Monrovia Mini Grand Opening | Teachers | Fiilm Fest

~ Mini of Monrovia is holding its grand opening Wednesday, August 21 from 5-9 p.m. British food, live entertainment, gifts and prizes. 1425 S. Mountain Ave.

~ The City of Monrovia reports on Facebook that yesterday, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and Monrovia Schools Deputy Superintendent Darvin Jackson welcomed new teachers with a breakfast and bus tour of the city.

~ Action on Film Festival begins this Friday. Details: http://www.aoffest.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Poll: Yes or Yes?

Yes or yes? The City of Monrovia's Plan Monrovia web page has a curious poll asking people to vote about the Station Square project (around the future Gold Line station). Here are the options:

Choose up to 2

[] I think this project will positively impact Monrovia economically!

[] I would like to add an economic idea.

Source: http://goo.gl/VfoqYT

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Needs Sponsors

Rotary Club of Monrovia is looking for sponsors for its annual Old West BBQ and Casino Night, on Sept. 7, which raises funds for Rotary's charitable projects. Table Sponsor $200, Cornerstone Sponsor $500, Event Sponsor &1,000. Call 893-3580 to help.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teacher of Year | Networking

~ Monrovia teacher Kyle McClure has been named 2013 "All Star Teacher" by Assemblyman Chris Holden. http://goo.gl/8Fb7wT

~ Understand professional networking through LinkedIn. LinkedIn Basics, Sept. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Library. Call 626-256-8274 to register. http://goo.gl/Gh7xSI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Assault With Beer Bottle, Knocking on Doors, Drumk Driving

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 8–1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

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

On August 9 at 8:45 p.m., an officer responded to the 600 block of East Huntington regarding a suspicious person in the bushes. Upon arrival, the officer observed a female sitting down near the bushes. Through investigation, it was determined she was under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.

Robbery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspects Arrested

On August 9 at 3:24 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Linwood regarding a robbery that just occurred. The victim was walking when 4 male suspects arrived in an older model, blue or gray Ford Aero Star van. One of the suspects threw a 12 oz. beer bottle at the victim, striking his leg. The victim was not injured from the bottle. Another suspect grabbed the victim in an effort to pull him to the ground, while another suspect grabbed the victim's skateboard out his hands. All four suspects returned to the vehicle and fled with the victim's skateboard.

Later that evening, a Special Enforcement Officer observed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle used in the robbery. The officer requested additional units to assist. The vehicle was stopped in the in the 1500 block of South Mountain. Officers were able to determine that the suspects in the vehicle were in fact the suspects involved in the robbery and located the stolen property inside. The suspects were arrested and held for bail.

Injury Traffic Collision – Officer Involved

On August 9 at 8:30 p.m., an officer responding code–3 to assist another officer was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Magnolia and Huntington. As the officer stopped and cleared each lane, a vehicle that was traveling east on Huntington did not realize an emergency vehicle was approaching. As the patrol vehicle began to cross the last lane of traffic, it was struck on the right rear portion, causing the patrol vehicle to travel up the sidewalk and strike a small tree. Witnesses indicated the other vehicle failed to stop for the emergency vehicle when all other traffic on the road had yielded. The officer complained of pain, so he was taken by ambulance to a hospital and later released back to work.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested

On August 10 at 3:56 a.m., an officer was approaching the intersection of Graydon and Camino Real when he observed a vehicle run a stop sign. The officer conducted a traffic stop and noticed the driver appeared to be under the influence. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order / Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

On August 10 at 8:20 a.m., an officer observed a known subject near 300 South Myrtle. The officer was informed this suspect has a restraining order, restricting him from being within 100 yards of a business. The suspect was seen within 100 yards of the business and was in violation of the court order. The suspect was contacted and during a search found to be in possession of a hypodermic syringe. The suspect was arrested and additionally charged.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Unlicensed Driver – Suspect Arrested

On August 11 at 3:16 a.m., a minor traffic collision occurred between two motorists near the intersection of Mayflower & Huntington. One driver fled from the collision scene and was followed by the other driver (victim) to an area in Temple City. The victim called Monrovia Police on his cell phone as he continued to follow the driver. The driver realized he was being followed by the victim and parked his vehicle. Both parties exited their vehicles and exchanged words. An officer responded to Temple City and contacted both parties. Through investigation, it was found that the driver who fled the scene was unlicensed, driving under the influence and in violation of a hit and run traffic collision. He was arrested and his vehicle was stored.

72 Hour Mental Evaluation

On August 11 at 4:46 p.m., a subject known to suffer from mental illness was running through a residential neighborhood knocking on doors. The subject's mother was following him in her vehicle and called police for assistance. The mother claimed her son is not taking his medication. An officer contacted the subject, confirmed his illness, and he was taken to a hospital for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coach on Day One of Practice

Video: Monrovia Coach Ryan Maddox talks about the first day of practice. http://goo.gl/YZqf4j

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Students Slip-Up in School

Monrovia students follow the crowd and slip in core proficiencies. http://goo.gl/qaYueS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Flies Solar Drone Nine-Plus Hours

Monrovia's AeroVironment held a successful test flight of a solar-powered prototype version of the company's Puma drone. The flight lasted 9 hours, 11 minutes -- "significantly longer than the flight endurance of small UAS being used in the field today." http://goo.gl/6wcqQv


- Brad Haugaard

Gourmet Dog Restaurant Opens in Monrovia

S'Links gourmet hot dogs on Myrtle in Old Towm has quietly opened its doors. http://goo.gl/9H6nxR

- Brad Haugaard


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Officer in Crash

Monrovia police officer in crash while heading to detain robbery suspects. http://goo.gl/YtCqkz

- Brad Haugaard

Country Music in the Park Sunday

Summer concert at the bandshell in Library Park, this Sunday, August 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Blackstar (Country).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Labor Talks

At its August 14 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/poRu4y ) the Monrovia Board of Education will get a couple lists of what its labor unions want to talk about. Here are the lists for Monrovia Teachers Association ( http://goo.gl/HkXuSC ) and for California School Employees Association ( http://goo.gl/Z4l7Wm ). Other stuff, too.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Chevy Stolen in 2011 Shows Up | Monrovia Wildcats Car Wash | Rotary BBQ

~ A 1960 Chevrolet Impala that was stolen in April 2011 from a Monrovia business has been found at an alleged Quartz Hill chop shop. http://goo.gl/oDjRlp

~ Monrovia High Wildcats Band and Colorguard car wash, Saturday, August 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walgreens on Foothill in Monrovia.

~ Rotary Club of Monrovia Old West BBQ and Casino night at Monrovia Community center, Sept. 7. Call 893-3580 for tickets. $70 per person. Proceeds benefit local Rotary projects. http://goo.gl/1Mgmcu

- Brad Haugaard

FAA Certifies Drone by Monrovia's AeroVironment

The Puma drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, has been certified by the FAA for non-military use. http://goo.gl/RO7LVF

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Sena

Lunch at Sena, on the west side of Myrtle just south of  Lime. Got the very popular Short Rib Tacos ($8) and an iced tea ($2.75). Plus tax and tip. Delicious!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Patch Editor Resigns

Monrovia Patch Editor Nathan McIntire has announced that he is resigning as editor and is moving to a teaching job this fall. http://goo.gl/M5eL1B

Comment: I wish you the best, Nathan! I think you did a great job in the difficult, whipsaw environment of a start-up company trying to create something new and make money in the very tough local-news market.

- Brad Haugaard

Domestic Violence Bill by Monrovia's Assemblymember Goes to Governor

Assembly Bill 139, by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has been approved in the State Legislature following concurrence vote today in the Assembly. The measure now goes to the Governor for signature.

AB 139 clears up a technicality to provide more funds for local domestic violence shelters. The bill stipulates that those convicted of domestic violence must pay a minimum $500 fee - not a fine - after they are granted probation. This clarification is important because it would clear up confusion over the $500 payment and ensure funding for local domestic violence programs.

"Funding domestic violence shelters is critical. Clarifying the payment to be a fee would assist judges, collecting agencies and counties disburse the proper funding to the state and local shelters," said Assemblymember Holden.

AB 139 unanimously passed both Houses and received support from domestic violence shelters throughout the state, as well as various women's organizations.

Governor Brown now has 30 days to sign or veto AB 139. If signed, AB 139 would go into effect January 1, 2014.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Vacation Home Security Tips From Monrovia PD

A few precautions to keep your home safe while you are away.

Be cautious of who you tell about your vacation. Its okay to let a trusted neighbor know when and where you are going, just don't broadcast it to your whole neighborhood. And don't post the fact that you are going on vacation on social network sites for anyone to see; a friend of a friend of your friend just could be a burglar.

Also, take a few steps to make potential burglars believe someone is actually home. Hook up a timer to lights, televisions and radios, so they go on and off while you are away. Adjust the time setting to your normal routine. Make sure that everything is locked up and secure before you head out; double check sheds, windows, garage doors, and any other opportunistic locations. Have the post office hold your mail or have a trusted neighbor collect your mail for you, as well as your newspaper. Don't allow newspapers to stack up in your driveway; an obvious clue to thieves that no one is home.

Another precaution you can take is to turn off the ringer to your phone. An unanswered phone might tip off a prowler that you are away. Don't leave a message on your answering machine announcing your vacation to callers. If you have a home security system, call your company and let them know you will be on vacation and notify local law enforcement, as well, so they can keep an extra eye on your home while you are away.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Vacuum Theft, Meth and Shotgun, Tag Switching, Grand Theft Generator

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 5-7. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 263 service events, resulting in 47 investigations.

 

Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Possession of a Short Barreled Shot Gun / Child Endangerment / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested

On August 6 at 11:34 a.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the 900 block of East Huntington. As the driver was being detained a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant.   All subjects in the car were detained and a small child was also in the car. A search of the car revealed an unloaded sawed off shotgun, used methamphetamine pipes, burglary tools, a credit card reader and a large quantity of credit cards fraudulently made. The driver and passenger were arrested.   A referral was made to the Department of Children and Family Services regarding the child, who was released to the grandparents.   

 

Commercial Burglary / Petty Theft with Priors - Suspect Arrested

On August 6 at 2:42 p.m., a male adult suspect entered a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain and selected a quantity of merchandise.  He was observed switching UPC tags and then went to the register, paying a lower price for the items. He was detained by loss prevention outside the store. A computer check revealed he had prior theft convictions.  He was taken into custody and charged with burglary and petty theft with priors.

 

Commercial Burglary

On August 6 at 4:44 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of West Huntington drive regarding theft.  A male adult entered and walked directly to the area of the store where an expensive robot vacuum product is displayed. The suspect took one of the vacuums and then walked directly out of the store without making any attempt to pay. The suspect got into Silver, Honda CRV and fled with another male. An employee stated these vacuums are a popular theft item from their stores and they were going to consider locking them up. Officers checked the area for the suspects but they were not found. The investigation is continuing.

 

Injury Traffic Collision vs. City Property

On August 6 at 11:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Myrtle and Lime regarding a traffic collision that just occurred.  They found a black BMW 328i had collided into the stone monument (wishing well) on the northwest corner of Lime and Myrtle. Both the vehicle and memorial were heavily damaged. The driver, a 64 year old woman from Pasadena, sustained injuries to her face and hands and was taken to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for treatment. No one else was injured in the collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

 

Grand Theft - Property

On August 7 at 9:37 a.m., dispatch received a call of a stolen "Ingersoll-Rand" generator taken from and unlocked, fenced area in the 200 block of Taylor. No suspect(s) were seen.  The investigation is continuing. 

 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

On August 7 at 10:49 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Cypress and Ivy regarding a suspicious male subject looking into vehicles.  The subject was contacted and through investigation, it was determined he was under the influence.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

AOL Closing Many of Its Patch News Websites

AOL has announced that it will close, sell or find partners for about 300, or about a third, of its Patch local news websites ( http://goo.gl/ne4EzL ) but CEO Tim Armstrong reportedly said there is "zero probability" that Patch as a whole would be shut down ( http://goo.gl/yUNRUU ). Monrovia has a Patch news site.

- Brad Haugaard