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Monrovia's McCarthy Switches to UCLA | Mayor to Conference | PetSmart Open | Salon Cheo | Dogwood's

~ Monrovia defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy has switched his commitment to UCLA. http://goo.gl/tsXyu


~ Mayor Mary Ann Lutz plans to attend the National Conference of Mayors. http://goo.gl/WQZm5


~ The PetSmart store on Huntington is now open. http://goo.gl/6CRwY


~ It appears a new business is opening on Foothill, Salon Cheo. http://goo.gl/oVh5J


~ By the way, I hear a rumor (nothing more), that the now-closed Dogwood's will be converted into an office building. Update: Yup, its true - http://goo.gl/6X2KA


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Nephew | Free Mulch | Chase Grand Opening

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, asks on his Facebook page for prayer for his two-day-old nephew, Maximilian, and his parents. Maximilian is going to have a stent installed in his heart today. Update: Successful, with a part-two operation later this week.
 
~ Free mulch! The recent windstorm knocked down a lot of trees and limbs, which have been helpfully ground up into mulch. If you want some, get it on Jan. 21 or 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Recreation Park (600 S. Shamrock next to the Boys & Girls Club). Bring a shovel, containers, gloves and safety glasses. Take as much as you need while it lasts. http://goo.gl/33dQx
 
~ The new Chase Bank at the former Spire's restaurant location had its grand opening Saturday. A photo: http://goo.gl/VtvzX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gallery to Feature 'Impressions of France' | Alex Zucco



Baignoire Chez Nous
~ Impressions of France show at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime Ave., Jan. 21-April 7. Demonstration of plein air (outdoors) painting Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. outside the gallery, of painting and sculpting from a live model (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.), and a panel discussion (4-5 p.m.) on creativity and the beauty of rural France. http://goo.gl/qV6Iv
~ A profile article about Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco, by the person who knows her best. http://goo.gl/ryNQg
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill


Lunch at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill yesterday, at the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Very clean and nice. Got a Chili-Lime Wild Salmon burrito for $7.99. Very tasty; I could easily have eaten a second one. My wife loved her chicken tortilla soup.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Pet-Food Drive | Third Gold Line Bridge Column Done | Huff Legislation

~ Unleashed by PetCo (614 W. Huntington Drive) is having a foodraising drive to benefit Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank. Get a raffle ticket for every can of food donated. http://goo.gl/2uYw5
 
~ The third Gold Line bridge column (near eastbound Santa Anita offramp) has been completed. http://goo.gl/FoLS1
 
~ A new measure authored by State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, would give the State Department of Finance "the authority to issue a corrective action plan, if an audit uncovers that bond funds have been misspent by a state entity or agency." http://goo.gl/4kcHv
 
~ Another Huff measure would "make a technical change to the Open Enrollment Act by changing the name of 'low-achieving' schools to a less judgmental and more benign title of 'open enrollment' schools." http://goo.gl/OjpCe
 
- Brad Haugaard

Portable Generator for Monrovia | Reroofing City Garage | Cacciotti Raises $108,953

~ Interim City Manager Mark Alvarado reports that the City Council will consider buying a portable generator in case the city experiences another power outage such as the one caused by the recent windstorm. http://goo.gl/Ecun6
 
~ Also, he said, staff is recommending re-roofing the Public Works Corporate Yard Garage, which was damaged in the storm. The roofing job will cost $29,340.
 
~ South Pasadena Mayor and Assembly District 41 candidate, Michael Cacciotti, today announced that he has raised $108,953 for his Assembly campaign in the first six weeks since he announced his intentions to run in late November. He said he is "overwhelmed by the strong rush of support" he has had. Source: Cacciotti press release.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wildcat Victory Celebration


Tonight in Library Park, the Monrovia High Wildcats and the community celebrated the football team's second consecutive championship.

More pictures: http://goo.gl/FfZ6S

Full story: http://goo.gl/cWKte

- Brad Haugaard

Electric Car Chargers Installed by Monrovia's AeroVironment Almost On Line

Electric charging stations installed by Monrovia's AeroVironment almost ready to go on line in Oregon. http://goo.gl/TfgLt
 
- Brad Haugaard

Dogwood Closing Sale


The sign says it all. Too bad. It has been a nice market.

Monrovia Police: hit and Run Details, Tagging

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 9-12. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, January 4-10, 2011, the Police Department handled 474 service events, resulting in 98 investigations. Following are the highlighted issues and events for the weekdays listed above.

Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested

On January 9 at 5:42 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling west on Foothill and stopped at Violet when a dark colored SUV collided into the bicyclist. The bicyclist was ejected approximately 20 feet and the driver of the SUV fled west on Foothill. The bicyclist was treated by Monrovia Fire Department at the scene and was taken to a hospital. His external injuries appeared minor, but his internal injuries were unknown, so as a precaution, he was taken to a trauma unit.

During the investigation, Monrovia Police Department received a call from a subject who claimed to have possibly been involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle on Foothill. The caller provided a description of his vehicle, which matched the description of the hit and run vehicle. Officers responded to the driver’s location and after further investigation, the suspect was arrested.

Detective Bureau – Case Follow-up

On November 16, 2011, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 300 East Colorado regarding vandalism in progress. The officers were able to locate one adult suspect and a juvenile suspect. The suspects were arrested for tagging in the area of 300 East Colorado. The tagging is unique and there were several reports describing the particular tagging.

A follow-up investigation by a detective discovered two additional suspects tied to the original suspects. After an extensive data collection effort by the detective, the cost of cleaning up the paint and replacing the damaged glass amounted to a felony vandalism charge. The detective was able to use the detailed preliminary investigation by the officer to secure a felony filing against all four suspects and close 25 cases. Since the case was filed, the detective has found two additional cases to add to the filing.

- Brad Haugaard

Filming in Monrovia

Neon Trees in Monrovia to shoot Buick commercial. http://goo.gl/yQtjK

- Brad Haugaard

Deer Dining Spot in Monrovia


Deer enjoying snacking on a lawn on Canyon in north Monrovia. My presence didn't bother them at all.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Celebration Tonight | Assembly Records | Antioxidants

~ Monrovia Wildcat football victory parade tonight at 5 p.m., from MHS, along Colorado, and north on Myrtle for a celebration at Library Park at about 5:30 p.m.
 
~ Analysis of recently-released Assembly records as they relate to the charge by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (who represents part of Monrovia) that he was unfairly picked on by Speaker John Pérez. http://goo.gl/NhPW6
 
~ Brown bag lunch discussion on antioxidants at library, Jan. 17 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. http://goo.gl/T9CFF
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Serving In-N-Out | New Church | Theft From Church | Portantino Spent Less Than Most of His Democratic Colleagues

~ Monrovia's New Beginnings Family Church (2780 S. Peck Rd.) is serving free In-N-Out Burgers this Sunday. http://goo.gl/pzvfk


~ The new Fellowship Monrovia church will officially begin meeting this Sunday, at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. The church has already had several "prequel" meetings. http://goo.gl/Qkr7T


~ Monrovia man charged with stealing from Glendale church donation box. http://goo.gl/du2Jn


~ Last year Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, spent less than 38 of the 52 Democrats in the Assembly. http://goo.gl/kANpX


- Brad Haugaard

New Businesses in Monrovia | Huff Worries About Governor's Budget

~ A list of businesses that opened in Monrovia in 2011. http://goo.gl/LsJBR
 
~ Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (who represents Monrovia ) worries that Governor Brown's proposed budget will "increase the state’s dependence on highly volatile income tax payments by the state’s wealthiest individuals" and result in "yet another boom and bust cycle" ( http://goo.gl/B8M8e ). Opinion: Ya know, a boom and bust cycle wouldn't be so bad if Sacramento would only restrain itself during the booms so we don't go broke during the busts.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Portantino's Whistleblower Bill Passes First Hurdle

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s bill to provide Legislative staffers with the same protections from retaliation as other state employees has been approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a unanimous vote, according to a press release from Portantino's office. Portantino represents part of Monrovia.
 
The press release continues:

The bill marks the first time legislative employees will have legal protection from reprisals for reporting government wrongdoing such as waste or abuse. It’s part of Assemblymember Portantino’s broader efforts to ensure openness, transparency and accountability in state government.
 
“This is another self-serving protection that the legislature enacted that needs to be repealed.  Workers should know that when they do the right thing they won’t have to face the threat of retaliation. Repealing this exemption show’s we are serious about finding waste and fraud.  It’s the right thing to do,” commented Portantino.
 
Each year, thousands of Californians do the right thing by reporting waste, fraud, violations of law, and political corruption. When they do the right thing, they are protected from retaliation under the California Whistleblower Protection Act.  In most state houses in the nation those who witness and report these abuses are also covered with protection.  Not in California.  Folks who work for the State Legislature have no such protection.  AB 1378 will change this disparity.
 
AB 1378 would require the Rules Committees of both the Assembly and Senate to designate an officer to receive written complaints and the state Auditor would then investigate those complaints. Those found guilty of retaliation could face fines up to $10,000 and a year in county jail. 
 
The bill now goes to Assembly Appropriations later this month.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stopping a Suicide, Swiping Mail, Driving Under the Influence, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 5-8. - Brad Haugaard]
 
Grand Theft Auto
On January 5 at 7:51 p.m., an employee of a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called to report a stolen vehicle.  The female victim arrived at work, parked, and secured her vehicle in the parking lot.  While on a break at 5:00 p.m., she saw her vehicle in the parking lot.  At 7:45 p.m., she went on her lunch break to her vehicle and the car was gone.  There was no broken glass on the ground where the car had been and the victim has accounted for all keys to the vehicle.  The vehicle is a silver, four-door, 1998 Honda Civic.  The vehicle was later recovered by El Monte Police Department.  Investigation continuing.
 
Mail Tampering
On January 6 at 9:52 a.m., mail was stolen from the mailbox at Mayflower and Foothill. The mail was found in several different locations.  Checks had been taken from the envelopes, and it was later determined that a male Hispanic subject had attempted to cash one of the checks in Santa Fe Springs, unsuccessfully.  Investigation continuing.
 
72-Hour Mental Evaluation
On January 6 at 10:57 a.m., a male teenager who resides in the 1200 block of South Sherman was threatening suicide while on the phone with his mental health counselor. Officers responded and had to make forced entry into the residence.  The subject was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.  His mother was notified.
 
Residential Burglary
On January 6 at 8:28 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of East Los Angeles on the report of a burglary.  When the officer arrived, the female victim told him that her son arrived home at 7:00 p.m. and found their computer and some items of jewelry missing.  Investigation continuing.
 
Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
On January 7 at 9:44 p.m., officers were dispatched to Myrtle and Lemon regarding a non-injury traffic collision.  Upon arrival of officers, one of the involved parties was leaving the scene in his vehicle, heading east on Lemon.  The suspect parked in the 100 block of East Lemon and ran south on Ivy.  The suspect's direction of travel was broadcast and another officer in the area located and detained the suspect at the corner of Ivy and Colorado.  He was positively identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle by witnesses.  Through investigation, officers determined the suspect was also driving under the influence.  He was arrested.
 
Special Enforcement Team Activity
 
Felony Warrant / Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On January 4, Special Enforcement Team officers saw a known subject in the 300 block of South Myrtle that they knew had a $100,000 felony warrant for his arrest and a suspended driver's license.  As the subject started to drive away, he was stopped and arrested for the warrant.  A vehicle search revealed a methamphetamine pipe that contained a useable amount of methamphetamine.  He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  His vehicle was stored.
 
False Tabs on a Vehicle / Driving Without a License
On January 7, during an investigation, Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle for numerous vehicle code violations.  The driver was arrested for placing false tabs on his vehicle's plates and driving without a license.  The vehicle was stored.
 

Man Arrested in Monrovia Hit and Run

A Monrovia man has been arrested on charges of hitting a bicyclist on Foothill. It appears the cyclist will be okay. http://goo.gl/18P6x
 
- Brad Haugaard

City of Monrovia to Take Over Dead Redevelopment Agency

With the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency killed off by the State Supreme Court - along with all the other redevelopment agencies in the state - the City Council will consider at a special Jan. 11 meeting whether to designate itself as the entity to take over its accounts and duties. http://goo.gl/ETK5z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Introduces Whistleblower Law for State Legislature

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has introduced a law to protect staff members of the California Legislature from retaliation if they report illegal activity. Currently, he said, the legislature exempts itself from the whistleblower law that it requires others to obey.

Here is the press release from Portantino's office:

Each year, thousands of Californians do the right thing by reporting waste, fraud, violations of law, and political corruption. When they do the right thing, they are protected from retaliation under the California Whistleblower Protection Act.  In most state houses in the nation those who witness and report these abuses are also covered with protection.  Not in California.  Folks who work for the State Legislature have no such protection. 
 
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) is introducing legislation to change this disparity and offer the same protections to Legislative staffers as those offered to employees in the Governor’s office, other state agencies and appointees to state boards or commissions.
 
“This is another self-serving protection that the legislature enacted that needs to be repealed.  Workers should know that when they do the right thing they won’t have to face the threat of retaliation. Repealing this exemption show’s we are serious about finding waste and fraud.  It’s the right thing to do,” commented Portantino.
 
AB 1378 marks the first time legislative employees will have legal protection from reprisals for reporting government wrongdoing. It’s part of Portantino’s broader efforts to ensure openness, transparency and accountability in state government.
 
According to the Wall St. Journal, 34% of working Americans have seen “wrong-doing” at their jobs. But, it has only been in the last few decades that workers have been able to come forward and report that wrong-doing without fear of losing their jobs. 
 
AB 1378 would require the Rules Committees of both the Assembly and Senate to designate an officer to receive written complaint and the state Auditor will investigate complaints. Those found guilty of retaliation could face fines up to $10,000 and a year in county jail.  The bill will be heard Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Assembly Judiciary Committee.

- Brad Haugaard