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Monrovia's Assemblyman Proposes Disaster Requirements for Utilities

In the wake of the recent windstorm that caused major damage throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) has proposed legislation to require each utility to report with every county in its service area every two years to review, update and improve their emergency disaster and preparedness plans. Portantino's proposal would also have the California Public Utilities Commission set preparedness standards
 
- Brad Haugaard (from press release)

Celebration for Victorious Monrovia Wildcats

Monrovia will hold a football championship celebration tomorrow,  Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reports on her Facebook page.
She says the celebration will be Tuesday the 13th (that's tomorrow) at 6 p.m. Like last year, a procession of the football team and coaches will start at Monrovia High and continue east on Colorado to Myrtle, and end in front of Library Park. The Celebration at Library Park should begin about 6:20 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Centre Stage Students Perform 'The Gift'

The vocal students of Monrovia's Centre Stage will perform "The Gift," an evening of classic and new carols, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21 at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. Tickets $15. Call (626) 533-4919 to order.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Christmas Tree Safety

Monrovia Fire Department reports that Christmas trees cause "a surprisingly low number of fires," but those fires cause a surprisingly high number of fatalities, about one in every 18 fires. So, tips on having a safe Christmas tree:

- Use a fire-retardant tree. Check that artificial trees are certified fire-retardant and that cut trees are fresh and adequately watered.
- Make sure lights are in good condition and used properly.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources.
- Don't let the tree or other decorations block exits.
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council May Choose a Temporary Member if Shaw Cannot Participate

Monrovia Councilman Clarence Shaw is on active duty and the City Council has left his seat open, but this resulted in a tie vote, so ...

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes that the "Council directed that the City Attorney and I consult with Councilman Shaw to determine definitively whether he can participate in Council deliberations during his tour of active duty. If he is precluded from participation, then the Council may reconsider the temporary appointment."
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

City Manager: Monrovia Best Responder After Windstorm

Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa says he thinks Monrovia did better than any other agency during the windstorm:


I do believe that Monrovia responded faster and with more resources than any other agency affected by the windstorms. We kept field crews working all night, staffed the main City Hall switchboard so that folks could actually have a live person to talk to, and constantly updated all of our various media. Augmented by community members, such as our CERT volunteers and local contractor Steve Pokrajac's heavy equipment crews, Monrovia's clean-up efforts have been accelerated greatly!


But, he added, "I do worry that not enough of our homes are prepared to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours."




Opinion: Agreed! I think the city did a fabulous job. I know a city worker who was on the job even though his own home had serious damage. Also, I thought the giant bins around town for yard waste were a great idea. Suggestion - since we couldn't put palm fronds in those bins, maybe next time add a few bins just for palm fronds. 


- Brad Haugaard

Local Politicians and SoCal Edison

About SoCal Edison's ties with Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, and other politicians. Can politicians fairly investigate SoCal Edison when it gives them substantial money? http://goo.gl/lb0cx
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wins CIF Championship 53-14 :-)

The Monrovia Wildcats win the CIF championship - again.
 
San Gabriel beautifully played the Wildcats to a 14-14 standstill at the end of the first half, even leading briefly, but in the third quarter Monrovia exploded to a 36-14 lead, then in the fourth quarter pulled even further ahead to end the game at 53-14.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Brown Declares State of Emergency for San Gabriel Valley

Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for the San Gabriel Valley, which will allow local cities to recover some of the costs they incurred in responding to the windstorm. http://goo.gl/wLMyv
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Short on Food

From the Center's Facebook page:

With just ten days to go, we’re short 500 turkeys, and 1,100 pies for our annual Holiday Distribution. Each year, hundreds of our client families register to pick up generous holiday food boxes at this two-day event. This year, we’re expecting over 1,500 families with 3,000 children, and we need your help! You can drop off turkeys and pies any weekday from 9 to 5 at either Center location, 415 West Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia or 191 N. Oak in Pasadena. Short on time? Help us buy birds and pies to fill the gaps by clicking the Donate Now button on our website. One more easy (and tasty!) way to donate pies: at participating local Coco’s, you can buy an extra pie and they’ll hold it for us to pick up. Thanks for sharing with local families in need!
 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Finances and Attendance Headed Down; Start Date;Advocacy

A few items on the Dec. 15 Monrovia School Board agenda ( http://goo.gl/6xbEN ): 

~ The Monrovia Unified School District projects that it will be able to meet its financial obligations for this year and the two years following, but after that, um, maybe not, because, well, who knows how much money the state will give to the schools. That would mean the schools would have to cut some more. http://goo.gl/ZsGJX
~ It appears that despite a nice little bump up in attendance from 2010-11 (5951) to 2011-12 (5961), Monrovia School District projects its enrollment will resume its decline - to 5886 in 2012-13 and to 5871 in 2013-14.  http://goo.gl/ZsGJX
~ If you want to plan a family vacation, note that school will start on August 27 in 2012, assuming the School Board approves this recommendation: http://goo.gl/TkTJV
~ Here is a list of "Board Advocacy" issues. Basically, appeals to the state for money ( http://goo.gl/Yyaz3 ) Opinion: I wonder if it would be possible for the state's school districts to create a separate taxing authority for k-12 education, separating its finances from the state's, as it used to be. I think the state government has demonstrated it is wretchedly irresponsible with money. Better to have separate bank accounts.
- Brad Haugaard

Randone Not Guilty of Murder of Monrovian Felicia Lee | Replace Shaw? | Chamber Open House | Freeway Closures | Tharpe

~ Brian Lee Randone found not guilty in death of murder of Monrovian Felicia Lee. Star-News: http://goo.gl/9KHT2 , Monrovia Patch: http://goo.gl/vJKsE


~ Monrovia City Council discusses temporarily replacing member Clarence Shaw, who has been called onto active duty in the Army: http://goo.gl/RTNi4


~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is having an open house Dec. 14. Admission price is a $10 child's toy, being collected for Foothill Unity Center. http://goo.gl/PrNzS


~ Between now and Dec. 24 there may be partial freeway closures on the 210 eastbound for bridge construction. Closures will occur no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the next day.


~ Feature story of Monrovia businessman Joseph Tharpe.  http://goo.gl/gI3gK


- Brad Haugaard

Dog Dies in House Fire

Dog dies in Monrovia house fire. http://goo.gl/zehOJ
 
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Daphne's


Lunch at Daphne's at 915 W. Huntington. "California Greek" style. Got the chicken wrap with chips and hummus. Nice and fresh. Quick service, cheerful atmosphere.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football - Blowout? | Volleyball | Wrestling | Parade Pix

~ Sportswriters say Monrovia vs. San Gabriel could be a blowout for Monrovia. http://goo.gl/xtmes

Prelim story: http://goo.gl/Oxxvo

 
~ All-Star volleyball in Monrovia Sunday. http://goo.gl/sHn4S
 
~ Indie film at Library. You gotta call for the title but it's about a volunteer wrestling coach. http://goo.gl/FLb2W
 
~ Some great pictures of the Monrovia Christmas parade. http://goo.gl/pV6Qz
 
- Brad Haugaard

City Treasurer Brings Monrovia History to Life

A feature story about Monrovia's Steve Baker, city treasurer and Monrovia historian. http://goo.gl/zJNFl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Green Dot Buys Bank | Cookies

~ Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation has completed its purchase of Bonneville Bank of Utah. http://goo.gl/IQzcE

~ Red Hat Society cookie exchange. http://goo.gl/QWMej

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia PD: Mother Reports Daughter for Grand Theft Auto; Tracking Device Recovers Laptop; No Counterfeits, but Meth; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 5-7. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, December 1-7, 2011, the Police Department handled 858 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.  Following are the highlighted issues and events for weekdays listed above. To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.
 
Grand Theft Auto
On December 5 at 7:13 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of West Walnut regarding a stolen vehicle.  The victim stated that she had picked up her daughter and her daughter's friend at the El Monte Bus Depot the day before.  She drove them to her residence and parked the vehicle on the street.  The victim went to sleep at 9:00 p.m., and when she woke up the next morning around 6:00 a.m., the daughter and her friend were gone.  She went outside and saw her car was missing. She checked her purse and found the keys to the vehicle, her cell phone, and 100 dollars were missing.  She did not give the daughter permission to take her car.  The vehicle is a gold, four-door, 1996 Ford Taurus.  Investigation continuing.
 
Attempt Residential Burglary
On December 5 at 10:16 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of South Canyon called police to report an attempt burglary.  The crime occurred sometime between 12:00 noon and 10:00 p.m.  The front door of the residence was forced open, but nothing was taken.  Investigation continuing.
 
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
On December 5 at 9:49 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 500 block of West Huntington.  The stolen vehicle was a white, four-door, 1994 Honda Accord.  At approximately midnight, the Monrovia Police Department was notified by the California Highway Patrol that the vehicle was found abandoned on the 60 Freeway at Rosemead Boulevard.  Investigation continuing.
 
Possession of Narcotics - Suspect Arrested
On December 7 at 12:57 a.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist at Mayflower and Colorado for a traffic violation.  During a consent search, the officer found a small baggie of cocaine.  The suspect was arrested for possession of narcotics.
 
Theft from a Vehicle
On December 7 at 7:47 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 500 block of West Lime.  The victim reported that someone went into his vehicle during the night and took his GPS System.  The vehicle doors had been left unlocked.  Investigation continuing.
 
Theft from a Vehicle
On December 7 at 8:51 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Lime regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported that someone went into his vehicle, which was parked in an alley, and took his car stereo.  The vehicle doors were left unlocked.  Investigation continuing.
 
Residential Burglary
On December 7 at 1:34 p.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of Norumbega Drive regarding a burglary.  The victim has been ill and was home asleep.  Suspect(s) broke a bedroom window, gained entry, and stole jewelry from the room.  The victim did not hear the glass breaking.  He woke when he heard his bedroom door open and the lights went on and off quickly.  He did not see the person and thought it was the cleaning lady.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vehicle Burglary
On December 7 at 3:52 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of South Myrtle at an apartment complex.  The victim reported that his locked vehicle had been broken into sometime on Saturday, December 3.  His GPS System, iPod, and some coins were taken.  Investigation continuing.
 
Domestic Violence - Suspect Arrested
On December 7 at 4:02 p.m., a female victim of domestic violence called to report an incident that occurred in the 900 block of Diamond.  The female victim reported that she had been battered by her live-in boyfriend, who is the father of her child.  He struck her in the head several times with a closed fist and left the location on foot.  The officer learned the suspect might be on his way to Pasadena.  The Pasadena Police Department was notified of the incident, and within the hour, Pasadena called to advise they were detaining the suspect.  The officer responded to Pasadena and arrested the suspect.
 
Theft from a Vehicle
On December 7 at 8:42 p.m., a theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 200 block of West Lemon.  The crime occurred between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.  A laptop computer and a ring were stolen from the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.
 
Fight / Warrant Arrest / Delaying a Peace Officer / Child Annoying / Drunk in Public - Suspects Arrested
On December 7 at 9:51 p.m., and officer was flagged down by a citizen reporting a possible fight in the 100 block of West Foothill.  As the officer approached a group of subjects, including two male subjects that looked as if they were preparing to fight, one of the subjects ran.  The officer recognized the remaining subject and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant.  The subject was uncooperative and challenged the officer, who then requested assistance.  Assisting officers arrived and the suspect continued to resist, but was eventually taken into custody.  No one was injured.
 
At 10:36 p.m., while officers were attempting to locate witnesses to the fight, a 15-year-old girl told officers that the subject who ran from the incident had approached her and had made several lewd comments.  That suspect was located nearby and was positively identified by witnesses.  The second suspect is an 18-year-old male.  He was arrested for child annoying and being drunk in public.
 
Fight in Progress - Suspects Arrested
On December 7 at 11:56 p.m., police received a call reporting a fight in progress at Myrtle and Pomona.  Officers arrived and found two female subjects who witnesses said had been fighting prior to police arrival.  The two subjects were arrested for being drunk in public.  The subjects were part of the group from the above listed fight incident that occurred in the 100 block of Foothill.
 
 
Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up
 
On December 6, detectives went to Anaheim to serve a search warrant for a stolen laptop computer.  The computer was stolen from a vehicle at Homestead Village.  The laptop was equipped with a tracking device.  The tracking service was able to produce the Facebook page for a possible suspect and an address associated with the IP address.  The detectives recovered the computer.  The investigation to identify the suspect continues.
 
On December 7, detectives went to Winnetka to serve a search warrant on a counterfeit suspect.  The search warrant allowed the detectives to search for additional counterfeit bills.  The detectives did not find any more counterfeit bills, but they did seize a usable amount of methamphetamine.

New Monrovia Christmas Tree! | Lee Murder Trial | Huff on Education

~ Home Depot is giving Monrovia a new Christmas tree, a 17-foot Cedrus Deodara, to replace the 60-year-old Christmas Tree in Library Park that fell over in the windstorm. Thanks Home Depot! http://goo.gl/P2bcV
 
~ Jury deliberating in Felicia Lee murder trial. http://goo.gl/158jf
 
~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, says the California Teachers Association is trying to prevent the implementation of a law he authored to help epileptic students. Also, he said, "special interests" oppose the state seeking a waiver to the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act because they don't like "the teacher job performance evaluations the waiver would require."
 
Also, he says state tax revenue is far under what was projected, which means automatic cuts will go into effect for education, but "I believe it would be far more prudent to look elsewhere in the budget before turning to education funding so quickly." http://goo.gl/bnLGr

Opinion: Regarding state revenue, I don't think anyone believed it would be adequate to avoid automatic cuts, so I wonder if lawmakers just pretended to believe so they could say they passed a balanced budget and could continue getting their paychecks. They just imagined absurdly high revenue and - Presto! - instant balanced budget. Or am I'm just becoming cynical?
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High's Luke Williams

Feature on Luke Williams, Monrovia High wide receiver. http://goo.gl/d7Fl4
- Brad Haugaard