Will Monrovia be in a Lonnnng Assembly District?

Could Monrovia be lumped in an Assembly district stretching from La Canada-Flintridge to Upland and Rancho Cucamonga? That's a proposal before the redistricting commission. http://goo.gl/7Wo2S

- Brad Haugaard

Where to Light Fireworks

You can't shoot off fireworks in Monrovia on the Fourth, but you can just over the border in Duarte, El Monte, Azusa or Irwindale. Be careful! Also, don't miss the Monrovia fireworks show. It was fabulous last year, and, personally, I'd rather watch that than light a sparkler. Here is a list of cities where you can (and cannot) use fireworks. http://goo.gl/Ka5Qu

- Brad Haugaard

Spanish/Basque Restaurant Coming to Monrovia

Sena on Myrtle, a Spanish/Basque restaurant, is coming to Monrovia. http://goo.gl/XXu0c . The food sounds pretty good - filet mignon or lobster tacos anyone? http://goo.gl/R4j5k

 

- Brad Haugaard

History: Pro Boxing and Wrestling in Monrovia

It used to be a big thing in the San Gabriel Valley. Fighters could make a living at it. http://goo.gl/G3nNY

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Senator: State Budget Like Harry Potter Magic | Redevelopment Killed - Almost

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, writes about "the latest Democrat attempt to pass a Majority Vote budget." He says, "The new proposal from the Governor and legislative Democrats assumes that $4 billion will automatically appear on top of the $6.6 billion increase that has already been projected. That’s nearly $11 billion in new revenue that the Democrats assume will magically appear. That’s a wand that Harry Potter would be proud to wield.

 

And Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz writes on her Facebook page: "They've done it! The Assembly and Senate voted to eliminate Redevelopment! It's not over. Protect Local Government... Protect Redevelopment. Join Us!!!"

 

She includes a link to this protect-redevelopment site: http://goo.gl/fFPaG

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia in The Atlantic Magazine | Portantino's Bill Goes Forward

~ The Atlantic magazine reports on the premier showing of "Courage" in Monrovia on Sunday. With video clip of movie. http://goo.gl/yBS5l

 

~ A bill by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino to ban the 'open carry' of guns heads to State Senate floor. Portantino represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/UOEeW

 

- Brad Haugaard

Will Monrovia Be Chopped in Half at Foothill? | Will PD Lose Money?

Also, in his weekly letter ( http://goo.gl/1dTQm ), Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes:

 

~ that the most recent redistricting maps show "a united Monrovia for State Senate and Assembly districts, but a split community for the Congressional map. The dividing line would be Foothill Boulevard. For Monrovia's part, we submitted a letter emphasizing that the City Council wishes to be included into one district for Assembly, Senate and Congressional purposes.

 

~ that through the state budget process, the Monrovia Police Department could lose $100,000. "Our Finance Division is working with the PD to ensure a workable response if this comes to pass."

 

He adds that State Controller John Chiang's refusal to pay state legislators - whom Chiang says failed to come up with a balanced budget - "should put a serious fire under the Legislature to get something done."

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Responds to Star-News Criticism

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa, in his weekly report, includes the City Council's letter in response to the Star-News editorial criticizing the city in the Monrovia/Gold Line conflict.

 

The letter says the Gold Line Construction Authority knew the history of the disputed property, said that the city's agreement with an unhappy property owner should not be an impediment to the Gold Line acquiring the property, and asks: " [W]hy should our residents shoulder an additional financial burden on top of accepting the M&O Facility in the first place?"

 

Full letter here: http://goo.gl/1dTQm

 

- Brad Haugaard

Regulation of Boot Camps

A Star-News story about efforts to have regulatory oversight of boot-camp style programs for difficult-to-handle kids, such as the camp run by Kelvin McFarland of Monrovia, who has been arrested and charged with kidnapping. http://goo.gl/vJi2Z

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Summer Art Walk

A decorated bear and other art along Myrtle at tonight's art walk.

- Brad Haugaard

Chase Bank on Old Monrovia Spire's Restaurant Site

It appears the old Spires restaurant site on Huntington will be occupied by a Chase bank branch. http://goo.gl/nRZiB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Leader Mimi Mency Dies

Mimi Mency, the first black Monrovia school board member, has died. http://goo.gl/xasd5

- Brad Haugaard

Asking Trader Joe to Donate Food

An LA film director is trying to persuade Monrovia-based Trader Joe's to donate soon-to-expire food rather than trash it. http://goo.gl/mY8FA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Summer Art Show

Deconstructed Orange Juice

"Tell Us a Story," a summer group art show at Segil Fine Art, now through August 20. 110 W. Lime, just south of the Library. http://goo.gl/jByt0

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at ABC Hawaiian BBQ

ABC is in the Pavillions parking lot. I got the Seafood Mix - shrimp, mahi mahi and (surprise) chicken. Don't usually like breaded stuff, but this was pretty good. I liked it.

- Brad Haugaard