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Traffic Accident Knocks Out Power in East Monrovia

A traffic accident knocked the power out for 143 Southern California Edison customers at about 1:30 p.m. today. The accident took down one or more poles and power lines, and from the map appeared to take place on Royal Oaks Drive near Santa Teresita Hospital. https://goo.gl/DIJ9eN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect in High School Arson Followed by Witness; Stolen Vehicles; Drunk Driving; Man Asks To Be Shot - He Is ...With Taser; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for November 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
November 23 at 6:56 a.m., an officer responded to an apartment complex in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista. A truck and an SUV were parked next to each other in the carport. Unknown suspect(s) shattered windows on both vehicles, reached in and took tool boxes from both vehicles. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 23 at 7:00 a.m., a grey Nissan pickup was reported stolen from Magnolia, parked between Lime and Lemon. The owner of the vehicle kept a spare key in the glovebox. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 8:45 a.m., an off-duty officer called Monrovia police to report a possible drunk driver committing vehicle code violations. An officer responded, located the vehicle and also observed a vehicle code violation. He conducted a traffic stop and after investigation, determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle/Burglary
November 23 at 4:42 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 200 block of Linwood. Suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and took two remotes that were inside the vehicle. One remote opened the gate to the complex and the second remote opened the garage. The suspect(s) entered the complex using the remote, opened the garage and stole tools from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 23 at 7:08 p.m., the registered owner of a vehicle came into the police lobby to report her vehicle had been stolen from the 800 block of Monterey Avenue. She explained that she had allowed her unlicensed son to borrow her vehicle several days prior. She later learned that her son had been arrested for a home robbery in Monrovia. Her vehicle had been taken by one of the subjects who had been with her son during the robbery. She did not give anyone other than her son permission to use her vehicle. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle computer database. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collison/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 7:29 p.m., officers responded to Foothill and Violet on the report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. They arrived and located both parties. They learned the bicyclist had been riding on the wrong side of the street and was struck by the vehicle. The bicyclist was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for DUI after being cleared by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.

Vehicle Burglary
November 24 at 4:37 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at Alta Vista and Lemon. A work truck with locking drawers on the utility bed was parked on the street on Alta Vista. Unknown suspect forced open one of the drawers and stole tools from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 25 at 7:59 a.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of East Lemon regarding the report of a vehicle burglary. Unknown suspect(s) entered a locked vehicle and stole a third row seat. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 11:53 a.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in the 500 block of south Myrtle. The female driver claimed she borrowed the car. There were items found inside the vehicle that belonged to the driver, as well as numerous papers, identification and other paperwork that did not belong to the driver. The investigation on fraud related charges is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 25 at 2:55 p.m., a resident called police to report a vehicle burglary in the 600 block of Huntington. Unknown suspect(s) shattered the passenger side window of the vehicle and stole the GPS from the driver-side dash area. The investigation is continuing.

Felony Evading/Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspects Arrested
November 25 at 9:38 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle make a turn from Mountain onto Huntington, heading east without stopping at the red signal. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle as it traveled at a high rate of speed, but the driver continued to travel east for approximately three miles, eventually stopping on Huntington at Irwindale Avenue. A high-risk stop was conducted. During the investigation, officers noticed the driver, a 19-year-old, and passenger displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. The driver and passenger were arrested and taken into custody. Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Brandishing a Knife/Drunk in Public – Four

Suspects Arrested
November 26 at 1:50 a.m., officers responded to the area of Lime and Myrtle regarding a fight between a male and female. During the call, it was reported that the male subject had a knife. Officers arrived and observed a male and female involved in an altercation. The male subject had the female subject in what appeared to be a chokehold. As the officers approached, the male subject released the female and began to advance toward the officers. He told the officers to shoot him and continued to advance toward one of the officers. The suspect refused to follow the officers’ commands to stop and one of the officers deployed his Taser. The suspect was subdued and taken into custody. Through investigation, it was learned that three suspects were involved in the altercation prior to police arrival. A male subject had approached and told the male suspect to leave the female alone. The male and female, along with another male, then attacked the intervening subject and began kicking him until he fell to the ground. Two other male bystanders yelled out to the suspects to leave the male subject alone and one of the suspects brandished a knife. The bystanders backed off and called police. Three suspects were arrested for the assault on the male victim, and one female was arrested at the scene for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft Auto
November 26 at 2:40 p.m., a resident from the 500 block of West Colorado called police to report her vehicle had been stolen. She went to her vehicle and discovered her brown, 1996 Honda Accord had been stolen from her residence. A screwdriver was located on the ground where her vehicle had been parked the night before. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary/Grand Theft Auto
November 26 at 3:17 p.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of East Lemon regarding a residential burglary and stolen vehicle. The victim reported that the keys to his vehicle and a bag containing two laptops were taken from inside his residence, and that his vehicle had also been stolen. He said the door to his residence was not secured. The victim could not verify ownership of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Vandalism
November 26 at 9:32 p.m., a female subject called police from the 800 block of West Foothill to report her ex-boyfriend was driving around her apartment complex. The subject recently received a restraining order against the ex-boyfriend. Officers checked the area for the ex-boyfriend, but he was not found. Several hours later the female subject called back and reported that all four tires on her son's vehicle had been slashed. An officer responded to investigate the vandalism. The son's vehicle was parked in a public parking lot near the female subject’s apartment when vandalized. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 26 at 11:50 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of West Lemon regarding a residential burglary. The victim left their residence for a Thanksgiving dinner. When they arrived home, they noticed the front door was open and the house was ransacked. It appears the suspect(s) gained entry through an unlocked window. A handheld safe containing credit cards was taken.

Mental Evaluation
November 27 at 7:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and the 210 Freeway regarding a female walking in and out of traffic. Officers located a female subject who has mental problems and has been placed on mental holds repeatedly. Officers spoke with the female and determined she could not care for herself. She was taken to a mental facility and held for a 72-hour mental evaluation.

Grand Theft
November 27 at 1:52 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 600 block of Huntington regarding a grand theft. The victim reported the third row seat to his Cadillac Escalade was taken out of his vehicle while he was inside a business. He reported that he was only out of his vehicle for 15 minutes. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 28 at 4:25 p.m., a resident from the 300 block of Scenic Drive called police to report the house next to his appeared to have an open door and that the residents were not at home. Officers arrived to find the front door had been broken into and unknown suspects had ransacked several rooms in the home. Officers cleared the residence and secured the door. The residents were notified and were on their way home. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 9:40 a.m., an officer responded to the 1300 block of Alta Vista regarding the report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle stolen was a white Honda Civic. The vehicle was stolen between 1:00 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. The investigation is continuing.

Strong Armed Robbery
November 29 at 8:03 p.m., officers responded to the area of Ivy and Huntington regarding a robbery. The female victim was walking south on Ivy from Huntington when two male Hispanics ran up from behind and struck her on the head with a glass bottle. The victim fell to the ground and the suspects pulled her purse from her possession. The suspects were last seen heading east on Cypress out of view. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 29 at 8:15 p.m., a resident called from the 300 block of West Huntington to report his vehicle had been stolen. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in the parking lot of a business and left for the weekend. He returned on November 29 and discovered his vehicle was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Arson
November 29 at 12:23 p.m., an officer responded to Monrovia High School in the 800 block of West Colorado regarding suspicious circumstances. A witness reported hearing glass breaking at the high school, seeing flames and a male subject running away from the area. The witness followed the suspect. Containment of the area was established, and a male juvenile was located and taken into custody. The suspect is a student at the school. The Monrovia Fire Department is handling the arson investigation and said the counseling office sustained severe damage. The juvenile was taken to the Eastlake Juvenile Detention Facility. The school principal was on scene and confirmed they will continue to hold classes. The investigation is continuing.

The Spread of Sleds in Monrovia

Photo courtesy City of Monrovia

The latest issue of the city-published Neighborhood News ( http://goo.gl/wzWF4Z ) says that last year Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) leader, Susan Pilcher, found four sleds, which she painted as Christmas decorations and delivered to her neighbors. This year, she and fellow MAP leader, Gina Ammon, expanded the project to 100 painted sleds, which will be on display throughout December on East Wild Rose Avenue, down Bradbury Road to Orange Avenue. Plus a few more on Park Rose, Rose Lane, Oak Leaf and Winding Oak. Extra benefit: A lot of the neighbors now know each other from the painting party. Comment: Very cool! Now we need some snow to go with them.

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Dinner For Live-Alone Seniors

Holiday turkey dinner with gifts and entertainment for San Gabriel Valley live-alone seniors (60 plus) on Saturday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center. RSVP to Rebecca Romero at 256-8232 or rromero@ci.monrovia.ca.us by Dec. 3. Sponsored by Monrovia Providers Group with support from Fellowship Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire at Monrovia High Early Monday Morning

Three alarm fire at Monrovia High School early this morning. Juvenile arrested on suspicion of arson. School's still on. http://goo.gl/oe9uoT

- Brad Haugaard

Pricey Home | The Other Monrovia Did Great in Football

~ Most expensive single-family home now for sale in Monrovia is a five bedroom, four-and-a-half bath residence on Norumbega. Asking price: $2.54 million. http://goo.gl/mHAOus

~ Sadly, Monrovia High football didn't quite finish on top this year, but our namesake, Monrovia High in Indiana, did very nicely, winning a Class 2A state championship. http://goo.gl/v76oVp

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council To Consider Leasing Old Train Depot; Raise for City Manager; Removing Invasive Species; New Job Classification; Oversight Committee

At its Dec. 1 meeting (agenda ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Consider leasing the historic Santa Fe train depot to Daylight Limited for 55 years for a $2,500 a year. Plus, the city will loan Daylight $1.5 million for 25 years. If the company rehabs the depot to the city's satisfaction, the loan will be forgiven. Source

- Consider boosting City Manager Oliver Chi's salary by 2.5%, from $195,000 to $199,875. Source

- Consider applying for a grant to remove invasive species from Monrovia Canyon Park and Hillside Wilderness Area. Especially the Ageratina adenophora (commonly known as eupatory or sticky snakeroot). Source

- Consider agreements with city employee groups to create a new job classification scheme that will designate 114 job descriptions for the city. Source

- Consider establishing an oversight committee for "Monrovia Renewal," the plan to fix the city's water and sewer lines. Source

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Mayan Bar and Grill


Dinner Wednesday night in the new Mayan Grill in the Aztec Hotel at Foothill and Magnolia. Got the shrimp in spicy Cajun sauce ($9.99) with a side of potatoes ($2.99) and a beer ($2.50 at half-off happy hour price). Well, that was a new experience! It all came in a plastic bag (potatoes too) and the steamed shrimp (big and a lot of them) were whole, so I had to work to get them apart, but tasty when I succeeded.  You get a lobster bib and plastic gloves. You'll need 'em.

- Brad Haugaard 

Stop Hunger Now Video at Monrovia High

Video of Monrovia community joining together to "Stop Hunger Now" at Monrovia High. Packaging meals. https://goo.gl/QsWkCV

- Brad Haugaard

Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia!

Happy Thanksgiving, Monrovia! Here is the Thanksgiving Proclamation by our first president, George Washington: http://goo.gl/tK3m6M

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Veranda Restaurant To Distribute Food for Thanksgiving

A posting on Facebook says that Veranda restaurant (corner of Myrtle and Lime) will be giving out free food to those in need for Thanksgiving. 9-11 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets $13 Million Order From Marine Corps

Monrovia's AeroVironment announced today that it received a $13,015,396 order for its RQ-20A Puma AE reconnaissance drone (and spare parts) for the United States Marine Corps on October 27, 2015. http://goo.gl/Nd4URM

- Brad Haugaard

Small Business Saturday This Week in Old Town Monrovia

Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Old Town. Raffle and prize. http://goo.gl/ig7SRL

- Brad Haugaard

Bio Research Institute Moving to Monrovia | City Gets Better Bond Rating | Library Program for At-Risk Teens | Etc.

From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report:

- City of Hope's Beckman Research Institute is moving to Monrovia and will lease the entire 139,644 square feet at the current Xerox building at 1214 South 5th. Chi says this "lends credence to our belief that Monrovia can serve as a biotechnology and advanced research hub."

- Standard and Poor's, the bond-rating agency, has boosted Monrovia's bond rating of BBB+ (lower medium grade investment rating) to "A," which means a lower interest rate if the city to borrow money. This makes Monrovia bonds upper-medium grade. S&P's rating system, by the way, goes up to AAA, so A is good but not quite as awesome as it sounds.

- The Monrovia Library has received a grant from the American Library Association to host a reading and discussion program for at-risk teens from January 2016 to April 2016. The teens will discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Feed by M.T. Anderson, and March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.

- The city has been distributing yard signs to Monrovia households with low water-usage landscaping.

- The city is planning to redesign its website. (Comment: Add an RSS feed.)

- Brad Haugaard

Nice Thanksgiving Weather | NFL Player Gives Shoes to Monrovia Player Jordon Woods

~ Should be a brisk Thanksgiving with a high of 52 degrees and mostly sunny. 50% chance of rain this coming Monday, though. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ Video: NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Owens provides size-17 athletic shoes to Monrovia High School football player Jordon Woods. http://goo.gl/Y8n942

- Brad Haugaard

Glimpse of Monrovia High Robot Team's Latest Creation

Latest robot, with its super-secret track system blurred out.

Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team has released this picture of the robot it's working on with its newly installed track system. However, "the Kings and Queens Ministry of Information has decreed that information too sensitive to reveal at this time. You'll just have to use your imaginations."
 
- Brad Haugaard

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips | Meeting On Converting 4th Dimension Into Monrovia Community Center

~ Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires on Thanksgiving. Here are some safety tips from Southern California Edison: http://goo.gl/GMtH61

~ The City is holding an open meeting on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Library Community Room to discuss the proposal to convert the 4th Dimension pool hall into the Community Center, and the Community Center into housing. http://goo.gl/wPySNA

Monrovia Police: Almost Fighting; Man Hits Wife; Domestic Violence; Home Intruder Arrested

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On November 19 at 9:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding an intoxicated male lying on the grass. When officers arrived, they found several open and empty beer cans laying on the grass next to him. The officers determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Fight in Progress
On November 19 at 9:37 p.m. officers responded to the 700 block of East Huntington regarding a fight in progress. Upon contacting both subjects they were squared off ready to fight. Through investigation, officers determined one subject was the aggressor and was arrested for challenging to fight.

Residential Robbery
On November 20 at 2:06 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Monterey reported a subject pushed his way into their home holding a knife and overpowering the older male adult victim. The victim's son saw the attacker on top of his father and tackled the suspect. A violent fight ensued. The father saw another suspect at his door so he shut it and locked him out. The son overpowered the suspect, taking his knife away, and holding him down until police arrived. The suspect was arrested for robbery and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On November 20 at 9:48 a.m. officers were dispatched to the corner of Lime and Mayflower regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. A resident in the area witnessed the male hit the female. When officers arrived, both subjects were detained and determined they were married. The female did not have visible injuries and did not complain of pain. After speaking with witnesses to the battery. The male subject was arrested for domestic battery and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 4:31 p.m. an officer was traveling east on Evergreen approaching Magnolia when he observed a motorist commit a traffic violation. The officer followed after the motorist and stopped the car at Mayflower and Duarte. The officer approached the male driver, who appeared intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted the driver was arrested for driving under the influence and held for sobering.

Attempt Residential Burglary
On November 21 at 10:42 p.m., an officer was responded to the 300 block of Fowler. A The resident left the location around 5:00 p.m. and returned at 10:30 p.m. to discover two window screens were partially removed to the rear of the residence. No loss was discovered.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 12:42 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. When officers arrived, they learned the male had struck the female in the face causing an injury. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence. An emergency protective order was obtained and served on the suspect.

Theft from a Vehicle
On November 22 at 10:57 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Madeline regarding a theft from a vehicle. Through investigation it was determined that unknown suspects were searching through unlocked vehicles and taking miscellaneous items of opportunity. At this time seven victims have come forward to report theft from their vehicle. The majority of thefts occurred on Madeline and Norumbega. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Kicks Off Legacy Project To Preserve City History

The Monrovia Legacy Project will preserve and share materials on Monrovia history never before available to the public.

For fifty years, Monrovia’s City Historians Steve Baker and his predecessor Myron Hotchkiss gathered photographs and historical documents that reveal Monrovia’s unique history. Other Monrovians have collections and recollections that help bring its story up-to-date. These private collections and the knowledge that resides in Monrovia’s City Historian have not been cataloged or preserved. The Monrovia Legacy Project has been created to prevent the loss of this rich treasure trove and share it with the public through the Monrovia Public Library.

The Project’s mission is to preserve and share the historic information. Its goals are:


  • To document and preserve City Historian Steve Baker’s knowledge and collections, and generate end products to share them. 
  • To compile other Monrovians’ historical memories and records – people of all backgrounds -- and create a collection that can be built upon.
  • To create places and methods for storing and sharing this history at the Library.


The City of Monrovia is providing partial financial support to the Project through a fund given to the City for enhancing the Library’s collections.   The Project is seeking other donations to complete the budget.  The Monrovia Historical Society (revitalized in 2015) is the non-profit home for the Project.

“This is such a great project!  The City of Monrovia is proud to be part of it. Monrovia’s history has made us what we are and sets the stage for what we can become. It’s so important that we record it.” Tom Adams, Mayor of Monrovia.

The Legacy Project is a three-year undertaking, in three stages:

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

SHARE: Create physical products -- photo and/narrative books, video series/documentary, written and oral histories, and content for teaching curriculum.

EDUCATE: Create website for distributing products and plan to engage the public.

The public is invited to share photos, documents, recollections and ideas.  The intent is to tell the stories of citizens and organizations of all types that shaped this diverse city.

Project Staff include Project Co-Managers Sandy Burud, Ph.D. & Louise Robertson, Ed.D., City Historian Steve Baker. Tina Cherry, Director, Department of Public Services, is the City Liaison to the Project.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Robbery Suspect Knocked Cold With a Statue

Monrovia man knocks out knife-robbery suspect with a statue. http://goo.gl/T16kLq

- Brad Haugaard

View The Heavens Tonight From Myrtle Avenue

A few of sidewalk astronomers will be out at the corner of Myrtle and Lime (SE corner of Library Park) tonight from about 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Metro Yard Named After Bob Bartlett | Monrovia Loses to Charter Oaks :-(

~ The new Metro train yard in Monrovia has been named after late Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett. http://goo.gl/pKGYgV

~ In football tonight, Charter Oaks 52, Monrovia 14. :-(

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Program Receives State Award

Citrus College's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Summer Research Experience Program was today awarded the 2015 Chancellor's Student Success Award by California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris. The college, which serves Monrovia, was one of two California community college programs to receive the award. Source: Press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rigo's Mexican Food


Dinner last night at Rigo's Mexican Food, on the north side of Foothill at Mayflower.  Got the Caldo de Pescado (fish soup) for $11.95 and a beer ($4.50). Tasty, and nice big chunks of fish.

- Brad Haugaard 

Spark of Love toy drive With Santa in Monrovia Old Town

Old Town Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Stuff a Monrovia Fire Engine full of Christmas cheer and help make a child's Christmas more enjoyable. Do Christmas shopping in Old Town and support local small businesses. Friday Nov. 27 and Saturday Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on the Spark of Love toy drive call Firefighter Ernie Moreno at 256-8181. http://goo.gl/0Q2BqD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Santa's Breakfast Schedule

Santa's Breakfast (and lunch) schedule, all on Saturdays except one:

  • Nov. 28, Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Cafe LuMar 10 a.m.
  • Dec. 5, Jake's 9 a.m.; Friends 10 a.m.?; VFW 2 p.m.
  • Dec. 12 Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Jake's 9:45 a.m.; Le Gourmand 10:30 a.m.
  • Dec. 19 Monrovian 9 a.m.; Rudy's 10 a.m.
  • Dec. 23 (Wednesday) Lunch at Rudy's 11:30 a.m.

 - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks

Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 20) at Charter Oaks. Here's a preview: http://goo.gl/jkgT3y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Tips on Preventing Christmas Packages From Being Stolen

Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal. Below are some simple steps you can take to protect your package delivery:

  • Request a specific drop off time when you know that you will be at home to receive the package.
  • Ask for your parcel to be placed on a back porch or even beside the front porch or anywhere that is not visible from the street.
  • Arrange to pick up your parcels at a package store, such as a UPS store that is convenient for you.
  • Let a trustworthy neighbor know you are expecting a package delivery on a specific day and ask them to look out for it and bring it into their home for you.
  • Have your package delivered to your work address during daytime hours.
  • Know when a package is scheduled to arrive and if it doesn't, contact the sender to track the transport status of the package.
  • And if you see mail theft happening in your neighborhood, be sure to call your local police at once to report exactly what you have seen. Time can be a decisive factor in the apprehension of mail thieves.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shirtless Man Sobered Up; Stolen Welding Equipment; Failed Car Theft

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 18 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of California Avenue. When the officer arrived, the investigation revealed the incident was actually an attempt grand theft auto, as the vehicle was found to have a damaged steering column. The vehicle is a blue, 2000 Chevy Blazer. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 18 at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Walnut on the report of a burglary. Unknown suspects had stolen welding equipment and gas from the business. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East Fig Avenue regarding a suspicious subject in the area. A female resident returned home and reported that she was being watched by a shirtless male subject who was standing in the street in front of her home. The resident’s husband exited the home and the subject quickly left the area. Officers arrived and located the subject in an alley in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue. The investigation revealed the subject is employed by a local business and was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

What Child is This? Musical at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church

Joel Raney's Christmas musical, "What Child is This?" and sing-a-long carols at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church, Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Directed by David Michael Layne. http://goo.gl/73oUUj

- Brad Haugaard

Mystery Monrovia Stinkyness Still Unidentified | Bartlett Memorial | Christmas Tree | Traffic Light

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ryDtQK ) ...

~ The city hasn't yet located the source of the stink on the east side of Monrovia. Chi said the city has "opened up every manhole in the area to investigate. Our staff report that the odor was not a sewer-based smell, but rather, identified the odor as more akin to a dead and decomposing animal." Staff cleaned the sewers to be sure, then - thinking it might be the catch basins - contacted the County. County couldn't find anything. Next step: clean the storm water catch basins.

~ Monrovia is going to replace the grass around City Hall with drought tolerant landscaping. The landscaping design includes a moving sculpture of an iris located at the southeast corner of City Hall. The landscaping will be installed over the next few weeks.

~ The Bob Bartlett Memorial Committee has recommended commissioning a mural or tiled mosaic to memorialize Bob Bartlett in the Station Square area.

~ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle.

~ There's a new traffic signal at Peck Road and Duarte Road. it is just flashing red now but will be fully operational on Nov. 23.

- Brad Haugaard

What Drought? Water Flowing in North Monrovia


I frequently ride my bike up into Gold Hills, and along Alta Vista, which at that point crosses Myrtle and goes east up the hill. This water has been flowing along Alta Vista - at about this speed - all that time. I don't recall ever seeing it dry. And yes, I reported it to the city months ago. If you can't view it here, try this: https://youtu.be/OKrOuUAmhuk

- Brad Haugaard

Vote Today To Help Clifton Middle School Win a Science Lab

Today is the day (Nov. 17) to help Clifton Middle School win $100,000 for a new science lab. You just gotta vote. Details: http://goo.gl/j8ws9N

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Friends of Library - Fewer Paperbacks

An interesting statistic from the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: The number of paperback books they receive is becoming fewer, but the number of hardbacks continues strong. http://goo.gl/orgVCA

Comment: Hmmm. Wonder why.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Wins Over Grand Terrace

Monrovia wins 27-17 over Grand Terrace. http://goo.gl/DKnN0U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Blankets; Big Gas Leak; Drunk Driving; Hit and Run; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle
November 12 at 7:35 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of West Pomona. The victim was out of the country for two weeks, and while he was away, his flatbed trailer was stolen from the location. He does not know when it was taken. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database and the investigation is continuing.

Robbery
November 12 at 5:24 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive phoned police to report a robbery that had just occurred. A male suspect concealed two blankets and left the store without paying. The loss prevention officer confronted the suspect outside the store, but the suspect refused to go back into the store. As the loss prevention officer attempted to detain the suspect, he struck the loss prevention officer and fled. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, dark skin, mid-twenties, with a pony tail and small mustache. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:36 p.m., a motorist observed a male subject driving north on Shamrock. The subject was swerving back and forth, brushing up against the curb. The witness called police and reported the driver for possible drunk driving. Officers responded and located the vehicle in the 200 block of Jasmine. The subject was found passed out behind the wheel. The windshield wipers were on, the engine was running, and the subject's foot was on the brake. Officers contacted the subject and he was positively identified by the witness as the driver. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the suspect was arrested for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 8:35 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Myrtle and Duarte Road on the report of a subject asleep at the wheel in the number two lane. The officer arrived and located the vehicle, which was running and in drive. The officer tapped on the window and the driver woke up, causing the vehicle to roll forward. The vehicle continued forward and then the driver accelerated, heading south on Myrtle. The officer ran back to his vehicle and followed the suspect. He located the vehicle at Myrtle and Longden. The investigation determined the driver was intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fire Assist
November 14 at 11:39 a.m., a homeowner ruptured a pressurized gas line in the 300 block of Wildrose while doing construction work in their backyard. Officers responded to establish a safety perimeter and possible evacuation, but it was determined not necessary. A perimeter was set and the Gas Company was notified

Medical Assist
November 14 at 11:53 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a male subject having chest pains and difficulty breathing. When the officer arrived, he found the subject on the ground and another subject was performing chest compressions on him. Fire Department personnel also responded and the subject was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Suspicious Person – Robbery Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 1:56 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. The subject was a possible suspect from a robbery at the business that occurred on November 12. Officers arrived and after investigation, the suspect was placed under arrest for the robbery. The suspect was taken into custody and the stolen property from the robbery was recovered.

Vandalism
November 14 at 3:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Wildrose Avenue on the report of vandalism to three vehicles. The tires on all three vehicles had been slashed. Two additional vehicles were located in the area that also had their tires slashed. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 4:27 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. Officers located the vehicle, detained the driver and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 7:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Primrose on the report of a male adult subject yelling and banging his head against a door. When officers arrived, they determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence/Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 4:45 p.m., a driver reportedly struck a vehicle in the area of Magnolia and Chestnut. The driver stopped briefly, then left the scene without providing his identifying information. The suspect was located at his residence in the 200 block of Fig. The investigation revealed he was driving under the influence and he was arrested.

Monrovia Flags Lowered For Paris Victims

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams writes that, "The flags at City of Monrovia facilities will be flown at half staff out of respect for the victims in Paris." Comment: Good.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Station Square Almost Done | Bike Master Plan And Rent-a-Bike Service

On Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. the City Council will have a study session on its historic train depot rehabilitation project ( http://goo.gl/x1Guqe ), then at the regular 7:30 meeting a report on the whole Station Square Transit Village project (In short, major construction should be done by this December, though passenger service doesn't begin until next March.) http://goo.gl/dLUqGU

Also, the council will consider hiring Alta Planning + Design for $42,500 to put together a Bicycle Master Plan for the city, and to study the possibility of creating a rent-a-bike service based at the train station. http://goo.gl/YwzsA1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Loses $1.5 Million Because of Students Leaving

Monrovia Schools lost $1.5 million due to more students transferring out of the district than transferring in to the district. The district let 396 students transfer out but accepted only 212, a 184-student loss. here

That will be on the agenda at the next school board meeting on Nov. 18. Full agenda here: here

NOTE: Google rejected these URLS, but I've appealed and am leaving them here for Google to check.
(broken URL https://goo.gl/e3LlGk )
(broken URL https://goo.gl/CPRC6k )

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at T Phillip's''


Dinner last night at T Phillip's, at Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Buffalo Chicken sandwich ($11) and a beer ($6). Pleasant, lively atmosphere, good service, and a very nice sandwich. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Considering Park Smoking Ban; Bike and Hike Day; Transit to Trains

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ...

~ Monrovia is thinking of banning smoking in its parks. Here are the unadopted minutes of a Community Services Commission subcommitte evaluating a potential ban on smoking in public parks. http://goo.gl/GmUhAr

~ Monrovia and other San Gabriel Valley are planning an "Open Streets" event "to promote walking, biking, public health, awareness of alternative modes of transportation, community connections, economic development, zero-emissions transportation." The event is proposed for June 26, 2016, from 8 a.m. to p.m. along a 17-mile route and linking all the Gold Line stations from South Pasadena to Azusa.

~ Monrovia, Duarte and Covina, are together asking for proposals to handle transportation within the cities to and from the new Metro train station.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayan Bar and Grill Now Open

The Mayan Bar and Grill, in the old Aztec Hotel at Foothill and Magnolia,  is now open. I had already had dinner tonight but I stuck my nose in, and, yup, it's open. Here's the menu:

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Youth Collects 700 Shoe Boxes Of Christmas Gifts For Children of the World

Monrovian Grayson Wade will be taking more than 700 packed shoebox gifts to Arcadia Presbyterian Church in support of Samaritan's Purse "Operation Christmas Child," a charity he has been supporting since he was nine years old. He is now 15 and attends Bosco Tech High School.

This is his sixth year raising money and packing boxes. His first year he packed 2, second year 64, third year 130, fourth year 364, last year 444 and this year more than 700. He walks door to door seeking monetary donations and encouraging families to pack shoeboxes. He speaks at Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, has presented at scout troops and service fairs at local high schools.  He has donation boxes around the community and local shoe stores save empty boxes for his campaign.

This year he has donations from over 275 families and the donations are still coming in. With the money collected, he will pack more than 600 boxes and will collect more than 150 packed boxes from local families.
 
The shoeboxes include school supplies, hygiene items and an assortment of crafts, musical instruments, games and toys. He also includes a note to the recipient and has received notes back. Among other countries, his shoeboxes have gone to Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Haiti, and the Philippines.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Alcohol Caused Auto Crash; Packages Stolen From Porch

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 9-11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision
November 9 at 6:51 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 1600 block of South Mountain Avenue regarding a possible medical assist or drunk driver. Officers arrived and located the vehicle, which had struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle was still running and a female driver was unresponsive behind the wheel of the vehicle. The windows were up and the doors were all locked. Fire Department personnel broke a door window to assist the subject and she was taken to a hospital for treatment. Alcohol was believed to be a factor in this accident and DUI charges are pending the blood test results.

Theft of Packages
November 10 at 6:24 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Sequoia Circle reported that two packages that were delivered to her front porch had been stolen. The packages had been delivered sometime on October 28, 2015, and were taken by an unknown suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Veterans Day Event at Monrovia's Library Park

Allied Veterans Council of the Upper San Gabriel Valley hosts Veterans Day event at Library Park. http://goo.gl/Bdok6e

- Brad Haugaard

Help Monrovia's Clifton Middle School Win a $100K Science Lab | Cheaper Electricity Coming

~ Prep your keyboard fingers! Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is one of 20 semifinalist schools nationwide (and one of only two in California) in Northrup Grumman Foundation's Fab School Labs science lab makeover contest and could be one of five schools to receive $100,000. To win a lot of people gotta vote on Facebook on Tuesday, Nov. 17 on this page: www.facebook.com/fabschoollabs . Details: http://goo.gl/wRQEDR

~ Southern California Edison reports that residential customer bills could decrease about six percent by the end of March as a result of several actions by the California Public Utilities Commission. http://goo.gl/34aXvT

- Brad Haugaard

Antonovich Veterans Day Message | ChapCare Offers Insurance in Monrovia

~ Mayor Mike Antonovich, who represents Monrovia on the County Board of Supervisors, has released this Veterans Day Message: "On Veterans Day, our nation honors the 50 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard personnel throughout our history, and their families, who have dedicated themselves to the defense of our country. We pray for those who have died, those with us today, and those currently serving to preserve liberty and peace throughout the world. For their service, sacrifice and courage, they have earned our permanent gratitude and respect."

~ Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (ChapCare) is expanding its Covered California insurance enrollment efforts to Monrovia beginning Nov. 10. Its office is at 513 E. Lime Ave., Suite 102.

- Brad Haugaard

Cleo the Cat Dies | Monrovia Police Win

~ You may have seen Tina pushing her cat Cleo around town in a baby carriage. According to Facebook poster Judy Walker, Cleo passed away Saturday at the ripe old age of 22. Tina hopes to get a new cat when the time is right.

~ In the Battle of the Badges - a fundraising volleyball game - the Monrovia Police were victorious, 16-14, over the Monrovia Firefighters. http://goo.gl/Op65Xf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shoplifting Suspects Get Citation; Burglar Gets Costume Jewelry; Driving Drunk Into a Wall; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 5-8. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Theft From a Vehicle
November 5 at 6:55 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 800 block of West Duarte Road. The victim went to his vehicle, which he had parked in the carport area, and saw items were missing. He realized he left the vehicle unlocked and someone entered his vehicle without his permission and had stolen his belongings. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 5 at 4:10 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, heading south on Ivy from Colorado. Officers tried to catch up to vehicle, but lost sight of it until a caller reported a subject fleeing from a vehicle matching the description in an alley in the 200 block of West Maple Avenue. Officers arrived and located the unoccupied vehicle. A search of the surrounding area was conducted for the fleeing suspect, but no suspect was located. The vehicle was stolen earlier in the day from another city.

Identity Theft/Fraud Investigation
November 5 at 6:58 p.m., an officer responded to a location in the 800 block of West Duarte. The victim reported that several credit card accounts had been opened fraudulently in her name by an unknown suspect. The suspect had also canceled her cell phone service. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
November 5 at 7:05 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of North Ivy. The victim parked her vehicle and had left it unlocked. An unknown suspect entered the vehicle and stole several items that had been left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle
November 5 at 8:12 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of East Huntington. The victim reported her 1998 Honda Civic was stolen from the business parking lot while she was at work. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 8:16 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. An adult female walked into the store, selected and concealed several items in her purse, and walked out of the business without paying. She was stopped outside by store loss prevention. An officer responded to the location, arrested the suspect and took her into custody. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 10:37 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a theft of merchandise. A male and female went into the business and concealed several items of merchandise on their persons. They attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise and were stopped by loss prevention personnel. An officer responded to the business and they were arrested and taken into custody. They were later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Hot Prowl Burglary
November 7 at 7:38 a.m., an elderly resident in the 1000 block of East Huntington Drive phoned police to say she heard a noise inside her mobile home sometime in the middle of the night. She went into the spare bedroom to see what the noise was, but did not notice anything unusual. She did not turn on the lights. She returned to the room in the morning and found the screen had been removed from the window, which she had left open, and the room had been ransacked. Two pieces of costume jewelry were missing. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision
November 7 at 4:31 p.m., officers responded to the report of a male subject who had driven his vehicle into a wall in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Officers arrived and found the subject unresponsive behind the wheel with the doors locked and the windows rolled up. The officers broke a window to the vehicle to gain entry. Once inside, they determined the subject was breathing. It was determined that the subject was intoxicated and was possibly driving under the influence. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Charges will be filed pending blood test results.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of West Lime regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. When Officers arrived, they learned the male had struck the female in the face with a clenched fist during the argument. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 5:20 a.m., an officer responded to the intersection of Colorado and Ivy regarding a subject passed out behind the wheel with the vehicle running. When officers arrived, they discovered the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested for driving under the influence and held for sobering.

Sewage Smell in East Monrovia

Several east Monrovia residents are complaining about a strong sewage smell in the area between Mountain and Bradbury and Wildrose and Lemon. People posting on Facebook say they've contacted the city and have been told it is the county's responsibility and have contacted the county and been told it's the city's responsibility.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Day Banner at Monrovia Library | Square Dance at St. Luke's

~ In honor of Veterans Day the Monrovia Public Library is displaying in its lobby a banner honoring local active duty and retired service members, who can sign it and share their service history. http://goo.gl/PV78n8

~ On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m., square dance caller Bill Berry will call line dancing at the "Raise the Roof" fundraiser at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. Part of the proceeds will help fund the replacement of the church's roof.

- Brad Haugaard

Restaurant to Open at Monrovia's Aztec Hotel?

The parking lot at the Aztec Hotel on Foothill is being redone. What's happening? Well, Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez writes:

"One of the conditions of approval for the restaurant to open is that the parking lot needed to be replaced. My understanding is that the Aztec is in negotiations with a restaurateur to operate the Mayan Room, however, at this point nothing new has been submitted to the City."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Home Decorating Contest

Details about the Holiday Home Decorating Contest (being judged December 14) here: http://goo.gl/DlDafv

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Boutique at Calvary Baptist | Stuff a Monrovia Fire Engine

~ Holiday Boutique Nov. 20, 4-9 p.m. and Nov. 21 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Calvary Road Baptist Church, 319 W. Olive. Handmade arts and crafts by local crafters. Rustic home decor, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, crocheted baby items, scarves, hats, toffee, etc. Fundraiser to benefit students of Calvary Road Baptist Academy.

~ Stuff a Monrovia fire engine to make a child's Christmas more enjoyable. Nov. 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details contact firefighter Ernie Moreno at 256-8181.

- Brad Haugaard

Three Restaurants Coming to Monrovia

Restaurants coming to Monrovia: Press Cafe (761 S Myrtle), Saltner Wine and Cicchetti (108 E Colorado), 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill (110 E Colorado), http://goo.gl/LVOYia

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Chipotle


Dinner last night at Chipotle, on Huntington Drive. Got the Barbacoa beef burrito ($7.70) with guacamole ($1.95), and a premium beer ($4.15). I took a few bites so you could see inside. As always, very good.

Monrovia Old Homes Tour Changes Days

The Old Homes Tour put on by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group has been held on Mother's Day for years, but starting in 2016 the tour will be held on the first Sunday in May. http://goo.gl/4TY1MU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Jogger Hit By Car; Stolen Credit Cards; Stolen Vehicles; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 2-4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 436 service events, resulting in 99 investigations.

Traffic Collision
November 2 at 7:45 a.m., a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported at the intersection of Greystone and Encinitas. A vehicle was traveling south on Encinitas and stopped at the intersection stop sign. The driver proceeded to turn left onto eastbound Greystone and struck a jogger that was running north across the intersection. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics treated the victim on scene and she left the location on her own.

Residential Burglary
November 2 at 1:42 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of East Greystone. The resident left the location at approximately 11:00 a.m. and returned at 1:30 p.m. to discover the home had been burglarized. It appears the suspect(s) entered and exited through an open window. The loss was jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 6:55 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of Huntington Drive on the report of a fire alarm activation where the occupant of the affected room was refusing to leave. Officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Possession of Marijuana/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 12:21 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of east Cherry when she noticed a vehicle with paper plates with no temporary registration in the front windshield. The officer stopped and contacted the occupants of the vehicle. A computer check of the subjects revealed one of the passengers had an outstanding arrest warrant. During a pat-down search of the subject, a pill bottle was found in his pocket which contained marijuana. The subject was arrested for the warrant and possession of marijuana. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 6:48 a.m., police received a call reporting a female driving erratically in the 100 block of East Foothill. Police responded and located the vehicle with the driver asleep behind the wheel. She was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
November 3 at 1:02 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of West Palm. The vehicle was parked on the street and was stolen sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The vehicle is a green Honda Prelude. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud/Stolen Credit Card/Stolen Personal Information – Suspects Arrested
November 3 at 1:38 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding a stolen credit card that was used to rent a room. As officers arrived, the suspects were trying to leave the area. The suspects were detained, and during the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects had a notebook with additional credit card numbers and personal information of potential victims. One suspect was arrested for providing false information, and one suspect admitted to using a stolen credit card and someone else's personal information. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 3 at 6:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of California and Cypress on the report of an injury traffic collision. A vehicle pulled out in front of another causing the collision. One of the passengers was taken to the hospital for complaint of pain to her head.

Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 7:28 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of South Alta Vista regarding a subject at the location refusing to leave. The suspect is the estranged wife of the resident and she had knowledge of an Emergency Protective Order filed against her to stay away from the location. The officer arrived, located the suspect on the property and detained her. Investigation revealed a valid Emergency Protective Order was in place and the suspect was arrested for violating the court order. She was held pending her court appearance.

Grand Theft Auto
November 4 at 9:20 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1200 block of Los Robles. The vehicle is a black, 2013 Mini Cooper, and the vehicle was stolen from the street sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.

Filming The Conjuring 2 in Monrovia

Filming near the corner of Hillcrest and Primrose. I asked a guard who said it is The Conjuring 2, a horror flick. http://goo.gl/PPoZ6J

- Brad Haugaard

Art Exhibit at Monrovia's Saga Fine Art | Hairspray Play


~ W. Jason Situ Solo Exhibition at Saga Fine Art, 110 West Lime, Nov. 3-27. Reception 5-7 pm Saturday, Nov. 7. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 1-6 p.m.

~ Monrovia's Taylor Performing Arts Center will present the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray on Dec. 4, 5, and 6 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at the Performing Arts Center (aka Monrovia High auditorium). Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 4 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/m2qr14

- Brad Haugaard

Holiday Boutique in Old Town Monrovia

Holiday Boutique Nov. 15 at Paint n Play, 418 S. Myrtle Ave. in Old Town. Presented by BossBabes. Handbags, cosmetics and skincare products, jewelry, art, clothing, linen and home goods, floral arrangements, pet blankets, etc. Proceeds benefit Holdin' Hands, Helpin Hearts Program, Indonesian relief efforts, Younique Foundation for Sexual Abuse Victims. #shopmonroviabossbabes

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 11 | Montgomery Wins Another Term

~ Veterans Day celebration in Library Park, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. http://goo.gl/Ev4LFg

~ Incumbent Joanne Montgomery has won another term on the Citrus Community College board. http://goo.gl/nrELeh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Reports Net Loss Because of Research and Development

Xencor reports:

"Net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 was $10.0 million, or $(0.25) on a fully diluted per share basis, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million or $(0.20) on a fully diluted per share basis, for the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net loss was $25.3 million, or $(0.66) on a fully diluted per share basis, compared to a net loss of $15.1 million, or $(0.48) on a fully diluted per share basis for the same period in 2014. The increased loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 over the same periods in 2014 is due to increased spending in both the research and development and general and administrative areas and the increase in stock based compensation charges." http://goo.gl/altRsH

- Brad Haugaard

Waterwise Plant Fair

Waterwise plant fair at Library Park Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. smart irrigation, compost, vendors. Composting workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Details: http://goo.gl/mpExlN

- Brad Haugaard

Police Vs. Fire; Christmas Tree Lighting; Holiday Home Contest; Banner Poles; Etc.

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

- Monrovia Police and Fire departments will square off in a volleyball fundraiser match to raise money for the Monrovia High School Girls' Volleyball Team on Nov. 5 at 5:40 p.m. at Monrovia Hig's Event Center. $5 at the door. Food tasting afterwards, for $15.

- the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will be on Thursday, Dec. 3 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle. Grand Marshal is Monrovian Chuck Keen, who has dedicated his life to support local veterans and military personnel.

- Holiday Home Decorating Contest applications will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov.r 17 at the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) or at www.cityofmonrovia.org. Contest judging on Monday, Dec. 14. For details call the Department of Public Services at 256-8246.

- the city is installing new banner poles at the northern entrance of Old Town, on Myrtle just south of Foothill. The previous banner poles were damaged in the windstorm. A new concrete footing has been poured and the new banner poles should be ready for use by Nov. 18.

- the city and school district are working to have a permanent crossing guard at Santa Fe Middle School.

- fourteen people have completed Monrovia Area Partnership's Adult Leadership Academy. They'll be introduced to the City Council tonight.

- Assembly Member Chris Holden is looking for local nominees for "Unsung Hero" from the Civil Rights Era for Black History Month (February). For more information, contact Gerald Phillips at Gerald.Phillips@asm.ca.gov

- Brad Haugaard

Help Monrovia's Unity Center With Thanksgiving Food | Voting Day

~ Foothill Unity Center will be helping with Thanksgiving for many local families. You can help by donating: turkeys, grocery gift cards, green beans, mac and cheese, stuffing, dinner rolls, and pies (apple, cherry, pecan, and pumpkin). Donated food items may be dropped off at 415 West Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia. Phone: 358-3486

~ Voting day today. Joanne Montgomery vs. Gary L. Woods. They're running for Citrus College Board of Trustees.

- Brad Haugaard

Wrecking Yard Fire in Monrovia

A fire broke out in a car wrecking yard in the 2400 block of Citrus View Avenue in unincorporated Monrovia near Duarte. http://goo.gl/jv0Pbk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Didn't Know He'd Hit a Car; Wife Hits Husband in Face; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 29 – November 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle
October 29 at 12:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a dealership located in the 1300 block of South Mountain. The vehicle was discovered missing during an inventory at the dealership. Both the vehicle and keys were missing. When the vehicle identification number was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database, it showed the license plates from the vehicle were recovered on July 9, 2015, in Baldwin Park. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 800 block of East Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. The suspect entered the business, selected several bottles of expensive men's cologne and fled without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was confronted outside the store by the loss prevention agent, and he dropped the cologne and fled on foot, followed by the loss prevention agent. Containment of the area was established, and the suspect was located hiding in a backyard in the 500 block of Maple Avenue. He was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect claimed to be having chest pains and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was later issued a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 10:03 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of East Foothill on the report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. A witness reported that the driver of the vehicle was driving very slowly and when she stopped the vehicle and exited the car, she had no clothing on from the waist down. She entered the vehicle again and drove off south on Mountain. Officers located the vehicle in the 800 block of East Huntington and the investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. She was later released with a citation to appear in court on the DUI charges.

Mountain Lion Sighting
October 29 at 11:36 p.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Scenic on the report of a mountain lion sighted. The officers located the animal in the front yard of a residence in the 100 block of East Scenic, lying in the grass. The Department of Fish and Game was contacted, but had no one available to respond. They recommended the officers use a beanbag round to encourage the mountain lion back into the hills. One beanbag round was deployed and the animal fled into the hills.

Transporting Marijuana/Unlicensed Driver – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 7:44 p.m., an officer stopped a motorist he knew was unlicensed from prior contacts. The investigation revealed the motorist was also transporting marijuana. The motorist was arrested for the above violations and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 8:08 p.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and Myrtle regarding a bus driver being assaulted by a passenger. Upon arrival, there was no evidence found of a crime; however, one of the involved parties had an outstanding warrant issued for his arrest by the Glendale Police Department. The suspect was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken into custody. Glendale Police Department was notified and officers responded to take custody of suspect.

Residential Burglary
October 30 at 8:40 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of Alta Vista. Unknown suspects entered the victim's detached garage and stole music equipment. The victim believes he left the pedestrian door on the side of his garage open when the burglary occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 3:16 a.m., a motorist was stopped in the 200 block of West Huntington for unsafe speed. The investigation revealed the motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol. The motorist admitted to drinking beer at a park prior to being stopped by the police. He was arrested, taken into custody and held for sobering. He was later released on a citation to appear in court.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 31 at 3:25 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting an injury traffic collision in the area of California and Evergreen. A vehicle made a left turn into the path of another vehicle. One of the drivers complained of wrist pain.

Grand Theft Auto
November 1 at 8:41 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the street in the area of Monterey and Olive. The vehicle stolen was a white, 1997 Honda Accord. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 1 at 10:50 a.m., an officer in the area of Violet and Lime located a stolen vehicle left abandoned on the street. The vehicle recovered was a Maroon, 1995 Acura. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 1 at 12:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the street in the 400 block of West Lime. The vehicle stolen was a black, 1997 Honda. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
November 1 at 3:30 p.m., a resident called to report a vandalism in the 1200 block of Mayflower. Mailboxes were vandalized between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
November 1 at 7:03 p.m., a driver was heading west on Huntington when a vehicle turned in front of her, striking her vehicle. She was able to obtain a plate number, which returned to a Monrovia resident. Officers went to the residence and determined an elderly male was driving the other vehicle involved, but he did not realize that he had struck the other vehicle. No criminal charges will be filed.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 10:57 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of North Alta Vista regarding a domestic violence incident. A male adult called to report his wife had struck him in the face during an argument. The wife was arrested and taken into custody.

Rain Today for Monrovia?

60% chance of rain this afternoon. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard