May 10: Monrovia Fountain to the Falls Run and Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

The Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is a 7 mile out-and-back race, from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park Waterfall, with a Health and Fitness Expo set up along Myrtle Avenue, in cooperation with the Santa Anita Family YMCA.

This fourth annual race will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 7 a.m. First through third place awards will be given for each age category. The race is limited to 400 participants and advance registration is required. No race day registration will be accepted. The $35 entry fee (a registration fee is added to each entry) includes a t-shirt. The Health and Fitness expo opens at 6 a.m. and features Zumba in the Street for spectators as they wait for race participants to finish.

Participants can register on-line at http://www.active.com. No late starts or unregistered participants will be permitted. Registration will be accepted through Wednesday, May 7, or until filled. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246. Complete details including street closures and parking restrictions can be found on the City's website: http://goo.gl/5BnoIv

Also on Saturday, May 10, from 7-11 a.m., the Monrovia Firefighters Association will host its annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Avenue, around the corner from the Fountain to the Falls finish line. The breakfast costs $5, kids under three eat free, and all proceeds go to benefit local charities. Kids under 12 can also participate in the Jr. Firefighter Challenge, donning firefighter gear and participating in a firefighter-themed training course. For more information on this event, please call (626) 256-8181. For more on the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, see the City's website: http://goo.gl/dN6nnW

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robot Competes in St. Louis | Baseball Victory | Rain Tomorrow? | World Vision

~ Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team is now competing in St. Louis, according to the team's Facebook page. http://goo.gl/zIWRpA

~ In baseball, Monrovia over Temple City 3-1. http://goo.gl/HMJAj0

~ Fifty percent chance of rain tomorrow, Saturday. http://goo.gl/nZFKzr

~ Monrovia's World Vision is one of 22 relief agencies preparing a new camp for Syrian refugees. This one in Jordan. http://goo.gl/rW388j

- Brad Haugaard

Candidate for Monrovia's Historic Home Designation

Before and after. Photos by City of Monrovia.

This newly restored home at 227 North Ivy may be the next structure to receive historic status. Full story here: http://goo.gl/O3BSCu

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner & A Show to Buy Grand Piano for St. Luke's Church

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia will hold "Dinner & A Show" on Saturday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at the church. Proceeds from the $25 per person ticket donation are to purchase a concert grand piano. The evening will begin with dinner and a silent auction, followed by a concert by members of the choir and guests. A dessert reception will follow.

Those who are unable to attend but would like to support the music program may mail donations to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave., Monrovia CA 91016, with "Music Fundraiser" noted on the check. For more information, email stlukesmonrovia@gmail.com.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Catalytic Converter Theft; Woman Punches Fiancé; Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for April 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 462 service events, resulting in 98 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
April 21 at 3:29 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary came to the police lobby to report her vehicle had been broken into while parked in the 400 block of East Colorado. She noticed that the rubber seal around the driver’s door had been pushed in and the vehicle was ransacked. It appears nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Theft – Catalytic Converter
On April 21 at 4:52 p.m., a theft was reported in the 700 block of Montana. The victim came into the police lobby to report that someone had stolen the catalytic converter off his vehicle. The victim went out to start his vehicle and heard a loud noise. He drove his vehicle to a mechanic, who told him that the catalytic converter was missing off his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
On April 21 at 8:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Montana on the report of a theft from a vehicle. The vehicle was left unlocked and the victim's black iPhone was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Two Bicycles
On April 9:23 p.m., a theft of two bicycles was reported in the 100 block of Montana. The bicycles were stolen from a rear carport. The theft occurred sometime between 4:00 p.m. on April 20 and 7:00 a.m. on April 21. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Identity Theft – Two Suspects Arrested
On April 21 at 11:53 p.m., an officer responded to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding two hotel guests that checked into a room with stolen credit card information. Upon arrival, officers located the suspects inside a hotel room. They conducted an investigation and located stolen credit cards, stolen mail from several locations, ledgers containing personal information, and credit applications. The two suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On April 22 at 12:27 a.m., an officer conducted a domestic violence investigation involving a female that punched her defenseless fiancé several times in the face. The male subject is recovering from an injury he received in a motorcycle accident. The female suspect left the location. The officer contacted the female suspect on the phone and convinced her to turn herself in to police. She admitted to the crime and was taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was sent to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding a female associate of the fraud suspects that were arrested in the above fraud incident. The female was contacted, but was not linked to fraud case. The officer found the female to be in possession of a straw used to inhale methamphetamine. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Battery / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 8:00 a.m., a disturbance between a mother and daughter was reported in the 700 block of South Monterey. The mother had claimed the daughter hit her in the leg with a fist. Officers arrived, but the mother had left the location. The daughter was found to have a warrant and was arrested.

Vandalism
April 22 at 8:31 a.m., a caller reported an incident of vandalism in the 1300 block of South Myrtle. The caller reported blue graffiti on the wall facing Montana. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
April 22 at 1:23 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter being detained. Through investigation, the officer determined the female suspect had taken a large empty purse into the store, concealed merchandise in the purse and exited the store. She was arrested for burglary and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On April 22 at 8:30 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Madison on a disturbance between a male and female subject. When the officer arrived, he conducted a computer check, which revealed the male subject had an outstanding DUI warrant for his arrest. The warrant was issued by the Pasadena Police Department. The subject was arrested for the warrant. Pasadena was notified and officers responded and took custody of the subject.

Day of Prayer to Support Unity Center

A National Day of Prayer event on May 1, 7 p.m., at Santa Anita Church at 226 W. Colorado Blvd. in Arcadia will support Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. The event, Young Voices United in Prayer, will feature six young people from the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths. Music by the Barnhart School Choir and Jimmy and Tony Licata. For details, call 446-8206.

- Brad Haugaard

Harlem Wizards Coming to Monrovia High School

The Harlem Wizards are coming to Monrovia High School, Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. This event, hosted by The Monrovia Renaissance Foundation, brings The Wizards to town to help support Renaissance programs recognizing academics throughout Monrovia Unified School District.

The Harlem Wizards' mission is to create awe-inspiring events throughout the country. At a Wizards game fans witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. It's two hours of family time where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together. When you're in the stands, you're more than a spectator; you're part of the show with loads of audience participation. Throughout the game, fans will experience a display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction.

Tickets purchased before the event are $12 for adults, $10 for children and can be purchased by contacting Paul Dols at Pdols@monroviaschools.net through Friday, April 25. They can also be purchased online at http://www.Harlemwizards.com . Tickets will be available on the day of the game at the Monrovia High School Events Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. Prices at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for students.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

California Assembly Approves Monrovia Assembly Member's Bills

The California Assembly today gave bi-partisan approval to three bills authored by Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. The three include: legislation "to give veterans a stronger voice in college leadership," legislation "to ensure the legacy of President Obama is included in school textbooks," and a resolution to "honor unsung heroes of the Vietnam War."

Source: Holden press release

Comment: A. Why do veterans deserve set-aside board seats? Are they super-citizens? And I say that as a vet. B. Do we really have to ensure President Obama's legacy by force of law?? C. If sailors killed in a training accident in the South China Sea deserve to be on the Vietnam Memorial, why not men killed during the same time period in training exercises in Germany or the U.S.? I approve of some of Mr. Holden's proposals, but these are unnecessary.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Authors

After writing a book and putting it on-line I started wondering if there were other Monrovia authors out there, so I invited them to submit their latest book. Here they are, with information about their books, and links. - Brad Haugaard


Author: Marshall Deaton
Title: The Giant Redwoods: California's Majestic Trees

For anyone interested in the world famous and majestic redwood trees of California, this book is a must-read. It provides details for both the Giant and Coast Redwood trees as well as accompanying photos from the past and present, for readers to discover and enjoy.

The contents include interesting facts about the two tree species. It includes the Redwood Tree's physical appearance, species, locations and habitat, fossil records and threats to their existence. Included are 100 photos to view and marvel.

Your child can also learn more about the popularity of these trees and their importance to humans. If you are willing to read and be entertained by these majestic living trees known as the California Redwoods, you should definitely buy and download this book.

http://goo.gl/59dvlW


Author: Therese Travis
Title: A Fistful of God
She's never taken a drink, but she's recovering from alcoholism all the same.

After the death of her father, teenager Aidyn Pierce spends all her time cleaning up her mother's messes. So when Mom announces she's getting sober, Aidyn doesn't believe her. Mom has tried before, and Aidyn knows there will come a time-a day, a week, maybe even a month from now-when the cravings will be too much, and her mother will start drinking again. So, when Aidyn is encouraged to attend support meetings, she refuses. No point in wasting her time when her mother's going to drink again, anyway.

But what Aidyn doesn't count on is the healing power of love and friendship, and the incredible strength of God to walk both mother and daughter through the dark valley of addiction and recovery.

Kindle ( http://goo.gl/e1mWue ), print ( http://goo.gl/3iXIJs )


Author: Judy Walker
Title: The Beaded Sphere And Variations - Beading In The Third Dimension
A 240-page full-color hard cover featuring detailed instructions, diagrams and photos for a baker's dozen of her bead projects ranging from jewelry to sculptures, including her unique Triple Sphere. Also included is general information about basic beading techniques, a source directory, and a photo gallery of other bead artists' work.

http://goo.gl/Vg87AR


Author: Wyatt Doyle
Title: Stop Requested
The strange connections people make on buses and trains in Los Angeles. Conversations and encounters on the first train in and waiting for the last bus home. It's illustrated by Stanley J. Zappa, a great artist. He's the nephew of Frank Zappa.

"A series of rueful, witty and occasionally heartwrenching stories about riding the bus in L.A. These are folks living on the margin between nothing and everything, stuck between Rodeo Drive and The Highway To Nowhere. Doyle's gift is in capturing those tiny dramatic moments that linger for a brief moment on the periphery of vision."

http://goo.gl/GcjGfD


Author: Timothy C. Lim
Title: Politics in East Asia: Explaining Change and Continuity

It's basically for students, but anyone is interested in better understanding economic and political development in China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and Taiwan might be interested.

"This systematic, innovative introduction to the dynamic politics and political economies of China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan teaches students how to think analytically, critically, and independently about the most significant developments in the region.

The text offers in-depth coverage of the unique experiences of each country, all within the framework of an explicit comparative perspective. Throughout, the five countries are contrasted with one another to maximize opportunities for learning. Covering the intertwined issues of politics, economics, and culture, this is a book that is ideally suited for assignment in any social science course on East Asia."

http://goo.gl/Huw9UU


Author: Brad Haugaard
Title: The Outlander
If his father's life wasn't at stake, Tirón was the last place in the galaxy Cyrus would have gone. It was like Arizona in 1875, and he had miles to ride along a dusty red trail with a killer behind him and a beautiful young woman with a short fuse right ahead...

http://goo.gl/lbcOA5

Monrovia's Everlet Reports Huge Revenue Increase | Photo Exhibit

~ Everlert, Inc., of Monrovia, in the mail management solutions business, reports its net revenue for 2013 increased by approximately 224% or $466K compared to 2012. And more: http://goo.gl/glnljy

~ Photo exhibit at Monrovia's Paint 'n Play. http://goo.gl/DSFAvd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Girls Decide on School Dress Uniform

After a lively debate, two-thirds of the female students of Monrovia High voted to adopt a dress uniform. Um... That was in 1924. Details: http://goo.gl/IkeCJ1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assembly Member Sponsoring Law to Combat Prostitution

Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, is co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 1147 to help "professionalize the massage therapy industry and reinforce local control over these businesses," some of which "are fronts for prostitution and increasingly, human trafficking." He said the measure addresses problems created by an earlier law that "failed to keep out the bad actors and restricted cities that wanted to keep illicit businesses out of their communities."

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Says No - Again - to Portland

After some Portland, Oregon, residents objected to having a Trader Joe's in town, Monrovia-based Trader Joe's said, okay, it wouldn't open there. At that point Portland tried to get the company to reconsider. But the answer again is no. http://goo.gl/gY6YR9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over South Pasadena in Baseball, Softball :-)

~ In baseball, Monrovia over South Pasadena 16-2. http://goo.gl/XMtzyl

~ In softball, Monrovia over South Pas 12-0. http://goo.gl/pT3441

- Brad Haugaard

Peter Pan at Monrovia High

Performance of Peter Pan at Monrovia High, May 2, 3, and 4. Details: http://goo.gl/cHQoLT

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Tree Trimming Schedule

The latest tree trimming schedule for Monrovia. Here are the streets ( http://goo.gl/gA2Hst ) and here is a map ( http://goo.gl/h5kSg1 ).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Elementary School Artists

Photo of a mural at Monrovia elementary school of Winslow Homer's painting, Snap the Whip. http://goo.gl/38q1sj

- Brad Haugaard

Double Delight Exhibit at Monrovia Gallery

Sunshine Rose" 12x16, oil by Dee Kirkham

A new exhibit called "Double Delight" at Segil Fine Arts (110 West Lime) will feature new paintings by Dee Kirkham and Linda Brown. The exhibit runs from May 3-31.

 

-  Brad Haugaard

Fire at Monrovia Plumber

Correspondent Robert Parry reports there was a fire at a plumbing business at Alta Vista near Chestnut. Photo by Robert Parry.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Catalytic Converters; Stolen Credit Cards; Drunk and Breaking Potted Plants

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Drug Paraphernalia / Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
On April 17 at 8:41 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a petty theft. The suspect was seen selecting merchandise and walking towards the exit doors. He placed the items down, exited the store, and returned a few minutes later. He picked up the items, selected additional items, and walked into the dressing room, where he concealed some items on his person and then exited the store without paying. He walked to another business and was detained by officers. Officers recovered store merchandise from inside the bathroom. During a search of the suspect, officers located heroin and syringes. The suspect was arrested.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 17 at 10:37 p.m., an officer stopped a subject on a bicycle in the area of Myrtle and Huntington for traveling on the sidewalk with no lighting device. During the investigation, the officer determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. He arrested the subject.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 18 at 3:14 a.m., an officer noticed a subject near the front doors of a closed business in the 400 block of West Huntington. The officer approached to investigate, and during the investigation, the subject was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
On April 18 at 4:10 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Bonita heard someone trying to start his vehicle. He went outside and discovered a male subject inside his vehicle. He confronted the suspect, who reached into a bag he had his lap. The victim left to call police. When he returned, the suspect had fled. Officers responded and conducted an area search for the suspect, but he was not located. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 20’s, 5'5” tall, with grey hair and a mustache. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrest
On April 18 at 5:03 a.m., during the area check for the attempt grand theft auto suspect, officers contacted a subject in the 300 block of West Huntington. During the contact with the subject, they discovered he had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft from a Vehicle
On April 18 in the early evening, two residents reported to police that the catalytic converters were stolen off their vehicles. The thefts occurred in the 1600 block of South Myrtle and the 700 block of West Foothill. In both incidents, the residents started their vehicles and heard a loud noise coming from underneath, which led to the discovery of the missing catalytic converters. The investigations are continuing.

Resisting Arrest / Drunk in Public / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
On April 19 at 12:08 a.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding two subjects fighting. When the officers arrived, a witness pointed out one of the subjects involved in the fight. The other had left the location. As the officers approached the suspect, he ran from them toward a residence. As he ran, he smashed through a fence and broke some potted plants. The suspect was uncooperative and was determined to be intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody for the above listed charges.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
On April 19 at 4:18 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Fifth and Huntington observed a suspicious person walking away from a vehicle. He ran a computer check on the vehicle plate and it returned as a stolen plate. The VIN number on the vehicle returned as a stolen vehicle out of Arcadia. A replica pistol was found in the vehicle that was painted to resemble an actual pistol. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
On April 19 at 4:20 p.m., an officer on patrol contacted a suspect in the area of Primrose and Olive who was in possession of a stolen cell phone and fraudulent gift cards. The cell phone was stolen out of Pacoima. The gift cards were magnetically coded with different numbers than the numbers on the front of the cards. Additionally, the suspect had a small piece of paper with several credit card numbers and expiration dates. The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and the investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On April 20 at 8:37 p.m., a driver called dispatch to report he was following a possible drunk driver at Myrtle and Huntington. Officers located the vehicle and stopped it at Primrose and Walnut. Officers contacted the driver and he appeared intoxicated. After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 21 at 5:00 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of West Walnut walked outside his home to his vehicle and discovered it had been burglarized during the night. He had parked it the night before at about 10:00 p.m. and locked the doors. The victim's wallet was taken out of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.