Chu Introduces Bill to Overrule State Regulations on Abortion

Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia (from Hillcrest/Grand/E. Greystone north), has helped introduce a bill that would overrule "restrictive regulations and laws - such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin" on abortions. http://goo.gl/vddsdb

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Subway

Lunch at Subway, in the Pavilions shopping area. Got a six-inch club sandwich on wheat bread ($6.95) and a small iced tea ($1.50). Plus tax. Subs are always good for a quick lunch. 

- Brad Haugaard

California and Duarte Intersection Closed Tomorrow

The California Ave. and Duarte Rd. intersection will be closed tomorrow, Nov, 16, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow crews to reconfigure the traffic lanes and re-stripe the road. California Ave. south of Duarte Road will remain closed through early-February 2014.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Seminar in Monrovia on Keeping Teens Safe on Facebook

Assemblymember Chris Holden is teaming up with Facebook and Assemblymembers Ed Chau and Roger Hernández for a free seminar called, "How to Keep Teens Safe on Facebook," Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Sierra College Auditorium, 101 E. Huntington Drive, Monrovia. Facebook recently changed its privacy settings to allow teens more access. Parents, teens and community members will learn about reporting tools, new privacy settings and bullying prevention.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Quest for a Four-Peat Championship | World Vision Supplies Arrive in Cebu

~ In a relief operation by Monrovia-based World Vision, four trucks hauled 25 tons of supplies into remote villages in the hills of Tabugon Municipality, on the island of Cebu, the Philippines. http://goo.gl/doHIwY

~ Tonight, Monrovia begins its quest for a four-peat championship. Playing Sierra Canyon at 7 p.m. at Monrovia High. http://goo.gl/TP4W8U

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Coming to Monrovia: Schedule

Santa will be touring Monrovia, Dec. 16-20, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Fire Station 101. Schedule:

- Monday, Dec. 16: South of Huntington, west of Myrtle, to Fifth Ave. on the west and south city border. Also, Valley Circle.

- Tuesday, Dec. 17: East of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

- Wednesday, Dec. 18: West of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

- Thursday, Dec. 19: East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, to east city border.

- Friday, Dec. 20: West of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington, to Fifth Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Public Hearing on Landmark Status for Alta Vista Property

At its Nov. 19 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/KooVZC ) the Monrovia City Council will hold a public hearing about whether to grant Historic Landmark status for the property at 505 N. Alta Vista Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Partial Opening of California and Duarte Intersection by Mid November

The northern half of the intersection of California Avenue and Duarte Road will be accessible by mid November. The whole intersection will open by early February. In other words, California Avenue will be blocked off on the south side of the intersection.

Source: Metro Gold Line Construction Authority

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Friends Fight with Knives; Drugs; Vehicle Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 11-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 434 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
November 11 at 9:36 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of McKinley.  Sometime during the night, the victim's locked vehicle was broken into and burglarized.  The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 11 at 9:48 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of West Foothill. During the evening, the victim's locked vehicle was broken into but nothing appeared to have been stolen.  The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 10:28 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of West Palm regarding a subject possibly under the influence of drugs.  The officers contacted the subject at his home and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance.  The subject consented to a search of his room and a small quantity of heroin was found.  The subject was arrested for possession and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Violation of Court Order / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
November 11 at 11:02 a.m., a caller reported a subject that was causing a disturbance at a business in the 100 block of West Foothill.  When the officer arrived, he saw the subject near a fast food restaurant and knew the he possibly had a restraining order against him.  Dispatch checked the subject's name and confirmed there was a restraining order against the suspect being at the shopping center.

An officer arrived and approached the subject to detain him for violating the restraining order and he immediately ran from the officer.  A foot pursuit ensued, but patrol officers apprehended the suspect about three blocks away.  The suspect was arrested for violating a court order and resisting arrest.

Stolen Vehicle
November 11 at 5:55 p.m., a motorcycle was reported stolen from the 700 block of South Myrtle.  The victim's BMW motorcycle was taken from his apartment building parking structure.  The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
November 11, three vehicle burglaries were reported in the early evening hours.  The burglaries occurred in the 100 block of North Mayflower, 100 block of North Primrose, and the area of Eldorado and Fifth.

While officers were investigating the vehicle burglary in the 100 block of North Mayflower, dispatch received a call from a resident in the 400 block of Concord reporting a male subject hiding under the caller’s vehicle.  Officers responded and detained the subject.  The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspects Arrested
November 12 at 11:37 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting two male subjects preparing to fight in the 400 block of East Foothill.  One of the suspects possibly had a knife.  Officers responded to the location and detained two suspects.  Through investigation, they learned the subjects were friends.  One of the subjects, the suspect, had burglarized the other one’s home, taking property from the home in the 200 block of Valle Vista.  The victim of the burglary suspected his friend.  The victim confronted the suspect with a knife at his home.  The suspect ran, taking a backpack with him; the victim chased the suspect and a fight ensued in the 400 block of East Foothill.

The suspect sustained a 4-inch cut on his upper arm.  He was found to have heroin, methamphetamine, and all of the stolen property in his backpack.  Paramedics responded to the scene and treated the suspect for his injury.  The suspect was arrested for possession of heroin, methamphetamine and possession of stolen property.  The friend/victim in this case was arrested for assaulting the suspect with a knife.  The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Company Going Public

Monrovia based Xencor, a biotech firm, is planning to become a publicly traded company with an initial public offering. It plans to raise $75 million. It has recently increased the number of shares it is offering and has lowered the opening price. http://goo.gl/rDmZeQ

- Brad Haugaard

Harvest Lunch Sunday at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church

Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church will hold a potluck Harvest Lunch this Sunday (Nov. 17) after the church service, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. "Bring your favorite soup, chili, or fall dish to share." There will be a corn toss and photo booth. http://goo.gl/vebzHM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Swordman Goes for Burglar | Cruise Line Helps With Philippines Relief | Elise McCarthy Plans to Play for Northridge

~ Monrovian goes after burglar with a sword. http://goo.gl/awTBbY

~ Royal Caribbean Cruises has pledged to $250,000 to support World Vision's relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. World Vision's operations headquarters in in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/5OayHj

~ Elise McCarthy, sister of former Monrovia defensive tackle, Ellis, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Cal State Northridge. http://goo.gl/vlYZvE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Honors Volunteers

Monrovia Library is honoring volunteers Maria Legg and Niki Latsko for creating "order out of record-keeping chaos." They tackle special collections, are active on the Volunteer Management Team that oversees volunteer operations and recognition events. Maria also serves as a tutor for our Literacy Services Department - all this after her full-time job is done for the day. Both Niki and Maria are active in the community and attend Commission meetings, City Council meetings, and a host of events. "Thank you Niki and Maria, for making the Library your pet project."

Source: Monrovia Library Facebook post

- Brad Haugaard

Are We About to Get a New Monrovia City Manager?

It sounds as if the Monrovia City Council is ready to appoint a new city manager. It is holding a special closed-session meeting this Friday (Nov. 15) at 1:30 p.m. with this agenda item: "Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code §54957: City Manager". http://goo.gl/LdyV7b

UPDATE: Nope. I was waaaay too eager. It's too early in the search process.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Scout Raising Funds and Supplies for Students Around World

For the fourth year, Grayson Wade - who lives in Monrovia, goes to school in Sierra Madre, and is in an Arcadia Boy Scout Troop - is collecting money and donations and spreading awareness about Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. OCC sends shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, games and clothing to children in need throughout the world. Grayson, whose collection boxes are in various local businesses, has walked neighborhoods and spoken at Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, schools, Boy Scout troops, and has been a speaker at meetings of the Operation Christmas Child San Gabriel Valley Team. This year he is focusing on promoting youth awareness about giving to children in need.

Grayson's goal is to raise $5000 in order to pack 250 shoeboxes. In addition to raising funds, he hopes many kids will join this campaign in the future. Samaritan's Purse will be sending over 520,000 shoebox gifts to children in the Phillipines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

Source: His parents

- Brad Haugaard

Video Report on Monrovia K-Rails | Police Merit Pay Okay | Thanksgiving for Kids

~ ABC video report on K-rail being installed to prevent flood damage after fire. http://goo.gl/sGOscn

~ Monrovia Police can get merit pay increases now. http://goo.gl/lKwJn3

~ Thanksgiving Bookfeast for children 4 years old through fifth grade at the library. Nov. 23 , 2-3 p.m. http://goo.gl/diA2Y9

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Dental Assisting Program Gets 7-Year Accreditation

The Registered Dental Assisting Program at Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been accredited for another seven years by the American Dental Association. The employment rate for graduates of the program is at 85 percent and the dental student's average pass rate on the State Board Exam is 100 percent on the written exam and 93 percent on the practical exam - the state average is 80 percent.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Robledo Predicts Monrovia Will Lose Championship

Sports reporter Fred Robledo is predicting San Dimas will beat out Monrovia for the Mid-Valley Division football championship. http://goo.gl/G31dcD

Comment: Booo!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Residents Give Opinions on Train Station | Holiday Home Decorating | Blood Pressure

~ Report on meeting to get Monrovians' opinions on Gold Line station project. http://goo.gl/2NXjWk

~ If you'd like to enter the holiday home decorating contest, deadline to apply is Friday, December 13. Details ( http://goo.gl/CGg3lH ); application form ( http://goo.gl/yzGwPB ).

~ Blood pressure screenings for seniors 50 years and older on the second Tuesday of each month (next would be Dec. 10), from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., at the Community Center, 119 West Palm Avenue.  Call 256-8246 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Machete Robbery; Meth Suspect Calls Police; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 7–10. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Commercial Burglary

November 8 at 1:40 p.m., a male suspect walked into a business in the 500 block of West Huntington and went straight to the jewelry section. He immediately began to stuff his pants with jewelry and then ran out of the store. Store security followed the suspect and called police. Officers arrived and saw the suspect riding a bicycle south on Mayflower. When the suspect saw the officers, he jumped off the bike and ran through a condominium complex and out of sight. Officers attempted to surround and contain the area, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing

Petty Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

November 8 at 6:55 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. Loss prevention personnel had detained an adult female outside the store after they observed her place several items inside her purse. She paid for a couple of items, but did not pay for the more expensive items she had concealed in her purse. Officers responded and upon further investigation, discovered the suspect also had an outstanding warrant for theft. She was arrested and taken into custody.

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

November 9 at 1:07 a.m., police dispatch received a phone call from a male subject at a hotel in the 900 block of East Huntington. He stated that several armed men had broken into his hotel room and he was barricading himself in the bathroom. The subject was ranting and seemed incoherent. Officers arrived on scene and surrounded the location. They called to the subject and told him to exit the hotel room. He did not respond immediately and was acting strange, but he eventually exited the room. The subject was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers made a protective sweep of the hotel room and no other subjects were in the room. The officers discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the room. The subject was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

November 9 at 1:08 a.m., an officer observed a driver make several vehicle code violations and conducted a traffic stop. When contacting the driver, the officer suspected the subject had been drinking. After investigation, the subject was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Shots Heard

November 8 at approximately 1:29 a.m., dispatch received numerous calls reporting two loud bangs, possibly shots heard, in the area of the 200 block of North Myrtle. No further information was given from any caller. At the time officers were working two separate crimes and both locations reported hearing the possible shots. An extensive area search was conducted with negative results.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

November 10 at 1:25 a.m., a family disturbance was reported at a residence in the 500 block of South California. Officers arrived and determined that during an argument, the male subject grabbed the female by the jacket and pushed her against the wall. No injuries occurred. The male subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Armed Robbery

November 10 at 6:04 p.m., a robbery was reported at the skate park in the 800 block of East Olive. Three male Hispanic suspects, ages 16 to 20 years old, were at the skate park when one of the suspects confronted the victim with a machete and demanded the victim's laptop computer and wallet. The suspects fled the area in a silver Honda Civic, heading southbound on Shamrock towards Huntington. Officers responded and searched the area, but the suspects were not located. The investigation is continuing.

Special Enforcement Team Activity

On November 8, while on patrol, Special Enforcement Team officers cited one subject for drinking alcohol at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard