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Monrovia Police: Stealing a Bike from 12-Year-Old, Thieves Make off With Safe, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 20-23 -Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Parole Violation - Suspect Arrested
On September 21 at 2:31 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 1200 block of Encino when they noticed a group of subjects in front of a residence. They recognized the subjects and requested a warrant check, which revealed one of the subjects had a no-bail warrant for parole violation. Officers approached and took the suspect into custody without incident.

Robbery
On September 21 at 8:47 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a robbery that just occurred near the 100 block of West Lemon. A 12-year-old boy had been hit in the head by an unknown suspect and his bicycle was taken from him. The suspect is described as a male White, late teens or early twenties, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen riding the stolen bicycle north through an alley with a male Hispanic subject who was wearing a red shirt and was on another bicycle.

Officers made an extensive area check, but did not locate the suspect. The stolen bicycle is a Sabroso brand, Stunt Jumper, model MX, with red forks. The victim was checked by paramedics and then taken to a hospital for further examination. Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary
On September 23 at 4:02 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Huntington Drive regarding a burglary. Suspect(s) pried open the rear door of a business and removed a small safe from the premises. The loss was a small amount of cash. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
On September 23 at 7:43 a.m., a female juvenile from a girl's home in the 100 block of North Ivy stole one of the home caretaker's vehicles. The suspect is currently on probation for grand theft auto and has a history of running away. Officers made an area check around town for the vehicle with negative results. The Sheriff's Department helicopter assisted with the area check. California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department were notified. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
On September 23 at 10:58 a.m., a 1998 Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 1100 block of Royal Oaks. The victim parked his vehicle at 11:00 p.m. in his assigned parking space to the rear of his apartment complex and locked his vehicle. When he returned to it the next morning at about 6:30 a.m., the vehicle was gone. The victim did not give anyone permission to take his vehicle. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence - Suspect Arrest
On September 23 at 7:55 p.m., employees of a business in the 400 block of West Foothill called police regarding a female subject that stumbled into their store with an injury to her face. She claimed her husband had just hit her. Officers arrived and determined the crime had just occurred in the 100 block of South Mayflower. The husband was located and arrested. Both subjects were found to be intoxicated.

Removing Palm Trees in Monrovia

Cutting down palm trees along Hillcrest between Myrtle and Encinitas. http://goo.gl/HukpT

- Brad Haugaard

The Gold Line Bridge As It Will Soon Look





Gold Line spokesman Habib Balian sent along these pictures of the Santa Anita freeway bridge. In the first photo the basket-design has been super-imposed on a photo so you can see what it looks like. In the second picture you can see each "weave" element.

Habib reports that the basket "elements are being fabricated in Gardena; each weave of the basket is nearly 6 feet long and weighs 800 pounds. Each basket is made up of 60 weaves, individually cast. They will start to be assembled on site in the next month."

- Brad Haugaard

Brown Signs Portantino Mammogram and Disaster Prep Legislation

Over the weekend, Governor Brown signed Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's legislation to ensure that more women have access to mammograms (AB 137) and legislation requiring investor-owned electric utilities and water companies to develop an emergency and disaster preparedness plan every two years (AB 1650) and to hold comprehensive disaster preparedness meetings with the counties and cities they service.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Patch to Get Remake | Maryknoll Brunch | Comedy at Monrovian

~ The Patch websites (to which Monrovia Patch belongs) are apparently being redesigned to have a lighter, more community-forum vibe, rather than a small-town newspaper feeling, although news will apparently still play a part. Journalism website Poynter has the story ( http://goo.gl/zde4K ) and here is an example of the new Patch style: http://bellmore.patch.com/

~ Maryknoll Sisters of Monrovia is celebrating the final event of its centennial year: a Centennial Brunch/Bake Sale and Country Store will on Sunday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Adults, $15, Children under 12, $7. At 300 Norumbega Drive, Monrovia. Grand Raffle - first prize $1,000; second prize $500.00, and third prize $250.00. Raffle tickets are a $2 donation each, or a book of 12 for $20. Drawing at 2 p.m. Winner need not be present. For more information call (626) 358-1825. Food, a centennial display, shop for baked goods, treats and crafts. Admittance is free to the centennial display, bake sale, and country store.

~ Comedy to make a difference at the Monrovian: http://goo.gl/L39tX

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Recalls Peanut Butter

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling its "Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter" out of "an abundance of caution." Details: http://goo.gl/ysdkE

- Brad Haugaard

White Saddle Construction

A lot of construction at White Saddle, a mountain road junction above Monrovia Canyon Park. A guy I met up there said Southern California Edison is upgrading power lines taking wind farm power from Tehachapi to Chino Hills, and had to fix up the roads near the power lines as well.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Store, Outlet EOS, Now in Azusa

The Outlet EOS store, which had to move out of Monrovia for a Gold Line maintenance yard, now has a much bigger place in Azusa. http://goo.gl/KS6fC

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia E-Waste Round Up | Free Health Check | Calling Singers

~ E-waste round-up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Mt. Sierra College (101 E. Huntington). It accepts electronic devices that plug in or take batteries. Not accepted: batteries, fluorescent lights, wood, glass, tires or large appliances. ACTS Thrift Store will donate to Foothill Unity Center for each pound of electronics donated.

~ Get a free health check on Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. â€" 3 p.m., at SET for LIFE's 8th Annual "Healthy Living for LIFE Expo 50 " at the Fannie M. Goodwin Education Center, 925 South Shamrock Ave., in Monrovia. Families can get free stroke, cholesterol, diabetes, low vision, BMI, hearing and blood pressure screenings with no pre-registration. Raffle prizes, live music and free lunch for anyone who gets four or more screenings. To register for a free mammogram, call (951) 485-4031. For details, http://setforlifenews.org or (626) 386-8071.

~ Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Choral Company is looking for singers. Details: http://goo.gl/b3OSy

- Brad Haugaard

Space Shuttle Endeavor Flies By Monrovia


The space shuttle Endeavor flies by Monrovia just past noon today on its way over JPL. Photo sent by Brad Hori, snapped by Joe K, who, Brad says, "took the pictures as I was busy looking through my binoculars."

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chang's Thai Bistro

Lunch at Chang's Thai Bistro on Myrtle. Nice decor, nice display of food on the plates. Nice seasoning. Got the Thai BBQ chicken for $7.95 plus tax and tip. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard

Antonovich Slams Governor on Potential Early Release of Prisoners

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who represents Monrovia on the LA County Board of Supervisors, said Governor Jerry Brown is setting up a situation that will force the state to release prisoners early. He writes: "Rather than housing prisoners in cost-effective contracted facilities, the administration would rather be forced into an early release situation to comply with the federal court order..." http://goo.gl/XJHic

- Brad Haugaard

Eastbound 210 - All Lanes Closed Late-Nights this Coming Week

Full closure of 210 eastbound around Santa Anita beginning 11 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 23 through Tuesday. Lanes will all reopen at 5 a.m. the following mornings. Also, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, full eastbound closure from midnight to 5 a.m. They're removing the supports from the bridge, which can stand by itself now.

- Brad Haugaard

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