~ The Delgado Brothers kick off Monrovia's summer concert series this Fourth of July.
~ Monrovian, McFarland, pleads not guilty in kidnapping case. http://goo.gl/bbHqI
- Brad Haugaard
Opinion: California Budget Dumbness
This has barely been reported yet, so even though it is California news and not specifically Monrovia, I thought I'd comment on it.
At a time when the state needs every penny it can get, the state's proposed budget has a provision that will actually cut state revenue by eliminating taxable income going to thousands of California companies and individuals.
The proposed budget has a provision that would require Amazon.com to collect sales tax on sales it makes to California residents.
Now, there is a good case to be made that it is unfair for physical stores to have to collect sales tax while online, out-of-state, retailers do not to have to do that, but Amazon is a Washington corporation, and California law does not have jurisdiction over Washington unless Amazon has a physical presence in California.
And it does! It has "associates," which are California individuals or companies that make money by promoting Amazon products.
But, while it does have that physical presence, it won't for long.
Amazon has just sent a notice to all its California affiliates saying it "will terminate contracts with all California residents that are participants in the Amazon Associates Program as of the date (if any) that the California law becomes effective." (I know this because as an associate - who hasn't made a dime in a decade - I got the letter.)
So, the only thing that will change is that more Californians will be unemployed (or underemployed) and as a result the state will collect less income tax. Amazon can still sell to Californians and still does not need to collect California sales tax.
Again, I agree the current situation is unfair, but this is just dumb and makes matters worse.
UPDATE - Well, the dumbness is now official. This, from Amazon: "Unfortunately, Governor Brown has signed into law the bill that we emailed you about earlier today. As a result of this, contracts with all California residents participating in the Amazon Associates Program are terminated effective today, June 29, 2011."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High's Bueno Shines | Portantino Bill Advances | Donnelly Claims Budget Victory | More on Fourth
~ MHS football star, Nick Bueno, shines in San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game. http://goo.gl/H6n0k
~ An Assembly bill, introduced by state Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, to create a system to report how colleges are doing financially and educationally, has been approved by the state Senate Education Committee. http://goo.gl/vB7FC ~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, said of the latest state budget: "The people won a major battle today. We blocked the Governor's plan to extend the temporary tax increase, forcing the budget to be balanced without hiking your taxes." http://goo.gl/tBcU0 ~ Here's the flyer for the Fourth of July in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/sJhaI - Brad Haugaard
Will Monrovia be in a Lonnnng Assembly District?
Could Monrovia be lumped in an Assembly district stretching from La Canada-Flintridge to Upland and Rancho Cucamonga? That's a proposal before the redistricting commission. http://goo.gl/7Wo2S - Brad Haugaard
Where to Light Fireworks
You can't shoot off fireworks in Monrovia on the Fourth, but you can just over the border in Duarte, El Monte, Azusa or Irwindale. Be careful! Also, don't miss the Monrovia fireworks show. It was fabulous last year, and, personally, I'd rather watch that than light a sparkler. Here is a list of cities where you can (and cannot) use fireworks. http://goo.gl/Ka5Qu
- Brad Haugaard
Spanish/Basque Restaurant Coming to Monrovia
Sena on Myrtle, a Spanish/Basque restaurant, is coming to Monrovia. http://goo.gl/XXu0c . The food sounds pretty good - filet mignon or lobster tacos anyone? http://goo.gl/R4j5k
- Brad Haugaard
History: Pro Boxing and Wrestling in Monrovia
It used to be a big thing in the San Gabriel Valley. Fighters could make a living at it. http://goo.gl/G3nNY
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Senator: State Budget Like Harry Potter Magic | Redevelopment Killed - Almost
State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, writes about "the latest Democrat attempt to pass a Majority Vote budget." He says, "The new proposal from the Governor and legislative Democrats assumes that $4 billion will automatically appear on top of the $6.6 billion increase that has already been projected. That’s nearly $11 billion in new revenue that the Democrats assume will magically appear. That’s a wand that Harry Potter would be proud to wield.
And Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz writes on her Facebook page: "They've done it! The Assembly and Senate voted to eliminate Redevelopment! It's not over. Protect Local Government... Protect Redevelopment. Join Us!!!"
She includes a link to this protect-redevelopment site: http://goo.gl/fFPaG
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia in The Atlantic Magazine | Portantino's Bill Goes Forward
~ The Atlantic magazine reports on the premier showing of "Courage" in Monrovia on Sunday. With video clip of movie. http://goo.gl/yBS5l
~ A bill by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino to ban the 'open carry' of guns heads to State Senate floor. Portantino represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/UOEeW
- Brad Haugaard
Will Monrovia Be Chopped in Half at Foothill? | Will PD Lose Money?
Also, in his weekly letter ( http://goo.gl/1dTQm ), Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa writes:
~ that the most recent redistricting maps show "a united Monrovia for State Senate and Assembly districts, but a split community for the Congressional map. The dividing line would be Foothill Boulevard. For Monrovia's part, we submitted a letter emphasizing that the City Council wishes to be included into one district for Assembly, Senate and Congressional purposes.
~ that through the state budget process, the Monrovia Police Department could lose $100,000. "Our Finance Division is working with the PD to ensure a workable response if this comes to pass."
He adds that State Controller John Chiang's refusal to pay state legislators - whom Chiang says failed to come up with a balanced budget - "should put a serious fire under the Legislature to get something done."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Responds to Star-News Criticism
Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa, in his weekly report, includes the City Council's letter in response to the Star-News editorial criticizing the city in the Monrovia/Gold Line conflict.
The letter says the Gold Line Construction Authority knew the history of the disputed property, said that the city's agreement with an unhappy property owner should not be an impediment to the Gold Line acquiring the property, and asks: " [W]hy should our residents shoulder an additional financial burden on top of accepting the M&O Facility in the first place?"
Full letter here: http://goo.gl/1dTQm
- Brad Haugaard
Regulation of Boot Camps
A Star-News story about efforts to have regulatory oversight of boot-camp style programs for difficult-to-handle kids, such as the camp run by Kelvin McFarland of Monrovia, who has been arrested and charged with kidnapping. http://goo.gl/vJi2Z
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Summer Art Walk
A decorated bear and other art along Myrtle at tonight's art walk.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Chase Bank on Old Monrovia Spire's Restaurant Site
It appears the old Spires restaurant site on Huntington will be occupied by a Chase bank branch. http://goo.gl/nRZiB - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Leader Mimi Mency Dies
Mimi Mency, the first black Monrovia school board member, has died. http://goo.gl/xasd5 - Brad Haugaard
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