Design of Signs for Monrovia's Wilderness Area Hopefully Done by January

Monrovia city staff hopes to have the design for the signs marking the entry points of the wilderness preserve and recreation area above Monrovia completed by January.

Director of Community Services April Soash writes:

"As for the Wilderness Preserve signage Staff is working with the Company to revise the first draft that was completed, so the new date Staff has for a review to the Community Services Commission is Jan. 2013. Unfortunately, sometimes things take longer than anticipated, but Staff wants to make sure the information is accurate and helpful."

My earlier report on the progress of the project: http://goo.gl/4Azjc

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Tim Donnelly Predicts 'Blowout' for Romney

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, is predicting a "blowout" election for Romney. Referring to the editorial endorsement of Romney by the Star-News ( http://goo.gl/TQxw2 ), he writes on Facebook:

"When you have newspapers that previously endorsed Obama, throwing their weight behind Romney, you know it is going to be a blowout! The other day I heard a Democrat staffer for a major California Democrat say he is voting for Romeny. Even some Hollywood actors like my liberal friend Rob Schneider have said they will not vote for Obama again. I think these are canaries in the coal mine. Just over a week to go. Godspeed."

- Brad Haugaard

Old Monrovia Acapulco to be Torn Down, Replaced by Chipotle and Three Other Restaurants

It is official. I asked Monrovia Planning Division Manager, Craig Jimenez, if we are getting a Chipotle restaurant. His answer:

"Yes, Acapulco will be replaced by Chipotle and three other food uses (we haven't heard who yet). The Acapulco structure will be demolished and replaced by a new multi-tenant building. Both the building and the conditional use permit for alcoholic beverage sales were approved by the Planning Commission in October. The architect has indicated that they hope to begin construction by the beginning of the year."

He also sent the staff reports if you are interested: http://goo.gl/SggE9 and http://goo.gl/EPe7T

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision to Help Victims of Sandy

Monrovia's World Vision prepares to respond to Hurricane Sandy. http://goo.gl/dxvS0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over San Marino :-) | Still a Fire Danger | Bridge Picture

~ Close, 21-16, but Monrovia beats San Marino in football. http://goo.gl/L7XTD

~ Low humidity and winds through tonight mean chance of fire. Careful with those matches. http://goo.gl/tu4Db

~ Latest picture of bridge construction. The basket "weave" is done. http://goo.gl/TE90j

- Brad Haugaard

Chipotle in the Old Acapulco Restaurant?

A correspondent who lives near the old Acapulco Restaurant on Huntington writes that it looks like the old Acapulco "is not going to be a Panera Bread after all but a Chipotle restaurant." Comment: I'll try to check about this, but assuming it is true, my vote is: Whoopie!

- Brad Haugaard

Congressional Candidate Orswell at Monrovia Street Fair Tonight

Jack Orswell, Republican candidate for the 27th District, notes on Twitter that, "Tonight I'll be at the Monrovia Street Fair talking with voters & handing out candy apples & Ice Tickles. Please stop by the table!" The 27th includes Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Tencia Delgado is Monrovia Teacher-of-the-Month

Left to Right: Mariana Sanchez, Director; Adrianna Hernandez, Classified Aide; Tencia Delgado, Certified Teacher

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the Monrovia Unified School District honored Tencia Delgado as Teacher-of-the-Month at the October 24 school board meeting. Delgado has been a Certified Teacher at Canyon Early Learning Center for nine years. Adrianna Hernandez, a Classified Aide was also nominated from Canyon Early Learning Center. They both enjoy teaching early education to children and were nominated for their dedication and commitment to their students.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Something Healthy

Had lunch recently at Something Healthy, on Shamrock just north of Huntington. Got a Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wrap combo with iced tea and a bag of chips for just under $10. Wrap had chicken, avocado, lettuce and beans, I think.  Anyway, it was very good. Spicy, too.

- Brad Haugaard

Jack in the Box About Done | Monrovia Bakery Makes R2D2 Cake | City Manager Report | Bear on Foothill

~ The Jack in the Box at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia looks about ready to open. http://goo.gl/xPu6F

~ Monrovia's Meringue Bakery makes Star Wars R2D2 cake. http://goo.gl/Le4aJ

~ Monrovia City Manager's thoughts for the week. http://goo.gl/GfmDy

~ A bear wanders down to Foothill Boulevard. http://goo.gl/20Y4r

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Preschool Fire, Burglary, Injury Crash

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 22-24 -Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 461 service

Fire Assist

October 23 at 12:47 p.m., a fire began in a wall between classrooms at a preschool in the 1000 block of South Canyon. The school was evacuated smoothly, police department staff was on scene to monitor the children and facilitate their release to parents/guardians. No injuries or problems were reported.

Residential Burglary

October 23 at 8:23 p.m., a burglary was reported at a residence in the 200 block of West Central. The crime occurred on Saturday, October 20, sometime between 5:30 and 11:30 p.m. The victim didn't notice the loss until October 23. The suspect forced open the front door to gain entry. Cash, cologne, and the pink slips to two vehicles were stolen.

Injury Traffic Collision

October 24 at 11:45 a.m., a traffic accident was reported at Alta Vista and Foothill. Police responded and found a female driver and a female passenger had been injured in the collision. The injuries were not life threatening. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia-San Marino Football | Wind Warning

~ A look at the upcoming Monrovia-San Marino football game. http://goo.gl/hyBlO

~ Wind warning through Friday for San Gabriel Valley. http://goo.gl/PI7CO

- Brad Haugaard

Nature Art | Crash with Injuries | Prayer Breakfast | E-Recycling | Orswell vs. Chu

~ Enchanted with Nature painting show at Segil Fine Arts (on Lime
across from Library) features new works by Lynn Gertenbach. Nov. 3-24.

~ Crash at Foothill and Alta Vista sends two to hospital. http://goo.gl/tT52A

~ Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on "The Heart of Great Leadership." Nov.
16. Details: http://goo.gl/LmMAO

~ Electronic Waste Recycling Event, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 17 and
18. Details: http://goo.gl/LmMAO

~ Orswell accuses Chu of ducking debate in 27th Congressional District
race. http://goo.gl/lrvD6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Volleyball Girls in Third Place | Pet Food Drive

~ In girls volleyball, Monrovia is number three. http://goo.gl/If47t

~ Lending a Paw Therapy Dogs is sponsoring a Pet Food Drive to collect
dry dog and cat food for Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank
Sunday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m
At Arcadia Congregational United Church of Christ, 2607 S. Santa Anita
in Arcadia. Contact Lending a Paw Therapy Dogs at 626-357-3575 to
arrange a pick-up.

- Brad Haugaard

Developer Wants Settlement with Monrovia | Huff Honored | Freeway Closure | Unity Center Needs Help

~ Developer in lawsuit against City of Monrovia hopes suit can be
settled on "fair terms." http://goo.gl/q1sH6

~ California parents award Senator Bob Huff it's Golden Apple Award
for legislative accomplishments in education policy.
http://goo.gl/H2d0M

~ Closure of up to two eastbound 210 lanes set for Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to
1 p.m. Closed will be carpool and fast lane.

~ Foothill Unity Center could use some help with fall holidays.
Contact Raina Martinez at 358-3486 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Hong Kong Market | Jobs Grant for Monrovia Library | Biology Dept. Fundraiser | Sierra Autocars is Award Nominee

~ Observations on the progress, or lack thereof, on the New Hong Kong
Market on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/A8aBo

~ California State Library has awarded Monrovia Public Library a grant
to develop a Job and Career Center. http://goo.gl/IpxGN

~ Rummage and bake sale to support Monrovia High's Biology Department.
Oct. 27, 7 a.m to 1 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/jJ7lf

~ Monrovia's Sierra Autocars is nominee for Dealer of the Year award.
http://goo.gl/CZyGa

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Hit, Indecent Exposure, Under the Influence

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 18-21 -Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Bicyclist

October 19 at 7:46 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of East Huntington regarding a hit and run traffic accident. A bicyclist was in the number two lane and stopped for the red light at Mountain. A white compact vehicle approached in the same lane to the left of a bicyclist and began to make a turn onto Mountain. During the turning movement, the vehicle struck the bicyclist, causing him to fall to the ground. The driver of the vehicle exited to check on the bicyclist and tried to render assistance, but the bicyclist indicated that his leg might be broken and not to move him. The driver returned to his vehicle and fled the scene south on Mountain.

The bicyclist was treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital by ambulance for pain to his left leg. The hit and run driver is described as a dark-complected, African-American male, wearing a black security uniform.

Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

October 19 at 1:07 p.m., an accident was reported in the 600 block of South Myrtle involving a subject in a wheelchair. The subject in the wheelchair was crossing Myrtle in the crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle going southbound on Myrtle. The vehicle tapped the wheelchair, causing it to spin. The subject sustained a small abrasion to the lower left leg and was treated by paramedics at the scene and released. The driver of the vehicle was cited and released.

Indecent Exposure / Obstructing & Delaying a Peace Officer / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

October 19 at 9:36 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington reported that a male subject was exposing himself in public. Officers arrived and found the suspect in the loading dock area of a business. He was contacted by officers, but refused to cooperate. He refused to follow repeated commands from the officers and became combative. The suspect resisted arrest and fought with officers until additional units arrived to assist in taking him into custody. Two of the officers involved sustained injuries.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

October 21 at 1:45 a.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were traveling west on Foothill, near California, when they saw a vehicle traveling head on with them in the wrong lane. They conducted a traffic stop, and the driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was stored.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

October 21 at 2:40 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 2300 block of Primrose. After investigation, the driver was found to be driving under the influence. He was arrested and the vehicle was stored.

Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Felony Warrant for Possession of Dangerous Drugs – Suspect Arrested

On October 18, Special Enforcement Team officers conducted a traffic stop on a subject that was found to have a felony warrant for possession of dangerous drugs out of San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

On October 20, Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Foothill near California. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested. The vehicle was stored. 

 

- Brad Haugaard

Energy Program | Football | Dia de Los Muertos | Jam-Proof GPS

~ A program for owners of non-residential properties to fund energy
efficiency upgrades. http://goo.gl/m5tQT

~ Prediction on Monrovia vs. San Marino game... Monrovia wins.
http://goo.gl/zQNS9

~ Dia de Los Muertos. Paint a mask and make paper flowers. Nov. 3, 1-3
p.m. at the library.

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment buys jam-resistant GPS system for it's
drones. (I seem to recall a problem with one of its drones being
hijacked by spoofing the GPS signal. Maybe this is a response to
that.) http://goo.gl/ln9zh

- Brad Haugaard

Basket Weave Installed on Freeway Bridge

The "basket weave" of the 210 freeway bridge is being completed.
http://goo.gl/PFuHO

- Brad Haugaard

Death of Monrovia Adult Star Being Featured on Tv

48 Hours show to cover death of Monrovia adult star. http://goo.gl/XWyqq

- Brad Haugaard