Relay for Life of Monrovia This Saturday and Sunday

Schedule of events at Relay for Life of Monrovia. (Click to enlarge)

Seventh Annual Relay for Life of Monrovia to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back. All proceeds support the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and services for patients and families. A family-friendly camp-out event at Recreation Park, 740 East Olive Ave. from 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 to 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 17.

- Brad Haugaard

City of Monrovia Statement on Water Emergency Regulations

The Monrovia City Council Declared a Water Shortage Emergency and implemented Phase I of the Water Conservation Ordinance at the August 5 City Council meeting, following Emergency Resolution No. 2014-0038 adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board on July 15, 2014, an Emergency Regulation for Statewide Urban Water Conservation requiring mandatory water conservation.  Water Conservation efforts went into effect August 11 and will remain in effect until the City Council cancels the declaration.

The following restrictions are now in place:

- No person shall hose wash any sidewalk, walkway, driveway, parking area or other paved surface, except as required for sanitary purposes.

-  Washing of motor vehicles shall be done only with a hand-held bucket or hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle.

- No water shall be used to clean, fill or maintain levels in decorative fountains unless the water is part of a recycling (recirculating) system.

- No restaurant, hotel, café, cafeteria or other place where food is sold, served or offered for sale shall serve drinking water to any customer unless expressly requested by that customer.

- All customers shall promptly repair all leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures within 48 hours of discovery.

- All lawns, landscape or other turf area shall be watered down not more than every third day between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m.

- No person or customer shall cause or allow water to run off landscaped areas onto adjoining streets, sidewalks, or other paved areas due to incorrectly directed or maintained sprinklers or as the result of excessive watering.

These water conservation efforts are part of an ongoing push by the State of California to respond to the statewide drought currently affecting California.

- In January 17, 2014, the Governor’s Proclamation No. 1-17-2014 declared a State of Emergency to exist in California due to the severe drought conditions, with 2014 projected to be the driest year on record.

- In April 25, 2014, the Governor issued an executive order to strengthen the state’s ability to manage water and called on all Californians to re-double their efforts to conserve water.

Due to the adoption of the State Resolution, the City of Monrovia may impose fines of up to $500 for noncompliance.  City officials will provide warning notices for residents prior to enforcing a fine and residents will receive 48-72 hours to address issues related to the Phase 1 restrictions.

The City of Monrovia must, by the 15th of each of month, report the amount of potable water it produced the preceding month and compare that amount to the same calendar month in 2013. By October 15, the report shall include the gallons of water used per person per day by the residential customers it serves.

Water is a critical part of California’s way of life. The economy, environment and day-to- day lifestyle need water to flourish. Conservation will help stretch water availability.

There are lots of simple ways to reduce the amount of water used at home, both inside and outside. Residents are encouraged to install drought-tolerant landscaping, turn off the sink when brushing their teeth, and promptly fix leaks.

Rebate programs are available to residents to help conserve water:

- Upper SGV Municipal Water District at www.usgvmwd.org or (626) 443-2297

- SoCal Water$mart at www.socalwatersmart.com or 1 (800) 376-3314

- Save Our Water at www.saveourH2O.org

For more information on how to use water wisely, please contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

To report water wasters, residents should contact City of Monrovia Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575 during regular business hours or send an email to PWComments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Residents looking to convert to drought tolerant landscaping should check with the Monrovia Building and Planning Divisions at (626) 932-5565 for information on permits required and the City landscaping ordinance.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Grads Help Drum and Bugle Corps Win 16th Championship

 Chyann Figueroa and Marcus Stone

Reader Jill Pyeatt writes that on Aug. 9 two Monrovia High graduates helped the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps win its 16th world championship with a score that topped any score ever awarded by Drum Corp International.

She said Chyann Figueroa and Marcus Stone, graduated from Monrovia High in 2011 and also participated in the Blue Devil's 2012 world championship in 2012.

Marcus is now in the UCLA marching band and Chyann is studying animal sciences at Fullerton Junior College.

All the drum corps are private groups and most of the participants have been involved in their high school bands.

- Brad Haugaard

Proposed New Monrovia Restaurant on Duarte Road; New BMW Building; Car Show on Myrtle

~ The Monrovia Planning Commission will consider allowing a proposed new restaurant in the Mon Arc Shopping Center at Sixth and Duarte Road, called MoMo Bakery & Grill (steaks, chops, seafood and baked goods), to serve beer and wine. http://goo.gl/UGbxKz

~ The commission will also consider allowing construction of a new BMW dealership building with a four-level parking structure at 1425 S. Mountain Avenue. http://goo.gl/opfrO5

~ At its next meeting, the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board will consider closing Myrtle between Palm and Chestnut, and the 100 blocks of East and West Lime, Lemon, Colorado, Olive, and Walnut on Saturday, September 13, 2014, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. for a custom car show. http://goo.gl/i3hz5u

- Brad Haugaard

Big Rig Crash Slows Freeway; Giggle Buys Champion Internet Assets; Obama Bill Passes; Aussie Musicians

~ Big rig crash on 210 slows westbound traffic. http://goo.gl/olqHaN

~ Giggle Fiber acquired its fiber network and related Internet and telephone assets from Champion Broadband. http://goo.gl/n4Qydo

~ Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, reports that the Legislature has approved his bill to "encourage California schools to teach the story of President Barack Obama's trailblazing election." The bill now goes to Governor Brown.

~ Aussie duo, BaK, consisting of Beau Djekic and Kit Dyson, have three music videos -"Life & Perception," "Too Soon" and "Dasha Hara" - that have been officially selected for the Action on Film International Film Festival

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homeless Man Accused of Battery; Grease Fire; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 7-10. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. 

Battery – Suspect Arrested
On August 7 at 6:49 p.m., an officer was contacted by a male subject who stated he was hit in the eye by a homeless person at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle. The suspect was located and detained. The victim made a private person’s arrest for battery and the suspect was taken into custody. 

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
On August 9 at 2:45 a.m., an officer observed a male subject riding a bicycle without a headlamp. When the subject saw the officer, he sped up and rode into an alley behind a business, but he was quickly detained. The subject admitted to having drugs/methamphetamine in his pocket. A computer check revealed he also had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for possession and the two warrants. 

Fire Assist
On August 9 at 3:36 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 3300 block of Peck Road regarding a brush fire. Within minutes, the fire had spread to the yard of a nearby business. All employees were evacuated. Several cars caught fire and some palm trees burned. 

Fire Assist
On August 10 at 7:31 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting possible smoke from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. An officer arrived and saw flames break through the roof over the kitchen area of the fast food business. The grease inside the vent caught fire. Monrovia Fire Department responded and put out the fire. There were no injuries. All employees were out of the building upon police arrival. 

Fire Assist
On August 10 at 12:17 p.m., Monrovia Fire Department requested assistance for traffic control in the 200 block of East Foothill. Monrovia, Arcadia and Los Angeles County Fire Departments were all at the scene, as the structure was three stories high. Arcadia Fire used their hydraulic ladder to gain access to the roof. The Monrovia Fire Department investigated for the source of smoke. 

South Monrovia Fire Burns Junked Cars

Junked cars burned in Monrovia brush fire. http://goo.gl/uqZMX3

- Brad Haugaard

Top 40 Music Sunday at Monrovia's Library Park

"Person to Person" (Top 40 music) performs at this Sunday's concert in Library Park (7- 8:30 p.m.).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Repair Work; Common Core; Honors; Etc.

At its Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/bTiQSb ) the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Consider seismic retrofitting and remodeling of the Band and Choir Room at Monrovia High; new cafeteria flooring for Santa Fe, Monroe and Clifton schools; kindergarten fencing at Mayflower; roof work at Santa Fe, Mayflower, CELC, Plymouth and Monrovia High; asphalt repair at Monroe, Plymouth, Santa Fe, Bradoaks and Wild Rose; field renovations. http://goo.gl/2IDiS9

~ Present for public review (I think that means you can go in to the school district office and ask to see it) "bridge" material to help the district transition to Common Core math. http://goo.gl/eYRF02

~ Congratulate Monrovia High School ceramics teacher Sal Perez as the 2014 recipient of the Renaissance Award given by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts; recognize the Monrovia High Marching Band under the direction of Daniel Magallanes for its participation in the Washington D.C. Memorial Day Parade; recognize and thank Santa Fe music instructor Tony Ellis for the "Evening with Gershwin" concert; recognize and congratulate Mike Williams as the Pasadena Star-News Soccer Coach of the Year; recognize and thank The Cheng Family Foundation for sponsoring Diavolo Dance Institute at Bradoaks, Mayflower, and Monroe Elementary Schools for the 2014-15 school year.

~ Consider replacing 15-year-old library management software.

~ Receive a report on hot weather guidelines for athletics.

~ Adopt a new school bus schedule. http://goo.gl/wjV1C1

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Kiku Sushi

Lunch at Kiku Sushi, on the west side of the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the lunch combo ($8.95) with tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and salmon roll. And an iced tea ($1.95). It came with miso soup, which I already ate. Very good!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Hotel Safety Tips

- Don't answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.

- When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.

- Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.

- Don't needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen.

- Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

- Don't invite strangers to your room.

- Place all valuables in the hotel or motel's safe deposit box.

- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

- Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.

- If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management or call 911.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Indecent Exposure Arrest; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 4-6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 374 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.

Indecent Exposure
On August 4 at 2:47 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 800 block of East Huntington regarding a male suspect exposing himself outside the business. A female employee walked out of the business and witnessed the incident. The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival. An area check was made, but the suspect was not located. Through investigation, the identity of the suspect was learned and he was positively identified by the victim. August 6 at 7:08 p.m., the suspect was located at his residence and arrested. The suspect has previously been convicted for the same charge, making this offense a felony. The suspect is a sex registrant out of Monrovia.

Warrant Arrest
On August 6 at 2:44 a.m., officers responded to Walker Avenue and Duarte Road to assist Irwindale Police Department on a traffic stop. Irwindale officers had been in pursuit of the vehicle and had stopped it in this area. Irwindale conducted a DUI investigation on the driver. The passenger had a warrant issued out of Monrovia Police Department and was intoxicated. The subject was arrested by Monrovia officers for the warrant and being drunk in public.

Warrant Arrest
On August 6 at 3:25 a.m., officers on patrol observed a male subject in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive. They recognized the subject from prior contacts and knew he had outstanding warrants. The officers confirmed the warrants and arrested the suspect.

'Great Progress' in Opening Monrovia's Hillside Preserve

I'm trying to check in with the city periodically regarding when the Hillside Preserve access point, on Cloverleaf, will be open. I just got this note back from Interim City Manager Francis Delach:

"We are making great progress in resolving easement access issues and I am optimistic we will have issues resolved and the access open in the near future. Unfortunately these things take time but I think patience by all has paid off."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center Provides School Supplies to 1,100 Students

After months of planning and work by Center staff, over 700 volunteers and a mass of community supporters, some 1,100 preregistered local K-12 children of very low income families got the backpacks, school supplies and clothing they needed to start the school year with confidence.

Throughout the day-long event at Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, a circle of support surrounded the excited youngsters every step of the way, as DJ Party Pros kept kids, parents and volunteers dancing. Hundreds of volunteers worked the event, staffing distribution tables for everything from uniforms and shoe vouchers to notebooks and calculators. Each child wore a “passport” lanyard with check-offs to make sure no one missed a single table.

Citrus College cosmetology students contributed a full day of haircutting and manicure services. Monrovia Reads and A Foundation for Kids gave new grade-appropriate books to every child.

Health connections were a major feature. The Ostrow School of Dentistry for USC offered free dental screenings, singling out children with the most urgent needs to be treated at the Center’s Mobile Dental Clinic this winter. SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. gave families hands-on demonstrations of how to use seat belts and install car seats and booster seats, and gave free booster seats to qualified families.

Attendees also got access to information direct from an array of health resources, including American Red Cross, CalFresh, CHAP Care, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Community Alliance of Pasadena, Department of Social Services, HEAR Center, Methodist Hospital, Monrovia Health Center, Options Child Care Services, Pacific Clinics, Pasadena Public Health Department and URDC/Bill More Community Clinic.

Fun was everywhere, as kids lined up to see a model Mars rover from Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) and learn about Exelis 3-D Deep Space Exploration. Other popular destinations included hands-on ceramic art projects with Paint N Play, the Southern California Edison Big Truck display, and fire engines and crew members from the Arcadia and Monrovia Fire Departments. A snack center featured egg rolls from Panda Restaurant Group and popcorn from LA Partyworks.

The Center still needs funds to cover the cost of the massive event, which is paid for annually by donations from hundreds of local individuals, companies and organizations. Support is also needed to underwrite the upcoming Mobile Dental Clinic for which children were screened at the event.

Key sponsors to date include Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, LA Party Works, Marshall’s/TJX Companies, Monrovia Reads, Monrovian Family Restaurant, Panda Restaurant Group, Santa Anita Park, Southern California Edison Company, The Outlet by E.L.S., Vons Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation.

Other supporters include 3M Company, Athens Services, Avery Office Supplies, Bowden Development, Inc., Burrtec, California Pizza Kitchen, City of Monrovia, Custom Comfort Mattress, Duarte Transit, Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Monrovia Transit, Pacific Clinics, Red Lobster Restaurant, Southern California Gas Company, Starbucks and The Gables Monrovia.

“79% of our clients have incomes at or below the National Poverty Level,” said Center Executive Director Betty McWilliams. “Many are employed, but don't get the pay they need to survive without help. This event helps them send their children back to class with the new items they can’t afford to provide — and helps these kids start the school year on a level playing field.”

Source: Foothill Unity Center press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Councilman: Not Illegal to be Homeless

Regarding homeless in Library Park, Monrovia Councilman Tom Adams says, "It's not illegal to be homeless." http://goo.gl/EDICSz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Train Station a Community Hub

An article in the Los Angeles Register about Monrovia planning to make its Gold Line train station into a community hub. http://goo.gl/aH2la7

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Now in a Water Emergency; Is NRA Dead?

~ At its meeting tonight the Monrovia City Council unanimously declared the city is in a a water emergency, which means Phase 1 of the city's emergency plan will go into effect. To see what that means for you, click here: http://goo.gl/CWxqvT . The council pulled the water emergency item from its consent calendar (a list of routine items generally approved without discussion) so it could be discussed in depth. Councilman Tom Adams worried that people might get fined if the wind blows a bit of water onto the sidewalk. And in that regard, he said, the city is probably the worst violator. Staff members said the intent is not to penalize the kind of "overspray" Adams was describing, but rather "runoff" - water running down the street.

~ Acting City Manager Fran Delach said there is a mere 4% chance that the proposed National Recreation Area for the mountains behind Monrovia will ever get out of committee. That according to a government tracking service estimate. Comment: Good.

- Brad Haugaard

Giggle Fiber Opens in Monrovia

A new local Internet service provider serving just Monrovia and Arcadia opened for business last Friday. Called Giggle Fiber because it makes connecting to the Internet "laughably better." Located half a block north of Colorado on the east side of Myrtle. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Jewish Federation Honors Leaders; Grease Bill Goes to Senate Floor

~ Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, based in Monrovia, will honor Union Station CEO, Rabbi Marvin Gross, and Western University of Health Sciences Founding President, Dr. Philip Pumerantz, at its 2014 "Honoring Community Leaders" brunch, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 14 at the Doubletree Hotel in Monrovia. For more information, write to federation@jewishsgpv.org.

~ Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill to combat kitchen grease theft is headed to the Senate floor for a final vote. AB 1566 increases requirements for licensed haulers, raises penalties for stealing grease, and allows law enforcement to impound vehicles for up to 15 days. Holden represents Monrovia. Source: Holden press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Five Vehicles Burglarized in One Block; Wrong-Way Driver Busted for Marijuana; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 31 - August 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
On July 31 at 11:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding the report of two suspects running from the location that had committed a theft. The suspects fled in a dark-colored SUV that headed northbound on Mountain. The officers located the vehicle in the 400 block of West Maple Avenue, where the two suspects were detained and arrested. The stolen property was recovered.

Vehicle Burglaries
On the morning of July 31, five vehicle burglaries were reported to police. The burglaries occurred in the 700 block of Cresent Avenue, 200 block of Avocado Place, 100 block of North Garfield Place, and two vehicles were broken into in the 100 block of North Fifth Avenue. The burglaries occurred overnight and in some incidents the vehicle windows were smashed to gain entry. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Marijuana for Sales / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 31 at 5:33 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on a one way street and stopped the vehicle. During the traffic stop, a strong odor of marijuana was detected from inside the vehicle, and a computer check revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. A search of the vehicle uncovered a large amount of marijuana, along with scales and packaging material. The driver was arrested for the above listed charges and taken into custody.

Battery
On August 1 at 2:16 p.m., a minor traffic collision occurred on private property at a business in the 1300 block of South Mountain Avenue; one vehicle backed into another vehicle. While the drivers involved were speaking to each other regarding the collision, a passenger from the vehicle that was backing confronted the driver of the other vehicle. The passenger punched the victim several times and then fled the scene. The entire incident was caught on video surveillance. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On August 3 at 10:44 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a traffic collision with a vehicle on the sidewalk at Huntington and Shamrock. On arrival, a witness reported that she was walking on the sidewalk when the vehicle jumped the curb onto the sidewalk and nearly hit her. Further investigation determined the driver was under the influence of prescription drugs and marijuana. The driver was arrested.

Special Enforcement Team Activity - Vehicle Pursuit / Suspended Driver’s License / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 31 at 8:21 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at Peck and Jeffries, but the vehicle did not yield. Officers went in pursuit of the vehicle and the driver eventually stopped. The driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Felony Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On August 2 at 8:30 p.m., a Special Enforcement Team officer was on patrol in the 400 block of West Foothill when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. Through investigation, the officer determined the motorist was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. A computer search revealed the suspect had three previous DUI convictions, including a previous felony DUI conviction. The motorist was charged for felony DUI and held at the Monrovia jail pending his court appearance.