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Monrovia's World Vision Helps in Chile Earthquake

Monrovia-based Christian relief organization World Vision, reports that it is "working with the government and partners in the worst affected areas to assess damage from the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that shook parts of Chile last night and spurred a nationwide tsunami watch that forced much of the coast to evacuate." http://goo.gl/NOHohT

- Brad Haugaard

Story of the 'Ford' Sign in Old Monrovia Blockbuster

The story behind the "Ford" sign found in the old Blockbuster at Foothill and Stedman. http://goo.gl/lR7fCF

- Brad Haugaard

No Tippling Houses or Saloons in Old Monrovia

Monrovia closes its first saloon. A bit of history: http://goo.gl/1fToFh

- Brad Haugaard

Be a Monrovia City Board Member

Interested in becoming a city board member or commissioner? Here's a meeting for you, tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. http://goo.gl/rjuyE2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Scoby Signs with Fresno | Choral Music | Rain?

~ Monrovia football star, Kurt Scoby, signs with Fresno State. http://goo.gl/VLXpoA

~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present Alma y Corazon at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church April 5 at 7:30 p.m. An evening of choral music and solo song that explores spiritual and romantic love in the sounds of regions of Argentina and Spain. Tickets at 253-7248. General admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

~ Fifty percent chance of rain tonight, 30 percent tomorrow, 10 percent Thursday, and 20 percent Friday. http://goo.gl/xG5Izr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee

A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden to modify restrictions on enrolling high school students in community college courses was unanimously approved in Assembly Higher Education Committee today. AB 1451 would also prohibit "double-dipping," in which both the high school and the college were reimbursed for the student. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Robotics Team More Than Halfway to Funding Goal to Compete in World Championship

School Board Member Alex Zucco says that the Monrovia High robotics team, "Kings and Queens," is half way to its goal of raising the money the team needs to go to St. Louis to compete in the robotic world championships. (Actually, at this writing, the team has raised more than half, $8,020 of the $14,000 it needs.) You can contribute here: http://goo.gl/IAZUht

- Brad Haugaard

Minor Mud Flow Danger in Monrovia Because of Rains This Week

The City of Monrovia is warning that possible rain through Wednesday, if it becomes too heavy, "could bring the threat of minor mud and debris flows" in the area just below the Madison fire area ( http://goo.gl/qEUKJE ). Sixty percent chance of rain predicted for tonight: http://goo.gl/CoUEuv

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Roll Over, Attempted Robbery, Shoplifting, Drugs, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 27-30. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Theft from a Vehicle
On March 27 at 7:16 a.m., an officer responded to the 1100 block of East Lemon regarding a vehicle theft.  The victim parked his unlocked vehicle in the driveway.  When he returned to the car the following morning the car had been ransacked and items had been scattered throughout the car. Unknown if there is a loss.

Commercial Burglary -Suspect Arrested
On March 27 at 4:13 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary.  Loss prevention observed a male suspect inside the store, concealing items on his person.  The male suspect left the location and was followed to another business by loss prevention.  The suspect entered the restroom and was approached by Monrovia Police officers.  The suspect admitted taking the property and was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft from a Vehicle
On March 27 at 6:03 p.m., a victim came into the police department to report a theft from his vehicle.  The victim parked his unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of West Colorado.  When he returned he noticed his sunglasses were missing and his car ransacked. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary / Possession of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested
On March 28 at 9:03 p.m. officers responded to the 400 block of West Huntington regarding a burglary.  A female suspect walked into a business with an empty backpack and selected merchandise, including a backpack.  The female suspect concealed the merchandise in her backpack and in the backpack she selected.  She left the location without paying for the merchandise and was stopped by loss prevention.  During a search of her property a controlled substance was located.  She was arrested for commercial burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On March 29 at 6:53 p.m., officers were investigating a theft in the 600 block of West Huntington when they observed a parked vehicle with what appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe and a baggie of methamphetamine displayed out in the open on the center console.  The officers were able to locate the owner of the vehicle who admitted the drugs belonged to him.  The suspect was arrested.

Attempt Robbery
On March 29 at 9:17 p.m., dispatch received a call of an attempt robbery in the 800 block of West Foothill.  The victim was exiting his residence and approaching his vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment complex.  He observed a male suspect inside his vehicle and confronted the suspect.  The suspect pulled out a knife and said he would take his vehicle, but then fled on foot to an awaiting vehicle.  The victim obtained a plate and officers searched the area, but could not find the suspects or the vehicle.  The suspect was described as a male Hispanic in his late 30's or early 40's with a tattoo on his right eye area.  The investigation is continuing.

Under of the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On March 29 at 9:26 p.m., dispatch received multiple 911 calls from a subject in the 500 block of East Olive saying he needed protection. A subject was located and questioned.  During the questioning, the subject displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a stimulant.  The subject admitted smoking methamphetamine earlier and stated he had more in his apartment.  The subject gave officers consent to enter his apartment and retrieve the drugs.  The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Suspect Arrested
On March 30 at 1:45 a.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 100 block of West Foothill of a possible drunk driver, in the drive through.  Officers arrived and stopped the vehicle as it left the location.  During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was under the influence and was arrested.

Injury Traffic Collision
On March 30 at 1:59 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of South Mayflower regarding a vehicle rollover traffic collision.  Further investigation revealed the driver fell asleep and crashed into a parked vehicle, causing the vehicle to rollover.  The driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Property under Observation
On March 30 at 6:25 p.m., officers responded to 400 block of Stedman regarding a suspicious person loitering on the property and possible drug activity.   Officers arrived and detained a subject they suspected of committing vehicle burglaries and another female that lives at the residence.  Inside the open garage, officers noticed a pile off cell phones and drug paraphernalia.  An officer recognized property that looked like a sunglass case that was taken in a prior vehicle burglary. Officers searched the residence for additional stolen property.  Investigation is continuing.

Pastor of Monrovia's Second Baptist Celebrates 40 Years

Monrovia's Second Baptist Church in Monrovia celebrated the fortieth anniversary of its pastor, Dr. William Larue Dillard, with a banquet Saturday. http://goo.gl/4y9RuH

- Brad Haugaard

Quake in Monrovia

Apparently an earthquake in Monrovia. I'll update when I get more information.

Update: Centered near La Habra.

LA Times says it was a 5.3: http://goo.gl/ZmYfES
Star-News says a 3.6, and no damage reported: http://goo.gl/3Naazx

It felt like shaking then swaying to me. Not too bad.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia VFW Honors Students, Receives Fire Fighter's Donation

C/2LT Nathan Lagaspi, CDT(MS3) William Tostenson and C/SSgt Langham Robinson with Moe Stamps. Lagaspi and Robinson are with CAP Squadron 21 in El Monte. Tostenson is a student at Azusa Pacific University  and a member of the Claremont McKenna ROTC detachment.

The Monrovia VFW has given awards for leadership excellence to two Civil Air Patrol cadets from the El Monte Squadron and one to an ROTC cadet from Azusa Pacific. CAP is the auxiliary of the Air Force and offers teens training in aerospace and leadership in a military frame work. Each cadet received a medal, certificate, proclamation from the City of Monrovia, and a grant from the post Memorial Scholarship & Grant Fund to support their educations.

Also, the Monrovia Fire Fighters' Association made a substantial donation (amount currently confidential) to the VFW's Memorial Scholarship & Grant Fund, allowing the post to offer larger grants and scholarships. The Fund accomplishes the organizational goal, "to preserve the memory and history of our dead."  Each grant (including those given to the cadets) comes with a certificate listing every service member from the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte area who has been killed in combat.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Gene's Grinders


Lunch at Gene's Grinders, at Myrtle and Olive.  Got the Friday Special, a large Italian sausage sandwich ($7.50) and an iced tea (huge, for $1.70). Very big. Half would have been plenty, but, well, it was good and I ate it all. I'm now officially stuffed. 

- Brad Haugaard

The Art of Monrovia's New Train Station

Hand painted ramp tiles by Cha Rie Tang, Artist.

Art for the coming Monrovia Gold Line station is being called, "River of Time," and celebrates Monrovia's architectural heritage and natural beauty. Artist Cha-Rie Tang has combined tile, glass and natural materials, with a suggestion of water toward the station platforms by a band of field tiles glazed to suggest a stream, as well as from handmade glass bricks around a river-worn boulder that will sit at the entrance to the station. Each column base will include decorative tiles, created to celebrate the local history of Batchelder tiles. Source: http://goo.gl/Zc8w1q

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Progress in Monrovia

Canopy structure at the Monrovia Station, which will have two side platforms. 

Crews are completing light rail track installation at the Myrtle Ave grade crossing in Monrovia.

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Trader Joe's Markets Rated Best | Candle Fundraiser | Yoga at St. Luke's

~ Monrovia-based Trader Joe's comes out as top supermarket in survey. Good service, good perishables, good prices, and clean stores. http://goo.gl/LjmNoh

~ During April Monrovia's Xylem Spa (198 S. Myrtle) will donate 100 percent of the purchase price ($12) of its "Light the Way" candles to Global Greengrants Fund, a non-profit working to solve environmental problems. The scented candles are in reclaimed glass beverage bottles and the cartons contain recycled paper materials.

~ Gyl Elliott, of Gita Yoga Learning, will host yoga workshops at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. all from 6 to 9 p.m. April 16, Potions for Powerful Healing: aromatherapy based on Indian philosophy of healing; May 14, Shakti Yoga Philosophy and Practice, to "gain physical, mental and emotional strength via movement, breath, healers and meditation;" June 18, Yoga of Breath and Focus. Breathing exercises. Bring a compact or hand mirror. $45 each workshop.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: City Manager Search, Transit Village, Plastic Bag Report, Honors and Arbor Day

The Monrovia City Council will hold another closed session on March 31 at 4 p.m. about the city manager ( http://goo.gl/6w9r7a ), and again on April 1 ( http://goo.gl/0agRtq ). Comment: This search for a new city manager seems to be going on for quite a long time.

At a study session at 5 p.m. on April 1, the council will get an update and discuss the Station Square Transit Village project. http://goo.gl/NpjHaI

At the regular 7:30 p.m. meeting on April 1 (agenda: http://goo.gl/b6zDqi ), the council will:

- Hear a recommendation from the Reuseable Bag Regulation Ad Hoc Committee recommending the city prepare an ordinance for consideration.

- Introduce newly hired Director of Community Services Tina Cherry.

- Proclaim April 24, 2014, as "Arbor Day"

- Recognize Margarita Sandoval, 2014 Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Youth of the Year and 2014 Boys and Girls Club Los Angeles County Alliance Youth of the Year; and Samantha Rodarte and Donye Neal, 2014 Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Youth of the Year finalists.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at the VFW

Dinner at the VFW, corner of Magnolia and Chestnut. Robert Parry invited me to come to its Thursday night (5-7:30 p.m.) open-to-the-public Burger Feast. Got a $5 cheeseburger with fries (he paid) and a beer for $2.50 (I paid). It was a really good burger, a great price, and it helps support the VFW's education and veteran relief efforts.

Also, the post has Sunday breakfast brunch 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday tacos, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's St. Baldrick's Foundation Helps Arcadia Go Bald

Arcadia's Matt Denny's restaurant and Del Sol Salon, working through Monrovia's St. Baldrick's Foundation, sponsored a head-shaving event to raise money for kids with cancer. http://goo.gl/OfGGSu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Lost Mountain Biker - and Dog - Rescued; Drunk and Mean; Hit and Run; Car Crimes

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 24-26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 398 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 398 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
March 24 at 8:42 a.m., an officer was dispatched to Duarte and Encino regarding a suspicious vehicle that had the right rear door and trunk open, and appeared ransacked. Through investigation, the officer determined that the victim had parked and secured the vehicle on the night before at about 9:00 p.m. The loss was two tennis rackets and a soccer ball from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
March 24 at 10:08 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1800 block of South Mountain on the report of a recovered vehicle. A company van was reported stolen to Monrovia Police Department on March 22. The company received a call from a resident in Rowland Heights telling him a van from their company had been parked there for several days. The company had the vehicle towed back to their business in Monrovia and called police to report the vehicle had been recovered. A carpet cleaning pump had been taken from the van. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft from a Vehicle
 March 24 at 4:31 p.m., an officer responded to a parking lot in the 1700 block of South Mountain on the report of a theft from a vehicle. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot after lunch and went into work, but did not lock the vehicle. When she returned to it, she found someone had broken into her vehicle and the backseat was missing. The officer handling the investigation checked the area and found another vehicle that had also been burglarized. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 24 at 5:51 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of West Huntington. The victim had parked his company vehicle in a business parking lot. He locked the vehicle, but left a company laptop computer and a duffle bag containing a camera, cell phone, and tools on the front seat of the vehicle. He left the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. When he returned to it, he found a window had been smashed and his property had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle
March 24 at 7:00 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of West Huntington. The victim parked and secured his vehicle behind his business two days earlier and possibly left the ignition key in the center console or driver's door storage compartment. When he returned, his vehicle was missing. The vehicle is described as a Gray, 2005, Ford Excursion. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Obstructing & Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 9:34 p.m., a business in the 100 block of West Foothill called police regarding a disturbing subject. An intoxicated male adult entered the store and attempted to purchase beer. The employee refused service because he seemed too intoxicated. The subject began verbally abusing the store employees and refused to leave. The officer arrived and contacted the subject, who became aggressive by getting into a fighting stance. The officer was able to quickly control the subject and arrested him without further incident. No one was injured.

Lost Mountain Biker Rescued
March 24 at 10:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Canyon Park regarding the report of a lost mountain biker. A 46-year-old male subject from Pomona entered the Fish Canyon area on his mountain bike at about 6:00 p.m. with his dog following him on a leash. The mountain biker was attempting to ride up the mountainous trail leading to the radio tower and became disoriented and unable to find his way back to the city limits. He rode for several hours without water and had become very thirsty. He was cold as a result of the drop in temperature and did not have warm clothing. The biker had 7% battery life on his cell phone, but was able to call his friend, a Monrovia resident, for help. The biker was able to provide the fire road number he was traveling on just before his cell phone lost complete power. The friend immediately called police to report his friend was in need of help. Monrovia dispatchers attempted to call the lost biker's cell phone but it went straight to voice mail, indicating his phone was either shut off or dead. The dispatchers conducted a search of the fire road number and discovered it to be near the Camp Trask Boy Scout Camp. All available officers were sent to the area to begin searching for the biker. Arrangements were being made for additional resources to join in the search when an officer located the biker on the main road leading to Camp Trask at approximately 11:15 p.m. The biker was thirsty and cold, but in good condition. His dog appeared fine as well.

Note: I took a wrong road down from up there and ended at a dead-end beneath a power tower. Had to push my bike a long way up a very steep road to get back to the top. Careful up there! - Brad

Grand Theft Auto
March 25 at 4:04 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 1600 bock of South Mountain. The victim parked and secured her vehicle in the parking lot. She went into the store for about ten minutes, and when she returned to the vehicle, it was gone. The vehicle is a white, two-door, extra cab, 1997 Nissan Frontier. The hood has grey primer spots on it and it has a black lumber rack in the bed. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
March 25 at 4:44 p.m., a theft from a vehicle in the 1600 block of South Myrtle was reported to police. The incident occurred the day prior on March 24. The victim parked his vehicle in the Park and Ride lot. While he was away, someone entered his vehicle and took several pairs of glasses, subwoofers, and a backpack. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle
March 26 at 7:43 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of West Walnut. The victim parked and secured her vehicle across from her residence in the evening. She was up late and discovered the vehicle missing at 12:10 a.m. The vehicle is a white, 1997, Ford F150 truck. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 26 at 8:10 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle and went inside a business. When he returned, the left rear window of his vehicle was smashed. The victim's computer and other miscellaneous items that were left in the vehicle were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 12:35 p.m., a citizen called police to report four homeless subjects hiding in a parking structure in the 100 block of West Lemon. They were in the southeast corner of the parking structure near a white BMW. Officers arrived and recognized them as local homeless subjects. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and was arrested.

Grand Theft
March 26 at 12:54 p.m., a victim called police and reported that while he was working to the rear of a location in the 400 block of East Huntington, someone stole a pallet jack and aluminum topper for an ATM from the rental truck he was using. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Vandalism
March 26 at 6:51 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Olive and Shamrock regarding a hit and run traffic collision. The officer’s investigation revealed the cause of this collision was possibly intentional and the parties possibly knew each other. Apparently, three vehicles were involved and a suspect threw a hammer at the victim's windshield. One of the suspects came to the police lobby approximately one hour after the incident in an effort to report that he was involved in a traffic collision, but he failed to provide accurate details about how the collision occurred. The investigation is continuing. At 7:14 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Lime and Heliotrope was flagged down by a victim who reported that someone had smashed the windshield of his vehicle. The victim did not have any further details to provide about how the incident occurred. There is a possibility this vandalism is related to the above hit and run traffic incident. The victim vehicle in this incident is the same vehicle used during a stabbing that occurred last week. The investigation is continuing

Vehicle Burglary
March 26 at 10:10 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of West Huntington. Unknown suspect(s) smashed the victim's right, rear, passenger window.The victim does not know if any of her property was taken. The incident occurred sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The investigation is continuing.