Happy Halloween

 A giant Tesla coil shoots out giant sparks to celebrate Halloween. At Brad Hori’s house on Maple Street just off Hwy Esplanade. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Biggie - Will Sit for Ear Scratches

Since October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, we would like to highlight Biggie (A467297) this week! He is an adorable 2-year-old not-so-small Pit Bull who was found as a stray in Arcadia at the beginning of the month. He is a good boy who knows how to sit on command, knows how to shake with both paws and responds well to clicker training. He just wants a little bit of praise and some ear scratches in return. Come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and meet Biggie and his other Pit Bull friends today.

The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's 5-Year Homelessness Plan On-Line; Library Enhancement Project Kick-Off; City Kinda-Sorta Approved for $4 Million Transportation Grant; Etc.

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~  Monrovia's 5-year Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness is now online here: https://goo.gl/C8fbaJ . Program goals: Be "relentless" in staying in contact with homeless people; expand coordination of homelessness programs; promote the Coordinated Entry System (area-wide Internet tool to coordinate homelessness services); develop educational materials; develop a Monrovia-centric giving campaign; develop a Housing Displacement Response Plan.

~ The city has kicked off its Library Enhancement Project. The preliminary designs should take 3-5 months. Plans:  Unique places for kids; enclose outdoor area on the north and south wings of the building; address security concerns; enhance landscaping; install a Portland Loo restroom near the playground; develop a Memorial Walk; connect historic features.

~ Election Day is coming up on Nov. 6 and Lyft and LimeBike are offering cheap and free rides to your polling place. Lyft: 50% off on your ride to the polls on Nov. 6 with promo code VOTECA3. LimeBike  - Enter code LIME2VOTE18 in the Lime app on Election Day to unlock a bike for a free ride to and from your polling station.

~  Police Lieutenant Tom Loy is preparing to retire after 32 years of service to Monrovia. Tom was instrumental in administering the gang injunction program, and served for 14 years as sergeant in charge of the Special Enforcement Team. A celebration of his career is scheduled for Nov. 29, at the Marriott Hotel. To RSVP for the event, contact Lori Le Veque at 256-8098, or at lleveque@monrovia.laclen.org.

~  The Library has completed 64% of its 5-year strategic plan goals in the first year, including: five-times faster Internet; sent Monrovia Reads van to local schools; celebrated Library Card Signup Month with promotions and 396 new library cards; expanded outreach and services to local senior facilities.

~ Monrovia's request for a $4 million grant to make freeway underpass and Station Square traffic improvements has been recommended for formal approval. The money would come from Measure M, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016.

~  To celebrate National Veterans Month, the City is inviting military service members and their adult loved ones to Veterans Paint & Sip, an evening to create a piece of art and enjoy a glass of wine, Thursday, Nov. 1, 7-9 p.m., at Paint N' Play Studio (418  S. Myrtle).  Only open to Veteran adults 21 and older. Register here: https://goo.gl/q4SJ8N

~  Monrovia recently received a California Preservation Foundation Award for its rehab of the Santa Fe Depot.  The California Preservation Foundation Awards showcases the best in historic preservation.

~  During Make A Difference Day this past weekend Monrovia Fire personnel were able to inspect 105 homes and install 45 smoke alarms in 17 homes, many in homes with elderly adults and children that had inoperable devices or no fire detectors.

~  In coming weeks the city owned property at the Myrtle entrance to Gold Hills will get a clean-up, pruning of overgrown bushes, removing unhealthy plants, water-efficient sprinklers, and deer tolerant plants.

~  The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting in Library Park, then the Holiday Parade will begin at 7 p.m., traveling north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Receives Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant

On September 30, 2018, the Monrovia Police Department was awarded an $80,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

“Our goal is to maintain Monrovia’s status of having zero traffic related fatalities,” said Captain Robert Wilken of the Monrovia Police Department.

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2019 federal fiscal year (October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019):

    • DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
    • Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
    • Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
    • Checking for seat belt and child safety seat compliance.
    • Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
    • Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
    • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders.
    • Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders
    • Probation supervision for high-risk DUI offenders.
    • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.
    • Court “stings” to cite individuals driving from DUI court after license suspension or revocation.

In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state, a 7 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian deaths, with 867 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2016, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. Along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies like phones and drug-impaired driving, this grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these dangerous and illegal behaviors.

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”

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

For additional information, please contact Lieutenant Tom Loy at (626) 256-8031

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Bash This Wednesday in Library Park and Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

November Events at the Monrovia Library

Here's what's coming up at the Monrovia Library in November: link

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys & Girls Club Holds 'Lights On Afterschool' Event

Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills sponsored a Lights On Afterschool event yesterday, one of roughly 8,000 such events across America organized by the Afterschool Alliance to celebrate afterschool programs. The event included an open house for family, teachers, and members of the community.

"We are participating in Lights On Afterschool to invite family and friends from the community to be a part of what we do here at Boys & Girls Club", said Monrovia Site Director of Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, Peter Mejia. "A safe place like this can truly change someone's life, and that's why after school programs are necessary. We are proud to celebrate this organization and other programs that care so much about the lives of kids."

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills promotes educational enrichment and school engagement. The Lights On Afterschool event spotlighted the range of programming available at BGCF, including homework help and tutoring, STEM activities, arts and crafts, structured sports and recreation, mentoring and character-building programs. Tours of the facility were given by members themselves, who were excited to share their favorite parts of the Club with visitors.

Source: Boys & Girls Club press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Victor’s

Lunch at Los Victor’s, at the corner of Foothill and May. Got three tacos for $2.80 apiece and a medium Diet Coke for $1.90. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Band and Color Guard Selling Wreaths ant Trees

Monrovia High School Band and Color Guard is selling wreaths and trees this year, fresh from Oregon. Order by Nov. 12 for pick-up at MHS Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Also selling Trees for Troops. S tax deductible donation of $68 will send a tree to a military family.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Credit Card Skimmer Placed in Card Reader; Fraudulent Anti-Fraud Scheme; Vehicles Stolen, Burglarized, Scratched; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for October 18–24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 399 service events, resulting in 79 investigations.

Fraud
October 18 at 9:03 a.m., the owner of a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington arrived at work and discovered the credit card reader at the front counter had a credit card skimming device attached to it. Officers arrived and collected the device. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 18 at 1:59 p.m., a victim of a phone scam came into the police lobby to report the fraud incident. The victim received a call from the suspect stating that he was a representative in the fraud department from her bank. He told her someone was attempting to use her debit card to purchase a high priced item in Colorado. The victim told the suspect that she had not attempted to purchase anything in Colorado. The suspect told her he needed her personal information in order to make sure the transaction did not go through. The victim gave the suspect her personal information.

Later that evening, the victim received an alert through her email that her checking account balance was below $60.00. The victim checked her account and found that $6,300.00 was withdrawn from her account. The victim called her bank and they told her she was a victim of identity theft. The representative told the victim that this scheme has been an ongoing issue at the bank. This investigation is continuing.

Wanted Person / Resisting Officers – Suspect Arrested
October 18 at 4:51 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers went to a residence in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle to search for a person wanted in connection with a crime. When the suspect saw the officers, he ran from them. Officers ran after the suspect and were able to take him into custody.

Commercial Burglary
October 19 at 7:46 a.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Maple arrived to work and discovered one of the building’s windows was broken. She entered the business and found that someone had gained entry during the night and took money from the cash register. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Motorcycle
October 19 at 9:23 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. California walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had taken his motorcycle sometime during the night. He had parked it in his driveway the night before. This investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Person / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 6:14 p.m., a resident in the 1400 block of Encino reported a male subject walking around her neighborhood for several hours, carrying a backpack. She did not recognize this subject as living in the area. Officers responded and located the subject, who did not have a verifiable reason for loitering in the area. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest, so he was taken into custody.

Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 10:29 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he saw two subjects walking together whom he recognized from a previous domestic violence incident. A computer check revealed one of the subjects was ordered by a judge to stay away from the other subject; this person was stopped and taken into custody for violation of the order.

Grand Theft Automobile
October 20 at 12:52 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista walked outside his home and discovered someone had taken his white Honda Accord sometime during the night. Officers responded to investigate. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 21 at 6:03 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Eighth parked his car on the street and went into his home. A few minutes later, he walked outside and saw someone rummaging through his vehicle. As he approached his car, the suspect saw him and fled the area in another vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 2:33 a.m., a female subject was walking to her car in a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Huntington when she noticed a male subject following her to her car. She immediately called the police. Officers responded and detained the male subject. The subject was found to be under the influence of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 22 at 12:18 p.m., employees of a store in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject had just left their store without paying for merchandise he had taken. Officers responded and apprehended the subject outside the store. The merchandise was returned and the subject was arrested.

Attempt Residential Burglary
October 22 at 4:39 p.m., residents living in the 500 block of N. Myrtle returned home and discovered their backdoor window had been shattered. Officers responded to investigate and found that no entry into the home appeared to have been made. The suspects had been deterred from going into the home by an audible alarm that activated when the glass broke. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 22 at 5:36 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Cherry walked outside her home and discovered someone had scratched the entire length of her vehicle with a sharp object. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 22 at 5:49 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Foothill had received a fraudulent check in the mail. He received the check as payment for a computer he was attempting to sell, using a cellphone application designed for buying and selling items. This investigation is continuing.

Open Alcohol in Public – Suspect Cited
October 23 at 9:05 a.m., a caller reported a male subject loitering in the 100 block of S. Primrose drinking alcohol in public. Officers responded and located the subject. He was issued a citation for having an open alcoholic beverage in public.

Public Disturbance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
October 23 at 11:00 a.m., employees of a coffee store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject inside their store causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had several warrants for his arrest; he was taken into custody for the warrant.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
October 23 at 11:24 a.m., a caller reported that six days earlier he and a friend were walking in the 1800 block of S. Fifth through a construction zone. They didn’t realize they were walking on freshly poured concrete. One of the construction workers began yelling at them to get off the concrete, and then swung a hammer at them. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 23 at 8:46 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a business parking lot in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The victim had been inside a business, and when he returned to his parked vehicle, he discovered someone had scratched one entire side of the car with a sharp object. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 23 at 10:55 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. A motorist collided into the front doors of the business and drove away. There was minor damage to the front doors. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
October 24 at 11:10 a.m., security for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had left the store without paying for merchandise he had taken. Officers responded and contacted the subject. The merchandise was returned and he was taken into custody for shoplifting.

Public Disturbance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 24 at 2:14 p.m., several callers from the 300 block S. Myrtle reported a male subject in Library Park that was yelling and causing a disturbance. Officers responded and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest; he was arrested and taken into custody.

Here's How to Be Part of Make a Difference Day

- Brad Haugaard

Lowest Groundwater Level Ever; Fixing Mayflower/Huntington Intersection; Honoring Bettie Mae Scott; Community Garden

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~  Our underground water level has dropped to the lowest level ever recorded for the San Gabriel Basin - 171 feet. If the level falls below 165 feet at the Key Well, then 10% of all production wells in the Main San Gabriel Basin will fail, and water production output will decrease by 30%. The city is planning a new, deeper well and is planning how best to use water imported from Metropolitan Water District.

~ The intersection of Mayflower and Huntington is pretty confusing - northbound drivers can easily get trapped into going where they don't want to go, or as Chi puts it, "the current layout of the intersection does cause some confusion that could be mitigated with better design." So a better design is in the works.

~  Monrovia's third Neighborhood Treasure (Monrovia heros) will be Bettie Mae Scott, and a block party to commemorate her has been scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the 500 block of West Maple Avenue (between Mayflower Avenue and Hwy Esplanade). Bettie Mae was born in 1921 and was the daughter of the Monrovia Police Chief, Frank Scott. She trained with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) as a ferry and test pilot. In July 1944, she was killed in Waco, Texas, while testing a repaired BT-13, two weeks before her 23rd birthday, and shortly before her planned wedding. On the day of her funeral many Monrovia businesses closed and the Police and Fire Departments escorted her body to Live Oak Cemetery.

~  There will be a study session at the Nov. 6, City Council meeting to consider several locations for a community garden. One possibility: the west end of Lucinda Garcia Park, but area residents already have a nopales cactus garden there. Another possibility, Mountainside Church, at 303  W. Colorado Blvd.  Mountainside is interested in a public gardening program on its property, and representatives from the church could help manage the garden.

- Brad Haugaard

The Kitty in the High Tower ... Would Like a Home

Daniel (A464854) is a handsome black and white boy who is about 5 years old. He likes to sit high on his tower in the cat room to watch over everyone with his bright green eyes. Daniel likes to keep his social circle pretty small so it takes a few minutes for him to warm up to you. If you give him a chance, in his own time, he’ll slowly come over to you and head butt you on the forehead to say hello. Visit Daniel today in one of our cat communal rooms.

The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Second Annual Monrovia Sidewalk Poetry Contest

The City of Monrovia and Art in Public Places Committee is announcing the Second Annual Sidewalk Poetry Contest!

In 2018, we started the Sidewalk Poetry contest as a part of the Monrovia Renewal project. The poems could appear anywhere around the city – a wonderful surprise to anyone out for a walk.

The contest is open to all residents of Monrovia—young and old.  Poems must be in English and  shouldn’t exceed 200—225 characters,  including spaces and punctuation.  Poems must be original work by the  entrant and the content must be appropriate for the general public.  You may submit two poems for consideration.

Contest ends December 31st. 

Contact Ariel Tolefree-Williams at 932-5563 or atolefree@ci.monrovia.ca.us or by stopping by City Hall (415 S Ivy) for more information and to submit your poem.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Help Foothill Unity Center Distribute Food

Here's how to help Foothill Unity Center with its Thanksgiving Packing Day and Family Distribution events. Click here for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Arroyo Over Monrovia by ... a Lot

Arroyo triumphed over Monrovia in football by ... are you sure you want to read this? Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you ... 79 to 10. Ouch! link

- Brad Haugaard 

New Fake Grass at Monrovia High Field; Updated Sex Ed Rules; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Replacing the field turf at Monrovia High using upgraded materials with an 8-year warranty. Link

~ Adopting modified district rules on sex education. Link and link

~ Adopting a memo of understanding with USC to have its education students - as part of their education, I take it - assist Monrovia teachers. Link

~ Add a course in cultural geography. Link

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Approaches!

Top: This incredible pirate ship (on Hillcrest just east of Madison) is getting ready for Halloween night. Bottom: This dentist (on Foothill just west of Myrtle) is getting ready for the day after. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food

Dinner at Rudy’s Mexican Food at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the two-item combination with beef taco and chicken enchilada for $10.95. Very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Statements of Candidates for Monrovia School Board

Here are links to statements from each of the four candidates for the Monrovia Board of Education, in the order I received them:

Maritza Travanti
Terrence Williams
J. Christian Holt
Selene Lockerbie

There are two seats being contested, so you can pick two.

- Brad Haugaard

Frank Jansson Library Dedication

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: He Kept Her Trapped in a Store Attic; Car Shot at on Freeway; Lime Bike Theft Thwarted; Lots of Car Batteries Stolen; $1,000 of Alcohol Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 11–17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 472 service events, resulting in 99 investigations.

Vandalism / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 1:52 a.m., a caller reported hearing glass break in a newly constructed apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona. Officers responded and discovered a window had been shattered on one of the new, unoccupied apartments. Officers entered the unsecure apartment and found a male subject trespassing inside. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 10:50 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Palm reported hearing a loud banging noise and a female subject yelling in the apartment next to her. Officers responded and located the female subject. Her ex-boyfriend had been hitting his fist on her front door, attempting to speak with her. He was taken into custody after it was discovered he was in violation of a restraining order.

Residential Burglary
October 11 at 1:12 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Cypress returned home from work and discovered her house had been burglarized while she gone. One of the doors had been forced open and the house was ransacked. A small amount of money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 11 at 6:01 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Bradoaks received a call from his bank, asking about unusual purchases made on his credit card. There were $3,000 worth of purchases made on his card that he did not make. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 11 at 7:07 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Wildrose walked outside his home to go to work and discovered someone had stolen tools from the back of his work truck sometime during the night. The tools were not locked to the truck. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 11 at 7:46 p.m., security for a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject had just run out of their store pushing a new lawn mower without paying for the merchandise. The subject entered a black truck and drove away. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Vehicle Tampering
October 12 at 8:38 a.m., residents from the 200 block of Ivy, 700 block of Wildrose, 100 block of N. Sunset, and the 100 block of N. Myrtle walked outside their homes to go to work and discovered someone had stolen their car batteries sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

False Imprisonment / Trespassing / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 1:43 p.m., a caller reported his ex-girlfriend was being detained against her will in the attic of a store in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located a male and female subject in the attic of the store. They had been living in the store’s attic without permission for several months. When the male subject would leave, he would remove a ladder, trapping the female subject inside. A computer check revealed the male subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
October 12 at 4:50 p.m., a caller reported someone had taken one of her credit cards from her wallet while shopping inside a store in the 600 block of W. Huntington. She had left her wallet inside her shopping cart and believes the suspect removed one of her cards when she wasn’t looking. The suspect used the card at a store in Arcadia to make a $1,500 purchase. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 8:29 p.m., security for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported they were detaining a female subject inside their store for shoplifting. Officers arrived, and after an investigation was conducted, the subject was taken into custody. The stolen property was returned to the store. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for her arrest, as well.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 13 at 7:23 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of California and Huntington. Officers responded to investigate. One of the drivers complained of pain and was transported to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 13 at 9:30 a.m., two residents of an apartment complex in the 1300 block of S. Alta Vista walked outside their apartments to go to work and discovered someone had burglarized their vehicles sometime during the night. The suspect shattered the car windows to gain entry and took dash cameras from both vehicles, along with other items. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft / Vandalism
October 13 at 6:22 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of S. Fifth discovered someone had damaged his mailbox sometime during the day and took mail. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
October 13 at 6:55 p.m., an employee of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just run out of their store with merchandise he did not pay for, then entered a van and left the parking lot. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 2:36 a.m., a transportation driver reported he was parked in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle with a customer in his vehicle who was heavily intoxicated. An officer responded and found the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
October 14 at 3:39 a.m., CHP reported a female driver was involved in a road rage incident on the 210 Freeway in Pasadena that led to her vehicle getting shot at while on the freeway. The victim also reported her vehicle was shot at again in the 100 block of W. Evergreen after exiting the freeway. The CHP advised that passengers in the vehicle were struck by bullets, so they drove to a nearby hospital. Officers went to the hospital to speak with the victims. The injuries were not life-threatening. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 4:13 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1900 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit several traffic violations. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft Auto / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 8:12 p.m., a sergeant was patrolling the 200 block of Valle Vista when he saw a suspicious vehicle occupied by two subjects. A DMV computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. When the occupants saw the police car, they exited the vehicle. The driver ran and was not located. The passenger was apprehended, and a computer check revealed he had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary
October 14 at 11:28 p.m., a caller reported he just discovered his storage unit in the 2600 block of S. California had been burglarized. Several tools were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Vehicle Tampering
October 15 at 8:30 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of S. Fifth walked outside her home and attempted to use her vehicle, but it wouldn’t start. She discovered someone had stolen her car battery. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 15 at 9:01 a.m., the owner of a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle arrived to work and discovered someone had forced one of doors to the building open. The business had been burglarized sometime over the weekend. A laptop and cell phones were stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 4:32 p.m., security for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported they were detaining a male subject who had walked out of their store without paying for merchandise he had in his possession. Officers responded, and after an investigation, arrested the subject.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 7:34 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and contacted the drivers. One of the drivers was found to be intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, he was taken into custody for DUI.

Injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 15 at 10:39 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another at the intersection of Myrtle & Central, where the traffic signal lights were off due to high winds. When officers arrived, they found that one of the motorists had driven away without exchanging information, as required by law. The other driver was transported to a nearby hospital due to a complaint of pain. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested.
October 16 at 3:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of Wildrose when he saw a motorist commit several traffic violations. The motorist was stopped and found to be under the influence of marijuana. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Traffic Collision
October 16 at 11:59 a.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded to investigate. The party at fault was issued a citation.

Possession of Stolen Property / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 16 at 2:52 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious male subject in the 400 block of W. Foothill, riding a bicycle and dragging a Lime rental bike alongside of him. Officers located and stopped the subject. The rental bike had its locking and GPS tracking device removed. The subject was found to be in possession of burglary tools and a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine. A computer check revealed he was on parole. The subject was arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
October 16 at 9:14 p.m., a caller reported a male subject in the 100 block of W. Foothill causing a disturbance. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who was found to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
October 17 at 8:20 a.m., an employee of a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported someone had opened four Verizon accounts using the company’s tax ID. The company has received charges for the fraudulently opened accounts. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
October 17 at 9:01 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Colorado discovered someone had opened several credit card accounts, a bank checking account and an Edison account using his Social Security number. The resident did not give anyone permission to open these accounts. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft / Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 17 at 11:15 a.m., an employee of a business in the 500 block of W. Duarte reported a male subject had run out of their store with over $1,000 worth of alcoholic beverages without paying. He fled in a vehicle and collided with a parked car. The suspect exited the vehicle and ran from the scene. Officers did not locate the suspect; however, through vehicle registration, they were able to identify the suspect, who is on parole and is now wanted.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 17 at 3:38 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision at the intersection of Mountain and Royal Oaks. Officers arrived and contacted the drivers and passengers. One of the passengers complained of pain to her back; however, refused to be transported to a hospital.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 17 at 5:52 p.m., a caller reported a scooter just collided into the back of another motorist in the 800 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and found the driver of the scooter had minor injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Aircraft Display at El Monte Airport

San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte will hold an Air Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Oct 27-28. There'll be aircraft displays, including war planes, helicopters, plus flybys. airplane rides, aerobatic rides, motion simulator demos; plus vintage and muscle cars, vendors and food. (Okay, okay, not strictly Monrovia, but it is the closest airport.) https://goo.gl/bkyCq9

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Selene Lockerbie

Hello, my name is Selene Lockerbie and I am running for Monrovia School Board.

Monrovia teachers, civic leaders, community members, business owners and parents are supporting my candidacy because they know that I will bring a fresh, informed, and passionate perspective to the school board. I look forward to working with the other board members, superintendents, teachers, staff, and our state and federal legislators to improve our students’ scholastic futures.

I am running to bring gender diversity, transparency, and the stakeholders’ voice to the board. My Educational Trifecta is: developmentally appropriate curriculum materials; better budget management that focuses resources on the schools, not bureaucracy; and innovative programs that entice enrollment in MUSD. I have three videos posted on my Facebook page, Selene Lockerbie for Monrovia School Board, that unpack these priorities in more depth.

I welcome the opportunity to support and expand our music and arts programs for all children, reinforce our Dual Spanish and Mandarin Language programs at Monroe and Plymouth, and bring vocational programs to the High School to offer students and families an option of a path to college or a respectable vocational career.

When you consider that I am a parent of school-aged children, who will be in this district’s public schools for seven more years, a community volunteer, a campus volunteer, and a Girl Scout leader you can be confident that your vote for me is the best investment for our children’s educational success.

Please vote for Selene Lockerbie for Monrovia School Board.

Planning Department Word Search

If you enjoy word search puzzles and urban planning, the Monrovia Planning Department has an activity for you. To celebrate Community Planning Month the department has published on its blog a word search puzzle in “plannerese.” Enjoy here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Monrovia School District Settled

Lawyers for a former Monrovia High student who said she was sexually abused by a security guard said she has reached a settlement with the school district in her lawsuit. link

- Brad Haugaard

Fall Festival Rescheduled; 'Unusually High' Typhus Outbreak; Library Auto-Renews Items; Garbage Law; New Tech Companies

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~ Due to heavy rains and power outages the Fall Festival has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, noon - 6 p.m. It will feature face painting, crafts, hay rides, and a community dog costume parade.  Questions? Call the Community Center at 256-8246.

~ The LA County Department of Public Health is warning of an unusually high number of flea-born typhus cases in downtown Los Angeles. Symptoms include: abdominal pain, backache, dull red rash, high fever of 105°F to 106°, hacking dry cough, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.

~  The Monrovia Library is now automatically renewing most checked-out items for an additional 3 weeks. Exceptions include items on hold for someone else and specialty items such as a telescope or DVD.

~  All business and multifamily dwellings of five or more units, and all entities that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste a week must adopt an organics program by Jan. 1, 2019. That's when a California law passed in October 2014 goes into effect. Through November the city will distribute notices to the 493 affected customers.

~  Two new tech companies have moved to Monrovia:  Quantum Screening and OCGene Therapeutics. Quantum Screening does saliva-based early detection diagnostics and OCGene Therapeutics develops cancer therapeutics.

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate J. Christian Holt

J. Christian Holt for Monrovia School Board

Serving the community and Monrovia schools for 19 years.

J. Christian Holt's goal is to help Monrovia School District improve:

• Improving the budget 
• Eradicate bullying 
• Listening and Improving communication 
• Reorganize, focus and fund special needs 
• School wide maintenance

For the last 25 years I have happily lived in Monrovia with my wife and three daughters. We have had the pleasure of attending Bradoaks, Clifton, Santa Fe and MHS. Being a self employed financial advisor in Monrovia has afforded me the opportunity to be actively involved in my children’s education and coach soccer for 13 years.

I decided to run now because my three daughters are older, two in college and the other is a senior at MHS. It would have been irresponsible of me to consider this large responsibility when my children were young. My family is my number one priority, so I waited until they didn't need me as much. Everything I have done, was done as a family.

In 19 years building relationships with teachers, staff, parents and students. Not only with the english speaking community but the spanish as well. "I'm Bilingual".

I have held 12 different PTA positions, President for 5 year and School Site Counsel, Principle Nominating Committee.

Recipient of 5 different service awards. The most prestigious award was from the California Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students “Honorary Service Award” and was also awarded the Continued Service Award as well.

I’m proud of co- founding the Watchdogs in Monrovia. This is a program that pushes for the involvement of dad’s in their children’s schools.

I hosted and promoted for 10 years the Friends and Family 5K Walk or Jog. It promoted exercise, family, making new friends and most of all a positive community.

Currently working on a anti- bullying and student misconduct program.

Help Make A Difference.
If you would like to mail a contribution:
Holt 4 Monrovia School Board
432 W. Foothill Blvd. Monrovia Ca. 91016

Venmo Acct: Holt 4 Monrovia School Board
Campaign I.D. # 1410098

Oreo the Lap Dog Looking for a Home

Oreo (A466510) is a cute lovable Chihuahua. She starts off a little shy and hesitant, but she flourishes quickly into a loving lap dog. She gets along well with small dogs and people of all ages. She likes to be petted and held and she doesn’t mind being rocked like a baby, either! She is calm and mellow and looking for a loving new home. Come visit her at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. 

The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Terrence Williams

Dear Monrovians,

It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community as a Board Member. I take great pride in the role I have played in helping shape the future of every child in the Monrovia Unified School District.

Some of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my first term in office include, closing the achievement gap, increased high school graduation rate, the implementation of Code to the Future, creation of programs that provide pathways to offset college tuition, advocating for fully-funded Special Education, established broadcast capabilities for the entire school district, including the unincorporated area, inside the MUSD board meetings to keep the community more aware and involved with the school board, Directed in establishing the Dual Immersion programs, which include both Mandarin and Spanish, into Plymouth Elementary School (Mandarin) and Monroe Elementary School (Spanish), support of teen suicide prevention programs like Healing Connections, and continued collaboration with Board Members, teachers and staff to attract and retain the highest level of educators.

Education is not a “one-size fits all” proposition. Children learn at varied speeds. As a parent of both General and Special Ed children, who have and do attend Monrovia Schools, I know first-hand the issues that matter most to parents. I have worked hard the last 5 years to make the educational dream come true for our students. I humbly ask you to elect me to another term so that I may continue this important work.

Terrence G. Williams
www.Williams4Monrovia2018.com

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Maritza Travanti

As a parent of a school-aged child, school volunteer, Hispanic female and a 28- year government professional, I am the best choice for the Monrovia School Board. As a Senior Policy Analyst with the IRS, I have the skills that directly translate to the duties of a board member such as data analysis, interpreting law, regulations, statutes, creating and reviewing budgets and drafting new policy.

Education every where is changing right before our eyes and I want to ensure Monrovia is on the cutting edge and preparing our children for a fast paced world. Education is not “One size fits all.” It is critical to have many viable options in place where students will feel inspired, focused on a pathway and feel a sense of readiness to embark on their future goals.

MUSD needs to attract and retain students by continuing to add programming that is attractive and beneficial in addition to becoming masters of the programs already in place such as the Dual Immersion, Code to the Future, STEM, Arts and curriculum that makes our graduating students competitive.

I will add new energy, a fresh perspective and a spirit of collaboration to ignite our community’s maximum education potential. 66% of all enrolled Monrovia students are Hispanic or Latino. The board is in dire need of someone that understands the challenges and barriers that exist with many of our students and families. I have the right qualifications and background to make the biggest impact and hope to earn your vote!

Power Outage Around Foothill and Myrtle

There's a power outage around Foothill and the west side of Myrtle, affecting the Vons shopping center and street lights. Edison is aware of the problem says 2790 customers are affected. https://goo.gl/GiwZY2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over La Canada 42-0 :-)

Friday's football against La Canada was another blowout. - 42-0. link

- Brad Haugaard

Power Outage Affecting East Monrovia

At 7 a.m. today a power outage that occurred during last night's thunder storm is apparently still affecting much of the east side of Monrovia, east of Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Establishing Employee Fraud Hotline

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/csMRc4) the Monrovia City Council will consider establishing an employee fraud hotline hosted by an independent provider contracted by the City. It would have a 24-hour-a-day phone and web reporting system. Also, the city would implement whistle-blower protection. https://goo.gl/vuWQJr

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Stinkin Crawfish

Big Shrimps is gone, replaced by Stinkin Crawfish, on the north side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. I got the Catfish lunch special with an iced tea for $10.99 (drink included). It was good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Scouting 'Venture Crew 147' Open House Tomorrow

Venture Crew 147 will host an Open House for prospective members tomorrow, Saturday, 13 October at the Gazebo in Recreation Park in Monrovia. We’ll get started at 3:30 and wrap up by 5:00. After that we’ll fire up the BBQ. Parents are encouraged to attend. Venturing is a Scouting program for young women and men ages 14 to 21 with a focus on adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service. It’s a great way to build life skills (and a great resume) while having fun in the outdoors with new friends. You can find us on the web at www.VentureCrew147.org and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @VentureCrew147.

- Brad Haugaard

Pre-Election Thoughts on the Monrovia School District

With the School Board election coming up I'd like to share a few semi-informed thoughts on the Monrovia schools:

- I applaud the emphasis on technology and college prep, but I think the trades are getting short shrift, not just in Monrovia but in most schools. My wife had an uncle who got an engineering degree from Caltech, worked at it for a while and hated it, so he bought a nursery and happily worked at it all his life. There's nothing dishonorable or second class about being a plumber or electrician or mechanic, and I think students should at least have the opportunity to explore those options if they are interested. I believe candidate Selene Lockerbie has commented on this, so that's something. [Candidate Maritza Travanti writes to say that she also has "addressed the need to have ... pathways as diverse as our students are. Not everyone is headed to a college or university."]

- I have recently been chatting with a young man about investing, and have been wondering why there isn't a life-skills class in high school that teaches students this basic stuff, things like: how to cook an egg, basic nutrition, how to shop, how to write a check, how banks work, how to invest, using credit cards, renting an apartment, writing a resume, and so forth. Maybe it's there but I've never heard of it.

- Maybe there are things going on here I'm unaware of, but it seems to me that Monrovia's continuation high schools are AMAZING (many of the students go on to college; at most continuation schools zero go to college), and I really don't get why the district doesn't do more shouting and waving and tooting of horns to tell the world, "Look, this is how it should be done!"

These are impressions, and I'd be happy to be corrected, and I'd especially welcome comments by the four School Board candidates.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Art Lesson

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ring Doorbell Stolen; Walking in Traffic; Smoking in Park; Shoplifting; Credit Card Swiping; Gardener's Truck Stolen; Alcohol; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for October 4–10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 386 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.

Fraud
October 4 at 9:37 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Granite reported that she had dropped her wallet while shopping the day before. She later discovered someone had used one of her credit cards at a gas station in Monrovia. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 4 at 4:25 p.m., a caller reported a collision between two vehicles at the intersection of Shamrock and Foothill. One of the motorists drove away from the accident scene without stopping. Officers searched the area for the hit and run suspect vehicle, but could not locate it. No injuries were reported. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Fraud
October 4 at 5:48 p.m., a caller reported someone had stolen her wallet while she was shopping at a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The suspect used one of her credit cards at another nearby store. She had left her wallet in her shopping cart and it was taken when she wasn’t looking. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 7:03 p.m., security for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject had just left their store without paying for merchandise she had taken. Officers responded and stopped the subject outside the store. The stolen property was recovered and returned to the store. The suspect was arrested.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 9:26 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were patrolling the 2600 block of S. Peck when they saw a bicyclist commit a Vehicle Code violation. The bicyclist was stopped and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was taken into custody. A computer check revealed the subject also had a warrant for his arrest.

Commercial Burglary
October 5 at 6:39 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of W. Huntington arrived at work and discovered one of the building windows was shattered. The investigation revealed the suspects had entered the building sometime during the night and took a safe containing over $1,000. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 5 at 2:11 p.m., an elderly female subject reported someone had taken her wallet while she was shopping inside a grocery store in the 600 block of W. Huntington. She placed her wallet in a shopping cart, and when she wasn’t looking, someone took it. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Evading / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 2:12 p.m., an employee of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just run out of their store without paying for merchandise he had taken. He entered a vehicle and fled. Officers located the vehicle and attempted to stop it. A short pursuit ensued. The suspect stopped, exited the vehicle and ran. With the assistance of witnesses in the area, the suspect was apprehended. The suspect was found to be in possession of several tools used to commit burglaries. The stolen property was returned to the store. A computer check revealed the suspect had multiple warrants for his arrest.

Grand Theft Auto
October 5 at 2:36 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Mountain View reported his gardener’s work truck had just been stolen. Two male suspects stopped in front of the house, one entered the truck and both subjects drove away. The truck was entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 6:29 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were patrolling the 2600 block of S. Peck when they saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested.

Vehicle Burglaries
October 5 at 7:52 p.m., a caller reported his vehicle had just been burglarized while he was eating inside a restaurant in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle had been entered through a rear passenger side window. Multiple items were stolen. An officer responded and checked the parking lot. One additional vehicle that had been burglarized in the same manner was located. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspects Arrested
October 5 at 11:14 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Montana reported he could hear a woman screaming for help and believed it was possibly his neighbor. Officers arrived and located the female subject. She had been involved in an argument with her live-in boyfriend. An investigation revealed the male subject had hit the woman several times. Monrovia paramedics provided medical care and the suspect was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 2:30 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2200 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspects Arrested
October 6 at 10:08 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were patrolling the 300 block of W. Duarte when they saw a female subject they recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had a felony warrant for her arrest. She was stopped and taken into custody for the warrant.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 12:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a male subject who appeared to be intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody. A computer check revealed the subject also had a warrant for his arrest.

DUI – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 2:15 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit several traffic violations. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Smoking in a Park – Suspect Cited
October 7 at 11:25 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Olive and saw a male subject in the skate park smoking. He stopped and contacted the subject. The substance he was smoking was found to be marijuana. A citation was issued for the violation.

Shoplifting
October 7 at 2:32 p.m., employees of a business in the 100 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just walked out of the store without paying for merchandise. Officers responded and searched for the subject, but could not locate him. An investigation revealed the subject left the stolen property outside the business prior to fleeing the area. The property was returned to the business.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 11:16 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of California reported he could hear a woman yelling for help because her husband was hitting her. The caller believed it was his neighbor yelling. Officers responded and located the woman who needed help. An investigation revealed her husband had hit her. The suspect was arrested.

Domestic Violence
October 8 at 5:02 p.m., a caller in the 1300 block of S. Fifth reported she was having a dispute with her boyfriend after trying to drop him off at his uncle’s house. He became angry with her, pulled her out of the car and began hitting her. She said he left the area when she started calling the police. Officers searched the area for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
October 8 at 6:50 p.m., an employee at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male customer had just attempted to pay for merchandise using someone else’s identification. When the employee began calling the police, the suspect fled the business. Officers located the suspect and found him to be in possession of over twenty- five different identifications, Social Security cards and credit cards belonging to other people. The suspect was arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 8 at 7:58 p.m., an employee of a store in the 400 block of W. Foothill reported a male subject was in their store, heavily intoxicated and yelling. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety or that of others, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication / Battery on a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 5:14 p.m., a caller reported a female subject who appeared intoxicated was attempting to get into the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the 700 block of E. Foothill. Officers responded and located the subject. She was found to be too intoxicated to care for her own safety and was attempting to drive while intoxicated. While the officers were taking her into custody, she hit them several times. She was booked and later released on a citation.

Grand Theft Auto
October 9 at 6:28 p.m., a caller reported her vehicle had just been stolen from the 300 block of S. California while she was at work. She believed it was a family member who took it without permission. Officers responded to the house of the family member and located the vehicle. Just as they arrived, they saw a male subject run from the home. The subject was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
October 10 at 9:34 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business parking lot in the 1500 block of S. Primrose. The victim returned to her parked vehicle and found someone had removed the catalytic converter. This investigation is continuing.

Walking in Traffic / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 3:17 p.m., several callers reported a male subject walking in traffic in the 800 block of S. Mayflower. Officers arrived and saw the subject standing in front of cars that were swerving around him. They contacted the subject, who immediately began resisting the officers as they attempted to remove him from the street for his safety. He was arrest and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Injury Traffic Collision Run
October 10 at 4:58 p.m., a caller reported she was driving in the 800 block of E. Duarte when another motorist struck her vehicle and drove away without stopping. The caller was not injured. Several callers reported the suspect vehicle had collided into three more vehicles, one block from the original collision. Several occupants and drivers were transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 10 at 6:12 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Norumbega reported they had arrived home and found that someone had stolen their Ring doorbell device that had been attached to their home, next to the front door. This investigation is continuing.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Movie This Saturday at the Library

For Classic Movie Afternoon, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Oct. 13, from 2-4 p.m. in the library Community Room. Details: https://goo.gl/ZZKZcm

- Brad Haugaard

Smitten on Paper Holding 'CalligraFair,' Two Days of Calligraphy Seminars

Monrovia's Smitten on Paper (114 E. Lemon) will hold a two-day calligraphy fair, "CalligraFair," on Oct. 13-14, with eight presenters. The area where vendors and the study hall is set up will be free to the public; tickets for the seminars are $10 for both days. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Enters Agreement with German Firm

Monrovia's Staar Surgical, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of implantable lenses for the eye, has entered a multi-year strategic alliance with Dr. Tobias Neuhann of the Augenklinik am Marienplatz (Eye Clinic at Marienplatz) in Munich, Germany. The agreement serves as a global partnership model for smaller and single site refractive surgery eye clinics. link

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween in Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Fall Festival This Weekend in Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

Survey Says Community Center Sub-Par; Diseased Trees Coming Down; K-Rail; Lyft

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

~ A Community Services Commission survey about the Community Center found that of the 215 respondents more than half said the center does not meet the needs of the community. Comments from the survey: It needs to be updated; rooms are out of date; not enough parking; needs a face lift; kitchen outdated and needs a freezer; rooms should all have projectors and sound. link

~ Some trees may come down. The Development Review Committee will consider removing two large oak trees in front of the Mary Wilcox Youth Center. They have multiple dead branches and are infected with bark beetles. Also, a sycamore tree just west of the playground is infested with the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer and this tree is tentatively scheduled to be removed during the week of Oct. 22.

~ The removal of the K-Rail will begin Wednesday, Oct. 10 - Nov. 16, first along Avocado Place, Crescent Drive, Heather Heights Court, Lotone Street, and the upper portion of Highland Place (located north of Scenic Drive). Then, from February-March 2019 it will be removed along the lower portion of Highland Place (south of Scenic Drive) and Hillcrest adjacent to Highland Place. The rail along Highland Place will be removed later because this location has been more prone to flooding and theoretically we may get rain this winter.

~  About 40 people showed up at the how-to-use-Lyft seminar on Oct. 3. and learned how to download and use the Lyft app to get cheap rides around town.

- Brad Haugaard

Altadena Kitty Wants to Emigrate to Monrovia

Can you believe this beautiful boy was found on the streets of Altadena? A good Samaritan brought him to us at the end of August. He has been here getting big and strong and now is available for adoption. He is a little shy at first but loves to play. Show him a cat toy and he will show off his spunky side. He is currently looking for a new best friend. Could it be you?

The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Native Plant Sale October 13

- Brad Haugaard 

Octoberfest in Monrovia - Oct. 27

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Building 'Air Squadron' Drones

Monrovia's AeroVironment is building drones that can be launched from armored ground vehicles and sorta hang out in the air until they spot a target, then attack. link

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Adding Fellowship Pasadena

The rapidly-growing church, Fellowship Monrovia, which meets at Monrovia High School, plans to expand into Pasadena. The pastors for the Pasadena campus of the church - which will meet at John Muir High School in northwest Pasadena - will be Michael and Faith Field. link

- Brad Haugaard

SpaceX Rocket Launch Over Monrovia

A SpaceX Falcon 9 taking off from Vandenberg Air Force Base was visible in the western night sky from Monrovia about 7:30 p.m. today. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Freeway On-Ramp Sign Misspelled

CBS News notes that the eastbound 210 Freeway on-ramp at Huntington Drive has a sign that points to "San Bernadino." Of course I don't need to tell you that it is actually "San Bernardino." link

- Brad Haugaard

October Events at Monrovia Library

Here's what's happening at the Monrovia Public Library this month: link

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over South Pas 41-0

Monrovia Wildcats football walks over South Pasadena 41-0. link

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Recognize Students, Employees of the Month

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/fCKJkF) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Congratulate Monrovia High student David Bughman on being recognized as a "Commended Student" by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

~ Congratulate Monrovia High student Alexandra Fraire on being recognized as a "National Hispanic Scholar" by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

~  Congratulate these employees of the month for October:
- Amy Martinez, School Office Manager - Canyon Early Learning Center
- Angeline Arias, Special Education Teacher - Canyon Early Learning Center
- Tom Rosenstein, Teacher - Canyon Oaks High School
- Claude Mallory, Head Custodian - Monrovia Community Adult School
- Samar Abi Saad, Adult Ed Teacher - Monrovia Community Adult School

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chipotle

Lunch at Chipotle, on Huntington in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got a Carnitas Bowl for $7.50 plus $2.10 for guacamole and an iced tea for $2.05. I pushed the lettuce aside a bit so you could see the good stuff but it’s still hard to see. Very fresh, tasty and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Suspicious Customer - Wearing Ski Mask; Alcohol Problems; Ex-Boyfriend vs Boyfriend; Woman vs Power Pole; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for September 27 – October 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 408 service events, resulting in 100 investigations.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 4:54 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious male subject sitting in a parked car in the 600 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the subject. They found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and a syringe loaded with narcotics. The suspect was arrested.

Commercial Burglary
September 27 at 6:17 a.m., a caller reported finding a stack of receipts on the sidewalk in the 100 block of S. Myrtle that belonged to a business on that block. Officers responded to the business and found the front door unlocked with an employee sleeping inside. An investigation revealed a suspect had entered the store while the employee was asleep and stole $50 from the cash register, along with the receipts. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Burglary Tools / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 6:29 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a suspicious male subject inside their store, wearing a ski mask. Officers responded and contacted the subject. He was found to be in possession of burglary tools, and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft Automobile
September 27 at 7:32 a.m., an employee at a business in the 100 block of Melrose arrived at work and discovered the front window of the building had been shattered. An investigation revealed that tools, paychecks, computers and the company van were all stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 8:21 a.m., a caller reported a male subject urinating and defecating on the sidewalk in the 100 block of W. Lemon. Officers responded and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 12:05 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a traffic violation. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was determined to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Petty Theft
September 28 at 8:21 a.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle reported that a customer stole her cellphone while she was distracted helping other customers. Officers responded and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 28 at 6:23 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of W. Lime reported he had sent $2,300 to a person he met on a website in order to secure a rental property. After sending the money, he discovered the advertisement was fraudulent. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
September 28 at 10:19 p.m., a caller reported a petty theft in the 100 block of W. Walnut. She had returned to her vehicle from the Street Fair and discovered someone had rummaged through her unlocked vehicle. The suspect stole her purse from the front seat. The investigation is continuing.

Fighting in Public / Open Alcohol Container in Public – Suspect Cited
September 29 at 12:26 a.m., while patrolling a bar in the 400 block of S. Myrtle, officers witnessed two male subjects fist fighting in the back alley. The officers were able to stop the fight and both subject refused to prosecute one another. One of their friends had an open alcoholic drink outside the bar in the alley, so he was issued a citation.

Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
September 29 at 2:16 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Duarte when he saw a motorist traveling without headlights on at night. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI. There was a passenger in the vehicle who was too intoxicated to care for their own safety, so this person was arrested and taken into custody as well.

Vehicle Burglary
September 29 at 10:11 a.m., the owner of a business in the 2600 block of S. California arrived at work and found the business utility truck had been burglarized. The suspect forced entry into the vehicle and took several tools sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism Gang Graffiti / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
September 29 at 7:07 p.m., a caller reported witnessing a male subject writing gang graffiti with a marker at the train station in the 1700 block of S. Myrtle. The caller watched the subject write on several different objects from Myrtle to California. An officer responded and the subject was stopped and arrested. He was with a female subject who was found to have a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody as well.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 30 at 2:23 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 3300 block of S. Peck when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. There were three passengers in the vehicle who were all too intoxicated to care for their own safety if left alone. They were taken into custody as well.

Wanted Person – Suspect Arrested
September 30 at 4:48 p.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Foothill reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. The vehicle was occupied by a female subject. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who they recognized as being wanted by the Monrovia Police for residential burglary. She was taken into custody.

Domestic Violence / Vandalism
October 1 at 1:02 a.m., a female resident in the 500 block of Almond reported an incident of domestic violence and vandalism. She was at home with her boyfriend when her ex-boyfriend showed up and hit her, then chased her new boyfriend down the street. The ex-boyfriend returned and broke the front window of the victim’s house, then left the area. Officers searched the area for the suspect, but did not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Automobile
October 1 at 2:23 a.m., the owner of a business in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle reported two subjects just stole his vehicle from the business parking lot. He heard the engine to his vehicle start and saw the suspects driving away in his car. Officers arrived and searched for the stolen vehicle, but were unable to locate it. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
October 1 at 2:58 a.m., a resident at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported her boyfriend just left the hotel after hitting her several times. Officers arrived and searched for the male subject, but were unable to locate him. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 10:48 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Duarte and saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts sitting on the ground in front of a liquor store. A computer check revealed the subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
October 2 at 8:06 p.m., an employee of a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill reported someone had stolen his house and car keys. He had placed them in an unlocked private office at the beginning of his shift earlier in the day, and at the end of his shift they were gone. Several people had access to the office. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication
October 3 at 7:43 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check of an adult male on the ground in the area of Foothill and Primrose. Officers arrived and found the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for a being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 9:19 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for traffic violations at Shamrock and Cypress. A search of the vehicle revealed the male adult driver was in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and his vehicle was stored.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 11:57 p.m., a female subject collided with a power pole and brought down several power lines, blocking all lanes of Huntington Drive. The female was taken to a hospital, where she refused any chemical tests. Southern California Edison responded to repair the power.