Reader Darcy Roberts asks what is going on with the Copper Still Grill, which is supposed to be going in where the old Sam's Kabob used to be on Myrtle. Good question. I asked Monrovia Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez, who says: "We have not heard anything from the business for quite a while. So I'm not sure what's going on."
- Brad Haugaard
Bond to Pay for Monrovia Infrastructure? - Maybe Not | Canyon Park | Swap Produce
~ While City Manager Oliver Chi confirms that there is a rumor that the Monrovia city government plans to ask voters to pass a bond measure to fund deferred maintenance on water, sewer, streets and related infrastructure, he said he has not heard any such proposal either from the City Council or from city staff. He added, "I don't believe we will need to go out for a bond" to fund improvements. However, he did say the Public Works Department is working on a master plan for the sewage and water systems, and curbs, gutters and sidewalks, but it hasn't reached the point of discussing how to pay for it. But when the discussion reaches that point, he said, there are options other than a bond, such as Measure R funds (from an existing countywide tax) and user fees.
~ Director of Community Services Tina Cherry reports that while the popular Haunted Hike, in Monrovia Canyon Park, is not being held this year, that decision "may be reconsidered." The problems with the hike, she said, are that it costs too much (the fees do not cover the expenses) and it is "not necessarily" aligned with preservation of the environment. She said the fishing line to hang up spooky stuff may not all get cleaned up.
~ Also, Cherry reports that Senior Park Ranger Hector Inzunza is taking a new job with Riverside County. Comment: Met him. Always seemed a very competent guy.
~ Gem City Images blog reports that the newest trail in Monrovia Canyon Park was dedicated today as the Cunningham Overlook Trail, after volunteer trail crew boss Ed Cunningham. http://goo.gl/duRu5B
~ Produce in the Park, this Saturday, Nov. 1 9-11 a.m. in Library Park at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. Swap produce.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Director of Community Services Tina Cherry reports that while the popular Haunted Hike, in Monrovia Canyon Park, is not being held this year, that decision "may be reconsidered." The problems with the hike, she said, are that it costs too much (the fees do not cover the expenses) and it is "not necessarily" aligned with preservation of the environment. She said the fishing line to hang up spooky stuff may not all get cleaned up.
~ Also, Cherry reports that Senior Park Ranger Hector Inzunza is taking a new job with Riverside County. Comment: Met him. Always seemed a very competent guy.
~ Gem City Images blog reports that the newest trail in Monrovia Canyon Park was dedicated today as the Cunningham Overlook Trail, after volunteer trail crew boss Ed Cunningham. http://goo.gl/duRu5B
~ Produce in the Park, this Saturday, Nov. 1 9-11 a.m. in Library Park at the corner of Lime and Myrtle. Swap produce.
- Brad Haugaard
Update on Access to Monrovia's Hillside Wilderness Preserve
The new gate, shown here, has been temporarily removed.
I noticed the other day that the almost-new gate at the Ridgeside trailhead to the city's Hillside Wilderness Preserve, which you can see above, has been removed. This struck me as odd because it was only installed around early January of this year. The old gate, which you can see below, is now back in use, but can be swung open far enough to admit bikers and hikers, but not enough to admit cars or trucks.
In a meeting with City Manager Oliver Chi and Director of Community Services Tina Cherry, Cherry said the new gate was removed because it was crowding the space trucks need to turn around. She said a new-new gate will be installed after working out the best location for it with adjacent landowners and after redesigning it to force cyclists to slow down before they enter the narrow residential road. Also, she said, the "Road Closed" sign you see posted on the old gate has either been removed already or will be removed shortly. The road isn't closed, it's open.Another factor, she said, is that while the city has an easement for the trail, the easement - apparently due to faulty surveying ages ago - is for a brief distance actually located alongside the road, just to the right of the road as you see it in the above pictures, over essentially impassable ground. That also needs to be resolved.
Chi said the issues with the Ridgeside trailhead should be resolved within a few months.
Cherry said homeowners at other end of the trail - which exits onto Coverleaf Drive but passes over private property which is currently blocked by a locked gate - have been working with city appraisers. She said the appraisers have completed their appraisals and the city is now ready to meet with the homeowners in an effort to come to an agreement that will open the Cloverleaf gate.
Chi said that while there may have been disagreements with those property owners in the past, "at least we're talking to one another." He added, "We need to resolve this today so people can enjoy it." Cherry added that, "We have the resources to have it done."
And if that is all a bit confusing, here's a map: http://goo.gl/PNzQYT
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Son Hits Dad in Face; Fake Gold Necklace Switch; Husband Locked Out - Wife Locked Out; Running Away to New York; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 23-26 . - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
On October 23 at 4:59 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called police to report a theft that had just occurred. The suspects, a male and female, took an expensive drill and other items, and fled in a vehicle with no plates. An officer observed a vehicle that matched the description in the area of Evergreen and Mountain. The vehicle was stopped without incident, and the investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen. The stolen property from the business was still in the vehicle, along with additional property that is believed to be stolen and a list of other store locations. Used hypodermic needs were also discovered. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 7:55 p.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 600 block of West Foothill on the report of domestic battery. The male subject was determined to be the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody, where he was held pending his court appearance.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West Foothill on the report of a family disturbance. The investigation revealed the 15- year-old son was angry at his father and punched him in the face. The juvenile was arrested and taken into custody. The father sustained a minor injury to his face and declined medical treatment.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 10:50 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of California and Duarte when he observed a couple arguing in a vehicle that was stopped along the side of the road. The officer contacted the couple and found the engine was running and the driver was determined to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and later released on a citation after sobering.
Burglary / Fraud Arrest – Suspect Arrested
On October 24, at 4:41 p.m., police responded to a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle on the report of a burglary. Two male suspects entered a pawn shop and told the employees they wanted to sell a gold necklace. The employees confirmed it was real gold and offered to buy it. Right before they exchanged the necklace for the money, the suspects said they changed their mind and no longer wanted to sell it. The suspects briefly left the store, and then returned again stating they reconsidered the offer and now wanted to sell the necklace. The suspects handed a fake gold necklace to the clerk instead of the real one. The suspects were detained by officers and arrested for burglary and theft by false pretense.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 24 at 2:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of West Olive when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested. The motorist was taken to the Monrovia Jail, where she was held for sobering. She was later released on a citation.
Domestic Violence Arrest – Suspect Arrested
On October 25 at 2:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista regarding a report of domestic violence. The investigation revealed the wife locked her husband out of their apartment. The husband broke a window and climbed through it, sustaining a laceration to his arm. Upon entering the apartment, he grabbed his wife by the arms in an effort to pull her outside and lock her out. The wife sustained bruising on both of her arms. The husband was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics for the laceration to his arm. He was then arrested and taken into custody. He had to be taken to a local hospital for further treatment of his arm.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 26 at 1:57 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Cherry stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was also found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest, which were added to his charges.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Ivy and Cherry when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested. The motorist was taken into custody and held for sobering. She was later released on a citation. The motorist was also found to be on probation for DUI.
Runaway Juvenile
On October 26 at 7:39 a.m., the father of a 14-year-old called police to report his son had run away. He was last seen in the home about 4:00 a.m. that morning, but was gone when his father woke up. The boy left his phone and computer behind, but took his skateboard. It is possible he is on his way to New York, but by an unknown means. A flyer was distributed and the subject was entered into the law enforcement missing persons system. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
On October 23 at 4:59 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called police to report a theft that had just occurred. The suspects, a male and female, took an expensive drill and other items, and fled in a vehicle with no plates. An officer observed a vehicle that matched the description in the area of Evergreen and Mountain. The vehicle was stopped without incident, and the investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen. The stolen property from the business was still in the vehicle, along with additional property that is believed to be stolen and a list of other store locations. Used hypodermic needs were also discovered. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 7:55 p.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 600 block of West Foothill on the report of domestic battery. The male subject was determined to be the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody, where he was held pending his court appearance.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West Foothill on the report of a family disturbance. The investigation revealed the 15- year-old son was angry at his father and punched him in the face. The juvenile was arrested and taken into custody. The father sustained a minor injury to his face and declined medical treatment.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 23 at 10:50 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of California and Duarte when he observed a couple arguing in a vehicle that was stopped along the side of the road. The officer contacted the couple and found the engine was running and the driver was determined to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and later released on a citation after sobering.
Burglary / Fraud Arrest – Suspect Arrested
On October 24, at 4:41 p.m., police responded to a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle on the report of a burglary. Two male suspects entered a pawn shop and told the employees they wanted to sell a gold necklace. The employees confirmed it was real gold and offered to buy it. Right before they exchanged the necklace for the money, the suspects said they changed their mind and no longer wanted to sell it. The suspects briefly left the store, and then returned again stating they reconsidered the offer and now wanted to sell the necklace. The suspects handed a fake gold necklace to the clerk instead of the real one. The suspects were detained by officers and arrested for burglary and theft by false pretense.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 24 at 2:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of West Olive when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested. The motorist was taken to the Monrovia Jail, where she was held for sobering. She was later released on a citation.
Domestic Violence Arrest – Suspect Arrested
On October 25 at 2:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista regarding a report of domestic violence. The investigation revealed the wife locked her husband out of their apartment. The husband broke a window and climbed through it, sustaining a laceration to his arm. Upon entering the apartment, he grabbed his wife by the arms in an effort to pull her outside and lock her out. The wife sustained bruising on both of her arms. The husband was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics for the laceration to his arm. He was then arrested and taken into custody. He had to be taken to a local hospital for further treatment of his arm.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 26 at 1:57 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Cherry stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was also found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest, which were added to his charges.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On October 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Ivy and Cherry when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested. The motorist was taken into custody and held for sobering. She was later released on a citation. The motorist was also found to be on probation for DUI.
Runaway Juvenile
On October 26 at 7:39 a.m., the father of a 14-year-old called police to report his son had run away. He was last seen in the home about 4:00 a.m. that morning, but was gone when his father woke up. The boy left his phone and computer behind, but took his skateboard. It is possible he is on his way to New York, but by an unknown means. A flyer was distributed and the subject was entered into the law enforcement missing persons system. The investigation is continuing.
Discussion of Ballot Propositions | McMansionization
~ A video presentation by Monrovia Rotary Club and League of Women Voters on the propositions on the 2014 ballot: http://goo.gl/7AVwOD
~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK
- Brad Haugaard
~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Rotary, LWV on Ballot Propositions | 'McMansionization'
~ A video presentation by Monrovia Rotary Club and League of Women Voters on the propositions on the 2014 ballot: http://goo.gl/7AVwOD
~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK
- Brad Haugaard
~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Helping Hands Thrift Store Celebrates First Anniversary With Sale
To celebrate its one year anniversary, Helping Hands Store and Donation Center (925 W. Foothill) is holding a celebration this Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free food, beverages, and raffles every hour and 55% percent off everything. Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Confusion About Effect of Making Mountains Into a National Monument
Confusion about what it means for parts of the San Gabriel Mountains to be a National Monument ( http://goo.gl/1GOe5w ): Possible effect on water supplies if San Gabriel River is included in the area (and from the White House map, it appears to be included), land usage may be "altered," possible new fees.
Comment: As I've noted, it does not seem to directly affect Monrovia, as the wretchedly small-scale map released by the White House ( http://goo.gl/38pjPb ) seems to indicate the south border of the National Monument is the Rincon Road ridgeline far north of the city.
- Brad Haugaard
Comment: As I've noted, it does not seem to directly affect Monrovia, as the wretchedly small-scale map released by the White House ( http://goo.gl/38pjPb ) seems to indicate the south border of the National Monument is the Rincon Road ridgeline far north of the city.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
The annual Christmas tree lighting and parade will be held on Thursday, December 4 starting at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting at Library Park, on the corner of Myrtle and Lime. Then the parade will begin at 7 p.m., traveling north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm. The theme is "Home for the Holidays" and is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town merchants. http://goo.gl/6o6xSs
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Pho on Lemon
Lunch at Pho on Lemon, just east of Myrtle on Lemon. Got the chicken curry for $8.50 and an iced tea for 99 cents. A generous amount of chicken.
- Brad Haugaard
All Street Crossings Finished for Gold Line | Native Plant Sale
~ The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority announced today that has completed all 14 street-level crossings for the project. The final grade crossing work, at Mountain Ave, was completed this week - three months ahead of schedule. The Construction Authority announced earlier that it had also completed all the track for the project.
~ Native Plant Sale in Library Park Nov. 15 http://goo.gl/Gnfhjo
- Brad Haugaard
~ Native Plant Sale in Library Park Nov. 15 http://goo.gl/Gnfhjo
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Pet Food Drive | Make a Difference Day | Delayed Graduation | Holiday Brunch | Dia de los Muertos | Miravet
~ Pet food drive this Saturday, Oct. 25, at Library Park. Unopened cans and bags of dog and cat food. Call 256-8187 for details. Hosted by Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley and Foothill Unity Center.
~ Make a Difference Day volunteers meeting this Saturday at Library Park for community clean-up projects in Monrovia and the valley. Contact Penny Arroyo to register: penny@vcsgv.org. http://goo.gl/CIs4mb
~ Monrovian Toshio Asano finally got his Associate Degree from Citrus College. He missed graduation because he was interned during World War II. http://goo.gl/ope1U9
~ Monrovia's Maryknoll Sisters will hold a holiday brunch, bake sale and boutique Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Adults $15, children under 12, $7. 300 Norumbega Drive. For information call 358-1825.
~ Dia de los Muertos, Sunday Nov. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 East Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/NWh8Pi
~ Monrovia water polo player Jacob Miravet. http://goo.gl/NYAjsU
- Brad Haugaard
~ Make a Difference Day volunteers meeting this Saturday at Library Park for community clean-up projects in Monrovia and the valley. Contact Penny Arroyo to register: penny@vcsgv.org. http://goo.gl/CIs4mb
~ Monrovian Toshio Asano finally got his Associate Degree from Citrus College. He missed graduation because he was interned during World War II. http://goo.gl/ope1U9
~ Monrovia's Maryknoll Sisters will hold a holiday brunch, bake sale and boutique Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Adults $15, children under 12, $7. 300 Norumbega Drive. For information call 358-1825.
~ Dia de los Muertos, Sunday Nov. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 East Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/NWh8Pi
~ Monrovia water polo player Jacob Miravet. http://goo.gl/NYAjsU
- Brad Haugaard
Sidewalk, Curb Work Beginning Around Monrovia's Station Square
All lanes are expected to remain open to traffic, but drivers may expect temporary re-routing of lanes. Street parking will be limited during construction on these streets. Pedestrian traffic will also be re-routed when necessary for safety.
Street parking restrictions and pedestrian detours are expected to begin on Myrtle Ave starting November 3.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: 911 Center Upgraded; Red Ribbon Week
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 20-22 2014 . - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.
Monrovia Police Department 9-1-1 Communications Center Upgrade Completed
On October 14, 2014, the upgrade to the Monrovia Police Communications 9-1-1 Center was completed. The upgrade included a new, state-of-the-art 9-1-1 phone system and new ergonomic dispatch consoles and chairs that were funded through the California Office of Emergency Management 9-1- 1 Program Office. In addition, the radio system was also upgraded. The Monrovia Police Department would like to thank the following police department and city employees for their hard work and extra effort given to help complete this upgrade: Jim Emett, Jeff Warmuth, Tim Blackburn, Shawn Cantine, Manny Garcia, and all of the Monrovia police dispatchers for their assistance during the design and equipment selection process.
Red Ribbon Week Reminds Parents to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs
During the week of October 23 through 31, the Monrovia Police Department will celebrate Red Ribbon Week 2014 by wearing red ribbons on their uniforms. Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse among our youth and our communities. In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique, “Kiki,” Camarena was murdered by a drug cartel. To honor his memory and to show support that we will continue the fight against illegal drugs, Monrovia Police Officers will wear red ribbons as part of our uniform. Monrovia schools have passed out red bracelets to children to encourage kids to support the fight against illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.
Monrovia Police Department 9-1-1 Communications Center Upgrade Completed
On October 14, 2014, the upgrade to the Monrovia Police Communications 9-1-1 Center was completed. The upgrade included a new, state-of-the-art 9-1-1 phone system and new ergonomic dispatch consoles and chairs that were funded through the California Office of Emergency Management 9-1- 1 Program Office. In addition, the radio system was also upgraded. The Monrovia Police Department would like to thank the following police department and city employees for their hard work and extra effort given to help complete this upgrade: Jim Emett, Jeff Warmuth, Tim Blackburn, Shawn Cantine, Manny Garcia, and all of the Monrovia police dispatchers for their assistance during the design and equipment selection process.
Red Ribbon Week Reminds Parents to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs
During the week of October 23 through 31, the Monrovia Police Department will celebrate Red Ribbon Week 2014 by wearing red ribbons on their uniforms. Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse among our youth and our communities. In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique, “Kiki,” Camarena was murdered by a drug cartel. To honor his memory and to show support that we will continue the fight against illegal drugs, Monrovia Police Officers will wear red ribbons as part of our uniform. Monrovia schools have passed out red bracelets to children to encourage kids to support the fight against illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Monrovia-Based Upper San Gabriel Water District Declares 'Water Emergency'
The Upper San Gabriel Water District, which is based in Monrovia and serves the city, among others, yesterday declared a "water emergency" because, among other things, water levels have reached "all time historic lows." Further, it demands the Metropolitan Water District "treat the Upper District fairly, consistently, and in the same manner that it treats all other member districts." You can see the whole resolution here, starting on page 15: http://goo.gl/Oijsvn
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Strangling Girlfriend in Monrovia
Joel Velasquez, accused of strangling his girlfriend in Monrovia, pleaded not guilty in Pasadena Superior Court. http://goo.gl/EjtC9r
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Church Moving to Make Room for Wine Village
Calvary Chapel Monrovia will be moving. A staff report at the City Council meeting Tuesday said the church - near Myrtle on Evergreen on the south side of the 210, next to the Chevron station - is leasing its property from the city and will have to move to make way for the wine village the city has planned. The church's lease expires at the end of this month.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Battle Creek to Film in Monrovia Canyon Park
The television show Battle Creek apparently really likes Monrovia Canyon Park. Diane Delmatoff, in the Community Development Department, reports that the show will be filming in Canyon Park again on Thursday.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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