The Monrovia Historic Preservation newsletter reports that it was a drought, something like we're having now, that resulted in the creation of Monrovia. The newsletter says that there was serious flooding from December 24, 1861 until January 17, 1862, but this was followed by almost two years of drought, the Great Drought, which forced cattle ranchers to sell land. At this time William Monroe and four other investors bought the land that would become Monrovia from Lucky Baldwin.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia City Council to Consider Oliver Chi as New City Manager
It appears Oliver Chi will be Monrovia's new city manager, effective October 13 of this year, if the City Council approves a proposed three-year appointment, with a base salary of $195,000 per year, at its Tuesday's (Sept. 16) city council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/44bDln ).
The staff report ( http://goo.gl/7wg1CY ) does not give any background on Chi, and the only Oliver Chi I can locate is currently assistant city manager for Barstow. This Oliver Chi graduated with a BA in political science from USC and holds a master's degree in public administration from USC ( http://goo.gl/2KIZZa ), and was previously the city manager of Rosemead, but was let go by the city council there. The only information I can find on this particular Oliver Chi - again, not sure I have the right one - is kind of mixed, though these are not all news stories, but lean on the opinion side and are a bit dated. But here they are for what they are worth: http://goo.gl/fbJWNa , http://goo.gl/OUDygh , http://goo.gl/BNDHnN , http://goo.gl/uTqo7Z
- Brad Haugaard
The staff report ( http://goo.gl/7wg1CY ) does not give any background on Chi, and the only Oliver Chi I can locate is currently assistant city manager for Barstow. This Oliver Chi graduated with a BA in political science from USC and holds a master's degree in public administration from USC ( http://goo.gl/2KIZZa ), and was previously the city manager of Rosemead, but was let go by the city council there. The only information I can find on this particular Oliver Chi - again, not sure I have the right one - is kind of mixed, though these are not all news stories, but lean on the opinion side and are a bit dated. But here they are for what they are worth: http://goo.gl/fbJWNa , http://goo.gl/OUDygh , http://goo.gl/BNDHnN , http://goo.gl/uTqo7Z
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia/Arcadia Football Game
Family of Monrovia High football coach Chris Stevens are coming to town for the Arcadia game. They're Arcadia grads. Hmm. http://goo.gl/UagLDz
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Bear City USA; iPad, Laptop Disappear from Unlocked Car (Sigh); Swapping Wood Chips for iPad; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 8-10. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Panhandling / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
On September 8 at 10:39 p.m., an employee from a fast food business in the 400 block of West Huntington reported a male subject soliciting patrons and reaching into vehicles as they waited in the drive-thru. Officers arrived and located the subject; he was determined to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a period of sobering.
Theft from a Vehicle
On September 8 at 3:16 p.m., the victim of a theft from a vehicle that occurred in the 200 block of East Cherry Avenue came to the Police Department to report the crime. The victim parked his vehicle in his driveway, but did not lock it. The victim left an iPad and laptop computer in the vehicle. When the victim returned to his vehicle the next morning, he found his property was missing. The crime occurred sometime during the night on May 25 to 26.
Missing Person Located
On September 9 at 7:39 p.m., a group home in the 100 block of East Central Avenue called police to report that an adult resident from the home was missing. The subject was described as being mentally challenged and not being familiar with the area. Officers obtained as much information as possible about the subject, then conducted a thorough investigation and eventually located the subject.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
On September 9 at 10:21 p.m., a police agent conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of South Mayflower Avenue for a vehicle code violation. During the initial contact, the driver became belligerent and confrontational. The agent requested an additional backup unit and with assistance, the subject was detained. During the confrontation, the dispatcher was running a computer check of the license plate and learned the vehicle stopped was a stolen vehicle; the driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Bear Incident
On September 10 at 9:57 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of East Olive Avenue called police to report a mother bear and her cub in a tree in their front yard. Officers responded and monitored the bears until the Department of Fish and Wildlife could respond. Media arrived in the area and began broadcasting the incident. California Fish and Wildlife arrived and cleared the officers from the area. They monitored the bear and her cub from a distance to allow them to leave the area and return to the Foothills, but the bears remained in the tree into the evening. As the story was broadcast on television, a large crowd of bystanders and vehicles began to form in the area. Police shut down the 200 block of Olive to through vehicle and pedestrian traffic in an effort to allow the bears to feel comfortable and not threatened to leave the area. Officers monitored the bears throughout the evening and eventually they left the area during the night.
Critical Missing Located / Mental Evaluation
On September 10 at 11:06 p.m., an adult female was reported missing to police. The subject is on medication and had not taken it that day. She has been reported missing several times in the past. Police conducted a thorough search for the subject, but were unable to locate her. Local hospitals and agencies were notified and the subject was entered into the law enforcement missing person’s system. The subject came into the police department lobby the next morning. She was removed from the missing persons system and was picked up from the station by her mother. Later, that morning, the subject went missing again. She was located by police again and taken to a hospital, where she was held for mental evaluation.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-ups
Grand Theft Investigation – Two Suspects Arrested
On September 5, 2014, officers investigated a grand theft at a business in the 600 block of West Huntington. The suspect had purchased an iPad from the business and later returned the box stuffed with paper and woodchips, resealed to look as if it had never been opened. Store employees discovered the crime later and reported it to police. Through investigation, the officer learned the suspect had repeated this crime at several locations. At one location, the suspect listed his driver’s license number and was identified. Surveillance of the suspect was conducted in Chino Hills, Alhambra and Walnut by the Monrovia Police Department Special Enforcement Team and the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force. The suspect vehicle was located at one of the locations, so search warrants were obtained and served, which led to the recovery of the iPad and additional property, including resealing equipment. Two suspects were arrested in this case.
Grand Theft / Burglary – Suspect Identified
On July 16, 2014, officers investigated a crime where a female suspect had cashed an altered payroll check at a business in the 1200 block of South Myrtle. The check was altered and the account listed was not for the corporation listed. A Detective investigated the case and discovered the suspect cashed several checks throughout Los Angeles County. One of the cashed checks contained a thumbprint, which later returned to a female residing in Rosemead. A photo lineup was conducted and the suspect was positively identified. A search warrant was obtained and served. Numerous computers and check writing materials were recovered. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney’s Office.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Panhandling / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
On September 8 at 10:39 p.m., an employee from a fast food business in the 400 block of West Huntington reported a male subject soliciting patrons and reaching into vehicles as they waited in the drive-thru. Officers arrived and located the subject; he was determined to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a period of sobering.
Theft from a Vehicle
On September 8 at 3:16 p.m., the victim of a theft from a vehicle that occurred in the 200 block of East Cherry Avenue came to the Police Department to report the crime. The victim parked his vehicle in his driveway, but did not lock it. The victim left an iPad and laptop computer in the vehicle. When the victim returned to his vehicle the next morning, he found his property was missing. The crime occurred sometime during the night on May 25 to 26.
Missing Person Located
On September 9 at 7:39 p.m., a group home in the 100 block of East Central Avenue called police to report that an adult resident from the home was missing. The subject was described as being mentally challenged and not being familiar with the area. Officers obtained as much information as possible about the subject, then conducted a thorough investigation and eventually located the subject.
Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
On September 9 at 10:21 p.m., a police agent conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of South Mayflower Avenue for a vehicle code violation. During the initial contact, the driver became belligerent and confrontational. The agent requested an additional backup unit and with assistance, the subject was detained. During the confrontation, the dispatcher was running a computer check of the license plate and learned the vehicle stopped was a stolen vehicle; the driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Bear Incident
On September 10 at 9:57 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of East Olive Avenue called police to report a mother bear and her cub in a tree in their front yard. Officers responded and monitored the bears until the Department of Fish and Wildlife could respond. Media arrived in the area and began broadcasting the incident. California Fish and Wildlife arrived and cleared the officers from the area. They monitored the bear and her cub from a distance to allow them to leave the area and return to the Foothills, but the bears remained in the tree into the evening. As the story was broadcast on television, a large crowd of bystanders and vehicles began to form in the area. Police shut down the 200 block of Olive to through vehicle and pedestrian traffic in an effort to allow the bears to feel comfortable and not threatened to leave the area. Officers monitored the bears throughout the evening and eventually they left the area during the night.
Critical Missing Located / Mental Evaluation
On September 10 at 11:06 p.m., an adult female was reported missing to police. The subject is on medication and had not taken it that day. She has been reported missing several times in the past. Police conducted a thorough search for the subject, but were unable to locate her. Local hospitals and agencies were notified and the subject was entered into the law enforcement missing person’s system. The subject came into the police department lobby the next morning. She was removed from the missing persons system and was picked up from the station by her mother. Later, that morning, the subject went missing again. She was located by police again and taken to a hospital, where she was held for mental evaluation.
Detective Bureau Case Follow-ups
Grand Theft Investigation – Two Suspects Arrested
On September 5, 2014, officers investigated a grand theft at a business in the 600 block of West Huntington. The suspect had purchased an iPad from the business and later returned the box stuffed with paper and woodchips, resealed to look as if it had never been opened. Store employees discovered the crime later and reported it to police. Through investigation, the officer learned the suspect had repeated this crime at several locations. At one location, the suspect listed his driver’s license number and was identified. Surveillance of the suspect was conducted in Chino Hills, Alhambra and Walnut by the Monrovia Police Department Special Enforcement Team and the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force. The suspect vehicle was located at one of the locations, so search warrants were obtained and served, which led to the recovery of the iPad and additional property, including resealing equipment. Two suspects were arrested in this case.
Grand Theft / Burglary – Suspect Identified
On July 16, 2014, officers investigated a crime where a female suspect had cashed an altered payroll check at a business in the 1200 block of South Myrtle. The check was altered and the account listed was not for the corporation listed. A Detective investigated the case and discovered the suspect cashed several checks throughout Los Angeles County. One of the cashed checks contained a thumbprint, which later returned to a female residing in Rosemead. A photo lineup was conducted and the suspect was positively identified. A search warrant was obtained and served. Numerous computers and check writing materials were recovered. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney’s Office.
Monrovia Dog and Cat Vaccinations | FD Observes Moment of Silence
~ Cat and dog vaccinations tonight, 6:30-8 p.m. at Library Park. Also, microchipping and dog licensing. http://t.co/HOY1V7W0Wq
~ At 7 this morning, the Monrovia Fire Department joined 44 other stations throughout LA County to observe a moment of silence for those fallen on September 11, 2001.
- Brad Haugaard
~ At 7 this morning, the Monrovia Fire Department joined 44 other stations throughout LA County to observe a moment of silence for those fallen on September 11, 2001.
- Brad Haugaard
107° Temperatures Predicted for Monrovia in Next Few Days
Ouch! Temperature is predicted to go from a high today of 95, to 101 tomorrow (Friday), 103 Saturday, 106 Sunday, and 107 Monday and Tuesday, before dropping to a balmy 95 next Wednesday. http://goo.gl/C2Kqu2
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Foothill Unity Center's Betty McWilliams Named Woman Achiever
Betty McWilliams, Executive Director of Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center, has been named one of 27 Women Achievers of 2014 by Business Life Magazine. The awards will be presented at a luncheon and expo on Monday, September 29, at the Glendale Hilton. This marks the 25th year for the awards. Criteria for nomination include contributions to the community, adversities overcome, volunteer work, recognitions and factors that make the nominee deserving of this honor.
For sixteen years, Ms. McWilliams has been instrumental in the fight against hunger, homelessness and poverty in the San Gabriel Valley as Executive Director and previously Deputy Director of Foothill Unity Center, the primary provider of food, case management/crisis help, and access to health care resources across eleven cities in the San Gabriel Valley. During that timee, she has played a leadership role in the growth of the organization's client base, services and supporters.
Ms. McWilliams, who holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, began her career in human services as a VISTA volunteer working with low income residents of a settlement house. She came to Foothill Unity Center from Standard Industries, Inc., where she was Director of Administration, and had previously served as Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center.
Source: Foothill Unity Center press release
- Brad Haugaard
For sixteen years, Ms. McWilliams has been instrumental in the fight against hunger, homelessness and poverty in the San Gabriel Valley as Executive Director and previously Deputy Director of Foothill Unity Center, the primary provider of food, case management/crisis help, and access to health care resources across eleven cities in the San Gabriel Valley. During that timee, she has played a leadership role in the growth of the organization's client base, services and supporters.
Ms. McWilliams, who holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, began her career in human services as a VISTA volunteer working with low income residents of a settlement house. She came to Foothill Unity Center from Standard Industries, Inc., where she was Director of Administration, and had previously served as Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center.
Source: Foothill Unity Center press release
- Brad Haugaard
Groundbreaking for Monrovia's Station Square
City Council breaks ground on Station Square
UPDATE: Some better pictures: http://goo.gl/4WM0W8
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Company Develops Top Software Testing Tool
Monrovia's Parasoft develops "one of the best software testing tools of the last year." http://goo.gl/IcVuWR
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Video Discussion: Monrovia vs. Arcadia Football
Video discussion including Monrovia vs. Arcadia football game ( http://goo.gl/AKvk5r ). Here's the schedule, by the way: http://goo.gl/qJNQXz
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Segil Fine Art to Remain Open Under New Name
Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime, has a new owner so the store will not be closing, though it will change its name on January 1 to Saga Fine Art. New owner Barbara Williams writes that, "It is my hope that this transition will be relatively seamless - and I look forward to a bright future for the gallery."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Old Car Day in Monrovia | Gold Line to Azusa 75% Done
~ Old cars on display in Old Town on Sept. 13 at the 24th Annual Monrovia Car Show. Details: http://goo.gl/Hgc7Xb
~ Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority reports that the Pasadena-to-Azusa stretch has been 75% completed. http://goo.gl/npC691
- Brad Haugaard
~ Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority reports that the Pasadena-to-Azusa stretch has been 75% completed. http://goo.gl/npC691
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Pacific Plate Brewery in the News
Monrovia's Pacific Plate Brewery gets a write-up - in Spanish - in La Opinion. http://goo.gl/P4sTEs
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Warns Reusable Grocery Bags May Carry Disease
With Monrovia having adopted a ban on plastic carry-out grocery store bags, the city is now warning that the reusable bags can carry disease. So, "Although there have only been a few documented cases of reusable bags causing illness, studies have shown that the bags can, and often do, provide an environment for bacteria, if they are not properly cared for." You need to wash them in hot water with disinfectant, and use "separate product bags for meat, poultry, seafood or other food items." http://goo.gl/mvjkco
Comment: I ranted against forcing these "reusable" bags on people and said they could carry disease ( http://goo.gl/2G9lBD ), but to no avail. And now we're being warned that while there are few "documented" cases of the bags causing disease (How many causes of disease are ever documented?), they can indeed cause disease, and therefore, during a drought, we should spend water, energy and time, and make sure our bags are organized by food, to prevent catching food-borne diseases.
Comment 2: And come to think of it, I don't recall any mention of food-borne diseases in the staff report when the plastic carry-out bag ban was being considered by the City Council. Is people's health not a factor the council should consider in setting city policy?
- Brad Haugaard
Comment: I ranted against forcing these "reusable" bags on people and said they could carry disease ( http://goo.gl/2G9lBD ), but to no avail. And now we're being warned that while there are few "documented" cases of the bags causing disease (How many causes of disease are ever documented?), they can indeed cause disease, and therefore, during a drought, we should spend water, energy and time, and make sure our bags are organized by food, to prevent catching food-borne diseases.
Comment 2: And come to think of it, I don't recall any mention of food-borne diseases in the staff report when the plastic carry-out bag ban was being considered by the City Council. Is people's health not a factor the council should consider in setting city policy?
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Running in Stolen Shoes; Sleeping in the Sprinkler; Mountain Lion; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 4-7. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
On September 4 at 4:41 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a male suspect running out of a store with a stolen pair of shoes. An officer saw the suspect running and entering a yard in the 500 block of West Maple. The officer gained a vantage point from a two story building near the location and was able to see the suspect hiding on a roof top. The Pasadena Air Support helicopter also spotted the suspect and directed officers to him. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and the stolen property was recovered.
Mountain Lion Sighting
On September 4 at 8:17 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Norumbega called police to report seeing two small mountain lions, approximately 5 to 6 months old. The mountain lions went into some bushes and out of sight. An officer responded and checked the area, but was not able to locate the animals.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On September 5 at 2:28 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist near Fifth and Foothill for a traffic violation. The female driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol; she was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary / Grand Theft Auto
On September 6 at 9:44 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of West Walnut on the report of a residential burglary. The victim left her home at 7:30 a.m. and returned at approximately 9:30 p.m. to discover her vehicle was stolen from the garage and her home had been ransacked. The victim reported cash and a video game station were stolen from inside the home. The suspect gained entry by smashing a rear window of the residence. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication / Open Container / Violation of City Ordinance – Suspect Arrested
On September 7 at 11:55 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of South Myrtle when he observed a female subject sleeping in the park after 10:00 p.m. when the park is closed. There was a sprinkler spraying her with water, but she was still asleep. The officer approached the female to see if she was alright. It took several attempts of nudging to wake her. There was an open and half empty bottle of alcohol in a backpack next to her. The female was determined to be drunk in public and was arrested for the violation, as well as for being in the park after closing and having alcohol in the park.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
On September 4 at 4:41 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a male suspect running out of a store with a stolen pair of shoes. An officer saw the suspect running and entering a yard in the 500 block of West Maple. The officer gained a vantage point from a two story building near the location and was able to see the suspect hiding on a roof top. The Pasadena Air Support helicopter also spotted the suspect and directed officers to him. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and the stolen property was recovered.
Mountain Lion Sighting
On September 4 at 8:17 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Norumbega called police to report seeing two small mountain lions, approximately 5 to 6 months old. The mountain lions went into some bushes and out of sight. An officer responded and checked the area, but was not able to locate the animals.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On September 5 at 2:28 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist near Fifth and Foothill for a traffic violation. The female driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol; she was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary / Grand Theft Auto
On September 6 at 9:44 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of West Walnut on the report of a residential burglary. The victim left her home at 7:30 a.m. and returned at approximately 9:30 p.m. to discover her vehicle was stolen from the garage and her home had been ransacked. The victim reported cash and a video game station were stolen from inside the home. The suspect gained entry by smashing a rear window of the residence. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication / Open Container / Violation of City Ordinance – Suspect Arrested
On September 7 at 11:55 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of South Myrtle when he observed a female subject sleeping in the park after 10:00 p.m. when the park is closed. There was a sprinkler spraying her with water, but she was still asleep. The officer approached the female to see if she was alright. It took several attempts of nudging to wake her. There was an open and half empty bottle of alcohol in a backpack next to her. The female was determined to be drunk in public and was arrested for the violation, as well as for being in the park after closing and having alcohol in the park.
Rain Today, Sunny and Hot Coming Up
Enjoy the rain while you can. It is supposed to be clear starting tomorrow and up to 103° on Sunday. http://goo.gl/n4lVng
- Brad Haugaard
Heat Alert in Monrovia Area
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat alert for this area until 8 pm tonight. http://goo.gl/kNB3fh
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Says Building Permit Fees Are Now More Reasonable
Monrovian Chris Ziegler, who earlier said fees charged to him by the city for building permits were higher than permitted by California law (see here: http://goo.gl/OdlDaw ) now says the fee structure has to some degree corrected. He writes:
"This morning pulled a permit for another solar power generation system from the City of Monrovia and instead of being gouged via excessive permit [development] fees and then listening to silly stories as to why the fees are so high, I was merely charged $305 ($80 for plan check and $225 for the inspection permit). While still technically a violation of the Fee Mitigation Act, the city's own documents place the costs of services at roughly $80, it is still much better than being charged $800-$1000 as was the case and I credit you greatly for moving this issue in the right direction!"
- Brad Haugaard
"This morning pulled a permit for another solar power generation system from the City of Monrovia and instead of being gouged via excessive permit [development] fees and then listening to silly stories as to why the fees are so high, I was merely charged $305 ($80 for plan check and $225 for the inspection permit). While still technically a violation of the Fee Mitigation Act, the city's own documents place the costs of services at roughly $80, it is still much better than being charged $800-$1000 as was the case and I credit you greatly for moving this issue in the right direction!"
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Reimbursement; New Textbooks
At its next meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/qrZVWn ), the Monrovia School Board will consider, among other things ...
~ Establishing a mileage rate of 56 cents per mile, as allowed by the IRS. http://goo.gl/hsc9IU
~ Establishing rules for reimbursement of conference and travel expenses. http://goo.gl/wsfs1C
~ Adopting the textbook CA Imaginalo! for its dual-immersion transitional kindergarten class. The textbook is "a Spanish reading language arts program where students learn to read in Spanish by using a syllabic approach." http://goo.gl/FfLn3Q
~ Accepting for public review the Glencoe Math Course 1, 2, and 3 as part of the shift to Common Core State Standards. http://goo.gl/EQzvEf
- Brad Haugaard
~ Establishing a mileage rate of 56 cents per mile, as allowed by the IRS. http://goo.gl/hsc9IU
~ Establishing rules for reimbursement of conference and travel expenses. http://goo.gl/wsfs1C
~ Adopting the textbook CA Imaginalo! for its dual-immersion transitional kindergarten class. The textbook is "a Spanish reading language arts program where students learn to read in Spanish by using a syllabic approach." http://goo.gl/FfLn3Q
~ Accepting for public review the Glencoe Math Course 1, 2, and 3 as part of the shift to Common Core State Standards. http://goo.gl/EQzvEf
- Brad Haugaard
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