BMW of Monrovia Honored by BMW USA

BMW of Monrovia has received BMW USA's "2012 Center of Excellence Award," given to about 10 percent of BMW dealerships for "superior customer service and exceptional representation of the BMW brand." http://goo.gl/9XfdR

- Brad Haugaard

Democrats to Celebrate Obama's Birthday, Open New Office

On August 4 Monrovia's Foothill Community Democrats will join other local Democratic organizations to celebrate Barack Obama's 51st birthday and to open the United Democratic Headquarters office. The party, to which "progressive voters" are invited, will be at 519 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena. "The Community Bible Gospel Choir will lead the attendees in singing Happy Birthday to the President while a special Obama birthday cake is presented." Speakers include State Senator Carol Liu, Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden. Call 626 79-OBAMA (796-2262) if you'd like to attend.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Offices Looking for Interns

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, has announced that his district and capitol offices are accepting applications for interns. He writes on Facebook: "If you are a college student or recent graduate interested in expanding your knowledge of state government and exploring a career in public service, please consider applying. If you know of someone who would like this opportunity, please feel free to pass this link along to them." http://goo.gl/0Ovm7

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Not-So-Good Counterfeiting, Getting Minors Drunk, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 19-22. – Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary / Fraud

July 19 at 10:10 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of West Foothill. Sometime between 5:00 p.m. on July 18 and 10:00 a.m. on July 19, suspect(s) used an unknown object to break the front passenger window, reach in and remove the victim's purse from the front seat. The suspect(s) attempted to use the victim's credit cards that were in the purse at several locations in town and made an online purchase. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence

July 19 at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to the report of domestic violence in progress in the 100 block of Melrose. The female victim and her boyfriend were arguing, and the argument led to the male striking the female on the forehead and on the right side of her torso. The male subject left the location prior to officers arriving. The female complained of pain to her right side. She was checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics and taken to a local hospital. A wanted person entry was completed for the suspect. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

July 20 at 7:03 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Meadow Lane. The victim parked the vehicle in the street in the evening and returned to the vehicle the next morning to find a window had been smashed. An Ipod was taken from the vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Forgery / Counterfeit Money – Suspect Arrested

July 20 at 9:45 p.m., a 16-year-old male suspect passed a counterfeit $20.00 bill at the Monrovia Family Festival at a business on Myrtle and Lemon in exchange for merchandise. The clerk confronted the juvenile suspect and he ran east on Lemon. A group of citizens chased the suspect and detained him. Friday night bike patrol officers were first to arrive at the location and took custody of the suspect.

Subsequent investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of 9 additional counterfeit $20.00 bills. All of the bills were of poor quality and several of them had identical serial numbers. The suspect was arrested and the Secret Service was contacted. Investigation continuing.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Suspect Arrested

July 21 at 12:50 a.m., officers responded a residence in the 200 block of Valle Vista regarding juveniles consuming alcohol at the location. Investigation revealed an 18-year-old male subject was hosting a gathering of 11 minors at his residence while his parents were out of town. Several of the minors were consuming alcohol at the location. Empty beer cans and plastic cups were found. The 18-year-old resident did not have any identification in his possession. He was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Video of Re-Do of Sam's Kabob Room

Video of Kitchen Nightmare's re-do of Sam's Kabob Room on Myrtle:
http://goo.gl/5pZYv

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Member Alex Zucco Elected Officer for Democratic Women's Caucus | Donnelly Continues Support of Gun Rights

~ School Board member Alex Zucco reports on her Facebook page that she has been named Political Development Chair for the Women's Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, continues to support gun rights after the killings in Colorado. He says further restrictions on gun rights would make it difficult for people to exercise their right to defend themselves. http://goo.gl/z994R

- Brad Haugaard

No Masks at Batman Movie | Gold Line Thanks Congressional Reps

~ Krikorian theaters ban fake guns, masks and outfits that make others
uncomfortable following the massacre at the Batman movie in Colorado.
http://goo.gl/dBIqr

~ Gold Line thanks local congressional representatives for help on
rail line. http://goo.gl/jP0kE

- Brad Haugaard

Film Fest in Monrovia

Action on Film International Film Festival, August 17-25 in Monrovia.
Discount and free tickets for Monrovians. Independent films from
around the world, seminars, black tie awards, celebrities, special
guests, parties, mixers, family fun. See www.aoffest.com .

Source: http://goo.gl/qiaYZ

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch (Again) at Sam's Kabob Room

Lunch (again) at Sam's Kabob Room, this time after the Kitchen Nightmare make-over. Nice, clean and open atmosphere. For $4 got lentil soup for appetizer (very tasty!) and the chicken kabob with couscous and hummus ($10 and good). $2.25 for iced tea. Total was $30.99 plus tip for two of us. (Sorry for the yucky photo).

Here is my previous lunch at Sam's: http://goo.gl/C0dHZ

- Brad Haugaard

Star-News Slams Citrus College Board for Raises

Star-News editorial slams Citrus College board (including Monrovia's representative, Joanne Montgomery) for giving a raise to the school's president in hard economic times. http://goo.gl/8QrsW

Opinion: I agree. School districts are laying off people, cutting teachers and services, and you are giving the top people raises!? Really!? Ya know, if you want to convince people - many of whom are having to cut back on their own expenditures - to vote for a tax increase because of schools' financial distress, handing out multi-year raises is not the way to do it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Recognized at White House

Monrovian Mike Trueblood recognized at the White House for his work as a Big Brother with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters. http://goo.gl/uFTQ0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Reports Q2 Earnings

Monrovia's Staar Surgical, which makes surgically implanted lenses for the eye, reports its second quarter revenue for 2012 is not quite as good as the second quarter of 2011 but is up a half a million from this year's first quarter.

"Total revenue is expected to be approximately $16 million compared with $16.3 million in the second quarter of 2011 and $15.5 million in the first quarter of 2012. Visian ICL sales increased in all three regions though at a less than anticipated level in Asia Pacific and Europe."

Source: http://goo.gl/Kim9J

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Business Reach-Out Program

Having won the Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County (small cities category), city staff is trying to cement that title by visiting local businesses. So far city staff have visited 10 local businesses. "Each business gets one-on-one time with City Council members, the City Manager and Economic Development staff, along with a resource packet and a survey."

And just for fun, some Monrovia business info ...

Top Employers:
Worley Parsons
Ducommun
Green Dot
City of Hope
Home Depot
ITT Exelis
Trader Joes
Vinyl Technology
Modern Healthcare
Monrovia Memorial Hospital

Top Sales Tax Generators:
BMW
Home Depot
Sierra Autocars
Metro Infiniti
Living Spaces
ABC Supply
Marshalls
Kohl's
United Oil
Financial Services Vehicle Trust

Source: http://goo.gl/ToqBD

- Brad Haugaard

No, Monrovia is Not Going Broke

Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile writes that, "Contrary to what you may have read in newspapers or heard on radio news reports, the City of Monrovia is not going broke."

She explains that it was a legal glitch, created when the state eliminated redevelopment agencies, that prevented Monrovia from refinancing its redevelopment debt. The legal problem has now been corrected, and Monrovia can pay its debts.

For an in-depth explanation: http://goo.gl/ToqBD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Kim Rhode: Fifth Olympic Medal?

~ Monrovian Kim Rhode could be the first U.S. athlete in an individual sport to medal in five consecutive Olympic games. USA Today story: http://goo.gl/Yl7zt

~ Car wash to benefit Monrovia High School Band and Cologuard, this Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walgreens near Ralphs on Foothill in Arcadia. Donations: $6 per car and $8 per truck/SUV.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Robbery on Huntington, Theft/Robbery Suspect Awaits Trial

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 16-18. – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 515 service events, resulting in 92 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto

July 16 at 1:35 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of South Mountain. The victim parked her car on the street at 9:00 a.m., and when she returned to the car at about 12:00 p.m., she found it had been stolen. The vehicle is a green, 2000 Honda Civic. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

July 16 at 2:56 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 900 block of Monterey came to the police station to file a report. The victim parked his 2007 Chrysler 300 in his carport and locked the vehicle. When he returned to the car in the morning, the trunk was slightly open and his driver-side door was unlocked. The center console had been ransacked and a gym bag was stolen that contained his wedding band and his keys. The investigation is ongoing.

Robbery

July 16 at 6:55 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 300 block of West Huntington on the report of a robbery. The store owner observed a male suspect leaving the store without paying for merchandise he was carrying. When she approached him, the suspect pushed her aside. Her husband then grabbed the suspect by his shirt and was punched by the suspect. The suspect ran out of the location to a waiting vehicle that was driven by another male suspect. They fled in the vehicle southbound on Magnolia.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 25-30 years old, 5'10", heavyset with a mustache, wearing a black baseball hat, gray Dodgers shirt, and black and white plaid shorts. The suspect vehicle is a newer-model, four-door, gray Nissan with Carmax paper plates. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto

July 17 at 6:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of West Cypress. The victim parked his white, 2003 Chevy Silverado around midnight and locked it. He returned to the vehicle at 6:30 a.m. the next morning and found his truck had been stolen. He did not hear or see anything unusual. Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary

July 17 at 7:02 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of West Colorado regarding a residential burglary. The burglary occurred sometime between 6:00 p.m. on July 16 and 6:30 p.m. on July 17. The suspect(s) entered through an unlocked rear sliding glass door. Three laptop computers, an iPad, and two cameras were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Possessing Stolen Property / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested

July 18 at 2:16 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a male subject riding a bicycle while pulling another bike through a parking lot at Myrtle and Foothill. When the subject saw the officer approaching, he immediately dropped both bikes and ran westbound, towards Primrose. The suspect evaded officers for a short time, but was eventually detained.

The suspect told the officer he had just stolen both bicycles; however, when he offered to show the officers where he had taken them from, no victims could be located. The suspect was arrested for suspicion of possessing stolen property and resisting arrest. Police will attempt to locate the victims.

Suspicious Persons / Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested

July 18 at 5:22 p.m., a caller reported two suspicious persons in the 600 block of West Foothill. The reporting party stated that a male and female subject had been sitting in a vehicle with collision damage for over half an hour and the caller did not recognize them. Officers responded and were informed by dispatch while on their way to the location that the vehicle was reported stolen to the Ontario Police Department. Officers arrived and detained the male and female suspects.

The male suspect detained in the driver's seat is a known gang member. Both suspects were determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and a pipe used to smoke controlled substances was found. The suspects were arrested.

Vehicle Burglaries

July 18 at 9:32 p.m., police responded to the 800 block of West Huntington regarding two vehicle burglaries that occurred in a business parking lot. The two vehicles were parked near each other. The suspect(s) smashed a window on each vehicle and stole laptop computers from the vehicles. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Theft / Robbery – Suspect Arrested and Awaiting Trial

Over the course of two weeks, a male Black suspect committed thefts at three locations in Monrovia. On one occasion, the suspect forced his way past the store clerk, striking him on the chest, which constitutes robbery. This suspect has been contacted numerous times recently, in addition to the thefts, for pan handling and threatening customers when they refuse to give him money.

This case was assigned to a detective, who through investigation, was able to obtain a felony warrant for the suspect's arrest, which was entered into the system. The detective searched for the suspect at locations he frequented and found him walking on Myrtle Avenue, near one of the theft locations. He was taken into custody without incident. The suspect is awaiting trial.

Robbery – Suspects Identified

On June 10, a 15-year-old girl was a victim of a robbery when two female suspects shoved her and took her cell phone. Officers had a description of the suspects and photos from a business security camera.

On July 16, a detective observed two subjects that appeared to be the suspects from the robbery. He contacted the subjects and identified them. The victims confirmed they were the suspects of the robbery. The suspects were interviewed and admitted to the crime. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney.

Rock 'N Roll at the Gables Monrovia

Live rock 'n roll music, a 1950s style diner with burgers and shakes, raffle prizes and fun. Friday, July 27th, 2-6 p.m. 201 E Foothill Blvd. For more info call: (626) 301-0204

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Redone | Library Books into Art | Dino Bone

~ Pictures of the redone Sam's Mediterranean Kabob Room on Myrtle. http://goo.gl/5sClZ

~ Pictures from the Monrovia Library of books made into art. http://goo.gl/gGz9x

~ Monrovia woman finds old bone her dad dug up belonged to a stegosaurus.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: 'Governance' Study Session, Registration Times

The Monrovia School Board will have a special "Board Governance Study Session" at 5 p.m. on July 25 ( http://goo.gl/3M25n ).

Also, here are the days and times for Monrovia public school registration: http://goo.gl/65czI

- Brad Haugaard

Small Monrovia Power Outage | Thunderstorm?

~ Nineteen Monrovia customers of Southern California Edison are having power problems, according to SCE. Problem should be fixed shortly and is do to "equipment problems." http://goo.gl/SNsvD

~ A chance of a thunderstorm in the San Gabriel Valley tonight, according to the National Weather Service. "Moisture from the remnants of what was once Hurricane Fabio combined with an upper level disturbance will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms." http://goo.gl/Edv35

- Brad Haugaard