Monrovia Rail Maintenance Yard About to Get Rails and Power Lines

Gold Line Spokesman Habib Balian reports that crews are preparing to install six miles of track and overhead electrical wires at the 24-acre rails intensive yard I'm Monrovia. Foundations for more than half of the 213 poles have been poured.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Tip: Back to School Traffic Safety

Children of all ages are returning back to school, and with students going back to school, traffic congestion will be increased on the road and drivers will need to be extra cautious. Whether in a school zone or a residential neighborhood, drivers need to remember to slow down and be prepared to stop. The speed limit in school zones and residential neighborhoods is 25 miles per hour, unless posted otherwise; some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 miles per hour.

Always stop for school buses. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop to load or unload children, and drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on and off. Drivers are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. The greatest risk to children is not riding on the bus, but getting on and off the bus.

Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street from between parked cars and other objects along the roadway. Also, many children have not yet developed the ability to judge speeds and distances well enough to cross streets safely when cars are moving fast. Drivers need to stay alert and obey traffic signs, especially where children may be present. Slow down and stay alert to help keep children safe!

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Tractor; Price Tag Switching; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 12–14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 491 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Recovered / Stolen - Tractor

On August 12 at 4:00 p.m., an officer observed a tractor in the 1600 block of South Shamrock. A computer check revealed the tractor was stolen out of LASD – Century Station. The tractor was recovered and released to a company agent.

Possession of Marijuana – Suspects Arrested

On August 12 at 4:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of East Lemon regarding 4 large marijuana plants being loaded into a Toyota 4runner. The vehicle was located and stopped and the marijuana was recovered.

Grand Theft Auto

On August 12 at 6:26 p.m., dispatch received a transfer call from California Highway Patrol regarding a stolen vehicle. The victim stated his vehicle was taken from an apartment complex area in the 1000 block of South Alta Vista, within the last hour. The vehicle stolen was a 1991 Honda Accord, green in color. A check of the area was completed, but was unable to locate the stolen vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary Commercial – Suspects Arrested

On August 13 at 7:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a burglary that just occurred. A female suspect entered the business and exchanged two five gallon cans of paint for $ 400.00 dollars. She then took more paint cans off the shelf and placed a pre-made barcode label on the can, which had a very low price and went through the register. Security caught the theft on video while the suspect was in the garden area. Further investigation revealed numerous receipts for the same items from Home Depot stores in different cities. The suspect was taken into custody and arrested for burglary.

Domestic Violence

August 14 at 8:52 p.m., an officer responded to 500 block of Fano regarding a domestic violence report. The suspect fled the scene prior to his arrival. The female claimed she was hit and choked by the father of her children, who has been staying at the residence. The victim had marks that were consistent with her statement. The officer called the suspect on his cell phone. The suspect denied the assault and refused to return to the residence. A want was entered into the system for domestic violence. The investigation is continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

On July 31 and August 9, 2013, two crimes occurred involving the same gang members. The first case involved the brandishing of a firearm by two gang members. The second case involved a robbery and assault by three gang members.

These cases were presented together to the District Attorney's office. Felony complaints were filed for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a firearm, and violations of criminal street gang injunction.

Monrovia Unity Center Back-to-School Giveaway

A report on Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center giving away back-to-school supplies to needy children at Santa Anita Park. http://goo.gl/WCj4ff

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Gets Big Order | Tax Break | Ragtime

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment gets $13 million order from USArmy for Raven drone. http://goo.gl/7hdePv

~ Legislation by Monrovia Assemblymember Chris Holden to give service members a tax break when they are transferred to California was approved today by the Senate Governance & Finance Committee. AB 143, the Military Use Tax Exemption, would eliminate use taxes – a type of sales tax – on personal property purchased by an active duty military member who has been transferred into the state.

~ Rose Leaf Ragtime Club to meet at Wang's Place. http://goo.gl/0sZ6D1

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Drones to be Made In India

Monrovia's AeroVironment is going to have some of its drones built in India. http://goo.gl/nIcGVz

- Brad Haugaard

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