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Monrovia Football on Top | School Open | Fiat Picks AeroVironment

~ Monrovia opens at number one in Star-News' Top–10 football rankings. http://goo.gl/nYYVZf

~ Monrovia students are back at school. Drive safely!

~ Fiat chooses Monrovia's AeroVironment for car-charging stations for its electric car customers. http://goo.gl/nzq0Oq

  

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Agriculture Bill Progresses in Senate

Assemblymember Chris Holden's legislation to promote California agricultural has been overwhelmingly approved in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee. Holden represents Monrovia. 

AB 199 requires California state agencies to purchase agricultural products from California companies if the price is equal to or less than the lowest out-of-state company. AB 199 also encourages all public schools, school districts, and public colleges to purchase agricultural products within the state.

AB 199 passed on a vote 7 to 0. It now moves to Senate Appropriations Committee.

Source: Holden press release
 
- Brad Haugaard

Resistor Records Opening | STAAR Gets Indian Approval | Be a Leader! | Kid Flicks?

~ Resistor Records will open in Old Monrovia. http://goo.gl/uoduKD

~ STAAR Surgical Company, a Monrovia company that makes implantable lenses for the eye, has received approval to market its Visian Implantable Collamer Lens in India. http://goo.gl/XqqD7W

~ Want to be a leader? Try Monrovia's MAP leadership Academy. Details: http://goo.gl/W9aO8F

 ~ The Monrovia Y could use any old kid-friendly DVD movies you have for its Kid Zone. Just drop them off at the Welcome Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Assault with Rocks and Bricks; Shooting with BB Gun; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report August 15–18. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft from a Vehicle

On August 15 at 7:03 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Laurel Lane reported a theft from her unlocked vehicle. Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle overnight and removed loose change from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On August 15 at 9:25 a.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of Prospect regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that someone entered their vehicle overnight and removed the vehicle registration. The victim was not sure if their vehicle was locked. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Stolen Property / Warrant – Suspects Arrested

On August 15 at 3:28 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area when he noticed a suspicious vehicle parked in the 500 block of South Magnolia. He recognized the driver as a drug offender from a previous arrest. The officer conducted a computer check, which revealed a warrant for his arrest. As the vehicle was driving away the driver was stopped. Through investigation, the passenger was determined to be in possession of stolen property from an older case. Both driver and passenger were arrested.

Vehicle Burglary

On August 15 at 4:58 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of West Walnut regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that someone entered their vehicle overnight. The victim parked her vehicle, locked the car and set the alarm. When she returned she found the vehicle had been ransacked. There was no loss.

Vehicle Burglary

On August 15 at 4:58 p.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of Ridgeside regarding a theft from a vehicle. The victim reported that someone entered their locked vehicle overnight. The suspect(s) removed their vehicle registration and a device used to register fuel mileage. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Suspect Arrested

On August 15 at 10:00 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers located two subjects walking in the alley of the 700 block of Ocean View. Due to the numerous vehicle and residential burglaries both subjects were stopped and then one of the subjects fled. The subject was stopped a short time later, found to be in possession of a controlled substance and arrested. The other subject was field interviewed and released.

Trespassing

On August 16 at 10:32 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Gladys regarding a trespassing report. The victim was driving home when she observed a female exiting her front door, just as she drove into her driveway. The female suspect saw the resident and immediately began running. The suspect was apprehended and identified. The suspect was placed under arrest for trespassing into an unlocked residence. Nothing in the home was tampered with.

Criminal Threats / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspects Arrested

On August 16 at 4:50 p.m., two male Hispanics were walking home in the 700 block of California, when they noticed they were being followed closely by three male, black suspects. While on California and Royal Oaks, the male, black suspects accosted the victims. The suspects had bricks and rocks in their hands as weapons. The victims feared for their safety so they began running toward their home. The three suspects threw the bricks and rocks at the victims hitting them. The suspects yelled that they were going to kill them and shoot them with a gun. The victims ran home, called the police for help, in fear for their lives. The victims were not members of any gang. The suspects were quickly apprehended by officers and after positive identification, were arrested. None of the three suspects had a gun.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Possession of Methamphetamine Pipe / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested

On August 17 at 4:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of South Mayflower regarding a shooting. The witness observed a suspect shoot what he believed to be a BB gun at another male. The male who was shot jumped into a white pickup truck and fled the scene. The suspect was quickly detained by officers, and the BB gun was located. The suspect is on active parole, and a search revealed he was in possession of two methamphetamine pipes. The assault was over a dispute between the victim and a female, who had been outside the suspect's apartment arguing with each other. The victim drove himself to the Monrovia Police Department, where he was treated by Monrovia Fire for a wound to his lower back and was taken to a Hospital. The suspect was arrested.

Receiving / Concealing Stolen Property / Prowling on Private Property – Suspect Arrested

On August 18 at 2:59 a.m., a resident called to report he heard someone going into one of his vehicles, parked to the rear of 200 East Lemon. Officers responded and saw a male subject near the property. When officers tried contacting the suspect he fled and a foot pursuit followed. The suspect was located and detained. During a pat down search, several items were located on his person, that were later identified by two separate victims of vehicle thefts. Additional property was located but officers were unable to locate more victims. The suspect was also in possession of a stun gun/taser. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary

On August 18 at 8:26 a.m. a victim called to report a vehicle burglary. The victim parked vehicle her vehicle in the 600 block of South Myrtle. The victim stated the vehicle was locked, but windows were not all the way up. Unknown suspect(s) entered the locked vehicle and took victim's wallet. The Investigation is continuing.



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mini Libraries

A feature story in the Star-News on Monrovia's Little Libraries project. http://goo.gl/mI8DG1

- Brad Haugaard

Looking for 'Foothill Bandit' | Monrovia Unemployment

This man suspected in local robberies

~ LA Sheriff's Department is looking for the "Foothills Bandit," who has been robbing banks in this area. http://goo.gl/5Mw2VT

~ Following the county trend, unemployment in Monrovia is up. http://goo.gl/pNocY8
 
- Brad Haugaard

Delgado Brothers - Music in the Park Sunday

Summer concert at the bandshell in Library Park, this Sunday, August 18, 7-8:30 p.m. The Delgado Brothers (Roots Rock Latino Blues).

- Brad Haugaard

Watch the Turn Onto Myrtle!

Monrovian Brad Hori, on the network Nextdoor, warns that the intersection at the end of the Myrtle off-ramp for the 210 Freeway East no longer allows a right turn on red.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Submarine & BBQ Teriyaki


Had lunch recently at Submarine & BBQ Teriyaki Japanese Food in the Rite-Aid shopping center at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia. Got the aptly named Volcanic Chicken and an iced tea ($9.21). My nose is still running. Hot-hot and spicy-hot. It is chicken wings and legs in a spicy-sweet sauce. Fine if you don't mind very spicy.

- Brad Haugaard

Supes Against Monrovia Mudslides

The LA County Board of Supervisors has authorized emergency efforts to protect Monrovia neighborhoods below the fire burn area against the threat of mud flows. http://goo.gl/Q8bGIJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Celebrates Volunteer

According to its Facebook posting, Monrovia Public Library is close to celebrating volunteer computer coach Evan Cochran's first anniversary. In addition to coaching, Evan digitizes old Monrovia newspapers for the library, and plans to get his civil engineering degree from San Luis Obispo.

- Brad Haugaard

Singers Wanted | Station Square Report

~ Got a singing voice? The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company is seeking new singers for its 2013–2014 concert season. http://goo.gl/Cb6R8V

~ A report by the city on the new Station Square project. http://goo.gl/6a4sMN

- Brad Haugaard

Buy-a-Pie Fundraiser

Foothill Unity Center of Monrovia is holding a Buy-a-Pie fundraiser. Buy a voucher for a Marie Calendar pie from Foothill Unity Center, then get the pie for the holidays. The Center gets a cut of the pie price to help the needy. Call 837-3906 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

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