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Rain Today? | Senior Scammed | Fellowship Monrovia Birthday Video | STAAR Gets New Board Member

~ There's a 30 percent chance of rain today and 20 percent tomorrow. http://goo.gl/UKJcAc

~ Monrovia senior tricked out of $9,500. http://goo.gl/ndcVQ7

~ A video recap of Fellowship Monrovia for its second birthday ( http://goo.gl/BX6sSo ). Also, I understand that the church is opening a branch church in Ecuador as part of an effort to combat human trafficking.

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical, which makes implantable lenses for the eye, has appointed Kathryn Tunstall to its Board of Directors. Tunstall has nearly 40 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. http://goo.gl/hkLs7B

- Brad Haugaard

Booklet Published About Monrovia Hillside Preserve

New booklet published about Monrovia's Hillside Wilderness Preserve. http://goo.gl/8gBTdi

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: New Monrovia City Manager?

At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will consider in closed session this item: "Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code §54957: City Manager[.]" Sounds like the council may have a new city manager. http://goo.gl/HOnhhR

During the open part of its meeting, the council will ...

~ Proclaim February as "Black History Month" and honor former mayor, councilmember, city clerk, and city treasurer Patricia Ostrye on her 90th birthday.

~ Hear the annual report by Police Chief Jim Hunt on Operation Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Injunction.

- Brad Haugaard

Hundreds of Patch Employees Laid Off

No word on how it will affect the Monrovia Patch news website yet, but according to a report on the journalism web site, JimRomenesko.com, "hundreds" and possibly "two-thirds" of Patch editorial staff have been laid off ( http://goo.gl/C2AZsg ).

According to a report by Fox Business News, only about 50 journalists remain to handle the 900 Patch websites. http://goo.gl/ioDB9l

- Brad Haugaard

Seminar at Monrovia Library on Getting Funding Through Kickstarter

If you want to be a filmmaker, have an idea for a great invention, or need help starting a business, you might want to consider the funding website, KickStarter. There is a seminar at the Monrovia Library Community Room Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on how to use it.

- Brad Haugaard

Fog In the Valley this Morning?

The National Weather Service warns of "dense fog" this morning until 9 a.m. in the San Gabriel Valley. Maybe, though I didn't see any fog when I went out this morning. http://goo.gl/VoI53E

- Brad Haugaard

Drone Made by Monrovia's AeroVironment in Action in Persian Gulf

Video by Stars and Stripes (military newspaper) showing the Puma drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, in action in the Persian Gulf. http://goo.gl/aTlDhr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Latest Historic Landmark House

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter highlights this house, the latest to receive historic landmark status. It is a 3,000+ squaree foot Spanish Colonial Revival home on a 40,000+ square foot lot at 505 N. Alta Vista Ave., built in 1926.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Assemblyman Wants Vets to Help Run Community Colleges

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, is proposing legislation to give veterans a stronger voice in college leadership. AB 1557 increases the number of voting members on the Board of Governors at the California Community College system by adding two new members - both reserved for veterans.

Source: Holden press release

Comment: I'm a veteran who attended college after serving and I'm baffled by this. Do grocery stores also need veterans on their boards to help returning vets? How about city planning departments? A solution in search of a problem.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Police Blow Up Old Japanese Mortar Round; Honking and Light-Flashing Under the Influence; Stealing Copper

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft – Suspects Arrested
January 23 at 9:54 a.m., a resident from the 300 block of Genoa called police to report someone had cut his copper pipes and stolen his backflow valve.  An officer responding to the location observed a suspicious vehicle on Magnolia with two male subjects in it.  He could see copper pipe sticking out of the bed of the truck.  He pulled over and ran the license plate as the vehicle passed him.  The registration was expired.  He stopped the vehicle for the expired registration at Evergreen and Myrtle.

The officer approached the vehicle and observed freshly cut copper pipes, valves, and cutting tools in the bed of the truck.  The passenger admitted to cutting the pipes and taking the valves at two locations and said the driver took pipes from two other locations.  The suspects were arrested and taken into custody for grand theft and conspiracy.  The officer located the three additional victims, two were businesses in the 400 block of West Huntington, and the third victim was located in the 1100 block of South Magnolia.

Receiving and Disposal of Mortar Munition
January 23 at 2:50 p.m., an elderly male subject was helping his 92-year-old female neighbor clean up her garage.  He found a Japanese mortar munition in a cigar box and brought it to the police station.  The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Arson and Explosive Team was requested.  They responded and safely transported the mortar to a park in the 600 block of South Shamrock, where they dug a hole in the ground and safely detonated it, rendering it safe.  

Grand Theft
January 23 at 3:12 p.m., a theft was reported in the 300 block of North Primrose.  The victim called to report his gardening equipment stolen out of the bed of his truck.  The victim saw an older, white Jeep Cherokee occupied by two subjects pull up next to his truck 15-20 minutes before he discovered the theft, but is not sure they were involved in the theft.  The investigation is continuing.

Robbery
January 23 at 4:16 p.m., a male subject called police and reported he had been robbed at a fast food restaurant in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The suspect approached the victim and asked for money, while pointing a gun at him.  The victim gave the suspect his money.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a shaved head, black shirt, black pants and black shoes, wearing a stocking over his face.  The victim reported that a second suspect was involved.  The second suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a mustache, wearing a white shirt and blue pants.  Both suspects are in their 30’s.  The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Robbery
January 23 at 9:05 p.m., police responded to the report of an attempt robbery.  A 12-year-old male was skateboarding in the 200 block of West Colorado when he was approached by the suspect.  The suspect asked the victim if he could look at his skateboard.  The victim, initially, thought he knew the suspect.  As he approached, he realized he did not know the suspect, and the victim refused to let the suspect have the skateboard.  The suspect took out a knife and demanded the skateboard.  The victim struck the suspect with the skateboard and ran home.  His mother called the police.  Patrol officers searched the area, along with the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but were unable to locate a suspect.  The investigation is continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 7:15 p.m., police responded to the 900 block of West Huntington on the report of an assault.  The suspect was reportedly sitting in his car in the parking lot with his vehicle door open and the victim was parked next to him.  The victim asked the suspect to close his door so his passenger could get in the car.  After helping his passenger get in, the victim passed the door again and the suspect, intentionally, opened the door, striking the victim.  The victim told the suspect he was going to call the police.

As victim walked to the rear of the suspect's vehicle to take a picture of the suspect's license plate, the suspect backed up and struck the victim, knocking him to the ground.  The suspect fled, but was located by police and arrested.  During the inventory search, prior to towing the vehicle, a large quantity of methamphetamine, several hundred pills and a scale were found in the vehicle.  The suspect was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance for sales.

Vehicle Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 8:10 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle following at an unsafe distance to the vehicle next to him at Highway Esplande and Huntington.  The suspect was honking the horn and flashing its lights at the other vehicle.  When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled and drove to the 1200 block of Alta Vista and into a carport area.  The officer went in pursuit of the vehicle.  The suspect was taken into custody and arrested.  The suspect was determined to be driving under the influence.

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovery
January 25 at 7:50 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain.  The victim parked and locked his 1996 Nissan truck in the parking lot, and when he returned the truck, it was gone.  During this report, the officers recovered a stolen vehicle from the same parking lot.  The vehicle had been stolen from Baldwin Park.  This vehicle was the same type as the one just stolen.  The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 8:04 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of West Lemon was flagged down by the victim of a grand theft auto.  The victim reported his vehicle had been stolen sometime overnight.  It had been parked and secured in the alley behind the residence.  There were no signs of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 26 at 11:11 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Duarte Road.  The victim parked and secured his vehicle the evening before.  When he returned the next morning, he saw the vehicle had a broken window and had been burglarized.  The investigation is continuing.

More On Pro Wrestling in Monrovia

On Saturday Feb. 1, Quintessential Pro Wrestling presents Well Worth the Wait at the Monrovia Masonic Center (204 West Foothill Blvd.). Bell time is 8 p.m., with tickets ($20) at the door.

The promotion, which launched in Monrovia last year, aims to present the best independent pro wrestling in America in intimate venues at an affordable rate. "We feel like we have a tremendous opportunity to give back to the wrestling community, and grow the business in Southern California" says promoter, Alan Denkenson; a Las Vegas resident with strong ties to the area. "We have an incredible card, featuring many unique match-ups, which should reward life-long passionate fans, while also introducing new or unfamiliar viewers to the best parts of the business. There's something for everyone, and we're here to create something special".

Denkenson's comments aren't unfounded. The show features former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Kendrick, renowned TNA alumni Joey Ryan, former Ring of Honor Champion Kevin Steen, current Ring Of Honor Tag Team Champion Kyle O'Reilly, and Cheerleader Melissa; recently ranked as the best female wrestler in the world by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

"We want to show people that the most exciting wrestling in the world isn't found on the USA Network on Monday nights at 6 p.. It's found in auditoriums, high school gyms and legion halls, as young, hungry athletes establish their names, build a fanbase and live their passion", says QPW spokesman Andy Roy. "Many of the current WWE superstars like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, the Shield, and even John Cena, came up performing on independent shows in small venues in Southern California. This is a chance for people to see the next generation of stars before the rest of the world".

Additional information can be found on Twitter (@QProWrestling) and at Facebook.com/QuintessentialProWrestling. The promotion will also be hosting an "Eat and Greet" with its wrestlers before the show. Details on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Quintessential Pro Wrestling press release

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Band Car Wash/Bake Sale

The Clifton Middle School Band Boosters is having a car wash/bake sale fundraiser for the school's Band and Spirit Marchers Saturday Feb. 1, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. At Walgreens on Foothill Blvd. 
 
- Brad Haugaard

New Hiking Trail at Monrovia Canyon Park

If you are a hiker, Monrovia Canyon Park has a new hiking trail. If you follow the trail from behind the ranger station that goes toward the waterfall, there is a turn-off to the left. Taking it leads you to a lookout with a bench and a beautiful view of the valley. 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Car Attacker Gets Beaten Up by Victim

60-year-old beats up 44-year-old man in Monrovia parking lot after younger man hits him with a car. http://goo.gl/mBnntt

- Brad Haugaard

Night Hikes in Monrovia Canyon Park | Cheaper Ad

~ Hike through Monrovia Canyon Park at night with a ranger. Details: http://goo.gl/iD6QfP

~ Price of the second ad space on the left on MonroviaNow has now dropped below $100, to $90. It'll drop another $20 tomorrow if nobody takes it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Candidates


On Thursday, Feb. 6, three local Youth of the Year candidates will be recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills for their outstanding contributions to their community, and one will be named the 2014 Youth of the Year.

This year’s local honorees include Donye Neal, a senior at Canyon Oaks High School, Samantha Rodarte, and Margarita Sandoval, both seniors at Monrovia High School.

The Youth of the Year program recognizes club members who, with the help of their Club, have met obstacles head-on and, despite the odds, have given back to their Club and community. Youth of the Year winners demonstrate service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Our local Youth of the Year winner receives a $500 scholarship and goes on to compete at the county level.

John Wilson, Executive Director, said: “Our judges had a difficult task in selecting a winner, and I’m glad I didn’t have to make that decision.”

BGCF also honors individuals and business that have been instrumental in the Club’s success. This year, BGCF will be recognizing Panda Express with its “Community Partner of the Year” award for its continued commitment to the BGCF with ongoing professional guidance and support in addition to its sponsorship of the annual holiday party.

BGCF is also honoring “Volunteer of the Year,” Denise Weaver, and “Employee of the Year,” Hayley Vasquez.

To make a reservation to attend the Youth of the Year awards ceremony on February 6 at the DoubleTree, please email Amanda Navar, Director of Development, at anavar@foothillsbgc.org.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Competing for Aspen Prize | Monrovia/Duarte Youth Summit

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, is one of 150 community colleges out of more than 1,000 across the nation, to be selected for a chance to compete for the $1 million 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which spotlights "community colleges that deliver exceptional student completion outcomes."

~ The Fourth Annual Monrovia/Duarte Youth Summit will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Monrovia High. Activities are designed to connect youth with career professionals, higher education and internship opportunities and dynamic leaders. Registration at the Community Centerat 119 West Palm. For more information call the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Market Grill

 Lunch at Market Grill, in the little market at the corner of Shamrock and Colorado, where it dead ends at Recreation Park. Got The Mad Dog ($6.45) with a special pork-chili stew as the side, plus a small drink for $1.50. Plus tax. Always busy here. Wow! The stew, just a side dish, was both a lot and delicious. The dog was great, too. I like the grilled bun, plus bacon, green chili, grilled onion, and spicy ketchup.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Whacks Robber with Skateboard | World Vision to Work with HarvestPlus | Nutrition

~ Monrovia teen whacks knife-wielding robber with skateboard. http://goo.gl/DXgH9m

~ Monrovia-based World Vision, reports from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that it and HarvestPlus have "signed a memorandum of understanding at the World Economic ForumExternal Link in Davos, making a commitment to work together to improve nutrition for hundreds of millions of people around the world who suffer from hidden hunger." http://goo.gl/DLSwUV

~ Nutrition Science Workshop, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, Tanner Research, 825 S. Myrtle. To sign up, call 471-9718. http://goo.gl/t3hDg5

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Elder Abuse - Threatening Police with Ice Pick; Swiping Cable Box Batteries; $100 for Reporting Graffiti

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 20-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 349 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 2:04 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to advise they had a male suspect in custody for theft.  Officers arrived and discovered the subject had no identification and would not provide his name.  He was arrested for the theft and for establishing his identity.  At the police department he provided a name and was eventually identified and found to be on parole.

Petty Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 20 at 8:13 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called police to report a subject had taken merchandise and left the store without paying for it.  The same subject was seen in the parking lot looking into vehicles.  Officers responded and detained the subject.  The male subject attempted to discard an item as the officers were detaining him.  The object was found to be a Garmin GPS device.

As the officers were detaining the suspect, a customer of the business approached the officers and said someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and took his Garmin GPS.  The victim saw the Garmin device the suspect had discarded and said it belonged to him.  The suspect admitted he had stolen the GPS and it was returned to the victim.  The suspect was also found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Elder Abuse / Criminal Threats / Barricaded Suspect – Suspect Arrested
On January 21 at 1:13 a.m., a 71-year-old female called police for help because her mentally ill, 51-year-old son had physically abused her the day before, causing injuries, and he was currently yelling, incoherently, and banging on the walls of their home.  She was afraid he was going to hurt her or himself.  When officers arrived, the male subject barricaded himself inside his bedroom, blocking the door.  Officers could see him through his bedroom window, pacing back and forth, holding a large ice pick, and he had a knife holstered to his belt.  The subject yelled at officers and told them to enter the bedroom so he could kill them with the ice pick.  He also said he had a gun in the bedroom and was going to shoot the officers.  The subject has a prior history of physical violence, physical violence toward officers, and weapons violations, so the regional Foothills Special Enforcement Team was requested to assist in apprehending him.

The Foothill Special Enforcement Team responded to the location.  The suspect tried to exit a bedroom window to accost officers outside and was quickly taken into custody by Special Enforcement Team officers.  No one was injured in the incident and the suspect was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
January 21 at 6:50 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington Drive.  The victim parked and went into a business at the location.  When she returned to her vehicle, she found the passenger window shattered and her purse and cell phone were missing.  The items were visible from outside of the locked vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.

Theft of Batteries From Cable Relay Boxes
January 21, in the afternoon, two cable service providers called police to report their cable relay boxes had been broken into and the batteries had been taken.  The thefts occurred in the 300 block of East Walnut and the 100 block of E. Greystone.  The investigation is continuing.  The Monrovia Police Department is seeking the public's help and requesting that anyone who sees any suspicious persons or activity near this type of cable relay box in your neighborhoods please call police and report it right away.

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
January 21 at 4:50 p.m., police received a call reporting a subject with an outstanding warrant for his arrest was in the area of Fifth and Huntington.  The caller provided a vehicle description and the location of the suspect.  Officers responded and located the vehicle.  The suspect was seen at a nearby business and fled on foot when he saw the officers.  An officer went in foot pursuit of the suspect, who fled across Huntington drive through four lanes of traffic.  As officers attempted to detain him, the suspect resisted, but was eventually taken into custody without further incident.  The suspect’s girlfriend was located in the same parking lot and was also found to have an outstanding no-bail warrant for her arrest.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism / Graffiti in Progress – Suspect Arrested & Graffiti Bounty Rewarded
On January 22 at 2:48 a.m., a caller reported a female subject spray painting something on a wall.  Police responded and located the suspect and the spray paint can.  The suspect had sprayed graffiti on the wall.  The suspect was positively identified.  She was arrested and taken into custody.  The caller was given the $100 Graffiti Bounty cash reward for reporting the graffiti, which led to the arrest of the suspect.