Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte Town Council Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte (MAD) Town Council Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Annunciation Church Parish Hall at 7 p.m. The council represents all residents who live in unincorporated areas of Monrovia, Arcadia and Duarte. - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Wildcat Toilet Plunger
A Willy The Wildcat plunger.
On Facebook, Lauri Knowlton Fleming reports finding a "treasure" from her days at Monrovia High, a 1975 Willy The Wildcat plunger ( http://goo.gl/o7T1V ). "I stuck that on many a football helmet," she said. Hmmm ... I'd love to know how toilet plungers became associated with the Wildcats and the significance of attaching them to helmets. (Thanks to Lauri for permission to use a picture of her treasure.)
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's World Vision Responds to Africa Food Crisis | FTSI
~ Monrovia's World Vision scales up its response to a growing food crisis in West Africa. http://goo.gl/jIZjh
~ Monrovia's FTSI is debuting six new professional services for credit unions and community banks. http://goo.gl/aj7TF
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Bridge Progress | Williams on Town Council | A Few OpeningsFor State of City Speech | Fire Department Communications | Job Opening
A photo of what is and what is planned to be.
~ Construction on the Gold Line bridge advances as abutment forms are now being erected around the eastern abutment. These final abutment activities complete the substructure work and set the stage for construction of the superstructure. (Gold Line press release)
~ Terrance Williams, a candidate for the Monrovia School Board, has been selected to the Monrovia Arcadia Duarte (MAD) Town Council. http://goo.gl/WVL67
~ There are just a few openings left for Mayor Mary Ann Lutz's annual State of the City address (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Krikorian Premiere Theatre in Old Town). Call 303-6600 if you want to attend. Also, KGEM TV will carry the speech, and it will be on the city's website later. http://goo.gl/B2Wx6
~ The Fire Department has begun upgrading its communication equipment. The project should be completed by the end of next week. http://goo.gl/B2Wx6
~ Foothill Unity Center has a job opening for an executive assistant. http://goo.gl/daV7Y
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: GPS on Phone Leads to Arrest; Cyclist Hit; Suspect Arrested in December Hold-Up of Duarte Road Liquor Store
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]
Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Criminal Threats - Suspect Arrested
On January 16 at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of West Cherry regarding a suspect making verbal threats to his family. The suspect has recently obtained a handgun and has been wearing it in his waistband. During recent arguments, he has threatened to shoot them and has shown the weapon. After, once again, being threatened, the suspect's brother found the loaded gun hidden in their parent's room. He took the gun and locked it up.
The next day when the suspect went to retrieve the gun and realized it was gone, he became irate and threatened the family with a stool, which he dropped, and then retrieved a knife from the kitchen counter. He then threatened the family with the knife. The victims went into their bedroom, locked the door, and called police. Officers arrived and were able to arrest the suspect without further incident.
Theft - Suspect Arrested
On January 17 at 3:00 p.m., a Monrovia High School teacher reported her cell phone had been stolen. She had left the phone unattended near a practice field. She was able to activate a GPS feature, which indicated the stolen phone was at a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles. Officers responded, and were able to recover the phone and arrested the 16-year-old suspect.
Grand Theft Auto - Motorcycle
On January 17 at 6:00 p.m., a red and white colored Honda dirt bike with no plates was stolen from the 500 block of West Duarte between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. A 1990's, dark green minivan, possibly a Ford or Chevy, was seen in the area. The vehicle was driven by a male White subject, approximately 50 years old, medium build, with a brown mustache and goatee. Investigation continuing.
Traffic Collision - Vehicle versus Bicyclist
On January 18 at 1:43 p.m., a female juvenile on a bicycle was on her way home from school. She was traveling west on Duarte Road, crossing at Alamitas, when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver was stopped on Duarte Road, turning south onto Alamitas. The bicyclist was on the sidewalk and entered the crosswalk, but the driver was looking towards his left and never saw the bicyclist enter the crosswalk. The impact knocked the juvenile off her bike, causing minor visible injuries. As a precaution, since the juvenile was not wearing a helmet, she was transported to a hospital by ambulance. Her parents were notified and responded to the hospital.
Prowling / Possession of Burglary Tools- Suspect Arrested
On January 19 at 2:27 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Shadow Lane reported seeing a male subject using a flashlight to look into parked vehicles. The subject ran when he saw police cars approaching. Officers conducted a yard-to-yard search and found the suspect hiding in a backyard. He was arrested for prowling and possessing burglary tools.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
Update: 2010 Armed Robbery - Suspect Arrested
On December 28, 2010, an armed robbery occurred at a liquor store in the 400 block of West Duarte Road at approximately 8:45 p.m. Three suspects wearing ski masks entered the store. Two of the suspects walked behind the counter and one of them punched the clerk. The clerk fled into the store and was followed by the suspect. This suspect had a small chrome handgun and demanded money from the clerk. When the clerk said he didn't have any, the second suspect took the cash register and all three suspects fled to a waiting vehicle, driven by a fourth suspect.
On January 18, 2012, a suspect was arrested by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau for a murder committed in Lynwood. During the lengthy interview, the suspect admitted to committing the armed robbery at the liquor store in Monrovia, along with two additional suspects. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Major Crimes Division is taking over the investigation and prosecution of the armed robbery case.
Portantino's Whistleblowing Bill for Legislative Staff Dies
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, reports that his bill "to provide legislative staffers with the same protections from retaliation as other state employees, has been sidelined in the Assembly Appropriations Committee." The press release continues:
“I am disappointed that the Assembly Appropriations Committee chose to kill Whistleblower Protection in the State Capitol,” said Assemblymember Portantino. “Every other state agency has protections in place for folks who bring forward allegations of waste fraud and abuse. Today’s action continues a self-serving exemption that undermines the public’s confidence and trust. Late opposition to AB 1378 was unfortunate since the measure had previously been supported unanimously in policy committee. I will continue to bring forward proposals to seek openness and transparency in California government.” AB 1378 called for legislative employees to be given legal protection from reprisals for reporting government wrongdoing such as waste or abuse. Specifically, AB 1378 would have required the Rules Committees of both the Assembly and Senate to designate an officer to receive written complaints and the State Auditor would then investigate those complaints. Those found guilty of retaliation faced fines up to $10,000 and a year in county jail.
Opinion: If the state government wants Californians to believe that the laws it passes are not burdensome, then exempting itself from those laws is not the way to do it.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Borrow to Pay Bills? Charge to Ride Bus?
At its Jan. 23 meeting (agenda here: http://goo.gl/fZa5Y ) the board will consider ...
~ (if I'm understanding correctly) borrowing money to pay its 2012 bills, which may run short by May. Why? Because the state is deferring payment to the districts. http://goo.gl/xswVq
~ a bus-riding fee for students, unless they get free or reduced-cost meals. Again, less money from the state. http://goo.gl/2ni9V
- Brad Haugaard
~ (if I'm understanding correctly) borrowing money to pay its 2012 bills, which may run short by May. Why? Because the state is deferring payment to the districts. http://goo.gl/xswVq
~ a bus-riding fee for students, unless they get free or reduced-cost meals. Again, less money from the state. http://goo.gl/2ni9V
- Brad Haugaard
Portantino Won't Run in 2012
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, has said he will not run for office in 2012. http://goo.gl/8MrBh - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Flat Rat | Teacher Jeopardy | Chamber Awards | Healthy Kids | Senator Responds to Brown
~ You may have missed part of the painted bear ("Bearlovian Paradise") in the Youth Services section of the Library. The usually-invisible underside of Bearlovian's foot features a flat rat. Second item down at the link: http://goo.gl/gHXOO
~ First Annual Teacher Jeopardy this Friday in the Monrovia High auditorium from 6-8 p.m. $3 a ticket at the door or you can buy in the ASB student store. Sponsored by Sophomore Student Class Council. (I assume this is open to the public. Let me know if not. - Brad) http://goo.gl/zKfEI
~ At its annual awards dinner, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will honor its award winners:
- The Iris Award, Karen Sutherland
- The Monroe Award, Rudy Castrellon of Rudy's Mexican Food
- The Dick Lord Award, Gloria Huss of Monrovia Floral
The Jan. 27 dinner is open to the public, but sign up by Jan. 23. Details: http://goo.gl/MwBmm
~ The YMCA is sponsoring a "Healthy Kids and Family" speaker series, with a topic each month from February through October. Details: http://goo.gl/UhEeA
~ State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, said Governor Jerry Brown's proposal "to raise taxes ... will strangle our recovering economy." He said Republicans think "the focus should be to streamline government and help create new jobs." http://goo.gl/iPtr1
- Brad Haugaard
New Monrovia Restaurant: Shanghai Dumpling House
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Banfield/PetSmart Grand Opening Saturday
Banfield Pet Hospital, located in the new PetSmart at 745 W. Huntington, will celebrate its grand opening along with PetSmart on Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to its press release, Banfield, "the world's largest veterinary practice," will donate 20 percent of the opening weekend revenue to the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. Also, there will be refreshments, contests, giveaways, “Ask-the-Vet” and hospital tours.
The hospital will offer routine checkups and vaccinations, and a range of medical services. It will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., with drop-offs beginning at 7 a.m. The hospital is closed on Wednesday. Staff veterinarians include Manal Hanna, DVM and Patrick Singh, DVM.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Valentine's Day Prize
Win a free Old Town Valentine's dinner (or maybe a teddy bear or roses). http://goo.gl/rkqCc
- Brad Haugaard
Man Pleads Guilty in Collection Agency Scam
Man pleads guilty to running a collection agency scam in Bakersfield, Monrovia and Anaheim. http://goo.gl/CCuxf
- Brad Haugaard
Full Eastbound Freeway Closure Tonight | Spicer Sworn In | Green Dot Executive Resigns
~ At midnight tonight, all eastbound lanes of the 210 will be closed when approaching Santa Anita offramp. The freeway will be closed until 5 a.m. tomorrow (Jan. 18) when some lanes will reopen. All lanes will be open by 6 a.m.
~ Fill-in Monrovia City Councilman, Larry Spicer, will be sworn in tonight. He is taking Clarence Shaw's place while Shaw is on active duty with the army. http://goo.gl/MfTu3 Update: Councilman Tom Adams says Spicer has already been sworn in.
~ Mark Troughton, President, Cards and Network of Green Dot Corporation, is resigning at the end of this month. http://goo.gl/d68y3
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Shots Fired, Target Uncooperative; Embezzling; Marijuana Sales; Husband Battering; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Jan. 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]
Shots Fired
On January 13 at 10:42 p.m., residents in the area of 1100 South Primrose heard several shots fired. Officers responded and discovered four .45 caliber bullet casings in the south alley in the 200 block of West Huntington, near Magnolia. Video surveillance showed a male suspect, possibly White or Hispanic, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt in the alley. The suspect fired four rounds east in the alley, then he ran west out of sight. It is unknown what he was shooting at; however, at the time of the shooting, the manager of a business saw a male Black subject, approximately 18 to 20 years old, wearing baggy clothing, dancing around in the parking lot. He then ran east toward Primrose. It's possible he could have been the target and was attempting to avoid getting hit. No impact points or blood on the ground was located. Hospitals were notified, but no victims were reported during the night.
On January 16 at approximately 3:00 a.m., an officer stopped a suspicious subject. During the contact, the subject claimed to be the victim of the shooting that occurred on January 13. The victim said he was in a business parking lot and was shot at; he was not struck or injured. The victim would not cooperate with the officer and refused to provide any additional information. The clothing the victim was wearing during his contact with the officer matched the possible victim's clothing reported on the night of the shooting. The officer completed a supplemental report regarding his contact with the possible victim and an identification card was also completed. Investigation continuing.
Grand Theft Auto - Motorcycle
On January 14 at 2:33 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Shamrock heard noises in his front yard and went outside to investigate. He saw his 2005, orange and black, KTM, dirt bike motorcycle was missing off a trailer he had parked on the street in front of his house. Witnesses told him they saw a male Hispanic subject, approximately 30 years old, pushing it west on Lemon toward California. Officers searched the area for the suspect and the motorcycle, but did not locate either. Investigation continuing.
Theft
On January 14 at 10:19 a.m., officers responded to a theft report at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Myrtle. A pickup truck parked on the first level of the parking structure behind the security gate had two duffel bags stolen out of the bed of the truck. Investigation continuing.
Embezzlement - Suspect Arrested
On January 14 at 11:43 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle regarding an embezzlement report. The owner of the business noticed a discrepancy in the inventory and confronted the employee in charge, who admitted to embezzling property from the business. During investigation, the employee confessed to embezzling property from the business over the past five years. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Special Enforcement Team Activity
Traffic Stop / Possession of Marijuana for Sales / Warrants - Suspects Arrested
On January 14 at 8:46 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1600 block of South Myrtle. He recognized the driver and knew she had an active want for her arrest issued by Monrovia Police Department. A search of her vehicle revealed marijuana found in different containers, and a large quantity of cash was found on her person. Her cell phone contained multiple texts from people that indicated she was selling marijuana to them. She was arrested for the want, as well as possession of marijuana for sales and transportation. There was a passenger in the vehicle that was found to have five felony warrants, which included a no-bail probation warrant. The passenger was also arrested.
Domestic Violence / Outside Assist - Huntington Beach Police Department - Suspect Arrested
On January 14, the Special Enforcement Team detained a distraught female on Myrtle and Duarte. The subject said she was upset because her twin sister had been involved in domestic violence with her husband. While talking to her, her husband and sister arrived. After further investigation, the sister was arrested for domestic violence for battering her husband. Since the incident occurred in Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Police Department responded and took custody of the female suspect.
Bald Insurance Executives Help Monrovia Anti-Cancer Foundation
A bunch of insurance executives have recently shaved their heads ( http://goo.gl/oBYCF ) to raise $700,000 for Monrovia-based St. Baldrick's Foundation ( http://goo.gl/acWva ). St. Baldrick's raises money for research to find cures for childhood cancer. The organization has raised $78,804,186 since 2005 and $914,760 so far this year.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's McCarthy Switches to UCLA | Mayor to Conference | PetSmart Open | Salon Cheo | Dogwood's
~ Monrovia defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy has switched his commitment to UCLA. http://goo.gl/tsXyu
~ Mayor Mary Ann Lutz plans to attend the National Conference of Mayors. http://goo.gl/WQZm5
~ The PetSmart store on Huntington is now open. http://goo.gl/6CRwY
~ It appears a new business is opening on Foothill, Salon Cheo. http://goo.gl/oVh5J
~ By the way, I hear a rumor (nothing more), that the now-closed Dogwood's will be converted into an office building. Update: Yup, its true - http://goo.gl/6X2KA
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Assemblyman's Nephew | Free Mulch | Chase Grand Opening
~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, asks on his Facebook page for prayer for his two-day-old nephew, Maximilian, and his parents. Maximilian is going to have a stent installed in his heart today. Update: Successful, with a part-two operation later this week.
~ Free mulch! The recent windstorm knocked down a lot of trees and limbs, which have been helpfully ground up into mulch. If you want some, get it on Jan. 21 or 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Recreation Park (600 S. Shamrock next to the Boys & Girls Club). Bring a shovel, containers, gloves and safety glasses. Take as much as you need while it lasts. http://goo.gl/33dQx
~ The new Chase Bank at the former Spire's restaurant location had its grand opening Saturday. A photo: http://goo.gl/VtvzX
Monrovia Gallery to Feature 'Impressions of France' | Alex Zucco
Baignoire Chez Nous
~ Impressions of France show at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime Ave., Jan. 21-April 7. Demonstration of plein air (outdoors) painting Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. outside the gallery, of painting and sculpting from a live model (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.), and a panel discussion (4-5 p.m.) on creativity and the beauty of rural France. http://goo.gl/qV6Iv
~ A profile article about Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco, by the person who knows her best. http://goo.gl/ryNQg
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill
- Brad Haugaard
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