Citrus College Honors Vets

In commemoration of Veterans Day, hundreds of students, faculty and community leaders gathered at the Citrus College campus to celebrate the men and women who have served the United States and helped preserve its freedoms at the eighth annual "Saluting Our Veterans" event on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, and Azusa Pacific University (APU) partnered with the cities of Glendora and Azusa to pay tribute to members of all branches of the U.S. military and celebrate the contributions they have made to preserving America's freedoms.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Laying Track at Monrovia Rail Maintenance Yard

Crews have begun installing six miles of light rail track at the $265 million Gold Line maintenance yard in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/Boulbp

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Sunday's Old Town Bistro

Lunch at Sunday's Old Town Bistro, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Colorado. Got the Chicken Marinara Sandwich for $8.95 and an iced tea for $1.95.  $11.88 with tax. Nicely seasoned sandwich and I left well fed. 

- Brad Haugaard

Sixth Monrovia Area Partnership Class Graduates

The sixth class of MAP (Monrovia Area Partnership) leadership academy graduates honored by the City Council.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Arrested on Charges of Falsely Reporting Assault; 110 Years for Murder; Drunk Driving; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 4-6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 447 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
November 4 at 6:15 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of East Colorado. Unknown suspect(s) took the victim's white Honda Civic from the front of his home.  The victim did not know the license plate number of the vehicle because he had just bought the car the day before. The investigation is continuing.

False Report to an Officer/ Misuse of 9-1-1 – Suspect Arrested
November 4 at 8:37 a.m., Irwindale Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a cell phone.  It was an open line, and the dispatcher could hear a female subject talking to a male subject, saying he had hurt her wrist, and then the phone went dead.  The Irwindale dispatcher called back and the female answered, whispering into the phone that the male subject was now in the shower and he had in gun in the bathroom with him.  The female stated he had hit her in the ribcage and was requesting paramedics. The subjects were at an address in the 500 block of East Colorado in Monrovia.  Irwindale advised Monrovia Police Department and officers responded and set up containment of the location.

Monrovia dispatch called the residence and the male subject answered the phone.  He was asked to step outside.  The subject complied and calmly walked outside with his hands in the air; he was detained without incident.  After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the female had made a false report to police.  She was arrested for making a false report to an officer and a false 9-1-1 call.

Driving Under the Influence / Failure to Yield – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 7:25 p.m., an officer was on patrol near Chestnut and Fifth when he saw a vehicle driving south on Fifth with a flat tire.  The vehicle continued to Huntington and Fifth without pulling over.  The officer activated his lights and siren to get the driver to pull over, but the vehicle failed to yield and continued east on Huntington to Monterey, where the driver eventually pulled into a business parking lot.  The officer contacted the driver and determined the driver was intoxicated.  He was arrested for driving under the influence and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
 
Burglary Suspect Arrested and Charged
In June, officers took a report of a burglary from an apartment in the 1400 block of Alta Vista.  Several female subjects were mentioned as possible suspects, but the leads on the case needed to be followed up.  In October, Officers took a report of a burglary from a business in the 500 block of Huntington and the suspect was apprehended. The handling officer found the suspect he had in custody was listed as a possible suspect in the burglary from the apartment.

A burglary detective was then assigned to assist in the investigation and was able to produce more evidence and facts confirming the suspect in custody had, in fact, committed the burglary in June.  Due to the good work of both patrol personnel and the detective, two felony counts of burglary were charged against the suspect.

Murder Suspect Sentenced to 110 Years
In October of 2004, a male subject was murdered in an alley off the 200 block of West Olive, when the suspect shot the victim with a .22 revolver in the back of the head.  No witnesses initially came forward and the crime appeared to be gang related, so few potential witnesses were willing to admit any knowledge of the incident.  The case was not solved initially and was later assigned to a special task force assigned to the gang related crimes occurring in the city at the time.  A Monrovia Police Department detective was assigned to the task force and has worked relentlessly on the case for the past four years.

After the tireless work of many from the Monrovia Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, the suspect, a documented gang member, was given a 110 year sentence on October 30, 2013. The success of the prosecution relied on hard work and new developments in the processing of DNA-based evidence.

Pasadena Humane Society Taking Over Monrovia Animal Control

The City of Monrovia approved an animal control contract with the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) at Tuesday's city council meeting. The new contract is effective January 1, 2014.

Services included in the contract include animal rescue, dog barking complaints, cruelty investigations, picking up and transporting stray animals and dog licenses. Monrovia residents will also have access to affordable spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, too.

"We are happy to partner with the City of Monrovia to provide the best care possible for its animals," says Steve McNall, president/CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. "We are looking forward to being an invaluable community resource for animals and pet owners."

Monrovia joins Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena served by the PHS. The Pasadena Humane Society is located at 361 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena 91105. Hours of operation are Tuesdays-Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.pasadenahumane.org.

Source: Pasadena Humane Society press release

- Brad Haugaard

Intersection of California Ave. and Duarte Rd. Closed Thursday

Thursday, November 7th: 7 AM to 7 PM

Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the intersection of California Ave. and Duarte Rd. will be closed to through-traffic to allow crews to reconfigure the traffic lanes and re-stripe the road in preparation for future grade crossing construction.

During the intersection closure, detour routes will be in place and signage will be posted to guide motorists around the construction activity.

Following the closure, Duarte will re-open to one lane of traffic in each direction and California will remain closed north of Duarte.

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Dean Honored

Citrus College's interim executive dean, Dr. Martha McDonald, has been recognized by Cal State Fullerton's College of Education as a distinguished alumna. Citrus College serves Monrovia.

McDonald served in the Marine Corps, becoming the first female instructor in the Corps' Security Forces School; she earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Chapman University, and now oversees Citrus student government programs, school relations and outreach, campus safety, the student health center and veterans' programs. She helped Citrus become one of 15 colleges and universities in the nation to receive a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant from the Department of Education in 2009. In addition, the college has also been named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine for four consecutive years.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Thieves Steal $30,000 of Equipment from Monrovia's Centre Stage Theater Group

Thieves have stolen $30,000 of lighting and audio equipment from Monrovia's Centre Stage nonprofit theater group. http://goo.gl/WrcX4X

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Election: Williams and Zucco Win

Williams and Zucco win seats on the Monrovia School board.

Final results

Terrence Williams: 1,127
Alexandra Zucco: 933
Ruhiyyih Nikole Yuille: 732
Scott Pomrehn: 493

...with 15 of 15 precincts reporting.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Assemblyman Tim Donnelly Announces Run For Governor

Conservative Republican Tim Donnelly, who represented Monrovia in the State Assembly prior to redistricting, has officially announced his candidacy for governor on Facebook. He writes: "Today, I was proud and honored to officially announce my candidacy for Governor of California." He adds, "I'm in it to win." His website: http://goo.gl/2qjzvC

Comment: I think this is a long shot, but then I thought his race for the Assembly was a long shot and he surprised me. Anyway, it will add spice to the governor's race.

- Brad Haugaard

Sports Reporter Picks Monrovia Over San Marino

Star-News sports reporter Steve Ramirez is predicting a win for Monrovia in this Friday's championship football game against San Marino (7 p.m. in San Marino). Steve Ramirez says both teams are good at scoring but Monrovia's defense looks stronger. http://goo.gl/DgefSS

- Brad Haugaard

Voting Day in Monrovia - Two School Board Positions Open

It is voting day in Monrovia. You can select up to two candidates to fill two open positions on the Monrovia School Board. Your voting location is on your voting pamphlet. And if you need a refresher about the candidates, here's some info: http://goo.gl/WOUQXL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stabbing on a Bus; Stolen Vehicles; Drugs and Driving; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 31-Nov. 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Downtown Monrovia Halloween Event
On October 31, over one thousand people dressed in costume attended Monrovia’s Halloween event on Myrtle Avenue.  During the event, one female adult suffered a seizure and was cared for by police explorers until officers and paramedics arrived.  The explorers also assisted in locating a missing purse at the event.  The street was closed from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the Halloween event.

Outside Assist / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 6:02 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a stabbing on a bus at Longden and Peck, involving two victims.  The suspect was last seen running north on Peck toward a nearby church.  Monrovia Special Enforcement Team officers responded and conducted a search, locating the suspect in the church.  He was detained and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was notified after it was determined the incident occurred in the county area of Arcadia.

Grand Theft From a Vehicle
October 31 at 10:00 p.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported that someone had entered her vehicle and had stolen her laptop, iPad, and backpack.  The vehicle was parked on the street and had no signs of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 2:25 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Huntington for a vehicle code violation.  After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Stolen Vehicle – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 11:00 a.m., an officer was investigating a vehicle theft that had occurred the day before at a business in the 100 block of West Chestnut.  The business owner suspected an employee, as a vehicle had gone missing before.  The vehicle was recovered by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department around the corner from the employee's residence.  The officer spoke to the employee, who admitted taking the vehicle.  He said the vehicle broke down on him and he was unable to return it before the business opened.  The employee was arrested for grand theft auto and held for bail.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 2:32 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle on Huntington and Myrtle for a vehicle code violation and discovered the subject had been drinking.  The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Stolen Vehicle
November 3 at 2:27 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1000 block of Royal Oaks.  The victim last saw his car in his parking space on November 1.  When he returned to his vehicle on November 3, it was missing.  The victim had left the keys in the car.  The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vhicle
November 3 at 4:35 p.m., an officer responded to the parking lot of a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a stolen truck.  The victim had parked his work truck, a blue, 1999 Nissan containing gardening equipment, in the parking lot.  When he returned to the area where he parked the truck, he found broken glass on the ground and the truck missing.  The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 7:31 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 100 block of West Foothill observed a speeding motorist.  The motorist was stopped and found to be an unlicensed driver.  A computer check revealed the motorist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest issued by the Glendale Police Department and he was also found to be in possession of marijuana.  The subject received a citation for the unlicensed driver and possession of marijuana charges, and the Glendale Police Department responded and took custody of the subject for the warrant.
 
Special Enforcement Team Weekly Activity
On November 2, Special Enforcement Team officers conducted an Alcoholic Beverage Control Party Patrol from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  One male adult was cited for an open container of an alcoholic beverage at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle.

Monrovia Robot Competition | Interviewing for City Manager | Boy & Girl's Club Grows | Unity Center | Thanksgiving Service

~ Monrovia High is hosting a robot competition from area high schools on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym (aka "Event Center"). School Board Member Ed Gililland said Monrovia has a "great robotics team."

~ City Council Member Becky Shevlin reports that the city is in the interviewing stage for a new city manager. Current city manager, Laurie Lile, is retiring.

~ The Monrovia Boys and Girls Club is growing. Executive Director John Wilsom reports that there are 75 kids on the waiting list to participate in its programs.

~ With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center could use help in providing food and services to local needy families. It could use food, including pet food, and time. If you'd like to help, call Raina at 358-3486 or email volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org

~ The Interfaith Council of Monrovia will hold a Thanksgiving service Nov. 21 from 7-8 p.m. at Monrovia United Methodist Church at 140 E. Palm. The council represents various religions. Bring a can of green beans for a food collection if you go.

- Brad Haugaard

White Christmas | Hunger Games | Free Movie | Animals

~ The Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka the Monrovia High auditorium) will present Irving Berlin's White Christmas on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., Dec. 7 at 2 and 8 p.m., and on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com .

~ Free Hunger Games challenge at the library for 6-12 graders on Nov. 16 from 6-9 p.m.

~ Free Monday movie night at the library, 6 p.m. Nov. 18. About an American Indian princess but library won't give exact name, so you'll have to guess.

~ Free "Animals 101" event at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the library. For grades 1-8 to learn about critters.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Honors Herb Hezlep and Detro Sells for More Than 50 Years of Service

Herb Hezlep (left) and Detro Sells (right).

The Rotary Club of Monrovia will honor two of its longstanding members on Tuesday November 5, 2013 at Cafe Opera in Monrovia.  Herb Hezlep and Detro Sells each have over 50 years of service to the Monrovia community as members of the Monrovia Rotary club.

Herb Hezlep

Herbert Hezlep has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1950, he joined his father’s small hardware manufacturing company, Acme General Corporation, which eventually was expanded from its base in Monrovia, California, to Canada and Europe. Herb served as executive vice president, president, and chairman of the board before retiring in 1988. Active in his community, he has served as president and board member of the YMCA of Monrovia and board member of Huntington Medical Research Institutes in Pasadena.

Herb followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Rotary Club of Monrovia in 1958. He became club president in 1964-65, district Group Study Exchange chair in 1967-68, and district conference chair in 1973. Herb has been an active supporter of the Group Study Exchange program over the years and considers it his favorite Rotary Foundation program.

Herb and Elizabeth have been married for over 57 years. They have four children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Liz is a retired society editor for the local newspaper and remains active with the Luminaires, a support group for the Doheny Eye Institute. Herb and Liz support The Rotary Foundation through the Herb Hezlep Endowed Fund.

Detro Sells

Detro Sells was inducted into Rotary Club of Monrovia in 1962 and served as President in 1982-1983.

He graduated from Williamsport, Indiana high school and moved to Detroit looking for work.  There he met Bliss, and they were married in 1941.  When WW II came to the USA, Detro joined the Marines. An exceptional marksman, he was ultimately assigned to the defending headquarters unit for Admiral Nimitz of the United States Navy.  His unit served in Hawaii and Guam and other locations.  Bliss had returned to Indiana while Detro finished his tour of duty.

After the war, Detro and Bliss traded their home and furnishings in Williamsport for a 1947 Pontiac and trailer and headed west.  They arrived in California in 1949, staying first with relatives in Temple City.  Work after the war was very difficult to find but Detro had some skill working on radio cabinets.

During a job search he heard about California Furniture in Monrovia.  He and Bliss visited the town and found ‘an open city with people out and about.’  Detro met the owner of California Furniture, a Rotarian named Neil Hunter.  Neil offered Detro a job paying $55 a week; a few years (and hopefully a few raises) later, Detro became a partner in the firm.  After Hunter’s retirement, Detro and Bliss opened Sells Furniture at 627 S. Myrtle in 1960, and in 1962 Detro joined The Rotary Club of Monrovia sponsored by Neil Hunter.  Sells Furniture prospered until Detro’s own retirement at age 75, in 1997.

In addition to his term as President of the Rotary Club of Monrovia, Detro was President of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce in 1976 and also served as Chairman of the Monrovia Merchants Association.

Bliss was ‘a jewel’ among the Rotary Anns, organizing blood drives for the Red Cross as well as bake sales and numerous club events.  Detro’s favorite quote at his demotion was from Past District Governor and fellow Monrovia Rotarian George Carlson:  “Detro, I don’t know whether to give this award [The George Carlson Award] to you or to Bliss.”

Detro and Bliss, married since 1941, have been a team of professional success for years.  Detro and Bliss were blessed with four daughters:  Georgia Jean; twins Sandra Leigh and Susan Marie; and Lana Gail.  They have grandchildren and great grandchildren that can’t be counted on fingers and toes.

Source: Rotary press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Commissioned to Build Ship-Launched Drone | Fire Danger | WWII Display | Mayor Interviewed

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment, Inc. has been selected by the federal government's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone designed to operate from small ships to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The contract is worth $2.3 million. http://goo.gl/5kzecN

~ National Weather Service is predicting gusty Santa Ana winds with elevated fire danger starting tonight through Wednesday for the San Gabriel Valley and other areas. http://goo.gl/8eujii

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group reports in its newsletter that the Monrovia Historical Museum has a new exhibit that pays homage to the service men and women who participated in World War II. Items include an autograph by the pilot of the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima.

~ Attorney Patricia Corrales interviews Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz on KGEM. http://goo.gl/7WsssS

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Guts Monrovia Home

Monrovia home on Royal Oaks gutted by fire. Everyone safe. http://goo.gl/pIHNXQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Art Show | Dia De Los Muertos | Station Square | Vets Day

"A Beautiful Moment" by W. Jason Situ

~ A one-man show of works by W. Jason Situ, Nov. 9-30, at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime. Opening reception, Saturday, Nov. 9, 5-7 p.m. Wine, appetizers, live music and the artist.

~ Dia De Los Muertos today (Nov. 2) starting at 11:30 a.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/J2uFkq

~ The City Council will hold a special meeting about the Station Square Transit Village on Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Discussion will cover design concepts, timelines, etc. http://goo.gl/rkh1kU

~ Monrovia city offices and facilities will be closed for Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Allied Veterans Council is hosting a Veterans Day event in Library Park at 11 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard