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Monrovia Police: Shooting; Drunk Driving; Carport Fire

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On June 21 at 2:10 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 400 block of East Cherry. During the stop it was determined the driver had been drinking. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Structure Fire
On June 21 at 8:45 a.m., officers responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of West Duarte. A vehicle caught fire in the carport area of a large apartment complex. The vehicle fire lit the carport on fire which ultimately damaged 6 vehicles. The fire was handled by Monrovia Fire Department and the evacuations were completed by Monrovia Police Department patrol staff. No residential structures were involved and there were no injuries. Monrovia Fire Department is investigating the origin of the fire. No foul play is suspected.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On June 22 at 3:14 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Myrtle and Benrud. During the stop it was determined the driver had been drinking. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Shooting at a Inhabited Dwelling
On June 22 at 4:19 a.m., a resident called to report the sound of a single shot being fired in the 500 block of East Cherry. When officers arrived, they located a residence with a single gunshot hole through the front door. The round went through the door and struck a kitchen appliance. Nearby residents heard the gunshot, but could not determine where the shot came from. No one inside was injured.Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Possession of an Open Alcohol

Container / Suspended License – Suspect Arrested
On June 22 at 8:06 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle failing to stop for a red light in the area of Myrtle and Longden. The vehicle was stopped and it was apparent the driver had been drinking alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of an open alcohol container in the vehicle and driving with a suspended license. The suspect’s license was suspended due to two previous driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Register for Monrovia MAP Conference

Registration is now OPEN for the 5th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference, hosted by the City of Monrovia Neighborhood Services Division. The Conference will be held Saturday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Monrovia High School Event Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd. (enter on Madison Ave).

This popular, annual event is open to residents in and out of Monrovia, and participants are encouraged to register early. At the Conference, participants will enjoy free food, entertainment, workshops and small group discussions with other residents, community leaders, city staff and local officials. This event is free, fun and a great way for Monrovia and area residents to learn more about getting involved in the community.

The Conference includes workshops such as: - Resume Builder - The Shaping of Station Square - Taking PLAY Seriously - Immigration Outlook - Therapy Dogs - Save Money, Save the Earth and more

To find out more or register for the Conference, visit www.cityofmonrovia.org, call (626) 932-5563 or e-mail map@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Those interested in the event can register for classes by visiting www.cityofmonrovia.org, Monrovia City Hall, Community Center, or the Monrovia Public Library. For more information, you can also call Neighborhood Services Staff at 932-5563.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Xpress Car Wash Now Open in Monrovia


The Xpress car wash is now open in Monrovia. It's on Huntington almost across from Target.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Walk in Old Monrovia

Art Walk - art and music - sponsored by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. June 29, July 27, and August 31, 7-10 p.m. on Myrtle in Old Town. http://goo.gl/yPt1h4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Segil Fine Art Gallery Moving to Washington

Laura Segil, owner of Monrovia's Segil Fine Art painting gallery, has announced she and her husband are moving with their gallery to Port Angeles, Washington. She writes:

"Thank you for 10 wonderful years on Lime Avenue in Monrovia! You have helped us grow and become a successful art gallery during some challenging economic times. Now, it's time for a change and we are making it in a big way! My husband, Bill and I have purchased a gorgeous Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, Washington on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula named Sea Cliff Gardens and the gallery will be part of the B&B."

Comment: Monrovia's loss. I've been there many times to enjoy the really excellent paintings by local artists. But I also compared them with my own paintings, and, well, I often joked that I had come in the gallery to be discouraged. Definitely kept me humble. Bon voyage!

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Coffee Shop Planned on Myrtle

A new coffee shop, called Eureka Coffee Lounge, is planning to open at 415 S. Myrtle. That's a door or two down from Sena, on the west side of the street. I wandered by today and it looks as if it may be some time before opening. http://goo.gl/Tw14he

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Care Class at Monrovia Library Park

4th of July is loud and scary for pets! It's the day/night of the year when a lot of pets are so frightened, they bolt.

Romping Dogs Dog Training and Two Dogs Petsitting have gathered local pet care experts for the first ever Pet Safety Fair in Monrovia!

Bring your well-behaved pets (no lunging, excessive barking, growling allowed) and have Family Dog and Cat Hospital, Pasadena Humane Society, or Best Friends Animal Hospital scan them for their microchip. Best Friends is also offering low cost microchips on site!

Learn how to handle basic pet emergencies from Denise Fleck of Sunny Dog Inc. Learn about car ride safety and travel safety from Two Dogs Petsitting! Romping Dogs Dog Training will teach you how to teach your dog what to do when emergency personnel come to the house or during a house fire or fireworks. The Dog Zone will have Thundershirts and Kongs to assist in keeping your dog calm and occupied during fireworks displays. Wonder Dog Ranch can tell you all about their Fireworks Camp at their boarding facility for the dogs who need to be out of the home on 4th of July!

Lots of vendors, dog games/contests, and plenty of pet experts on hand to answer any and all pet safety questions! Let's work together to keep our community pets healthy and safe :-)

All proceeds will benefit the Emma Zen Foundation. EZF donates pet oxygen masks to first responders all over the world!

If you'd like to be a vendor or donate to our raffles, there's still time. Contact info@petsafetyfair.org and check out the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/petsafetyfairs

Admission is free! The event is at Library Park (fountain side) from 10am-1pm on Sunday, June 29. Pet safety talks by local experts will be from 11am-12pm

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Fighters Extinguish Blaze on Duarte Road | Monrovia's Gillespie Athlete of Year

~ Monrovia firefighters extinguish a multi-vehicle blaze in a parking area on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/38ZYRB

~ Monrovia's Cravon Gillespie is field athlete of the year. Also, Mike Knowles and Randy Hare, coaches of the year. http://goo.gl/haZG06

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Raise Lunch Price 25 Cents; Etc.

At its June 25 board meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/hrRQr4 ), the Monrovia School Board will consider ...

- Approving a twenty-five cent increase for the paid lunch rate beginning with the 2014-15 school year. http://goo.gl/1lMOC8

- Adopting a budget for 2014-15.

- Adopting various regulations permitting shuffling around of money.

- Setting salary levels for various employees.

- Accepting $100,000 from a contractor to settle a dispute over construction work. http://goo.gl/QBV1Bc

- Setting five district goals: 1. Learning for all students; 2. Safe, orderly, positive learning environments; 3. quality staff providing quality service; 4. School/home/community partnerships and communication; 5. Acquisition and allocation of resources to meet goals 1-4. http://goo.gl/5CvHXR

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine

Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine, on Huntington across from Target. Yes, it is actually in Monrovia. Got a taco and enchilada combo ($8.95) and a beer. ($6). Really fast and efficient service. Very good, fresh food. Liked it!

- Brad Haugaard

Harley Fundraiser for Monrovia's Relay for Life

San Gabriel Valley Harley Owners Group/Black Sheep Division will hold a fundraiser hosted by Monrovia Relay for Life's "Team Big Mike" on Saturday, June 28, at 5 p.m. BBQ, five bingo games and a big-screen showing of a hit movie (PG13 or lower). 28566 Santa Caterina Road in Saugus. $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. RSVP to shaabanx3@sbcgllobal.net. http://goo.gl/4d1nJP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Mental Evaluations; Drugs; Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Welfare Check / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
On June 16 at 12:47 p.m., police received a call reporting a dark gray Toyota Prius with paper plates stopped on the southwest corner of Heliotrope and Lime, with the driver slumped over the wheel and the brake lights on. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. When officers contacted him, he had a pipe for smoking methamphetamine in his hand and marijuana was found in his vehicle. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
On June 16 at 1:14 p.m., a 16-year-old male subject who lives at a group home in the 900 block of West Olive was in a verbal altercation with another subject and punched a wall, hurting his hand. He was taken to a hospital by the on-site keeper. Later that day, police received a call reporting the subject was attempting suicide. He had climbed on top of a chair that he had placed on a pool table and had a sheet. When officers arrived, he denied any suicide attempt. He does not like where he has been placed. He was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On June 17 at 4:13 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Highway Esplanade and Chestnut regarding an intoxicated subject. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was breathing, but was not responsive. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics checked the subject. He was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.

Residential Burglary
On June 17 at 9:16 p.m., a burglary was reported in then 500 block of Valmont. The victim arrived home and found his front door, rear window and back door open. The home had been ransacked and jewelry was missing. The occurrence time is believed to be between 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The investigation is continuing.

72 Hours Mental Evaluation
On June 17 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Palm on the report of a family disturbance. The female caller was crying on the telephone and told the dispatcher her husband was acting bizarre and was in possession of a handgun. When officers arrived, the female subject was waiting outside. The subject was inside the house with their two small children. Officers directed personnel around the perimeter of the residence. The dispatcher called the residence in an effort to facilitate a welfare check on the children. The subject refused all suggestions and would not cooperate, and he also admitted that he was armed with a gun. A police sergeant was able to contact the subject and began negotiated with him on the telephone. The subject eventually agreed to put the gun down and go to the door to speak with officers. As officers approached the front door, the suspect began to slowly retreat back into the residence. Fearing for the safety of the children, the officers subdued the subject and detained him without further incident. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the kitchen counter. The magazine for the weapon was found nearby and was loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. The children were unharmed. The subject was determined to be a danger to himself and others, and was taken to a mental facility, where he would be held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The weapon was seized.

Krikorian Theater in Chevy Ad | UFO Over Monrovia?

~ Monrovia's Krikorian Theater featured in a Chevy Cruze commercial, in Spanish. http://goo.gl/XFo4EL

~ UFO over Monrovia? Bright, white, and ping pong ball-ish. http://goo.gl/EFtqrv

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee

Assembly Bill 1451, by Assemblymember Chris Holden - who represents Monrovia - has been unanimously approved in the Senate Education Committee. The bill encourages school districts and community colleges to enter into partnerships to let high school students take college courses or career tech classes. Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Lowers Filming Fees

At its June 17 City Council meeting, the Monrovia City Council voted to lower Monrovia filming fees from $780 per issuance to $500- a reduction of over 35 percent.

The City of Monrovia has always been friendly to filming. Over the years commercials, music videos, feature films, independent films and photo shoots have used Monrovia as a backdrop. Movies like Lethal Weapon, Grosse Point Bank, and Legally Blond, and TV Shows like Revenge, CSI, Mad Men and the entire Picket Fences series all have scenes based out of Monrovia.

Filming brings in revenue to the City, local businesses and residents who offer up their locations for film shoots or staging areas. After a significant drop in film requests starting in 2012, the City Council contracted with Film L.A. in January 2014 to handle film permits and attract more filming to the City. Since that time, Monrovia has seen filming begin to pick up.

"As states and cities around the country begin to see the benefit that filming brings to local economies, we are watching our beloved film industry leave California for places that offer better rates," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. "Monrovia is an ideal film location for so many reasons, and we want to be more competitive to keep our film industry here in town."

Special event permit fees in Monrovia also decreased 50% from $50 to $25.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Employees Receiving Distinguished Service Medal

The Monrovia Police Department will recognize the accomplishments of six employees on Thursday, June 19, at 5 p.m., in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. The six recipients will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia.

Honorees are:

- Detective Roberto Wilken
- Detective Sarah Bushmeyer
- Detective Stewart Levin
- Officer John Jefferson
- Officer James Ruano
- Jailer Christine Garland

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

St. Francis Stolen | Monrovia Giraffe

~ According to this Twitter post, apparently someone stole a small statue of St. Francis from the Upton Sinclair home on North Myrtle. http://goo.gl/YJw1KW

~ Metal giraffe outside condos in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/qXglSI

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Having Difficulties Hiring New City Manager; Trying Again

Following a complaint by Monrovia City Council member Tom Adams at tonight's council meeting that the city is not doing well with only a part-time interim city manager, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz reported that the city hopes to hire a new full-time manager "in a month or so."

She said since former City Manager Laurie Lile retired last October the city has gone through a search process and made offers to two candidates, but couldn't agree with either of them on a salary. So, she added, the city is now going through the search process again.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Again Votes to Ban Plastic Grocery Bags

The Monrovia City Council again adopted a ban on plastic grocery carry-out bags on a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and council members Larry Spicer and Alexander Blackburn in favor and council members Tom Adams and Becky Shevlin voting against. The only change from the previous time the council voted for the ban is that the enforcement date will be later, on Jan. 1, 2015.

Interesting points:

- A representative of a grocers association said its members support the plastic bag ban, but just want the ban to be uniform throughout local communities. Also, Mayor Lutz later said she contacted several local grocers and found they were all in favor of the ban. Council member Adams said that is hardly surprising since a ban would mean the cost of the bags would be shifted from the markets to their customers.

- Councilmember Becky Schevlin said she was bothered that the ad hoc plastic bag committee approved the ban with only two members voting. Mayor Lutz responded by quoting council member Tom Adams, who said at a previous meeting that if you don't show up, you don't get to vote.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's McCarthy Player of Year | Curio Shop Gone

~ Monrovia's Elise McCarthy named player of the year. http://goo.gl/fWNhlC

~ Route 66 Curio shop gone from Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/ScHTt5

- Brad Haugaard