City of Monrovia Statement on Hiring of Oliver Chi as City Manager

After a lengthy recruitment process, the Monrovia City Council has appointed a new City Manager: Oliver Chi.  The City Council unanimously voted to approve the contract at the September 16 City Council meeting.

Oliver Chi has over fifteen years of extensive government experience at both the state and local level.  During the past several years, he has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Barstow, and he has also worked for the communities of Rosemead, Claremont, and Arcadia.

Chi has extensive experience in economic development, human resources management, budgeting, and intergovernmental relations.  In addition, his background includes research and implementation of performance measurement and benchmarking initiatives, process improvement, teambuilding, strategic planning and organizational development.

"We are very pleased to welcome Oliver as the newest member of Team Monrovia.  This is an exciting time in our City's history and we feel very confident in his experience, professionalism, and the level of energy that he will bring to the team," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz.

During his career, Chi has served in numerous leadership positions for a variety of local government related associations.  In 2004, he was elected president of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California.  He has also been a board member for the California City Management Foundation, assisted the Cal-ICMA Preparing the Next Generation initiative, and participated in the Alliance for Innovation.

As an active member of ICMA, Chi authored the March 2004 cover story for Public Management, titled "Rising from the Ashes: Lessons Learned from the Southern California Wildfires of 2003."  He has also served as a speaker at local government workshops and conferences.

"Monrovia is a dynamic community with an iconic history and a reputation for innovation that is known throughout the State," said Chi.  "I am honored to be a part of such a fantastic City, and I look forward to working with the mayor, City Council, staff, and community to help shape a bright and vibrant future."

Chi, an Eagle Scout, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles.  He also holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Oliver has been married to his wife Bobbie Jo for ten years, and they have a two-year old son named Ian.

Chi will begin work in Monrovia on October 13, 2014.  Fran Delach, a retired City Manager from the City of Azusa, has been serving as Monrovia's Interim City Manager since October 2013, following the retirement of the former City Manager.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hires Oliver Chi as City Manager | Shevlin Asks for Plastic Bag Ban Repeal

~ At tonight's meeting the Monrovia City Council unanimously selected Oliver Chi, lately assistant city manager of Barstow, to be the city's next city manager. Chi briefly addressed the council, acknowledging what has been discussed in the community, that he had a "fabulous career flop" in Rosemead, where he was city manager. He thanked the council for looking beyond that episode and promised to work hard.

~ Also at the meeting, Councilwoman Becky Shevlin asked the council to repeal or not enforce Monrovia's plastic grocery bag ban because the state ban - which Governor Brown has promised to approve - will go into effect July 1, and having two bans would be confusing. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz suggested waiting until the governor signs the statewide ban before discussing that.

- Brad Haugaard

Rain! | Chi Vote Tonight | Monrovia vs. St. Francis | Church Grows to Three Services

~ Rain! Just a little bit, but we got some today.

~ More on the Monrovia City Council voting tonight on having Oliver Chi as city manager. http://goo.gl/pPdI95

~ Sports writers discuss the Monrovia/St. Francis game. http://goo.gl/lZz9pD

~ The rapidly-expanding Fellowship Monrovia church has announced on Facebook that it will soon have three Sunday services instead of two. The church currently meets at Monrovia High at 9 and 11 a.m. Starting on Sept. 28 it will add a 5 p.m. service at its Fellowship Center at 401 Huntington Drive.

- Brad Haugaard

Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth | Silverman Appointed to Monrovia's STAAR Surgical

~ Article on early Monrovian, Lt. Col. Allen Allen Allensworth. http://goo.gl/hFP3p0

~ Louis Silverman appointed to board of Monrovia's STAAR Surgical. STAAR designs, develops, manufactures and markets implantable lenses for the eye. http://goo.gl/nQc0Rk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Marijuana; Drunk Driving and Fighting; Too Obvious Casing

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. 

Possession of Marijuana for Sales – Suspect Arrested
On September 12 at 10:10 p.m., an officer observed a motorist speeding north on Madison and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon contacting the driver, the officer smelled marijuana in the vehicle and subsequently searched it. The officer located approximately 18 grams of marijuana packaged separately. The motorist explained that he was in possession of the marijuana because he was supposed to deliver it to his medical marijuana clients. The suspect was unable to show proof of legitimately operating a business and was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales. 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On September 13 at 3:46 p.m., a male and female subject got into an argument at a residence in the 500 block of East Foothill. The argument led to a physical altercation. The subjects are in a dating relationship and had been drinking. An officer arrived and determined the male suspect to be the primary aggressor in the incident; he was arrested and taken into custody. 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On September 13 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Madison regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in the roadway. Upon arrival, the officer found the vehicle parked in the opposing lane of traffic with two flat front tires. The driver was the sole occupant and was still in the driver's seat. The investigation revealed the driver had crashed into an unoccupied parked car and was under the influence of drugs while operating a motor vehicle. The driver was arrested. 

Suspicious Person / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On September 13 at 11:04 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of East Maple on the report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival, the officer located an intoxicated person inside of the reporting party’s vehicle without permission. The suspect was determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety and was arrested for public intoxication. The suspect was taken into custody and held for sobering. 

No-bail Warrants / Delaying an Officer – Suspect Arrested
On September 15 at 12:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Royal Oaks and Mountain when he saw a male subject riding a bicycle who appeared to be casing the neighborhood. The officer turned on his lights and siren, but the bicyclist attempted to flee by riding faster. The officer yelled at the subject to stop, but he kept riding as fast as he could for two blocks. The officer drove in front of the male, blocking his path and allowing the officer to apprehend him. A computer check revealed the subject had two no-bail warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody without further incident. 

Citrus College Officer Saves Woman's Life

Officer Todd Dickson receives Humanitarian Service Award from Glendora Community Coordinating Council President Robin Merkley.

Citrus College Campus Safety Officer Todd Dickson has been honored by the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees and the Glendora Community Coordinating Council for saving a woman trapped behind her airbag before her car was engulfed in flames at Foothill Boulevard and Citrus Avenue, near the west entrance of the Citrus College campus.

Dickson, a five-year Citrus, said, "I just did what I thought needed to be done." He added, "I saw the young lady, and I thought of the possibility that she may never see her family again."

Citrus College serves Monrovia.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Sticky Fingers Fundraiser for Monrovia's Unity Center Auxiliary

Sticky fingers fundraiser for Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary will be held this Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5-10 p.m. at Robin's Wood Fired BBQ at 395 N. Rosemead in Pasadena. 10% of proceeds to the auxiliary.

- Brad Haugaard

Local Newspapers - Star-News & Tribune - Apparently Are For Sale

The daily newspapers, Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune, which circulate in and around Monrovia - may be up for sale as Digital First Media - which owns those papers and lots of others, is considering putting itself on the block, either to sell as a whole or in parts. http://goo.gl/38gm0Y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Events: Free Movie Tonight | Senior Massage | Chili Cook-Off

~ Free family movie tonight at the Library, 6-7:45. For more info call (626) 256-8274. Hint: It's cool in the Library.

~ This Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monrovia Providers Group will provide at-home seniors and their care partners a choice of mini-massages and mini-manicures, followed by lunch and raffle; $5 donation is requested. At Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave. RSVP to Rebecca at (626) 256-8232.

~ This Saturday, Sept. 20, 6-9:30 p.m., Chili Cook-Off and Fundraiser for Monrovia Reads, at Monrovia Tennis Club, 158 N. Sunset. For information contact Diane Delmatoff (626) 303-6600.

Source: Coordinating Council calendar

- Brad Haugaard

Free Air Conditioning in Monrovia | Allensworth

If you'd like a bit of free air conditioning for the next days, due to the heat Monrovia is opening the Community Center (119 W Palm) today to 8 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Details here ( http://goo.gl/TfQAvN ) plus some hot-weather tips.

UPDATE: I dropped by at 5 p m. today and was told it was closing for the day, a bit earlier than advertised, so I went to the nice and cool Cherry On Top. 

~ Commemoration today of early Monrovia, Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth http://goo.gl/5CpgaJ

- Brad Haugaard

SCE Urges Care With Energy Use During Heat Wave

With blazing temperatures forecast for the Monrovia area during the next few days, Southern California Edison is asking people to conserve energy when they can, and particularly between 2-6 p.m. - the hours of peak energy use. This will lessen strains on power supplies and the possibility of outages.

The California Independent System Operator believes electricity consumption during the heat wave could exceed the summer's previous peak of 44,200 megawatts on July 30.

"We anticipate having an adequate supply of electricity," said Paul Grigaux, SCE's vice president of Transmission, Substations and Operations. "However, with more energy likely being used in the evenings, especially air conditioning, the extra demand can strain SCE's equipment when it's not given the opportunity to cool off."

Tips:

- Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.

- Turn off unused appliances and equipment.

- Avoid using air-conditioner when evaporative coolers or humidifiers are running.

- Avoid using energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.

- Limit how often you open your refrigerator door.

Source: SCE press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Sends Out Drought Regulations Postcard

Just got this oversized postcard about drought regulations in the mail from the city. I guess we can't say we haven't been "officially notified" anymore. ;-)

- Brad Haugaard

Oliver Chi Resigns Barstow Position to be Monrovia City Manager

The Desert Dispatch is reporting that Oliver Chi has resigned his position as assistant city manager for Barstow to accept a position as Monrovia's city manager. http://goo.gl/jcIpTJ

- Brad Haugaard

Classic Old Car Show in Monrovia Today

Classic old cars on display along Myrtle on Old Town today. 

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Merengue Bakery Closes for Move to Myrtle

Merengue Bakery has closed at its Colorado St. location and promises to reopen at its new location on Myrtle within two months under new management. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over Arcadia

Monrovia beats Arcadia in football, 47-14. http://goo.gl/zH7EAQ

- Brad Haugaard

Neil Tadken Named Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church

On September 4, the Vestry of The Parish of St. Luke the Physician, Episcopal Church in Monrovia unanimously called the Rev. Neil A. Tadken, to serve as Rector, starting immediately.  A public institution and celebration of new mutual ministry led by the Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, will be held at the church on Sunday, October 19, at 3 p.m.

Born and raised in New York, the Rev. Tadken earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont/Claremont School of Theology.  He holds a bachelor's degree from Occidental College and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater/Acting from Cornell University.

Fr. Neil discerned his priestly calling while an active parishioner at All Saint's Church in Pasadena.  Upon graduation from seminary, Neil worked as Program Director for ACTION: AIDS CareTeams in our Neighborhoods, an interfaith non-profit pastoral care ministry housed at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Laguna Beach.  Following his ordination, he served as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care at St. James' in the City, Los Angeles.  He joined St. Luke's as "Priest in Charge" in Aug. 2013.  He is married to Frank Slesinski, an interior designer.

Locally, the Rev. Tadken serves as treasurer for the Interfaith Council of Monrovia, as well as the Monrovia Ministerial Association.  He is also working with Foothill Unity Center and Rebuilding Together, as well as other non-profits, to help repurpose church and other local property to serve as "Seeds of Hope" community gardens that provide produce for need-based distribution and nutrition education.   Neil has served on the board of the Episcopal Urban Internship Program, the Bishop's commission for HIV and AIDS Ministries, and currently serves on the Program Group for GLBT Ministries for the Dioceses of Los Angeles.

Prior to ordination, the Rev. Tadken was a professional actor, director and founding member of the Basic Theater Co. in NYC.  Between 1994 and 2001, soap opera watchers may have seen him recurring as "Don McTavish" on ABC's General Hospital and Port Charles.  In 1993, he founded and directed a national AIDS education and outreach effort for television called "Day of Compassion," which became an annual event.   He was honored with a "Ribbon of Hope Award" from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1997 for that effort.

Source: St. Luke's press release

- Brad Haugaard

Missing Cat

Have you seen this Monrovia cat?

Lunch at Domenico's

Lunch at Domenico's, just east of Magnolia on Huntington. Old-style Italian, pasta, cheese and red sauce sort of place, but I got the Soup and Salad Combo for $8.99 (but I upgraded the salad to an antipasto, so it was actually $2.50 more) from the Lunch Specials menu, plus an iced tea ($2.75). Also came with garlic bread. Good and filling!

  

- Brad Haugaard

A Drought Helped Create Monrovia

The Monrovia Historic Preservation newsletter reports that it was a drought, something like we're having now, that resulted in the creation of Monrovia. The newsletter says that there was serious flooding from December 24, 1861 until January 17, 1862, but this was followed by almost two years of drought, the Great Drought, which forced cattle ranchers to sell land. At this time William Monroe and four other investors bought the land that would become Monrovia from Lucky Baldwin.

- Brad Haugaard