Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 26, 2012

7

 
Mountain Views News Saturday, May 26, 2012 

By Mary Barrow-Hoffman

Margaret Finlay, of Duarte, was honored as 
the 2012 California Mother of Achievement 
by the American Mothers, Inc., at their 
annual Gala at the La Canada Flintridge 
Country Club in La Canada. This honor is 
given to a mother who has given outstanding 
service to the community.

 Finlay was born in Monrovia 
Hospital to Ed and Helen Ferguson. Due to 
her father’s occupation, she moved to seven 
different cities in the West before she turned 
16. She graduated with a BBA in Marketing 
from St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame and 
shortly after married Brad Finlay. They 
moved to Denver, Colorado, and 10 years 
later moved to Southern California. They 
have been married for 37 years and are 
the parents of five children, ranging in age 
from 21 to 32, and 4 grandchildren. Four 
of the five children have earned bachelor’s 
degrees with the fifth still in college. Two 
have graduated with a law degree and a 
veterinary medicine degree, with one doing 
his residency and PhD at the City of Hope. 
Finlay has always been an advocate for 
education and to prove to her children that 
a person never stops learning, she returned 
to college and graduated with her Master’s 
Degree in Public Administration from CSU, 
Long Beach, when she was 47 years old. 
She has done doctoral work at Claremont 
Graduate University, was educated at 
Harvard University in the Senior Executives 
in State and Local Government program, 
received the Coro Executive Fellowship 
and was an Adjunct Professor at CSU, Long 
Beach.

 She and her husband have instilled 
their love for adventure and public service in 
their children by organizing humanitarian 
aid trips to many countries in Central 
America and Mexico, many times delivering 
an ambulance as part of their service. Over 
the years they have had 15 foreign exchange 
students live with them from countries 
including China, Italy, the Czech Republic, 
Poland, Brazil, and Holland. Their children 
have lived abroad, either studying, working 
for the European Parliament, or serving 
church missions. All three of their boys 
have earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the 
Boy Scouts program. 

 Finlay started out by volunteering 
in her children’s schools and then became 
more involved as she became aware of 
changes she felt needed to be made. She 
is currently serving her 22nd year on the 
Duarte City Council and has served 4 terms 
as Mayor. Her list of government and civic 
activities is extensive including serving 
as a commissioner on the boards of the 
L.A. County LAFCO, Southern California 
Association of Governments, League 
of California Cities, National League of 
Cities, NLC Small 
Cities Council, NLC 
International Council, 
NLC Program Chair for 
the Congress of Cities, 
California Contract 
Cities Association 
President, California 
Joint powers Insurance 
Authority, San Gabriel 
Valley Vector Control 
District, L. A. County 
Sanitation District, 
L.A. County Library 
Commission, Liability 
Trust Fund Oversight 
Committee, Ettie 
Lee Family Services 
Foundation Board of 
Directors, and City of 
Duarte Route 66 Parade 
Committee.

 Her public 
education activities 
include Duarte 
Education Foundation, 
Measure B School Bond 
Chairperson, PTA 
President Monrovia-
Duarte PTA Council 
and Royal Oaks 
Elementary School, 
Duarte High School 
Academic Decathlon 
Team Parent, Edison 
Afterschool Program 
Coordinator and teacher 
and starting the Junior 
Paramedic Program. 
Under her leadership 
thousands of dollars have 
been raised to return 
to the community in 
college scholarships to students and grants 
to teachers to develop creative programs.

 Finlay has also given service in her 
church as a Stake Girls’ Camp Director 
for 12 years, leader in the women’s and 
children’s organizations, a teacher in an 
early-morning scripture class for youth and 
Sunday School, and she heads the Public 
Affairs Council.

 Finlay notes, “My philosophy on 
parenting is fairly simple: Be strict with your 
children but let them know that they are the 
dearest treasures in the world to you. The 
tough part of me knew that accountability 
was all-important in raising responsible 
adults. I was aware that the world wasn’t 
going to be easy on them so I had to prepare 
them to face this reality. But I also wanted 
them to understand that they had a home of 
love and kindness to return to.”

 Others honored were Darcy Spencer 
Ure, Stevenson Ranch, 2012 California 
Young Mother of the Year, Beverly Price 
Nelson, 2012 California Mother of the 
Year, Sonja Eddings Brown, Northridge, 
Outstanding Service to Families, and Sara 
Vance, Carlsbad, Outstanding Service to 
Children.

 Finlay, Nelson and Ure represented 
California at the annual American Mothers, 
Inc., National Convention held May 3-6 
at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in 
Washington, D.C., where a National Mother 
and Young Mother of the Year were chosen.

 American Mothers, Inc., 
(americanmothers.org) is an interfaith, 
non-political, non-profit organization for 
women and men who identify with their 
purpose of strengthening the moral and 
spiritual foundations of the family. For 
over 75 years, AMI has strived to reach, 
teach and honor mothers across the nation. 
Hillary Clinton was a Young Mother of the 
Year for the state of Arkansas in 1984.

From Monrovia’s City Manager

DUARTE’S MARGARET FINLAY HONORED AS 2012 CALIFORNIA 
MOTHER OF ACHIEVEMENT BY AMERICAN MOTHERS INC.

CITY MANAGER ENCOURAGES 

RESIDENTS TO SHOP LOCAL

 

It is Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start to summer, but 
more importantly a time to remember the veterans and members 
of the military who served our country. I noticed as a drove 
through a few neighborhoods yesterday that many residents already 
have their American flags out, proudly acknowledging the 
holiday. To honor this day, the Upper San Gabriel Valley Allied 
Veterans Council will hold an event at Live Oak Memorial Park at 
10:00 am on Monday, May 28. 

This time of year, City departments are developing our budget for 
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. Like most California cities, 
Monrovia’s budget has been adversely affected by the loss of 
our redevelopment agency and other declining revenues, like the 
Community Development Block Grant program. It’s particularly 
frustrating that municipal agencies- cities, school districts, and 
other agencies that provide specialized local services- continue 
to be financially pressed by the sluggish economy and competing 
state and federal government priorities at a time when residents 
rely on local services more than ever. 

One way our residents and businesses can help us to minimize 
potential declines in revenue is to shop in Monrovia. Some of 
the sales tax you pay on your taxable purchases from our local 
retailers is returned to the City and can be used to fund police and 
fire services, recreation and library programs, park maintenance, 
and many other city services. It’s an important way you can support 
your community and keep our local businesses strong and 
thriving.

 

This coming Monday is Memorial Day and a time to remember 
and honor those who gave their last full measure of devotion to 
their country. The City of Monrovia honors those who have served 
and continue to serve in our Armed Forces, and in recognition, 
all City buildings and Schools will be closed on Monday, May 28.

 

On Saturday, May 26, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich 
is hosting a special tribute to our Armed Forces “Honoring 
Our Veterans.” Held at Arcadia County Park from 10a.m.- 3p.m., 
the event will feature skydivers, a flyover by WWII fighter planes, 
food and live music. Veterans and their will be treated to immunizations, 
haircuts, and health screenings, including booths with 
information on Veterans benefits. Click here to find out more.

 

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, Live Oak Memorial Park will 
host an event to honor the memory of lives lost in service. The 
celebration will feature a special memorial service in conjunction 
with the Upper San Gabriel Valley Allied Veterans Council, including 
presentation of the colors, performance of the national 
anthem by the Monrovia High School Band a rifle volley and the 
playing taps against a backdrop of American flags in the veterans 
section of the cemetery. The Condor Squadron will perform 
a Fly Over, and several organizations will place their wreaths on 
the Veterans Memorial. The service will be followed by a free hot 
dogs, popcorn and drinks served by the Live Oak staff. Please join 
us for this special day of remembrance and celebration. Click here 
or call 626-359-5311 for more information.

I wish you a happy and safe holiday, and ask you to please continue 
to shop local! 


Duarte City Council Member, Margaret Finlay standing 
with her husband, Brad, was honored as the 2012 
California Mother of Achievement by American Mothers, 
Inc. The honor is given to a mother who has given 
outstanding service to the community. 


Monrovia Police Blotter

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 478 service events, resulting in 92 investigations. 
To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/
monrovia for crime mapping. For Police Department news and information, visit our website at www.
monroviapd.org and follow us on twitter for police notifications.

 

Fire Assist / Gas Leak

May 21 at 1:33 p.m., police responded to assist the Fire Department on a reported gas leak. A contractor 
working at a location in the 100 block of West Colorado struck a gas line, causing a leak. Residents 
near the location were evacuated for their safety. The residents were sheltered at the Community 
Center and a secondary location in the 100 block of West Olive. The Gas Company responded and 
fixed the problem. 

Residential Burglary

May 21 at 10:39 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1100 block of Orange. The burglary 
occurred sometime between 3 and 9 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) entered through an unlocked rear 
window and jewelry was stolen. Investigation continuing.

 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

May 22 at 3:12 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 200 block of East Chestnut located a stolen vehicle 
parked in the alley. The vehicle is a 1996 Honda Accord that was stolen out of the City of Claremont. 
Residents in the area stated the vehicle had been parked there for about three days, and no one 
had been seen around the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and Claremont Police Department was 
notified. 

Commercial Burglary

On May 23 at 4:58 a.m., dispatch received a report of an alarm activation at a business in the 100 block 
of West Pomona. When officers arrived, they found the door to the business had been pried open. 
Copper wire and pipes had been stolen. Investigation continuing.

 

 Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovered

On May 23 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1200 block of Alta Vista. The Vehicle is 
a black 1996 Honda. There were no known suspects or evidence at the scene. The vehicle was later 
recovered in Victorville by San Bernardino Sheriff's Department who also printed the car for us. 
Investigation continuing.

 

Grand Theft Motorcycle

On May 23 at 7:28 a.m., a motorcycle was reported stolen in the 300 block of West Duarte Road. 
The motorcycle is a black 1988 Yamaha YSR. No known suspects or evidence found. Investigation 
continuing.

 

Commercial Burglary / Attempt Fraud

On May 23 at 4:55 p.m., an officer responded to the 600 block of Huntington Drive regarding a Commercial 
Burglary and Fraud occurring in three businesses. A female had used a fraudulent credit 
card two times prior and was recognized by the store staff when she attempted to buy products using 
a fraudulent card again. When they advised her they were calling the credit card company, she 
fled from the store. The suspect is described as a female white or Hispanic, 5-5, 25 years old, blonde 
hair and appears to be pregnant. As she fled she was joined by a Hispanic male wearing a sports type 
jersey. It was later determined that the male suspect had also attempted two fraudulent purchases in 
the 600 block of Huntington. The male suspect fled when officers arrived in the area. A search was 
conducted but the male and female were not found. A total of three incidents of burglary/fraud were 
established in which the male or the female were the suspects. Investigation continuing.

 

Medical Assist

May 23 at 8:31 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of North Alta Vista regarding a call of a 
male who collapsed and was possibly having a heart attack. When the officer arrived he administered 
CPR for approximately 2-3 minutes before paramedics arrived. As of this morning, the subject is 
recovering in the Intensive Care Unit.

 

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

On May 23 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was in the 300 block of West Cypress on a different call when he 
observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the location and ran the plate. The vehicle was reported stolen 
out of Azusa.

 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Arrested

On May 24 at 3:24 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of West Olive regarding subjects drinking 
in the park. Officers detained several subjects; one subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 
The others were field interviewed and released.