Support Monrovia School | Tiger Mosquito | New Unity Center Director | Obama Not Paying Your Gas Bill

~ Support Bradoaks School. Buy a yogurt with this coupon tonight. http://goo.gl/mvWcb

~ Oops. Tiger mosquito is back, next door in El Monte. http://goo.gl/NX6m7

~ Feature about new Foothill Unity Center Executive Director Betty R. McWilliams. http://goo.gl/AkLC6

~ President Obama is not paying your utility bill. Watch out for scammers who say he will and ask for personal info. http://goo.gl/Awme3

- Brad Haugaard

Drone Made by Monrovia's AeroVironment May be Fitted With Warhead

Marine Corps wants to wed AeroVironment's Switchblade drone with an explosive warhead to produce a kamikaze-type drone. http://goo.gl/m6TpX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Activities

Video of the Saturday activities (and a bit of history) for Monrovia Days, May 19. http://goo.gl/MYrPn

Also, here is the dunk-tank schedule and victims (May 19: 100 block of W. Palm Ave.):

1:00-1:10 p.m. - Police Chief Jim Hunt
1:15-1:25 p.m. - MHS Principal Darvin Jackson
1:30-1:40 p.m. - Mayor Pro Tem Joe Garcia
1:45-1:55 p.m. - Council Member Becky Shevlin
2:00-2:10 p.m. - Mayor Mary Ann Lutz
2:15-2:25 p.m. - City Spokesman Dan Bell

- Brad Haugaard

Schedule for Monrovia Days

http://goo.gl/MrqP5

- Brad Haugaard

Escape From Burning Monrovia Home | Green Dot Hit By Competition | Breastfeeding Support Group

~ Monrovia mother and four children escape from burning house. http://goo.gl/effzt

~ The stock of Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation, which provides prepaid credit cards, has been down lately (3.26 percent today), apparently in response to other financial companies with deep pockets getting into the prepaid card biz. http://goo.gl/a0e3v

~ Creative Woman (aka Wizard of Bras) is sponsoring a free breastfeeding support group Wednesday, May 16, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the store, at the corner of Myrtle and the freeway.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman, Senator, Slam Governor's Budget

Monrovia's state senator, Bob Huff, and one of it's assemblymen, Tim Donnelly, slammed Governor Brown's revised budget ...

Huff: “Despite an 11% unemployment rate, two million Californians out of work, and California being ranked the worse state in the nation to do business 8-years in a row, the Governor and Democrats have no proposals to help grow the economy or to help our small business community.” http://goo.gl/Kpeua

Donnelly: "The Governor's May Budget Revision is unbelievable, but not surprising. He continues to increase spending by $12.4 billion in the midst of nearly $16 billion deficit and he relies on the taxpayers to cover the bill. Worse yet, he is using scare tactics to try to bully people into approving another tax hike." http://goo.gl/oJo96

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Head Bang iPhone Snatch, Burglary, Burning Banner, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Ay 10-13 – Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft / Possession of Methamphetamine / Suspect Arrested

On May 10 at 3:51 p.m., an officer responded to the 1600 Block of South Mountain regarding a suspect detained for theft. The suspect had entered the store with the intent to purchase items but determined they were too expensive. The suspect had the ability to pay for the items. A search of the suspect's wallet revealed a usable amount of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for petty theft and possession of methamphetamine.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

On May 10 at 7:39 p.m., officers responded to 1800 block of Eighth Avenue, regarding a family disturbance. When officers arrived, they found the victim, the father, and two children waiting outside the residence. Through the investigation, it was determined that the wife was the primary aggressor and was arrested. An emergency protective order was requested by the father. The wife was arrested for domestic violence.

Petty Theft with Priors / Parole Hold / Suspect Arrested

On May 10 at 10:06 p.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a suspect in custody for shoplifting. A computer check revealed the suspect had three or more prior petty theft arrests and was on parole. The suspect was arrested for petty theft with priors and a parole hold was obtained.

Failure of Yield / Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

On May 10 at 10:28 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle weaving. He attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield and continued on. The driver went north on Grand to Sierra Vista where he pulled over just shy of his residence. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence and failure to yield.

Grand Theft Auto

On May 11 at 8:48 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 600 block of East Colorado. The victim had parked his vehicle, a red, 2005 Honda in front of his residence. The following morning he discovered the vehicle missing. Investigation continuing.

Critical Missing

On May 11 at 12:30 p.m., a report was received regarding a missing juvenile who was seen on a bus in Monrovia. Officers conducted an investigation and determined that the missing juvenile returned to her mother's home in Los Angeles. Officers were able to confirm with Department of Children and Family Services that the juvenile was safe and in her mother's custody.

Residential Burglary

On May 11 at 2:47 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of West Walnut sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. When the victim returned they found the screen off of the front window. A lap top computer, TV and other electronics were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Strong Arm Robbery

On May 11 at 7:59 p.m., officers responded to 600 block of West Huntington, regarding a robbery. The victim, a customer, was sitting at a table using his laptop and had his black, iphone on the table. The suspect entered the store, looked around as if he was going to buy coffee. He walked behind the victim, pushed the victim's head down onto the table with one hand while he grabbed the iphone with the other hand. The suspect then walked out and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a male, black, early 20's, 6'3", medium build, light complexion wearing an over sized T-shirt, white pants, and had corn roll hair style. Investigation continuing.

Arson

On May 12 at 7:44 p.m., an officer responded to the 900 block of East Lemon to investigate a fire at the school. The door of classroom 13 was on fire. Apparently a school banner was suspended in the air, above classroom 13. As the banner burned to the ground, it caught the classroom door on fire. The fire was extinguished immediately and structure damage was minimal. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Controlled Substance

On May 13 at 12:35 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a lighting equipment violation. A subsequent investigation revealed marijuana and several ecstasy pills inside of the locked glove box. Both suspects were arrested.

Grand Theft Auto

On May 13 at 10:34 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 400 South Magnolia. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his house. The vehicle is a 2000, Honda, Civic. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

On May 13 at 4:42 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Kruse regarding a stolen vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his house. The vehicle was a 2008 black GMC truck. The keys were not accounted for. Investigation continuing.

Theft / Receiving Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested

On May 13 at 12:56 p.m., Arcadia Police Officers interrupted a theft in progress occurring at 3000 block of Peck Road. Arcadia Police officers detained two suspects pending Monrovia Police Department's arrival, as the theft occurred in Monrovia's jurisdiction. An officer handled the investigation and discovered the suspects jumped over the wall at a facility and stole boat parts. The suspect's pick up truck was also loaded with other property suspected to be stolen from other locations. Officers took custody of the suspects. Investigation continuing.

Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Parole Violation

On May 11 at 7:19 p.m., the Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle in the 2600 block of Peck Road after observing it parked by a school. The officer saw one of the occupants enter the school grounds. During the stop it was determined the subject was a sex offender and was on parole. Parole was notified and violated his parole for being on school grounds.

- Brad Haugaard

Napolitano to Speak to Monrovia Democrats

Congressional candidate, Grace Napolitano, will speak to the Foothill Community Democrats at the Peach Cafe at 7 p.m. May 24. Napolitano, who is the FCD's endorsed candidate, is running to represent the 32nd Congressional District, which includes part of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Qx2tx

- Brad Haugaard

New Roof for Monrovia's Immaculate Conception Church

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is getting a new roof. http://goo.gl/4vZaF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hero Dog | Bridge Almost Ready for Concrete | Huff on Budget

~ Dog protects Monrovia teen from rattlesnake. http://goo.gl/8t91n

~ Gold Line reports that "the I-210 Bridge formwork is almost ready for concrete. The architectural form-liners are nearly all in place and reinforcing steel is being installed." http://goo.gl/OQUH7

~ Video: Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, reports that there the budget gap California faces is worse than anticipated and that there are "a bunch of" tax initiatives up for consideration. http://goo.gl/9wMBn

- Brad Haugaard

Panera Bread? | Police Need Help | Gymnastics | Personnel Budget | Volunteer

~ From the rumor department: No confirmation at this point, but there is talk that the old Acapulco restaurant is going to be a Panera Bread.

~ Police need help identifying disabled woman. http://goo.gl/RQ62J

~ Club Champion Gymnastics to open in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/bGpuE

~ Details of the budget of the Monrovia Schools Personnel Commission. http://goo.gl/TVYK3

~ Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reports that Amanda Aguliar of Monrovia is Congressman Dreier's 2012 Youth Volunteer of the Year.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Has Unexpected Increase in Graffiti | Assessment Increase? | Oak Tree Money | Equipment Maintenance | Chaplains | Recycling

At its Tuesday, May 15, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda summary here: http://goo.gl/h2aJT ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Hear a report that there have been "unanticipated increases of graffiti" during fiscal year 2011-12 and so monthly graffiti removal costs have increased more than expected. City staff recommends that the city allow an additional $12,469.50 this fiscal year to pay graffiti removal company William Marino Enterprises.

~ Consider setting a public hearing about raising the citywide landscape and lighting assessment fee (currently about $56.23 for a typical single family dwelling) by the increase in the consumer price index, for a maximum rate increase of $10.89.

~ Consider applying for some of the $2.5 million grant money being offered by LA County to plant oak trees in areas hit by tree loss in the recent windstorm.

~ Consider paying an additional $44,320 for this fiscal year to Parking Company of America (which does equipment maintenance for Monrovia).

~ Welcome Monrovia Police Department Chaplains Jonathan Landon, Terrence Brown and Jerry Johnson, who will be introduced by Police Chief Jim Hunt.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Mediterranean Kabob Room

Lunch a few days ago at the Mediterranean Kabob Room on Myrtle. Got a Gyro plate. Came with a nice garden salad. I didn't realize gyros were made of lamb, and I'm not a lamb fan. But with the nice sauces and hummus it was just fine. About $11 with ice tea and tax.

- Brad Haugaard

Clues in Monrovia Library Lead to Marriage Proposal

Treasure hunt through Monrovia library ends with marriage proposal. http://goo.gl/j9xTL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Visits Local Businesses | Fire Department Gets Smart Classroom | Gold Line Gets Award | Monrovia Day Details

~ According to the City Manager's weekly report, Monrovia ~ Economic Development staff members are visiting Monrovia businesses to learn what they're looking for, what they need, and how the City can help now or later. Also, Monrovia has the greatest economic potential along the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension because of "the vast area of land slated for development." http://goo.gl/tvwVK

~ Monrovia Fire Department is one of 21 sites throughout the County that will be outfitted with a “Smart Classroom” for training. Using Homeland Security grant funds, Monrovia will receive new Cisco technology that will allow for real-time, interactive training with other fire departments throughout the region. Details here: http://goo.gl/tvwVK

~ Gold Line Construction Authority gets second award for its website. http://goo.gl/UftIg

~ Details on upcoming Monrovia Day events. http://goo.gl/hbG6T

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia loses Baseball Championship to Temple City :-(

Monrovia loses to Temple City. TC wins second consecutive Rio Hondo League baseball championship. http://goo.gl/mwsjj

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino de-Branding Bill Clears Assembly

A bill to help women to leave prostitution by helping them get rid of their tatoo branding received overwhelming, bi-partisan approval in the state Assembly – 72 to 0 – today.

The bill, by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, now goes to the Senate.

Current free tattoo removal programs are limited to former members of gangs; this bill will expand the program to allow for young prostitutes between the ages of 14 and 24 to take part in the tattoo removal programs. The existing program is federally funded, so no state funds will be used to support this measure.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Tips from Monrovia Police to Prevent Vehicle Burglaries

Thieves look for easy and inviting targets when it comes to selecting
a vehicle to burglarize or steal from. It is up to you to make every
effort to prevent your car from being targeted. Here are some basic
tips that will make your vehicle a little less inviting to a thief:

- Most importantly - LOCK your vehicle!
- Always park in well-lighted areas.
- Install motion lights in your driveway.
- Install and use a vehicle alarm.
- DO NOT leave valuables in plain view.
- Leave all items of value at home if possible.
- Look around when you park. Notice anyone or anything suspicious?
Write down license plates and descriptions. Alert on-site security
or staff and call the police.

Many auto burglaries or thefts from cars occur right in a residential
driveway, and too often it is because the vehicle was never locked.
Suspects will often target cars that are left unlocked, walking up and
down a street trying car doors all the way. Take the time to secure
your vehicle.

Other thieves target victims by watching what is placed inside a trunk
or hatch. If you plan on stopping by the gym, park, or elsewhere after
work, take the time before you leave to place your belongings safely
in the trunk. Don't wait until you park to then transfer your laptop,
purse, bag, or briefcase to the trunk. Thieves may be watching and
targeting your car.

These are just a few tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim
of vehicle burglary. Be proactive, look around, and most importantly,
don't hesitate to call the police if you see something or someone
suspicious.

Source: Monrovia Police newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Accidentally Calls Cops on Self, Runaway, Molester Back to Prison

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 7-9 – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 435 service events, resulting in 93 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary

May 8 at 4:20 a.m., dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a cell phone. When the dispatcher answered, she could hear an open line with suspicious background noises. The noises varied from the sound of something being dragged, to papers being shuffled through, to a door chime from a vehicle. The dispatcher used GPS to plot the location of the cell phone to the 500 block of King Street. Officers responded to the area and located a female subject hiding in a vehicle. She had stolen property from at least three different vehicles in her possession, two of which were locked. It appears the suspect accidentally dialed 9-1-1 while she was burglarizing cars. Investigation continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

May 7 at 12:50 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of Ivy and Walnut. When officers arrived, they found a subject in the street who had been riding a motorized scooter. The subject was riding east on Walnut and failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection. He was struck by a motorist traveling south on Ivy. The subject suffered a deep laceration to his left leg, but was responsive and appeared to be okay. He was taken to an area hospital to treat his injury.

Commercial Burglary

May 9 at 5:00 p.m., two male Armenian suspects, one in his 20's and the other in his 40's, stole $500.00 worth of wire from the Home Depot. An employee obtained a vehicle description and license plate number. Investigation continuing

Critical Missing Person

May 9 at 8:06 p.m., a 12-year-old girl was reported missing from her foster home in the 500 block of East Walnut. Earlier that day, she was caught stealing money from another foster child. She said she did not want to live at the location and apparently ran away. She is not from the area and has no connection to anyone locally. Patrol and Special Enforcement Team officers conducted an extensive search. Officers went door-to-door attempting to locate the missing girl or witnesses, but the subject was not located. She was entered as a missing person in the computer system and a teletype was sent to notify surrounding agencies. During the investigation, it was learned that the missing girl had been entered into the system as a runaway from a group home and has an outstanding protective custody warrant. Investigation continuing.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

May 10 at 12:28 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Hacienda reported that a male subject parked a vehicle in front of her house, left the door open and ran northbound down the street. Minutes prior to the resident's call, Sheriff's deputies were in pursuit of a similar vehicle, which had been stolen the City of Rialto. The deputies lost the vehicle in the area of Evergreen and Buena Vista. Officers responded to the location on Hacienda and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up

A case of child molestation was brought to the attention of the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau and an investigation was launched. The child molester in this case started molesting his 15-year-old second cousin many years ago. The suspect was arrested, charged and convicted for the ongoing molestation, and he was sentenced to 18 months in prison in April of 2010.

The suspect in this case was released in early 2012, and he reestablished a relationship with the victim. The victim is now over the age of 18, but the suspect was specifically ordered by the judge in this case to not contact the victim when he was released. Monrovia Police Detectives went to a location in the City of El Monte and arrested the suspect for violation of court order. He was brought before the judge and sentenced to 3 years in State Prison.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gang Member to be Sentenced

A  Monrovia gang member who shot and paralyzed a 16-year-old will be sentenced.  http://goo.gl/u226a

 
- Brad Haugaard