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South Hills Over Monrovia :-(

Monrovia battled back from far behind to almost close the gap with South Hills ... but not quite. http://goo.gl/ndl0y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Evaluate Superintendent

At a closed session at 6 p.m. this coming Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Monrovia School Board will evaluate the performance of Superintendent Linda Wagner and discuss her "employment/compensation & contract." Opinion: Sounds like a pretty standard annual review. http://goo.gl/AJXHu

- Brad Haugaard

Nature Paintings | Homeless Hygene | Ballot Proposition Session


Hummingbird Lake

~ "Drawn to Nature," a solo show of more than 50 new paintings by Linda Brown, Oct. 2-31 at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime.
 
~ Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center reports on Facebook that it is in "urgent need" of items for its Homeless Hygene kit, specifically disposable razors, travel-size tooth paste, soap, lotion and conditioner as well as tooth brushes and small size combs or brushes. Donations may be brought to the Monrovia center at 415 West Chestnut.
 
~ Monrovia Chamber of Commerce reports on Facebook that it is helping sponsor a free "Ballot Proposition Information Session" on many of the November 6 propositions. The meeting is on Tuesday, October 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Library's Community Room. The League of Women Voter's will provide the speakers.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Tips: Foil 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 thieves:

*LOCK your car!

*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 auto 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 Department

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Repossessed Repossessed Car is Repossessed, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 17-19 -Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 488 service events, resulting in 83 investigations.

Medical Assist

September 19 at 1:39 a.m., police received a call reporting a man not breathing at a residence in the 800 block of West Walnut. Officers responded and found a 50-year-old man unconscious. They administered four shocks from an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and performed CPR until they were relieved by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The victim was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered

September 19 at 3:07 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles Street. The vehicle had been previously repossessed from the location. The repossession company in Los Angeles discovered the vehicle was missing from their lot and reported in stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department. The vehicle was discovered in the backyard of the residence, exactly where it had been repossessed from a few days prior. The vehicle was recovered and returned to the repossession company. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

September 19 at 9:50 p.m., a vehicle burglary occurred in the 200 block of Grand. Witnesses saw two suspects ransacking the victim's truck, which was parked on the street. Tools were stolen from the vehicle. The victim reported that the vehicle was locked. The suspects gained entry by an unknown means. Suspect #1 is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, 5'9" to 6'0" tall, dark hair, a tattoo on the left side of his neck, wearing a gray shirt and dark pants. Suspect #2 is described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, 5'6" tall, wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspects fled in a small vehicle with round tail lights. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up: Attempted Murder Case Update

Detectives investigated a shooting that occurred on September 15 involving three suspects. The suspects fired two or three shots at a male and female sitting on the porch of a residence in the 100 block of East Los Angeles Street. The female was hit in the torso and upper right leg by what appears to be bird shot from a shotgun. A van matching the suspect vehicle description was seen entering the 210 Freeway and was followed and stopped by police on the 605 Freeway. The van was positively identified as the suspect vehicle and the three suspects inside were arrested. The female victim is in stable condition.

Detectives filed the case with the District Attorney's Office and felony charges of attempted murder were filed against the suspects. The suspects were arraigned and are being held for a preliminary hearing.

Latino Art Display

Latino art 1-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Monrovia Historical Museum. http://goo.gl/KYA3w

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Christmas Tree | Money for Trees | Women's Club

~ Monrovia lost its Christmas tree (at the northeast corner of Library Park) in the big windstorm. Now it has a new one: http://goo.gl/3p9XE

~ Speaking of the windstorm, Monrovia will get $40,134 to replant trees it lost in the storm, according to Supervisor Michael Antonovich. http://goo.gl/72ZYo

~ The local women's group, Newcomers and Friends of San Gabriel Valley, is having a meet and greet coffee on Wednesday, October 3, at 10 am to noon. Details: http://goo.gl/0h7Ro

- Brad Haugaard

Donnelly Urges Another Veto

Another Open Letter from Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, this one asking Governor Jerry Brown to veto AB 1532 and SB 535, which he says, "will only serve to exacerbate the current jobs crisis, tossing taxpayer dollars into a wishing well, rather than wisely investing." http://goo.gl/X9YCN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs South Hills Preview | George Frazier | Details on Shooting

~ Video preview of upcoming Monrovia-South Hills football game. http://goo.gl/d62rl

~ Profile of Monrovia football's George Frazier. http://goo.gl/Wuk0f

~ Details on Monrovia drive-by shooting that wounded woman. It was gang related. http://goo.gl/T53uT

- Brad Haugaard

Video of Fire Near Gold Line Bridge

Video of fire next to Gold Line bridge. http://goo.gl/GBzYN

- Brad Haugaard

Senator Huff on 'Missed Opportunities' for Reform

Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia in Sacramento, has compiled a list of what he says are legislative "missed opportunities," including pension reform, child predator reform, and budget reform. http://goo.gl/kG3Yb

- Brad Haugaard

Donnelly Urges Veto of Vaccination Bill

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, urged Governor Brown in an open letter to veto vaccination bill AB 2109. He said it "impedes parents' right to make the best medical choices for their family, costs families in the midst of an economic downturn, and violates the religious freedom of many California residents." http://goo.gl/Udml0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder; Airborne Driver Kills Light Pole, Causes Fire; Drunk in Public

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 13-16. - Brad Haugaard]
  
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
 
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 5:53 p.m., a vehicle was traveling south on Myrtle, South of Duarte, lost control, hit the curb and went airborne.  The vehicle collided into a telephone pole and light pole, knocking them both down and starting an electrical fire.  Officers arrived and determined the driver to be driving under the influence.  The driver sustained minor injuries.  The driver was arrested.
 
Shots Fired / Attempted Murder - Suspects Arrested
September 15th at 11:25 p.m., Monrovia Police Officers were in the 100 block of Montana handling a loud party call when they heard the sound of shots fired.  Units immediately broke and began an area check.  A victim was found in the 100 block of East Los Angeles.  Officers were told by witnesses that a Maroon van was seen driving northbound through the north/south alley of the 1300 block of South Myrtle.  As it turned onto eastbound Los Angeles, two or three shots were fired at a male and female sitting on the porch of a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles.  The female was hit in the torso and upper right leg by what appears to be bird shot from a shotgun. 
 
An officer in the area saw a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description getting onto the 210 Freeway, eastbound, and stopped the vehicle at Ramona and the 605 Freeway.  The van was occupied by three male Hispanic suspects.  The Van was positively identified as the suspect vehicle and the three suspects were arrested.  The female victim is in stable condition.  Initial investigation indicates this shooting may be gang related.
 
Drunk in Public - Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:40 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Pilgrim Way regarding a disturbance involving a male and female.  The female called police and stated she was worried that her boyfriend, who had been drinking all day, was going to get into his car and drive home.  When officers arrived, the male was outside near his vehicle.  He was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.

Gold Line Nears Completion

I-210 Gold Line Bridge Falsework disassembled 

"The Gold Line Bridge is only a few months away from an on-time, on-budget hand-off to FTC, the Alignment contractor that is responsible for completing the stations, track and systems for the project. Currently, the formwork and falsework is being removed, and the architectural elements designed into the superstructure by artist Andrew Leicester are starting to be revealed.  As the falsework is removed in late September through early October, up to 20 nights of consecutive late night closures of the eastbound I-210 Freeway are planned.

Source: Gold Line press release

- Brad Haugaard

Route 66 Talk

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will hear an open-to-the-public talk about historic Route 66 by Duarte author Claudia Heller at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Monrovia Public Library. http://goo.gl/uOYBY

- Brad Haugaard

Shooting Victim Doing Better

Victim in shooting recovering. http://goo.gl/Liisg

- Brad Haugaard

103 Today in Monrovia | Power Outage Update

~ Good morning, Monrovia. Predicted temperature today, 103, so get your outdoor tasks done early ... or late. http://goo.gl/WtwKk

~ Southern California Edison reports that the remaining 37 customers affected by the power outage that started yesterday should have power restored by 6:03 p.m. today. Cause of the outage is listed as "extreme heat," which apparently caused equipment failure. http://goo.gl/fW8Tq

- Brad Haugaard

Wildcats Over San Dimas in Football :-)

Monrovia Wildcats over San Dimas, 35 to 23: http://goo.gl/K5WE8

- Brad Haugaard

Temperature Hits 106 | Monrovia Activities Brochure | Dog Hunting

~ Temperature hits 106 in Monrovia today. http://goo.gl/9ViyU

~ Monrovia's fall/winter activities brochure. You should get one in the mail, but here it is if you need it, all 20 pages: http://goo.gl/BaE7s

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, writes an "open letter" to Governor Jerry Brown asking him to veto SB 1221, which would prohibit hunting bear and bobcats with dogs. He said, "It would not, however, prohibit the state's own rangers from doing so. This is the apex of government hypocrisy..." http://goo.gl/uBXzM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Power Outage

Power is out in a lot of Old Town right now. The library, for example, seems only to have emergency lighting and the traffic light at Foothill and Myrtle is dead, as is the light at Foothill and Magnolia.

UPDATE: Southern California Edison reports that the problem began at 2:29 p.m. and is affecting 1,136 customers. Estimates power will be mostly restored by 4 p.m. Cause is unknown. http://goo.gl/fW8Tq

UPDATE 2: Estimated Restoration Time: Currently Being Re-evaluated; Customers Impacted: 2019.

UPDATE 3: Estimate of the number of customers affected has been reduced to 496.

UPDATE 4: 5:29 p.m. - Estimate of the number of customers affected has been bumped up to 1085.

UPDATE 5: 9:48 p.m. SCE is estimating the problem will be fixed by 2 a.m. tomorrow, with 454 customers affected.

- Brad Haugaard