County Considering Stormwater Tax, But Monrovia's Costs May Be a Bit Less; And More

The City of Monrovia's new web site.

In his weekly update, City Manager Oliver Chi writes that ...

~ A recent test shows that stormwater runoff in Monrovia contains less lead than previously thought, which will reduce the clean-up costs for the city. Chi writes that, "the Regional Water Board correspondence provides us with formal notification that we will not have to capture / treat as much stormwater as we once thought."

~ Meanwhile, the LA County Board of Supervisors is considering a parcel tax increase, to be decided upon over the next nine months, to do stormwater cleanup.

~ Parking Company of America will begin operating the Monrovia Transit system on June 1.

~ Here is the summer edition of the activity guide Monrovia Today: https://goo.gl/Bdg3Vt

~ The Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show at Library Park will begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Night Owl, then a free 20 minute fireworks show at 9 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

State May Require Schools to Start No Earlier Than 8:30 A.M.

A bill by State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, to require middle and high schools to start their days no earlier than 8:30 a.m. has passed the Senate and now goes to the Assembly. Portantino's office says 8:30 is the "optimal time to start school for improved public health of teenage students" and that, "This is believed to be the first time a school start time bill of this nature has passed any legislative house in the country."

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drunk Driving; Drunk Sleeping at the Wheel; Drunk Yelling; Woman Dragged by Hair; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 25-28. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 25 at 8:03 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1100 block of S. Ivy when he recognized a male subject near the intersection of Cherry and Ivy. The subject was a wanted suspect in a fraud incident that occurred a week prior. The suspect was arrested and held pending his court appearance.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 25 at 7:01 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Mayflower and Diamond regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Monrovia paramedics arrived on scene and treated the injured party. Both parties were identified and a traffic collision report was completed.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 26 at 12:05 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation near Mountain and Huntington. The driver was stopped and the investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated and too impaired to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 26 at 4:09 a.m., police dispatch was notified of a vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the street in the 100 block of E. Central and the driver appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel. Officers arrived and determined the driver was intoxicated. The subject was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle and he was arrested for driving under the influence. The subject was held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Shoplifting
May 26 at 2:40 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported by a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. A male suspect stole merchandise and ran out the emergency exit. As he exited the store, he dropped the merchandise and fled the area. Officers conducted an area check, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 26 at 2:58 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 400 block of W. Hillcrest for a traffic violation. The driver was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested per the authority of the warrant.

Domestic Violence / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 12:34 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Foothill on the report of domestic battery. The female victim reported that her boyfriend pulled her hair. Officers spoke to both parties and learned the male suspect pulled his girlfriend’s hair and dragged her from the bedroom to the living room by her hair. The suspect also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence and the warrant.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 2:42 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male and female inside the store acting suspicious. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects in the store. A computer check revealed the female had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrant and while being searched, methamphetamine was found in her possession. The additional charge was added.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 5:08 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported to police at Duarte and Myrtle. An officer located the vehicle in the 700 block of E. Huntington in a business parking lot. The officer contacted the driver, who was behind the wheel with the engine running. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and also had a suspended license.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
May 28 at 12:04 a.m., officers responded to the area of Myrtle and Central regarding a multi-vehicle traffic collision. Four vehicles were involved in the accident and three people were injured. The investigation showed a vehicle was traveling south on Myrtle and it collided at a high rate of speed with three other vehicles that were stopped at the intersection. The driver appeared to be intoxicated and was injured. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Two other occupants from the other vehicles were also taken to the hospital for minor head and facial injuries. The case will be brought to the District Attorney to file charges.

Wanted – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 8:48 a.m., officers on patrol in the 400 block of W. Huntington located a vehicle affiliated with a male subject wanted for questioning by the El Monte Police Department. The vehicle was stopped and the wanted subject was located. He was later released to the El Monte Police Department. The vehicle was returned to the registered owner.

Disturbing Subject / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 28 at 10:04 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Palm regarding a disturbing subject yelling in the area. They arrived and located a male subject who was yelling at a second subject and being disruptive. The male subject was extremely intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a period of sobering.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
May 28 at 11:00 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1100 block of Royal Oaks sometime between 6:30 and 11:00 a.m. The vehicle was equipped with LoJack. The vehicle was located in the Arcadia Mall parking lot and two suspects were arrested.

Threatening
May 28 at 2:47 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her ex-husband had returned and demanded for her to let him into the residence. She told him no and that she was going to phone the police. He then threatened her, telling her he was going to kill her when she left the house. The victim indicated that the suspect was homeless and was unstable. Police conducted and area check for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. He was entered into the law enforcement database as a wanted person.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 28 at 8:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 1800 block of S. Mountain. The vehicle was witnessed colliding into a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and found the driver collided into a parked truck and trailer. The driver sustained injuries from the collision and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Permanent Sign Posts Go In For Hillside Preserve

 

The city has begun installing the permanent trail sign posts for the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. You can see the temporary sign in the lower right. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Church Offers Community Development Grants

Visited the Fellowship Monrovia church this morning, the church that meets at Monrovia High, and saw this item in the church bulletin:

 

Kinda cool idea, providing seed money for projects to benefit the community. I hope other churches pick up on the idea.

- Brad Haugaard 

Route 66 Concert - Jazz and 40s Music Exploring America's Great Highway

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present "Route 66 - Music and the All-American Highway," a concert with soloists and instrumentalists featuring American music from the 1940s, jazz, show tunes and songs that explore our relationship with this historic highway and tell stories of life's journey on Saturday, June 24, with a silent auction and refreshments at 6 p.m., and concert at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $5 for children, $15 for students and seniors, and $20 for the general public. The concert will be held at Saint Luke Episcopal Church at 122 S. California Ave. in Monrovia. More information at www.choralcompany.org or by calling 818-802-9620.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Study 2017-19 Budget

The Monrovia City Council will study the 2017-19 fiscal budget at a special meeting on Tuesday, May 30, at 5 p.m. At City Hall if you'd like to join them.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at T Phillip's

  

Dinner at T Phillip's, at Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Buffalo Chicken Salad for $14 and a small beer for $6.50. Fresh and spicy.   

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Drugs and Alcohol; Another Catalytic Converter Stolen

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 22-24. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 430 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Violation of Restraining Order
May 22 at 10:03 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia called police to report her adult daughter was at her home in violation of a restraining order on file against her. Officers responded and located the daughter near the residence. The daughter would not comply with officers orders to stop and speak with them. She was detained by the officers. She complained of pain and was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment. A verified complaint will be filed with the District Attorney’s office for filing consideration of the restraining order violation charges.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 7:32 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Central called police to report a male subject in her rear yard, hunched over and possibly drunk. Officers located the subject, who told them he was under the influence of heroin and alcohol. The suspect was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
May 22 at 10:04 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1000 block of S. Canyon when he observed what appeared to be gang graffiti on the north wall of a building off of Almond. The graffiti was written in black spray paint. The graffiti was photographed and graffiti removal was notified. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 2:00 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive when she saw a male subject in the park digging through a trash dumpster. The officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 8:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to Magnolia and Oaks regarding a suspicious vehicle reported in the area. Officers located a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller and contacted a male subject inside the vehicle. During a consent search, officers located heroin, other drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and the vehicle was stored.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 9:43 p.m., a suspicious female subject who was trying to get into several vehicles in a parking lot in the 300 block of W. Huntington was reported to police. The caller told police the subject appeared to be under the influence or intoxicated. Officers located the female and determined she was too intoxicated to care for her own safety. She was arrested for public intoxication.

Grand Theft
May 23 at 10:05 p.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista. The victim reported that the catalytic converter was removed from his 1998 Honda Accord sometime between May 20 and 22. The vehicle was parked on the street on Alta Vista. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
May 24 at 3:00 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 100 block of E. Duarte Road when they observed graffiti written on the wall of a business. The graffiti was written in black spray paint. The investigation is continuing.

No, Sheriff's Department Not Dumping Homeless in Monrovia; Utility Billing Error; Etc.

Proposed bike roads.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/x5Ghqs), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ No, the Sheriff's Department is not dropping off homeless people at the Monrovia train station. Chi writes that, "what actually occurred was that several deputies who are part of the Sheriff’s Department Mental Health Evaluation Team were riding on the Gold Line headed toward Los Angeles when they heard a call for service regarding an individual bothering a train patron at the Monrovia station." They got off the train at Monrovia and "attempted to provide the individual with services" but he declined and walked away.

~ Oops! There was a utility billing error for May for customers who (mostly) live in the north part of town. The batch of payments was "inadvertently not posted." The $5 late fee notices have been reversed.

~ The water and sewer tax rate is going up starting July 1. "For the typical residential customer, a 0.4% CPI rate adjustment will result in a $0.22 / month water bill increase, and a $0.04 / month sewer bill increase."

~ A household hazardous waste and e-wast disposal event is set for Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Huntington Millennium Center at 181 W. Huntington Drive, at the northwest corner of Huntington and Myrtle.

~ California American Water Company (Cal-Am) is undertaking a pipeline replacement project along Mountain Avenue between Huntington Drive and Bloomdale Street. Should be done by the end of the month.

~ Precision Concrete Cutting has made 7,000 sidewalk repairs in Monrovia so far, grinding down uneven spots, and will begin working on the area between Colorado Boulevard and Hillcrest and west of Myrtle.

~ Work on water lines under Foothill Blvd is set to begin on Monday, May 30. Expect some closed lanes and parking restrictions.

~ The city has identified some streets to be "Class III" bike routes, which means roads identified as being for both cars and bicycles. This means signs and striping on the roads.

~ Monrovia Council Member Becky Shevlin has been elected by her peers at the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to serve on its Executive Board as the Third Vice President.

~ Santa Fe Middle School will now be called Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School.

~ You can now print documents through the Monrovia Library. Just go here: https://goo.gl/oGGqFt

- Brad Haugaard

Brush Fire Breaks Out In Bradbury, Situation Now Under Control With No Threat To Monrovia

Earlier this afternoon, the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a brush fire that broke out above Crestview Court in Bradbury.  Utilizing a combination of ground and air resources, firefighting personnel were able to keep the fire contained to only 1.5 acres.  There are some remaining firefighters that are still on the scene responding to a few minor spot fires, and crews are beginning to clean-up the burned area.

It is important to note that there is no threat to Monrovia as a result of this fire!  Crestview Court is located east of the I-605 Freeway, however, as a precaution, the City has closed both Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve for the remainder of today.

Moving forward, there may be some lingering smoke for the next few hours, however, please rest assured that the fire has been successfully contained.  The Monrovia Fire Department will continue to monitor this situation, and if anything changes that may impact the safety of our community, the City will be certain to provide notification immediately at that time.  For additional information about this matter, please visit the City’s website at www.cityofmonrovia.org.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Race Car Stolen; Driver With Sun in Eyes Hits Pedestrian; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 18-21. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicles

May 18 in the early morning hours, three vehicles were reported stolen to police. The vehicles were stolen from the 100 block of W. Walnut, the 400 block of W. Walnut and the 300 block of N. Encinitas. Two of the vehicles stolen were 1999 Honda CRVs and the third was a race car and trailer. All three vehicles were stolen sometime overnight. The investigations are continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 18 at 12:15 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Walnut called police to report a theft from his vehicle. Sometime during the night, someone entered his vehicle and stole his wallet and miscellaneous property. The vehicle was left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

May 18 at 9:09 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of the location. While he was away from the vehicle, the catalytic converter was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

May 18 at 9:52 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at Shamrock and Royal Oaks. During a consent search, the passenger of the vehicle was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 18 at 12:36 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a possible theft of a bicycle. During the investigation, they ran a computer check on one of the subjects at the location and discovered he had an outstanding warrant. He was arrested for the warrant.

Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

May 19 at 6:45 a.m., police responded to a traffic collision in the 100 block of E. Pomona where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. Officers arrived and determined the pedestrian was walking south across Pomona toward a gas station. The vehicle was traveling east on Pomona and the driver had the sun in his eyes. He did not see the pedestrian and struck him at a low rate of speed. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment. The driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

Vehicle Burglary

May 19 at 8:15 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in his assigned carport. Sometime during the early morning hours, the vehicle was entered and ransacked. There was no sign of forced entry and no loss occurred. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

May 19 at 6:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and the 210 Freeway regarding a possible drunk driver. The officers checked the area and located the vehicle on Duarte and Myrtle. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was determined to be too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle safely. The driver was arrested for DUI and later released after a sobering period, with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm – Suspect Arrested

May 19 at 8:29 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a family disturbance at a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut. While officers were responding, calls were received stating a gunshot had been fired. Officers arrived, secured the scene and conducted an investigation. The investigation revealed an adult male suspect at the location pulled a 9mm handgun on his girlfriend's sister and pointed it at her. He discharged the gun, missing the victim and striking the ground. The weapon was recovered at the scene and the suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and ex-felon in possession of a firearm.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 20 at 10:28 a.m., a theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Meadow Lane. The victim called to report that sometime during the early morning hours, someone entered his vehicle and took a drill that had been left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

May 21 at 6:10 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Myrtle and the 210 Freeway regarding a vehicle blocking the roadway. The officers arrived and located a vehicle blocking the northbound lanes of travel. A female subject was asleep behind the wheel and the engine was running. A passenger was in the front seat, also asleep. The investigation revealed both subjects were extremely intoxicated. The driver was arrested for DUI and the passenger was arrested for being drunk in public. Both subjects were held for a sobering period.

Monrovia Police Ticket Campaign Against Non-Bucklers Through June 4

As summer kicks off and families hit the road for vacations, the Monrovia Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety is reminding motorists to Click It or Ticket. Aimed at enforcing seat belt use to help keep you and your family safe, the national seat belt campaign will take place May 22 through June 4, concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year.

Monrovia Officers will conduct 28 seat belt enforcement operations during the two week Click It or Ticket mobilization to help lower California's traffic deaths. In addition to these special patrols, officers on routine patrol will also be looking for unrestrained drivers and passengers to stop and cite.

"Our law enforcement personnel see firsthand the loss of life when people refuse to buckle up," said Chief Jim Hunt. "It's such a simple thing, and it should be an automatic next step after sitting down in a vehicle. As the Memorial Day weekend approaches and the summer vacation season ramps up, we want to keep our community members safe and make sure people are doing the one thing that can save them in a crash: buckling up. If the campaign wakes up the hundreds of thousands of Californians who still don't heed the dangers of unrestrained driving and gets them to buckle up, we'll consider it a success."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the 22,441 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2015 were unrestrained. During nighttime hours, that number soared to 57 percent of those killed. That's why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In Monrovia, the ticket cost for an adult seat belt violation is $162, with penalties for not restraining a child at $465.

In 2015, 545 Californians where killed because they did not buckle their seat belts according to NHTSA. Nationally, almost twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females, with lower belt use rates, too. Of the males killed in crashes in 2015, more than half (52%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42 percent were not buckled up.

"Please, help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction," said Chief Hunt. "Seat belts save lives, and everyone needs to remember to buckle up, every trip, every time."

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Middle School Representatives Going to Washington DC to Accept 'School to Watch' Award

At its May 24 meeting (this Wednesday) the Monrovia School Board will discuss Clifton Middle School's upcoming trip to Washington D.C. on June 21-24 to receive an award for being named a "2017 School to Watch," as well as the Board of Education's support and attendance at the banquet in Washington D.C., as requested by the California League of Middle Schools. The "School to Watch" award is an honor bestowed upon only 11 schools in California, and highlights "high-performing model schools that demonstrate academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity." Details at item K5

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Begins

 

The parade gets started. Lots more through the day. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Days Today at Library Park

Today is Monrovia Days! All day at Library Park. Here's the schedule:

8 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast at fire station
9 a.m. - Opening ceremony
10 a.m. - Parade on Myrtle in Old Town
11 a.m.-9 p.m. - Carnival, Performances & Beer Garden
3 and 7 p.m. - Band Performances
5 p.m. - Pie Eating Contest

- Brad Haugaard

Teens in Progress Youth Conference at Second Baptist Church

Second Baptist Church​ Teens in Progress Ministry is hosting its first annual youth conference​ on July 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock Ave. in Monrovia. For youth ages 11-18. "Join us as we come together for a day of unashamed praise, worship, and learning about God and his goodness. Build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen testimonies, develop talents, make new friends, and have fun with teens who share similar beliefs and standards."

The conference begins at 9 a.m. with registration and breakfast; 10 a.m., speakers; 11 a.m., lunch and fellowship; noon, lunch and fellowship, 1 p.m. teen show case (show your talents).

Register here: https://goo.gl/odcPyQ

For more information, contact Erika Collins, TIP President: (909) 568-5440; Jason Jenkins, Associate Elder - Ministry to Youth: 230-3944; or Ariel Tolefree, TIP Advisor: 487-9070.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Oto-Oto

 

Dinner  at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant in the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Tuna Bowl for $14.95 and a beer at the happy hour price of $3.50. Very nice but I was still hungry so I ordered a Philly Roll. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: He Takes The Rap for Her; Battle Over Parking; Oops! Suspect Runs To Police; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 402 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 11:56 a.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report subjects shoplifting. A male and female adult had concealed merchandise while inside the store and left without paying for the items. The suspects split up outside of the store and went in different directions. Officers responded and located the female suspect. The female phoned the male suspect and told him she was being detained by officers. The male suspect returned with the stolen property and admitted to the crime. He was arrested and the female was released, as she did not have property and was not seen taking the property.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 4:03 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A male adult left the store without paying for merchandise he had concealed. Officers arrived and located the suspect sitting on the front porch of a residence nearby. The homeowner appeared puzzled and said he did not know the suspect. The homeowner told officers that the suspect ran onto his porch and sat down next to him. The suspect was arrested for the crime and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
May 15 at 7:10 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report that sometime between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. someone broke into his vehicle in the 100 block of S. Mayflower. The rear passenger side window was shattered and his backpack was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
May 15 at 7:22 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Alta Vista. The victim parked his vehicle on the street and went inside for the night. The following morning he returned to his vehicle at 6:00 a.m. and started the ignition. There was a loud sound coming from under the vehicle. He looked underneath and saw the catalytic converter had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
May 16 at 9:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1000 block of S. Mountain Avenue. The victim parked her vehicle on the street on May 14. When she returned to her vehicle on May 16, she discovered it had been stolen. There were no signs of forced entry. The vehicle is a grey, 2000 Honda CRV. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
May 16 at 4:29 p.m., a caller reported several subjects using drugs near a silver vehicle parked in a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Lime Avenue. Officers responded and located the vehicle and several subjects. During the investigation, two subjects were found to be in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Fight in Progress / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
May 16 at 6:50 p.m., officers responded to a business parking lot in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a large fight in progress. When officers arrived, the fighting had stopped. The fight was over a parking situation involving employees and patrons from another business location. During the altercation, the victim fell to the ground and was kicked in the head multiple times by the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for the assault.

Grand Theft / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
May 17 at 11:21 a.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle in a business parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle’s engine was running and a male adult was behind the wheel with the trunk was open. The rear license plate was missing and the front plate had been covered. Officers responded and contacted the driver. As the officer was speaking with the driver, a second male adult ran out of the business carrying two large mesh bags filled with stolen merchandise. The suspect saw the officer and dropped the bags. The officer detained both subjects. Both subjects were arrested for grand theft. At that time, a third subject exited the store followed by a store employee, who informed officers that he might have been involved in the theft. The third subject was detained and it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. It was determined that he was not involved with the other suspects, but he was arrested for the warrant.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 6:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of W. Olive regarding a family disturbance. Officers discovered there had been an ongoing argument at the location for the majority of the day. The male suspect had made threats to his girlfriend, telling her that he would kill her. He had punched, slapped, and strangled the victim. The victim sustained minor injuries. The suspect was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 8:59 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia. A vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. The investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle had been drinking and was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. She was arrested for driving under the influence and held for a sobering period.

You May Soon Be Driving on the Obama Freeway

Senator Anthony Portantino's proposal, SCR 8, to name the segment of the CA-134 Freeway between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway," passed the State Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support with a 34 to 1 vote.  The resolution now heads to the State Assembly. Portantino represents Monrovia.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Doesn't Enforce Federal Immigration Laws; Anti-Gang Patrols Begun; Population up 1,103; Sidewalk CPR

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/dq9uul), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Despite rumors, "there have not been any immigration sweeps or immigration enforcement actions occurring in Monrovia" and "in the history of our City, the Monrovia Police Department does not know of even a single federal immigration sweep as having occurring in our community."

~ Chi adds that, "The Monrovia Police Department does not enforce immigration violations.  Immigration laws are the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Here locally, Monrovia police officers are busy enforcing the laws of this State and providing for the public safety of our community.  We have neither the time, resources, or desire to enforce federal immigration laws.  And in fact, across all of California, there is not a single local police agency or county sheriff's department enforcing immigration violations."

~ Joint patrols between Monrovia Police and the LA County Sheriff's Department began May 14 to combat gang violence, and, "during the past few weeks, law enforcement officials have arrested the top five most active Duarte Eastside gang members."

~ The city will launch a new website on May 30.

~ Monrovia's official population, according to the State Department of Finance, is 38,514, an increase of 1,103 people since 2016.

~ There will be a Sidewalk CPR Training Program on Thursday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at Library Park. A five minute  lesson from local firefighters and medical professionals could help you save a life.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Roaming Bear; Strong-Arm Robbery; Man Rolls His Truck; Focused Shoplifting; Car Parts Over the Fence

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 12:00 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington Drive. Loss prevention at the location observed a male suspect exit the store with several items without paying. Loss prevention followed the suspect to another location and called the police department for assistance. The suspect was located by officers and detained. He was arrested for petty theft and for two outstanding warrants.

Attempt Burglary / Brandishing a Firearm
May 11 at 1:20 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle advising a burglary had just occurred at his neighbor’s house with three armed suspects. The caller stated he was armed as well. Officers arrived on scene and determined all suspects were gone. The suspects were described as three male Blacks and one female Black. The reporting party said the suspects fled in a red Ford Mustang and that they brandished a firearm at him as they drove away. It was determined that the suspects never gained entry to the residence. It appears to be an attempted burglary that was interrupted by the neighbor. The residents were not home at the time. The investigation is continuing.

Bear Incident
May 12 at 7:00 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Los Angeles regarding a bear in the area. Several residents had phoned in to report sighting the bear. The bear was located and it began moving through the nearby area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified and arrived on scene. They tranquilized and relocated the bear. This is the same bear that has been roaming through the Bradbury area.

Strong-Arm Robbery
May 12 at 11:03 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Huntington and Canyon when he was flagged down by a female robbery victim. The victim told the officer she was robbed by two male suspects while she was walking home from work approximately two hours earlier. She stated that the suspects approached her on Huntington and pushed her up against the wall of a business along the north side of the street. They took her purse and fled west on Huntington. As the suspects were fleeing, they dropped property, which she was able to recover. The victim said she was going to come to the police department to report the incident, but she saw the officer and flagged him down instead. The first suspect is described as a male Black, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. The second suspect is described as male, unknown race, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
May 12 at 11:04 p.m., a traffic collision with injuries was reported at California and Central. The driver was traveling east on Evergreen and accelerated at Evergreen and California. He went north on California and lost control of his truck, hitting the curb, which then caused his vehicle to roll over. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The investigation is continuing to determine if DUI charges will be filed.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 12:22 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious subject in the 200 block of W. Evergreen. Upon arrival, officers located a subject who was removing bicycles from the bed of a truck. The subject attempted to flee when he saw the officers, but he was detained. Further investigation revealed the truck was an unreported stolen vehicle. During a search of the suspect, methamphetamine was recovered from his pocket. During a search of the stolen vehicle, a methamphetamine pipe and two stolen license plates were recovered. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
May 13 at 5:54 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside the business. When she returned to her vehicle, she found that someone had broken into it. She was not exactly sure what had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to Royal Oaks and Mountain regarding a traffic collision involving two vehicles, one which was rear-ended. During the investigation, officers observed that one driver showed signs of intoxication. They conducted an investigation and determined he was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:41 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a shoplifter. Officers responded to the location and discovered that the suspect was stealing particular items on a regular basis per the instruction of an individual that would buy the products from her. Officers found numerous medications and other merchandise in her vehicle, which she had stolen from other businesses. The suspect was arrested.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:58 p.m., a vehicle was reported on fire in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. Dispatch informed officers that the driver had fled the scene and gave a description. Officers arrived, located the driver and began an investigation. They were contacted by the California Highway Patrol regarding a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 100 block of Central. The driver of the other vehicle provided video showing the subject they had detained for the vehicle fire, as the driver that fled from the hit and run accident. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was ultimately arrested for DUI and Hit and Run.

Shoplifting / Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 9:42 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifter in custody. The suspect entered the store, selected merchandise and then exited the business without paying. When officers asked for identification, he said he did not have any and verbally identified himself. It was later discovered that he was using his brother’s name and additional charges were added to his arrest.

Vandalism / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to Duarte and Myrtle regarding a vandalism in progress. An officer arrived and saw the vandalism suspect. As the officer exited his vehicle, the suspect ran. The officer ran after him and the suspect suddenly stopped to face the officer. As the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect swung at the officer and attempted to flee, but back up officers arrived and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Petty Theft
May 15 at 11:42 p.m., a theft in progress was reported at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck. The caller stated that several subjects were inside the business yard and they were tossing car parts over the fence. Officers responded to the area and located numerous car parts, south of the location. The area was searched for the suspects, but they were not located.

No Recent Activity on Almost-Done Building on Myrtle - But Former 4th Dimension Is Being Remodeled

What former 4th Dimension will look like.

A reader asked what's happening with the building on Myrtle just across from the library, the one that always seems so close to done but never is, so I asked Craig Jimenez, Director of Community Development. He said:

"Well...not much to report on the building on the north of the breezeway.  The last I heard the property owner was working with SCE to complete some electrical work, but there has not been any other recent activity that I am aware of.  The building on the south side of the breezeway (former 4th Dimension) is moving forward on a substantial remodel.  The exterior design was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission last month. https://goo.gl/yhjNJl

"Interior demolition is underway and we expect them to be under construction soon.  The front portion will be retail/restaurant uses (no business has been identified yet), the rear and basement of the building will be for office uses."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Rated Among Three Favorite Grocery Stores in US

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is among the top three favorite grocery stores in the US. Market Force Information said the top two stores are Wegmans and Publix, tied with a 77 percent rating, and then Trader Joe's, following closely with a 76 percent rating. https://goo.gl/FlNLSg

- Brad Haugaard

Fountain to the Falls Run; Pancake Breakfast

Some great pictures of the Fountain to the Falls run/walk and the Firefighters' Pancake Breakfast, from Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/yzLxnt

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider: Buy a 'Portland Loo'? Upgrade New Park? Better Bids in Bulk? Etc.

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/3BTLYR), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Declaring the "Portland Loo" the standard restroom for city parks, and buy one for Julian Fisher Park. These restrooms are designed to be unattractive to people who want to camp in them and easy to police. https://goo.gl/gvWYyr

~ Awarding a $215,125 contract to Jorgensen-Reeve Builders to upgrade the electrical system at Station Square Park. Comment: Hmmm. That park was just finished a year ago and it already needs upgrades? https://goo.gl/P0TjNE

~ Soliciting bids for the next phase of the citywide street, sewer and water construction - for the northwest part of town. Staff thinks it can get a better deal by asking bidders to bid on the whole project, rather than soliciting bids for each individual trade. https://goo.gl/wtDvVZ

~ Soliciting bids for improvements to Julian Fisher Park.

~ Hiring Musco Sports Lighting for $208,380 to install lighting at Julian Fisher Park.

~ Approving an exclusive negotiating agreement with Thomas Safran & Associates for the property at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues. The company wants to build a "mixed-use project that includes a public parking structure." https://goo.gl/orgQAN

~ Leasing water rights for 400 acre-feet of water from the Azusa Valley Water Company and the purchase of 200 acre-Feet of replenishment water from Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. https://goo.gl/twYufR

~ Supporting and opposing various legislation being considered in Sacramento, including money for Gold Line (support); a requirement that governments appoint a "supervisor of record" to review public records act denials (oppose); increasing the amount of money that may be given to in-custody
informants (oppose); and limits on cities contracting with private compaies for work that could be performed by public sector employees (oppose). https://goo.gl/RJ3zkI

- Brad Haugaard

Work Has Begun at Old Albertsons

 

It looks like they're saving the old airport mural. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Max's

 

Dinner at Max's Mexican Cuisine, on Huntington across from Target. It's a cheerful, efficient place. Got a taco and enchilada combo for $10.45 and a beer for $7. As always, fresh, tasty and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Sheriff's Homicide Looking for this Man in Connection With Murder of Monrovia Teen

LA Sheriff's Homicide Bureau is looking for this man in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Monrovian, Oscar Garcia. The department says the suspect is about 20-25 years old, light-skinned, and Hispanic. If you have any information contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or call in an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. https://goo.gl/oazsej

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Runaways Recovered; Drunk Driver vs. Phone Pole; Attempted Bag Snatch; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 8-10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 453 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
May 8 at 7:31 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The victim went out to his vehicle and found a window broken. The inside of the vehicle had been ransacked, but it appears that no items were missing. A second vehicle also had its window broken. The investigation is continuing.

Missing Persons Located
May 8 at 3:38 p.m., two suspicious subjects were reported in the 100 block of N. Madison. Officers were dispatched and they contacted the subjects. A computer check revealed both subjects were missing persons. The two juveniles had run away from a group home in Altadena. The subjects were taken to the police station and were picked up by staff from the group home.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 4:16 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls regarding a single vehicle traffic collision. Callers stated that the vehicle crashed into an Edison pole. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The investigation determined the driver of the vehicle was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Driving Under the Influence
May 10 at 2:14 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle speeding south on Canyon, running stop signs. The vehicle was stopped and through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI.

Robbery
May 10 at 6:25 a.m., a robbery incident was reported at a fast food restaurant in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that an adult couple came into the business and over to the booth where he was eating. They attempted to take the victim’s bag. The victim grabbed onto his bag and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the victim was injured when one of the suspects struck him. The suspects fled the location. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
May 10 at 5:07 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report a shoplifting incident. A male, adult suspect was concealing items in a backpack inside the store and they thought he was going to leave without paying. When officers arrived, the suspect had already left the store with the merchandise. The officers obtained a description of the suspect and conducted an area search. A suspect matching the description was located and detained. He was positively identified by loss prevention personnel and was arrested.

Grand Theft
May 10 at 10:10 p.m., a grand theft of firearms was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that 11 firearms were stolen from his residence. The last time he saw the firearms was in June of 2016.

Support Monrovia High Music By Having Dinner at T Phillip's

Support the MHS Jazz Band by dining at T-Phillips Alehouse on Wed. May 17, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.. Enjoy the award winning jazz band from 6:30-7:15 p.m., and the Gem City JazzCats from 7:30-9 p.m. The Monrovia High music program will receive 15 percent of proceeds.  Print out this flyer or show a screenshot of it on your phone for the MHS Jazz Band to earn credit.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Original Fire Engine to Drive in Monrovia Days Parade

Monrovia's original fire engine, a 1917 Seagrave - though the restoration work is not quite done and it needs more money to get it to pristine condition - is going to be in the Monrovia Days Parade. https://goo.gl/s3DS4p

- Brad Haugaard

Hair Show at Citrus College - Old Hair Styles to New

Citrus College cosmetology and esthetician students will compete in the annual Cosmetology Hair Show on Tuesday, May 30, from 7-9:30 p.m. in the college's Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Rd., Glendora. Citrus College serves Monrovia.

This year's competition is themed, "The 1800s Meet the New Millennium." Contestants will be required to prepare models by adding a modern twist to the hairstyles of the Georgian, Victorian and Regency eras.

Tickets for the event, which supports Citrus College's cosmetology and esthetician programs, are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. For more information, call the college's cosmetology department at 914-8710.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Monrovia Store Hit in String of 7-Eleven Robberies; Lots of Car Break-Ins; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 4-7. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
May 5 at 8:30 a.m., two vehicles on a property in the 400 block of Scenic were left unlocked overnight. Someone went through the vehicles during the night and stole several items. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
May 5 at 12:19 p.m., a petty theft from a vehicle was reported at a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and returned to find their windows had been shattered and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft
May 4 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and went into the business. When they returned to their vehicle, they saw a window had been smashed and their camera equipment that was in the vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 3:55 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report they had detained a male suspect for petty theft. The suspect had left the store with merchandise without paying. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Residential Burglary
May 4 at 8:51 p.m., officers responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of N. Primrose. The victims arrived home and went inside to find their house had been ransacked and the suspects were still inside the location. As the victims entered, the suspects fled out of the house and through a neighbor's yard. The victims ran outside and saw the suspects getting into a waiting vehicle. The vehicle is described as a silver Subaru hatchback with paper plates that said "Sierra." The three suspects were all male and were wearing hooded sweatshirts. The loss is still being determined and the investigation is continuing.

Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 10:01 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Montana called police stating they were detaining a subject who was trespassing and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and learned the father was restraining his son. The officer told the father to let go and the officer detained the subject. The officer searched the subject and located a large quantity of methamphetamine and powder cocaine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Armed Robbery
May 4 at 11:10 p.m., police dispatch received a robbery alarm activation from the 7- Eleven in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and made contact with the employee who pushed the robbery button. He said he had been robbed at gunpoint. The victim described the suspects as male Blacks wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirts. One suspect had a black handgun.

The suspects entered the business and asked for a package of cigars. When the employee turned around, he saw one of the suspects had a gun pointed at him. The other suspect told the employee he wanted the money from the register. The employee opened the one register and set the till on the counter. The suspects told him to open the other register. The employee told the suspects he did not have the pin number to open it. They became impatient and left the store on foot with the till from the one register. An area check was completed, but the suspects were not located and the investigation is continuing.

There were multiple armed robberies with similar suspect information at other 7-Elevens in the San Gabriel Valley that same night, as well as on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Vehicle Burglaries
May 5 at 4:13 a.m., two vehicles were reported burglarized at a residence in the 1000 block of Norumbega Drive. The victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding, so he came outside to investigate and saw his trunk open and his driver-side window shattered. Two pairs of tennis shoes were taken from the trunk. A second vehicle that belongs to the victim’s girlfriend was also burglarized and the window shattered. A keychain with several keys and an access key card was taken from the vehicle.

At 6:01 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega Drive reported two vehicles had been broken into and items were taken. Both vehicles had their windows shattered. The investigation revealed the suspects were casing the area in a dark-colored Ford Explorer and the crime occurred between 4:00 to 4:09 a.m. The investigations are continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:21 p.m., an officer was returning from court and saw a subject he knew had warrants out for his arrest. The subject was riding his bicycle in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A computer check revealed the subject had four warrants for resisting arrest and driving under the influence on a bike. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 9:49 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls reporting a subject lying down on the railroad tracks at Duarte and Mayflower. Metro also called and said they had stopped the train due to the subject on the tracks. Officers responded and located the subject, but he was no longer on the tracks. The subject was extremely intoxicated and was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 3:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Central and Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic code violation. He stopped the vehicle and when speaking to the driver, he could smell the odor of alcohol. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
May 6 at 6:58 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of W. Scenic. The victim called to report his specialized tools had been stolen from his unsecured vehicle. He had left his vehicle parked on Heather Heights for several days and when he returned to his vehicle, the tools were gone. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Walnut on a welfare check. The female subject was concerned about the well-being of her boyfriend, who had left the location. During the investigation, it was discovered that the female subject was a victim of domestic battery. Officers located the suspect in Bradbury and placed him under arrest without incident.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 2:34 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a suspect had stolen merchandise and was running from the location. Officers responded and located the suspect attempting to hide nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing – Subject Located
May 6 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a developmentally disabled, 17-year-old male who was visiting and had wandered away from the location. Officers immediately began an area check and surrounding agencies were contacted, as well as the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter. The subject was located by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team officers in Arcadia after approximately 30 minutes and was returned to his family.

Vandalism / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:39 p.m., a subject causing a disturbance at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle was reported to police. Officers arrived and detained a subject who was under the influence and had confronted two customers, vandalizing one of their vehicles. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 2:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A male suspect entered the business, selected merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect dropped the items as he ran out of the store. Officers located the suspect in the area and learned he also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting and the warrants.

Public Intoxication
May 7 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding a man down. They arrived and found a male subject lying on the driveway of a home that did not belong to him. Officers determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Monrovia Days: The Movie

Here's a video introduction to Monrovia Days, coming up May 20 and 21: https://goo.gl/ZcIFDh

- Brad Haugaard

Why Different Streets Are Being Fixed in Different Ways; Work on Foothill; Street Fair Open Later; Tree Trimming; Etc.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/BCH3aT), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ In answer to residents questions about why the city is using different methods of repairing the streets, he wrote that different methods are used depending on the condition of the street - everything from no treatment to complete reconstruction. In particular, people have been concerned about the "cape seal" process, which involves putting rock chips down on liquid asphalt, letting it set for a couple weeks, then laying down a "slurry seal" to lock the chips in place. He said: "During the initial curing process, loose chips and dust from the initial application of the cape seal can certainly be a serious inconvenience, and here at the City, we apologize for the trouble!"

~ Water line work on Foothill during the week of May 22. Then road repair on Foothill starts on May 30.

~ Hours for Friday Night Street Fair have been extended to 10 p.m.

~ The work on the Huntington Drive medians is almost done. Should be done in a week or two. Work includes touching up (putting "lipstick on the pig," in Chi's words) the signs announcing you are crossing into Monrovia, and replacing the American flags.

~ The city has had 18 applicants for 3 openings on the planning commission; 5 for 2 openings on the Historic Preservation Commission, 11 for 3 vacancies on the Community Services Commission, 5 for 2 vacancies on the Library Board, and 3 for 2 vacancies on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

~ By June 30 the city plans to trim all the trees in the area between Myrtle and Mayflower, from Huntington to the south border, about 1,300 trees.

~ The Veterans Hike, which was rained out, has been rescheduled for June 17. Veterans and their families are invited on a hike and picnic in Canyon Park starting at 9 a.m. To register call the Library at 256-8274.

~ Friends of the Monrovia Library Spring Book Sale May 19 & 20 at the library. Bargains on books, DVDs, music CDs, and more. Proceeds fund such programs as family concerts, Night Owl Storytime, teen movies, and the Summer Reading Program. Members-only sale on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regular sale hours are: Friday, May 19, from 12 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with a $5 bag sale from 4 to 5 p.m. (Saturday only). To join the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: https://goo.gl/O2TeZY

~ Monrovia Firefighters' Association annual pancake breakfast is on May 13, from 7 to 11 a.m., at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.). A $5 breakfast that supports local Monrovia charities. Kids under 3 eat for free.

~ 7th annual Fountain to the Falls Run / Walk and health fair is set for Saturday, May 13, at 7 a.m.  This annual race will start at Monrovia Library Park. Medals will be awarded to the best time for male and female participants, and for first place through third place in each age category.  The race is limited to 325 participants. Registration through May 10 is $35. Event day registration is $45. For additional information, contact the Public Services at 256-8246. Register here: https://goo.gl/oidXXV

- Brad Haugaard

Final Evensong of Season

St. Luke's Episcopal Church will present the final Evensong performance of the 2016-2017 season on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. at the church, at 122 South California Avenue. A wine and cheese reception will follow and an offering will be taken. The program will include John Blow's Let My Prayer Come Up, William Smith's Preces and Responses in G, and Richard Farrant's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G Minor. Declare His Honor, by Henry Purcell, will feature staff singers Caitlin Stave, Trisha Rivera, Colin Stave and Sean Gabel.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Drone Maker Unveils Palm-Launched Drone for Military

Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has announced a new mini-drone that soldiers can launch from the palms of their hands. It is an outgrowth of its earlier hummingbird drone.https://goo.gl/aVTzux

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Extending Dual Language Program; Lost Money

At its May 10 meeting the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Hear a report on its dual-language program. The district has implemented a second dual-language program, this one in Mandarin. The staff report on the first program, for Spanish speakers, says: "Beginning in Kindergarten, students learned in 90 percent Spanish 10 percent English, and by 5th grade will be learning 50 percent English and 50 percent Spanish."

Comment: There must be something I'm missing here because it sounds as if non-English speakers have only half learned English after six years in Monrovia schools. If that is the case it is unclear why the district would want to extend this failure to yet another language. 

~ Try to get back some of the money it lost when students stayed home from school because of a threat of violence posted on social media. It will ask the state for a waiver to get it back. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Don't Let Cinco de Mayo Be Deadly

Cinco de Mayo has become a deadly holiday due to drunk and drugged driving. Forty people were killed in impaired driving crashes across the nation during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period in 2015.

Officers from the Monrovia Police Department will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrol will deploy on May 5, 2017, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

From 2011-2015, 270 people were killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period. In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Monrovia PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins this Cinco de Mayo. Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb. The cost of a ride home is cheap! Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this DUI operation is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.’ 

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Thefts from Cars; Another Bear; Drugs and Alcohol; No Mental Problem, But Arrested; Etc.

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 1-3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 449 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 8:17 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Mountain View called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered their unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and took a credit card. The investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 9:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered both of her vehicles that were parked on the street and took miscellaneous items. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 1 at 12:12 p.m., a subject came into the police department lobby regarding a possible mental health issue. The investigation revealed the subject was not in any mental health distress; however, he did have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and is being held pending his court appearance.

Bear Incident

May 1 at 5:06 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called police to report a bear inside her home. The bear broke through a window to gain access. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified. They responded and relocated the bear.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspects Arrested

May 1 at 7:18 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Norumbega for vehicle code violations. During the investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested. The passenger was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 2 at 8:07 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of May Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and stole miscellaneous coins. The investigation is continuing.

 Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 12:09 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Valley View regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. They arrived and found the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 1:07 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington when he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the subject revealed a warrant. The subject was arrested for the warrant and was found to also be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 3:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and detained the subject. A computer check revealed he had four warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation

May 3 at 1:54 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her son, whom she has a restraining order against, was at the location refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject in the mother’s vehicle. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 3 at 4:03 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of E. Huntington Drive. The victim reported that while he was away, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street. The loss could not be determined. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision

May 3 at 7:17 p.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at Mountain and Central. A vehicle traveling west on Central ran the red traffic signal at Mountain and collided into a vehicle traveling south on Mountain. One subject complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Carrying an Air Gun within a City Park / Being in a Park After Hours – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:03 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject sitting near the entrance to the library after the park was closed. Due to it being after park hours, the officers contacted the subject. During a pat-down search, officers recovered a BB gun in the subject's pocket. The subject was arrested for the violations. The subject was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary

May 4 at 4:34 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of Vaquero Road. The victim’s vehicle was parked in the driveway. The victim looked outside from the second story window and saw the suspect inside her vehicle. She yelled out the window and the suspect fled. The suspect entered the vehicle by prying the passenger side of the vehicle open. The loss is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

May 4 at 4:59 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Magnolia. The victim heard power tools outside of his residence and saw two subjects in hooded sweatshirts near his vehicle. One of the subjects yelled to the other and they fled in a silver Honda Element, heading north on Magnolia and out of sight. The victim checked his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter was taken from his Honda Element. The investigation is continuing. 

City to Install 'Real Change' Meters to Give to Homeless, Etc.

In his weekly update, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ The city is planning to install "Real Change Movement" meters in Old Town so you can give to the homeless through Foothill Unity Center instead of giving directly to the homeless, to avoid having the money used for destructive behaviors. 

~ City staff has been developing public education materials related to the Taking Back Our Parks & Streets program to highlight the negative impacts that AB 109, Prop 47, and Prop 57 have had. Basically the materials explain the problem and urge residents to contact their state legislators. 

~ The Monrovia Fire Department has received an early report that it has been upgraded to a  Class 2 department, just a whisker away from Class 1. This means homeowners should get a break on home insurance. 

~ The city is selling two pieces of property, at 498 Monrovista Avenue (6,250 square feet), estimated value $210,000, and 1234 Sherman Avenue (6,652 square feet, estimated value $335,000. 

~ There will be music performed by a variety of artists Wednesday and Saturday nights through Saturday, Sept. 2, in Old Town, 6-8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

How to Exist With Wildlife

There will be a free seminar on coexisting with wildlife on May 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. No RSVP required. Topics include how to prevent wild critters from visiting your property and what to do if you see a wild animal like a coyote or bear.

https://goo.gl/maowrQ

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Reports Loss

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Co. has reported a loss of $2.2 million in its first quarter, or 5 cents a share. https://goo.gl/cczbPB

- Brad Haugaard 

Veterans Hike Postponed

The veterans hike scheduled for this Saturday will be rescheduling in June due to rain, according to Rebecca Elder, Adult Services Supervisor at the Monrovia Public Library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police Ticket 96 'Distracted' Drivers

During the month of April, motorists caught violating California’s distracted-driving law received a clear message from law enforcement during the high-visibility enforcement campaign.

“Using a hand-held phone for calls, texting or apps while driving is something we all know is dangerous and wrong, but too many drivers are doing it anyway. So when we see it, we show zero tolerance,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken, Monrovia Police Department.

The Monrovia Police Department issued 96 citations to violators of California’s distracted-driving law during the recent enforcement period. The law provides that it is illegal to hold and use a cell phone while texting, calling or using apps while driving. It must be affixed to the vehicle and may be operated in hands free mode using voice activation or used with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

“Distracted driving kills too many people for us to ignore the facts and pretend it’s okay—it is never acceptable to text and drive,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed, nationwide, and another 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.

Offenders caught texting and driving will face tickets totaling at least $162, and higher for a second violation. Though the high-visibility enforcement effort is over, law enforcement officers will continue watching for distracted drivers to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Hit and Run; Cars Recovered; Assault at Bar; Drugs and Alcohol; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 27-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision

April 27 at 9:51 a.m., officers responded to Magnolia and Evergreen on the report of a hit and run traffic collision. The suspect driver rear-ended a vehicle and fled the scene. Officers checked the area for the suspect vehicle and located it in the 400 block of Andre in the city of Duarte. The driver of the vehicle was also located and he had sustained injuries from the accident when his head hit the windshield. The windshield had cracked and lacerated his forehead. The vehicle was towed and the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver admitted to being involved in the collision.

Grand Theft Auto

April 27 at 7:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a stolen vehicle report. The victim left his keys unattended on a table inside of a restaurant for approximately ten minutes. When he returned to the table, he realized his keys were gone. He went out to the parking lot and saw that his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 7:25 a.m., a suspicious person was reported at a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. A female subject entered the location and was driving around inside the property. A worker thought the female was acting suspicious and phoned police to report the activity. Officers arrived and located the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen and the female suspect was under the influence. She was arrested and the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner.

Vandalism Incident

April 28 at 8:39 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Sesmas regarding a vandalism incident. The victim reported that the windows on her vehicle had been shattered. A female adult in a dark colored SUV was seen driving up to the victim's vehicle. The female exited the SUV and proceeded to shatter multiple windows on the vehicle. She then got back into the SUV and left the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered

April 28 at 6:10 p.m., an abandoned vehicle was reported in the 100 block of E. Cypress. The black Chevy Tahoe had been parked there for three days. The license plate number was checked and it returned to a vehicle reported stolen out of Pomona. Officers responded and recovered the vehicle.

Assault Report

April 28 at 9:36 p.m., a nurse from a local hospital phoned police to report a subject in the ER that had been assaulted in Monrovia. Officers responded and spoke to the subject, who said he had been assaulted at a bar in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. He said he had been drinking and playing pool. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he stepped out to the back alley to use the restroom when he was assaulted. He didn't know the suspects, but believes there were three of them. The victim had some facial wounds and some bruising to his upper torso area, where he was possibly hit or kicked. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:25 p.m., an officer was on patrol the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks when he saw a vehicle traveling on the opposite side of the road. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a disturbing subject at Foothill and Magnolia. The subject was shining a flashlight at drivers. An officer responded and located the subject at Magnolia and Chestnut. The officer stopped to talk to him and a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 29 at 10:15 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported that they parked their vehicle on Highland the day before, and when they returned to the vehicle the next day, they saw items were missing. The vehicle had been left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

April 29 at 12:45 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Maple. A female adult walked into the business and took a cell phone and pair of shoes that belonged to a customer who was taking a class. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 10:19 p.m., an employee at a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a disturbing female inside the location who was throwing items. They asked her to leave and she refused. Officers arrived and spoke to the subject. A computer check revealed an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 11:05 p.m., officers responded to the report of a man down on the sidewalk in the 100 block of Montana. Officers arrived, made contact with the subject and determined he was intoxicated. The subject was unable to care for his own safety and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect arrested

April 30 at 1:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Colorado when he noticed a male subject walking on the sidewalk, having some difficulty. The officer made contact with the subject and realized he was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was held for sobering.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 11:41 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Orange called police to report a theft from his vehicle. The theft occurred sometime overnight and the suspect(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and stole a bag of tools. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 2:42 p.m., officers responded to the report of a theft from a vehicle in the 200 block of E. Cypress. The victim reported that sometime overnight, someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole his wallet. The investigation is continuing.