Fountain to the Falls Race Starts

The Fountain to the Falls race begins. Mayor Mary Ann Lutz yells "Go."

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Honor Students and Staff, Settle Payment Dispute; Board Policies

At its May 22 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/FvQtG ), the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Honor Regional Occupational Program Outstanding Students of the Year: Adam Anderson - Graphic Design - Silver Medal; Viviana Lopez-Arambula - Fashion Merchandising - Bronze Medal; Margarita Sandoval - Child Development - Bronze Medal; Susan Beltran - Child Development - Bronze Medal; Hayden Cedeno - Photography - Bronze Medal.

~ Honor SkillsUSA Regional and State Qualifiers: Zach Carels & Erica Flores - TV-Video Productions; Tanya Orona - Child Development; Regional Bronze Medalist Vincent Rayney - Photography; and Regional Gold Medalists and State Gold Medalists Scott Card and Jalen Mason - TV-Video Productions.

~ Honor - along with the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce - these Monrovia Unified School District employees for their outstanding service: Helen Hernandez, Library Technician I, Mayflower Elementary School; Joann Wiegand-Wallace, Teacher, Mayflower Elementary School; Tamille Buckell, Instructional Assistant-Computer Lab, Santa Fe Middle School; Julie Smith, Teacher, Santa Fe Middle School.

~ Consider settling with a company that did some computer work for the district to avoid a court battle. http://goo.gl/g0pDr

~ Consider a bunch of school board policies.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Baja Fresh

Lunch at Baja Fresh, at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Baja Burrito with carnitas ($6.79) and a small drink ($1.69). Plus tax. I like the salsas, from mild to fairly hot, and like the name says, everything was fresh. 

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Assemblymember Chris Holden's Mother Dies

Announcement on Facebook by Assemblymember Holden, who represents Monrovia:

It is with great sadness that Assemblymember Chris R. Holden announces the death of his mother, Fannie Louise Holden at the age of 78.

Ms. Holden, a longtime resident of Pasadena, died May 10th following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her son Chris (Melanie Caldwell-Holden); son Reggie Holden (Heidi); grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah, Christine and Jennifer; sisters Annie Jackson (Douglas), and Maxine Shaw (Johnny); first cousins Janice Chaffin and Nicole Ward (William); and her former spouse Nate Holden.

Fannie Louise Holden was a lifelong member of Scott United Methodist Church in Pasadena. Services and internment are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the: Alzheimer's Association - To view and make contributions to the memorial page created for Fannie Louise Holden Alzheimer's Research Fund, please click here: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pxfid=96205&pg=fund&fr_id=1060

- Brad Haugaard

Runners, Zumba Dancers to Take Over Monrovia on Saturday

Hundreds of health lovers and outdoor aficionados will be in Old Town Monrovia on Saturday morning for the City of Monrovia's "Fountain to the Falls 7 Mile Run/Walk," which starts in front of Library Park, heads up to Canyon Park to the 25-foot waterfall, and then returns at Library Park.

In addition to the run, the city - in partnership with the Santa Anita Family YMCA and Assemblyman Chris Holden - is hosting a Health and Fitness Expo featuring free Zumba classes at 7:05 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., free health screenings and lots of giveaways. Participating vendors include:

A Snail's Pace, 24-Hour Fitness, New Sensational Styles, Movement Unlimited Fitness, Xylem Salon, Pacific Transportation Federal Credit Union, Move Your Mountain Fitness, Balance Chiropractic, M3 Sport Psych, City of Hope, it Works!, Kaiser Permanente, Little Green Forks, New Liberty Nutrition, Hala Skin and Body, the Monrovia Fire Department, and the Office of Assemblyman Chris Holden.

The Monrovia Days Association, along with Center Stage Inc., will be hosting family fun activities including carnival style booths, food vendors, music and entertainment, birthday cake and balloons, and a fun Monrovia History Game.

There are 352 racers registered, the highest in the three years since the City has hosted the event. Monrovia is home to nearly 37,000 people, and is a community that stresses the important of healthy lifestyles. In addition to the accessibility to numerous hiking and biking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, the City has dozens of businesses that support healthy living, including the headquarters of Trader Joe's, VegeUSA and Naked Juice.

Registration to the race has closed, but all other activities are free and open to the public. The Health and Fitness Expo is from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The race kicks off at 7 a.m., Zumba in the street is at 7:05 to 7:35 a.m., and again at 10:30 to 11 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 10 a.m.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Pet Events: Red Carpet for Dogs; Pet Health, Etc.

~ Canine Caviar presents a "Red Carpet Soiree," a fundraiser to support Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank. Saturday, May 18, 4-7 p.m. Dress up and strut your pet down the red carpet. Celebrities expected include host John Littlefield ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), Joey Luthman (Nickelodeon's "How To Rock"), Isabella Palmieri (Disney's "Jessie"), Mykayla Sohn (NBC's "Guys with Kids"), Malia Tyler ("Granite Flats"), among others. Highlander Pet Center, 419 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia.

~ Veterinarian Sylvia Garcia shares information about maintaining your pet's good health and well being. Trainer Judy Paterson shares tips on being a courteous pet guardian. Saturday, May 25, 1-2 p.m at the Library Community Room. Fee. http://goo.gl/9Z7bN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Condo-Commercial Building on S. Fifth; Rainwater Treatment; Allow a Tear-Down? Cop and Fire Contract

At the Tuesday, May 21 Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/tuUJg ) the council will ...

~ Consider preliminary measures that would permit the construction at 1110 and 1212 South Fifth Ave. of a 154-unit multi-family structure with a commercial storefront. http://goo.gl/80YeF

~ Consider an agreement with Arcadia, Azusa, Bradbury, Duarte, Sierra Madre, LA County, and the LA County Flood Control District to treat, as required by law, rainwater runoff. This will cost the city "approximately $133,603.11." http://goo.gl/U8C6T

~ Consider an appeal of a homeowner who discovered the cost of rehab-ing his house will be more than he bargained on, about $200,000, so he wants to replace it. Problem: it was built before 1940, so the property is subject to demolition regulations, and it is on the city's list of Potential Historic Landmarks. The Historic Preservation Commission denied his request. http://goo.gl/sOoY6

~ Chat in closed session about a contract for the Monrovia police and firefighters. http://goo.gl/Br25m

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Fire Calls and Pancakes

The Monrovia Fire Department responded to 84 calls last week, including this fire ( http://goo.gl/SyS3y ). That, and served about 2,000 people at the annual Pancake Breakfast on May 11, at which there were also rock and rollers, face painting, maps, and thank you's and photos from the Madison Fire.

Source: "This Week in Monrovia" newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Saturday's Monrovia Day Schedule

Monrovia Day Schedule of Events, this Saturday, May 18

6:00 am - Health & Fitness Expo Opens

6: 45 am - Brief Walkers/Runners on Race Rules

6:50 am - National Anthem - Centre Stage

7:00 am - Fountain to the Falls Race STARTS

7:00 - 11:00 am - Centre Stage Pancake Breakfast

7:05 am - Zumba in the Street

7:15 - 11:30 am - Musical Marathon at the Library Park Band Shell

10:00 am - Fountain to the Falls Winners are Announced

10:30 am - Body Vibe Demonstration in Library Park

11:00 am - Expo Closes

11:30 - 12:00 pm - Founders Celebration

- "Light of the silvery moon" performance by Centre Stage

- Monrovia Facts presented by Steve Baker

- Happy Birthday Monrovia from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz

12:30 - 3:00 pm- Band Performances in Library Park


Source: "This Week in Monrovia" newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Learn How to Be Involved in Monrovia Government

For information about how to become involved in Monrovia city government, come to tonight's meeting, Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers. Email the City Clerk at aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call (626) 932-5505 to RSVP.

The City is accepting applications to fill positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB).

Source: Monrovia Facebook posting

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Bill Incorporated in Governor's Budget

Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, says his bill influenced Governor Jerry Brown to change course and not burden counties with some parole costs. His statement:

"I introduced Assembly Bill 1065 this legislative year because of strong concerns with criminal justice realignment. Assembly Bill 1065 requires individuals released from prison that were previously certified as a mentally disordered offender (MDO) or mentally disordered sexual offender (MDSO) to be subject to state parole supervision instead of post-release community supervision by the county.

The Governor's administration has changed course and heard our concerns about the MDO/MDSO population and the strain it is causing to cities and counties. The Governor has included Assembly Bill 1065 into his budget proposal. Individuals who have been certified as an MDO/MDSO suffer from severe mental disorders and have committed crimes that involved violence or grave bodily injury, and represent a substantial danger of physical harm to themselves and others. This population and our communities are best served when this population is monitored by state parole officers.

I look forward to working with the Governor's administration to ensure the passage of these policies and am thankful for his willingness to revisit these issues to ensure that our communities are safe."

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Bears Are Back - Be Bear Aware

May is "Be Bear Aware" Month and the Monrovia Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife want to remind the public to act responsibly when in bear country.  Spring is the time of year when California's black bears emerge from their winter dens in search of food.  Because bears are attracted to anything edible or smelly, their search often leads them into residential neighborhoods, where trash and food is readily available.  Throughout spring and summer, CDFW receives many calls when bears break into homes and rummage through trash bins.  These bears are often labeled "nuisance" bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them, foraging for food.

 

Tips for Bear-Proofing Your Home:

 

Bears have keen noses and can smell an easy meal from miles away. They can easily tear a front door off its hinges if they smell food left out on the kitchen counter. To protect your family and property from bear break-ins follow these simple tips:

 

•   Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container.

 

•   Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.

 

•   Don't leave trash, groceries, or animal feed in your car.

 

•   Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.

 

•   Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.

 

•   Only provide bird feeders during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears.

 

•   Don't leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.

 

•   Keep doors and windows closed and locked.

 

•   Consider installing motion-detector alarms, electric fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.

 

•   Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.

 

•   Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.

 

Source: Monrovia Police Neighborhood Watch newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Nine Years in Jail for Verbal Threats; Unlocked Vehicle - Easy Target; DUIs

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 13-15. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 487 service events, resulting in 77 investigations. 

 

Petty Theft From a Vehicle

May 13 at 6:11 a.m., a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle that occurred in the 100 block of Acacia was reported to police.  The victim parked his vehicle in his driveway at approximately 10:30 p.m. and left it unlocked.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle overnight and took makeup, an iPad touch, a Garmin GPS, employee identification, miscellaneous tools and clothing.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

May 13 at 9:21 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of West Duarte Road.  An officer responded and found a solo vehicle that had crashed into several parked cars.  Further investigation determined the driver was under the influence of medications, and he was uncooperative with the officer.  The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody. 

 

Traffic Violation / Outstanding Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 15 at 11:44 a.m., an officer was working special traffic enforcement on the Office of Traffic Safety grant and made a traffic stop in the 2000 block of California on vehicle for a vehicle code violation.  A warrant check revealed the driver had multiple felony warrants for his arrest.  The driver was arrested without incident and taken to the station for booking.

 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

May 16 at 1:56 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle committing several vehicle code violations. The officer conducted a traffic stop at Palm and Ivy.  After further investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

 

Detective Bureau Case Follow-Up

In September of 2011, an on going neighbor dispute turned into a violent verbal confrontation in the 2100 block of South Myrtle Avenue.  An arrest was made of a 40-year-old male, who verbally threatened a female and her father, who owns a business in the area.  The case was continued a number of times and finally came to a plea agreement on May 7, 2013.  The suspect pled guilty and was sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Long Lost Lamp Returns to Monrovia

A lamp - long missing from the Monrovia train station and providing important restoration information - comes home from Oregon. Also, some nice train station pictures. http://goo.gl/Yd0nL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Birthday Party Saturday

This Saturday, May 18, Monrovia's 127th birthday party. Details ( http://goo.gl/89YFO ). Also, if you want to watch the Fountain to the Falls racers start, they'll be taking off from the fountain in Library Park at 7 a.m. sharp.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Rubik's Cube Club

I've heard of a lot of different types of clubs on school campuses, but Monrovia High has one I've never encountered: a Rubik's Cube Club (scroll down a ways): http://goo.gl/IFujM

- Brad Haugaard

Keychain Monrovia Library Card

My library card expired and I got a new one today. It comes with a keychain card as well. It has a picture of "Carmegie Library, 1908-1956."

Monrovia Condo Construction Begins | Arts Association Fundraiser

~ Work has begun on 18-unit condo a block east of Myrtle on Olive. http://goo.gl/pIWnQ

~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will hold its 13th annual fundraiser - "Acknowledge the Arts" on Friday June 21. http://goo.gl/ovJsR

- Brad Haugaard

Firey Hot | Old Town Leader Steps Down

~ National Weather Service warning for the Monrovia area: Hot and dry; prime fire weather; watch out! ( http://goo.gl/l3eit ). Also, it got up to 100 degrees at 3:05 p.m. today. http://goo.gl/fM7Kt

~ After more than 10 years, Brian Whelan steps down as chairman of the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. http://goo.gl/80s56

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Watch for the Prepaid Money Card Scam; Kicking Cars; Walking in Burned Area; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 9-12. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  

 

Telephone Scam Targeting the Elderly

The Monrovia Police Department has recently received several calls from elderly Monrovia citizens reporting the following telephone scam: 

 

The elderly victim receives a call stating they owe money for an outstanding debt.  The suspect soon states if they don't pay this debt, a warrant could be issued for their arrest, their bank account will be put on hold, and there is a possibility they will lose their house.  The suspect then tells the victim if they want to resolve the matter, they need to purchase a Greendot prepaid money card with a certain amount, usually not more than $500.00.  Once the victim obtains the card, they are to call back and give the card number so it can be verified.  The suspect then transfers the money from the victim's card to another card and the money is gone.  If the victim falls for the scam, the suspect sometimes calls back and tries to solicit additional money from the victim. 

 

Please be aware of this scam and let others know this is going on so we can prevent this crime.  Please inform your loved ones, especially the elderly, as they are the targets of this particular scam.  Let them know to never give out personal information to anyone over the phone.  A legitimate company would not operate by asking for personal information over the phone; they would have your information already. 

 

Vandalism / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested

May 11 at 2:05 a.m., police responded to the report of a disturbing female subject at a business in the 1800 block of Walker that was refusing to leave.  Officers arrived and located the subject.  The female had been drinking and was combative.  She had kicked a male acquaintance's vehicle, causing a dent in the vehicle.  She was determined to be intoxicated and a danger to herself and others; she was arrested for being drunk in public. 

 

Hiker Enters Closed Burn Area – Receives Civil Citation

May 11 at 11:30 a.m., a hiker was observed entering the closed burn area at Highland Place by a park ranger.  Signs are posted prohibiting hikers from entering the area for their own safety.  When the park ranger warned the hiker and told him not to enter the area, the hiker ignored him and told the ranger to call the police, and he said he was going to keep walking.  The police department was called and officers responded to the location.  The suspect stopped for the officers; he was issued a civil Administrative Citation for entering the restricted burn area.

 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested

May 11 at 11:39 a.m., a suspect entered a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain Avenue, selected an automatic utility pump and put it in a cart.  The suspect walked around the store with the cart for a while and then attempted to exit the store without paying for the merchandise.  He was followed out of the store by loss prevention.  When contacted, the suspect attempted to push the loss prevention officer and a struggle ensued.  He was eventually taken into custody by loss prevention.  Officers responded to the location and the suspect was arrested.