Fire Department / Restaurant / Fun-Run / Less Gang Crime

A few items of interest from City Manager Scott Ochoa's weekly report:
 
BATTLE TO CONTROL FIRE DEPARTMENT? ~ City Manager Scott Ochoa said he believes a lawsuit by the president of the Monrovia Firefighters' Association is, in his opinion, "about control over the Fire Department. Folks have tried to make it about safety (remember the fracas over the grant-funded regional procurement of firefighter breathing apparatus?), but couldn't; they've tried to make it about ethics (the aborted D.A. investigation), but couldn't. This is about control and change in organizational culture. Thus, with apologies to the community for the ignominy of having this power-play play out in public, all I can offer is that sometimes these situations simply need to work themselves out."
 
JAPANESE RESTAURANT ~ Oto Oto, an authentic, upscale Japanese restaurant will open at the northeast corner of Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue. He said that Oto Oto's parent corporation, Ramla Ltd., owns and operates more than 150 restaurants in Japan, and this Monrovia location represents their first venture into California and the U.S.
 
FOUNTAIN TO FALLS ~ The Community Services Department is preparing a "Fountain to the Falls" run for the 2011 Monrovia Days celebration. The run will begin at the Library Park Fountain, follow a more than 3.5-mile route up to the Canyon Park Falls, and then return to the park. Community and non-profit groups can use the fun-run as a fundraising vehicle. Contact the Community Services Department for more details.
 
LESS CRIME ~ Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a city-county gang effort, has "identified and served due process on a number of local gang members, while at the same time we are noting that long-time gang members appear to be avoiding Monrovia or, at least, trying to be inconspicuous - that is, not breaking the law. Either way is fine by us. Serious (Part I) crime continues to be down in Monrovia during this quarter."
 
Source: http://goo.gl/6bof
 
- Brad Haugaard

Hillsides / Green Dot / Cats / School Arts / Cheap Shopping

PICNIC AREAS ~ Monrovia hillside areas may get more visitor amenities such as picnic areas and parking. http://goo.gl/e8bDG
 
STOCK OFFERING ~ Monrovia's Green Dot corporation plans to launch $100 million public stock offering. http://goo.gl/n8bnj
 
FERAL CATS ~ Animal shelter reports overpopulation of feral cats, so neuter your kitties. http://goo.gl/1aOsx

ART PROGRAM ~ After-school arts program at Plymouth School. http://goo.gl/pOP3Q

CHEAP SHOPPING ~ Monrovia's CouponMountain.com has suggestions for cheap holiday shopping. http://goo.gl/e1jjR

- Brad Haugaard

Events: Veterans / History / Prayer / Santa

VETS DAY ~ Nov. 11. This Thursday is the Monrovia Veterans Day Ceremony held at Monrovia Library Park at 11 a.m.

http://goo.gl/cvFhP

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY ~ Nov. 13. Monrovia Public Library will celebrate National Native American History Month and the rich traditions of the first Californians with the Costanoan-Rumsen-Carmel People. There will be dancing, drumming, storytelling and history. At the Library bandshell from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. No reservations necessary. For more information call 626-256-8274 and ask for Adult Services Reference. (Monrovia Library, 321 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia). http://goo.gl/cvFhP

MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST ~ Nov. 19. The annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on November 19 at the Doubletree Hotel at 924 Huntington Drive. Dr. John Mastrogiovanni of the Jesus is Lord Christian Center will speak on "Our Family, Our Community." It is a buffet breakfast. Cost is $25. RSVP by November 15 to the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce: 358-1159. http://www.monroviacc.com/

SANTA ~ Santa's getting ready to join us in Old Town Monrovia starting the Friday after Thanksgiving! Lots of free family fun for everyone. http://goo.gl/ca08C

- Brad Haugaard

Recall / Runner / Mayor / Volunteers

TRADER JOE RECALL ~ Monrovia's Trader Joe markets is recalling Cilantro Dressing, Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette dressing, Cilantro Pecan Dip and Spicy Thai Pasta Salad. Possibly salmonella in the cilantro. http://goo.gl/B6bAf

 

RUNNER REACHES PITTSBURGH ~ Monrovia runner John Radich is getting close to his goal of running across the country. He is now in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. http://goo.gl/F4du5

 

HISTORY ~ Second Monrovia mayor was also governor of New Mexico. http://goo.gl/dmpWc

 

HELP FOR THANKSGIVING ~ For Thanksgiving, the Foothill Unity Center of Monrovia needs food, volunteers, and adopters to make local kids' gift wishes come true. Email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org. http://goo.gl/RPyyP

 

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations are going up. Whatever happened to poor old Thanksgiving?

- Brad Haugaard

Football: Wildcats 48, South Pas 7 :-)

Monrovia keeps rolling.

Story: http://goo.gl/B0kLj

Pictures: http://goo.gl/nYz4c

- Brad Haugaard

School Policies and Hate

At its meeting this coming Wednesday, the Monrovia School Board will consider adopting revisions to its Pupil Personnel Services Board Policies, including the following:
- Tobacco use
- Positive school climate (no bullying, etc.)
- Asthma management
- Child abuse prevention and reporting
- Suicide prevention and intervention
- School health services
- Hate motivated behavior
Opinion: The one item here that gives me the heebie jeebies is "Hate motivated behavior." While I sympathize with the motivation behind this item, I think it should be pulled and reworded because it appears that half the school population would be guilty within a week of setting foot on campus. Further, it seems to outlaw students' First Amendment right of free speech.
Specifically, it outlaws "discriminatory behavior or statements that degrade an individual on the basis of his/her actual or perceived race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes, or religious beliefs or practices."
So ...
~ If there is a class that includes students of European descent and an instructor criticizes European immigrants' treatment of Native Americans, has the teacher made a discriminatory statement against those students' race, ethnicity, culture or heritage? Should that instructor be disciplined?
~ If a student tells Christian students that he dislikes the Christian church for its stand on homosexuality, will that student be disciplined for a discriminatory statement against those students' religious beliefs?
~ And if a Christian student tells a homosexual student that homosexuality is wrong, is that student going to be disciplined for a discriminatory statement against someone of a particular sexual orientation?
I could go on, but I really think the object is to encourage a POLITE exchange of ideas, not to prevent ideas from being exchanged.
Source: http://goo.gl/rysUN
- Brad Haugaard

More Students Going than Coming

Well, this is a bit concerning. It looks from this graph as if more students want to transfer OUT of Monrovia schools then want to transfer IN. This is a topic at Wednesday's School Board meeting (Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.).

Here is the item: http://goo.gl/KyAkH

Here is the full meeting agenda: http://goo.gl/QBjFH
- Brad Haugaard

Where in Monrovia?

Kind of a slow news day (except remember the Kiwanis Club Magic Show at Clifton Middle School at 7 p.m. - doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $10; call 358-8988. There may be some tickets for sale at the door), so ... Where was I? Oh yeah, slow news day so far, so here's one of my amateurish paintings. Can anyone guess where this is in Monrovia? Hint: somewhere north of Huntington Drive.
- Brad Haugaard

Oak-Killing Bug / Etc.

~ Oak-killing bug may spread here from San Diego County, http://goo.gl/ldJrH

~ AeroVironment receives customer service award. http://goo.gl/ljBx9

~ Off-duty Monrovia Police lieutenant spots stolen vehicle. http://goo.gl/0Ufc8

~ Boutique at First Lutheran Church, Nov. 6, 2010  8 a.m. - 1 p.m., 1323 So. Magnolia Ave. Monrovia. Baby blankets, accent blankets, tied quilts, aprons,  gift items, greeting cards, and Christmas items.

- Brad Haugaard

Refrigerator Bear and Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 28 to November 3. - Brad Haugaard]
 

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 536 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

 
Residential Burglary
October 29 at 1:42 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Beechworth Avenue on the report of a burglary.  The victim left his garage door open.  The suspect took gardening equipment from inside and then fled the area.   
 

Bear Incident
October 30 at 3:12 a.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Norumbega regarding a bear incident.  The bear had entered the detached garage of a residence and forced entry into a refrigerator.  The bear took meat out of the refrigerator and left the location.
 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 4:39 a.m., an officer was patrolling in the 500 block of Sherman when he observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two subjects.  The officer ran the vehicle's license plate and discovered it was reported stolen out of San Dimas.  The officer arrested the person in the driver's seat and completed an identification card on the passenger.  It was later determined the suspect had rented the vehicle and did not return it as agreed upon.  The owner then reported it stolen.
 

Driving Under the Influence / Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 2:11 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle driving around the area of Bradbury and Royal Oaks.  The officer located and stopped a vehicle for traffic violations that matched the description of the vehicle.  The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

 
Robbery / Witness Intimidation / Drug Activity - Suspects Arrested
November 2 at 6:32 p.m., the victim of a strong-arm robbery that occurred on Wednesday, October 27, called police.  He reported that he just saw the two suspects, who are known gang members, on Duarte Road.  He said they were threatening and following him as he was walking down Duarte Road.  Officers responded and conducted an area search for the suspects.  They located four juveniles at an elementary school in Arcadia.  One of the juveniles was wanted for the strong arm robbery, and was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.  He was arrested for suspicion of robbery, possession of methamphetamine and witness intimidation.   A second juvenile suspect was arrested for witness intimidation.  The third juvenile attempted to run from officers, and the forth was found to be in possession of marijuana, both were arrested.  The juvenile wanted in the robbery was booked and taken to Eastlake Juvenile Hall.  The other three were cited and later released to their parents at the station.

 
72-Hour Mental Evaluation
November 2 at 7:46 p.m., a caller reported to police that her neighbor appeared to be under the influence of drugs.  She stated that he was in an argument with his girlfriend and he jumped through a living room window.  She reported that a piece of glass struck the girlfriend, who was bleeding.  Officers responded and detained a known gang member that threatened to kill himself.  He was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

Vehicle Burglary
October 3 at 9:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The suspect smashed the window of the car and took items that were left visible from outside the vehicle.

 
Vehicle Burglary     
October 3 at 10:17 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported that occurred during the evening hours of October 2.  The crime occurred in the 200 block of North Primrose.

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz Honored

Frank Griffith, Corey Lutz, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and Bob Harbicht

By Karin Crehan, Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

It was my pleasure on Friday night to attend the San Gabriel Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America dinner to honor Mayor Mary Ann Lutz with the 2010 Distinguished Citizen Award.  Hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America and Lucky Baldwin District Chairman and Arcadia City Council Member, Robert C. Harbicht.  This award is given to honor prominent area leaders who have a wide influence in the business and professional community, while serving as exemplary role models for our young people.  Mary Ann Lutz's contributions to the quality of life in our community and her commitment to youth and the values of Scouting make her a particularly appropriate honoree.

Speaking to a room full of community leaders you could certainly tell that Mary Ann was pleased with receiving this award, and her words clearly reflected the sentiment of Scouting, "The reason this award is so special is because of the organization that stands behind it.  I believe there is no better way to express it than by stating this: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law."  Mary Ann has a personal connection to scouting as well, her four brothers were scouts and her nephew became an Eagle Scout two years ago, and she said, "I know personally how that achievement has changed his life."  She went on to highlight the positive results of Scouting and noted some Eagle Scout projects in our community included work in Canyon Park, painting and cleaning area schools, churches and community areas.  In addition, a current project will post identifying markers for historic walking tours in our community.

Mary Ann thanked everyone for attending and encouraged them to support scouting with their time, money and spirit!

Football / City Council / STAAR Surgical / Green Dot

~ Beating Wildcats this Friday? Not easy says SoPas football coach. http://goo.gl/vmGDw

~ Latest City Council meeting is on line if you'd like to watch it. http://kgem.tv/

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical had a third-quarter net loss of $1.2 million, compared with a net loss of $2 million during the third quarter of 2009. http://goo.gl/pJY3s

~ Monrovia's Green Dot, a financial services company, reported a strong third quarter: http://goo.gl/MuxRV . UPDATE: But, LA Business Journal said it beat expectations but missed revenue expectations: http://goo.gl/goSaP

- Brad Haugaard

Most Dangerous Corner in Monrovia?

Every time I come to the corner of Alta Vista and Chestnut avenues, I'm scared. I think it is the most dangerous corner I've encountered in Monrovia and I hope city officials will give it a serious look.

The problem, it seems to me, is that it LOOKS like the north-south traffic on Alta Vista would be stopping at the corner. It seems to be one of those sleepy intersections where there would be four stop signs, but there aren't!

The north-south traffic just goes barreling through.

It is understandable that when a low-traffic street comes up against a high-traffic street that the low-traffic street will have a stop sign and the high-traffic street will not, but Alta Vista is not a high-traffic street.

Just to the west there is a four-way stop sign at Mayflower Avenue and Chestnut and just to the east there is a four-way stop at Magnolia Avenue and Chestnut, and both Mayflower and Magnolia are much higher-traffic streets than Alta Vista, yet the higher-traffic streets have four-way stops and the low-traffic Alta Vista does not.

Clearly this is not just my imagination. You can tell because the city has put up a yellow sign saying that "Cross Traffic Does Not Stop" and the only reason for putting up a sign like that is because it looks as if cross traffic SHOULD stop.

So why doesn't it?

Even when you notice the yellow sign and know cross-traffic won't stop, it is scary to cross Alta Vista. For example, with a vehicle parked on the east side of Alta Vista it is almost impossible to see if a fast car is bearing down on you. Look at the series of pictures I have here, in which I pull further and further into the street and still have a hard time seeing if anything is coming down Alta Vista. Then imagine a car coming down Alta Vista at 35 miles an hour. Would you feel safe?
Here's a Google map of the corner: http://goo.gl/Tvq3W

As I said, I hope city officials will take a look at this and consider changing this corner to a four-way stop.

- Brad Haugaard

Local Election Results

All the numbers aren't in yet, but the Los Angeles Times is calling the races for both Republican candidates, David Dreier and Tim Donnelly. So, assuming the Times is right (and it would be no surprise if it is) Dreier goes back to the House of Representatives and Donnelly and Portantino go to the State Assembly.

http://goo.gl/L11xA

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/election/

 

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Receives $17.2 Million Order

Monrovia-based AeroVironment has received a $17.2 million order from the U.S. Army for its digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contractor logistics support, training and accounting for contract services.

Source: http://goo.gl/wdvyI

- Brad Haugaard

Abducted children / DA Investigation

~ Abducted children - who spent time in Monrovia - turned over to Texas authorities. http://goo.gl/GqaVu

~ DA Investigated Monrovia fire officials. http://goo.gl/5VA2X

- Brad Haugaard

Vote Today! Your Country Needs You

I saw our neighborhood cat, Clyde, at the polling area. I said, "Sorry Clyde, you can't vote, this isn't Chicago."

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Preservation: 270 N. Myrtle

In his weekly report, City Manager Scott Ochoa said the Historic Preservation Commission had an "interesting and intense meeting" about the property at 270 N. Myrtle Avenue. The commission voted 3-to-3, thus taking no action. Ochoa said:
 
"The property at 270 N. Myrtle Avenue was purchased by a private owner, who apparently intends to demolish the house in favor of building two new homes. Again, there are two underlying lots and the construction of two single-family homes is a permitted use. Still, the historic preservation community in Monrovia fervently desires to save the house. Thus, we may end up with the immovable object meeting the irresistible force. That said, I do hope and believe that a workable compromise is within reach. Our Planning staff is doing a great job of educating folks and problem-solving."
 
Source: http://goo.gl/6bof

UPDATE: A correspondent writes to say that some members of the Commission want things both ways.

She said they want to be able to say that some pre-1940 homes are not historic and bar them from the benefits accorded to historic homes, but at the same time want to be able to prevent non-historic homes from being replaced, thereby denying all the benefits of historic status but demanding all the limitations.

She said her family attempted to get her older home designated as an historic home, but was told that it was old but not historic.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Sells Chargers / Radich runs through Ohio / Train Station / Tirah Le'au

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment got a deal to equip Nisan dealerships with battery chargers for the launch of the Nissan LEAF electric car. http://goo.gl/efhw

~ Monrovia runner John Radich - as we noted earlier - is running across the continent to the East Coast. He is now in Ohio. http://goo.gl/aLE9

~ Nice black and white photo of Monrovia's old train station. http://goo.gl/jtBL

~ Tirah Le'au Transforms Monrovia High volleyball.  http://goo.gl/fAJG8

- Brad Haugaard