Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Monrovians Sentenced to Life in Prison

Two Monrovia gang members have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2008 killing of Sammantha Salas.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_16328772

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcat Football Pictures

Some nice Wildcat football photos.

http://goo.gl/9DiJ

- Brad Haugaard

Got a Convertible?

If you own a convertible and would like to drive in the Monrovia Holiday Parade on Thursday, December 2 at 7 p.m., then contact Lisa Hansberger at the Monrovia Community Center (626) 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Dental Clinic Pictures

Pictures of the dental clinic, sponsored by Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center, USC, and the Monrovia Unified School District.

http://goo.gl/GnjD

One hundred elementary students received care at the clinic, valued at between $1,500-$2,000 per student.

Key contributors included San Marino Women’s Club, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and a individual contributors. Help is still needed to cover $8,000 in costs. If you'd like to help, contact Cathy Klose at 626-359-1777 or cathy@foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Sentencing Scheduled for Murder

Two cousins face life in prison after being convicted of 2008 murder of Monrovian Sammantha Salas.

http://goo.gl/zVk5

- Brad Haugaard

Couple Charged With Involvement in Kidnap Case

Monrovia couple have been charged with helping kidnap young boys.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_16320113

- Brad Haugaard

'Gentleman Joe' Ragsdale Dies

The Rotary Club of Monrovia announced the death of long-time member Joe Ragsdale, known affectionately to his friends in Rotary as "Gentleman Joe" Ragsdale. Ragsdale was Rotary President for 1955-1956 and remained an active member until 2010. The club's Facebook page says, "Joe will be missed by many in the community from many walks of life. A celebration of his life is being planned but a date has not been set."

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Adams added that Ragsdale "was unlike any other, a real class act."

- Brad Haugaard

New Management

Interesting and humorous banner on Monrovia First Methodist Church.

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager: Time Running out for Golden State

Methinks City Manager Scott Ochoa is not impressed with the latest California state budget.

From his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/AGJD ):

"It appears as though the State of California will have a budget some time this weekend. Approximately 100 days late, predicated on less-than-conservative revenue estimates, and a yet-unseen-commitment of significant additional federal aid, it would seem that - once again - the Legislature is passing a 'get out of town' budget that will simply carry over an estimated $10 billion deficit to the 2011-12 fiscal year. California was dysfunctional before the Great Recession. If this prolonged fiscal crisis cannot rally and sustain some form of interest (let alone action) from an engaged electorate, then I fear we are approaching a threshold at which - absent significant and meaningful reform - California will no longer be able to succeed in spite of itself. It is not yet too late, but without real leadership - meaning having a Governor and Legislators who will confront and openly and practically address our most pressing issues - time will run out for the 'Golden State'."

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager Supports Prop 22

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa appears to support Proposition 22, which he says "would close a loophole that still allows the State of California to steal local monies." He adds: "[J]ust this past year, the State demanded $3 million from the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency (whose annual budget is a little over $8 million). As you may remember, we refused because we did not have $3 million simply lying around..."

Details: http://goo.gl/AGJD

- Brad Haugaard

Talent Show Pix

Pictures of the Monrovia Rotary Club's Talent Show: http://goo.gl/Rgfp

My favorite picture: http://goo.gl/E5sH

- Brad Haugaard

Bears Near Mayflower School?

Monrovian Carol Hinds writes to the Star-News (second letter down) saying bears have taken up residence near Mayflower Elementary School and asks if they can't be moved.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/letters/ci_16303750

- Brad Haugaard