Portantino Fights for Legislative Openness | Monrovia Man Convicted of Murder | Small Business Seminar
~ Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia and is in a fight with the Assembly leadership, has proposed a bill to force the Legislature to disclose how much it spends on each of its members. http://goo.gl/Wxtep Opinion: Good for him! It is ridiculous that this is not already required by law. I would have thought it was a clear matter of public record. ~ Two men, including one Monrovia man, have been convicted of first degree murder in a San Bernardino Superior Court. http://goo.gl/0EWi1 ~ If you have a small business in Monrovia, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a three-part small business seminar. Here's a flyer with the details: http://goo.gl/F8g6v - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mayor Thanks Representatives for Support of Redevelopment
[An open letter from Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz to Monrovia's representatives in Sacramento. - Brad Haugaard]
From Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz:
A Message of Thank You to Senator Bob Huff, Assembly Members Anthony Portantino and Tim Donnelly:
As Mayors and City Council Members, we find it hard to believe that Governor Brown and the California State Legislature actually voted to eliminate Redevelopment Agencies from the State of California in spite of clear facts that Redevelopment abates blighting influences and brings positive economic development benefits to our cities and the state. It is particularly disturbing that the Legislature would ignore the fact that less than a year ago the citizens of California voted overwhelming for Prop 22 – an initiative designed to protect local government funding and specifically, Redevelopment.
The sad fact is that they did approve the elimination Redevelopment; but not all State Legislators turned their back on the people they represent.
We are proud to stand next to and thank Senator Bob Huff, Assembly Member Tim Donnelly and especially the only democrat to oppose the bill, Assembly Member Anthony Portantino.
Taking principled stands that are not politically expedient is not easy. Representation that is meaningful and preserves local government serves all Californians and we are grateful to be represented by such fine public servants. Thank you Senator Bob Huff, Assembymembers Tim Donnelly and Anthony Portantino!
With gratitude from the Mayors and City Council Members from the following cities:
Monrovia Man to Stand Trial in Sex Abuse Case
A Monrovia man accused of sexual abuse while teaching in Duarte will stand trial. http://goo.gl/XXN4n
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Has Great Q2 | Filming in Town
~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical had a great second quarter. http://goo.gl/lheqv
~ Recent filming in Monrovia included a Harley Davidson commercial, "Hostage Do or Die," and a Wells Fargo commercial. http://goo.gl/APhJu
- Brad Haugaard
Draft EIR for Monrovia Wilderness Area
If you would like to comment on the Wilderness Preserve Draft Environmental Impact Report, here it is (It's a monster, so be patient as it downloads): http://goo.gl/Ls9Xr If you want just an overview, read through the "Executive Summary." A couple possible projects:
~ At the end of Cloverleaf Drive put a nature center; a native plant restoration garden; upgrades to the Wilderness Fire Station; an emergency helicopter landing pad; a maximum of 10 picnic tables (no fire/barbeque pits); bear proof trash receptacles; two short, loop walking trails; a restroom facility; and new informational signage, fencing and entry gate. Up to 25 parking spaces may be provided
~ At the end of Highland Place a parking area with up to 10 parking spaces with a Fire Department approved turn‐around, picnic tables (maximum of 4) bear proof trash receptacles; informational signage; fencing and entry gate. No fire/barbeque pits.
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino's Info Request Denied by Assembly Rules Committee
The California Assembly Rules Committee has refused Anthony Portantino's request for information on the spending of other assembly members. Portantino represents part of Monrovia. His staff is being cut after he was accused of overspending by Assembly leaders. He says he didn't overspend and the cut is punishment because he voted against Gov. Brown's budget. http://goo.gl/I5B1z
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fire Department: Overturned Car on Myrtle
Fire personnel responded to 68 emergency calls between 8 a.m. July 19 to 8 a.m. July 26, including an incident of a vehicle rolling over on Myrtle. The report:
"During rush hour traffic on the morning of July 26, MFD was dispatched to a vehicle accident at Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive. Fire units arrived on scene and found one car overturned with a victim trapped and an additional vehicle with one person injured. MFD personnel extricated the trapped victim utilizing specialized rescue tools carried on Truck 101, while the additional patient was treated by Engine 102. Engine 101 was assigned to assist with manpower, Safety Officer operations and manning the safety protection hose-line. Both patients were treated for their injuries and transported to the local hospital."
Source: http://goo.gl/smonm
- Brad Haugaard
Why Monrovia Can't Approve Gold Line Deal Until September | Drawing Straws | Recycling
Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes in his weekly report that ...
~ Although the Gold Line officially approved a deal to purchase Monrovia land, "the Monrovia City Council cannot consider the proposed purchase and sale agreement until its September 6 Council meeting because of the State's adoption of AB 1X 26 and 27 - the redevelopment elimination and extortion bills." At that time the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency should be up and running again.
~ A property issue that would normally be routine will be unusual because of conflicts of interest which would prevent the City Council from having a quorum to vote on the matter (a new housing development at 1116 and 1122 South Magnolia and 239 West Cypress.) Under these circumstances, Ochoa said the Council will essentially "draw straws" to see who gets to consider the matter.
~ The closing of the Puente Hills Landfill in October 2013 means recycling will soon be cheaper than dumping. So, should the City Council require small businesses to recycle 75 percent of their trash, or just let the market nudge them in that direction? He said staff recommends requiring it.
Source: http://goo.gl/smonm
- Brad Haugaard
Water District Headquarters Moves to Monrovia
The Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water District has moved to a new home in Monrovia. 602 E. Huntington Drive, Suite B, to be exact. http://goo.gl/v3CmN
- Brad Haugaard
Newspapers Slam Assembly over Portantino Affair
Both the LA Times ( http://goo.gl/2YWAe ) and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune ( http://goo.gl/scqYR ) criticize the State Assembly leadership for this whole Anthony Portantino affair. (Portantino represents part of Monrovia.) I said it makes the Assembly leadership smell like a rotten chicken, but they go in to a bit greater detail.
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino May Move to Monrovia, Etc.
~ Star-News columnist Larry Wilson says Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) may move to Monrovia so he can run for Congress after congressional districts are redrawn. http://goo.gl/JHQ6V
~ More on Portantino's battle with the state Assembly. Portantino represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/yI9B2
- Brad Haugaard
Help Unity Center by Having Dinner at Paco's
Help Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center help low-income families by having dinner Sunday night, July 31, at Paco's (200 E. Foothill, Arcadia). Ten percent of the proceeds Paco's receives between 5 and 8 p.m. will go to help the Center.
- Brad Haugaard
Bears, Bears, Bears - in Monrovia and Elsewhere
I received a note from a Monrovia correspondent the other day entitled "bears bears bears," which read:
"The past three nights, when my husband and I have gone out to do our walks, we've had to turn back because of bears. Bears are all the buzz. Bears are all the rage. Praying nothing bad happens!"
And then I saw this NY Times story about increasing numbers of human run-ins with bears: http://goo.gl/INlqB
I've seen plenty of black bears - even in my back yard - and never had a problem, but it is wise to remember they're wild animals and not safe, Samson notwithstanding.
- Brad Haugaard
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