~ In an editorial, the Pasadena Star-News echos a criticism leveled by the program 60 Minutes at Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, who represents the bulk of Monrovia, for using her campaign money to enrich herself. How it works: Loan your own campaign a chunk of money and charge the campaign a hefty interest rate (Napolitano charged 18 percent and later 10 percent). All completely legal. [Comment: Yeah, it seems a bit high, but for risky borrowers, like members of Congress, I guess you gotta charge a lot more.] http://goo.gl/ElHb6U
~ There will be a meeting about installing the concrete K-Rail barriers on Madison, near where the fire burned off, at the Library Community Room, today (Oct. 23) at 7 p.m. For more information call 932-5575 or visit www.cityofmonrovia.org/publicworks
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment, the world's highest volume manufacturer of drones, has signed an agreement with Eurocopter, the leading global helicopter manufacturer, to explore opportunities for expanding their military and commercial product portfolios. http://goo.gl/mBKxk5
~ City meeting on Station Square project. http://goo.gl/TISGuo
- Brad Haugaard
Patch Cutting More Staff at Some Websites
The Patch family of news websites (Monrovia has a Patch site) will let go all staff in non-core market areas. Los Angeles, however, is listed as a core area. Also, even some websites in the core areas may be "lightly" staffed if they receive insufficient traffic. http://goo.gl/B0QdiV
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Youth & Government Training in Monrovia
There will be a six-month Youth & Government training program at Santa Anita Family YMCA in which students in grades 9-12 can learn public speaking, organization, problem solving and time management. They can write bills, attend training conferences and run for offices. "You will also have the unique opportunity of taking over the State Capitol and using the halls, chambers and offices where real government is conducted." [Opinion: Hmm. Might be a big improvement.] Meetings at Y's Program Center Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. If interested contact Lindsey Acquazzino at lindseyacquazzino@ymcala.org or 359.9244 ext. 8340.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Starbucks Being Remodeled
The Starbucks coffee shop on the north side of the Pavilions parking lot will close Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. through Nov. 2 for remodeling.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Business Showcase in Old Town This Friday
There will be a business showcase this Friday, Oct. 25, in the 700 block of Myrtle, in front of the Paragon Apartments, from 5-9 p.m., during the street fair. Food, fun, and you can visit each of the business showcase exhibitor booths for a chance to win a prize.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Unveils Drone-Watcher
Monrovia's AeroVironment has unveiled its new Pocket DDL secure digital video and data receiver. The four-ounce device enables remote viewing of video and data from drones. http://goo.gl/uXwKJK
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Dad Allegedly Whacks Son With Chair; Fight at Wedding Reception; Hitting Candy-Selling Teen; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Residential Burglary
October 17 at 3:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Norumbega. The victim left her residence at 2:30 p.m. and returned approximately an hour later. When she returned, she discovered her front door had been pried open and the entire residence had been ransacked. The loss is still undetermined at this time. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary / Petty Theft / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 8:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of West Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. As the officers were arriving, a second business called reporting another theft that had just occurred, and the suspect description matched in both thefts. The suspect was located and detained by police. The suspect was carrying a backpack which contained stolen property from both stores. He was also in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. The suspect was positively identified and was arrested.
Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 4:14 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of West Olive. The victim’s vehicle was parked between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:45 a.m. When he returned to his vehicle the following morning, he discovered a tool missing from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Residential Burglary
October 18 at 6:14 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Fifth regarding the report of a residential burglary. The incident occurred on October 16, between 8:00 a.m. and 1200 p.m. The victim found a window screen pulled back and the gates leading to the rear of the location were open. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 6:25 p.m., the manager of a business in the 800 block of West Huntington called to report her vehicle had been broken into between 3:00 and 6:20 p.m. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and left her purse inside the vehicle under the driver’s seat. The rear driver side window was smashed and the victim's purse was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 1:56 a.m., officers on patrol in the 400 block South Myrtle observed two subjects sitting at a patio table behind a business in the dark. One of the subjects had his phone, cigarettes and lighters on the table, and his hands were also on the table. When the officers moved him from the table, they found he had been concealing several methamphetamine crystals with his hands. The crystals tested positive for methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested. During the booking process at the jail, a search of the suspect revealed an additional plastic baggie containing about 5 grams of methamphetamine crystals which he had concealed on his person. The subject was charged with possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a jail facility.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 3:09 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Pamela for a traffic violation. The driver was observed swerving over the line between lanes and then swerving back into his lane. Upon further investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.
Assault – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 9:52 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Montana regarding disturbing subjects. When they arrived, it was determined a father and son were having a verbal altercation, and the father struck the son on the head with a chair. The son sustained a small cut on his left temple and a contusion on the left eye area. He refused medical attention. The father had been drinking and was arrested for assault.
Fight in Progress – Four Suspects Arrested
October 20 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding ten people fighting in the lobby. The manager pointed out a female subject and told the officer she had started the fight during a wedding reception. Other officers arrived and moved further into the lobby area, where people were still pushing each other. Officers from Arcadia Police Department were requested to assist. In all, three subjects, two males and one female, were arrested for public intoxication, and one female was arrested for delaying and obstructing an officer. The lobby was cleared and the guests dispersed.
Battery
October 20 at 4:15 p.m., an assault incident was reported in the 100 block of West Foothill. The victim was a 16-year-old male who was selling candy door-to-door. He went into a business and was immediately told to leave and that he could not sell candy at the business. As he left, he made a comment under his breath. A coworker of the person the comment was directed at became angry and followed the victim outside. Once in the parking lot, he hit the victim three times in the face. Witnesses began yelling at him to stop hitting the victim, and the suspect was pulled away by a coworker. The case will be sent to the District Attorney for filing.
Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 11:55 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 2600 block of California stopped a motorist for a minor traffic violation. Further investigation revealed the motorist was in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, and three glass pipes. The motorist was arrested and taken to jail for the above listed charges.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Residential Burglary
October 17 at 3:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Norumbega. The victim left her residence at 2:30 p.m. and returned approximately an hour later. When she returned, she discovered her front door had been pried open and the entire residence had been ransacked. The loss is still undetermined at this time. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary / Petty Theft / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 8:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of West Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred. As the officers were arriving, a second business called reporting another theft that had just occurred, and the suspect description matched in both thefts. The suspect was located and detained by police. The suspect was carrying a backpack which contained stolen property from both stores. He was also in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. The suspect was positively identified and was arrested.
Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 4:14 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of West Olive. The victim’s vehicle was parked between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:45 a.m. When he returned to his vehicle the following morning, he discovered a tool missing from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt Residential Burglary
October 18 at 6:14 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Fifth regarding the report of a residential burglary. The incident occurred on October 16, between 8:00 a.m. and 1200 p.m. The victim found a window screen pulled back and the gates leading to the rear of the location were open. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 6:25 p.m., the manager of a business in the 800 block of West Huntington called to report her vehicle had been broken into between 3:00 and 6:20 p.m. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and left her purse inside the vehicle under the driver’s seat. The rear driver side window was smashed and the victim's purse was taken. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 1:56 a.m., officers on patrol in the 400 block South Myrtle observed two subjects sitting at a patio table behind a business in the dark. One of the subjects had his phone, cigarettes and lighters on the table, and his hands were also on the table. When the officers moved him from the table, they found he had been concealing several methamphetamine crystals with his hands. The crystals tested positive for methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested. During the booking process at the jail, a search of the suspect revealed an additional plastic baggie containing about 5 grams of methamphetamine crystals which he had concealed on his person. The subject was charged with possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a jail facility.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 3:09 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Pamela for a traffic violation. The driver was observed swerving over the line between lanes and then swerving back into his lane. Upon further investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.
Assault – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 9:52 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Montana regarding disturbing subjects. When they arrived, it was determined a father and son were having a verbal altercation, and the father struck the son on the head with a chair. The son sustained a small cut on his left temple and a contusion on the left eye area. He refused medical attention. The father had been drinking and was arrested for assault.
Fight in Progress – Four Suspects Arrested
October 20 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding ten people fighting in the lobby. The manager pointed out a female subject and told the officer she had started the fight during a wedding reception. Other officers arrived and moved further into the lobby area, where people were still pushing each other. Officers from Arcadia Police Department were requested to assist. In all, three subjects, two males and one female, were arrested for public intoxication, and one female was arrested for delaying and obstructing an officer. The lobby was cleared and the guests dispersed.
Battery
October 20 at 4:15 p.m., an assault incident was reported in the 100 block of West Foothill. The victim was a 16-year-old male who was selling candy door-to-door. He went into a business and was immediately told to leave and that he could not sell candy at the business. As he left, he made a comment under his breath. A coworker of the person the comment was directed at became angry and followed the victim outside. Once in the parking lot, he hit the victim three times in the face. Witnesses began yelling at him to stop hitting the victim, and the suspect was pulled away by a coworker. The case will be sent to the District Attorney for filing.
Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 20 at 11:55 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 2600 block of California stopped a motorist for a minor traffic violation. Further investigation revealed the motorist was in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, and three glass pipes. The motorist was arrested and taken to jail for the above listed charges.
Girl's Varsity Volleyball Successfully Defends Its Championship | Banning Bags | Cheap Eats
~ Monrovia High's Girl's varsity volleyball team successfully defended its championship in The Gabrielino Fall Classic by defeating San Gabriel in the final set 25-23 last Saturday, according to Monrovia High. MVP was Kelsey Molnar and All Tournament players were Kayla Howell. On Tuesday the girls volleyball teams will try to prevent South Pasadena from winning the Rio Hondo League title.
~ City to explore banning or reducing the number of plastic bags. Here's the video: http://goo.gl/9OXK1C
~ Cheap dinners at the VFW. Taco Mondays, burger Tuesdays. http://goo.gl/C1BffX
~ City to explore banning or reducing the number of plastic bags. Here's the video: http://goo.gl/9OXK1C
~ Cheap dinners at the VFW. Taco Mondays, burger Tuesdays. http://goo.gl/C1BffX
AeroVironment Drone Flies Longer
The Puma drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, will now fly up to 75% longer. Also, other improvements. http://goo.gl/WBXM8P
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fog
Early morning ( about 6 a.m. today) fog rolls in at the Pavilions shopping area at Foothill and Myrtle.
- Brad Haugaard
Friends of Monrovia Public Library Winners
The four winners of the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library bookmark contest with the Monrovia City Council: Member Larry Spicer, Council Member Alex Blackburn, Council Member Tom Adams, Winner Iris Xu (age 4), Karen Hollinhurst, president of FOMPL, winner Jose Elias Pla De Anda (age 5), Council Member Becky Shevlin, winner Kimberlie Nordahl (age 11), Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, and winner Amanda Abidin (age 14). Each winner received 50 bookmarks and $15 in Friends Book Bucks which can be used to purchase books and media from the Friends Store.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Attendance for Students ... And Teachers; Honoring Employees; Welcoming Chinese Delegation
At its Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/i1t0eH ), the Monrovia school board will ...
~ Hear an enrollment report for October. Enrollment is 7 students higher than projected for October and 43 more than last year. Also, kindergarten enrollment is up 19 since last year and 77 more than in 2010-11, and that is important because the kindergartners will tend to stay in school for lots more years. Details: http://goo.gl/vfN3qJ
~ Hear a report on attendance rates for teachers. Canyon Early Learning Center scored best, with teachers present 95.02 percent of the time, Mayflower Elementary second at 94.03 percent, and Monrovia High at the bottom at 89.73 percent. The highest percentages of absences - 25 percent - are on Fridays. http://goo.gl/ZHKPv5
~ Recognize (with the Chamber of Commerce) outstanding employees Rosa Avila, assistant food services manager at Canyon Early Learning Center; Barbara Swisher, teacher at Canyon Early Learning Center; Jason Edwards, teacher at Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; Donna Wheeler, food service worker, Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; and Selena Patton, ESL teacher, Monrovia Community Adult School.
~ Welcome a delegation of school teachers and principals from China.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Hear an enrollment report for October. Enrollment is 7 students higher than projected for October and 43 more than last year. Also, kindergarten enrollment is up 19 since last year and 77 more than in 2010-11, and that is important because the kindergartners will tend to stay in school for lots more years. Details: http://goo.gl/vfN3qJ
~ Hear a report on attendance rates for teachers. Canyon Early Learning Center scored best, with teachers present 95.02 percent of the time, Mayflower Elementary second at 94.03 percent, and Monrovia High at the bottom at 89.73 percent. The highest percentages of absences - 25 percent - are on Fridays. http://goo.gl/ZHKPv5
~ Recognize (with the Chamber of Commerce) outstanding employees Rosa Avila, assistant food services manager at Canyon Early Learning Center; Barbara Swisher, teacher at Canyon Early Learning Center; Jason Edwards, teacher at Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; Donna Wheeler, food service worker, Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; and Selena Patton, ESL teacher, Monrovia Community Adult School.
~ Welcome a delegation of school teachers and principals from China.
- Brad Haugaard
Progress on Monrovia Train Maintenance Yard
Each flag shown here on the Gold Line's Monrovia Operations Campus shows the location of a future OCS (overhead catenary system) pole. More than half of the 213 pole foundations are complete. They will support nearly six miles of track that will be installed.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Panda Express
Lunch recently at Panda Express at the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got the 2-entree plate with Orange Chicken and a new dish called Samurai Surf and Turf, for $6.59 plus an extra dollar for the Surf and Turf (beef and shrimp) and an iced tea for $1.59. Plus tax. Panda is always good.
- Brad Haugaard
Halloween at the Library | Monrovia High Grad Wins Architecture Award
~ Coming up for kids at the library: Halloween Spooktacular, Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Storytime Room, and Halloween Stories and Giveaways, Thursday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. in the Library Community Room.
~ Former Monrovia High student wins state architecture award. http://goo.gl/hqgKur
- Brad Haugaard
~ Former Monrovia High student wins state architecture award. http://goo.gl/hqgKur
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Driving Under the Influence; Vehicle Burglary; Shoplifting
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 10-16. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 421 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.n, visit our website and follow us on Twitter for police notifications.
Warrants - Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 11:58 a.m., an officer on patrol recognized a male subject who had outstanding warrants walking south on Buena Vista from Huntington. A computer check confirmed the male subject did have three outstanding warrants for his arrest. The subject was stopped and arrested for the warrants.
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 2:01 a.m., and officer stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and the 210 Freeway. The driver was speeding and swerved over the dividing line, straddling the line for approximately 40 feet. Through investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence and he was arrested.
Vehicle Burglary
October 15 at 5:58 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Monrovista. The victim believes his vehicle was locked when he parked it. There were no signs of forced entry. Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took new clothing in boxes that was left in the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting - Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 12:12 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain detained a female suspect for shoplifting. The suspect was seen by loss prevention putting items into her purse and then exiting the store without paying for the merchandise. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Monrovia Beer at Weekend Festival
Monrovia's Pacific Plate Brewing Co. will be serving its organic beer at this weekend's A Taste of Old Town Monrovia, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets $50, at the door $60. Oct. 20, 5–8 p.m. on Myrtle Ave. Food by local restaurants, wines, spirits, live music. http://goo.gl/KpO4Rk
- Brad Haugaard
Tiger Mosquitoes Getting Close to Monrovia - Spraying Tonight
Tiger mosquitoes are getting close to Monrovia. Early tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 18), the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will be spraying neighborhoods (dark blue on this map) just south of Mayflower Village, below Live Oak where Myrtle turns into Peck Road). Spraying will be from 1-3 a.m. from a truck, which is targeting immature mosquitoes in hidden standing water sources. The EPA has determined the chemicals are "non-toxic with no or minimal potential risk to people and other animals."
What they look like: The Asian tiger mosquito can be identified by its unique size, color, and feeding habits. The mosquito is approximately 1⁄4 inch long and has distinctive black and white stripes across its body and legs. This is an aggressive day-time biting mosquito that can transmit the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, and encephalitis.
What to do: If you see any small, black and white mosquitoes or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day, call SGVMVCD at 626-814-9466.
Keep them from breeding:
- Search for and discard any containers, cans, buckets, old tires, and trash around the home. Store items in a covered area or indoors to prevent water from accumulating.
- Drill drain-holes in tubs, containers, trash cans, and tire swings that must be kept outdoors.
- Look closely under all bushes and behind walls for trash, plastic bags, tarps or children's toys that may collect water. Discard or store them indoors.
- Store recyclables inside covered trashcans or sealed plastic bagsRemove any water saucers from beneath potted plants and drill drain holes in all decorative flower pots.
- Do not store water in uncovered buckets or rain barrels. Ensure rain barrels are completely sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them thoroughly every 3 days. Request FREE mosquitofish for ponds or larger fountains.
- Clean out rain gutters and lawn drains to ensure water does not collect.
- Water plants at the soil level. Water that collects in the leaves and axils of plants will breed mosquitoes.
- Spread the word! Talk to your neighbors about preventing mosquitoes from breeding
Source: http://goo.gl/0kQQ54 and http://goo.gl/Gh4gXQ
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia vs. South Pas | Trader Joe's Comes to Town
~ Monrovia football against South Pas tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. at Monrovia High.
~ Thought this was fun. A Tonawanda (near Niagara Falls, NY) newspaper columnist wonders what the fuss is about when a Trader Joe's moves to town. She finds out. Trader Joe's, of course, is based in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/kXVs4A
- Brad Haugaard
~ Thought this was fun. A Tonawanda (near Niagara Falls, NY) newspaper columnist wonders what the fuss is about when a Trader Joe's moves to town. She finds out. Trader Joe's, of course, is based in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/kXVs4A
- Brad Haugaard
See What is Planned for Monrovia Station Square Project
Station Square Open House set for next Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 130 West Pomona Avenue, Monrovia. Come and learn about the Public Improvements planned for Monrovia's Station Square or visit http://goo.gl/bc9BBE.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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