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Monrovia's World Vision Pledges Water For Millions | Craft Fair | Health Ads on Buses

~ Monrovia-based Christian relief agency, World Vision, has announced a goal to provide clean water to one new person every 10 seconds by the year 2020 with the help of philanthropists Dana and Dave Dornsife, who announced their intention to provide $40 million over five years to meet the goal. World Vision is the largest nongovernmental provider of clean water in the developing world. http://goo.gl/vgSYYf

~ Monrovia's First Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a Monrovia Community Churches Craft Fair, Saturday October 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the church, 1323 S. Magnolia Ave. For people from all denominations from churches across Monrovia. Family crafts and activities. There will be booths offering easy crafts for all ages, including paper arts, bakery items, and easy non-sewing fabric crafts. Admission is free! There will be items to buy, make, and eat. There may be a small charge for materials and churches will be responsible for their own sales. Your congregation can participate by reserving a free booth and having members offer a simple craft or lesson. For details contact Melissa Weber at 826-8326 or worshipow3r@gmail.com . Source: Press release

~ Ads for ChapCare, with offices in Monrovia, will be displayed on the interior of Foothill Transit buses, starting in September, to educate community members on how to access primary healthcare services at ChapCare. Ad topics include immunization, vision, access to medical services, and women's health.

- Brad Haugaard

Interview With Monrovia Community Development Director

Video interview with Monrovia Community Development Director Steve Sizemore: https://goo.gl/yb1ShB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Hits Bike; Burglaries; DUI; Biting Dog; Employee Rescued After Reporting Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 24-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Injury Traffic Collision
On September 25 at 7:00 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle verses bicyclist traffic collision in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. The male juvenile was riding his bicycle west on the south sidewalk. A vehicle exiting the parking lot, pulled onto the street and broadsided the bicyclist. The bicyclist sustained a laceration on his face. He was treated by paramedics and transported to a hospital.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On September 25 at 8:09 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation in the 800 block of West Colorado. Through investigation it was discovered the female had an outstanding warrant. She was cited for the vehicle code violation and taken into custody for the warrant.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On September 25 at 8:18 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation in the 200 block of North Alta Vista. The investigation determined the subject had an outstanding warrant. The driver was cited for the vehicle code violation and arrested for the warrant.

Residential Burglary
On September 25 at 9:29 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1600 block of Alamitas. The victims indicated they left their home that evening to eat dinner at about 5:15 p.m. They returned home at about 9:30 p.m. and discovered their home was burglarized. The front door was forced open with a pry tool, and unknown suspect(s) took currency, a camera, and electronics. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Suspect Arrested
On September 26 at 2:27 a.m. a driver was stopped for unsafe speed in the 1800 block of South Myrtle. The investigation determined the subject was driving under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested and later released on a citation after sobering.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On September 26 at 3:39 a.m., a driver was stopped for a stop sign violation in the area of Huntington and Shamrock. A subsequent investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and later released on a citation after sobering.

Vehicle Burglary
On September 26 at 11:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Alta Vista regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence. Upon his return his sliding rear window was open. Stolen out of his vehicle was a laptop and backpack. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property / Possession of Burglary Tools / Possess of a Controlled Substance / Possession of smoking Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On September 26 at 11:35 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of North Shamrock regarding a suspicious male subject. The officer recognized the subject from recent theft calls and burglary investigations. The subject was loading his vehicle and trailer with property. The subject did not have an answer to where, why and how he obtained a variety of expensive merchandise. The subsequent investigation revealed the subject was in possession of stolen property, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle and trailer were stored. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
On September 26 at 1:01 p.m., a resident called to report a theft in the 400 block of West Duarte. The victim’s purse was stolen out of her vehicle while she was at the coin car wash. She does not know how it occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Dog Bite
On September 26 at 11:14 p.m., a resident called to report he had been bitten by a neighbor’s dog in the 500 block of East Los Angeles. The victim was walking home along the front yard of his neighbor's fence line, when his neighbor's dog jumped up and bit the victim's right arm. The victim suffered three puncture wounds as a result of the dog bite, and he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The dog remained confined in his own yard during and after the incident occurred. The dog owner was identified and advised to keep his dog away from the fence line. Pasadena Humane Society was contacted and they will follow-up with all parties involved.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On September 27 at 1:29 a.m., a driver was stopped for unsafe speed. A subsequent investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for driving under the Influence of alcohol.

Commercial Burglary
On September 27 at 3:55 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of West Huntington regarding a subject inside the business. The suspect entered the grocery store but did not see the reporting party. The reporting party called the police on his cell phone. Officers surrounded the building with the help from Arcadia Police Department. The employee was rescued and the interior searched for the suspect with negative results. The suspect did gain entry into the store safe and stole approximately $60 to $80 dollars. The Investigation is continuing.

Monrovia City Manager: Detective Stories; Tax Meeting; Hairspray Auditions

In his weekly update ( http://goo.gl/vE48Sa ), City Manager Oliver Chi tells three detective stories. In one case Monrovia detectives tracked down a "storage locker ... filled from floor to ceiling with miscellaneous tools." In another case, Detective Oberon helped identify a suspect who had intimidated elderly victims into paying him for car repairs they never wanted. In the third case Detective Chad Harvey brought enough information to the district attorney's office to file charges in a $950,000 embezzlement case.

- There will be another public meeting tonight (Sept. 29) about the proposed water and sewer tax increase. 7-8:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (415 S. Ivy Avenue).

- Auditions Oct. 12 and 13 for Hairspray, to be performed at the he Taylor Performing Arts Center on Dec. 4, at 8:00 p.m., Dec. 5, at p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Dec. 6. at 4. p.m. For audition information, email Julia Clegg at jclegg@monroviaschools.net

- Brad Haugaard

Rain On Sunday for Monrovia?

Sixty percent chance of morning showers this Sunday, Oct. 4. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler Filming in Monrovia Next Week

Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler will be in Monrovia Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 5, 6, 7) filming a new feature film called "The House." They play a couple that lost their daughters college fund and open an illegal casino in the basement to try and get the money back. They will film at two private residence locations and six locations in Old Town. There will be intermittent traffic control on Colorado Blvd in front of the Peach Cafe on Monday only, and on the 400 and 500 blocks of Myrtle on all three days. Source: Diane Delmatoff, City of Monrovia

Update from Diane Delmatoff:

Monday – Peach Cafe 141 E. Colorado
Tuesday – 500 block of Myrtle 
Wednesday – 400 block of Myrtle

- Brad Haugaard

Ancient Whale Coming to Monrovia

The nearly intact fossilized remains of an ancient whale discovered at a construction site in Santa Cruz are coming to Monrovia, to Paleo Solutions. Source: Tom Adams. http://goo.gl/zUTBtU

- Brad Haugaard

Blood Moon Rising - Tonight

Beginning at 7:11 tonight Monrovians (and lots of others) will be able to see a rare astronomical sight, a super blood moon eclipse. This involves a super moon (when the moon is closest to earth it appears larger) and a total eclipse in which the moon will appear a rusty red (because of sunlight filtering through our atmosphere and reflecting off the moon). It is also the final in a "tetrad," series of four eclipses occurring at six-month intervals. I believe this will begin just as the moon is rising tonight. http://goo.gl/OhWTtA

- Brad Haugaard

Celebrate the Arts at Library Park

A very nice art show in Monrovia's Library Park today. I really like the chalk art. Also, I won a book from the Coffee House Writers Group because I knew the answer to a deep literary question: What was the name of Dick and Jane's dog? (If nobody knows the answer I'll post it soon. )

Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Mayflower School Community Installs Newly Won Playground Equipment





The Mayflower Elementary School community got together today to install $20,000 worth of playground equipment that the school won in a Dr Pepper Snapple KaBoom contest.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Cooling Center Open This Weekend

The City cooling center (aka Monrovia Community Center, 119 West Palm Avenue) is open today and tomorrow if you need to escape the heat: Saturday, Sept. 26: 7am - 7pm Sunday, Sept. 27: 7am - 7pm.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment to Buy Back Some of Its Stock

Monrovia's drone-maker, AeroVironment, has announced that it plans to buy back 23.5 million shares in common stock because the company believes it is undervalued. http://goo.gl/VYbAVD

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Creates Institute to Help Students Graduate

This fall Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, will inaugurate the Institute For Completion "to increase the number of students who complete their educational goals." The college is soliciting funds for the institute, which will need "sustainable ongoing funding," and has appointed Dr. Kathryn Jameson-Meledy to head it up. The institute will focus on four tasks: "Innovative Strategies, Professional Development, Resource Development, and Research." Source: Citrus press release.

- Brad Haugaard

High Speed Rail Tunnel Through San Gabriel Mountains Being Considered

The state's High Speed Rail Authority is apparently considering a rail tunnel through the San Gabriel Mountains.

Anyway, the Authority is considering several alternative routes through the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and wants to do some boring to evaluate the feasibility.

So, the US Forest Service is asking for the public's comments on the matter. If you have thoughts, they may be sent by mail or e-mail to: Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Attn. George Farra, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 or e-mail to gfarra@fs.fed.us Subject: HSRA GI. But get your comments in by October 23 of this year.

Source: http://goo.gl/KmvRcH

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Hon Sushi


Dinner last night at Hon Sushi, in the Pavilions shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. I got the Las Vegas Roll ($9.99) and a beer ($4.95, happy hour price). I'm thinking maybe the roll was not entirely traditional Japanese, but it was very tasty! Service quick and friendly. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Lady Cats Basketball Clinic

Monrovia High Lady Cats will host a basketball clinic for students in third to eighth grade on Oct. 3 from 9:15-11 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. $10 fee. Contact Coach Wil White at hicoach41@gmail.com or at 500-3369.

Citrus Administrator Named 'Sustainability Champion'

Fred Diamond, director of facilities and construction at Citrus College, was recently presented with the California Community Colleges Board of Governors' 2015 Sustainability Champion award. Diamond was named because he has led Citrus College's sustainability efforts, and has also served as an advisor and mentor to other districts throughout the community college system. Citrus College serves Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Vacuum, Water Heater, And Door Panel; LoJack Vehicle Recovery

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 441 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Grand Theft
September 21 at 6:08 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 700 block of East Cypress. The reporting party arrived at work in the morning and discovered all of the batteries to the business semi-trucks had been stolen. A total of 22 batteries were taken in the theft. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 21 at 1:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Myrtle on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his vehicle in the parking structure while visiting his brother. When he returned to his vehicle, he found a window was smashed and a vacuum that was in the vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
September 21 at 4:07 p.m., dispatch was contacted by LoJack and advised they were tracking a recovery signal from a stolen vehicle to the area of Evergreen and Myrtle. Officers responded and located the stolen vehicle, which was unoccupied. The vehicle had been stolen out of Pasadena several hours earlier. The vehicle was stored for Pasadena Police Department processing or for the victim to recover. No suspects were located.

Residential Burglary
September 22 at 8:49 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of North Encinitas Avenue. The residence is under construction and unoccupied. Unknown suspects broke into the location sometime in the afternoon on September 20. A white utility truck was seen in the driveway. The suspects stole a new hot water heater that was being installed. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 24 at 1:38 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of East Huntington Drive regarding a vehicle burglary. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle by smashing the driver’s window. The suspect(s) then removed the interior door panel and fled the area. The victim’s vehicle is a silver 2001, Toyota Highlander, Other valuables in the vehicle were not disturbed. The investigation is continuing.

Inside Monrovia's First National Bank Before It Was T Phillips

This is what the inside of T Phillips Alehouse at Colorado and Myrtle once looked like, way back when it was the First National Bank. Postcard photo courtesy of Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. http://goo.gl/I9gLrc

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line 'Substantially' Complete - On Time And On Budget


The Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa is now "substantially" complete and will now undergo testing and pre-revenue service. The project, which includes 11.5 miles of light rail, 24 bridges, 14 at-grade rail crossings, six new stations and a 24-acre operations campus, was led by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority and was built on time and on budget with an "exceptional safety record thanks to a strong collaboration with Kiewit, Parsons and the corridor cities," said Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority CEO Habib F. Balian.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in October in Monrovia

Coming up in October in Monrovia (Thanks to Becky Shevlin for allowing me to draw from her excellent calendar):

- Monrovia Historian Steve Baker will lead two tours of Live Oak Memorial Cemetery (200 E. Duarte Rd.), with stories about the first settlers who now rest in the cemetery. Fee includes tour and dinner by La Adelita. Reservations close on October 5 or when filled. Tours are on Thursday, October 15, and Thursday, October 22, both from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $12, which includes food/beverages.

- Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominees for its annual awards: The Iris Award, equivalent to Citizen of the Year; the Monroe Award for Business Person of the year; and the Dick Lord Award for outstanding service to the Chamber of Commerce. To nominate someone, contact the Chamber at 358-1159 for information and forms. Nominations close on Thursday, October 15.

- Sunday, Oct. 11 - Celebration of Life Open House for Kristin Mariconda at the Historic Museum 742 E. Lemon Ave, 2-6 p.m.. Special Address at approximately 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in memory of Kris to the Monrovia Historical Museum or Monrovia Reads; PO Box 1033, Monrovia, CA 91017.

- Thursday, Oct. 15 - Monrovia Providers Group Care Cafe at Monrovia Community Center, 119 W Palm Ave. For people with disabilities or memory loss and their care partners; $5; 9:30 am.-1 p.m. For information contact Rebecca at the Community Center, 256-8232 or http://www.monroviaproviders.org

- Sunday, Oct. 18 - Monrovia Kiwanis Presents "A Taste of Old Town" in Old Town Monrovia. 5-8 pm; $50 in advance; $60 at the door. Go to http://www.TasteMonrovia.com for more information.

- Saturday, Oct. 24 - Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley presents the 25th Annual "Make a Difference Day, A National Day of Doing Good," beginning at 8 a.m. at Library Park Band Shell. For more information, call 256-8187 or go here: http://goo.gl/jd6xQy

- Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween - The City of Monrovia Department of Community Services hosts a "Halloween Bash" in Library Park from 3-6 p.m. Free costume contest. Costume Contest registration begins at 3 pm. For more information, call the Public Services Dept. at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayflower School Installing New Playground

A newspaper story about Mayflower Elementary School building a new playground this Saturday. http://goo.gl/HWZqVl

- Brad Haugaard

Breast Cancer Film at Action on Film Festival in Monrovia

Happygram, a film on breast cancer to be shown at Action on Film Festival in Krikorian Theater. http://goo.gl/40S7dF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Home on New Reality TV Show; Etc.

From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/TsLjrq ):

- A 1920s Spanish Revival cottage in Monrovia, by Jessie and Tina Rodriguez, will be featured in a new reality show called "Vintage Flip," in which a "creative couple will find, buy, restore, and market a vintage home." City staff members, including Craig Jimenez, Planning Manager, and Ili Lobaco, Associate Planner, will be featured in the episode.

- The Monrovia Legacy Project is compiling historical materials about the city, starting with City Historian Steve Baker's collection. If you have historic Monrovia materials you would like to share, contact Sandy Burud (sandy.burud@gmail.com or 256-3423) or Tina Cherry (tcherry@ci.monrovia.ca.us or 256-8226)

- Pro-Active Tutoring will provide free tutoring on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. during the school year for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Tutors are college age students and Monrovia High honor students.

- Monrovia has sent two fire engine teams to help fight fires near Murphyville in Northern California.

- The city briefly stopped representatives of Huntington Plaza Shopping Center (the shopping center anchored by Sprouts Farmers Market and Walgreens) from reconstructing the center's parking lot. City staff inspected the work and reviewed the plans to ensure proper drainage so the contractor could quickly get back to work.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Providers Group Hosts 'Up' Movie

Monrovia Providers Group will host a free screening of "UP," the 2010 Academy Award winner for Best Animated Film, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 12:30p.m at the Monrovia Library. Light refreshments provided and free community aging resources will be available. For free tickets, call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Monrovia Providers Group is a group of agencies that seeks to provide information, resources and assistance to Foothills seniors and their families.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Restaurant Burglary; Bike Hits Car; Car Hits Bike; Burglary; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Burglary
September 18 at 5:39 a.m., an officer responded to the 1100 block of East Huntington on the report of a possible burglary. A neighbor heard a window breaking at a restaurant. Officers found a broken window to the kitchen area. The officers checked the location, but no suspect(s) were located. Cash was taken from two registers and bottles of liquor were found placed near the doors. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 19 at 7:00 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of Anita Avenue. The vehicle stolen is a grey, Kia Optima. The vehicle was taken from in front of the victim’s residence sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 7:00 a.m., a suspicious person was reported in the 600 block of West Duarte Road. An officer arrived in the area and located a male subject matching the description who was sleeping on a bus bench. The subject was found to have several outstanding warrants. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 20 at 9:56 a.m., officers responded to the report of a female subject injured on a bicycle. When they arrived, they discovered the bicyclist had been in a traffic collision with a vehicle. The female made a left turn from the center of the road and ran into a vehicle that was making a left turn onto the same street. The female struck the front of the vehicle and sustained minor injuries. She was treated by Monrovia Fire Department and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Petty Theft
September 20 at 1:25 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a restaurant in the 600 block of West Huntington. The female victim’s purse was stolen while she was eating at the restaurant. She was seated near a door and did not see anyone take the purse. The investigation was continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 20 at 1:37 p.m., officers responded to a vehicle versus bicyclist traffic collision at the intersection of Foothill and Alta Vista. The bicyclist was riding against traffic and entered the intersection. The vehicle was looking for traffic approaching from the west and struck the bicyclist. The bicyclist was treated by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics, but refused to be taken to a hospital and left the scene.

Residential Burglary
September 20 at 8:45 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of Encinitas. The suspect(s) appear to have entered through an open window. Two rooms were ransacked while the homeowner was on vacation. The investigation is continuing.

International Observe the Moon Night in Monrovia

Tonight is "International Observe the Moon Night," and Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers will be glad to give you a magnified view through their telescopes between 7-9 p.m. at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Street (that's the southeast corner of Library Park).

Also, on Sunday night, Sept. 27, there will be a total lunar eclipse and some Sidewalk Astronomers will be at Myrtle and Lime. "By the time the moon rises above the nearby buildings and trees, the total lunar eclipse phase will have started, but you'll get expert commentary and some views too. Head on down 7:30 - 9:30 p.m."

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Expands to Four Services Each Sunday

Fellowship Monrovia, the 2,000-attendance church that meets in the Monrovia High School Auditorium, has announced that, "starting October 11 we will be offering 3 morning services at Monrovia High School and 1 evening service at The Fellowship Center. We are in awe of the growth we have seen over the last 3 1/2 years and are excited to add an additional service!" The morning services are at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m. and the evening service is a 5 p.m. at 401 E Huntington.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Helping the Homeless

A group of Monrovians has started a Facebook group called Uplifting Homelessness, "a group where citizens of Monrovia and local residents can work together to offer help and compassion to the homeless people in our community." There are currently 112 members in the group. To see the group page you need to have a Facebook account and you need to request to join the group: https://goo.gl/VWGcm1

- Brad Haugaard

Kids in Concert Music Workshop

Kids in Concert, a 7-week music workshop presented by San Gabriel Valley Choral Company, helps students in grades 1-8 improve memory, critical thinking, cooperation, concentration, rhythmic coordination, and music literacy skills. $35 and need-based financial assistance is available. Space is limited to the first 30 students. The workshop culminates in a performance with SGVCC at its annual Holiday Concert, held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia on December 12 at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Zanaida Robles 487-9862 or znrobles@gmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

St. Francis Over Monrovia :-( | Blue Collar Boys | Book Festival

~ St. Francis over Monrovia in football. http://goo.gl/EfpT4G

~ Blue Collar Boys, a self-financed independent film written and directed by New Jersey small business owner Mark Nistico has been selected to screen at the Action on Film International Film Festival at 2 p.m. on September 24 at Monrovia's Krikorian theater as part of the Action on Film International Film Festival. It has been nominated Blue Collar Boys for Best Drama Feature, Best Produced Screenplay, and Outstanding Cast Performance in a Feature Film. For the trailer, and for more information on the film, visit bluecollarboysthemovie.com.

~ A musicologist, a Mah Jongg maven, a former Chasid and a rock star are among the authors who will be featured at the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation's 17th Annual Jewish Book Festival, from October through December, at synagogues and other venues in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. For reservations and information contact Jewish Federation at 626-445-0810 or federation@jewishsgpv.org

- Brad Haugaard

Rain for Monrovia on Tuesday?

50% chance of rain predicted for Tuesday: http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Applebee's


Dinner last night at Applebee's, on Hintington Drove. Got the 9 ounce house steak ($14.99) and a beer ($6.49). Nice service and nice, juicy steak. 
- Brad Haugaard

Domestic Violence Campaign Launches in Monrovia

Congresswomen Judy Chu and Grace Napolitano will join the kickoff press conference for the Annual Domestic Violence Campaign hosted by Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park at the Monrovia Community Center on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 10-11 a.m. The campaign, a drive to benefit survivors of domestic violence, will collect gently used women's and children's clothing, household cleaning products, toiletry items, and children's school supplies - no breakable items - for domestic violence survivors served by shelters throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Hit and Run; Credit Card Theft; Copter Tracks Stolen Bike; Intoxication

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 14-16. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 406 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 2:38 p.m., and officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive regarding a shoplifter in custody. Store loss prevention observed two suspects leaving the store with merchandise they had not paid for and stopped them. The officer contacted the suspects and, after investigation, one subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 3:01 p.m., police received several calls reporting a male subject acting suspicious and disturbing pedestrians in the area of Myrtle and Colorado. Officers conducted an area search and the subject was located in a business parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill. After speaking with the subject, it was determined he was drunk in public and unable to care for himself. He was arrested, taken into custody, and held for a sobering period.

Vehicle Burglary
September 14 at 4:06 p.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 300 block of Genoa Street. The victim’s vehicle had several windows broken out and property was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 10:05 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of Heliotrope. An officer responded to handle the investigation. The officer located a possible suspect and his vehicle in the 400 block of South Heliotrope. The suspect admitted to being involved in the traffic collision and leaving the scene. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on hit and run charges.

Vandalism
September 15 at 7:31 a.m., a vehicle vandalism was reported in the 300 block of West Chestnut Avenue. The victim reported that he had parked and locked his vehicle at the location and that one of the windows had been shattered over the past 10 hours. Nothing was missing from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 15 at 9:15 a.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle vandalism in the 300 block of West Chestnut. The victim parked and locked the vehicle in the carport at the location. The victim returned to the vehicle to find one of the windows shattered. Nothing inside the vehicle was disturbed or missing. The investigation is continuing.

Fraudulent Use of Access Card
September 15 at 11:55 a.m., a victim of fraud reported he lost his credit card at an auto dealership. The victim was notified by his credit card company that his card had been used twice at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain in Monrovia. The card had been used to purchase tools, which were paid for at an automated teller. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft/Stolen Bicycle – Suspect Arrest
September 15 at 4:42 p.m., a male suspect stole a bicycle that had been locked on the street at Myrtle and Evergreen. Officers responded while dispatch notified El Monte Police Department and the Foothill Air Support helicopter to assist in locating the suspect. Several minutes later El Monte Police Department advised they had located and detained the suspect and the bike. Monrovia officers arrived and arrested the suspect for grand theft and took him into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 10:30 p.m., an officer was driving in the 1300 block of South Magnolia when he saw a male subject who appeared to be intoxicated. The subject was lying on the ground next to his parked vehicle with the driver's door open. After contacting the subject, the officer determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication, taken into custody, and held for sobering.

Man Denies Killing Monrovian Lajoya McCoy

Pasadena man denies he killed Monrovia girlfriend, Lajoya McCoy. http://goo.gl/gXOYVH

- Brad Haugaard

Mexican American Community in Monrovia

Article on the Mexican American community in Monrovia history: http://goo.gl/MLB3Tr

- Brad Haugaard

More Rain for Monrovia?

60% chance of rain next Tuesday and Wednesday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

More Rain? | Breathe Walk at Monrovia Library Park

~ 60% chance of a bit more rain tonight. Drops to 20% tomorrow. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ The first annual Monrovia O2 breathe Walk will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Monrovia Library Park to raise funds to fight Pulmonary Hypertension. Details: http://goo.gl/ca7URp

Monrovian Kris Mariconda Passes Away; New Dial-a-Ride Fleet; Reading Program; Batman

Here are a few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly update ( http://goo.gl/6pXrPh ):

- Monrovian Kris Mariconda, who had been deeply involved in the Monrovia community, passed away last week. http://goo.gl/7Xyjw6

- The first of four new vehicles for the Monrovia Transit dial-a-ride fleet hit the road this week. Three more will be deployed shortly. Three are mid-sized for 12 passengers and 2 wheelchairs. The fourth can accommodate 16 passengers and 2 wheelchairs. More on Monrovia Transit here: http://goo.gl/c08tcA

- Monrovia Public Library is hosting a reading program for children ages 0-5 to help them gain school readiness skills. The goal is for adults to read as many books as possible to children from September 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016. Sign up at the Youth Services Desk at the library, or online at http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/library

- Monrovia Public Library will host a Batman Day celebration on Sept. 23, with the library team dresings up as superheroes. For more information call the library at 256-8275.

- Brad Haugaard

Power Outage at Monrovia High?

I'm seeing reports on Facebook of a power outage at Monrovia High. Southern California Edison does not yet have a status report on its website ( https://goo.gl/DIJ9eN ). Hopefully soon.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor Goes Into Show Biz

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams, together with Monrovia Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Bond, have gone into show biz, with a KGEM program called Behind the Menu. In this episode they take a look at Jake's Roadhouse, on Myrtle: https://goo.gl/De8pvA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Sees Her Watch on Facebook; Meth And Shoplifting; Woman Slams Boyfriend's Finger In Door; Intoxication; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 10-13. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto/Grand Theft
September 10 at 9:50 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of Wildrose. A gardener working in the area left his keys in the ignition while he worked at a residence. He saw his vehicle being driven away and called the police. His vehicle was located in the 300 block of East Lime, but his gardening equipment was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft/Receiving Stolen Property
September 10 at 7:04 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a residence in the 700 block of West Duarte Road. The victim had returned home on September third and found her estranged husband inside her apartment. She told him to leave, which he did. She discovered her watch was missing the following day. On September 9, the victim received a Facebook photo message from her estranged husband's girlfriend, who was wearing the victim's watch on her wrist in the photo. The investigating officer telephoned the girlfriend, who said she received the watch as a gift. She claimed the watch was left on her front porch by an unknown person. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting/Possession of Burglary Tools/Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspects Arrested
September 10 at 9:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive regarding a shoplifting incident in progress. Upon arrival, a female adult suspect was detained. She was found to be in possession of store merchandise that she had not paid for and a burglary tool. A male adult suspect had left before police arrived, but returned to the scene and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested for the appropriate charges and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 1:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to a family disturbance call in the 100 block of South Encinitas. Upon arrival, officers discovered that an argument had occurred between a male and female who are in a dating relationship. The female slammed her bedroom door on the male's finger and caused a visible injury. The male subject declined medical treatment. The female was determined to be the dominant aggressor in the incident; she was arrested and taken into custody. She was housed pending her court appearance date.

Grand Theft Auto
September 11 at 6:45 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1700 block of Alamitas Avenue. A 1999, gold Chevy Silverado was stolen from in front of the victim's house. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 11 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the area of Winding Oaks and Bradbury. An officer responded and stopped the vehicle at Lemon and Bradbury. After investigation, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 11 at 10:24 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported at Mayflower and Huntington. Two vehicles were involved in a minor traffic collision, and one subject was taken to the hospital for a complaint of pain. It appears that one of the subjects ran a red light and collided with the other vehicle.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 2:45 a.m., a suspicious person was observed trying to hide behind a vehicle as a police unit was driving on patrol in the 100 block of Montana. The officer contacted the subject and found he had two outstanding warrants; he was arrested and taken into custody. He was later picked up by San Gabriel Police Department on the warrants.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 4:32 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a motorist for speeding in the 500 block of Sombrero. He contacted the driver and, through investigation, determined he was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody.

Possession of Stolen Property/Transporting Marijuana/Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested.
September 12 at 5:29 p.m., officers on patrol stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation at Primrose and Huntington. The subsequent investigation revealed the motorist was in possession of stolen property, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested for the charges and taken into custody. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 8:16 p.m., a motorist was found stopped in the roadway and slumped over the steering wheel with the engine running. He was discovered to be severely intoxicated and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for medical clearance. After being cleared, he was taken back to the Monrovia jail for booking and held for sobering.

Warrant
September 12 at 9:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of Grand Avenue regarding a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the registered owner of the vehicle and his girlfriend were contacted standing near the park entrance. The female subject was discovered to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested per the authority of the warrant. Baldwin Park Police Officers responded and took custody of the suspect on their warrant.

Public Intoxication/Medical Assist
September 13 at 12:38 a.m., officers found an intoxicated male subject lying flat on his back and unconscious in the parking lot across from the police station. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene to medically evaluate the subject. He was extremely intoxicated and had to be taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 4:24 a.m., Arcadia police officers detained two subjects that were involved in a domestic battery that occurred in Monrovia Police Department’s jurisdiction. Monrovia police officers responded to the scene to investigate. The female had torn clothing and discoloration on her arm; her injury did not require medical treatment. The male subject was discovered to be the dominant aggressor and was arrested and taken into custody. He was held pending his court appearance.

Violation of a Court Order
September 13 at 11:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Valley View regarding a subject at the location who was violating a restraining order. The subject is a former tenant of the residence and was served with the restraining order on September 10, 2015. The subject was arrested for violating the restraining order and taken into custody at the residence without incident.

Possession of Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested
September 14 at 3:49 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of Duarte Road when he heard keys rattling and saw two subjects trying to jump over a fence. The officer found the two subjects hiding behind a bush and detained them. A backpack was found next to the suspects, which contained stolen credit cards, driver's licenses and mail. The suspects were arrested for possession of stolen property and taken into custody. One of the suspects was found to be currently on parole. The investigation is continuing.

Old Cars In Old Monrovia

Blocks and blocks of old cars in Old Monrovia today.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gold Line Station Dedication

At the Monrovia Gold Line Station dedication today, Mayor Tom Adams said one of the items on his bucket list is to get on the train in Monrovia, switch to a big train at Union Station, then hop on the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, and visit the south rim of the canyon, all without sitting in an automobile. Adams spoke, then also speeches from various other officials. 

The station is not open for use, by the way. I believe that'll be early next year.

Nice crowd

Mayor Tom Adams

Station Art

Beside the tracks


Parking garage

- Bead Haugaard 

Monrovia Over Arcadia in Football

Monrovia wins in football over Arcadia 60-45. http://goo.gl/2UVXIk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Major History Project

At the next Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/6H0emr ), the council will consider a $150,000 contribution to the Monrovia Historical Society to complete the Monrovia Legacy Project ( http://goo.gl/hZO7E8 ). The project is estimated to cost $410,000 over three years. The balance of the project cost will come from private donations.

The society will:

1. Document and preserve City Historian Steve Baker’s knowledge base and collections, and generate end products to share them.

2. Compile other Monrovians’ historical memories and records – people of all backgrounds – and create a collection that can be built upon.

3. Create places and methods for storing and sharing this history at the Monrovia Public Library.

The project would be completed in three phases:

1. Preservation: Scan, digitize, inventory, and catalog the photos and papers, transfer to archival storage materials, create searchable lists, and create a comprehensive online repository.

2. Share: Create physical products – photo and / narrative books, video series / documentary, teaching curriculum, written histories, and oral histories.

3. Educate: Create website for distributing products and plan for engaging the public.


Also at the council meeting, the council will consider ...

- Approving a memo of understanding between the City of Monrovia and the Monrovia Unified School District to establish a School Resources Officer Program. Details: http://goo.gl/6H7vci

- Approving a $21,000 agreement with Dekra-Lite to purchase, install, remove and store Old Town holiday decorations. http://goo.gl/h3Lq97

- Brad Haugaard

Animal Sanctuary Film at Monrovia's Action on Film Festival

Tellus Films will present its documentary, Furthest from the Wild, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Krikorian Theatre for The Action on Film Festival. Furthest From the Wild has been nominated for Best Director and Best Political Film.

Furthest from the Wild is a full-length documentary about rescuing and rehabilitating captive-bred exotic and domestic animals and giving them a safe home. It is a window into the world of animal sanctuaries worldwide. These sanctuaries educate the public while working to survive in difficult economic times.

This film follows the day-to-day struggles the keepers from various sanctuaries across the country go through to care for large cats, wolves, dogs, rabbits, primates, reptiles, and more. The caretakers explain the heartbreaking history of neglect and abuse the animals endured before they were given a new chance.

Tickets here ( http://goo.gl/doKiVs ) or at UPS store on Myrtle.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Los Guerros

Dinner last night at Los Guerros, just west of Magnolia on the north side of Huntington. Got the taco and enchilada combination ($10.95) and a beer ($4.75). Nice and filling and very pleasant and quick service. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Video of Art at New Monrovia Train Station

A video of the creation and installation of art at the new Monrovia train station. https://goo.gl/DeIjNJ

- Brad Haugaard

Man's Body Found in Azusa - Monrovian?

A man's body (not yet identified) found in Azusa was in a car associated with a man who was reported as missing to Monrovia Police. Possible suicide. http://goo.gl/l3DeCG

- Brad Haugaard

May Be Some Rain Coming Up For Monrovia

50% chance of showers this coming Monday and Tuesday ( http://goo.gl/VnR5SB ). Good, my lawn could use it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Did NOT Lose To Burbank

Okay, so it turns out Monrovia did NOT lose to Burbank in football, as reported earlier. It seems Burbank used an ineligible player. http://goo.gl/L1076A

- Brad Haugaard

Dedication of Monrovia Train Station This Saturday

The Monrovia train station dedication and open house will be held this Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. Parking is in the new parking structure at the south end of Primrose. The event begins with welcome from Mayor Tom Adams, invocation, colors, national anthem, then comments by elected officials and recognition of rail and construction officials. Open house begins at 11:10 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Blessing of Animals at St. Luke's


On Sunday, October 4, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will celebrate the Blessing of the Animals on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring pets to the 10 a.m. service to sit in the sanctuary, share worship and receive a blessing. Also, bring a stuffed animal to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Hub, a South Los Angeles center that provides medical and mental health care to children exposed to violence. St. Luke’s Senior Warden, Dr. Janet Arnold-Clark, is Medical Director of the Hub.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Tools Stolen From Truck; Handgun Stolen; GPS Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 7-9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 397 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Attempt Burglary
September 7 at 6:09 a.m., an attempt burglary was reported at a business in the 800 block of West Huntington Drive. The manager phoned to report the south service door appeared tampered with when he arrived for work. Officers responded and cleared the building. No suspects were located and nothing was reported missing, but the service door had visible pry marks. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 8:25 a.m., an officer responded to a park in the 900 block of South California regarding a female subject causing a disturbance. Officers responded and located a female matching the description in the park. They contacted the subject and determined she was intoxicated. She also had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 7 at 2:23 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of Genoa Street. The victim heard a noise coming from the area where his truck was parked in his driveway. He looked over his backyard fence and observed a male adult removing tools from the bed of his truck. The subject realized he had been seen and fled to his nearby vehicle and left the area with several stolen items. The victim described the suspect vehicle as a white, standard-size truck. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary
September 7 at 4:46 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Poinsettia Avenue. The victim left his residence for approximately one hour, and when he returned, he saw that someone had kicked in the door to his residence. Officers arrived, cleared the residence, looked for evidence and conducted their investigation. A handgun and some cash was stolen from the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 8 at 1:57 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle burglary at a business parking lot in the 100 block of West Huntington. A male suspect shattered the window of a work van that was parked in the parking lot. He reached into the van and removed a GPS device. The suspect then ran to a gold Oldsmobile sedan and left the scene. The suspect is described as a male White. The owner of the van was located and the investigation is continuing.

Warrants/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
September 8 at 4:00 p.m., an officer observed two male subjects arguing at the corner of Olive and Myrtle. Officers stopped to investigate and, during their investigation, discovered one of the subjects had two outstanding warrants for his arrest and the second subject was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Wind Brings Down Tree in Monrovia Park | Senate Approves Education Bill

~ Wind brings down tree in Monrovia's Lucinda Garcia Park. http://goo.gl/1iGOhe

~ The State Senate has passed AB 288, a bill by Monrovia's Assemblyman Chris Holden that creates a partnership between community college districts and high schools to allow high school students to take college-level courses at their high schools or on college campuses. It now comes back to the Assembly to deal with amendments added by the Senate. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

History of Mexican Americans in Monrovia | Water Conservation | Youth Sports

~ Part I of a history of Mexican Americans in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/3GCkFR

~ The latest on Monrovia water conservation at MonroviaConserves.org

~ Fall youth sports sign-ups begin: http://goo.gl/PyLsPG


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Train Station Dedication Saturday | Football vs. Arcadia Friday

~ Dedication of the Monrovia train station, 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday. http://goo.gl/5E9Eb0

~ Monrovia football plays Arcadia this Friday at Arcadia: http://goo.gl/9Hw926

- Brad Haugaard

Senate Approves Monrovia Representative's Anti-Trafficking Bill

The Senate voted unanimously in support of Chris Holden's AB 15 to extend the statute of limitations for human trafficking and other abuse cases to ten years. Holden represents Monrovia. Currently, California has a two-year statute of limitations. AB 15 has received bipartisan, unanimous support in both Houses. The bill now goes back to the Assembly for approval of amendments before going on to Governor Brown for signature.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attack With Tire Chain; Fake Paper Car Plates; Meth And Burglary; Spit In the Face; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 3-6. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Possession of Methamphetamine/No-Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 7:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive on the report of a suspicious male subject. Upon arrival, the suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect also had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the suspect and took him into custody.

Residential Burglary/Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 7:53 p.m., two male subjects were involved in an argument in front of a residence in the 200 block of West Walnut. The suspect pulled a large tire chain from the backseat of his vehicle and chased the victim to his apartment. The victim ran inside his home and locked the door behind him. The suspect hit the door with his body, broke through the door and entered the victim’s apartment. He struck the victim several times with the chain, causing him to fall to the ground. The victim had visible injuries, but declined medical treatment. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He was held pending his court appearance date.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 4 at 12:45 p.m., a parking control officer located a vehicle with paper plates that was illegally parked in the 200 block of South Madison. The parking control officer used the vehicle identification number to identify the registered owner and found the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Riverside. Paper plates were covering a license plate that did not belong to the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and the investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 7:13 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of Stedman regarding a disturbing subject. Upon contacting and identifying the subject, it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 10:10 p.m., officers on patrol in the 1900 block of South Peck Road stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. Upon contacting the occupants, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. He was held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 2:20 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Huntington and Myrtle stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. He contacted the occupants and determined both to be under the influence of alcohol. The passenger was found to be intoxicated to the point of needing medical treatment. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence, taken into custody and held for sobering. The passenger was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft
September 6 at 9:43 a.m., a grand theft was reported in the 800 block of West Walnut. The victim phoned police to report the tailgate to his Toyota Tacoma had been stolen and the suspects replaced it with an older one. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property/Delaying and Obstructing a Peace Officer/Possession of Burglary Tools/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 10:04 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm at a business in the 1900 block of South Walker Avenue. When officers arrived, they saw a male suspect on a bicycle carrying a large spool of wiring, a circular saw, a sealed box, and he was wearing a backpack. When the officers approached, the suspect dropped his bike and fled on foot through the parking lot. He began to drop the items he was carrying, including the backpack. He sustained a laceration on his leg jumping a fence as he was fleeing.

Officers followed the suspect in their vehicles until he stopped and then detained him. The suspect did not have a valid answer as to how he obtained the property, some of which was later discovered to be stolen. He was treated on scene, but refused additional medical treatment. He was arrested and taken into custody. A search of the suspect revealed two baggies of methamphetamine found on his person and burglary tools were found in his backpack.

Burglary
September 6 at 2:35 p.m., the manager of a business in the 600 block of West Huntington phoned to report two females were seen stealing merchandise and then attempting to return the stolen merchandise for a refund. When they were confronted by the manager, they became argumentative and spit in the manager’s face. The females left the store without a refund or the merchandise. The manager followed them to their vehicle and took pictures of the vehicle and the license plate. He then called police. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
September 6 at 4:12 p.m., a business in the 600 block of West Huntington called police to report a male suspect who was seen leaving the store with a child’s car seat without paying for the item. The suspect got into a vehicle and left the area. The investigation is continuing.

Family Daycare Facility Planned for North Monrovia Residential Area; Compatibility; Liz Leavens; Conservation Signs

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reported ( http://goo.gl/kCbq7H ) that ...

~ Monrovia's Design Review Committee has approved a "large family daycare facility" to be located at 317 North Alta Vista Avenue. That would be about a half block north of Hillcrest on the west side of Alta Vista. Chi said the city didn't have much choice in the matter.

~ A study session with the Monrovia Planning Commission to discuss neighborhood compatibility issues, is set for Wednesday, Sept. 9,at 5:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center at the southwest corner of Ivy Avenue and Lime Avenue, just north of City Hall.

~ Liz Leavens, the wife of Hal Leavens, who has long been active in the Monrovia community, passed away on Friday evening.

~ The city will be putting up "Monrovia Conserves" lawn signs in the medians on Huntington Drive, and at other locations throughout town.

- Brad Haugaard

Book Sale at Monrovia Library

Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Fall Sale is Sept. 11-12. Friday's sale will be from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The $5-a-bag sale is Saturday from 4-5 p.m.

Fourth Walking Tour of Downtown Monrovia

The fourth walking tour of downtown Monrovia, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Meet at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle. Cost is $5 per person and the tour will last approximately two hours. Reservations not needed. http://goo.gl/I9gLrc

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Lion Attacks Dog in Monrovia

Anthony Via Lobos, who works at the Trask Boy Scout camp above Monrovia and lives at the dam-keeper's house in Monrovia Canyon Park, reports that his dog was attacked by a mountain lion. He said he called for the dog and heard a yelp, so he got on his truck, drove down his driveway and saw the mountain lion on top of the dog. He honked, the cat ran off and his dog chased it. "Stupid dog," he said. Plus an expensive vet bill for a gash on the dog.
- Brad Haugaard 

BIG Monrovia Bear | Temperatures to 100


~ Cathy Munfrada Bowlin posted this photo on Facebook of a BIG bear she just saw on the 200 block of N. Alta Vista.

~ Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees tomorrow and Wednesday: http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

WaBa Grill Coming to Monrovia

The former Subway sandwich shop in the Pavilions shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill is going to become a WaBa Grill, according to a sign in the window. WaBa advertises itself as a healthy teriyaki restaurant. It has several other local restaurants, including in Covina, El Monte, and Baldwin Park. Here's its website: http://www.wabagrill.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Needed To Set Up Playground Equipment at Monrovia's Mayflower School

You may recall that in June Mayflower School won a $20,000 grant for playground equipment. Well, now it needs 100 volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 26, to set up the equipment. Lunch will be provided and there will be activities for the kids.

To volunteer you must sign up by Sept. 11. This means completing the volunteer form and Megan's Law Screening online through this link: http://goo.gl/forms/CtvE9NTCO1 . Also, you must provide a copy of your driver's license to the Mayflower Elementary office. Drop off in person, fax to 471-2210 or email to mholmes@monroviaschools.net.

For questions, contact Genevieve Sheehan at vieve18@gmail.com or (323) 252-4671. Or, Faith Mellinger at 215.3874 or faithm@macaronikid.com .

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Loses to Bonita :-(

Monrovia High loses to Bonita High in football, 40-30. http://goo.gl/83Gsbx

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Market Grill


Lunch at Market Grill, at the corner of Shamrock and Colorado across from Recreation Park. Got a Chicken California sandwich for $8.95 and I upgraded to the split pea soup as my side dish for a buck. And an iced tea for $2.25. Don't come here looking for ambience, but in the food department, it's delicious! You can hardly go wrong, no matter what you order.

- Brad Haugaard

Tiger Mosquitoes in Monrovia? | Mail Theft Arrest | Girls' Tennis Over La Salle

~ A resident reports on Facebook being bitten by the large Asian tiger mosquito (black and white striped) while at Recreation Park. The mosquito can carry West Nile Virus.

~ Glendora Police have arrested a couple suspected of stealing mail from Monrovia, Azusa and Glendora. Contact Glendora PD at 914-8288. if you've been the victim of mail theft. http://goo.gl/LY9GDR

~ Monrovia girls tennis over La Salle, 12 to 6. http://goo.gl/YwJ91O

- Brad Haugaard

Celebrate the Arts Event In Monrovia's Library Park

Featured artist Elizabeth Butterfield. Photo by Frank Zgonc

Free "Celebrate the Arts" event Sept. 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Library Park, by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. Monrovia's first ChalkFest with cash prizes. Art, sale items, kids coloring contest, kids chalk art activities, silent auction and raffle to support local arts, food trucks. Also, fine art and chalk art by Mt. Sierra College students; and ceramics, sculpture, fine art and urban art by Monrovia High students.

Entertainment: Min W Dance, The Locke Brothers, When Pigs Fly, Wild Mountain Mystics, Tim Tedrow

Groups represented: Monrovia Garden Club, Monrovia Rock Hounds, Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, and writers Groups Nuvein and Coffee House Writers Group.


- Brad Haugaard

Bill By Monrovia Representative to Open Water Board Meetings Passes Legislature

A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, to expand access to mutual water companies' board meetings through teleconference and internet streaming has passed the Legislature. AB 1077 strengthens the Mutual Water Company Open Meeting Act by requiring all shareholders to be guaranteed, at a minimum, the right to teleconference into any meeting and prohibiting the water company's board from meeting exclusively in executive session.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Jewish Federation Presentation: Play On!

Monrovia's Jewish Federation reports that the JFed Players will present Play On!, a farce, by Rick Abbot, that traces a community theater group's "progress" rehearsing and presenting a new play written by one of their own. At the Clarke Center, 400 Rolyn Place, Arcadia. Performances Saturday, October 10 and 17 at 8 p.m., Sunday, October 11 at 2:30 and 7 p.m., Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets at www.jewishsgpv.org/forms . 445-0810 for information.

- Brad Haugaard

New 'Clearinghouse Merchandise Scam' Hits Monrovia

From Monrovia Police Department:

A new scam targeting the elderly has surfaced in Monrovia. Recently, a card was mailed to a Monrovia resident indicating the United Merchandise Clearinghouse had a parcel waiting for him and he was to call an “800” number in order to have the package sent to him. When the victim dialed the number, the person on the other end asked for a credit card number to pay for shipping so the package could be delivered to the resident. The suspects then have the victim’s name and credit card information to make fraudulent purchases. The suspects in this new scam appear to be targeting elderly victims. Please inform your loved ones and neighbors of this new scam, especially the elderly, so they don’t become a victim.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Warrant Arrest; Drug and Driving Arrest

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 31 – September 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 414 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 9:02 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Longden and Myrtle when he saw a female he recognized at a gas station. He knew the female had an outstanding warrant. A computer check confirmed the warrant, which was issued out of Orange County. The officer contacted the female; she was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Marijuana / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
September 1 at 9:44 p.m., an officer observed an illegally parked vehicle occupied by two females in the 2600 block of South Myrtle. A DMV computer check of the license plate revealed the registered owner had a suspended driver's license and an outstanding warrant for her arrest. As the officer was checking the plate, the females drove away in the vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and found the registered owner was the passenger and her friend was driving the vehicle without a license. The driver was issued a citation for driving without a license and during an inventory search of the vehicle prior to storing it, several pipes used for smoking methamphetamine were found, along with 60 grams of marijuana. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia-based AeroVironment Stock Takes Big Hit

Monrovia-based AeroVironment lost 9.07 percent of its stock value on Wednesday, ending the day at $21.26 per share. It was one of the biggest losses for the day on the Russell 2000 index. http://goo.gl/x7ZoQJ

- Brad Haugaard

Old Newspapers Help Fill Gap in Monrovia History


According to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, it recently received two years of old Monrovia newspapers, which it has turned over to the Monrovia Public Library to be digitized. The library's collection of newspapers was unfortunately missing papers from 1891 to 1907, and the new gift fills part of that gap, from April 2, 1891 to December 22, 1892. The papers were from Dorothy Waterman, of Oregon, whose stepfather, John Russell Read, had been in the newspaper business.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Class of 1970 Reunion

The Monrovia High Class of 1970 will hold its reunion on Saturday Sept. 12. from 5-10 p.m. at the Monrovia Tennis Club, 158 N. Sunset Pl. in Monrovia. Alumni from '68, '69, '71, and '72 are also invited. Tickets are $60 each and available online at Eventbrite: https://goo.gl/83oKp2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Water/Sewer Rate Meetings; Dirt Removal; Retiring and Promotion; Sidewalk; Steps; Last Concert

From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/kJKPmE ):

~ If you want to have your say regarding proposed water and sewer fee increases (to repair roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and water and sewer systems), here are two meetings: Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Library Community Room, and Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (415 S. Ivy Avenue).

~ City crews have been removing dirt and debris from below the Madison Fire burn area along Highland Place and Crescent Drive, specifically from a property on Highland Place just south of Scenic Drive, and from a property on Crescent Drive between Madison Avenue and Avocado Place. Both basins were in danger of overflowing onto city streets if we have a big rain.

~ Community Development Director, Steve Sizemore, is retiring at the end of the year and Craig Jimenez, the current Planning Manager, will be the next Community Development Director.

~ The sidewalk at 135 Foothill Boulevard that collapsed around a month ago due to a large underground air conditioning vault is going to be fixed. During the week of Sept. 7 the hole will be filled and the a/c system moved.

~ Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Austin Che from Troop 349 for his Eagle Scout project in Canyon Park. He directed his troop in creating new steps to an educational site

~ Last free summer concert Series this Sunday, Sept.r 6. 7 p.m. in Library Park, featuring Top 40 and disco music from, "Basix." At the Rotary Club Bandshell in Library Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

~ If you want to be involved in city government, there are vacancies on the City's Historic Preservation Commission and the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. Details: http://goo.gl/CvdX6v

- Brad Haugaard

Old Car Show in Monrovia

25th Annual Old Car Show in Old Town Monrovia on Saturday, Sept. 12 starting at 7 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Approves Deal For Two Companies To Run Street Fair

After LA PartyWorks and Green Leaf Events said they could work together to put on the Friday Night Street Fair, the Monrovia City Council tonight voted to approve that approach. Earlier the Council had considered letting LA PartyWorks go and taking on Green Leaf to manage the event, but decided instead that the two companies working together could each contribute its own strengths to the event.

Interesting comment: Mayor Tom Adams said he doesn't think anybody can make money at running the street fair without cheating the system. He said it should get back to its original intent - not to make money but to benefit the local merchants.



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Reports Loss

Monrovia's AeroVironment drone company reported a fiscal first-quarter loss of $7 million, or 30 cents a share, on sales of $47.1 million. Its stock dropped sharply in after-hours trading: http://goo.gl/GVOu4n

- Brad Haugaard

Senior Property Tax Relief Bill by Monrovia Representative Awaits Governor's Signature

A bill by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden to provide property tax relief for California seniors was approved today in the state Senate on a vote of 36 to 0 and now goes to the Governor's desk for signature. Holden represents Monrovia. AB 1378 would allow each person over age 55, or the disabled, to transfer the base value of their property to a new residence as long as the new house cost less than the old residence's sale price. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gold Line Station Dedication Sept. 12

Monrovia's Gold Line Station Dedication will be dedicated (not opened for use) Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. Politicians in attendance will be Congress Member Grace Napolitano, Congress Member Judy Chu, State Senator Carol Liu, State Assembly Majority Floor Leader Chris Holden, along with various Foothill Gold Line and Metro board members. Minister Terrence Brown will be providing the invocation and the Monrovia High Band, along with Boy Scouts from Troop 141, will present the colors. http://goo.gl/PcnLAq

- Brad Haugaard