Stephen Grollnek Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council

My name is Stephen Grollnek and I am running for City Council. Most of you know me from writing The Monrovia Shadow, implementing the restaurant rating system and helping people get things done when no one in the City will help them.

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Sadly, Monrovia has become a city of potholes, dead trees, rotting pipes, cracked sidewalks and homes being torn down to be replaced by oversized mansions which ruin the City’s history and beauty. All citizens hear from the City is, “We have no money.” Look at the right side of your property tax bill. What are the select few in city government doing with these monies? Businesses are closing at a rapid rate in Old Town. Loans are given to special interest groups and contracts awarded to friends of the City Council and Mayor.

Gloria Crutchington in advance of running for office, was put in charge of the Hillside Preservation Project and attempted to take away our rights on this bond issue. She has also been the linchpin working with special interest condemning older houses in Monrovia to replace them with pseudo-mansions on overbuilt lots.

Robert Perry never met a citizen he likes and only attends City Council meetings when there are bicycle issues discussed. Doesn’t he understand he can’t ride a bike on cracked streets with potholes and branches fallen in the street from untrimmed City trees.

Becky Shevlin, the councilwoman with the million dollar smile, tries to get things done but is stopped at every turn by certain cliques on the Council.

The future of the City is in the hands of you the voter. Help me lead our great city back to the All American City it was.

Stephen H. Grollnek
spreeguy@aol.com 213: 705-2227.

Monrovia Police: Drunk Driving Busts; Missing Teen Found; Multi-Grand Thefts; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 22-25. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 2:00 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a driver in the area of Hillcrest and Stedman for a speeding violation. He had been drinking at a friend’s house. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 2:30 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a driver driving on the wrong side of the road. The driver was stopped in the area of California and Monrovista. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 3:20 a.m., an officer observed a driver passed out behind the wheel in the 800 block of California. The driver was found behind the wheel and refused all DUI tests. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing Person – Subject Located
January 24 at 7:48 p.m., a parent came in to report his son missing from a residence in the 500 block of East Walnut. The teenage son is autistic and had run away from their home. Officers quickly began looking for the subject, and he was located within about thirty minutes.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 3:25 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Montana and Myrtle. During the course of the stop, it was determined the driver had been drinking and was under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft Auto
January 25 at 9:05 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of West Greystone on the report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle is a Bronze, 1992 Acura. The vehicle was parked in front of the victim’s home and was left unlocked. The theft occurred sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 25 at 12:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a possible theft. Store security reported a known suspect in the store that had committed repetitive grand thefts. The suspect was collecting expensive items in the store. This suspect is responsible for a string of thefts at different locations of the business from the Monrovia to Pasadena area. The suspect enters a store and fills up a shopping cart with expensive items, and then pushes the property outside the store to an awaiting getaway car.

Monrovia officers arrived at the location, set up containment and waited for the suspect to exit. The suspect exited the store with the stolen merchandise. When he saw police, he dropped the stolen property and ran. Officers detained the suspect, and he arrested without further incident.

Upcoming Monrovia Events: Mudflow, Open House, State of City, Robotics, Etc.

~ Saturday, Jan. 31. City-sponsored discussion of Mudflow and Debris Mitigation Measures at Monrovia Public Library Community Room. City Manager, representatives of Public Works, Fire, LA County will answer questions. 9 -11 a.m. For additional information: Kerri Zessau at 256-8233 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us .

~ Jewish Federation Open House, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2-5 p.m. at 114A West Lime Ave.

~ Monrovia State of the City Address, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. at the Krikorian Theater. For information or reservations contact Heather Greer at 303-6602.

First Tech Challenge robotics tournament at Monrovia High, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

~ Dinner and fellowship to honor Monrovia Chaplain President, Minister Terrance Brown. Saturday, Feb. 21. Hosted by Bethel Monrovia African Methodist Episcopal Church at Monrovian Restaurant. Tickets at http://www.bethelmonrovia.com . More information at 930-1120 .

~ Monrovia Chamber Business Seminar Series begins Wednesday, March 11, hosted by the Chamber and City of Monrovia at Exelis Inc., 1400 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia; 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m. Free but reservations required (contact Chamber of Commerce at 358-1159 ).

~ Monday, March 30 is the last day to register to vote in the April 14 Local General Election. More info at http://www.lavote.net or contact City Clerk at 932-5505 or aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us .

Thanks to Becky Shevlin for her excellent calendar, from which I swiped these items.

Astronomy Tonight in Monrovia

Take a close-up peek at the moon and maybe Jupiter tonight at the Myrtle-Lime corner of Library Park. Monrovia Sidewalk Astronomers will set up their telescopes between about 6-8 p.m. Because of different layers of air temperature and upper level winds, you may notice a slightly watery effect when you view the moon or planets through a telescope, and the stars may be more twinkle-y when you look up at the night sky.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Moms Club Playdate

Moms Club of Monrovia will hold a playdate in the playground at Arcadia County Park on Monday, Jan. 26.

Should Monrovia Allow Push Carts?

A Monrovian writes in letter to the editor that push cart vendors don't belong here: http://goo.gl/WGOuMS

- Brad Haugaard

Jordan Kittleson Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council

Renowned philosopher Sun Tzu once wrote “Every battle is won before it’s ever fought.” These words speak volumes to the vital importance of dedication, work ethic, preparation, and strategic planning in achieving pure Monrovian exceptionalism.
Holding a Master’s degree in Public Administration, my background neatly attaches itself with the concept of public service. From serving as a Residential Community Advisor and Secretary of Legislative Affairs in graduate school to providing constituent services to the City of Monrovia as an intern in a Congressional office, I fundamentally believe that my skill set is well-equipped to tackle the toughest of City Council assignments.
Although Monrovia continues to hold an unwavering commitment to excellence and sets the standard on many fronts, there is more work to be done.  The epicenter of my platform will prioritize initiatives designed to stimulate community development, emphasize financial responsibility and accountability, expand city volunteerism, and, perhaps most importantly, optimize our potential of educational support for our youth.
Bearing this in mind, it would be my distinguished honor and esteemed privilege to earn your vote on April 14^th for the office of Monrovia City Council.  This truly is our time to shine.

JORDAN K. KITTLESON, MPA

City Council Nominee

Jordan K. Kittleson for Monrovia City Council 2015

a: 133 W. Hillcrest Blvd Monrovia, CA 91016

t: 626-826-9618

e: jordan.kittleson@yahoo.com

"Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes."

--Walt Whitman

http://kittlesonforcouncil2015.nationbuilder.com/

A Blustery Day in Monrovia Tonight and Saturday

Windy in Monrovia tonight and tomorrow ( http://goo.gl/cFn7tk ), up to 35 mph. In fact, windy throughout much of the county: http://goo.gl/heGnhJ

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Cafe Massilia

Lunch at Cafe Massilia, on the south side of Lemon just east of Myrtle. It's the place with the French flag out front. Got Le Boeuf (beef) Bourguignon for $10.95 and iced tea for $2.60. Came with French bread. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Explorers Compete in Arizona

On January 16-19, 18 Monrovia Police Explorers joined Explorers from all over the Western United States in the 17th Annual Law Enforcement Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona. http://goo.gl/w1s0m2

- Brad Haugaard

A Bit More Rain for Monrovia?

Sixty percent chance of rain starting Monday, trailing off to 20% by Friday. http://goo.gl/zF7Tbg

- Brad Haugaard

Sex Offender Database - Look Up Those in Monrovia

Monrovia Police Department wants you to know about the Megan's Law database, the state's registered sex offender database, where you can look up local offenders.

Click here, read the disclaimers, click the little box at the bottom and press "Continue." Then you can search.

Monrovia PD adds: "In addition to the Megan's Law information, the State website offers great advice and tips to parents on helping prevent our children from becoming victims of sexual assault. The State of California Attorney General's Office provides information to help protect yourself and your family. They advise to, 'inform children that it is wrong for adults to engage children in sexual activity. Stress to your child that he or she should feel comfortable telling you anything, especially if it involves another adult. If your child does not feel comfortable being completely honest with you, then together you should find another trusted adult your child can talk to in confidence. Make an effort to know the people with whom your child is spending time. Knowledge is power. This is especially true for protecting children from sexual assault...'"

More general information here.

Comment: Thirty in the list at the moment, most with pictures.

- Brad Haugaard

Tom Adams Election Statement - Running for Monrovia Mayor

In the 20 years that Tom has served our community, the last six have been the hardest. In the 1970’s some thought Monrovia was dying, and the last person out of town should turn out the lights. For years Monrovia has worked tirelessly to become the city we all love. Today we are going backwards. Look at our streets, sidewalks, parks and municipal property.

Monrovia has Tens of Millions of Dollars of Deferred Maintenance yet there is no plan to address the problem. The current Mayor’s budget did not address this.

Tom Adams will prioritize a plan and provide the leadership that will initiate a solution.

The current Mayor has brought us seven different City Managers in the past six years and voted for a failed attempt to include Monrovia property in a National Recreation Area against Monrovia’s wishes. Monrovia deserves better. Tom Adams’ vision as Mayor will insure that Monrovia always comes first.

We must stop the sweet heart loans to prior employees!

We must stop giving the Federal Government control over our Wilderness Preserve!

We must stop the seemingly endless cycle of turnover at City Hall!

We must do a better job of protecting our neighborhoods, for Monrovians!

We must rebuild Monrovia, for Monrovians!

Monrovia is at a cross roads, the path that we take will determine our future. Six years of failed leadership is enough, we need to reverse our direction and take us back to the Monrovia that we all love.

This election we all have a choice to make, we can continue down the path of failed leadership and photo ops, or we can change directions, Tom Adams is the change we need.

Tom Adams promises that Monrovia’s needs will always come first!

MonroviaNow Candidate Election Statements

As soon as the filing period ended for those wishing to run for the office of mayor or city council for Monrovia, I sent an invitation to each candidate offering space in MonroviaNow.com to make a campaign statement. (If you are a candidate and didn't get an invitation, check your email.)

Requirements were that they could use up to 300 words, could include one picture and the statement needed to be submitted by Monday, February 16 at the latest. I do not plan to edit the statements at all and intend to publish them in the order I receive them, then, later in the campaign I plan to post a list of links to all the candidates' statements, so they'll be easy to compare.

So, keep an eye out, the first one is coming up today.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gold Line Yard | Historical Museum to Honor Abolitionists

~ Story on nearly-completed Gold Line Maintenance Yard. http://goo.gl/kMpILN

~ Monrovia Historical Museum will honor abolitionists during Black History Month. http://goo.gl/fkGdrm

- Brad Haugaard