Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Needs Help For Back-to-School Project | Firefighters Over Police

~ Foothill Unity Center will be providing back-to-school uniforms, shoes, socks underwear, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and even dental and vision screenings to about 1,800 children. $80 will equip one child but any amount is appreciated. Donate here: http://goo.gl/HjVcM

~ Fire Department over Police in Battle of the Badges basketball. http://goo.gl/gazYR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Train Maintenance Yard Pictures

Some pictures of the new Gold Line maintenance yard in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/A62Q6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council: Web Site, Budget, Assessments, Appointees

At its June 18 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/EPCRR ), the Monrovia City Council will consider, among other things ...

- switching to a new company to build its website after a Monrovia firm was unable to complete the site. The new deal will cost the city $22,600. Aha Consulting, Inc. of Lake Oswego, Oregon, "is one of the leading providers of web-based open source solutions for local government agencies. http://goo.gl/wr7GH

- a budget for fiscal years 2013-15. http://goo.gl/n9n6I

- public comments on the proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Citywide Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District assessment. Actually looks like its a few bucks lower than before. http://goo.gl/aKVty

- public comments on the proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 City of Monrovia Park Maintenance District assessment. This one's up a whisker, though. http://goo.gl/UCJkc

- a list of people for various boards. http://goo.gl/WWB6U

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Cafe Mundial

Lunch at Cafe Mundial, next to the Boxx Jewelry clock on Myrtle. Got the fillet mignon pizza for $16 and an iced tea for $2.15, plus tax and tip. There were cheaper pizzas for $13. Very tender beef. Good.

- Brad Haugaard

The Biggest Fig Tree in Monrovia

Perhaps you think the magnificent Morton Bay Fig tree in Library Park is the biggest in town. Good guess, but no cigar. According to the latest newsletter of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, the biggest is at the home of Michael and Janene Khanchalian, at the corner of Hillcrest and Melrose. Their tree is a "magnificent example of how large this type of tree can grow (not to mention the voluminous number of leaves it sheds daily!)."

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Pitcher Burkholder is Player of the Year

The Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year is Monrovia Pitcher Chris Burkholder. http://goo.gl/lZ3Ec

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision: $500 Million for Development Projects

World Vision, a Monrovia-based Christian humanitarian organization, hopes to raise $500 million by the end of 2015 to help 10 million people with the development of clean water projects; fighting diseases, like malaria; providing loans so families can get a hand out of poverty; protecting children from trafficking; and support and partnering with local churches. http://goo.gl/m9c0d

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Construction Authority vs. Metro

According to Construction Authority CEO Habib Balian, the Metro Gold Line Construction Authority board of directors has "unanimously voted to oppose Metro's proposed Amendment to the updated Measure R Expenditure Plan." Why? Because it ignores the updated cost for the Gold Line (Pasadena to Claremont) and "continues to evade the legislative mandate to complete the project to Claremont."

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Sponsors Trip to Texas

Monrovia's Community Services Department is offering a San Antonio, Texas trip. Tour includes visits to the San Antonio River, Bandera, Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard and Paseo del Rio. You'll also enjoy the Fiesta de las Luminarias as you stroll along the San Antonio River, guided by more than 2,500 luminaries. Trip is Dec. 5-9, 2013. The $2,049 cost per person includes airfare, 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and all tours and transportation. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246. http://goo.gl/Mg098

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cars Unlocked, Not Smart; Weapon Waver; Yet More Bears

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 10-12. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 487 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

 

Theft From Unlocked Vehicles

June 11 at 1:19 a.m., police responded to the 300 block of East Hillcrest regarding suspects tampering with parked cars.  The caller observed two suspects in the area.  Officers responded and checked the area, but the suspects were not located.  Three vehicles in the area were found ransacked; all three vehicles had been left unlocked.  The suspects entered the unlocked vehicles and stole miscellaneous change and personal items.  Investigation continuing.

 

Bear Incident

June 11 at 12:37 p.m., a very large female brown bear broke out a window air-conditioner at a residence in the 800 block of Ridgeside Drive.  The female bear and her two cubs entered the home through the opening and ate cat food that was inside the house.  They made a large mess and exited out the same window.  

 

Officers arrived on scene and attempted to use beanbag rounds to persuade the bear back into the foothills, but unfortunately, her cubs had been startled and had run up a tree.  The mother took up a position to guard her cubs at the base of the tree.  Monrovia's Animal Control Officer and Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens were called in to assist to help ensure the bear incident was resolved without harm to anyone.  Fish and Wildlife wardens asked officers to leave the area so the cubs would come down.  Eventually the cubs came down and the mother bear and cubs returned back up into the foothills without further incident.

 

Weapons Offense

June 11 at 9:24 p.m., a black Toyota Yaris pulled up next to the victim at Primrose and Olive.  One of the occupants brandished a handgun toward the victim.  The victim called police and followed the vehicle.  The victim was able to get the license plate number of the suspect vehicle.  Officers responded to the area, but were not able to locate the car.  An officer contacted the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and requested they drive by the residence of the registered owner.  The Investigation is continuing.

 

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Collision – Suspect Arrested

June 11 at 11:18 p.m., a witness followed a drunk driver from Mountain and the 210 Freeway and called police.  The driver hit a parked car and a water main on mountain, just north of Foothill.    The driver left the car unattended on Mountain, just south of Foothill.  Officers were able to track down the driver and determined he was driving under the influence; he was arrested for the above listed charges. 

 

Grand Theft Auto

June 12 at 8:34 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3300 block of South Peck Road.  The victim parked and secured his vehicle, a red, 1989, Nissan pickup truck, in a parking stall.  When he returned to the vehicle, it was gone.  The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system.

Driver Hits Hydrant in Monrovia

Driver hits hydrant, gets arrested: http://goo.gl/KZ1sO

- Brad Haugaard

Vacation Bible School at Monrovia's First Presbyterian

Vacation Bible School for children at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church. Sign-up deadline is this Friday, June 14. Details: http://goo.gl/Wg5ig

- Brad Haugaard

City Likes New Monrovia Development | Bears 1 Catfood 0 | Personal Branding

~ City thinks new residential development at 212-216 West Olive Avenue fits the neighborhood. http://goo.gl/tZm6g

~ Monrovia bears chow down on catfood. http://goo.gl/vevFP

~ Steps to Personal Branding workshop, June 19, 10:30-1:30 p.m. at the Library. Details: http://goo.gl/C04b2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Band and Color Guard Fundraiser | Fourth | Concerts | Electronics Recycling

~ Car wash fundraiser for Monrovia High Band and Color Guard at Walgreens, 253 E. Foothill Blvd., June 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Suggested donation is $5 for cars and $8 for trucks and SUVs. All proceeds benefit the Monrovia High School Wildcat Marching Band and Color Guard program.

~ Flyer for the Monrovia Fourth of July fireworks show. http://goo.gl/Gqfuk

~ Listing of Monrovia summer concerts. Each Sunday evening, 7-8:30 at the Library Bandshell, starting July 7. First up - on July 7 - the Basix, top 40 hits. http://goo.gl/tLu3i

~ Electronic waste recycling, corner of Myrtle and Pomona (street just south of the freeway), July 27, 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/ofoVQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblymember's 'Put It On the Internet' Bill Goes to Senate

Assemblymember Chris Holden's legislation to make the Small Business Loan Guarantee program more accessible and user friendly has been approved in the Senate Government Organization Committee. Holden represents Monrovia.

AB 201 requires the California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program to maintain an Internet website that would include information on the program's loan guarantees, direct lending, surety bond guarantees, and disaster loans.

Since February 2011, over $143 million financial loans were issued, of which about $47 million was covered by Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.

Since 2004, more than 52 loans worth approximately $8.5 million dollars have been guaranteed in the 41st Assembly District.

AB 201 now goes to Senate Appropriations for fiscal consideration.

Source: Holden press release

Comment: Sounds like a good bill, but how pathetic is it that it requires the involvement of the Assembly, Senate and Governor to get a state program to put its information on the Internet?

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Cite Man With Fake Gun

Monrovia Police cite man for having fake pistol. http://goo.gl/9eY9r

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reads Chili Bowl

3rd Annual Monrovia Reads "Chili Bowl" at Monrovia Tennis Club, 158 N. Sunset Place. Tickets $100 per person. Proceeds help Monrovia Reads. http://goo.gl/h8kVh

- Brad Haugaard

'Advanced Meters' Coming to Monrovia and San Gabriel Valley

Southern California Gas will be installing "Advanced Meters" in the San Gabriel Valley during the second half of this year. The meters transmit your gas usage to the company daily so a guy doesn't have to come around and read the meter. It also lets you go on line and monitor your usage. http://goo.gl/NcRGw and http://goo.gl/zRnpa

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Needs Razors, Toothpaste, Etc.

Foothill Unity Center writes on Facebook: "SOS! We're low on items for the hygiene kits we give to our homeless clients: disposable razors, travel size toothpaste, soap, lotion and conditioner, toothbrushes and/or small combs or brushes. If you can donate any of these, we'd really appreciate it! Just drop them off at our Monrovia Center. Thanks so much."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Caught By a Shoe Print; Busting Into Self-Storage Units; Etc

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 6-9. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Gang Injunction Violation – Suspect Arrested

June 6 at 10:03 p.m., disturbing subjects were reported blocking a driveway in the 500 block of East Olive, near an alley. An officer arrived and saw three subjects at the end of the alley, but by the time she reached the end of the alley, the subjects were gone. She looked around and saw a female subject trying to hide behind a fence. An assisting officer arrived on seen and they contacted the female subject, who immediately became argumentative with officers.

As the officers were trying to talk to the female, a male subject appeared and walked towards the officers, yelling at them to stay away from his girlfriend. The male subject continued to yell, irately, at the officers, and an additional police unit was requested. The assisting officer arrived and recognized the male subject as a known gang member who had been served with the gang injunction order. He was arrested and charged for the violation of the court order.

Robbery – Cell Phone

June 7 at 9:05 p.m., a female victim and her friend were walking south on Monterey, under the 210 Freeway, when a male suspect approached. The female had just finished sending a text message from her cell phone. The suspect forcibly grabbed the cell phone out of her hand and ran to an awaiting vehicle, described as a gray, newer model, four-door Nissan Altima. The vehicle fled west on Huntington, towards the freeway. The loss was a black, iPhone 4 cell phone.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 25 years of age, 5'05", 140 pounds, thin build, no facial hair, last seen wearing a baseball cap, black tank top and black cargo shorts. Officers searched the area and surrounding agencies were notified of the robbery, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Weapons Offense / Suspicious Circumstances

June 8 at 12:12 a.m., police responded to the report of 15 subjects arguing in the street in front of a residence in the 800 block of West Walnut; one of the subjects was reportedly displaying a firearm. Officers responded and detained numerous subjects. The officers conducted interviews that indicated a subject who had fled before officers arrived had a firearm, but no one claimed to be a victim of a crime. The subjects and their vehicles were searched, but no firearm was located. The subjects were identified and allowed to leave. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Outside Assist - Irwindale Police Department – Suspect Arrested

June 8 at 12:53 a.m., a Monrovia citizen volunteer was parked in a parking lot at Royal Oaks and Mountain when he heard a dragging sound. He looked up and saw a vehicle traveling north on Mountain with sparks emitting from the vehicle. He requested officers, who arrived as the vehicle was stopping in front of a residence on Oakdale. The officers interviewed the driver, who was found to be intoxicated, and discovered the driver had collided with a vehicle in the City of Irwindale.

Irwindale Police Department was contacted and verified they had a hit and run traffic collision in their city. Several citizens saw the collision and followed the vehicle to Monrovia, but lost sight of it. Irwindale officers responded and arrested the suspect.

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

June 8 at 2:33 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle traveling south on Peck Road at a high rate of speed. He conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested. During an inventory search of the vehicle, a small plastic baggie was found in the driver's door, containing a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine. Possession of a controlled substance was added to the charges.

Commercial Burglary / Possession of Stolen Property / Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm – Suspects Arrested

June 7 at 7:22 p.m., the manager of a storage facility in the 1100 block of South Fifth Avenue called to report a possible burglary. Suspicious subjects, a male and female driving a white truck, were seen leaving a storage unit. When officers arrived, the suspects were gone. The lock on the unit had been cut and the unit had been forced open, but it was unknown if there was a loss, as the unit owner could not be located. Officers searched the area, but the suspects were not located.

The next morning at 6:55 a.m., the male suspect returned to the storage facility in the white truck and police were notified. Officers responded, detained the suspect and found potential stolen property in the vehicle. Through investigation, officers learned the suspects had broken into multiple units at the facility and multiple victims had their storage units burglarized. A Search warrant was served on the storage unit and the suspect's vehicle, and a loaded firearm was found in the vehicle.

The female suspect seen the day before was found to be the registered owner of the truck. Detectives wrote a search warrant for her residence and an additional storage facility located in Arcadia. The female suspect was stopped leaving her residence and was found to be in possession of stolen property; she was arrested. The investigation is continuing.

Prowling – Suspect Arrested

June 9 at 3:24 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of West Colorado reported a prowler looking into a bedroom window. The victim was awakened when she saw a flash of light illuminating the bedroom. She looked out and saw a subject standing next to her bedroom window. There were two children asleep in the bedroom also, a 12-year-old and a 6-year-old. The resident got out of bed and alerted a family member, who called police. The suspect fled when he saw police arriving. A search was conducted, and a subject matching the suspect description was located. The suspect had left shoe prints below the window he had been looking through at the residence. A comparison was made and the shoe tread appeared similar. The suspect was arrested.

Commercial Burglary

June 9 at 11:16 a.m., a burglary was reported at a church in the 400 block of East Duarte Road. Unknown suspect(s) pried open a wrought iron front door and removed a window-mounted air-conditioning unit. The suspect(s) then pushed open an inner door and took a laptop computer. The investigation is continuing.

Mental Evaluation

June 9 at 3:15 p.m., police responded to a disturbance at residence in the 200 block of West Palm. On arrival, officers were informed that an 18-year-old male subject was irate and had knives. The mother and brother of the subject were able to escape the house, but the father was locked in a room upstairs. The subject began to threaten the officers with the knives and was yelling at everyone at the location.

After a short standoff, the father came up from behind the subject and bear hugged his son; they both fell to the floor. Officers were then able to enter the home and the subject was placed in handcuffs for his own safety. He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.