Monrovia Neighborhood Survey / Mentalist on Myrtle / History
~ Phase Four of Monrovia's Thriving Neighborhood Survey is available, and online until April 15. Click the link to rate your neighborhood and let the City know its strengths and needs. http://goo.gl/dFd8Q ~ There was apparently a filming of the show, The Mentalist, on Myrtle a few days ago. http://goo.gl/cvcN2 ~ Chinese in Monrovia History. http://goo.gl/iT2YN - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Candidate Statements: Becky Shevlin
[I have offered all active candidates for the Monrovia City Council a post of up to 300 words to explain and promote their candidacy. I am posting them in the order I receive them. This is the second, from Becky Shevlin. - Brad Haugaard]
I have lived in the immediate area for 56 years and in Monrovia for the past 23 years, raising a family here, and for 35 years, have worked as a legal assistant for attorney Mark M. O’Brien, with his office in Monrovia Old Town for the past 16 years. I have immersed myself in all aspects of our Community building valuable relationships with local businesses and fellow Monrovians. For 2 years now it has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Monrovia as a Monrovia City Council Member.
SERVING MONROVIA - Council Liaison and Representative to the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board, Community Services Commission (past Commissioner 11 years, and past Chair), Foothill Workforce Investment Board, Foothill Transit Board; Southern California Association of Governments, Adopt-a-School Program (Clifton Middle School) and Alternate for the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and Council of Governments.
Community Involvement – Monrovia Reads Board Member and past President (8 years); Acting Secretary and past Chair of Monrovia Chamber Business, Education, and Community Outreach Network Committee (8 years and also serving on Chamber Executive Board 2005-2008; President 2007); Calendar Coordinator and past President of Monrovia Community Coordinating Council (12 years); Monrovia Guild - Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (4 years); County Commission for Women Board Member (appointment 2010) as well as involvement with several other Community organizations and programs.
Our future is calling; we have many challenges and I believe I am prepared to confront and address them, both on your behalf and together. My desire is that we continue to cherish and preserve our rich heritage and sense of community while forging ahead to a prosperous future. I thank you for your support and ask for your Vote on April 12, 2011. To contact me, please email bshevlin@obrienlawcorp.com; call (626) 253-0072, or visit www.beckyshevlin.com.
South Pas Outruns Monrovia / Saving a Skunk
~ South Pasadena track team over Wildcats :-( http://goo.gl/ecQqS
~ Firefighters save soggy skunk. http://goo.gl/53xd0
- Brad Haugaard
Pets for Monrovians
Mozart, at Inland Valley
Monrovia contracts with Inland Valley Humane Society in Pomona for some of its animal control needs.
If you are interested in adopting an animal, here are Inland Valley links:
If you are interested in adopting an animal, here are Inland Valley links:
Cats: http://goo.gl/tdJ5K
Dogs: http://goo.gl/H3Iey
Other Critters: http://goo.gl/YQmf6
Also nearby is the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. Here are the animals they have available:
And if you need to report a stray, call the Monrovia Police Department at (626) 256-8000 any time.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's World Vision Raises $25 million for Japan.
World Vision International, based in Monrovia, raises nearly $25 million for Japan. http://goo.gl/0ukhE - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Candidate Statements: Tom Adams
[I have offered all active candidates for the Monrovia City Council a post of up to 300 words to explain and promote their candidacy. The offer remains open until midnight of April 4. I am posting them in the order I receive them. This is the first I've received, from Tom Adams. - Brad Haugaard]
As a Monrovia native I enjoy being in a position to live and work right here in Monrovia. I spend most of my day talking to Monrovian’s about Monrovia. I hear about the things they like and at times what they don’t. I try to insure that we continue to do the good and not repeat the bad. I have had the pleasure of raising my children here and have worked with our great schools for their education. Monrovia is blessed in many ways and we need to continue these blessings.
Monrovia is very special to me and Monrovian’s have given me the opportunity to serve this great town in many ways including serving on this council in good times and bad. Monrovia has seen lows and highs and although we are in the middle of the worst economy in my lifetime, Monrovia will come out on top but it won’t be easy getting there. The State of California has and will continue to take from Monrovia in their attempt to keep the state treasury alive, we must do all we can to prevent them from dragging Monrovia down with them. The future of Monrovia depends on how these next few years are handled. We must insure that our economic decisions are strong yet we need to insure that we keep an eye on our rich past as we move forward respecting our history.
We also need to insure that all Monrovian’s share in the future as we move forward. Monrovia has a rich history not just in our buildings but our people, a history that as we move forward needs to be recognized and celebrated.
Thank you all again and I ask for your vote on April 12th. Thank you!
Monrovia Police Chief Retiring / ZuniDigital Wins Awards
~ Monrovia Police Chief Roger Johnson is retiring May 5. http://goo.gl/Jx5zt ~ ZuniDigital, of Monrovia, has won two separate Awards within the wireless marketplace. http://goo.gl/ZMva9 - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Baseball / Gospel Expo / Lost Dog / Cronkite
~ Monrovia baseball loads up on tough opponents. http://goo.gl/JAPK4
~ Gospel Expo and First Presbyterian Good Friday concert choir. http://goo.gl/XoqOF
~ Lost dog found in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/3m6rx
~ Charlotte Shamadan misses Walter Cronkite. http://goo.gl/8EyCD
- Brad Haugaard
Duarte Debate Spills into Monrovia / Language Learning / Lawsuit
~ A group opposed to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Duarte ( http://goo.gl/ZM4sj ) asked "pro-lifers to come out and defend life" at a meeting in Monrovia of the Foothill Community Democrats ( http://goo.gl/QX4qV ), featuring a Planned Parenthood speaker.
~ The Monrovia Library has a number of language learning tools you may not know about. http://goo.gl/Berj9 ~ A property owner who might be affected by the construction of a Gold Line maintenance facility is suing Monrovia. http://goo.gl/eHR9O and http://goo.gl/xR539 - Brad HaugaardDick Heimbold's Paintings at Monrovia's Selig Fine Art
Buster's, by Dick Heimbold, 24x18 oil
Selig Fine Arts is holding a Meet the Artist reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres to kick off a solo show of paintings by Dick Heimbold, whose "work utilizes the narcotic effect of brilliant color to connect the viewer with the character of the subject or place in his work." The event will be held Saturday, April 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Segil Fine Art, 110 W. Lime Ave., in Old Town Monrovia.
- Brad Haugaard
New Old-Town Monrovia One-Mile Walking Route
A set of mileage posts marking a new old town walking route has been installed along Myrtle Avenue.
This latest walking route is an idea that was brought to the City by resident Chris Shevlin. Mr. Shevlin, a Monrovia Kiwanis Club member, asked the group to fully sponsor this project—which they agreed to do. This route aims to help Monrovians become more active; while encouraging an increase of foot traffic throughout Monrovia’s historic old town district.
The old town walking route is one mile in length, starting at Foothill Boulevard, traveling south on Myrtle Avenue for approximately a half-mile to the Old Town Arch at Walnut Avenue, then returning to the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The walk takes participants past the Community Center, Library Park and through the heart of Old Town’s shopping, dining and entertainment district.
This route is the second of its kind within the old town district. The first, the “Fountain to the Falls” route, was installed late last year by Eagle Scout candidate Jeffrey Ramos. The “Fountain to the Falls” route starts at Old Town’s Library Park fountain and travels north to the waterfall in Canyon Park. A 7-Mile Run/Walk event, which will follow this route, is planned for Saturday, May 14 as part of the City’s 125th birthday celebration.
For more information on this route call (626) 303-6600.
More: http://goo.gl/EVaBi
- Brad Haugaard (from Dan Bell, City of Monrovia)
Fake City Worker Steals Cash, Burglary, Assault, Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March. 17-23. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 510 service events, resulting in 91 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
Crime Notification - Imposter - City Water Department Worker
On March 14 at approximately 10:30 a.m., an elderly female resident in the 600 block of West Maple answered a knock at her door. A 35 to 45 year old Hispanic male wearing white pants and a white shirt identified himself as a "water department employee." This suspect was wearing an identification badge on a lanyard around his neck. He told the resident he needed to check her water because the water in the area was contaminated. The resident allowed the suspect inside her home. He checked the water in her kitchen faucet and then told the resident to check her bathroom faucet. When the resident left to check the bathroom faucet, the suspect removed cash and a checkbook from the resident's purse. The suspect left and the resident discovered the crime. Investigation continuing.
Formative Years Project
The Monrovia Police Department's classes for the Formative Years Project are scheduled to begin May 5, 2011. The Formative Years Project is a program aimed at parents and their children, grades 1st through 3rd, which introduces important life values and skills to children at an early age. Providing this training when children are young begins the process of building healthy and safe practices that can set the stage for a lifetime of success and healthy living. Please see the flyer attached at the end of this report for more information on how to register for classes.
Burglary
March 17 at 7:40 a.m., officers responded to the report of a break-in at a camp building in the 1100 block of North Canyon. The officer determined the suspect used a cylindrical piece of concrete to break the southwest window to gain entry and took a portable DVD player, 10 portable radios, and a backpack with a medical kit. The building was unoccupied at the time. Investigation continuing.
Brandishing a Knife - Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 4:36 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding a disturbance between two boys. On arrival, the officer detained the two subjects, one is 18 years old. Apparently, an argument began between the two boys and the 18 year old produced a knife and brandished it. He was arrested and later released on a citation.
Vandalism - Suspect Arrested
March 17 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to Evergreen and Myrtle regarding a male subject that had been seen writing graffiti on the wall of the freeway. Officers responded and detained the subject. The graffiti was not gang related. The suspect was arrested for vandalism. The Monrovia Police Department's $100 Graffiti Bounty was given to the reporting party of this incident.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
March 18 at 12:38 a.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue regarding a disturbance between a male subject and female subject that were yelling at each other. When the officers arrived, the male subject was gone and the female was in her hotel room. A small plastic bag of methamphetamine was found on the ground next to the female, along with a used glass smoking pipe, which was found under her duffle bag next to her. The female was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 3:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Huntington when he observed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed stolen and officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested the driver. The driver claimed he just bought the vehicle, but Los Angeles Sheriff's TRAP detectives reported the vehicle had been stolen from a dealership. Investigation continuing.
Dog Incident
March 21 at 3:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Hurstview regarding a woman being attacked by a dog. The officer was able to scare the dog away and the female was able to leave the property without injury. The dog's owner was cited.
Residential Burglary
March 21 at 7:44 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of El Nido regarding a burglary alarm. When officers arrived, they discovered that someone had forced entry into the residence by removing a bathroom window screen and breaking the window. The resident was notified by the alarm company, and he reported that he had left the residence moments before the alarm activation. A witness was located who stated a newer, white Toyota Camry was seen leaving the location after the alarm activated. Investigation continuing.
Commercial Robbery
March 22 at 9:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of West Huntington regarding a robbery. A white female suspect walked into the business and approached the counter brandishing a large kitchen knife. She stated that this was a robbery and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk behind the counter stepped back and told a customer to call police because they were being robbed. The suspect calmly turned and walked out of the business, down the street and out of sight. An area search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. It was later learned that two similar robberies occurred in the City of San Dimas. Video surveillance was captured of the incident in Monrovia. The investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Weinerschnitzel
Monrovia Spring Classes and Events
The Monrovia Department of Community Services has a whole catalog of Spring events and classes planned - including, uh, Zumba?
Click here for catalog: http://goo.gl/yAqAv
Click here for registration form: http://goo.gl/dKV9R - Brad HaugaardGold Line Lawsuit / Women Who Rock / Monrovia High Students Honored
~ Property owner sues Monrovia over planned sale of land for Gold Line yard. http://goo.gl/xR539
~ On March 29th at 6:30 p.m., the Monrovia Public Library will present Women who Rock, featuring five women artists. For information, call the Youth Services Reference Desk at (626) 256-8256. http://goo.gl/6s8Wy
~ Rotary Club honors Monrovia High students for ethics essays. http://goo.gl/jCf6F
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Church Raises Money for Japan
After another offering on Sunday, Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church has raised $2,475 for for disaster relief in Japan. The money will go through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund to provide food, blankets, radios, batteries, sanitation kits, clean water and fuel. http://goo.gl/Yxb1P
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Birthday Schedule
Here is a schedule of Monrovia Day activities for Monrovia's big 125th birthday.
- Brad Haugaard
Mayor Lutz: There's Only One Mayor in Monrovia
At tonight's special City Council meeting (March 22), Mayor Mary Ann Lutz responded to Councilman Tom Adam's criticisms of her and of the proposed $39.6 million land sale - which he had stated earlier in a letter ( http://goo.gl/heLVN ) because he could not attend the meeting - by reading this prepared statement:
"I'm sorry that Mr. Adams is not present with us this evening. And I am equally sorry and disappointed that he chose to write a letter that was cc'd to the press - but to none of his Council colleagues - to protest our special meeting tonight.
"As the Mayor, I feel I need to respond to portions of his letter.
"Mr. Adams' letter refers to this special meeting as 'rushed' and even comments that the proceedings, in his opinion, are less than transparent. He seems to divorce himself from the fact that he has been a party to all of the Council discussions leading to this point. He believes that the value for the land, which we are considering tonight, is too low. He also has some choice words for me, as Mayor.
"Truly, I am the Mayor. And as Mayor, I have to try to lead this Council the best way I know how. We don't always agree on this dias, obviously. But we have always prided ourselves on knowing how to disagree; that is, what has historically set Monrovia apart - in my opinion - is that over the years diverse groups of people have been able to overcome personal differences and work toward the common good."
[Lutz diverged from her prepared statement at this point to say that Adam's comment about asking neighboring cities to help bear the financial burden "was never said and is not realistic." She said Monrovia is negotiating with the Gold Line about the land sale, not other cities.]
"Mr. Adams disagrees with the direction of the Council on this matter, and he is surely entitled to do so - as long as we all understand that there is a difference between his opinion and our reality. He's upset with me personally, and that's ok too. But Monrovia doesn't need petty squabbles, it needs leadership. Even more, it needs teamwork - healthy disagreement and honest debate, for sure - but teamwork, most definitely.
"That's all I'll say about Mr. Adams and his letter tonight.
"These are nearly unprecedented days we are living in California and Monrovia, and I don't believe that we have time for two sets of facts, or two policies for every issue, or two Mayors for this Council. I think Monrovia deserves better.
"Now, let's move on..."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council Delays $39.6 Million Property Sale
The Monrovia City Council put off until its regularly-scheduled April 5 meeting a decision about whether to sell a plot of land to the Gold Line Construction Authority for $39.6 million after City Manager Scott Ochoa said that staff found it "difficult to recommend wholeheartedly the contract before you."
Also, an attorney for one of the property owners whose land would be affected by the project objected that:
- agenda materials for tonight's meeting (March 22) were not available as early as required by law.
- if the issue will be discussed at the April 5 meeting, then the proposed contract and other relevant materials for that meeting should be available tonight, two weeks prior to the meeting.
- the city has 2004 agreement with the property owner not to use - or cause to be used - eminent domain to acquire his land.
Ochoa agreed that the city has an agreement with the landowner, but didn't think it applied in the current situation.
Also, Ochoa agreed with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz that there is a danger in delay; that the state may act in a way that would endanger the city's ownership of the property.
- Brad Haugaard
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