Check it out, no matter how any community tries to paint a picture as the perfect wonder bread city where all is just peachy, remove the crust and it gets pretty crumby.

Sadly the little victories for the little guy are too often buried and hid away.

We had a pretty terrific police officer in town, Michael Solarez. I met him under a variety of circumstances and always thought highly of him. He suddenly disappeared and no mention was made in the local paper. The only notice we had that something was amiss was an article in the Star News out of Pasadena that he was on medical leave and allegedly bringing claim against the city for discrimination for his sexual orientation.

What the hell, in this day and age AND with a growing gay and lesbian community in Monrovia I was surprised to see the allegations. Not surprised by the initial denial and attempt to besmurch his character as an ineffective police officer, but a little stunned to see it made against him.

Now I see that we have an additional officer bringing suit against the city for racial discrimination. What the hell…if true I hope he breaks the bank.

Anyway the May 19 issue of the Star News had a decent article on the topic. Curiousity is nothing was in the local paper.

The sad thing is of course no one in the city talks about it and tries to down play it as a “business decision”. Hah, after more years than I care to admit litigating claims, a plaintiff doesn’t walk away on a business decision happy, and those decisions aren’t made on a no merit claim like they try to make it out to be.

Good luck Mr, Solarez, you’re a good man and I wish you the best!

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