Leonard Holen Election Statement - Running for Monrovia Mayor

LEONARD HOLEN

Candidate for Mayor of Monrovia

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am running for Mayor of the City of Monrovia because I believe we each have a responsibility to make the world a better place in his or her own way. I am going door to door meeting people and shaking hands.

First, I would like to share with you all a few facts about myself. I was born on a farm in the Midwest and, as a child, moved to a small town. Small town values and common sense were instilled in me by my parents and family. I served in the U. S. Army for eight years and a veteran of the Gulf War. I am married to my wife, Rocio Holen, have one son that is married and has two children who are also residents of Monrovia.

I am an elected Trustee with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2070, and a member in good standing of the American Legion. Each month I volunteer to feed the homeless. My dedication to community service and desire is to do what is best for the City of Monrovia. This has  motivated me to run for Mayor.

Some of the programs I would like to institute as Mayor of the City of Monrovia are:

- Institute a women's shelter for Veteran's with Children

- Installation of community pocket parks and gardens

- Collaboration with water district and city to install sustainable landscaping for water conservation

A vote for me, Leonard W. Holen, as Mayor of Monrovia is a vote for our City. 

See you in the neighborhood,                                                                                         

Leonard Holen

Gloria Crudgington Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council

Gloria Crudgington

Candidate for City Council

I am running for City Council because I am deeply concerned about the following issues:

·        I attended the 2014 City Council Budget Study Sessions (10 sessions over 9 months, not videotaped), the only member of the public that attended regularly.  I learned that we have $38 Million in unfunded deferred maintenance and budgeted only $300,000 to fix it.  At this rate, it would take 125 years to fix everything, assuming nothing else breaks.  In other words, we balance the budget by essentially ignoring the deferred maintenance.

·        Despite assurances from City officials that our zoning codes protected us from Arcadia-style McMansions, they don’t.  Please visit my website, www.GloriaCrudgington.com, to view the Youtube video that led to the temporary moratorium.  I am a 17-year Monrovia Historic Preservation Group Board Member and activist.  New construction must be compatible with our neighborhoods.  Who you elect will determine the future of our architectural heritage.

·        Last year, we were told we didn’t receive a grant to restore our historic train depot.  That was untrue.  (Visit my website to view another Youtube video, “Monrovia Train Depot Disaster.”) The City lost a $927,000 grant to restore our train depot.   According to a note sent to me by Interim City Manager Fran Delach last year, the grant was “neglected,”  “the funds had to be returned to the MTA,” and “the employee responsible for the project was terminated by the City.”  This would mean the grant loss was not “deliberate” or “thoughtful,” as recently described by the City.

In the past year, these circumstances have turned me, an 11-year Community Services Commissioner, former Citizen of the Year and dedicated volunteer, into a whistle blower.  I refer you to my website for my additional credentials, and I ask for your vote. 

Monrovia Council: Maintenance Issues; Finances; Dial-a-Ride

At the next City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/8tFkpp ) the Council will consider a number of maintenance issues:

- Mud and Debris Removal in the Madison Fire Area.

- A contract for design and construction management services for the Huntington Drive median.

- A contract for the preparation of a citywide street reconstruction plan.

Also, a report on city finances. Summary: Looking a bit better with a few glitches: http://goo.gl/GHhUz9

And, the city may purchase up to four new Dial-a-Ride vehicles: http://goo.gl/KESl8n

- Brad Haugaard

Crab House and Bakery, And More Pizza, for Monrovia

Apparently there will be a new restaurant at 941 West Duarte Road called "Momo Crab house and Bakery." Interesting combination. And another, at 400 W. Huntington Drive (Sprouts shopping area, I believe), called Papa Murphy's Pizza. The Monrovia Development Review Committee will consider proposed signs for the businesses. http://goo.gl/iZLzIj

- Brad Haugaard

Author Compiling Visual History of Monrovia | Injuries in Car Wash Crash

~ If you have any vintage photographs, postcards or stories of Monrovia, local author Melanie Frick would like to communicate with you about a photographic history of Monrovia she is assembling to include in a book to be published by Arcadia Publishing. To share your photographs and stories, please contact Melanie Frick at monroviamelanie@gmail.com by March 13, 2015.

~ Several people injured in accident at Monrovia car wash. http://goo.gl/3s60ka

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Teacher Dies | New Businesses | Maryknoll Sister Celebrates 60 Years

~ Notable former Monrovia teacher dies. Marianne Krackhart Campbell: http://goo.gl/9qCQwM

~ New businesses coming to Old Town Monrovia: http://goo.gl/gDzhAV

~ Monrovian, Sister Josephine Magoffin Lucker, has celebrated 60 years as a Maryknoll Sister. http://goo.gl/pM2c3p

- Brad Haugaard

Robert Parry Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council

As I have knocked on doors to talk to Monrovians from 5th Avenue to Bradbury Drive to Hillcrest to Encino Place, I have heard many concerns about our special community. Concerns like crime, streets without stripes potholes, empty store fronts and fears of traffic from the Gold Line. We must address our massive deferred maintenance backlog, preserve our natural and historic ambiance, and budget carefully.

I’m proud to be endorsed by community leaders like Councilmembers Tom Adams & Alex Blackburn; Former Mayors Rob Hammond, State Senator Dick Mountjoy and John Nobrega; activists Gwendolyn Jones and Jimmy Oballes; and the Monrovia Police Officers’ Association.

My qualifications include:
- Small-business owner; 20 years in marketing and finance
- Master’s degree in business from USC; bachelors in journalism from the University of La Verne
- Military reserve officer: three combat tours; currently responsible for 120 Soldiers & $10 million in government property
- Community activist and proven City hall fighter
- Member of Monrovia Library Park Conduct Committee
- VFW Post 2070 Senior Vice Commander
- Father of a pre-schooler
- San Gabriel Valley native

My priorities are simple:

1. Prioritize fiscal responsibility & public safety
2. Preserve Monrovia’s unique character and appearance
3. Maintain our infrastructure.
4. Economic development and integration of the Gold Line, to include attracting new high tech businesses to town while mitigating noise for the neighbors.
5. Improve quality of life; building a park south of Huntington Drive.

I promise to always do what I believe is Monrovia’s best interest.  I’ll apply my experience as a father, businessman and leader to every question.  And I will respect all who come to participate in our democracy and make Monrovia a better place.

You can learn more at: www.ParryForMonrovia.com

Thank you for the honor of your vote.

Dinner at Black Angus

Dinner at Black Angus. Got the 11 oz. top sirloin with baked potato soup and Caesar salad as sides for $22.99 and a 25 oz. beer for$8.  It came with fresh bread and everything was tasty. 

- Bead Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Extremely Drunk; Knife on Campus; As Cop Takes Hit and Run Info, Suspect Drives By

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 9-11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 421 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence/Injury Traffic Collision
February 9 at 4:56 p.m., police responded to the report of an injury traffic collision in the 500 block of Norumbega. A male subject was driving up Norumbega when he crashed into the front of the property. The resident saw that the driver was trying to flee and gave chase. Officers arrived and detained the subject, who had visible injuries to his face. The driver was determined to be extremely intoxicated. Due to his injuries, the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. Charges will be submitted to the District Attorney’s office for filing.

72 Hour Mental Evaluation
February 10 at 1:39 p.m., an officer responded to the front of a business in the 600 block of West Huntington. A subject wearing camouflage was making threats about shooting people. Officers contacted the subject and no weapons were found. The subject was taken to a hospital, where he was held for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

Weapon on School Grounds – Suspect Arrested
February 10 at 1:47 p.m., staff from an elementary school called police to report a student being detained for possession of a folding knife. A male student brought the knife to school and passed it on to one of the female students. The female student started showing off the knife to others. When school staff learned about the knife and confronted the student, she ran and gave it back to the male subject she received it from. The knife was eventually recovered and the female student was cited for possessing a knife on school grounds.

Vehicle Burglary
February 11 at 8:16 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of Diamond. The victim parked and thought she locked her vehicle in front of her home. When her husband went out to use the vehicle the next evening, he found the car was unlocked and property was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
February 11 at 11:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to a domestic violence incident on Duarte Road. Both the suspect and victim were last seen in front of the location. The officer arrived and found the victim had sustained a cut lip and finger after the male suspect hit her several times. The officer located the male suspect and arrested him for domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence/Traffic Collision
February 12 at 1:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Wildrose regarding a hit and run traffic collision where the suspect had fled the scene. The suspect vehicle was described as a green Chevy Silverado. As the officer was getting information from the reporting party, the suspect vehicle was seen driving down the street. The officer stopped the vehicle and determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Windy? | New Bike Bill in State Senate

~ Gusty winds expected today: http://goo.gl/ySHTyq

~ State senator Carol Liu, who represents Monrovia, has authored a bill requiring adult bicyclists to wear helmets (already required of minors) and all riders to wear reflective gear at night. http://goo.gl/6qcZ0l

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Candidate Forums in March

~ Monrovia City Council Candidate Forum Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m., Monrovia City Council Chambers, 415 South Ivy. Hosted by the Monrovia Chamber and facilitated by the Pasadena League of Women Voters.

~ Monrovia Mayoral Candidate Forum Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m., Monrovia City Council Chambers, 415 South Ivy. Hosted by the Monrovia Chamber and facilitated by the Pasadena League of Women Voters.

- Brad Haugaard

Should Monrovia Celebrate Its Zip Code Day? | Volunteer Opportunities

~ Reader Kelly Moran thinks it would be a good idea for Monrovia to celebrate its Zip Code Day (91016), because, you see, 9/10/16 is coming up. She says, "I would hope a more organized community event with fireworks is in order!" And, she wonders what candidates for city council think.

~ Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley has internship opportunities for high school students. Details: http://goo.gl/cCKQM2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Starr Surgical Says It Is Working to Address FDA Concerns

Monrovia's Starr Surgical reports that it is responding to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Warning Letter following an inspection of its Monrovia facilities. The company says it "is currently drafting a response to the FDA's observations" and "will continue to work diligently to address the observations identified in the Form 483 and 2014 Warning Letter." http://goo.gl/8VpJzO

- Brad Haugaard

Scott Austin Election Statement - Running for Monrovia City Council

My name is Scott Austin and I am running for City Council to bring a new voice and new energy to Monrovia. My goal is to foster a more open form of government that welcomes input from throughout the community to make our city a better place to live, work, shop and do business.

A decade-long resident of Monrovia, I’ve sought ways to give back to our community. For the last four years, I’ve served as a Monrovia Planning Commissioner, and have also served on the Historic Preservation Commission. I’ve also been a KGEM board member for 9 years

As a firefighter for 27 years with the City of Pasadena, public service has been my life’s work. I hold an Associate Degree in Fire Science and Business Management. I believe my education work experience and civic involvement make me a good choice to help lead our city into the future.

As a council member, my priorities will be economic development, sensible fiscal planning, public safety, and historic preservation.

Working collaboratively with the business community, our public-sector partners and all of our residents, we can make a better Monrovia for everyone. I welcome your comments and questions at any of the addresses below. I respectfully ask for your vote on April 14th.

Scott Austin

www.AustinforMonrovia.com

Email:scottaustin2015@gmail.com

Facebook: Scott Austin 4 city council

What Calvary Chapel Monrovia Wants to Do With Fourth Dimension Building

Calvary Chapel Monrovia is in escrow to purchase the Fourth Dimension building on Myrtle, right across from Library Park. I reported this as a possibility before, but have now confirmed it with Calvary Chapel Administrative Pastor Mike Antenesse. The escrow, he said, has contingencies, so it's not a done deal, but the church is hopeful.

Here's what Calvary Chapel hopes to do:

• Refurbish the front of the building so it is more in keeping with Old Town, sort of Fifties-ish style.
• Use the back of the building for the church, making the entrance off the alley in the back of the building. The church would not face Myrtle at all.
• Put two retail businesses facing Myrtle. One would be a family friendly bookstore with not only Christian books, but also children's books, home school materials, books on cooking, hobbies, travel, history, home and garden, etc. The other would be a coffee shop. Both businesses would be church-owned but would be taxed just like any other retail businesses.
• The main floor would be for services and the downstairs would be for classrooms.
• Parking would be at the five story Colorado Commons parking structure (mid-block on the north side of Colorado just west of Myrtle). Antenesse said there would be a shuttle service for those too infirm to walk the roughly three blocks, but he believes many of the 700-member congregation would walk and go to restaurants or a movie after church. And since Calvary Chapel is a "commuter church," he said, this should mean a lot of new people coming to town.
• Offer the building for city meetings, such as the State of the City message, and make it available for community organizations to rent.
• Work with the city doing programs in Library Park. He said the church doesn't want to start something separate but would like to use its experience with youth programs, tutoring and drug rehabilitation to assist existing efforts.

He said one Old Town merchant told him that if the 28,000 square foot property was used as a regular retail building operating during regular business days, that it would swamp the parking, but because it would be used primarily during low-traffic Sundays, it could be a boost to those businesses that are open Sundays.

Antenesse said the down payment for the building is "sizeable" and that the church is still $400,000 short, but he said the congregation is behind the effort and he is hopeful that the church can move in sometime this year.

- Brad Haugaard