Watch Out For 'Attack' Hawks on North Myrtle

Reader Karen E. Karlsson  warns of hawk attacks on North Myrtle. She writes:

  Just an item of interest regarding the interaction of humans and wildlife.  I live in the 300 block of North Myrtle and there is a hawk family living high up in a Chinese Elm tree on the east side in the middle of the block.  There are 3 young hawks in this nest and the parents are doing everything in their power to keep all of us away.  Their talons are vicious and dangerous.  Several of us have been "attacked" and one neighbor is being checked out by the paramedics right now as she has a few hits on her head and face.   Everybody out there who walks our street must be very aware of this situation.  It is no laughing matter.  Some of us carry umbrellas when we walk - actually a hard hat would be good too - but that's a bit much.  So - heads up everyone!!

- Brad Haugaard

Opinion: Please, Monrovia City Council, No Plastic Bag Ban!

Because the Monrovia City Council will tonight again consider putting a plastic shopping bag ban on its agenda for consideration, I thought I'd publish an email I sent to the council members urging them not to adopt a plastic bag ban. (Here is tonight's agenda,  http://goo.gl/li8CxH . Look for item RCC-4.) I know not everyone agrees with my view, so feel free to comment, pro or con, in the Comments section, below.

Dear Mayor Lutz and City Council Members,

I am writing to request that you do not adopt a plastic bag ban for Monrovia.

Every waste product I can think of has possible negative consequences:

- Human and animal waste can cause disease.
- Glass never decays and can have sharp edges that can cut people.
- Paper is flammable and is easily windblown.
- Yard waste, in large piles, can spontaneously burst into flame, and it gives off methane gas when buried.

The obvious answer to all these problems is that when handled properly these problems can be minimized or eliminated.

But that is precisely the case with plastic bags.

Handled properly, plastic bags present no more of a problem than other forms of waste, and arbitrarily banning them is an inconvenience and an unnecessary infringement on the rights of Monrovians.

Any problems presented by plastic bags are a triviality and the city should not be concerning itself with the little details of people's lives.

Thank you,

Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Coach Moore Retiring

Monrovia High baseball coach Dave Moore retiring after 32 years. http://goo.gl/F4Amml

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Assaulted by Hallucinations; Drunk and Feisty; Drug Sales; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 29 – June 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Commercial Burglary / No-Bail Warrants – Suspect Arrested
On May 29 at 4:50 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called police to report a shoplifter in custody. The loss prevention officer observed the suspect concealing merchandise in the pockets of his pants. The suspect then left the store without attempting to pay for the merchandise. An officer responded and arrested the suspect. A computer check revealed the suspect had two no-bail warrants for his arrest. The warrants were added to his charges.

Vehicle Burglary
On May 29 at 6:11 p.m., an officer responded to the 900 block of West Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and secured his vehicle. Upon returning to it a half hour later, he noticed his rear passenger door window was shattered. A brown leather duffle bag containing a laptop and a credit card reader were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On May 31 at 12:08 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of West Duarte regarding a subject being threatened by several subjects in the common area of his apartment complex. When officers arrived and spoke to the person reporting the incident, it was determined he was hallucinating because he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales / Convicted Felon in Possession of a Stun Gun – Suspects Arrested
On May 31 at 1:36 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 800 block of West Chestnut for a vehicle code violation. During the course of his investigation, he discovered the driver and the passenger were in possession of narcotics, a scale, cash, and information relating to the sales of narcotics. A stun gun was located in the vehicle and both subjects were found to be convicted felons. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody for the above listed charges.

Injury Traffic Collision
On May 31 at 5:22 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of Valley View. A female subject was driving her vehicle on Valley View and ran into a parked trailer. It appeared as though the driver had some type of seizure. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation. There were three people inside the trailer when it was hit, but no one was injured.

Drunk in Public – Suspects Arrested
On May 31 at 10:42 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a male and female arguing and possibly fighting in 600 block of South Myrtle. Officers arrived to find a husband and wife arguing. Both subjects were so intoxicated they could not explain what they were arguing over. The female became belligerent and aggressive. Both were arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public.

Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
On June 1 at 1:44 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a male and female arguing in the 100 block of North Ivy. When officers arrived, the male subject had left the location. The female had been drinking and became belligerent. The subject’s friends asked officers if they could arrest the subject because she was angry and combative with them. Officers tried speaking with the subject and she became irate and combative with the officers. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public.

Domestic Violence / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
On June 1 at 12:25 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding the report of domestic violence. The officer observed minor visible injuries to the male subject and determined the female subject to be the aggressor. The officer arrested the female for domestic violence. The male subject was found to be in possession of a glass methamphetamine pipe and was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On June 1 at 4:22 p.m., an officer on patrol noticed a pedestrian gate left open in the 100 block of West Foothill. Earlier in the day, the officer noticed that same gate was closed. As the officer exited his vehicle to investigate, he found two subjects loitering in the area. One of the subjects was under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested. The other subject was released.

Zombie Apocalypse at Monrovia's First Presbyterian

Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church will begin a new "mini series" this Sunday entitled: "How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, and other Thoughts About the End of the World". http://goo.gl/Gg6GJB

Comment: Sounds like useful information :-)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia FD Providing CPR Training Thursday

The Monrovia Fire Department will provide free CPR Training Thursday, June 5 at the Library Park fountain, 312 S Myrtle, between 9 AM and noon. http://goo.gl/8sYRXS

- Brad Haugaard

Swap Produce in the Park this Saturday

Spring and summer are the best times for cultivating produce in our gardens! Produce in the Park is a group of people dedicated to sharing locally grown food to decrease food waste; exchange gardening, cooking and other useful tips; and create an awesome community of awesome people. If all these things sound like you, then come check out our upcoming PitP meet-up this Saturday, June 7, 9-11 AM by the Mark Twain bench in Library Park (on the corner of Lime & Myrtle). To find out more, visit our blog and join email list. Source: PitP press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Old Home Tour Attendance Nice, But Lower | Dillard in Need of Heart Operation

~ Jim Wigton, of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, reported this morning that attendance at the group's annual Old Homes Tour was about 500, a nice crowd, but down from previous years when it has been over 700. He attributed the decline to other old home tours, which has given people more choices.

~ Terrance Williams, who serves on the Monrovia School Board, reports that Bishop Wm. LaRue Dillard, who has long led Second Baptist Church of Monrovia, is publicly asking for prayer because he needs a heart transplant. Williams, who attends the church, said Dillard is at the top of the list for the operation.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming up in Monrovia

~ Job search workshops: http://goo.gl/wTnO36

~ A Friendship Tea sponsored by United Methodist Church and Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center, June 7, 11 a.m. To 2 p.m. At 140 E Palm. $15 advance or $20 at the door. Fashion show, thrift store shopping, gold purchasing. Tickets: 358-2122.

~ Fundraiser for Centre Stage June 10 at Flamzz pizza restaurant. 15% of purchases to Centre Stage. Details: 930-0973.

~ Summer movie schedule: June 14, Surfs Up at St. Luke's Episcopal Church; June 28, Frozen at Second Baptist Church; July 12, The Avengers, on IvyAvenue between Fig and Los Angeles; July 26, The Lego Movie, at Monrovia High.

~ Black Alumni Association picnic, June 28, 11 AM to 6 PM at Shamrock and Olive. Games, raffle, food. More info, call Eloise Hart at 529-5671.

~ Knights of Columbus charity golf, San Dimas Canyon Golf Course. June 27. BBQ to follow. Info, call Hal Leavens at 359-8648.

~ Fourth of July concert and fireworks. Featuring Stone Soul. Library Park, starting at 7 PM, fireworks at 9 PM.

~ Professional performance of The Wizard Of Oz at the Taylor Performing Arts Center, a.k.a. Monrovia High auditorium, on July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. Details: http://goo.gl/FmQlfF

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Group to Oppose Large Homes | Fountain to be Replaced | Monrovia in WWII

~ Gloria Crudgington, in the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter, writes: "Historically, MOHPG has focused much of its energy on the preservation of our old home stock. Now, we also are directing our attention to the preservation of our neighborhoods." She says the group would like to prevent small houses being replaced by "McMansions."

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter reports that the insurance company of the driver who clonked the historic drinking fountain structure in Library Park at Myrtle and Lime has agreed to a settlement, so hopefully the fountain can be rebuilt to its original condition (I've been told all the rocks making up the fountain have been saved.)

~ The Monrovia Historical Museum has officially unveiled its newest exhibit, "Monrovia at War," about the city during World War II. The museum is at 742 E. Lemon, and is open Thursdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Admission is free.

- Brad Haugaard

New Coffee Shop on Myrtle

A new coffee shop is apparently going in on Myrtle - Eureka Coffee Lounge. http://goo.gl/MunNb6

- Brad Haugaard

Tourism for Monrovia and Vicinity

The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership has developed a campaign to promote the valley as a tourist destination. Here is its promotion for visitor to the Monrovia/Arcadia/Sierra Madre area who has 36 hours on his hands: http://goo.gl/iIK89Z . And here are some other local adventures: http://goo.gl/ItGNPj

- Brad Haugaard

Would Plastic Bag Ban Affect Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center?

Monrovian Charlotte Shamadan writes in her Weekly Star column that Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center "relies on donated plastic bags for packing the weekly food distribution for needy families." (The proposed plastic bag ban will come back before the Monrovia City Council at its next meeting, this coming Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/li8CxH)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: The Plastic Bag Ban Returns; No Thank You Letter to Chu

At its Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/li8CxH ) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a proposal by Council member Alexander Blackburn to reintroduce a proposed ban on plastic grocery carry-out bags that was initially adopted, then rejected at the last council meeting. See item RCC-4: http://goo.gl/li8CxH .

~ Review letters to Congresswoman Judy Chu (I'm not sure why multiple letters) asking that Monrovia be removed from the proposed San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area. See proposed letters here, http://goo.gl/GO2OXC , and here: http://goo.gl/wJyHwt

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Reinstating Nursing Assistant Program

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, is reinstating its nursing assistant program this fall. There will be a mandatory information meeting at Citrus on Monday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to noon for those interested in the program. The meeting will be held at Louis E. Zellers Center for Innovation, Room 159, off Foothill Boulevard near Barranca Avenue. Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at T Burgers

Lunch at T Burgers, just east of Magnolia on the south side of Foothill. I got the tostada salad, for $7.99, and an iced tea for $1.89. It's pretty big, with a lot of chicken, avocado, tomato, cheese, and beans. That, and you can pretend you're eating healthy because it's a salad. Yummy!

- Brad Haugaard

Is Monrovia's Football Dynasty Over?

Star-News writer thinks Monrovia football dynasty may be over. http://goo.gl/dO4Meh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Girls Team Wins at CIF Finals

Monrovia High girl's 4X100 Relay Team won the crown at the CIF Finals last Saturday. The boys 4X100 and 4X400 meter teams also did well. http://goo.gl/UYfrc0

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Hosting Japanese Water Polo Team | World Vision Helps with Flood

~ The Japanese Women's National Team will be using the Citrus College Aquatics Center to train from May 27 to June 1, during which time the team will go head to head with the United States Women's Youth National Team in the water. Citrus serves Monrovia. Source: Citrus press release

~ Monrovia's World Vision relief agency is helping with flood clean-up in Bosnia and Herzegovina. http://goo.gl/5oVROl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Illegal Shoe Swap; Burglaries, Alcohol and Marijuana

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 26-28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 423 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On May 26 at 7:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of West Cypress in reference to a public assist. Upon arrival, the officer saw a male subject in the alley that immediately entered the residence. The reporting party is the resident at the location and she called the police to report her ex-boyfriend as an unwanted guest who was causing a disturbance. The officer contacted the subject and determined he was intoxicated. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
May 27 at 2:15 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 900 block of West Huntington. An unknown suspect(s) punched the driver's door lock to enter the vehicle. A laptop and two purses were taken, along with a set of keys to the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity / Possession of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 4:44 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a subject trying to sell marijuana to an employee. Officers arrived and detained two subjects; one of them was in possession of several baggies of marijuana. The subject was arrested and cited to appear in court on the charge of possession of marijuana.

Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
May 27 at 5:56 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report two suspects in the store attempting to steel a pair of shoes. The suspects exited the store with the shoes and were detained by a store loss prevention officer. The suspects had entered the store, and one of the suspects put the shoes on and left his old shoes in the box. The other suspect gave him a tool to cut off the tags. Then both suspects left the store without paying. Officers arrived and the suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
May 28 at 8:34 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of Grand. The victim reported that a window on her vehicle was smashed during the night and her vehicle had been ransacked. She parked the vehicle on the street. A bag of clothing had been taken and the content of the glove box was strewn about the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
May 28 at 9:52 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of West Walnut. The victim parked and locked the vehicle on the street. Sometime during the night, unknown suspect(s) entered and ransacked the vehicle. The vehicle insurance and registration were stolen from the glove box. The victim found a sharp tool with a handle outside the car, possibly used to make entry. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle and Stolen License Plate Recovered
May 28 at 11:16 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of West Foothill called police to report a vehicle that had been parked in a visitor parking space for several weeks. An officer responded and ran the license plate. The vehicle had been reported stolen to Pomona Police Department on May 3. The officer saw another rear license plate inside the vehicle and ran that plate. It returned as stolen out of Azusa. The vehicle and license plate were recovered. The appropriate agencies were notified of the recovery.

Residential Burglary
May 28 at 10:17 p.m., an officer went to a residence in the 300 block of West Hillcrest on the report of a residential burglary. The suspect entered the residence through an unlocked bedroom window of the property. The victim's handgun, passport and vehicle keys were taken from the home. The suspect then took the victim's vehicle from the driveway. The victim's vehicle was recovered later in the city of Los Angeles. The victim's passport and firearm were not recovered. The investigation is continuing.