City of Monrovia

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

Summer's Over; Back in the Saddle
Well, we're going "school supply shopping," pre-season football is underway, the Dodgers are 10 games out of first...yep, it's almost September.

Brushfire is Extinguished Quickly
On Monday, the 23 - first day back from vacation - we received a call of a brushfire near the entrance of Canyon Park shortly before 1 p.m. You may recall that the temperatures early this week exceeded 100 degrees.

The approximately three-acre brushfire presented quite a challenge. The initial blaze engulfed an area of steep terrain that was hard to get to. Apparently, a mylar balloon got caught in a power line north of the lower Canyon Park parking lot. I have to give a lot of thanks to our Canyon Park Rangers who were on duty, heard a loud pop, quickly investigated and assessed the situation, called 911, and helped evacuate the Park. Without that kind of on-site attention and quick response, who knows what might have happened.

Ironically, and as an aside, it is this kind of focus that we have endeavored to place on the Wilderness Preserve. Consider that Canyon Park has thousands of visitors every year, while the Preserve will very likely attract only a small fraction of that number (due to terrain, lack of shade, lack of water/riparian areas, etc.) - there are parts of the Preserve that are quite remote. Without proper management, responsible use and regular patrol, if a fire did start due to freak occurrence like a balloon in a power line (and there are power lines feeding the handful of residences within the boundaries of the Preserve), who knows what kind of trouble we'd be in for?

I have to say that the hustle of the Rangers was amplified by the expertise and professionalism of our Fire crews. Our Division Chief decisively called in the resources needed to address any contingency and strategically staged all of our first-responding units. Within a few short minutes we had all of our units on the scene; within a few short moments after that, we had water-dropping helicopters and four strike teams on scene or en route from neighboring cities, the County, and the Forest Service. The chain of command among the various agencies involved was smooth and efficient. By the end of the incident, all of our people were safe, if exhausted. Full fire gear in 104-degree heat takes it out of you. In short, our mutual aid system worked exceedingly well. It is worth stating that the cost for all of these resources is covered under our mutual aid agreements (the first 12 hours of an incident).

Moreover, our Police Department and Public Works crews also performed very well - Public Works quickly got all of the necessary street barricades in place to close off areas and PD did a great job of establishing traffic control and ensuring that fire apparatus were able to easily get to the scene. Interestingly, we made one arrest during this incident (unrelated to the start of the fire); a motorist who apparently lives in the area tried to roll through our traffic barricade and allegedly assaulted an SCE worker with his vehicle. Our officers quickly took the motorist into custody.

Though the first 15-20 minutes were nerve-racking, by the 30-minute mark Fire Chief Chris Donovan and I concurred that activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) would not be necessary. Our concerns revolved around the steep terrain as well as the fact that we had lost power in the general vicinity of the fire, and thus, we lost the ability to pump water into our reservoirs. Rest assured, however, that we had more than enough water in the system (we fill all of reservoirs overnight when usage and the cost of electricity is less). The other concern was weather. If the winds kicked up, you can be sure we would have at least had a partial EOC opening in order to mobilize all City forces.

By the mid-afternoon, the fire was approaching full containment - no open flames; still some smoldering ground cover. Hand crews were still working to cut a complete line around the actual fire ground, but we were able to starting releasing resources. Just to be safe, we kept two of the helicopters on the scene a little while longer.

Lastly, I must note that our public outreach and media usage worked well, though it took us a little too long to get organized. Still, many folks were able - and seemed to prefer - to use our Facebook page. Between the website, Facebook, the City Hall switchboard, and City Council interactions, we were able to handle scores and scores of contacts. The feedback we have received has been all positive. We staged a media station at the Ridegeside/Canyon intersection; Channel 7 news sent a cameraman and Channel 4 called a couple of times, but that was it.

Well, we dodged another potential disaster. The foothills above our city are effectively the last bit of wilderness in the local mountains that hasn't burned in the last several decades. This only amplifies our brush abatement efforts and, as indicated earlier, our need to implement a Management Plan for the Wilderness Preserve (which is underway).

Thanks to all of the personnel - in Monrovia and from throughout the region - that helped to keep Monrovia safe and secure...again.

Patch.com to Focus on Monrovia
This week, Mayor Pro Tem Adams, Councilman Shaw, PIO Dan Bell and I met with our new Patch.com reporter/editor regarding the launch of a Patch site focused on Monrovia. Patch is a service from AOL that is intended to be the on-line replacement for the daily local newspapers of old. While we get daily coverage from the Pasadena Star-News, it is primarily centered on larger news items; on the other hand, smaller stories are covered by the Monrovia Weekly (which, obviously, is weekly). Patch apparently will fill the void. Look for this launch this October. If you want to get a glimpse of what is to come, there are already a number of Patch sites up and running that are dedicated to other LA County communities.

YES! Interns Graduate
Well, another class of graduates has shared a tremendous experience with the City of Monrovia. As our program evaluations indicate, the Mayor and City Council's Youth Employment Service (YES!) makes a difference in raising at-risk students' GPAs and decreasing truancy, absenteeism, and discipline problems at school. The graduation ceremony for these interns is scheduled for the September 7 City Council meeting. For more information about the YES! Program, please feel free to contact Human Resources Manager Danielle Tellez.

Articles Attached Below

• Steve Scauzillo: Monrovia Moves Ahead in Downtown Race - The race is like a marathon, but one that never ends. Thanks to the PSN for recognizing our successes; but, of course, this will only force us to redouble our efforts to make Old Town Monrovia the premiere shopping and dining district in the San Gabriel Valley.
• Gate-Keepers to City Records, Rarely Talked about City Clerks Often Earn High Salaries -  Modern City Clerks are akin to master librarians. Their institutional knowledge and organizational skills have truly led to the professionalization of the position. You will be glad to know that very few City Clerks - elected or appointed - carry the credentials that our current and former City Clerks have earned (Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk).
• Wine Podcasts a Fun Venture - Local businessman and community benefactor Paul Kalemkiarian likes to have fun with his business...and why not? After all, his business is wine!

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Fig Avenue Meeting
Neighborhood Leaders James and Joannie Yuille hosted Fig Avenue's fourth neighborhood gathering on the evening of August 17. The meeting was attended by Community Development representatives and residents of the 100 and 200 blocks of Fig Avenue, including a family who recently moved to the area. The agenda covered issues pertaining specifically to Fig Avenue residents. Neighbors were given the opportunity to meet each other, identify potential issues in their neighborhood and plan ways to be proactive in their community. The success of Fig's neighbor-initiated MAP block party earlier this year has given even more momentum to the dedicated residents as they plan their neighborhood's participation in Make a Difference Day, continue recruitment for their Neighborhood Watch and organize their own Movie Night.

Royal Oaks Rocks!
Neighborhood Leadership graduates Daniel and Megan Lundgren hosted a block party on their street in the 400-600 blocks of Royal Oaks as part of a Neighborhood Grant designed to build community and encourage resident participation. The Lundgrens were assisted by Monrovia Area Partnership staff and representatives from the Fire, Police Public Works, Community Services and Community Development staff.

Neighborhood Leaders from other blocks also pitched in to assist in the event, including Larry Spicer, Jackie Powell, Eloise Hart and Gwendolyn Jones. This gathering had a few new twists, including a potluck and hot dog lunch, entertainment from members of the "New Beginnings Youth Group Choir" and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held for bragging rights among local "hoopsters." The tournament was coordinated by Memo Chavez and Joe Banuelos of the Community Services Department. The winners of the tournament were the Royal Oaks Boyz, a group of youth from the neighborhood.

Activities for children were also available through the efforts of the Monrovia Reads and Plays van.

The event provided an opportunity for residents to become neighbors and discuss issues affecting their block and set goals for future activities. Daniel and Megan collected email addresses and phone numbers from the residents in attendance. A few neighbors also expressed their interest in becoming Neighborhood Leaders and attending the next Neighborhood Leadership and Development Training classes.

Tribute to Bill Skiles, Neighborhood Services Manger - Retired
Community Development staff and a host of well wishers attended the Retirement Party for Neighborhood Services Manager Bill Skiles held on Saturday, August 20. The celebration was attended by Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, City Treasurer Steve Baker, City Clerk Alice Atkins, City Manager Scott Ochoa and friends, co-workers and acquaintances from throughout Bill's extensive career. Bill received a number of well deserved accolades but Mayor Lutz probably best summed up the feelings of those in attendance saying that Bill's retirement was a bittersweet occasion. It is bitter because of the loss of one of the City of Monrovia's most vigorous community proponents, yet sweet in that we all wish him well in his retirement. Bill dedicated over 25 years to helping others in the pubic safety field.

After serving his country in the armed forces during the Vietnam War, Bill returned home and embarked on a career as a Los Angeles Police Officer. His law enforcement career was cut short after being shot and critically wounded in the line of duty. Bill managed to recuperate and embarked upon a new career as a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Monrovia. Bill became an integral part of the City of Monrovia's Problem Oriented Policing program and has made presentations to state and local associations on various topics related to code enforcement. Bill also served as a Code Enforcement Manager in the Communities of San Bernardino and Glendale, returning in that capacity to the City of Monrovia where he reinvigorated the Code Enforcement program and developed a comprehensive neighborhood preservation strategy.

Bill initiated the Neighborhood Strategy Team (NST), incorporating a multi-departmental approach to neighborhood problem solving. His efforts and those of the NST were recognized by the Federal Executive Board and awarded the 2008 Team Accomplishment Award. To specifically focus neighborhood preservation activities in at-risk neighborhoods, Bill developed the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) program. MAP is a comprehensive approach to delivering public services in the City of Monrovia by developing public-private-community partnerships. The objectives of the MAP program are to eliminate crime and blight while empowering neighborhoods by fostering citizen activism, volunteerism and community pride. MAP received national recognition by being honored as a Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) 2008 Best Neighborhood Program award winner. Bill's energy, initiative, and foresight have provided benefit far beyond the borders of the City of Monrovia. His efforts have achieved tremendous results and exhibit the highest levels of dedication to public service. Bill Skiles will be greatly missed.

Shopping Cart Ordinance
All businesses that furnish shopping carts for use by their patrons were invited to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 24, at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was held to educate the shopping cart owners and facilitate their compliance with our newly adopted Shopping Cart Ordinance. The newly adopted ordinance requires a shopping cart retrieval and containment program. The timelines and methods of compliance were discussed.

A representative of one our local retail establishments expressed his willingness to comply because of his positive experience after the installation of containment systems at other stores that he manages. He stated that it (the containment system) cut their loss of shopping carts by 100%. Matthew Dodson, Director of Local Government Relations for the California Grocers Association, was in attendance and offered to get the information to the retailers that they represent and assist in the compliance process.

Development Review Committee

• The Development Review Committee will review the following at its meeting on September 1, 2010:
• 1305 South Mountain Avenue - RIP Halloween - request for Halloween store and temporary signage
• 301 North Myrtle Avenue - Ricardo Jurado - Minor exception to allow a one-car garage in lieu of required two-car garage
• The Committee will also review proposed trash enclosure gates and Alcohol Beverage Control renewals of 13 restaurants/stores.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Personnel responded to 76 emergency calls from 0800 hours August 17 to 0800 hours August 24. Significant incidents included:

• Structure Fire - On Sunday afternoon, firefighters responded to the 500 block of west Duarte Road on a report of smoke coming from one of the apartment units at the location. Firefighters entered the apartment and found food burning on the stove. The resident of the unit had left the apartment and forgot the food cooking on the stove. The fire was quickly extinguished and the smoke removed from the apartment. Damage was confined to the cooking material and stove.
• Brush Fire - On Monday afternoon, firefighters responded to Canyon Park on a reported brush fire at the entrance station. Firefighters located a small brush fire moving up slope just west of the reported location. Monrovia firefighters along with neighboring cities, including LA County Fire and the U.S. Forest Service, worked quickly to extinguish the fire and limit its size to just two acres. An investigation into the cause of the fire determined that Mylar balloons had blown into power lines causing them to short circuit, spark and break.
• Brush Fire - On Tuesday evening, firefighters responded with the State Office of Emergency Services Engine 341 to a brush fire in the Lebec area of Kern County. Firefighters were assigned to structure protection and firefighting operations in both the Lebec and Frazier Park area.

Fire Prevention

Wilderness Public Education and Fire Safety
Fire Department personnel are exploring a grant opportunity for hazardous fuels reduction in Ruby Canyon and strategizing an environmentally sustainable approach to community wildfire protection. Ruby Canyon bisects several neighborhoods in the VHFHZ, including the Briarcliff area and portions of Ridgeside. The project would seek to improve fire protection for the homes in these neighborhoods by thinning out the vegetation in the canyon, focusing on exotic plant species, and on those natives that are most fire-hazardous. Preservation of wildlife habitat in the canyon is a crucial element of planning. Another project component being considered is the establishment of a native plant nursery that could provide a source of fire-resistant native plants well-adapted to our immediate locality for future planting and habitat restoration projects.

Public Education

Extreme Heat
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat. Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect."

During a Heat Emergency - What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
  Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Training and Emergency Preparedness

Captain Scott and the C.E.R.T. training group are preparing emergency response training for the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD). The training will begin in October and consist of multiple training days. The MUSD will train on emergency response to natural and manmade disasters. This training is a continuation of the City collaborating with the community and spreading the disaster preparedness message.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team held a table top drill at the end of July to continue honing our skills with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) method of disaster management. The exercise fell in line with a county-wide exercise known as Operation Golden Phoenix. The training consisted of a table top exercise that followed the Golden Phoenix template.

These exercises are beneficial to the EOC team; building confidence in their ability to operate in emergency situations. This exercise was a success and we will continue with more exercises to gain comfort with the NIMS model.

Administrative Items

The Canyon Incident
The two-acre brush fire this week was a big reminder of the importance of early detection, rapid response, the robust fire service mutual aid system that is in place and the cooperation that is common amongst the various departments within the City of Monrovia.

Power lines surged, sparked and broke from a metallic balloon which had floated into the lines above heavy brush causing ignition in a steep hill at the entrance to Canyon Park, which took nearly three hours to control (this is a reminder of the dangers of releasing metallic or Mylar balloons). The fire resources that were dispatched included three water dropping helicopters, two hand-crews, 20 fire engines and numerous support personnel (more than 125 firefighters). Resources were dispatched from most of the local Area C fire departments, LA County Fire and the U.S. Forest Services reinforcing that the California Master Mutual Aid system is extremely effective at getting large numbers of resources to local incidents where "neighbors help neighbors." That same cooperation extended to several departments within the City: The Park Rangers under Community Services that detected the fire and called 911 while directing fire resources to the scene; the Police Department that helped with evacuations out of the park, crowd control, traffic control and assistance at the incident command post; the Public Works Department that coordinated water supplies given the power outages; and the City Manager's Office with public information dissemination through the media and social networking sources that were found to be extremely effective and helpful.

Ultimately, this was a relatively small fire that raised big concerns given the location, tough topography, high temperatures and heavy fuels. The rapid response, aggressive attack and coordinated management of resources controlled the blaze in short order and except for a few cases of heat exhaustion, no serious injuries were reported and no damage to property occurred. Many thanks go out to all those agencies that assisted with the extinguishment of the fire and a special acknowledgment to the Monrovia Firefighters that demonstrated, in their actions, true professionalism, dedication, hard work and bravery in protecting lives and property in what could have been a very big incident but given their quick response and decisive actions was held to a two-acre fire.

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 536 service events, resulting in 96 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Felony Theft - Suspect Arrested
On August 19 at 4:13 p.m., a subject attempted to conceal cough medicine and beer in his waistband and exit a store in the 300 block of West Huntington without paying for the items. He was detained by loss prevention. An officer responded and determined the suspect had a prior conviction for theft with time served. He was booked for felony petty theft with priors.

Peeking / Prowling - Suspect Arrested
On August 20 at 5:55 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of North Alta Vista regarding a prowler. A neighbor heard noises outside. She looked out and observed a male subject in his 20s looking into the window of her neighbor's home. She yelled at the subject and he ran toward to the street. Another neighbor observed the suspect run out to the street and go directly to a residential treatment center, where he entered a side window. Through investigation, it was determined the suspect is a convicted felon on parole. A photographic line-up was completed and positive identification was made. Parole was contacted and they agreed to issue a parole hold for the violations. Night watch officers and the Special Enforcement Team went to the treatment center and arrested the suspect.

Battery - Refusal to Prosecute
On August 20 at 9:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle. An adult male victim was attacked by three to five other adult males in their 20s. The suspects then ran westbound toward Alta Vista. The victim sustained moderate lacerations and abrasions to his face and was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The victim did not desire prosecution and was not willing to participate in identifying the suspects. The victim also refused to be taken to a hospital.

Domestic Violence - Suspect Arrested
On August 22 at 8:55 p.m., an officer responded to a domestic violence in-progress call. When he arrived, he located the suspect, who became combative and would not comply with the officer's commands. Additional officers were requested to help subdue the suspect and he was taken into custody. The victim had left the scene and had driven to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office in East Los Angeles to report the incident. The victim went to the hospital for treatment. She sustained a fractured nose, bruising to her left eye and multiple abrasions to her left leg.

Vehicle Burglary
On August 23 at 6:14 a.m., an employee of fitness center in the 700 block of East Huntington reported a vehicle burglary. Someone had broken into one of their member's vehicles by breaking the front passenger window. A GPS navigation system, sunglasses and a black lunch bag were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary
On August 23 at 7:22 a.m., officers responded and took a report from a contractor who is doing work at a residence in the 600 block of Hacienda. He left his tools in the residence and secured the property on August 20. When he returned to the residence after the weekend, he found his tools had been stolen.

Outside Assist / Carjacking - Suspect Arrested
On August 23 at 9:40 a.m., Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputies and their airship were following a carjacking suspect who was entering the City of Monrovia. They requested our assistance, as they were getting ready to conduct a high-risk stop on the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped at Montana and Magnolia. Monrovia officers assisted with traffic control during the stop. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Brush Fire
On August 23 at 12:28 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of North Canyon reported possible live wires down in the area of Canyon and Ridgeside. Several other calls reported other downed wires in the area. One resident reported an actual fire at the entrance to Canyon Park. Monrovia Fire and Police personnel responded. Canyon Park was shut down and several hikers near the waterfall were advised and evacuated. Fire helicopters dropped water and put out the fire within approximately 30 minutes. Hot spots flared, but were being dealt with, and fire personnel remained on scene until the evening.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon - Suspect Arrested
On August 23 at 1:15 p.m., during the brush fire incident, a resident who lives on Ridgeside insisted on making his way home and attempted to drive by Fire and Police personnel. The resident refused to stop at the direction of Fire personnel and hit a fireman and an Edison worker with his vehicle. The resident was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and was taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
On August 23 at 5:10 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Fig on a vehicle burglary report. The victim had parked and secured his vehicle in front of the residence. When he returned to his vehicle he found someone had broken into it. There were no signs of forced entry, but the stereo amplifier and speakers had been taken from the trunk. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
On August 25 at 2:53 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Kruse on the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot and went inside. When he returned to his vehicle a few hours later, it was missing. There were no signs of forced entry and the owner can account for all of the keys. The vehicle is a 1992, beige Honda Accord. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested
On August 25 at 4:07 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington had a female in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded and determined the female suspect detained had committed burglary and she was arrested and taken into custody.

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PUBLIC WORKS

The Graffiti Problem Continues
The total amount of tagging for the month of July reached a count of 1,112 which required over 94 hours of clean-up. The Department of Public Works and the Monrovia Police Department need your help to curb graffiti problems. If you suspect vandalism at the parks, or on any property in Monrovia, please call 9-1-1 or 626-357-CELL. 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.

Changes to Street Sweeping
Effective July 7, Athens Services began the interim street sweeping services for the City. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 626-932-5575.

Money Saving Rebate Programs for Residential and Businesses Water Customers
The Metropolitan Water District and Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water District are offering rebates to customers of the City of Monrovia Water System through April 30, 2011, or until funds are exhausted. For additional information, log on to www.bewaterwise.com to submit an application online. Commercial water customers are required to make a reservation in advance of purchase. Funding is limited and submitting an application is not a guarantee that customers will receive a rebate. Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Canyon Pipeline Installation - Southern California Gas Company
A new gas main-line is being installed on Canyon Boulevard between Foothill /Greystone and on Greystone Avenue between Canyon / Hill. Please observe all construction signs, traffic control signs, and temporary "No Parking" signs. It is expected that construction will be completed by the end of August.

Peck Road Water Main Replacement - Golden State Water Company
A new replacement water-main is being installed on Peck Road between Altern /Armijo. Temporary traffic control devices will also be installed. Please observe all construction and parking restriction signs as posted. It is expected that construction will be completed by the end of October.

Caltrans - Bridge Widening and Sound Wall Construction Update
California, Myrtle, Magnolia, and Monterey underpasses are now fully open to all traffic. SEMA Construction continues to work on Chestnut, Walnut, Fifth, and Mayflower. Temporary traffic control signs and lane closure devices are in place. The project is projected to be completed in 2011.

Public Works Inspections
601 S. Myrtle Ave.
700 S. Myrtle Ave.
4612 S. 5th Ave. - So Cal Gas
924 W. Huntington Drive - Time Warner
520 Norumbega
612 Norumbega
983 Norumbega
1024 Norumbega
125 E. Colorado
620 E. Colorado
845 W. Colorado M.H.S.
406/408 W. Olive Ave. - So Cal Gas
424 W. Walnut
2 Hidden Valley
450 Patrician Way
486 Patrician Way
415 Stedman Place - So Cal Gas
366 Beechworth
502/504 Mesa Circle
958 Ridgeside
135 S. Encinitas
227 E. Lemon - So Cal Gas
316 E. Lemon - SCE
Live Oak & Peck Road - SCE
Edison Power Pole Replacements
Cal-Trans/Metro
Monrovia High School Sewer Main Construction
Rule 20 Project
Canyon Gas Pipeline Installation Project - SoCal Gas
Peck Road from Armijo St to Altern St - Golden State Water
218 Grand Ave. - So Cal Gas
206 W. Hillcrest - So Cal Gas
158 N. Madison
704 Montana
740 Valley View Ave
848 W. Hillcrest
240 Melrose
138 Highland Pl - So Cal Gas
266 E. Pomona - So Cal Gas

Street Light Repairs
427 E. Maple
425 S. Myrtle
101 W. Lime
132 W. Lime
150 W. Lime
101 E. Lime
133 W. Lemon
131 W. Lemon
150 W. Lemon
115 W. Lemon
401 S. Myrtle
104 W. Lime
349 S. Myrtle
628 S. Myrtle
612 S. Myrtle
102 E. Lemon
110 S. Myrtle
149 W. Lemon
101 W. Lemon
101 Colorado
101 E Palm
102 E Palm
222 S. Myrtle
350 Primrose
103 S. Myrtle
105 S. Myrtle
224 S. Myrtle
117 S. Myrtle
247 E. Pamela Road - reported to SCE
807 Bonita St - reported to SCE
1030 Winding Oak Lane - reported to SCE
1832 Walker Ave - reported to SCE
706 W. Olive Ave - reported to SCE
351 N. Alta Vista - reported to SCE
1414 S. Alta Vista - reported to SCE
635/641/647 N. Canyon Blvd - reported to SCE
246 E. Pamela Red - reported to SCE

Traffic Signal Repairs

• Shamrock/Foothill - signal malfunctioned on Monday, August 23 and was repaired the same day.
• Huntington/Magnolia - five green signal lights replaced at intersection.
• Foothill/Violet - westbound safety light replaced.
• Myrtle/Lime - southeast corner was struck by a vehicle on Thursday evening, August 19. The signal pole was secured and returned to normal function by traffic signal technician. The pole will require future replacement.
• Foothill/Canyon - westbound safety light replaced.
• Foothill/Violet - signal was cycling rapidly and required repair on Tuesday, August 24.
• Foothill/Primrose - southbound safety light replaced.
• Foothill/Canyon - the replacement traffic signal pole was installed on the northwest corner this week.

Miscellaneous Maintenance

• Well Field - Electrical repairs were made on Tuesday, August 17.
• Corporate Yard - Chain barricade installed on wash rack entry.
• Historic Museum - Lamp replaced at front lobby.
• Police Department - Light fixture replaced in kitchen, copper plumbing removed in kitchen area of Detective Bureau, leaky water supply line repaired at records' area sink, and ceiling tile repaired in basement kitchen.
• Community Center - HVAC filters replaced at front office area.
• Banner - installed at Huntington/Myrtle on Tuesday, August 18.
• Fire Station 1 - Latch code added to gate operator, exhaust fan repaired in workout room.
• Library - Lock repaired at Heritage Room cabinet, plaque mounted in Literary Office.
• City Hall Annex - Lock repaired at first floor restroom, exterior lamp replaced.
• Canyon Park - Plumbing repairs made at Entry Station upper and lower restrooms.

Traffic Painting
Re-painting of Stop Legends and Limit Lines at Monrovia Schools.

Graffiti Removal
Olive and Fifth Ave
Magnolia and Lemon
Canyon and Walnut
Fano and Mayflower
Pilgrim Way and Duarte Rd.
Genoa and Mayflower
Spanner and Peck Rd.
Hurstview and California
California and Duarte Rd.
California and Pomona
Railroad and Myrtle
Pomona and Myrtle

Concrete Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of concrete curb and gutter in the 100 block of W. El Norte Ave.

Miscellaneous
Patched pothole in the 800 block of Norumbega Dr.
Crews provided traffic control equipment for the Canyon Park Fire

Customer Service
2,759 water meters were read and recorded
55 Utility Work orders were completed
1 water meter was replaced
6 water meter lids were replaced
5 private backflow devices were tested

Water Production
Water consumption is 62.8 million gallons, an increase of 3% 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" angle valves were replaced
1 - 3/4" water service was repaired
1 - 1" water service was repaired
1 - 1" water service was installed
1 - 8" Water main was repaired
2 - 1 ½" water meters were replaced
1 - 2" water meter was replaced.
11,000 feet of sewer mains were cleaned
550 feet of sewer mains were video inspected
28 underground service alert utility location requests were completed
The sewer crew performed maintenance on the Canyon Park Septic System
All crews attended Storm Water Awareness training
Utility crews attended several classes on new technologies and methods for the water industry.
Crews responded and to the brush fire in the Canyon Park.

Parks Section

• Crews removed three large fallen limbs on Cherry, Cypress, and Orange.
• The Skate Park drinking fountains are being repaired and awaiting parts.
• Park staff along with the Neighborhood Beautification Crew from L.A. Works teamed up for maintenance of the Old Town and Myrtle Ave planters and medians.

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FOR YOUR CALENDARS

Mon., Sept. 6 - Labor Day, City Hall Closed

Tues., Sept. 7, 5 p.m. - YES! Intern Graduation; Council Chambers

Tues., Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m. - City Council Closed Session

Sat., Sept. 11, 9 to 3 p.m. - Hot Rod and Custom Car Show; Old Town

Tues., Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. - Regular City Council Meeting

Sat., Sept. 25, 11 - 4 p.m. - Community Sustainability Fair; Library Park and Community Center

Tues., Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. - Regular City Council Meeting

Thurs., Oct. 7 - Monrovia Reads Spaghetti Western Dinner; Doubletree Hotel

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ARTICLE ATTACHMENTS

Steve Scauzillo: Monrovia moves ahead in downtown race
Posted: 08/12/2010 05:51:48 PM PDT
Paper or plastic? Szechuan or Cantonese? Old Pasadena or Old Town Monrovia?

When choosing where to go for a night out in the San Gabriel Valley, Old Pas and Old Town Monrovia are on a level playing field. And for the hometown crowd, Monrovia may now have the edge.

Shocked? Don't be.

For locals - and I mean those who live in our Valley or even in the Whittier area - and drive to either downtown, yes, what New York City residents call "the bridge and tunnel crowd," few trek to Old Pasadena anymore for a night on the town. Even after a metamorphosis that included the restoration of old buildings and infiltration of fancy new stores and restaurants, it became so successful that it's the No. 1 hot spot for Los Angeles and South Bay teenagers and twenty-somethings out on a date or after a rave.

Hometowners, especially Pasadenans, dismiss Old Pasadena as a place choked with chain stores such as the Gap and J. Crew and chain restaurants with mediocre food but nonetheless jammed with hungry tourists (Cheesecake Factory, Melting Pot, Buca di Beppo, the list goes on and on.) Part of that is their lament from losing what they remember as old, Old Pasadena - locally owned restaurants and service shops. I used to go there in the mid-80s with my Orange County friends who were aghast at stepping around the occasional napping homeless resident. My wife and I loved to eat tacos at Ernie's, catch a movie at the AMC-Old Pasadena 8 at Colorado and DeLacey and pick up a chocolate bagel at Goldstein's (all three long gone).

But lately, like thousands of other Valleyites, nine times out of 10 we choose Old Town Monrovia. Granted, it doesn't have the panache of Old Pasadena (no Norton Simon Museum) but for the sheer experience, it has arrived. True disclosure: We lived in Monrovia for 14 years and cheered its own transformation from down-and-out burb to thriving, renaissance town. But without getting into all those vulgar things called facts, let's just say Monrovia's revamped downtown is a fetching lure, no longer a stepsister to the Rose City.

We prefer Monrovia's family atmosphere, free parking and Family Festival on Friday nights to Old Pasadena's urban pedestrian mall, trendy bars and expensive garage parking.

While some have come and gone, my wife and I can still patronize long-time independent restaurants such as Mundial, Cafe Opera, Rudy's and even the oldie-but-goodie The Monrovian. New places such as T. Phillips and the London Pub have upped the ante. Nikki C's from Rosemead Boulevard is set to open a restaurant on Myrtle. And Chang Thai Bistro - located where Sweet Garlic Thai once was before it moved to eastern Pasadena where it became Daisy Mint - is our new haunt.

That's not to say we don't get curious about the Old Pasadena landscape. On Saturday night, we walked down memory lane. We married with the date crowd and ate pasta carbonara at Mi Piace, then checked out the new Intelligentsia Coffee with the funky glass coffee pots. As Ann Erdman, Pasadena's information officer would say, "So much stays the same and yet so much turns over that it can be new each time you go."

In truth, having both downtowns so close is one of the best things about living in the San Gabriel Valley (or as my wife who grew up in Huntington Beach puts it, "so far from the ocean.")

But before every older city tries to become the next Old Pasadena, goals I've heard over and over at election time, cities must examine what I didn't have time to do in this column: the facts. Like, both city's commitment to historic preservation, to a vision, and to using redevelopment tools and federal grants to spur private investment. Each city helped build dense housing in or near downtown to create a steady flow of customers. And both made sure parking was adequate, if not plentiful.

Monrovia is a blueprint for how to revive your small downtown. Which city is the next to try it?

Gate-keepers to city records, rarely talked about City Clerks often earn high salaries
By Daniel Tedford, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/14/2010 07:13:08 AM PDT
For a position that is often unheralded and its duties relatively unknown to residents, many city clerks across the Valley make large salaries that often exceed $100,000, according to a recent survey.

Pasadena has the highest paid city clerk in the San Gabriel Valley with an annual salary of $143,006 and 10 cities had clerks that make more than $100,000 a year, according to public records.

The lowest annual pay for a full-time position was in Monrovia at $59,664. Baldwin Park and Montebello both have lower potential salaries, but only gave a salary range for the position that could be as much as $68,000.

Yet, experts say the large salaries - mixed with top-tier city benefits - may be justified.

"Until you actually get into the office and see what they do day to day, it is hard to understand just how much red tape and hassles Sacramento imposes on cities and most of that falls on the clerk," said Douglas Johnson, a nine-year fellow with Claremont McKenna College's Rose Institute of State and Local Government.

Johnson said the position of City Clerk is vital.

City clerks are responsible for all city records. Organizing, filing, filling record's request and making sure paperwork is adequately dealt with all fall under the clerk's tasks, Johnson said.

In addition, one of the most pivotal roles the clerk plays is orchestrating city elections. To some people, the position may seem more clerical than anything else, but Johnson said thinking of city clerk's just as paper pushers is a mistake. "I think the city clerk is definitely a manager," Johnson said. "In most cities, city clerk is a manager of a staff and the comparison is better as a manager rather than a clerk."

Most city clerks have years of experience and mixed with the concept they are managers overseeing a department, high pay is justified, Johnson said. "(City Clerks) hopefully are quiet, behind-the-scenes jobs, but can also be the center of considerable controversy when they erupt," Johnson said. "There is an old election clerk's prayer. `O Lord, I don't care who wins, just don't let it be close."'

Despite his defense of the position, Johnson said generally speaking, public employees are better paid than private sector workers.

But those individuals who lead city departments don't have positions to compare to in the private arena, he said.

"I think, for comparable jobs, where you are taking a city employee and private sector doing the same thing - city employees are paid well and when you add in benefits, they are paid extremely well," Johnson said. "City clerks and top managers are hard to compare because there really isn't a similar job in the private sector."

The way a city clerk gets their job varies from city to city. Some full-time clerks are elected, some are appointed. In other cases, a clerk is elected but works part-time, while a full-time deputy or assistant oversees the department.

Part-time clerks often get similar stipends as City Council members and make a few thousand dollars a year.

Arcadia City Manager Don Penman said the role of the city clerk as chief record keeper is critical. The position's qualifications vary - and in Arcadia a college degree isn't required - but the pay is justified because of the level of responsibility put on the position, he said.

"I think a lot of it goes to the amount of independent judgment a person exercises in their job and this requires that," Penman said. "It is more than pushing paper from one desk to the other."

Arcadia is one city that maintains an elected part-time city clerk, while a chief deputy runs the office's daily operations. The set-up allows the city to have an independent, elected clerk who represents the people while maintaining the city's ability to ensure someone qualified to be making more than $90,000 a year is hired, Penman said.

Sally Kilby, city clerk for South Pasadena, has been in the position since 2010. The elected position is also the full-time department leader and the job carries with it vast duties and responsibility, Kilby said.

Kilby went through a list of duties, including taking extensive minutes at council meetings, preparing agendas, staff reports, processing ordinances and resolutions, coordinating meetings and presentations, and other tasks.

The former nurse and editor of the American-Journal for Nursing described the job as "fascinating and challenging."

"There are things that are really nail biting responsibilities, like election day and processing ballots," she said. "There would be days I would wake up screaming in the middle of the night thinking I have forgotten something. There are so many requirements in an election, it is a job on top of another job."

City clerk pay per year
Pasadena - $143,006
Whittier - $124,956
Industry - $122,400
Temple City - $112,900
San Gabriel* - $109,440
La Mirada - $106,987
Glendora - $106,116
Pico Rivera - $105,408
West Covina* - $104,508
Covina* - $102,183
La Puente - $96,768 to $117,636
La Verne - $97,052
Rosemead - $91,824
Walnut - $90,912
Arcadia* - $90,870
Alhambra - $86,940
South Pasadena - $84,372
Irwindale* - $83,031
Diamond Bar - $78,736 to $105,514
San Marino - $76,260 to $93,306
Azusa* - $72,450
Monterey Park* - $72,372 to $92592
El Monte* - 70,344
South El Monte - $60,900
Monrovia* - $59,664
Montebello** - $56,004 to $68,088
Baldwin Park - $50,992 to $68,334
Sierra Madre (only one part-time position) - $3,000 elected official stipend, annual $7,800 minute preparation and $7,500 for general municipal elections.
Santa Fe Springs - City Manager functions as City Clerk
San Dimas - did not respond
Duarte - did not respond

*Constitutes that an assistant or deputy city clerk handles the daily functions of the department and the elected city clerk works on a part-time basis.

**Salary is for running the administration office. Employee also functions as Deputy City Clerk, but is only paid an additional $75 a month for that role.


Wine podcasts a fun venture
By Evelyn Barge, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/19/2010 11:28:42 PM PDT
In a Monrovia warehouse, a back office doubles as a studio, outfitted with all the necessities of a minimalist wine bar. Fluorescent lights glare overhead, reflecting off rows of bottles that line the shelves, a backdrop to the tall, wooden bar.

Paul Kalemkiarian Jr. and Ed Masciana are behind the bar, swapping stories and rapid-fire repartee like the best bartenders you've never had.

Kalemkiarian is president of the Wine of the Month Club, which is based out of Monrovia; Masciana is a longtime family friend, writer and all-around wine connoisseur. Together, they host the Wine of the Month Club's podcasts, a digital vehicle for the decades-old business that's growing in popularity.
When he set out to make videos on wine tasting, Kalemkiarian said he knew what qualities he didn't want from them. Your average Internet wine video is (let's face it) boring, he said. Panning shots of a picturesque vineyard, classical music, a soft voice describing the grape-growing process - "That's not what it's about," Kalemkiarian said, "It's about having some fun, right?"

Injecting a little playful irreverence into the tapings, which they've been producing together for over a year, was easy for the longtime friends.

"Paul and I've known each other for so long, this is how we are when we're talking with each other, whether there's a camera on or not," Masciana said.

When the podcasts are posted to the web and blasted out to the wine club's nearly 40,000 Facebook followers, it's an authentic glimpse of the big personalities and captivating history behind the true family-owned organization.

The Wine of the Month Club - it calls itself the "original," because it was likely the first-ever mail-order wine club - was founded in 1972 by Kalemkiarian's father, Paul Sr.

At the time, the elder Paul was already running Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits, a business he'd purchased in the 1960s.

"It really was a liquor store," Kalemkiarian said. "Ice and booze and ice cream - but he kind of liked wine." Paul Sr. was also a pharmacist, and he operated that business as a separate, nearby storefront.
When he would be at the pharmacy two doors away, someone would come say, `You gotta come to the (liquor) store, Paul. Someone's looking for some wine,' " Kalemkiarian said. "And he would leave the pharmacy counter and come instruct them on wine."

"He decided this (back-and-forth) was becoming a pain in the rear-end ... so he said, `I'm going to start choosing two bottles that are our selections for the month."' He displayed the monthly recommended wines prominently in the front of the store, with the goal of reducing time spent walking to-and-fro between the stores.

And, so, it was that move toward efficiency - combined with a growing expertise and the input of contributors like Masciana - that turned the liquor store into one of the premiere wine shops in Southern California. Too, customers soon were requesting to have the wines delivered by mail, and so the Wine of the Month Club was born.

Today, Kalemkiarian samples an average of 300-400 selections each month to narrow down the winning bottles that will be mailed out to club members, and viewers get a glimpse of this process and of Kalemkiarian's tasting notes through the podcasts. (Each podcast is kept brief, light-hearted and conversational.)

He said the videos go a long way in setting his company apart from monolithic competitors that can seem faceless at times. "Part of this video (and our social-media) concept is to establish that this is who we are," he said. "... You have to want to be able to open up and open up your personality and invite people in."

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