Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Eric Faith Retiring: One of the 'Team of Three' Who Turned Monrovia Around

Planning commissioner and former Monrovia Mayor Eric Faith has retired after 38 years of service. Faith served on the City Council from 1974-84, and since then has been on the planning commission.

From the City Manager's Report:

"Eric's service to the community cannot be overstated. When he came to office as an elected official in 1974, Monrovia was suffering from a downtown that was nearly vacant. Businesses could not get out of town fast enough. Change was needed and that change came in the form of a 'team of three' who ran for City Council seats and won. Together they helped initiate the change that led to Monrovia becoming a City envied by many of the surrounding communities. In addition to Eric the 'team of three' consisted of former Mayors Bob Bartlett and Pat Ostrye." http://goo.gl/sXPCb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Swiped, GPS Swiped from Cars

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 11-13. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 491 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary

June 12 at 5:12 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of South Primrose reported that someone had cut the window of his Jeep and ransacked the interior of the vehicle. Nothing was taken from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

June 12 at 6:17 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Myrtle. The victim parked her car in her driveway in the evening. When she went out to the vehicle in the morning at 6:00 a.m. to go to work, the car was gone. The vehicle was unlocked and a key to the car was inside the console. The vehicle was located and recovered that same day at 5:30 p.m. in the 200 block of West Colorado. Investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

June 12 at 8:13 a.m., police responded to the report of a theft from a vehicle in the 200 block of West Lemon. The victim parked his vehicle in the rear carport at his residence in the evening. The vehicle was unlocked. The victim returned to his vehicle in the morning and found his GPS missing. Investigation continuing.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Bill to Urge Feds to Fully Reimburse State for Cost of Jailing Illegal Alien Felons Fails

A bill by Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, "which urged Congress and the President to fully reimburse the State for the cost of incarcerating illegal alien felons," was killed, Donnelly said "because the Democrats refused to vote." He said that the federal government only reimburses the state "pennies on the dollar" for that cost. http://goo.gl/t16LL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Needs Support for Health Services, School Supplies

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center has launched Child Health Connections to provide health, dental and vision services for the community. Health care professionals who would like to be a part of this program should contact Cathy Klose RN at (626) 359-1777.

Also, the Center needs funds (or actual school supplies) to provide back-to-school supplies for 2,000 local low-income K-12 students. Call (626) 358-3486 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Portantino Honored for Fertility Bill

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who represents part of Monrovia, is being honored by "Fertility Action" for authoring AB 428, "which called on insurers to provide fertility options for patients of childbearing age who face chemotherapy. Chemo often leads to infertility. Under Portantino's proposal, patients maintain the ability to have children after treatment. Although the bill was held in the Assembly, it brought nationwide attention to the issue."

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Former Books at the Monrovia Library

Pictures of some of "modified" books at the Monrovia Library. http://goo.gl/bwoR6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Summer Activities Brochure | Job Fair | VBS at First Pres.

~ The brochure of Monrovia summer events is out. Youth and adult classes; library services; youth, adult and senior activities; parks info, etc. You can browse it here: http://goo.gl/QVQCJ

~ Job Fair, hosted by the City of Monrovia, Tuesday, June 19 from 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. For details, contact Jennifer McLain at 303-6601 or jmclain@ci.monrovia.ca.us .

~ Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church, June 24-28. Registration deadline is 3 pm Friday, June 15. http://goo.gl/nIuZ5

- Brad Haugaard

Denmark Buys Drones From Monrovia's AeroVironment

Monrovia's AeroVironment just got a $9.6 million order to supply the Danish Armed Forces with its Puma drone aircraft. http://goo.gl/PavSf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 109th in State for Childhood Obesity

Monrovia is 109th in the state for childhood obesity, with an obesity rate of 39.8%, according to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. http://goo.gl/L0T5L

- Brad Haugaard

Help Wild Rose School Raise Money for Grass and Trees

As part of its Lots2Give program, Big Lots is collecting $1-$5 donations through July 8 to help Wild Rose Elementary School get "new grass and trees planted in its Kindergarten Playground to create a clean and safe green space and prevent students from getting excessively dirty and overheated during recesses and meal times."

Also, the school could win $20,000 in Lots2Give's online video contest. Wild Rose's video was created by a group of fifth grade students. You can see it, and vote for it, here: http://goo.gl/H4Xwx

- Brad Haugaard

Happy 125th Birthday to Monrovia's Santa Anita YMCA!

It was founded at a public meeting held at the Pioneer Bakery at 409 S. Myrtle Avenue in 1887. Thousands of members later, the Santa Anita Family YMCA is celebrating 125 years of service to Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury and Arcadia at an anniversary event at 3 p.m. on June 16 at the YMCA, 501 S. Mountain Avenue in Monrovia.

“This is a historic milestone, and one that symbolizes the passionate dedication of generations of volunteers who worked to help our community thrive,” said Santa Anita Family YMCA Board President Steve Baker. “We are inviting the public to celebrate this special time with us as we honor those who have contributed to our success as we hope for another 125 years of meaningful impact.”

The Santa Anita Family YMCA, a non-profit, charitable organization, has nearly 5,000 participants and members, more than 300 volunteers and nearly 60 employees. Over the years, the Y has stayed true to its purpose of strengthening the foundations of community by offering a wide range of programs for all ages that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Among the youth programs are the popular basketball, volleyball and dodgeball classes and leagues, where more than 4,500 children participate each year, and swim classes, where more than 1,400 kids learn to swim each year. Adults programs such as group fitness classes see 2,200 participants each year.

But the Y does not just emphasize healthy living – it also has promotes youth and teen development through such programs as Model United Nations and Youth in Government. Social responsibility is also a critical component to the Y’s goals. In fact, in the past 12 years alone, the Santa Anita Family YMCA has provided more than $2 million to ensure that all families have access to the support and solutions that will help them to thrive.

During the anniversary event, organizers will reveal a new installation which recognizes past and present philanthropists, whose efforts continue to make a positive impact on the Y and our community.

“Over the past 125 years countless community philanthropists have invested their time and money to ensure that every child’s potential is nurtured, that the health and well-being of our community is improved and that our neighbors are supported,” said Damon Colaluca, executive director of the Santa Anita Family YMCA. “We are merely stewards of this movement. Any success that we experience today is only possible because of the efforts of those that have come before us.”

People interested in attending the June 16 event or who would like to know more about the Y can contact Cheryl Reynolds at 626-359-9244, or by email at cherylreynolds@ymcala.org.

Source: YMCA press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Pad for Sale | Creepy's Not Illegal

~ Only $6 million to buy an empty pad that would be great for a food court building in the Albertson's shopping center. http://goo.gl/7O4Et

~ Monrovia Police report they don't have a reason to arrest a man taking pictures of girls near a Santa Fe Middle School. Creapy it may be, but not illegal. http://goo.gl/MwYhs

- Brad Haugaard

Patch Reports Better Earnings and More Visitors

AOL is reporting that its Patch local news sites, including Monrovia Patch, are seeing strong revenue and traffic growth ( http://goo.gl/UynTA ), though, according to the Wall Street Journal ( http://goo.gl/QyzcG ), the company apparently faces a proxy fight by investors who are critical of the cost of Patch, and skepticism by others in the financial press, such as Bloomberg ( http://goo.gl/q6bxp ) and Forbes ( http://goo.gl/r93e6 ). Forbes writes that while making $40 million this year is a big improvement for Patch, last year it spent about $160 million.

Opinion: Best wishes, Nathan and the rest of the Monrovia Patch crew! Hope it works. America needs good local journalism, and Patch is a noble - and hopefully successful -experiment.

Monrovia Relief Agency, World Vision, Helps Syrian Refugees

Monrovia's World Vision, a Christian relief agency, is helping Syrian refugees with hygiene kits in Bekaa, where it has been working for 10 years, "and plans to provide food vouchers and establish four Child-Friendly Spaces - safe areas where children can enjoy fun activities and learn to cope from emotional upheaval." http://goo.gl/gdof9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Senator Comments on Budget, Inaction on Education

In his newsletter, Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, comments on Governor Brown's new budget proposal and that nothing has happened in education reform. He writes that ...

~ "The Governor admitted in his May Budget Revision that the deficit for the upcoming fiscal year had grown to a whopping $16 billion, while the independent Legislative Analysts' Office puts the number at 'north of $17 billion.'" http://goo.gl/B0J3v

~ Five years after the release of a legislature-sponsored analysis, a report analyzing what California has done since the "Getting Down to Facts" studies has concluded that it has done, "next to nothing." http://goo.gl/zbJdX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Puppet Theater for Children

Little Stage Puppet Theater, 104 E. Chestnut, for kids ages 3-9. Shows on Saturdays, June 16, 23, 30, at 11 a.m. noon and 1 p.m. Tickets $5. http://goo.gl/1KgR0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Preventing a Sword Assault, Busted Bear Nose, Sexual Hit-and-Run, More Copper Thefts, Swiped Cell Phone, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 7-10. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft

June 7 at 7:43 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a transit lot in the 1600 block of South Primrose regarding a theft of property. The theft occurred sometime between 6:00 p.m. on May 22 and 5:00 a.m. on May 23. Small spools of copper wire and several car batteries were taken from the lot. Investigation continuing.

Sexual Battery

June 8 at approximately 1:19 p.m., a 17-year-old female was walking south on Magnolia at about Cypress. She heard footsteps coming from behind her, but did not turn around. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her buttocks and crotch area from behind. She stopped, and the suspect ran past her on the left side. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, early 30's, 5 foot 7 inches tall, thick medium-length black hair, full beard, wearing a brown shirt and light blue jeans. Investigation continuing.

Deadly Weapon With Intent to Assault - Suspect Arrested

June 8 at 7:15 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding a suspicious person carrying a sword. Officers detained the suspect, who was carrying a two-and-a-half-foot-long metal sword. The suspect had been involved in an altercation with gang members at the park a week prior and had returned to the park with the sword. The suspect was subsequently arrested for the above listed charge.

Bear Incident

June 9 at 2:00 p.m., a large bear was struck by a vehicle at Mayflower and Hillcrest. The vehicle was not damaged, but the bear had injuries that required him to be tranquilized by Monrovia Animal Control and the Department of Fish and Game. It was determined that the bear's injuries were minor, a broken nose and tooth, and should heal in a few days. The bear was released back into the wilderness area above Canyon Park.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Trespassing - Suspect Arrested

June 9 at 6:22 p.m., police responded to the report of a subject entering a vacant and unlocked residence in the 1600 block of South Mayflower. The subject was arrested for trespassing and also charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Commercial Burglary / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested

June 9 at 9:27 p.m., police responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary. A female suspect entered a business with a box cutter and used it to cut the tags off of merchandise. She took several items of clothing and left without paying. She was arrested and taken into custody. During the booking process, methamphetamine was found on her person. The additional charge was added.

Residential Burglary

June 10 at 8:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of West Palm. The victim left his residence for approximately two hours. When he returned, he found two computers and a backpack containing papers missing from his home. Nothing else was taken and the residence was not ransacked. The victim said he left his front door open, but the screen was closed and he believed it was locked. There were no signs of forced entry. A witness saw a male Black in his mid 30's and a female Hispanic in her mid 20's in the vicinity of the apartment during the time of the burglary. Investigation continuing.

Strong-arm Robbery

June 10 at 9:17 p.m., a robbery of a cell phone was reported at California and Maple. The victim and two friends were eating at a fast food restaurant. The two female suspects were at the same restaurant. When the victim and her friends left, the female suspects left and followed behind them, east on Huntington and then north on California. When the victim began to make a call on her cell phone, one of the female suspects ran up behind her, bumped her and grabbed the phone. Both female suspects ran eastbound on Maple. The victim and her friends ran after the suspects, but lost sight of them. Investigation continuing.

Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity

Search Warrant

On June 7, Special Enforcement Team officers assisted patrol with an investigation of a suspect who was taking pictures of juvenile females near a school. A search warrant and consent was used to recover a camera and computer from the suspect. The searches included a vehicle, the suspect's work and residence. The investigation is continuing.

Unlicensed Driver / Warrant - Suspect Arrested

On June 8, the Special Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle on Longden at Live Oak. The driver was cited for being unlicensed and a passenger was arrested for a warrant for driving under the influence.

Driving With a Suspended License / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested

On July 9, a suspicious vehicle that left the 200 Block of East Cherry was stopped by the Special Enforcement Team. The driver was arrested and cited in the field for having a suspended driver's license and possessing a rock cocaine pipe. The vehicle was stored.