February 9, 2012

MUSD Superintendent's Report (MUSD website)

CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE

City Council Agenda Focused on the Wilderness Preserve

AR-1 was an administrative report to the City Council to consider the following items related to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve and Hillside Recreation Area Resource Management Plan:

• Certifying the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Hillside Wilderness Preserve;
• making the necessary CEQA findings;
• adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); and
• Consider the five options related to adoption of the Resource Management Plan as outlined in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The EIR is a lengthy and comprehensive document that studies the impacts of the range of allowable uses, beginning with the "Minimalist Plan" that was previously put forth, all the way through to the maximum usage that would be allowed under the zoning definitions contained in the voter-approved Measures A and B. If you recall the push to save the hillsides from development 12 years ago, Measure A was the land-use zoning question which established the range of use for the property, and Measure B was the funding mechanism (a city-wide parcel tax) for acquisition and maintenance of the land. The balance of the funding came from State of California matching grants that require some reasonable public access. A Draft EIR was circulated back in August 2011 for a 60-day public review and input process.  In November, the Planning Commission considered the EIR. In December, the Community Services Commission considered the Resource Management Plan. And at Tuesday's Council meeting, the City Council considered both the EIR and RMP, taking into consideration the Planning and Community Services Commissions' recommendations.

Staff's presentation focused on recapping the process and the guiding criteria that have been developed over the last decade, and concluded by offering five options, ranging from the Minimalist Plan Alternative to the entire project that was studied in the EIR.  Staff proceeded with recommending Option 5 -- the Minimalist Plan with the additional recommendation not to open the loop of the lower Clamshell Motorway to public access until further evaluation to ensure the proper mitigation measures are implemented.

Some of the concerns voiced by the public on both sides of the aisle included increased traffic, parking issues, public safety, easement rights, proper signage, and the sentiment that residents of both Monrovia and the State are paying for the Preserve through property taxes and grants, yet aren't being given reasonable access to it.  After many hours of public comment, the Council voted to certify the EIR and move forward with the Minimalist Plan, including direction to Staff to work with property owners regarding concerns about easement rights before opening the Cloverleaf access, directing the City Engineer to work with the Traffic Safety Committee and the property owners on issues relating to traffic and parking, and directing Staff to bring a report to City Council every six months for formal review.

This is an exhaustive set of documents, so please feel free to contact Community Services staff if you have questions on the materials.

The rest of the Council meeting went by quickly in the wee hours of the morning.  The City Council unanimously approved to make an election that allowed the housing activities of the former Redevelopment Agency to be transferred to the Monrovia Housing Authority.  Under the guidelines of AB X1 26, the Authority will now try to carry out, as much as possible, the goals of maintaining and adding to affordable housing and reenergized neighborhoods in the City.

As always, if you have any questions about any item on the agenda, please feel free to contact me directly.

Collaboration with Mt. Sierra College

Our Information Services (IS) Division has been collaborating with Mt Sierra College on both their advisory program along with being a client contact for their senior projects.

As part of their Advisory Board, our IS Division meets with the College's senior staff every six months to review their programs and curriculum. In addition to providing new material ideas, this collaboration also helps the Board ensure that what students are studying and teachers are teaching is applicable to current real-world environments.

As for the senior projects, our IS Division is currently working with two teams of seniors on their capstone projects, which is their final project. The first team is working on customizing industry best practices for use in a small organization. Using the Municipal Information Systems Association (MISAC) audit, some operational areas were identified to be updated to match best practices and will then be customized for small organizations. The second team is working on emergency management and business continuity issues. They will be developing and consolidating information from multiple City departments into a single "Emergency Operations for Dummies" document.  The document will also address business continuity issues associated with moving City Hall functions to a new location should the current building no longer be available in an emergency situation.

We are excited to let the community know about this collaboration, and would like to thank Mt. Sierra College for allowing us to be part of their program, and for providing the City an important operations resource. I would also like to thank Mitch Cochran, Information Services Manager, for working with the Mt. Sierra College Advisory Board and College students. For more information, please call the Information Services Division at (626) 932-5561.

• Monrovia Gang Member Convicted of Teen's Attempted Murder - Hopefully justice will be served soon.
• Antonovich Announces $2.5 Million Grant to Replant Destroyed Trees- We plan on competitively applying to for this grant -- stay tune.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Development Review Committee. The Development Review Committee will review the following at their regularly scheduled meeting on February 15, 2012:

• 347 East Greystone Avenue - Maribel & Michael Guido, applicants - Minor Exception for 6' wall along property line on corner lot.
• 925 El Dorado Street - Bob & Carol Dresser, applicants - Minor Exception to encroach into minimum separation requirement (8' in lieu of 10' minimum).
• 132 North Sunset Place - Julia Smith, applicant - Minor Exception to allow a side property line fence to exceed maximum height (8' in lieu of 6' maximum) for the rear half of the fence.
• 820 West Huntington Drive - Integrated Artisan Builders, applicant - Review façade changes.
• 655 East Huntington Drive - Grant Niederhaus, applicant - Sign review.
• 927 West Duarte Road - Art Sign & Printing, Inc., applicant - Sign review.
• 1017 South Mountain Avenue - Nathan Simmons/CJC Collision, applicant - Advisory review for Conditional Use Permit for heavy automotive repair with a Minor Exception request for a reduction in parking spaces (53 spaces in lieu of 59 spaces required).
• 419 South Myrtle Avenue - James Read/London Gastropub, Inc., applicant - Advisory Review to amend Conditional Use Permit CUP2008-28.

COMMUNITY SERVICES HAPPENINGS

Community Services Commission. The Community Services Commission will review the following at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 14, at 7 p.m. at the Community Center:

• AR-1 Annual Update of the Los Angeles Metropolitan YMCA's (YMCA) Facility Lease Agreement for use of the Mary Wilcox Youth Center
• AR-2  2010-11 Canyon Park Facilities Revenue Analysis and Fee Survey
• AR-3  2010-11 Community Center Revenue Analysis and Fee Survey
• AR-4  2010-11 Urban Park Revenue Analysis and Fee Survey

Youth Sports Program.  The third game of the 2012 Winter Youth Sports Basketball Program was held on Wednesday, February 1.  The 2 p.m. game showcased the Mayflower Mariners versus the Bradoaks Bobcats.  Bradoaks took an early lead and never looked back winning the game 25-12.  The 3:15 p.m. game featured the Monroe Lions against the Wild Rose Bears.  The game was a high scoring affair with Wild Rose pulling out the victory late in the game, 36-27.  The Youth Sports Program is available to fourth and fifth grade boys and girls from Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe and Wild Rose Elementary Schools.  Youth must participate at the school which they attend.  For additional information regarding the Youth Sports Program, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

City of Monrovia Facility Rentals.  The month of January is the "Black Friday" in the wedding world and the Community Services Department is feeling the rush of holiday proposals.  The Department of Community Services offers two beautiful venues available to rent for wedding receptions, formal parties, informal gatherings and business seminars.  One of the venues available is the Monrovia Historical Museum.  This outdoor venue is 16,500 square feet in size and can accommodate up to 300 guests.  Kicking off the official wedding season in April, the Monrovia Historical Museum will be booked every weekend until October!  For more information regarding facility reservations, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626)256-8246.

American Library Association Convention.  A Youth Services Librarian from the Monrovia Public Library attended the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference from January 20 - 24 in Dallas, Texas.  The Librarian serves as the Sub-Committee Chair of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults Committee.  Librarians from around the country worked to create four reader's advisory themed lists.  The themes of the year are:  Adventure Seekers, Forbidden Romance, Get Your Geek On, and Sticks and Stones.  The eligible titles must be in print, available in paperback, popular among teenagers 12 - 18, and fit the themes of adventure, romance, embracing your inner geek, and bullying.  The Youth Services Librarian read more than 125 books over the course of the year and participated in the day long discussions with committee members to determine which notable titles should make the final lists.  The lists may be used by any Librarian as a resource to locate great books with teen appeal which can be accessed at http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/poppaper/2012.  For additional information, please contact the Library at (626) 256-8274.

Financial Literacy 101.  The Library hosted the first of three brown bag workshops regarding financial literacy on Tuesday, January 31.  "Managing Your Money Wisely" was presented by Linda Williams who is a Community Outreach and Training Manager for Consumer-Action in Los Angeles.  The 15 participants learned how to create a budget and useful tips to control expenses.  Ms. Williams also discussed how to protect yourself from identity theft and the importance of personal credit reports.

The second brown bag workshop was held on Tuesday, February 7.  "Wise Use of Credit" was presented by Brandon Pickering a Financial Specialist for Clearpoint Counseling Solutions.  The nine participants learned how to read and interpret a credit report and credit score.  They also received information regarding FICO scores and ways to improve their credit scores by developing healthy spending habits.  The brown bag series will conclude on Wednesday, February 15, with a presentation on banking basics.  For additional information, please contact the Library at (626) 256-8274.

Senior Stretch Class. Seniors are invited to attend a weekly stretch class.  The classes are held every Monday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Community Center.  There is a $2 fee per class.  This program is designed to increase strength and range of motion by using isometrics, yoga, tai chi and balance exercises, which include breathing techniques.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and to bring a towel.  The Monday, January 30 class was held in special honor, of the Senior Stretch Instructor, Clare Morvay's 95 birthday.  Happy Birthday Clare!  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire personnel responded to 58 emergency calls this week.

FIRE PREVENTION

Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Fire-safe Landscaping with Natives. The following article, written by Monrovia Canyon Park Volunteer and Reserve Ranger, Karen Suarez, was reprinted from the Canyon Park newsletter:

Saturday I attended a class at Theodore Payne Foundation and Nursery. Also in attendance was Monrovia Fire Department staff Rachel Wing, and Monrovia Canyon Park Volunteer & Project Manager with the Meadows Firesafe Council, Bill Ramseyer. The very interesting topic of Fire-safe Landscaping for Homeowners was presented by Melanie Baer-Keeley.

Like Melanie, I'm a native plant enthusiast. She represented helpful ideas for planning, planting and maintaining a fire-safe landscape, which are responsibilities that come with living in fire-prone areas of Monrovia. Vegetation can enhance the garden with native plants for watershed protection, slope stabilization, wildlife food and cover, as well as beauty and regional character.  She encouraged the term "Fuel Management" instead of "Brush Clearance".

We live in a Mediterranean climate, which is increasingly water challenged. Native plants retain more moisture, which makes them a good choice.

"We do not have to choose between native plants and fire safety", Suzanne Schettler quoted in the California Native Plant Society publication: http://www.cnps.org/cnps/publications/fremontia/Fremontia_Vol38-No2-3.pdf Many native plants such as coyote brush, and live oak trees can actually slow a fire down!

It is impossible for me to implement all of her recommendations in the first 30' foot zone on my narrow lot. But I can keep my tree trimmed at least 10 feet from the chimney, and leaves off my roof. Many invasive non natives like fountain grass can pose a fire hazard. Palm trees can be a fire ladder torch. It was interesting to learn that non-native fennel seeds burst in fire, and fly a long way. Melanie is restoration horticulturist for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and former co-manager of TPF. For thirty years, she has focused her career on all aspects of native plants through teaching, writing and illustration.

I recommend visiting and shopping at the Theodore Payne Foundation, and attend their important and fun classes. Location: 10459 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley, CA    91352-2116. www.theodorepayne.org

Karen Suarez, Monrovia volunteer and resident

ADMINISTRATION

This month is National Heart Month with special emphasis on heart attack prevention and actions to take if you witness someone having a heart attack.  Below is important information you should know about Heart Month:

Statistics:

• -1.5 million Heart attacks occur in the United States each year with 500,000 deaths.
• -Heart attack is the leading killer of both men and women in the United Sates. Every 20 seconds one American suffers a heart attack.
• -About 50% of deaths occur within one hour of the heart attack - outside of the hospital.
• -On average it takes more than 2 hours for a patient to ask for medical attention after suffering a heart attack.  Sometimes this is too long and irreversible heart muscle damage occurs.

What is a Heart Attack? :

A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. The site of the block during a heart attack is usually due to cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture inside of an artery. This causes a blood clot to form on the plaque's surface. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery. If the blockage isn't treated quickly, the portion of heart muscle fed by the artery begins to die. Healthy heart tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.

Signs/Symptoms:

• The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that often lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. The feeling can be mild or severe.
• Heart attack pain sometimes feels like indigestion or heartburn.
• New onset of:
• Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach
• Shortness of breath, which may occur with or before chest discomfort
• Nausea, vomiting, light-headedness or sudden dizziness, or breaking out in a cold sweat
• Sleep problems, fatigue or lack of energy
• Not everyone having a heart attack has typical symptoms.
• If you've already had a heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same for another one.
• The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you're having a heart attack.

What to do if you suspect a heart attack? :

• Call 9-1-1 for help right away if you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack.
• Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Who is at risk? :

• Certain risk factors make it more likely that you'll have a heart attack. You can control many of these risk factors.
• The major risk factors for a heart attack that you can control include:
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Overweight and obesity
• An unhealthy diet (for example, a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium)
• Lack of routine physical activity
• High blood sugar due to insulin resistance or diabetes.
• -Risk factors that you can't control include:
• Age. The risk of heart disease increases for men after age 45 and for women after age 55 (or after menopause).
• Family history of early heart disease. Your risk increases if your father or a brother was diagnosed with heart disease before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with heart disease before 65 years of age.

Preventative measures:

• Following a healthy diet is an important part of a heart healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars.
• If you're overweight or obese, work with your doctor to create a reasonable weight-loss plan that involves diet and physical activity. Controlling your weight helps you control risk factors for CHD and heart attack.
• Be as physically active as you can. Physical activity can improve your fitness level and your health. Talk with your doctor about what types of activities are safe for you.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can raise your risk of a heart attack. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.
• Treating conditions that make a heart attack more likely also can help lower your risk for a heart attack. These conditions may include:
• High blood cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to lower your cholesterol if diet and exercise aren't enough.
• High blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep your blood pressure under control.
• Diabetes (high blood sugar). If you have diabetes, try to control your blood sugar level through diet and physical activity (as your doctor recommends). If needed, take medicine as prescribed.

For more information on Heart Month visit the Monrovia web site at www.cityofmonrovia.org with special links to learn more about this important topic.

ON THE POLICE BLOTTER

New Monrovia Police Department Website Goes Live. First it was Crime Mapping - Then it was Twitter - Now, the Monrovia Police Department is continuing to work toward its goal of providing the public with easier access to police information by launching a new website, www.monroviapd.org.  Today, February 9, 2012, Monrovia Police Department goes live with its new, user friendly, Police website.  The new website is easy to navigate and provides the community with quick access to Police information.  Citizens can stay informed on Police activity with the Neighborhood Watch Report; receive real time, up-to-date crime statistics through crime mapping; access information on animal control issues and licensing; and find answers to many other general questions they might be seeking.  Whether it be finding out how to obtain a dog license, paying a parking citation online, or simply learning how to become a volunteer, this website is full of informative information.  The Department will continue to refine and improve the website.  Please visit the new website and Stay informed with what is going on in your community.

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the crime mapping link below http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia

Vehicle Burglaries. On January 30, officers responded to several vehicle burglary reports at a condominium complex in the 100 block of West Colorado in the secured tenant parking area.  Items taken varied from car parts to in-dash radios.  Additionally, a garage door opener was taken in one of the burglaries.  The investigation is continuing.

Theft - Suspects Arrested.  On January 31 at 11:27 p.m., a witness called police and reported a male and female suspect stealing his neighbor's bicycle from the 100 Block of West Colorado.  An officer stopped a couple matching the description near the location.  The witness positively identified both suspects and they were still in possession of the bicycle.  The victim desires prosecution.  They were both arrested for the theft.

Theft From a Vehicle.  On February 1 at 3:10 a.m. an officer responded to the 200 block of East Los Angeles regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim's front bumper was missing from his 2000 Honda Civic.  Investigation continuing.

Brandishing a Replica Firearm - Suspect Arrested.  On February 1 at 11:35 p.m., police received a call reporting a man with a gun inside a bar in the 100 block of East Olive.  The reporting party said the male suspect had displayed a handgun, causing the customers to become fearful.  Officers arrived and the man was detained without incident.  The weapon was a BB gun that looked like a pistol.  The suspect claimed to be a gang member and said he needed the gun for protection.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto - Utility Trailer.  On February 3 at 7:06 a.m., a utility trailer was reported stolen from an unsecured parking lot in the 200 block of West Foothill. The trailer did not have license plates on it.  It was taken sometime between 4 p.m. on February 2 and 5 a.m. on February 3.  The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary.  On February 3 at 6:24 p.m., a female resident in the 400 block of East Olive reported her home had been burglarized sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 5:25 p.m. that day.  A laptop computer was taken as well as the resident's black and white Boston Terrier.  The dog has a microchip.  Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft / Drunk in Public - Suspect Arrested.  On February 3 at 12:01 a.m., a sergeant on patrol witnessed a male subject come out of a bar in the 300 block of West Foothill, walk across Magnolia, and pickup up the corner resident's potted plant.  The male subject began walking away with the plant.  The sergeant stopped him.  The owner of the property was located, an elderly female, and she desired prosecution.  The plant was returned to the owner and the suspect was arrested, not only for the theft, but for being drunk in public.

Mail Tampering / Weapons Offense - Suspects Arrested.  On February 4 at 4:56 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of North Alta Vista regarding a male and female subject in a black car that were taking mail out of mailboxes.  Officers located the vehicle and stopped it.  The investigation revealed a large quantity of stolen mail, burglary tools, and a loaded revolver in the vehicle.  The revolver was found by the battery in the engine compartment of the car.  Both the male and female subject were arrested and charged with conspiracy, receiving stolen property, mail tampering, and weapons charges.

Battery.  On February 5 at 10:06 p.m., police responded to the report of a battery that occurred in the 200 block of Madeline.  The adult male victim was standing in front of his residence when he was approached by the suspect, his girlfriend's former boyfriend.  The suspect approached the victim in a friendly manner and asked if he would be willing to speak with him.  The victim agreed.  Without warning, the suspect punched the victim in the face several times.  The suspect then left the location.  The victim sustained a swollen left eye as a result of the battery.  The investigation is continuing.

DETECTIVE BUREAU CASE FOLLOW-UP

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Hit & Run Traffic Collision - Suspect pleads to Felony Charge.  On January 27, a hit and run traffic collision occurred at Huntington and Canyon, where a 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle as she tried to cross the street.  The driver fled the scene, but through investigation, was located and arrested.  The child was severely injured and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition.  Detectives submitted the felony hit and run case to the District Attorney for filing.  The suspect pled to the felony charge and accepted a sentence of 180 days in jail and 3 years probation.

Search Warrant - Additional Victim Identified.  A proactive investigation by patrol officers gave Monrovia Police Department's Detective Bureau enough information to secure a search warrant for a residence in the 200 block of West Olive, which was served on January 25.  The residents are suspected to be selling stolen property and narcotics from the residence.  An additional victim was identified this week from this case.  That brings the total to six victims of theft.

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Warrant - Suspect Arrested.  On February 3, the Special Enforcement Team was on patrol and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle.  A computer check revealed the driver was wanted by Monrovia Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

THE PUBLIC WORKS SCOOP

The Mulch is Back.  Good news folks! The mulch is back and ready for giveaway!  The encore dates have been confirmed and scheduled consecutively for Saturday, February 11, 18, and 25.  The location will remain the same; Monrovia's Recreation Park, 600 South Shamrock Avenue, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Be the early bird as the event is held on a first come, first served basis.

Without tools, your haul may come to a halt so don't forget your tools; shovels, containers for transport, gloves, and safety glasses or goggles as they are not part of the event.  For more information about FREE mulch availability, please contact the City of Monrovia's Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575.

Weekly Inspection Report

• 931 W. Duarte Road
• Caltrans Sound Wall Bridge Widening
• 201 W. Evergreen Avenue
• 125 W. Olive Avenue
• 272 N. Primrose Avenue
• Street Resurfacing C-3052
• 124 E. Pomona Avenue
• 446 E. Duarte Road
• 1218 Royal Oaks Drive
• 303 Fowler Drive
• 111 N. Madison Avenue

Street Light Repairs

• 227 W. Lime Avenue, reported to SCE
• 115 S. Madison Avenue, reported to SCE
• 309 S. Madison Avenue, reported to SCE
• 514 N. Myrtle Avenue
• 1307 S. Myrtle Avenue, reported to SCE
• 1309 S. Myrtle Avenue, reported to SCE
• 1327 S. Myrtle Avenue, reported to SCE

Traffic Signal Repairs

• Foothill/Madison - electrical wiring repair, detector loop repair

Miscellaneous

• Colorado Commons parking lot - elevator repaired
• Fire Station 102 - repaired exterior lighting

Graffiti Removal

• Stop signs - (4) Primrose and Cypress Avenues - removed graffiti

Repaired and/or Installed Traffic Control Signs

• Wildrose and Heliotrope Avenues - School Crossing signpost repaired
• 611 N. Norumbega Drive - Speed Limit sign repaired
• Myrtle and Cypress Avenues - Stop sign replaced

Concrete Sidewalk Patching

• Concrete sidewalk at 312 and 316 Wildrose Avenue - concrete sidewalk patched
• 38 S. California Avenue - lifted sidewalk ramped

Pothole Patching

• 134 Mauna Loa Avenue
• 136 El Nido Avenue
• 1834 S. Sixth Avenue
• 2055 S Myrtle Avenue
• 238 S California Avenue
• 304 S. California Avenue
• 401 E Cherry Avenue
• 800 Block of E. Lemon Avenue
• Central and Magnolia Avenues
• Evergreen and Magnolia Avenues
• Los Robles and Bonita Avenues
• Monterey and Montana Avenues

Miscellaneous

• Barney Glenn Baseball Field - place and spread brick dust
• Garage Sale Signs - Huntington Drive, Foothill Boulevard, and Duarte Road - removed from public right -away

Customer Service

• 994 meters - read and recorded
• 12 water meters - replaced
• 83 utility work orders - completed
• 12 water services - reactivated
• 164 shut-off notices - delivered
• 1 water meter lid - replaced
• 68 backflow device test requirement notices - mailed
• 20 private backflow devices - tested
• 2 backflow devices - inspected

Water Production

• Water consumption is 39.7 million gallons, an increase of 11% compared to reported water usage at this time last year.

Department of Health Services Required Water Samples:

• 17 water system samples
• 1 well sample
• 6 water treatment facility samples

Utility Maintenance

• 2 - 1 inch water services - replaced
• 1 - 1 1/2 inch water service - repaired
• 1 - 2 inch water service - repaired
• 2 - 1 inch angle valves - replaced
• 1 fire hydrant - replaced
• 22 water system valves - inspected and operated
• 11 fire hydrants - inspected and flushed
• 16 underground service alerts - completed
• 20,000 feet of sewer mains - cleaned

Parks Section

• 300 block N. Madison and 100 block of S Ivy Avenue - trees trimmed
• Landscaping and rose pruning at Historical Museum - completed
• Main irrigation valve at Police Station - replaced
• Landscape at 500 block of E. Maple - completed

_________________________

Sat., February 11, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.            Free Mulch Give-Away, Recreation Park

Tuesday, February 14, 6:30 p.m.            MAFA Amateur Valentine Dance Competition & Fundraiser; Paint "n" Play Art Studio

Sat., February 18, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.            Free Mulch Give-Away, Recreation Park

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - PRESIDENT'S DAY, CITY HALL, CORPORATE YARD, COMMUNITY CENTER & LIBRARY CLOSED

Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.            Salute to Service, Council Chambers

Tuesday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.            City Council Meeting

Sat., February 25, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.            Free Mulch Give-Away, Recreation Park

Thursday, March 1, 8 a.m.                        Monrovia Reads "Read Across Monrovia", Monrovia Elementary Schools

Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.         HouseHold Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup, Myrtle Avenue Park & Ride Lot

Tuesday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.                   City Council Meeting

CMO ATTACHMENTS:

Monrovia gang member convicted of teen's attempted murder

Posted:   02/02/2012 10:39:07 PM PST

ALHAMBRA - Jurors Thursday convicted a Monrovia gang member for the 2008 attempted murder of a teenage boy, officials said.

According to Deputy District Attorney Stacie Mayoras, Jimmy Santana, 23, was convicted of one count each of premeditated attempted murder, shooting from a motor vehicle and assault with a firearm.

Santana is scheduled for sentencing on March 15 in Alhambra Superior Court.

Santana was convicted of attempted murder for shooting a 16-year-old boy as he rode his bicycle in the 2500 block of Peck Road, in an unincorporated county area near Monrovia Jan. 29, 2008.

Investigators described the wounded teen as an innocent young man who got caught in the crossfire of a feud between black and Latino gangs in the area in late 2007 and early 2008.

The alleged victim took the stand to testify during the seven day trial, court officials said.

At a hearing 2 months after the shooting, the young man described how he was riding home from a dairy when a car approached and a gunman, later identified as Santana, opened fire while shouting gang slogans.

Antonovich Announces $2.5 Million Grant to Replant Destroyed Trees

By Pasadena Independent

Published: Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced a $2,500,000 County grant program to replant trees in parts of the San Gabriel Valley devastated by the December 2011 windstorm.
Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded competitively to cities, other public agencies and nonprofit organizations that partner with public agencies. Grant guidelines allow for trees to be planted in parks and public open spaces as well as in parkways along residential and commercial streets.
The application deadline has been set for May 31st for applicants to develop comprehensive replanting programs. Grants should be awarded this summer allowing for tree planting as early as this fall or winter. Priority will be given to the grant proposals demonstrating the greatest need.

Applications can be downloaded from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District website at http://openspacedistrict.lacounty.info or for more information, call (213) 738-2981.