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Monrovia Company's Electric Charger is Finalist in Automotive Awards Competition

The portable electric car charger, TurboCord Dual, made by Monrovia-based AeroVironment, has been listed among the 2016 Automotive News PACE Awards Finalists. http://goo.gl/HNIuVX

- Brad Haugaard

Emergency Response Training by Monrovia Fire Department

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training March 5th, 12th and 19th at Monrovia Fire & Rescue, Station 101, 415 S. Ivy Ave. CERT, according to FEMA, "educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills." If you are interested, sign-up information here: [UPDATE: The city says there's a problem with the sign-up page and will get back to me when it's fixed. then I'll plug it back in.]

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Broken Into For Six Pairs of Shoes; Harley Stolen; Pedestrian Hit Crossing Against Light

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 25-27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 371 service events, resulting in 65 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
January 25 at 7:00 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of West Olive. An unknown suspect smashed a window on the vehicle to gain entry and stole six pairs of shoes that were left in the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 9:05 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montana on the report of a stolen motorcycle. The victim parked his Harley Davidson motorcycle on the street in front of the location. The victim’s girlfriend noticed the motorcycle was missing at 9:00 a.m. She checked the surveillance camera and could see a male Hispanic subject get on the motorcycle and ride away. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 25 at 12:44 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of South Madison. Unknown suspects broke into the vehicle and took a GPS and tools that were left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Stop/Weapons Offense/Warrant – Suspects Arrested
January 26 at 2:15 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. As the officer approached, he smelled marijuana in the vehicle and obtained consent to search the vehicle from the driver. A loaded firearm was located in the trunk of the vehicle and the driver, who admitted it belonged to her, was arrested for the weapons violation. One passenger was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Traffic Collision
January 27 at 10:47 a.m., police responded to the report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. An elderly women stepped onto the street in the crosswalk against the red hand signal and was struck by a vehicle making a right turn onto southbound Mountain. She suffered a broken elbow and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Monrovia Representative's Bill Would Require License for 'Behavior Analysis'

Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced AB 1715, which "would require a person to apply for and obtain a license from the board [Board of Psychology] prior to engaging in the practice of behavior analysis" and "would require the Governor to appoint 2 additional members to the board" ( http://goo.gl/LUF1f9 ). A Holden press release says the bill "protects children with autism," among others.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Le Gourmand To Reopen Under New Name | Detail on Big Accident

~ Old Town Monrovia merchant Pam Fitzpatrick reports that Le Gourmand restaurant "will be closing for about 30 days to reorganize, then will reopen with a brand new name and new offerings." http://goo.gl/cghGxo

~ More detail on the big accident at Myrtle and Foothill. http://goo.gl/xeBheT

- Brad Haugaard

Taxes and the Artist Workshop

Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to Noon, "Taxes and the Artist" Workshop at Monrovia Community Center - Monroe Room, 119 W. Palm Ave. Essentials of income tax for artists and artist groups of all disciplines, and the self-employed. Learn to track income and expenses and correctly file taxes. Topics include: record keeping, Form 1040, Schedule C, the self-employment schedule, deductions, hobby losses, home offices, and more. A workbook, "The Art of Deduction," is included with the admission fee. Additional handouts will be provided. Presenter is Abe Carnow, C.P.A., who teaches other accountants about individual income taxation, business income taxation, and ethics. 30 seats available. $20 for MAFA current and past members, $30 for non-members, $10 for students 21 and younger with valid ID: $10 Go to http://bit.ly/1nmsELn to purchase tickets.

- Brad Haugaard

Cop-On-Campus Working Well; Development Standards; Improving Parks

In his weekly report ( ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- The state Office of Historic Preservation has included an article on Monrovia in its Preservation Matters newsletter. Starting on page 20. http://goo.gl/MNNTnr

- Assistant Principal Scott Iler of Monrovia High reports that Police Officer James Ruano, serving as School Resources Officer at the school, is "tearing down walls and preconceived notions about law enforcement officers."

- There will be two meetings to go over the city's proposed development standards: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 at 7 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 at 7 p.m. Both at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room.

- There will be two Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment meetings to discuss improving city parks. Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9-11 a.m. in the Library Community Room (321 S. Myrtle Avenue), and on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9-11:00 a.m. at Fire Station 102 (2055 S. Myrtle Avenue).

- Brad Haugaard

State Requiring Monrovia to Spend $231.1 Million Or Face Fines of $10,000 Per Day

City Manager Oliver Chi reports ( http://goo.gl/KVEBSL ) that Monrovia's bill to comply with a state environmental project, the Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP), will actually be $231.1 million, more than the $214.15 million indicated in his last report, and, according to the state's schedule, the first project needs to be finished by 2020 and all the projects need to be finished by 2028.

Let's see now, if we divide the $231 million by the 13 years between now and 2028, we get $17.76 million per year. Monrovia's current annual budget is about $33 million ( http://goo.gl/QhoXAI ), so that means that if the city does not cut, it would have to raise more than half again as much money per year and the annual budget would have to go to about $50.77 million a year.

Chi writes: "Given this overall scenario, it is unrealistic to expect that our EWMP group will be able to comply with the implementation schedule that the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) is requesting. We have been doing everything possible within the constraints of financial reality to meet the expectations of the Water Board, however, we have been told that should we be unable to meet the timelines, the Water Board will likely issue us a Notice of Violation (NOV) with fines of up to $10,000 / day for being in noncompliance."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Book Sale | Rain Very Likely Sunday

~ Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Spring Sale on May 13-14, noon-5 p.m. on Friday and on Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 a bag sale Saturday from 4-5 p.m.

~ 80% chance of rain this Sunday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Jewelry Taken From Wall Safe; Unhappy Customer; Driving High; Thefts From Vehicles; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 21-24. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft
January 22 at 1:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a residence in the 200 block of Greystone. The residents, an elderly couple, noticed the door to their wall safe was open. They inventoried the contents and found several pieces of jewelry were missing. The couple does have two subjects they have hired to help around the property, but do not know who may have taken the jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Battery/Vandalism
January 22 at 10:56 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of South Magnolia regarding a battery that had just occurred. The suspect took his vehicle to have an audio entertainment system installed, but there was a dispute over the billing. The suspect pushed and struck the installer and the owner of the business. The installer sustained a swollen hand defending himself from the suspect. The owner sustained a swollen eye, and the suspect was taken to a hospital for complaint of pain. The investigation is continuing and the report will be submitted to the District Attorney’s office for possible filing of charges.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 9:15 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of West Maple Avenue. The caller was following a vehicle that struck two parked cars and hit the curb while driving west on Maple. The vehicle pulled into a business parking lot near Fifth and Huntington and stopped. Officers arrived and found the suspect behind the wheel of his vehicle. He seemed disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. The officers determined the subject was driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle
January 23 at 6:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 400 block of Huntington regarding a theft from a vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle in front of a business and went inside. He returned 30 minutes later and saw a male adult suspect going through his trunk. He yelled out and the suspect fled in a vehicle. The loss was a backpack containing miscellaneous items. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 8:19 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in 600 block of West Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot and went into work. He returned later and discovered his vehicle had been ransacked. The victim's checkbook was taken from the center console and a backpack containing baseball equipment was taken from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 9:37 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Colorado. The victim parked his vehicle in the 100 block of Colorado and went into work. When he returned to his vehicle after work, he discovered his vehicle had been ransacked. The loss was a wallet from the driver's door pocket, which also contained his debit card. The victim reported that the debit card had already been used at a business. The investigation is continuing.

Citrus Top Degree Producer | Holden Bill Would Pay For Stop-Smoking Treatments

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has once again this year been named one of the nation's top degree and certificate producing two-year institutions by Community College Week. The bi-weekly magazine releases a special report featuring the top 100 degree and certificate producing two-year institutions in the nation. This year, Citrus College was included on seven of the 44 lists, the most since the magazine began publishing the report in 2003.

~ State Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill to have MediCal pay for treatment for poor Californians who want to stop smoking. http://goo.gl/ixenfJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Meet With MAD Council

A joint meeting tomorrow (Jan. 26) of the Monrovia City Council and the Monrovia-Arcadia-Daurte Town Council (I believe it represents unincorporated area next to Monrovia, Arcadia and Duarte). http://goo.gl/N9xO2w

- Brad Haugaard

Dedication of Monrovia's Station Square

The dedication of Station Square is going on today until 2 p.m. Kid activities and booths for local organizations. 

Note: Better pictures here: http://goo.gl/RbCpuL


Ribbon cutting. 


A bandshell area. 

Play areas for the children. 


A long fountain. 


The old train station still needs to be refurbished. 

A mini train just for today. 

- Brad Haugaard 






Dinner at The Shrimp House


Dinner last Sunday at the Shrimp House, at the corner of Myrtle and Live Oak. Got the Sunday Special, steak, shrimp and lobster for $16.99 and a draft beer for $2.99. It comes with two sides; I chose red beans and rice (in the cup) and a salad which you don't see because I ate it. I liked! Very tasty and filling.
- Brad Haugaard 

The Woman Who Inspired Charles Schulz to Create Franklin, at Monrovia Library

Franklin

For Black History Month, meet Harriet Glickman, the teacher who inspired Charles Schulz to include the first African-American character in his comic strip, Peanuts. Then, watch the 1977 movie, Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown. Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Library Community Room. Call 256-8274 for more information. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council/School Board Meeting | New Microbrewery; New Restaurant; New Kids' Center

~ The Monrovia City Council and Monrovia School Board are getting together for a joint meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/YgedBH ) at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, to discuss: Santa Fe Middle School traffic; Santa Fe Middle School planters; and Monrovia Days.

The Monrovia Development Review Committee ( http://goo.gl/NQEwL1 ) recommended approval of these three projects:

~ A new microbrewery called Hop Secret is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to move into the Station Square Transit Village.

~ A new Mediterranean restaurant, called Hummos & Pita is hoping to open in the next few months on Lemon Avenue.

~ "Dream Big Children's Center," an indoor play and exploration zone for children ages 1-10, is planning to open somewhere near Old Town.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Student Newspaper Cleans Up On Journalism Awards

The Citrus College Clarion student newspaper recently won 14 journalism awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Citrus College serves Monrovia. Seven reporters and graphic designers received awards in 11 categories, including JACC's highest honor, General Excellence. Evan Solano, the Clarion's managing editor and JACC Southern Region student president for 2015-2016, received eight of the Clarion's awards, establishing a Citrus College record. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Mostly Positive About Gold Line


An unscientific survey by Monrovian Robert Parry suggests that Monrovia is generally positive about the coming of the Gold Line. Parry said that about half of all those who responded to the survey came to it from MonroviaNow.com.

Update: More detailed data (negative to the left, positive to the right):


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thieves and Drunks; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 18-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Note: Some of the dates below say "July." Methinks that is wrong. Will update when I hear back from Police Department.

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
July 18 at 9:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of East Walnut. The suspect took keys from a business and then returned later and stole a box truck containing antiques. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Violation/Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 12:04 a.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Huntington and Fifth. The driver had no identification in his possession and gave the officer a false name. The officer had the driver step out of the vehicle and he fled on foot. Containment of the area was established, but the suspect was not located. The two passengers in the vehicle identified the driver by name. The suspect was later positively identified by his California Driver’s License photograph. A case will be presented to the District Attorney's office seeking charges against the driver for resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 3:40 a.m., an officer was conducting routine patrol in the 200 block of East Hillcrest Boulevard when he located a subject stumbling down the street on Hillcrest. The subject was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
July 19 at 6:04 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the area of Lime and Shamrock. The victim left his older model pickup truck parked on the street. The door on the vehicle does not lock. An unknown suspect stole the vehicle sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft from a Vehicle 
July 19 at 6:30 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of South Magnolia. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed his backpack was missing from the backseat.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 9:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Mountain and Duarte on the report of a subject staggering in the roadway. The officer arrived and found the subject was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 10:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of east Maple regarding a suspicious subject laying in the driveway of a residence. The officer arrived and found the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for sobering.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 20 at 12:27 a.m., officers responded to the report of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. The investigation revealed that one of the vehicles was traveling westbound on Huntington and ran a red light. The vehicle collided into another passenger vehicle. Both parties involved were taken by ambulance to a hospital for complaint of pain.

Residential Burglary
January 20 at 2:20 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victims left the residence with the back slider open for their dogs. Unknown suspects entered the home and took a television, a computer, and an iPad. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 20 at 6:33 p.m., police responded to a vehicle burglary in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the driveway of her children’s school and walked inside to pick them up. She returned to the vehicle moments later and discovered the passenger side window had been smashed. The victim’s purse and workbag were stolen from the front passenger seat. The investigation is continuing.

City Faces Monstrous Cost In Complying With Environmental Law; Mayor Pro Tem's Mother Dies; Station Square; Development; Etc.

City Manager Oliver Chi says in his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ecuhtI ) that ...

- Monrovia estimates it will cost the city $214.15 million to comply with state stormwater treatment requirements and at a meeting, representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board "were unapologetic about the implications that we face in complying with the provisions of our MS4 Permit, which mandate the completion of significant capital projects by 2017." Chi adds that, "the indications we received from the State Water Resources Control Board staff point to a situation where we will likely be at odds with the State regarding this particular matter moving forward."

- On Jan. 12, Geneva Monroe Spicer, mother to Mayor Pro Tem Larry Spicer, passed away. She was born on April 26, 1931, and moved to Monrovia in 1954. Known as Mother Spicer by Second Baptist Church of Monrovia, she served faithfully as a foster care parent for Los Angeles County.

- Station Square Park, the new train station area at 1601 S. Myrtle, will be decicated on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts for children, a Canyon Park critter display, giveaways, refreshments. LA Metro will distribute train safety and other Gold Line materials. http://goo.gl/4ey2fM

- The city has been working on proposed modifications to its development standards and is about ready to present the results of its work. Details here on meetings to give feedback on the plan: http://goo.gl/ecuhtI

- The Monrovia Chamber of commerce wil hold a banquet to honor its various award winners. The Iris Award will go to Janet Wall; The Monroe Awar to BMW Monrovia; The Dick Lord Award to Alfredo Mejia (CIBA Real Estate); and Military Service and Stewardship Award to Hector Elizalde.

- The Library has established a display in the Youth Services Room to highlight the 115 entries received for the 2016 Water Conservation Calendar Contest. You can also pick up a calendar when you view the entries.

- Wednesday, Feb. 3, Monrovia will host an open workshop to discuss the Bicycle Master Plan at the Community Center (119 W. Palm.) at 6 p.m. Also, a pre-workshop bicycle ride starting at 5 p.m. at the bicycle rack in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard