Help Monrovia's Centre Stage - Eat at Rudy's or Shop at Six 2 Six

As you may have heard, the Monrovia theater group, Centre Stage, had about $30,000 of lighting and audio equipment stolen, so Rudy's Mexican Food (602 S Myrtle) and Six 2 Six (522 S. Myrtle) are holding a fundraiser to help out. Eat at Rudy's or shop at Six 2 Six on December 10 and they will donate 20% of their sales to Centre Stage. But you gotta bring this flyer to Rudy's: http://goo.gl/c1ZMfO

- Brad Haugaard

Good Chance of Rain Saturday | Veggie Exchange in Monrovia's Library Park

~ Good chance of rain tomorrow, 70 percent. http://goo.gl/4ISKXO

~ Produce in the Park, tomorrow, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the southeast corner of Library Park, at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. Share your extra fruits and veggies, or just browse. (Hope the rain holds off until they're done.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Parade

Fun Christmas parade this year but a little bit cold. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Lights It's Christmas Tree

After a few words from Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, the Monrovia Christmas tree was lit. The parade starts at 7 p.m. if you want to come watch.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Indecent Exposure at the Library; Son 'Finds' Mom's Car, Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 2–4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary

December 2 at 7:38 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of Bonita. The victim parked her vehicle in front of her residence 5:30 p.m. When she went to her vehicle the next morning, she noticed her driver's door was open. The loss was a pair of shoes, sunglasses and CD case. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

December 2 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle was reported burglarized in the 800 block of West Olive. The victim parked her vehicle in the rear carport area at 9:00 p.m. and returned to her vehicle in the morning at 6:00 a.m. She discovered the front door and trunk open. The loss was a laptop computer. The victim believes she locked her vehicle, but was not sure. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

December 2 at 8:09 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a burglary at a business in the 1800 block of California. The business was closed and locked the day before at 3:00 p.m. When the reporting party arrived at the business at 8:00 a.m., they noticed the lock to the back gate had been cut. The loss was several hundred pounds of steel. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle

December 2 at 11:44 a.m., a vehicle was stolen from a business parking lot in the 300 block of West Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle, a white Honda CRV in the lot and entered a store. He returned approximately 30 minutes later and discovered his vehicle was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested

December 2 at 12:18 p.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. Two adult males entered the store; one was wearing a backpack. Both selected merchandise and concealed it in the backpack and then exited the store without paying. Once outside, they were detained by officers and both were arrested.

Indecent Exposure – Suspect Arrested

December 2 at 7:11 p.m., a woman inside the library in the 300 block of South Myrtle saw a male subject sitting in a chair in the adult section of the library, exposing himself. She immediately called the police. Officers responded and the suspect was detained, positively identified and arrested for indecent exposure.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested

December 3 at 11:00 a.m., the victim's son called to report that he saw his mother's stolen vehicle, which was stolen the day before Thanksgiving, in a business parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington. He claimed he saw two male suspects exit the vehicle and get into a blue Honda that headed west on the 210 Freeway.

An officer responded to the location and found the vehicle parked, but he noticed the hood of the vehicle was not hot. The officer checked with gardeners that were working in the area, and they said they saw the vehicle parked since 8:00 a.m. when they arrived. The officer questioned the mother and suspicion was raised that her son may have stolen the vehicle. Officers questioned the son, who denied taking the vehicle at first, but later admitted to the theft, and said he was under the influence of drugs at the time. He felt it was time to return the vehicle and created the story of seeing the suspects. The son was arrested and taken into custody.

Missing Juvenile Located

December 3 at 3:41 p.m., a 16-year-old male juvenile was reported missing to police by his father. The father dropped his son off at high school in the 800 block of West Colorado in the morning. On his way to pick him up after school, the father received a text message from the son stating that he no longer wanted to be a burden. The father arrived at the school, but his son was not at the designated location. He checked the school with school staff and then went home to check there, but did not find his son. He then went to the police department. Officers began an investigation and conducted an area check, but the subject was not located.

Later that evening, the missing juvenile called his father and said he was ready to come home. When the father asked him where he was, the son told him he was on the sidewalk across the street from their house. The son was located outside by his father.

Number of Visitors to MonroviaNow Increases

This November MonroviaNow.com had almost 15,000 page views, which I believe is its highest number ever. All those page views could have been from one very neurotic person, but I think not. This number does not include subscribers to the site's email newsletters, its Facebook page or Twitter feed. Comment: So, thanks to all of you who make a point of visiting! I'm pretty pleased.

- Brad Haugaard

Suspicious Package Leads to Evacuation of Some Buildings in Old Town Monrovia

Jennifer Stone reports on Facebook that a suspicious package was left in front of the Wells Fargo bank in Old Town, resulting in the temporary evacuation of several nearby buildings. Facebook folks say all clear now.

- Brad Haugaard

Preview Lunch at Monrovia's New Smashburger

Had a free preview lunch at the new Smashburger in Monrovia, at the old Acapulco restaurant site on Huntington. It opens to the public tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 6. Why "smash?" Because they smash a fresh - not frozen - ball of beef, or piece of chicken, on the grill. We got a sampler menu, which included fried pickle slices. Never had those. Everything tastes better when it's free, but really, everything was very, very tasty!  I think I liked the truffle mushroom burger (shown here) best, but the BBQ bacon burger was mighty good. Even the veggie spicy black bean burger was very good, and I'm not a vegetarian. If you prefer chicken, try the avocado club sandwich. Great shakes, too! Former City Councilman Joe Garcia, who helped bring Smashburger to town, showed up as well. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Ceramics, Crafts and Baked Goods Sales

~ Monrovia Adult School Wheelhouse Ceramics Sale Friday, Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 1831 Santa Fe Place (behind AMMCO & Toy's Donuts) Handcrafted pottery created by local artisans. For information call 471-2771.

~ Girl Scout handmade crafts and baked goods sale Dec. 7 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/DPqxFD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High's Kurt Scoby is MVP

Monrovia High Senior, Kurt Scoby, has been selected by the coaches of the Rio Hondo League as the League's most valuable player: http://goo.gl/QGfCU8

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Bridge Getting Another Award

Habib Balian, spokesman for the Gold Line Construction Authority, writes that:

"The Construction Authority, Skanska and AECOM will be receiving the "Best Project in Southern California, Highways/Bridges" from Engineering News-Record for the Gold Line Bridge tomorrow. This is the fifth award received for the bridge since it was completed on time and on budget in December 2012. Awards have been in both the engineering and construction sectors, and remind us that this unique structure was not only a challenge to design, but also to build."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Representatives Promoted

~ Monrovia's Assembly member, Chris Holden, reports that Assembly Speaker Perez has appointed him to the Select Committee on Local Emergency Preparedness.

~ Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the north edge of Monrovia, announced on Facebook today that she has been selected by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, to join the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

- Brad Haugaard

Small Art Show | Marvelous Monrovia! | Commercial Drones | Interfaith Council | City Council Meeting

"Ginger Jar and Lemons" by Dee Kirkham

~ Selig Fine Art (110 W. Lime) will hold its 11th Annual Holiday Small Works Show this Saturday, Dec 7, 4-7 p.m. with more than 80 artists and over 150 works of art, jewelry, wine, food and live music by John Volk.

~ "Marvelous Monrovia!" is how KTTV reporter Hal Eisner describes the city's revived bond rating. http://goo.gl/P9gi1X

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment plans to build drones for commercial use. http://goo.gl/AoWVUJ

~ Pasadena Humane Society will have a vehicle in the Monrovia Christmas parade. The Pasadena Humane Society is taking over animal control for the city. http://goo.gl/IDc2wr

~ Report on the Interfaith Council of Monrovia. http://goo.gl/diuyUx

~ Video of the Dec. 3 Monrovia City Council meeting is now online: http://goo.gl/ktgW0V

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Chipotle Opens Dec. 12

It appears Chipotle restaurant is opening on Dec. 12. On Huntington next to Chili's. 

- Brad Haugaard

Watch Out for the Utility Bill Scam!

Southern California Edison is warning customers against scammers who demand immediate payment on past due utility bills.

"SCE will never call a customer to collect or demand money for past due bills," according to SCE's Consumer Affairs Manager Marlyn Denter.

Tips:

- Ask for the person's name and call back number, a supervisor's name, how much money they are requesting, and the method of payment.

- Check the area code of the number you are getting a call from. If it is not an 800 number, the call is fraudulent.

- Call SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555 to ask about your bill.

- Contact local authorities if you suspect the phone call is fraud.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Club Providing Clothing for Needy Children

The Rotary Club of Monrovia will once again be helping out local children in need for the holiday season. On December 7th, 50 disadvantaged children identified by Santa Anita Family Services will get a special treat this holiday season. Through the assistance of the Rotary Club of Monrovia, Kohl's and Wells Fargo, the 50 students will get the opportunity to shop for new clothing and shoes. Each child will be paired with a Monrovia High School Interact Club member, adult Rotarian, or adult Wells Fargo staff member to assist with their shopping and will be able to purchase $125 worth of school appropriate clothing.

This is the second year that the Rotary Club of Monrovia has offered the Santa Clothes project to less fortunate children in the Monrovia area. Last year the program was able to assist 30 children with $120 each and we are very happy to be able to extend the benefit to 50 children this year at $125 each. Monrovia Rotarian Karen Lujan stated "I was personally able to assist two children last year to pick out clothes and shoes and it was one of the most rewarding things I haven done all year. The parents were so appreciative of the program and the kids faces beamed as they showed us all their purchases (some even wearing them out of the store)."

Tax deductible donations (501(c)3 EID: 51-0656409) are being accepted online for the Santa Clothes project to help fund more children at http://www.monroviarotaryclub.com/donations/. Please help if you are able to. Just click on the button with the Santa hat to help contribute to this great project. The more money we can raise, the more kids we can assist this holiday season.

Source: Rotary press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Xencor Prepares for Public Offering

Monrovia's Xencor Corporation (NASDAQ: XNCR) has announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 12,730,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $5.50 per share. http://goo.gl/MNE4Oz

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Monrovia Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue our tradition of celebrating the Christmas season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine.  Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will provide candy canes to the public.  City employees will, again, volunteer their time to help make the program fun and successful.

Last year's event was a great success!  This year's Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods.  Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa.

Monday, December 16, 2013 - will tour city streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 - will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Thursday, December 19, 2013 - will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, west of east city boundaries.

Friday, December 20, 2013 - will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Huntington to Mayflower, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Assembly Time: 5:00 p.m. assembly at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA  91016

Tour Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by volunteer police officers who will lead the procession using their red lights and siren.  Christmas carols will be played over the police car's P.A. system.

The fire engine will be driven by volunteer firefighters, who will follow the police car.  Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas.  The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights.

The public works truck will be driven by volunteer public works employees.  Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 Christmas lights, will play Christmas carols.  Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families on back of the truck and trailer during the tour.  Space is limited and participation is first come first served.  Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boy Killed in Car Crash

Four-year-old Monrovia boy killed in accident on Interstate 5. http://goo.gl/OHbxHy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Distributes Food for Holidays

Some 1,240 Foothill Unity Center clients received a generous helping of community caring at the agency’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution on Saturday and Monday, November 23 and 25. The event took place in Ayers Hall at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia (Saturday) and at the Center’s Monrovia and Pasadena locations (Monday). Clients came from across the agency’s eleven-city service area — Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Baldwin Park and Irwindale.

Clients took home holiday food boxes sized by number of people in the family, with meat and the makings for a festive holiday dinner. Over 800 volunteers worked on the program, from planning and preparation to final cleanup. Each client cart was personally escorted through the distribution by a personal volunteer. All participants received Thanksgiving cards handmade by local school children. 300 turkeys were donated, trucked in and distributed by California American Water Company, while representatives of PCL Construction were on hand to present a $5,000 check.

Less than a month after this event, families will receive festive food boxes again at the annual Holiday Distribution on Saturday, December 21, and Monday, December 23. At the Arboretum event on Saturday, reserved for families with children, each family will also take home an opaque bag pre-packed with new toys and clothing for each child.  The presents are donated through the Center’s Angels program, which invites individuals and groups to adopt paper angels hand-decorated by community volunteers of all ages. Written on each angel is one child’s gift wishes.

“We don’t give the presents to the children,” says Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. “Gifts for each family’s youngsters are gathered in an opaque bag that’s given to the parents so they can wrap and give them as part of their own holiday traditions.” At the event, children will also enjoy fun activities and a chance to share their wishes with Santa.

77% of the Center’s clients are at or below the National Poverty Level. “The holidays are an especially difficult time for families who fight hunger every day,” says Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. “The difficult economy and cuts in the CalFresh food stamp program are swelling the ranks of local people who need help to feed their families. Community support is more vital than ever — both to help them and to let them know their neighbors care.”

The Center is seeking donations of food, funds and volunteer time for the Holiday Distribution. Funds may be donated securely online at foothillunitycenter.org. Food and checks may be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at either Center location: 415 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia or 191 N. Oak Ave. in Pasadena. Information on volunteer shifts, most-needed food items and the Angel program is available at foothillunitycenter.org/holiday-distribution-programs or by calling the Center at (626) 358-3486.

Source: Foothill Unity Center press release

- Bradd Haugaard