At its June 25 board meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/hrRQr4 ), the Monrovia School Board will consider ...
- Approving a twenty-five cent increase for the paid lunch rate beginning with the 2014-15 school year. http://goo.gl/1lMOC8
- Adopting a budget for 2014-15.
- Adopting various regulations permitting shuffling around of money.
- Setting salary levels for various employees.
- Accepting $100,000 from a contractor to settle a dispute over construction work. http://goo.gl/QBV1Bc
- Setting five district goals: 1. Learning for all students; 2. Safe, orderly, positive learning environments; 3. quality staff providing quality service; 4. School/home/community partnerships and communication; 5. Acquisition and allocation of resources to meet goals 1-4. http://goo.gl/5CvHXR
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine
Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine, on Huntington across from Target. Yes, it is actually in Monrovia. Got a taco and enchilada combo ($8.95) and a beer. ($6). Really fast and efficient service. Very good, fresh food. Liked it!
- Brad Haugaard
Harley Fundraiser for Monrovia's Relay for Life
San Gabriel Valley Harley Owners Group/Black Sheep Division will hold a fundraiser hosted by Monrovia Relay for Life's "Team Big Mike" on Saturday, June 28, at 5 p.m. BBQ, five bingo games and a big-screen showing of a hit movie (PG13 or lower). 28566 Santa Caterina Road in Saugus. $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. RSVP to shaabanx3@sbcgllobal.net. http://goo.gl/4d1nJP
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Mental Evaluations; Drugs; Burglary
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Welfare Check / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
On June 16 at 12:47 p.m., police received a call reporting a dark gray Toyota Prius with paper plates stopped on the southwest corner of Heliotrope and Lime, with the driver slumped over the wheel and the brake lights on. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. When officers contacted him, he had a pipe for smoking methamphetamine in his hand and marijuana was found in his vehicle. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
On June 16 at 1:14 p.m., a 16-year-old male subject who lives at a group home in the 900 block of West Olive was in a verbal altercation with another subject and punched a wall, hurting his hand. He was taken to a hospital by the on-site keeper. Later that day, police received a call reporting the subject was attempting suicide. He had climbed on top of a chair that he had placed on a pool table and had a sheet. When officers arrived, he denied any suicide attempt. He does not like where he has been placed. He was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On June 17 at 4:13 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Highway Esplanade and Chestnut regarding an intoxicated subject. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was breathing, but was not responsive. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics checked the subject. He was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Residential Burglary
On June 17 at 9:16 p.m., a burglary was reported in then 500 block of Valmont. The victim arrived home and found his front door, rear window and back door open. The home had been ransacked and jewelry was missing. The occurrence time is believed to be between 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The investigation is continuing.
72 Hours Mental Evaluation
On June 17 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Palm on the report of a family disturbance. The female caller was crying on the telephone and told the dispatcher her husband was acting bizarre and was in possession of a handgun. When officers arrived, the female subject was waiting outside. The subject was inside the house with their two small children. Officers directed personnel around the perimeter of the residence. The dispatcher called the residence in an effort to facilitate a welfare check on the children. The subject refused all suggestions and would not cooperate, and he also admitted that he was armed with a gun. A police sergeant was able to contact the subject and began negotiated with him on the telephone. The subject eventually agreed to put the gun down and go to the door to speak with officers. As officers approached the front door, the suspect began to slowly retreat back into the residence. Fearing for the safety of the children, the officers subdued the subject and detained him without further incident. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the kitchen counter. The magazine for the weapon was found nearby and was loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. The children were unharmed. The subject was determined to be a danger to himself and others, and was taken to a mental facility, where he would be held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The weapon was seized.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.
Welfare Check / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
On June 16 at 12:47 p.m., police received a call reporting a dark gray Toyota Prius with paper plates stopped on the southwest corner of Heliotrope and Lime, with the driver slumped over the wheel and the brake lights on. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. When officers contacted him, he had a pipe for smoking methamphetamine in his hand and marijuana was found in his vehicle. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
On June 16 at 1:14 p.m., a 16-year-old male subject who lives at a group home in the 900 block of West Olive was in a verbal altercation with another subject and punched a wall, hurting his hand. He was taken to a hospital by the on-site keeper. Later that day, police received a call reporting the subject was attempting suicide. He had climbed on top of a chair that he had placed on a pool table and had a sheet. When officers arrived, he denied any suicide attempt. He does not like where he has been placed. He was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On June 17 at 4:13 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Highway Esplanade and Chestnut regarding an intoxicated subject. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was breathing, but was not responsive. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics checked the subject. He was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Residential Burglary
On June 17 at 9:16 p.m., a burglary was reported in then 500 block of Valmont. The victim arrived home and found his front door, rear window and back door open. The home had been ransacked and jewelry was missing. The occurrence time is believed to be between 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The investigation is continuing.
72 Hours Mental Evaluation
On June 17 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Palm on the report of a family disturbance. The female caller was crying on the telephone and told the dispatcher her husband was acting bizarre and was in possession of a handgun. When officers arrived, the female subject was waiting outside. The subject was inside the house with their two small children. Officers directed personnel around the perimeter of the residence. The dispatcher called the residence in an effort to facilitate a welfare check on the children. The subject refused all suggestions and would not cooperate, and he also admitted that he was armed with a gun. A police sergeant was able to contact the subject and began negotiated with him on the telephone. The subject eventually agreed to put the gun down and go to the door to speak with officers. As officers approached the front door, the suspect began to slowly retreat back into the residence. Fearing for the safety of the children, the officers subdued the subject and detained him without further incident. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the kitchen counter. The magazine for the weapon was found nearby and was loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. The children were unharmed. The subject was determined to be a danger to himself and others, and was taken to a mental facility, where he would be held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The weapon was seized.
Krikorian Theater in Chevy Ad | UFO Over Monrovia?
~ Monrovia's Krikorian Theater featured in a Chevy Cruze commercial, in Spanish. http://goo.gl/XFo4EL
~ UFO over Monrovia? Bright, white, and ping pong ball-ish. http://goo.gl/EFtqrv
- Brad Haugaard
~ UFO over Monrovia? Bright, white, and ping pong ball-ish. http://goo.gl/EFtqrv
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee
Assembly Bill 1451, by Assemblymember Chris Holden - who represents Monrovia - has been unanimously approved in the Senate Education Committee. The bill encourages school districts and community colleges to enter into partnerships to let high school students take college courses or career tech classes. Source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Lowers Filming Fees
At its June 17 City Council meeting, the Monrovia City Council voted to lower Monrovia filming fees from $780 per issuance to $500- a reduction of over 35 percent.
The City of Monrovia has always been friendly to filming. Over the years commercials, music videos, feature films, independent films and photo shoots have used Monrovia as a backdrop. Movies like Lethal Weapon, Grosse Point Bank, and Legally Blond, and TV Shows like Revenge, CSI, Mad Men and the entire Picket Fences series all have scenes based out of Monrovia.
Filming brings in revenue to the City, local businesses and residents who offer up their locations for film shoots or staging areas. After a significant drop in film requests starting in 2012, the City Council contracted with Film L.A. in January 2014 to handle film permits and attract more filming to the City. Since that time, Monrovia has seen filming begin to pick up.
"As states and cities around the country begin to see the benefit that filming brings to local economies, we are watching our beloved film industry leave California for places that offer better rates," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. "Monrovia is an ideal film location for so many reasons, and we want to be more competitive to keep our film industry here in town."
Special event permit fees in Monrovia also decreased 50% from $50 to $25.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
The City of Monrovia has always been friendly to filming. Over the years commercials, music videos, feature films, independent films and photo shoots have used Monrovia as a backdrop. Movies like Lethal Weapon, Grosse Point Bank, and Legally Blond, and TV Shows like Revenge, CSI, Mad Men and the entire Picket Fences series all have scenes based out of Monrovia.
Filming brings in revenue to the City, local businesses and residents who offer up their locations for film shoots or staging areas. After a significant drop in film requests starting in 2012, the City Council contracted with Film L.A. in January 2014 to handle film permits and attract more filming to the City. Since that time, Monrovia has seen filming begin to pick up.
"As states and cities around the country begin to see the benefit that filming brings to local economies, we are watching our beloved film industry leave California for places that offer better rates," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. "Monrovia is an ideal film location for so many reasons, and we want to be more competitive to keep our film industry here in town."
Special event permit fees in Monrovia also decreased 50% from $50 to $25.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Employees Receiving Distinguished Service Medal
The Monrovia Police Department will recognize the accomplishments of six employees on Thursday, June 19, at 5 p.m., in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. The six recipients will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia.
Honorees are:
- Detective Roberto Wilken
- Detective Sarah Bushmeyer
- Detective Stewart Levin
- Officer John Jefferson
- Officer James Ruano
- Jailer Christine Garland
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
Honorees are:
- Detective Roberto Wilken
- Detective Sarah Bushmeyer
- Detective Stewart Levin
- Officer John Jefferson
- Officer James Ruano
- Jailer Christine Garland
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
St. Francis Stolen | Monrovia Giraffe
~ According to this Twitter post, apparently someone stole a small statue of St. Francis from the Upton Sinclair home on North Myrtle. http://goo.gl/YJw1KW
~ Metal giraffe outside condos in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/qXglSI
- Brad Haugaard
~ Metal giraffe outside condos in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/qXglSI
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Having Difficulties Hiring New City Manager; Trying Again
Following a complaint by Monrovia City Council member Tom Adams at tonight's council meeting that the city is not doing well with only a part-time interim city manager, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reported that the city hopes to hire a new full-time manager "in a month or so."
She said since former City Manager Laurie Lile retired last October the city has gone through a search process and made offers to two candidates, but couldn't agree with either of them on a salary. So, she added, the city is now going through the search process again.
- Brad Haugaard
She said since former City Manager Laurie Lile retired last October the city has gone through a search process and made offers to two candidates, but couldn't agree with either of them on a salary. So, she added, the city is now going through the search process again.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council Again Votes to Ban Plastic Grocery Bags
The Monrovia City Council again adopted a ban on plastic grocery carry-out bags on a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and council members Larry Spicer and Alexander Blackburn in favor and council members Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin voting against. The only change from the previous time the council voted for the ban is that the enforcement date will be later, on Jan. 1, 2015.
Interesting points:
- A representative of a grocers association said its members support the plastic bag ban, but just want the ban to be uniform throughout local communities. Also, Mayor Lutz later said she contacted several local grocers and found they were all in favor of the ban. Council member Adams said that is hardly surprising since a ban would mean the cost of the bags would be shifted from the markets to their customers.
- Councilmember Becky Schevlin said she was bothered that the ad hoc plastic bag committee approved the ban with only two members voting. Mayor Lutz responded by quoting council member Tom Adams, who said at a previous meeting that if you don't show up, you don't get to vote.
- Brad Haugaard
Interesting points:
- A representative of a grocers association said its members support the plastic bag ban, but just want the ban to be uniform throughout local communities. Also, Mayor Lutz later said she contacted several local grocers and found they were all in favor of the ban. Council member Adams said that is hardly surprising since a ban would mean the cost of the bags would be shifted from the markets to their customers.
- Councilmember Becky Schevlin said she was bothered that the ad hoc plastic bag committee approved the ban with only two members voting. Mayor Lutz responded by quoting council member Tom Adams, who said at a previous meeting that if you don't show up, you don't get to vote.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's McCarthy Player of Year | Curio Shop Gone
~ Monrovia's Elise McCarthy named player of the year. http://goo.gl/fWNhlC
~ Route 66 Curio shop gone from Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/ScHTt5
- Brad Haugaard
~ Route 66 Curio shop gone from Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/ScHTt5
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: How Big a Problem are Plastic Bags for Monrovia?
The Monrovia City Council will again consider a ban on plastic carry-out grocery bags this evening (7:30 p.m. if you want to show up and have your say), so I thought I'd make the following point.
One of the core unaddressed questions in the entire plastic bag ban discussion is this:
What percentage of Monrovia's trash volume is made up of plastic grocery store carry-out bags?
I have not seen the answer to this question, and if the city cannot show that plastic grocery store carry-out bags comprise a significant percentage of its trash volume, then a ban is an utterly unwarranted governmental intrusion into the itty-bitty details of people's lives.
- Brad Haugaard
One of the core unaddressed questions in the entire plastic bag ban discussion is this:
What percentage of Monrovia's trash volume is made up of plastic grocery store carry-out bags?
I have not seen the answer to this question, and if the city cannot show that plastic grocery store carry-out bags comprise a significant percentage of its trash volume, then a ban is an utterly unwarranted governmental intrusion into the itty-bitty details of people's lives.
- Brad Haugaard
Electricity Rates Going Up | Monrovia Helping Test Backflow Devices | Plastic Bag Ban
~ It appears electricity rates will go up this summer. Southern California Edison doesn't exactly say "go up," but does say rates will "change." Reasons: The cost to generate or buy power is increasing; SCE is updating the grid; high-usage customers are subsidizing low-usage customers and this will spread costs more evenly. http://goo.gl/s1A0pM
~ Monrovia Today magazine reports that Monrovia is partnering with USC and a number of backflow prevention device makers to test new backflow devices. These things prevent water (usually contaminated) from flowing the wrong direction in pipes. [Comment: Kinda nice to live in a quiet town where backflow prevention devices can make the news.] http://goo.gl/w4xU6d
~ At its 7:30 meeting tonight, the Monrovia City Council will again consider whether to ban plastic grocery store carry-out bags. [Comment: Just got back from a trip and those bags are great for storing dirty clothes so they don't mess up clean clothes. Please, no more nonsense about these bags being single-use.]
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia Today magazine reports that Monrovia is partnering with USC and a number of backflow prevention device makers to test new backflow devices. These things prevent water (usually contaminated) from flowing the wrong direction in pipes. [Comment: Kinda nice to live in a quiet town where backflow prevention devices can make the news.] http://goo.gl/w4xU6d
~ At its 7:30 meeting tonight, the Monrovia City Council will again consider whether to ban plastic grocery store carry-out bags. [Comment: Just got back from a trip and those bags are great for storing dirty clothes so they don't mess up clean clothes. Please, no more nonsense about these bags being single-use.]
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Summer Activities
Lots of fun activities and classes in the summer calendar which should have been mailed to you as part of the Monrovia Today pamphlet, but which is here in case you missed it: http://goo.gl/w4xU6d
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
For Your Calendar: Monrovia Summer Concerts in the Park
Sunday evenngs, 7-8:30 p.m. at the bandshell at Library Park.
July 13 - Jumpin' Joz Band (Jazz)
July 20 - Lily Wilson (Folk Pop)
July 27 - The Answer (Classic Rock)
August 3 - Mariachi Divas (Mariachi)
August 10 - Person to Person (Top 40)
August 17 - The Yari More Latin Band (Salsa)
August 24 - The Undercover Girls (80s)
August 31 - Doo Wah Riders (Country)
For more info call Department of Community Services at 256-8245. http://goo.gl/w4xU6d
- Brad Haugaard
July 13 - Jumpin' Joz Band (Jazz)
July 20 - Lily Wilson (Folk Pop)
July 27 - The Answer (Classic Rock)
August 3 - Mariachi Divas (Mariachi)
August 10 - Person to Person (Top 40)
August 17 - The Yari More Latin Band (Salsa)
August 24 - The Undercover Girls (80s)
August 31 - Doo Wah Riders (Country)
For more info call Department of Community Services at 256-8245. http://goo.gl/w4xU6d
- Brad Haugaard
Did You Lose a Dog?
Is this your dog? Amanda Wray reports that "a friend found this little dog running loose around Olive and Shamrock. It has a collar and looks cared for but no tag. Does anyone know the owner?
"If so, please contact Kelly at 626-802-7278"
- Brad Haugaard
Wrong-Way Driver on Freeway | Monrovia Explorers
~ Wrong-way driver causes freeway crash in Monrovia. Some injuries. Man arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. http://goo.gl/pYJlvd
~ Photo of Monrovia grads of the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. http://goo.gl/Q7ywx0
- Brad Haugaard
~ Photo of Monrovia grads of the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. http://goo.gl/Q7ywx0
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fourth of July Celebration Linked to Friday Night Family Festival
The City of Monrovia's 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show is scheduled for Friday, July 4th, in Library Park; located at 321 South Myrtle Avenue.
For the first time in Monrovia history, the 4th of July event will be held in conjunction with the very popular Friday Night Family Festival. After saving seats for the Fireworks show, those who attend the event can look forward to great shopping and dining along Myrtle Avenue, kids' activities, arts and crafts vendors, and a farmers' market. The Family Festival will run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Live entertainment in Library Park will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a performance by "Stone Soul" followed by the free 20 minute Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m.
Spectators may reserve a park space no larger than 10 x 10 feet which must be supervised at all times.
This event is made possible by: Presidential Sponsor - Mary Ann and Corey Lutz, Wendy's Hamburgers, Samuelson & Fetter, Monrovia Old Town Merchants, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, The Sierra Family of Dealerships, and Ducommun AeroStructures.
Come celebrate our Nation's Independence Day in the Star Spangled City of Monrovia! For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
For the first time in Monrovia history, the 4th of July event will be held in conjunction with the very popular Friday Night Family Festival. After saving seats for the Fireworks show, those who attend the event can look forward to great shopping and dining along Myrtle Avenue, kids' activities, arts and crafts vendors, and a farmers' market. The Family Festival will run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Live entertainment in Library Park will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a performance by "Stone Soul" followed by the free 20 minute Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m.
Spectators may reserve a park space no larger than 10 x 10 feet which must be supervised at all times.
This event is made possible by: Presidential Sponsor - Mary Ann and Corey Lutz, Wendy's Hamburgers, Samuelson & Fetter, Monrovia Old Town Merchants, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, The Sierra Family of Dealerships, and Ducommun AeroStructures.
Come celebrate our Nation's Independence Day in the Star Spangled City of Monrovia! For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Dollmakers Kattywompus Named Business of the Year
A longtime Monrovia business has been named Small Business of the Year for the 41st Assembly District. At the California Small Business Day ceremony in Sacramento today, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) recognized Pam Fitzpatrick as owner of The Dollmakers Kattywompus. The annual awards program honors small businesses throughout the state.
"I am pleased to honor Pam Fitzpatrick not only for all her hard work, but for her civic commitment as well," said Assemblymember Holden. "Pam is a success not only because she's a good businesswoman, but because she gives back to the community. Businesses like hers are the backbone of the community and it is important that we recognize their contributions to the economy of California."
"I was both surprised and honored to receive the phone call that our family business had won this award. And it makes me smile every time I think about it: it IS possible to pursue your dream and succeed, and it IS possible to do it with your family," said Pam Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, the owner of The Dollmakers' Kattywompus, has been a part of the Monrovia business scene since 1991 when the store first opened in Old Town. Since then, her doll and retro toy store has expanded to offer music lessons and free Friday night concerts. Fitzpatrick is also very active in her community and has helped many non-profits by donating toys and giving of her time and energy. Her sister and co-owner, Jennifer Ranger accompanied her to Sacramento.
She was nominated by Becky Shevlin, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Monrovia who stated, "Pam Fitzpatrick is beyond tireless in her pursuit to not only promote her own family business but to also promote and protect the interests of other businesses in Monrovia Old Town."
source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
"I am pleased to honor Pam Fitzpatrick not only for all her hard work, but for her civic commitment as well," said Assemblymember Holden. "Pam is a success not only because she's a good businesswoman, but because she gives back to the community. Businesses like hers are the backbone of the community and it is important that we recognize their contributions to the economy of California."
"I was both surprised and honored to receive the phone call that our family business had won this award. And it makes me smile every time I think about it: it IS possible to pursue your dream and succeed, and it IS possible to do it with your family," said Pam Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, the owner of The Dollmakers' Kattywompus, has been a part of the Monrovia business scene since 1991 when the store first opened in Old Town. Since then, her doll and retro toy store has expanded to offer music lessons and free Friday night concerts. Fitzpatrick is also very active in her community and has helped many non-profits by donating toys and giving of her time and energy. Her sister and co-owner, Jennifer Ranger accompanied her to Sacramento.
She was nominated by Becky Shevlin, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Monrovia who stated, "Pam Fitzpatrick is beyond tireless in her pursuit to not only promote her own family business but to also promote and protect the interests of other businesses in Monrovia Old Town."
source: Holden press release
- Brad Haugaard
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