News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Old Homes Tour | Caring for Clifton Teachers | Gerontologist on TV | AeroVironment Earnings Up | STAAR Surgical, Too

~ Tickets now on sale for the 30th annual Mother's Day Old Homes Tour, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. http://goo.gl/Fj9PN


~ Monrovia Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a drive to make the wishes of Clifton Middle School teachers come true. school supplies and stuff. http://goo.gl/tr0Kp


~ KCET will feature Monrovia gerontologist Mary Winners. http://goo.gl/1DLxP


~ AeroVironment reports: "As of the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 our revenue is up 15% and diluted earnings per share have grown by 50% compared to the same point last fiscal year." http://goo.gl/niDtU


~ And, Monrovia's STAAR Surgical reported that revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2011 grew 14% to $16.4 million. http://goo.gl/8JGyR


- Brad Haugaard

Adopt a Pet | New Owner for Monrovia Salon


Snoopy, at Inland Valley, wants a home.
 
~ Need a kitty or doggy? Monrovia uses Inland Valley Humane Society in Pomona. Cats: http://goo.gl/tdJ5K ; Dogs: http://goo.gl/H3Iey ; Other Critters: http://goo.gl/YQmf6 . Also nearby is the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society: http://goo.gl/LGcwg
 
~ New owner for All About Beauty Supply and Salon. http://goo.gl/aiaV3
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision Helping Tornado Relief | Learn Facebook

~ Morovia-based World Vision will be assisting in Midwest tornado relief operations with clothing, shoes, toiletries, blankets and cleaning supplies, which will be provided through church partners in Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama and Louisiana. http://goo.gl/tuwuw
 
~ The Monrovia Computer Club will demonstrate some of the cool features of Facebook this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Cookies, too.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Accidentally Shoots Himself, Drugs, a Fall at Canyon Park, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for March 1-4 – Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

On March 2 at 1:57 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle on Chestnut, just east of Monterey, for failing to stop for a stop sign. The officer observed an open alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle, so the officer removed the occupants to recover the evidence. When he removed one of the male subjects, he discovered this subject was in possession of a glass methamphetamine pipe. The officer arrested the subject for possession of the pipe and for the open container.

Medical Assist

On March 2 at 1:14 p.m., a group of teens with a school group were at Canyon Park at the falls when one of the female teens tumbled 20 to 30 feet, striking her head. She was able to walk, but complained of dizziness and a possible broken hand. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics arrived and the teen was treated and taken to a hospital.

Possession of Hypodermic Needle – Suspect Arrested

On March 2 at 4:59 p.m., police received a call reporting a subject on top of the roof of an empty business in the 200 block of South Myrtle. Officers arrived and found a male subject just coming off the roof. He was detained, and during a pat down search, a hypodermic needle was located. He was arrested and taken into custody for the violation.

During the investigation, it was determined that this subject and two others have been living to the rear and on the roof of this building. All subjects were warned about trespassing on the property and loitering in the area. The property owner will be advised and given information on how to prevent the trespassing.

Failure to Yield / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

On March 2 at 11:08 a.m., an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 3300 block of South Peck, but the driver did not stop. The driver went east on Pomona, from Myrtle, and eventually pulled over. The driver was uncooperative and refused to perform any field sobriety tests or provide a breath sample. The driver was found to be on non-revocable parole for prior driving under the influence arrests. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Evading / Possession of Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspects Arrested

On March 3 at 6:09 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers went to a residence in the 2400 block of Fairgreen regarding wanted suspects living at a home. They observed two male subjects leaving the residence in a vehicle. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit ensued for a few blocks, prior to the suspects stopping.

One parolee was arrested for three warrants, and the driver, a probationer, was arrested for evading, being an unlicensed driver, and possession of methamphetamine. A parole and probation search was conducted at their residence and police recovered methamphetamine, several methamphetamine pipes, and numerous checks, blank bank cards, and other items to conduct fraud. Investigation continuing.

Shots Fired / Filing a False Police Report / Carrying a Concealed Weapon

On March 3 at 7:51 p.m., Arcadia Methodist Hospital called Monrovia Police Department to report a male subject in their Emergency Room with a gunshot wound. The subject claimed it happened in Monrovia, near Parker and Monterey. An officer responded to the hospital for the investigation.

The subject claimed he was confronted by three male subjects and they got into a fight. He claimed that during the fight, he was shot and he ran away. He was then taken to a hospital by friends. The investigation raised suspicion, and it was eventually determined that the subject had a handgun in his waistband that accidentally went off when he bent at the waist, and he shot himself. A complaint for filing a false police report and carrying a concealed weapon will be filed with the court.

Shooting Investigation

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers responded to the area of California and Cypress regarding a shooting investigation.

The investigation revealed a male adult victim was backing his vehicle from a residential driveway with his three year old son in the backseat. A gray sedan occupied by at least three male Hispanics suddenly pulled up and stopped in the roadway. The right front passenger of the gray sedan exited the vehicle and fired approximately six shots, striking the driver side of the victim’s vehicle. The “shooter” returned to the gray sedan and the vehicle fled from the area at a high rate of speed. The “shooter” is described as a male Hispanic wearing a blue baseball cap. No one was injured during this incident. The investigation is continuing.

Loud Music Disturbance / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested

On March 4 at 11:13 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of South Shamrock regarding a loud music disturbance. When they arrived, an intoxicated guest at the residence answered the door. The officers saw a 4-year-old boy approach the front door and immediately became concerned for the child’s safety, because there did not appear to be a sober adult present to properly care for the child. The officers asked to speak with the child’s parents, but the subject refused to answer them and attempted to close the door. Officers prevented the subject from closing the door. The subject continued to resist and struggled with the officers, so the officers arrested him without further incident. The officers eventually located the child’s parents in the residence, who were sober enough to properly care for the child. The residents were also advised regarding the loud music.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Assemblyman Attacks Another Fee/Tax

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, has co-authored a bill to repeal $150 state fees on rural residents instituted last year. Donnelly said it is not a "fee," but a "tax" that violates the requirement that taxes be passed by a two-thirds majority. http://goo.gl/iJB4V

- Brad Haugaard

210 Freeway Closures Expected

Up to eight nights of full closure of eastbound 210 for Gold Line bridge construction is expected between now and March 17. Full closures between midnight and 5 a.m. Partial closures may last from 10 p.m. to 1 p.m. the following day.  
- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Gets $8.8 Million Defense Contract

AeroVironment has been awarded an $8.8 million Department of Defense drone contract. The contract modifies an existing contract. http://goo.gl/xdwvm
 
- Brad Haugaard 

Men Shoot Up Car in Monrovia

 Monrovia Police Department press release:

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, at approximately 9 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers responded to the area of California and Cypress regarding a shooting investigation. 
 
The investigation revealed a male adult victim was backing his vehicle from a residential driveway with his three year old son in the back seat. A gray sedan occupied by at least three male Hispanics suddenly pulled up and stopped in the roadway. The right front passenger of the gray sedan exited the vehicle and fired approximately six shots striking the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle.  The “shooter” returned to the gray sedan and the vehicle fled from the area at a high rate of speed. The “shooter” is described as a male Hispanic wearing a blue baseball cap. No one was injured during this incident.
 
The investigation is continuing.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Little League Season Begins

Former Dodger pitcher Dennis Powell helps launch Monrovia Little League season. http://goo.gl/r7vmu
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Wins Miss LA County Title

Monrovia woman, Monet Bagneris. wins the Miss Los Angeles County title, not to mention being "Miss Congeniality". http://goo.gl/xFqrX
 
- Brad Haugaard

Donnelly: It's Not a Fee; It's a Tax

State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly - who represents part of Monrovia - and five other Assembly members, are asking the members of the State Board of Equalization to oppose a cost to state homeowners of what Donnelly says will be "up to $90 per habitable structure on their property." He said the cost is being called a "fee" when it is actually a "tax" that violates the California Constitution and Proposition 26. http://goo.gl/kvbJN
 
- Brad Haugaard

The New Jim's Burgers | Paco's Fundraiser for Unity Center

~ The new look of Jim's Burgers on Duarte Road, after the Mon-Arc Center remodeling. (I hope they serve the same great burgers.) http://goo.gl/hYO0v
 
~ On Sunday, March 11, Paco's Mexican Restaurant in Arcadia will donate 10% of all dining proceeds from 3 to 10 p.m. to Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary to help families in need. Paco's is at 200 E. Foothill Blvd.; (626) 357-7270.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Entering Shell Eco-Marathon High-Mileage Race in Texas


Monrovia High's entry and team for last year's high-mileage marathon.
A Monrovia High School team led by auto shop instructor Phillip Jelinek will have a vehicle entry in the Shell Eco-Marathon, in Houston, Texas, again this year. The object of the event, from March 29-April 1, is to build the world’s most fuel-efficient vehicle - and produce the fewest emissions. Details on the race: http://goo.gl/0D43t
- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Sena



Lunch at Sena, on west side of Myrtle just south of Lime. Nice back patio. I'd heard the tacos were really good so I got the spicy pork tacos. Wow! Delicious! Best tacos I've had since maybe... ever! Highly recommend.
-Brad Haugaard

First Relay Race at Monrovia High | World Vision Helps Mali Refugees

~ First relay race to be held at Monrovia High's new stadium. http://goo.gl/ZtAEC
 
~ Teams from Monrovia's World Vision International respond to refugee problem caused by violence in Mali. http://goo.gl/zFmux
 
- Brad Haugaard

Report on Monrovia's Success Against Gangs


According to a report that will be presented to the Monrovia City Council this coming Tuesday (March 6), the police department's Operation Safe Neighborhoods anti-gang program seems to be doing fairly well. Though the numbers are small and stats with small numbers are both iffy and jumpy, the most serious offence, "murder and attempted," is down, as are most categories for local gangs. Among serious crimes, only "assault with a deadly weapon" seems not to have declined much among hometown gangs. See the full report here: http://goo.gl/0lrDU


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Councilman Wins Backyard Contest | Replacing a Tree on Arbor Day | Sherwin-Williams Opening

~ The backyard of Monrovia City Council Member Joe Garcia and his wife Kathy King is featured in the latest Costco magazine as third place winners in the Backyard Makeover contest. Here's the magazine page: http://goo.gl/T0AHo


~ This Arbor Day (March 7) Monrovia Community Services and the Teen Advisory Board are going to plant a tree to replace one knocked over in the windstorm. You're welcome to attend. It's at 4 p.m. at the Community Center. http://goo.gl/oBzts


~ The new Sherwin-Williams paint store (503 W. Huntington) will hold its grand opening Saturday, March 10. 40% off paints and stains.


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Senator Wins Charter School Association's 'Elected Leader of the Year' Award

State Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, has won the Hart Vision Award for Elected Leader of the Year from the California Charter Schools Association. CCSA President Jed Wallace said, "On every bill introduced in recent years to turn back the clock on charter schools, Senator Huff has been a stalwart partner with CCSA and a champion for protecting the integrity of the California Charter Schools Act." http://goo.gl/XW1xi
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglary Fail, 50 to Life

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Report for Feb. 27-29. -Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 412 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Attempted Residential Burglary

On February 28 at 3:20 p.m., a 15-year-old male subject that lives in the 200 block of Violet observed a male suspect tampering with the window screen on the backdoor of the apartment where he lives. The suspect eventually left the area. Police were not called until the subject’s stepfather arrived home, a few hours later. The window screen appeared to have been cut, but the suspect did not make entry into the home. The suspect is described as a male, 6'0", thin build, wearing dark pants and a gray or black hooded sweatshirt, which covered his face and hands. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Gang member, Gary Sanchez, was convicted of murder in the Pasadena Superior Court last week. Sanchez was convicted of several gun and gang enhancements, and is facing fifty years to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2012.

This case stems from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2009, at approximately 8:04 p.m. Sanchez shot and killed Jason Gentile near the intersection of Colorado and California in Monrovia. Sanchez also wounded Gentile’s girlfriend, who has completely recovered from her wounds. Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives investigated this case, but Monrovia Police Department personnel played a major role in the investigation and prosecution.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Drone in the Movies | Mark Twain's Other Woman

~ The Raven hand-held drone is featured in the recent Acts of Valor movie. Story and video clip: http://goo.gl/KBzil 
 
~ Learn about "Mark Twain's Other Woman," from the author of the book by that name. March 3, 1-3 p.m. in the Monrovia Library Community Room. Free but reserve a spot: http://goo.gl/Zb1sg
 
- Brad Haugaard