Gold Line Back on Track...Again? Following an intense Gold Line Construction Authority (GLCA) meeting last week, it appears that the MTA may act on the Fund Transfer Agreement (FTA) and Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) that would unlock the forward progress of this shovel-ready project.
You may recall last fall that, amid much fanfare, the MTA approved the Long Range Transit Plan (LRTP). The LRTP finally legitimized the Gold Line Foothill Extension in MTA's eyes by placing the project into the funded portion of the regional planning document. The targeted completion year, however, was 2017. One of the primary reasons for this delay, despite the Gold Line's readiness, was that the project needed to identify a location for a Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Facility.
It was at that point that the City of Monrovia - considering that we had already purchased approximately 12.5 acres of land adjacent to the Gold Line right of way and had completed an EIR on a transit-oriented project far more intense than the M&O Facility - stepped in and offered to consider the project here in our town. The keys, however, were that the City be held harmless financially, that the GLCA/MTA mitigate any environmental concerns identified, and that the MTA expedite the Gold Line project. That happened in June 2009. To date, we have not received documentation that would allow us to move forward with an environmental review of the M&O Facility.
Despite the Gold Line's inclusion in the LRTP, in Margaret Thatcher's famous words, "Sometimes you have to fight a battle more than once to win it." There has been, alternately, much handwringing and cordiality between the GLCA, the MTA and the City in the last nine months. At this point, however, the City of Monrovia is in a position where we need to move forward; if not with the Gold Line then with a project that was originally envisioned - and entitled - for this important site.
We have been advised that, at MTA's various committee meetings next week, the Gold Line project will be considered - in the form of the FTA and MCA - en route to the March 25 MTA Board meeting. Presumably, the previous problems with these documents have been ironed out and negotiated. Keep in mind that without the FTA and MCA, there is no Gold Line; if there is no Gold Line, then there is no M&O Facility. You can bet we will be monitoring next week's proceedings.
Vandalism Takes its Toll Several times last week, we had to spend more time and money removing graffiti from Library Park and Recreation Park play equipment first thing in the morning. In addition to the cost and effort to remove the graffiti, there are other costs - the loss of productivity among our Parks crew who must remove the graffiti before they commence with the regularly scheduled jobs for the day; the loss of enjoyment for the little kids who can't play while the work is being done or paint is drying or repairs are being made; the loss of time for our police officers who photograph the graffiti to use in future criminal proceedings (we have made a couple of arrests so far).
And sometimes it isn't even graffiti, just random vandalism. I think this week we hit a low-point - someone etched one of the armed services plaques on the monument in front of the Library.
Again, at the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man shaking his fist in the air and telling kids to get off the lawn - I request, plead, implore and otherwise beg parents not to let their kids roam unsupervised around City parks or Old Town or the streets at night. I can appreciate that kids just want a place to hang out, away from adults. I can appreciate that only a small handful of young people are likely causing this problem. That said, however, when public property is being defaced ,very often others are around, others bear witness and others rarely intervene or tip-off police. Adolescence being what it is, I don't suppose that is going to change anytime soon.
Thus, the City is drafting an ordinance that will, among other things, make it a non-criminal infraction to be within the children's play equipment area after dark, to use the play equipment outside of the posted rules (many times teenagers are swinging around on the little kids' equipment), to be smoking in a City park, and other similar restrictions. Both park rangers and police officers will have the authority to write citations. I anticipate this ordinance will come before the Council in April.
While this recent spate of vandalism and graffiti helps further refine our focus on this issue, I must note it has been in development for some time now. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact Community Services Director April Soash.
City Council Meeting Preview March 16 is another light agenda, and with good reason: Councilman Joe Garcia will be in Washington DC with the National League of Cities and Councilman Clarence Shaw is on maneuvers with his Army Reserve unit. Thus, the only two matters of City business are:
AR-1 - a funding request of $14,991 from the City Council's budget to allow for a third season in our highly-popular Youth Sports Program. As you may know, the Youth Sports Program offers a fall (football) and winter (basketball) sport to Monrovia elementary school children. Currently, Community Services staff lacks the funding for a spring sport (soccer). As the Youth Sports Program was a brainchild of the City Council and considering the impact of previous cuts to the Recreation Division's budget, staff is requesting this funding from the Council budget. Staff recommends approval.
AR-2 - is the support of Resolution No. 2010-14 regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and authorizing membership in the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). The proposed EPR policy demonstrates the City's support in engaging manufacturers to help plan for and participate in the ultimate of disposal of various products. This can take the form of "take back" or "mail back" chains for producers of e-waste, for example. The policy itself has no direct fiscal impact. Membership in the CPSC requires an annual membership fee of $1,000. Staff recommends approval.
As always, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you have regarding the agenda.
Articles Attached Below
Habitat for Humanity turns over Houses to New Monrovia Residents. Whew - a looong program but the look on each family's face as they received their key was priceless. A great project and investment in this neighborhood.
Monrovia Depot Rehabilitation Planning Staff is working to get the rehabilitation of the historic Santa Fe Depot back on track. This week, staff met with the principals from Heritage Architects to discuss the requirements to update the construction plans to revise them to bring into compliance due to recent changes in building codes. The architect anticipates that the plans will be ready for submittal for the first plan check by early May. City Staff and the architects are also reestablishing contacts with CalTrans, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to ensure that the plan check process goes smoothly.
The majority of the work on the construction documents will be paid for using a Metro grant with a small portion coming from the City's Proposition C Local Return monies. While some funding has been earmarked to cover the cost of the renovation, Planning Staff is actively looking for additional funding opportunities to complete this exciting project that will serve as the focal point of Station Square.
Code Enforcement Section Hosts Quarterly CORE The City of Monrovia Code Enforcement Division hosted a quarterly Community Officer Resource Exchange (CORE) on Thursday, March 11. The meeting, held at the Monrovia Community Center, is offered to Code Enforcement and Community Policing Officers throughout Southern California as a chance to share ideas, provide continuing training and network.
The agenda for the meeting included the Monrovia/LA County gang injunction and code enforcement legal training. Captain Jim Hunt from the Monrovia Police Department, representatives from the Monrovia City Attorney's office, and Los Angeles District Attorney's office presented Operation Safe Neighborhoods as an example of a useful tool for other cities dealing with gang-related issues, and promoted the many rehabilitative opportunities and services offered for Monrovia youth that other cities can emulate. Emmanuel Shirazi, a representative of Burke, Sorenson and Williams, presented a class on code enforcement legal issues which provided information on investigative techniques.
Officers came from as far as Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita and Rancho Cucamonga, with local cities such as Arcadia, Pasadena and Azusa also in attendance. In total, 55 community policing officers, code enforcement officers and attorneys representing 18 cities were represented to join in a successful resource exchange.
Census 2010 Community Development Department staff and Census 2010 personnel will host an information booth on Friday, March 12 at the Friday Family Festival. There will be promotional items and information available.
Planning Commission Update There were three Conditional Use Permit applications considered by the Planning Commission at its March 10 meeting. The following actions were taken:
CUP2010-04 - was approved allowing a new restaurant to be locating into the building that was previously occupied by Sierra Cup at 409 South Myrtle Avenue, to provide indoor and outdoor service of beer and wine.
CUP2010-05 - was approved allowing a new restaurant that will be locating into the building that was previously occupied by the Macaroni Grill at 945 West Huntington Drive, to provide indoor and outdoor service of beer and wine.
CUP2010-06/CUP2009-02 (amendment) - two actions were taken; CUP2010-06, a request to allow live amplified entertainment at an existing restaurant at 150 East Colorado Boulevard (Enrique's Tamales) was continued to the April 14 meeting and staff was directed to investigate entertainment options that would satisfy neighborhood concerns. The amendment to CUP2009-02 was approved allowing the restaurant to expand service from beer and wine, indoors only, to full alcohol sales, indoor and outdoors.
Youth Sports Games Recap The championship round of league tournament play for Youth Basketball and Cheerleading was held on Wednesday, March 10. The first game of the day featured the No. 4 Seed Wild Rose Bears against the No. 3 Seed Bradoaks Bobcats. Wild Rose played a great game beating Bradoaks 32-23. The championship game featured No. 2 Seed Monroe Lions versus the No. 1 Seed Mayflower Mariners. In a very exciting game which came down to the last shot, Mayflower came out on top winning 32-30. The Cheerleading Finals were also held, with teams performing at halftime of each game. Cheer teams each performed a cheer and dance routine. Wild Rose led all teams with 43 points followed by Monroe's 38 points, Bradoaks' 27 points and Mayflower's 26 points. For additional information regarding the Youth Sports Program, please contact the Department of Community Services at 626.256.8246.
Adult Literacy Learners Expand Their Horizons at the Huntington On Thursday, March 4, Community Services organized a field trip to the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. Among the attendees were a dozen Literacy Services participants, most of who had never been to the Huntington. Because adults with low literacy levels cannot access information from the newspaper, internet, or fliers, many do not participate in local cultural or civic opportunities. The learners were amazed at the beauty of the gardens and art at the Huntington, and were excited to know that admission is free to the public once a month. A volunteer literacy tutor made a passport-style brochure for the learners to guide them through the large complex and educate them on the paintings, books and plants in the collections. By providing field trips for adult literacy learners, accompanied by reading material about cultural destinations, Community Services is opening the horizon for people to learn about and appreciate their community.
Job Seekers Workshop The Library has been offering a timely workshop to job seeking patrons, "How to Thrive (Not Just Survive) During Changing Times: Seven Steps to Being Gainfully Employed." During the next scheduled program on Monday, April 5, patrons will learn how to file an on-line application for unemployment, create electronic resumes, and explore a multitude of job listing websites. Other topics will include resources for first time job hunters, social networking and interviewing skills. The program includes handouts from the California Employment Development Department, an annotated webliography of employment websites, and a list of suggested print resources available from the Monrovia Public Library. At the end of the program, attendees will be given a brief orientation of the print resources available from its business and career collection.
March is National Women's History Month This month is an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the historic achievements of women, as well as an opportunity to honor women within our families and community. The Youth Services Department at the Monrovia Public Library is taking this opportunity to educate the general public about the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society. Our Women's History Month book display recognizes different aspects of women's achievements, from art to ecology, and from politics to sports. Find out about the first woman sushi chef in Hiromi's Hands by Lynne Barasch; discover heroines from Sacagawea to Sheryl Swoopes in Girls who Rocked the World by Amelie Welden; or check out the thrills, chills and frills in Women Daredevils by Julie Cummins. Visit the Library and ask a friendly Youth Services Librarian to help you find a book about amazing women.
Thank You Monrovia Kiwanis and Monrovia Rotary Next time you visit the Youth Services area of the library, check out the new Big Cozy Book Furniture section. It's a perfect place for parent and child to cuddle up and read something fun together. The furniture was purchased through the generous donations of Monrovia Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.
Monrovia Book Club The Monrovia Book Club continues in blog format at www.monroviabookclub.blogspot.com. This month's theme is the books of James Patterson. Further reading has been encouraged with book displays featuring J.D. Salinger, Howard Zinn, Robert B. Parker, and Paul Zall, as well as Black History Month, the Winter Olympics, St. Patrick's Day, and Cesar Chavez Day.
Saving La Laguna In honor of Cesar Chavez, the Library will present a program by Dr. Senya Lubisich of Citrus College, "Saving La Laguna: The History and Preservation of Monster Park and the Playground Artistry of Benjamin Dominguez." The program will be presented Monday, March 22 at 6:30pm in the Library's Community Room.
Personnel responded to 65 emergency calls from 0800 hours March 2 to 0800 hours March 9.
Fire Prevention Children with autism may be less able than others to help themselves in a fire emergency. It is difficult to predict how a child with autism will behave in a stressful situation. Advance preparation is critical. The link listed below will take you to an interactive story - a short, personalized story that breaks down the important points into easy-to-follow steps - and is designed to teach children with autism spectrum disorder what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. It can also be helpful for children with other developmental disabilities. Practice your fire safety plan with your children. Then read this story with them. The story is divided into sections and can be read all at once or a little at a time depending on the requirements of the child.
Working smoke alarms save lives. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. For best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they will all sound.
There are two types of smoke alarms - ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires. A photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms should be installed.
Make sure everyone knows what your smoke alarms sound like and can hear the sound of the smoke alarms.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Have a fire safety plan to get out of your home quickly.
Practice your plan with everyone in the home at least twice a year.
Practice and project a demeanor of calm during drills to help keep children calm.
Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible.
Windows or doors with security bars, grills, or window guards should have emergency release devices so they can be used for escape.
Choose a meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet once they've escaped.
Create a network of relatives, friends or neighbors to help your child if he or she needs additional help escaping or remaining at the meeting place.
Training And Emergency Preparedness The Training Division is continuing with SCBA training and Fire Cadet testing. Oral interviews were conducted last week and the results were calculated this week. Several qualified candidates for Fire Cadet have been placed on a waiting list. Many of those candidates will be invited to participate in the Chief Interview. These interviews are one-on-one interviews and the final testing phase in our hiring process. After all the testing portions have completed, the remaining candidates will be given background packets and background investigations.
On Friday, March 5 ,the Department conducted introductory training for six new Fire Cadets. The six volunteer employees had a brief Fire Department introduction, a short welcome briefing and then they filled out some important paperwork.
When the official administrative functions were completed, they were welcomed to the drill ground "grinder" at Fire Station 102. The new Cadets were introduced to the MFD way of pulling hose and re-loading hose...pulling hose and re-loading hose...pulling hose and re-loading hose. Later in their training, these same Cadets will be learning the MFD way of putting up ladders...and putting up more ladders...and more ladders.
By now you see the way we conduct this type of training; reinforce the training and then reinforce the training we reinforced. Practice makes perfect, right? The new Cadets will be starting their first full-shifts next week.
We would like to thank Captain John Rooks and his crew, Engineer Alex Arellano and Firefighter Mike Bailey for their enthusiasm and dedication to the MFD. Assisting them were Captain Dave Rapp, Engineer Rudy Libra, FF/PM Andy McDaniel and FF/PM Dustin Leddy. This training event started in the early morning hours and was not completed until 7:30 p.m. Thanks again to these individuals for their hard work, professionalism and dedicated effort.
Administrative Items This week the focus continues to be the people and the organization with a Chief Officers meeting held to discuss and strategize the Department's future direction. Topics at the retreat included team-building, newly established work group expectations, SCBA implementation, budget and probationary testing. A guest speaker, Scott Tiedman, was invited to the retreat to update and refresh the group on the Firefighters Bill Of Rights (FBOR) and other employment related topics. Also on the agenda was discussion and further preparation for the Monrovia Fire Department Centennial celebration.
As we move closer to May 15, the Department is placing a very high emphasis on planning, coordinating and preparing for this great celebration. 100 years of dedicated service from the members of the Monrovia Fire Department will be recognized through the annual Monrovia Days Parade, with a special emphasis on antique and modern fire apparatus. Following the parade, Myrtle Avenue will be closed in Old Town to allow for a static display of the apparatus, a kids' corner for fun and games, a chili cook-off competition and bands playing live music. With involvement from many local fire departments, the California State Firefighters Association antique steamer, a fire department Pipes & Drums Marching Band and retirees from across the state, this is sure to be a great celebration.
During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 522 service events, resulting in 124 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:
Death Report On March 5 at 6:28 a.m., officers responded to a call of a woman down and not breathing at a residence in the 300 block of West Lemon. Paramedics responded and attempted rescucitation, with negative results. The woman was pronounced dead. It was determined that the woman was a severe alcoholic and her death is likely related to health problems from alcohol abuse. The Coroner's Office was called.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested On March 6 at 2:06 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Shamrock and Huntington noticed a vehicle swerving on the roadway. He stopped the driver and determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the station for booking.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested On March 6 at 2:36 a.m., an officer in the area of California and Los Angeles observed a vehicle traveling on the roadway with no headlights. She stopped the driver and determined the driver to be under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for booking.
Felony Vandalism - Suspect Arrested On March 6 at 10:06 a.m., dispatch received a call from a witness following a vandalism suspect in a vehicle. The witness saw the suspect get out of his vehicle at Central and Myrtle, where he wrote graffiti on two traffic signals with a large yellow paint marker. He also tagged a trash dumpster in the 1200 block of South Myrtle and a city power transformer at Primrose and Huntington. Officers responded and detained the suspect. He was positively identified by the witness and arrested for felony vandalism. The suspect was uncooperative and denied any gang involvement. The witness will receive Monrovia Police Department's $100 graffiti bounty reward for reporting this incident, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Grand Theft Auto On March 6 at 12:34 p.m., police received the report of a stolen vehicle. An employee of a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain parked and locked his vehicle in the parking lot. He was away from his vehicle for approximately 30 minutes and returned to find it missing. The vehicle taken was a 1994 Honda Accord. Investigation continuing.
Burglary - Suspect Arrested On March 7 at 11:12 a.m., an officer responded to a burglary alarm call at an elementary school in the 200 block of Jasmine. As he arrived, a witness reported that the suspect had jumped a fence and fled toward Jasmine. Additional units were requested to search for the suspect. He was detained at Canyon and Foothill. The witness positively identified the suspect. The suspect was wearing a backpack and was in possession of a slidehammer, which was used to gain entry into a classroom. The suspect did not have enough time to take anything. He is currently on parole for burglary. Investigation continuing.
Commercial Burglary On March 8 at 7:05 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of California regarding a burglary. They arrived and met with the owner, who told the officers he closed up on Sunday and set the alarm. In the morning, he got a call from his gardener, who told him someone had broken into the business. The suspects had cut through a sheet metal bay door and entered the building. Investigation continuing.
Outside Agency Warrant - Suspect Arrested On March 8 at 3:48 p.m., officers observed a male subject who is a known gang member. The subject saw the officers and ran toward a residence in the 200 block of East Olive. One of the officers gave chase and detained the subject around the building. A computer check revealed two outside warrants for his arrest. The officer found a Bowie-type knife near where the subject had been. Azusa Police Department responded on the outstanding warrants and took custody of the suspect.
Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested. On March 9 at 11:41 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Fig on a robbery alarm call. Officers arrived and checked the location. They saw clothing on the ground at the rear of the location and a male subject came into view. His belt was undone, pants open, and jacket askew on his body. The officers tried communicating with him, but he did not respond. He continued to ignore instructions and began to pick up a chrome barbell. He became combative with the officers and appeared to be under the influence. One of the officers activated his taser, which had no effect on the suspect. As officers moved in and detained the suspect, they saw he had something in his mouth, which turned out to be a plastic baggie containing what appeared to be rock cocaine. He was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment. Another baggie of rock cocaine was recovered from the suspect at the hospital. He was eventually cleared for booking and brought to the station.
Foothills Special Enforcement Team Outside Agency Search Warrant - Assisting Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) On February 11 at 5 a.m., the Foothills Special Enforcement Team in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency served a search warrant at a residence in the City of El Monte. The search was for narcotics and firearms believed to be at the residence. The residence was secured and the suspect was located. Though the search was not completed at the time of this report, a quantity of narcotics packaged for sales had already been located. This search warrant was part of a larger investigation that is ongoing.
Duarte and Monrovia Anti Gang Enforcement (DAMAGE) Task Force / State Parole Operation On March 10 at 6:30 a.m., Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputies, State Parole and Monrovia Police Department personnel conducted a parole compliance check of a residence in the 100 block of South Encinitas. A loaded 9mm pistol, ammunition, a small quantity of methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia were recovered. Two male adults were arrested. One male parolee was charged with ex-felon with a gun, ex-felon in possession of ammunition, possession of methamphetamine and a parole violation. The other male was charged with possession of an unregistered handgun and possession of drug paraphernalia.
At 8:38 a.m., a second parole compliance check was conducted at a residence in the 100 block of Montana on a known gang member. Items with gang graffiti and two different kinds of ammunition were recovered. The parolee was arrested for ex-felon in possession of ammunition and a parole violation.
At 10:00 a.m., a third parole compliance check of a known gang member was conducted in the 300 block of East Walnut. A relative stated that the parolee has not lived at the address for two weeks. It is believed he has moved out of state without permission from parole. There is a warrant pending for his arrest.
Monrovia Parks Need Your Help Again, our City parks and facilities were the target of graffiti. At Library Park, the Mark Twain Statue was painted and the Army brass plaque on the new Armed Services Memorial was damaged. Public Works and the Police Department need your help to curb the graffiti problems. If you suspect vandalism at the parks, or on any property in Monrovia, please call 911 or 626-357-CELL (2355) from a cell phone. The caller may remain anonymous. If a suspect is located and arrested for vandalism, the caller will receive a $100 bill. For more information regarding the City's Stop Graffiti Program, call the Community Policing Bureau at 626-256-8000.
What's happening at Library Park? The west area of Library Park was seeded. It will require about six to eight weeks before the grounds may be open to the public for recreation.
Street Improvements The work on the 700 block of South Myrtle Ave. is 95% complete. The Streets, Parks, Facilities and Utilities crews installed signs, plants and grass. The street still requires striping and some final touches will be done over the next few weeks.
Caltrans Sound Wall Project The contractor is making progress on the street crossings and freeway work. Steel pilings, their support systems and concrete have been poured.
Fix a Leak Week Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is promoting "Fix a Leak Week" March 15-21. It is never the wrong time to think about water conservation, and repairing those drippy faucets and leaky toilets is a great spring project. For more information about leaks and how to fix them, go to www.usgvmwd.org
Hazardous Waste & Electronic Waste Roundup-A Success The LA County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Event hosted by the City of Monrovia on March 6, 2010 collected a total of 94,951 pounds. The event served 1,500 vehicles in six hours collecting 825 gallons of used motor oil, 200 gallons of antifreeze, 3,875 gallons of paint. Overall, a total of 52,148 pounds HHW and 42,800 pounds of electronic waste was collected.
Duarte/Myrtle and Olive/Myrtle - new traffic loops installed
Street Light Repairs
530 E. Walnut
101 W. Walnut
Miscellaneous Maintenance
Two new safety loops installed at the Well Field rear vehicle gate.
Graffiti Removal
2112-2120 Peck Rd.
Chestnut and Mayflower
634 W. Montana
Central and Alta Vista
Bonita and Monterey
Huntington and Magnolia
Olive and Magnolia
Huntington and Monterey
Lime and Encinitas
Canyon and Colorado
Canyon and Olive
Canyon and Walnut
Miscellaneous Street Repairs
Repaired potholes in the 900 block of Royal Oaks, 100 and 200 blocks of N. Primrose, 100 block of W. Cypress, 800 block of Naples, 1800 block of Santa Fe Place, 500 block of N Alta Vista and 323 Linwood.
Replaced approximately 60 square feet of sidewalk sections at 239 W Olive, and the 1800 block of Peck Road
Installed No-left turn and right turn only signs in the 700 block of S. Myrtle Ave. at the mid-block alley access.
Replaced a damaged No Stopping Anytime sign and a post on Huntington and California.
Removed numerous discarded televisions from the public right of way throughout the City.
Customer Service
2,465 water meters were read and recorded
42 Utility Work orders were completed
1 water meter lid was replaced
3 water meters were replace
13 water services were reactivated
105 shut-off notices were completed
5 water meters were replaced
29 private backflow devices were tested
Water Production
Water consumption is 27.4 million gallons, a decrease of 17% compared to reported water usage at this time last year.
The rainfall total for the month of March is 1.00" and 18.89" for the season.
The motor starter for one of the Mountain Avenue Station booster pumps was replaced.
Department of Health Services Required Water Samples
17 water system samples
1 well sample
6 water treatment facility samples
Utility Maintenance
2 - 1" water services were repaired
1 - 1½" water service was repaired
3 - 1" angle valves were replaced
7,000 feet of sewer mains were cleaned
1,300 feet of sewer mains were video inspected
20 water main system valves were operated and inspected
11 underground service alert utility location requests were completed
Habitat for Humanity turns over houses to new Monrovia residents By Brian Day, Staff Writer Posted: 03/06/2010 09:26:31 PM PST MONROVIA - More than 100 Habitat for Humanity volunteers cheered Saturday as four families received the keys to their brand new, low-cost Monrovia homes.
The San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity organization built the homes in the 1200 block of Shamrock Avenue largely with donated labor and materials. The effort allows families who otherwise could not afford houses to become homeowners, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Sonja Yates said.
"You can certainly see how a Habitat build builds an extended family," she said. "Wonderful friendships are made during the process of a build, and the joy of a completed project is incredible."
More than 1,200 construction volunteers contributed nearly 15,000 hours building the homes, organizers said.
The street's newest residents include Mario and Jeanine Del Grosso and their three children; Antonio and Irma Nava and their three children; Raymond and Sonia Quiroz and their five children; and Marco and Sandra Naccarati and their two children.
"A little more than two years ago, we signed onto a dream," Mario Del Grosso said. "And today we're here to give thanks."
Antonio Nava said he made a lot of new friends during the building process.
"It's been quite a journey, being here and working with so many people we've never met before," he said. "On behalf of my family, thank you very much."
Sonia Quiroz and her husband agreed.
"We're just so blessed, and we met so many nice people," she said. "Thank you for giving us this home."
The Naccarati family said they were overwhelmed by the show of community support.
"So many people are losing their homes, and we are blessed to get one," Sandra Naccarati told the crowd. "All of you make the world a better place to live in."
The homes each contain three bedrooms and 1,185 square feet of living space, Yates said. They each have two-car garages and backyards.
The families are chosen based on need through an extensive process carried out by a selection committee, Yates added.
Monrovia Mayor Marty Ann Lutz and the rest of the City Council were on-hand to welcome Shamrock Avenue's newest homeowners.
Since the San Gabriel Valley Habitat For Humanity - an affiliate of the international organization - began work in 1990, it has built 43 homes for San Gabriel Valley residents in Pasadena, Monrovia, Duarte, El Monte and Glendale, Yates said. More than a dozen additional homes in Glendale are in the planning stage.
To date, no San Gabriel Valley families involved in the program have sold their homes or defaulted on payments, she said.
About Monrovia 