Windstorm Gives Workout to Monrovia Service Club's Emergency Database

The recent windstorm gave a workout to a new database designed to help city officials check on disabled Monrovians during an emergency, according to Quota Club member Charlotte Shamadan.

 

She said the club collected 50 disabled people's names and addresses through a form in the city's Monrovia Today newsletter as part of the service club's Disaster Recovery and Safety program. (Someone, she said, even sent in his or her house keys.)

 

When the storm hit, the city was able to check on every person on the list.

 

Shamadan said the Quota Club is working on having a computer program and database created that will simplify checking on the disabled.

 

The database is now maintained by Shamadan, with a copy at the Fire Department. The information, she said, is completely private.

 

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia News Weekly | FD vs PD | Odd Females | Doctor Buggy | 'Worst Case' Ruling | MHS Landmark?

A few items from today's Monrovia Coordinating Council:

 

~ Monrovia is getting a new paper news weekly starting Feb. 2, the Route 66 Weekly, which will be distributed in restaurants for people to read while waiting for their food. Publisher Shawn Davis says it will be light reading, with a mix of local and national information, and humor. It is starting in Monrovia but he plans to extend it to other communities soon. http://goo.gl/Kznes

 

~ The Monrovia Youth Baseball League is thinking of putting together a Monrovia Fire Department vs. Police Department baseball game, according to league representative Roger Llamas.

 

~ The Odd Couple play (Jan 12, 7:30 p.m. at Monrovia High) will be "The Odd Couple - Female Version," according to School Board Member Ed Gililland.

 

~ The Monrovia Historical Society has obtained a doctor's buggy, which has been used in parades.

 

~ Monrovia City Council member Becky Shevlin said that the California Supreme Court's redevelopment decisions were "the worst case scenario," with "a wrench thrown in everything." She said the sale of land to the Gold Line will happen, but the decision "affects what we are going to get out of the deal."

 

~ Monrovia preservationist Jim Wigton makes the case for designating the main Monrovia High building as a landmark.

http://goo.gl/QcHRs

 

- Brad Haugaard

Freeway Closures Through Jan. 21

There may be closures of the 210 eastbound near Santa Anita between now and Jan. 21. Closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and close no later than 1 p.m. the following day.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High's McCarthy Picks Cal

Monrovia defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy picks Cal. http://goo.gl/OsiIU

- Brad Haugaard

Dream Act Repeal Initiative Fails to Get Enough Signatures

An initiative to repeal the Dream Act has failed to gather enough signatures to get on the ballot, according to Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia. He may try again later. http://goo.gl/llVLg

 

- Brad Haugaard

Lawsuit vs. Monrovia Assemblyman's Gun Law | McCarthy College Announcement

~ Lawsuit filed against Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's law outlawing the open-carry of firearms. Portantino represents part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/FXd0f

 

~ More on the expected college announcement of Monrovia High defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy. Leaning towards Cal? http://goo.gl/HRRcx

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Declare Jan 12 'Monrovia Varsity FootballWildcat Day'

At its Jan. 11 meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/59TpA ) the Monrovia School Board will consider whether to declare Jan. 12 as "Monrovia Varsity Football Wildcat Day" ( http://goo.gl/LTv0q ), with a victory parade and rally. Hmm. I'd say the odds are high that the board will approve this measure.

The parade, by the way, will start at Monrovia High, travel east along Colorado, then north on Myrtle to Library Park, where it will be welcomed by the Monrovia City Council, School Board, high school band and Wildcat fans. The city is  asking Monrovians to line the route and join the festivities at Library Park at approximately 5:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia School Board Officers - Wong, Rich, Zucco

I missed this earlier, but at its Dec. 15 meeting, the Monrovia School Board elected new officers ( http://goo.gl/GXAo5 ):

Bryan Wong - President

Chris Rich - Vice President

Alex Zucco - Clerk

Congratulations!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Fight Results in Release of State Assembly's Financial Data

The California State Assembly today complied with a court order and released financial data for its members that it tried to keep hidden. The lawsuit which caused the information to be release was prompted by a fight between Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, and Assembly Speaker John Pérez. http://goo.gl/7myVK

 

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Tommy's

Lunch at Tommy's, at the corner of Huntington and Mountain. Simple menu. Burgers and dogs with chili. Nice place for a change when you are not in a health food mood. I had a chili cheeseburger with fries. Yummy and greasy.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's McCarthy Expected to Announce College Pick

Monrovia High defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy expected to announce his college pick at Saturday's Army Bowl. http://goo.gl/PJaqL
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Gets Patent on Antibody Technology

Xencor, Inc., of Monrovia, has received "a broad patent covering optimized monoclonal antibody variants and their application for extending in vivo half-life of antibodies." Opinion: I suppose those who need to know understand what that means, but I think it means Xencor has figured out a way to keep antibodies alive and working in people's bodies for longer. http://goo.gl/vueIE

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Senator Calls Governor's Budget 'A Good First Step'

Republican State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, responded to Governor Jerry Brown's proposed 2012-2013 budget:

“The Governor’s plan is a good first step but relies far too much on a $7 billion tax hike that voters are likely to reject. More: http://goo.gl/RMrBA

UPDATE: And the Star-News says Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, representing part of Monrovia, "had cautious praise for the governor's overall approach." http://goo.gl/0qQqS

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Progress, Late-Night Freeway Closures Coming Up

The form surrounding the south-side freeway bridge column near Santa Anita.

Habib F. Balian, of the Gold Line, reports progress on the Gold Line ... 

The I-210 Bridge two main column structures in the center median are complete and the “form” was moved early yesterday morning to the southern shoulder and is now installed around the third. The abutments are also well underway, and crews are getting ready to turn their attention to the super-structure.

In the coming weeks, installation of the falsework will begin. This activity will take a number of weeks to complete, and will require up to 20 late-night closures of all eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway. Some closures will occur on consecutive nights, and all will take place starting at Midnight with lanes reopening by 5 a.m.

Source: Gold Line press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department's Christmas Miracle

In the weekly city manager report ( http://goo.gl/Omfve ), the Monrovia Fire Department reports on a very special visitor...

This week, the Fire Department had a special visitor who turned out to be a true Christmas miracle. On Saturday, December 10, a 911 call for a baby not breathing was dispatched. Upon arrival, the crew found two-year Thierry Espinoza in full cardiac arrest. Fast action and advanced life support from Firefighter/Paramedic Harvey Hewitt and Anthony Gallegos, along with Captain Brad Dover, Engineer Andrew McDaniel and Firefighter Randy Towns was initiated, including insertion of a special medical device into the shin bone for medicine administration, insertion of a tube for breathing, heart defibrillation and CPR.
 
Baby Thierry was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred by ambulance to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where he underwent therapeutic hypothermic treatment (lowering the core body temperature) and advanced medical care. After 8 days in the Intensive Care Unit and another two weeks in a cardiac monitoring unit, Baby Thierry was released from the hospital.
 
On Wednesday, Baby Thierry, his older brother William and Mom Karin along with his buddy, Diego and Diego's Mom, paid a visit to the fire station to say thank you. All of the on-duty crew were extremely happy to visit with Thierry and spent time visiting, playing, and showing the boys around the station. They also spent time talking with Mrs. Espinoza and sharing in the joy of his survival. This was a unique and special visit, as the crews knew that Thierry's condition was critical and didn't know the outcome of his treatment and care. Certainly this was an incredible story with a very happy ending and a true Christmas miracle.
 
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Monrovia Firefighters on scene, the care of nurse's and Doctor's as well as Thierry's strength to survive, the Espinoza family had a special Christmas this year.

Monrovia New Year Party a Success, Redevelopment, Buick Commercial, Fire Department Toy Drive

In his weekly report Monrovia Interim City Manager Mark Alvarado said ...

~ The New Year's Eve event was "quite a success." He said the city is "evaluating this year's event in preparation for next year's celebration." Opinion: I attended and enjoyed it. Great for adults who drink beer and wine, but we should add something for teens or non-drinking adults (our teens got bored and left for Old Pasadena). How about a booth (with seating) that serves cocoa, coffee, hot cider and sodas.

~ The state Supreme Court's ruling essentially eliminating redevelopment agencies in California "really is a sad day," but, it does not appear that the state intended to eliminate redevelopment, but rather raise money to fix the state budget. So, he said, "there is discussion (within the legislature) about how to bring back redevelopment in some fashion."

~ There will be a Buick commercial filmed in Old Town this Saturday, Jan. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. "The commercial will involve music tour buses following a picture car. The main location is Jenni B's dress shop at 106 E. Lime Avenue. Please note that Lime Avenue, from Myrtle Avenue to east of the Police parking lot will be closed during the filming hours."

~ Gifts donated to the Fire Department's Spark of Love Toy Drive not only stuffed a fire engine, but raised $2,332 in cash for additional toys, up 20% from last year.

Source: http://goo.gl/Omfve

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Assault with Barbecue Fork, Hydroponic Marijuana, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 2-4. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, December 27 through January 3, 2011, the Police Department handled 508 service events, resulting in 100 investigations. Following are the highlighted issues and events for the weekdays listed above.

Grand Theft Auto

On January 2 at 7:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Olive regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle is a white, 2002 Toyota Camry. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 5'10", medium build, wearing dark clothing. The vehicle’s engine was left running while the victim made a delivery. The vehicle was last seen southbound Magnolia from Olive. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On January 3 at 3:57 p.m., a business in the 1400 block of South Mountain called to report one of their service vehicles was taken between December 31 and January 1. The vehicle is a white, 2006 Toyota Corolla. It was last seen parked on their lot. When they returned to work after the New Year holiday they discovered it was missing. They did not report the vehicle stolen right away because they thought one of the service technicians may have left it at a different location. When the vehicle did not turn up, they called police. Investigation continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

On January 3 at 7:03 p.m., police responded to the report of domestic violence at a residence in the 100 block of East Pomona. A husband and wife were arguing, when the wife held up a barbecue fork in a threatening manner. The husband taunted his wife to stab him and she did. She stabbed him in his left forearm. She fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. The officer later spoke to her on the telephone and she agreed to come to the station, where she was arrested without further incident.

Marijuana Cultivation

On January 4 at 6:21 p.m., police received a call reporting a hydroponic marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 700 block of West Walnut. The property owner was told by a neighbor that the upstairs unit had a water leak. The owner responded, but no one was home. He went inside and found all of the rooms full of marijuana plants. The water leak was caused by the irrigation system for the plants. When officers arrived, they found the wiring for the system was creating an electrical hazard. An employee from the Edison Company was summoned, who rendered the location safe. Approximately 250 plants were seized, along with expensive hydroponic equipment. Investigation continuing.

- Brad Haugaard

Toddler Helps in Capture of Monrovia Car-Theft Suspect

Suspect in Monrovia car theft captured in Covina. Toddler helps. http://goo.gl/BDwD6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Almost Carries Pistol onto Plane | Bob Huff Elected to Lead Senate Republicans | The Odd Couple | Children's Store Opening

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, was cited at Ontario Airport for having a pistol in his carry-on luggage. He said he forgot it was there.  http://goo.gl/BDwD6

~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, has been made Senate Republican Leader following a vote of the Senate Republican Caucus today. http://goo.gl/XXFMQ

~ The Monrovia High drama program is presenting The Odd Couple Jan. 12-14 at 7:30 in the new Performing Arts Center. Tickets $5. Details: http://goo.gl/mLKth

~ Diggin for Daises, an "environmentally conscious" children's store, is opening this month in Old Town Monrovia. http://goo.gl/FpGc4

- Brad Haugaard

Job Fair at Monrovia Library

Representatives from Monrovia businesses will be available at the Monrovia Library this Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to talk about job opportunities and how to apply for positions within their companies. Also, seminars:

 

10-11:30 - Filing for unemployment; finding jobs through social networking and free online resources.

 

1-2:30 p.m. - Write a hot resume. (Bring one you've been working on for advice.)

 

3-4:30 p.m. - How to play the interviewing game.

 

- Brad Haugaard