposed In-N-Out Burger, to be located in the Home Depot parking lot along Evergreen Avenue. He estimates that "by July 2011, we should all be enjoying delicious burgers, fries and shakes. Good work by our Community Development Department to keep this project moving forward!"

- Brad Haugaard

Do It Yourself Monrovia Tour

This has probably been around for a while, but I never noticed. The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group has an audio/print package you can buy guiding you around the historic homes in town.

Details here: http://www.mohpg.org/tours/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reads Spaghetti Western Dinner

Monrovia Reads is holding a fundraising dinner October 7 at the Doubletree Hotel (824 W. Huntington Drive). Social at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $30, attire is western and casual, and you gotta let them know you are coming by October 4. Call Call Joanne Spring (626) 358-1952 or Diane Delmatoff (626) 303-6600, or you can print out this PDF reservation form and send it in: http://tinyurl.com/2fjjmmr

- Brad Haugaard

Pix of Monvoria's First Game on New Field

Lots of football action photos:

http://monroviaweekly.com/featured/monrovia-dedicates-new-field-of-dreams/

- Brad Haugaard

A Couple Items on Sept 22 School Board Meeting

If you are interested in seeing what the school district has negotiated with the teachers and other school employees, see the bottom two links.

Here is the agenda for the School Board meeting, to be held Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room.
http://www.monroviaschools.net/1565101210165146553/lib/1565101210165146553/092210agenda/webagenda.pdf
And this is a summary of agreements for the year 2009-2010 between California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the Monrovia Unified School District. Board will vote on whether to approve this.
http://www.monroviaschools.net/1565101210165146553/lib/1565101210165146553/092210agenda/8_3.pdf

And this is a summary of agreements for the year 2009-2010 between Monrovia Teachers Association (MTA) and the district. Board will vote on whether to approve this.
http://www.monroviaschools.net/1565101210165146553/lib/1565101210165146553/092210agenda/8_4.pdf
Interesting that this item says the district intends "to continue pursuing an alternative revenue compensation model (such as revenue sharing model)." Hmm.
- Brad Haugaard

MHS Colors and First Game on New Field

The School Board toured the not-yet-complete MHS campus this afternoon with the builder, who had incorporated a fair amount of red to echo the Spanish tiles on the older buildings, but red is, um, Arcadia High's colors. That and a few other comcerns. O-kay, well, I think we'll get some Wildcat green in there. The board and city council then joined while School Board President Bryan Wong (with MHS Principal Darvin Jackson) cut the ribbon to innaugurate the new field. Then, first game on new field - Wildcats vs. Arcadia. UPDATE: Wildcats win 34 - 7.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Woman Killed in Car Accident

Volvo flipped over on 210, struck guard rail.

http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2010/09/monrovia-woman-dies-in-solo-ca.html

UPDATE: Star-News now says "San Gabriel woman," so I guess not from Monrovia. Report says CHP officer quoted a witness as saying victim was hurrying home after drinking in a bar in order to get some sleep before attending a DUI class.

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_16094322

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Face "Formidable" Budget Cut Decisions

School district warns that state budget crisis threatens programs.
http://www.monroviaschools.net/monrovia/site/default.asp
- Brad Haugaard

Car Chase Through Foothill Cities

Man and woman arrested after car chase through Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia.

http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2010/09/alleged-monrovia-gang-members-1.html

- Brad Haugaard

History of Monrovia Airport

I never knew that Monrovia had "the friendliest little airport in the country." Or any airport, for that matter. Here's a review of a book that recounts those days.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_16092865

- Brad Haugaard