~ Former Monrovia High football star, Kurt Scoby, is moving back from Fresno State to join Azusa Pacific. http://goo.gl/scwYt9
~ Monrovia's Xencor reports that, "Revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 were $1.5 million, compared to $2.2 million in the same period of 2014."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Bear in the Kitchen; IRS Scam; Not His Van; Texting to Punching; Dueling Videos; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 30 - May 3. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Fraud/Elder Fiduciary Abuse
April 30 at 9:52 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a bank in the 200 block of South Myrtle regarding fraud and elder fiduciary abuse. An elderly couple received a fraudulent scam call from the 209 area code. The caller claimed to be the IRS and demanded taxes due. The husband attempted to call the IRS, but could not reach anyone to get verification. In fear of getting in trouble, he went to the bank to withdraw money to send to the suspects. While the husband was on his way to the bank, the wife contacted the Monrovia Police Department and asked for police intervention. An officer arrived just as the husband was exiting the bank and was able to advise him he was being defrauded. He redeposited the $4,000, and while the officer was still with the victim, the suspect called again. The officer answered the phone and attempted a ruse to get the suspect to advise on where to send the money; however, he would only talk to the victim. There was no loss, but the emotional impact on this elderly couple was significant. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 30 at 1:46 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Violet called police after a resident moved out of an apartment, leaving behind what everyone thought was his van. They contacted him, and he said the van was not his. He thought it belonged to another resident. A computer check of the van revealed it was a stolen vehicle taken from Arcadia back in 2013. All of the residents had assumed the van belonged to someone in the apartment complex, so they had not called police to report it. The vehicle was recovered.
Vandalism/Battery
April 30 at 3:21 p.m., an officer responded to the corner of Central and Myrtle regarding a vandalism and battery incident. A driver was sitting at a green light, texting in his SUV. The driver of a large cement truck in back of him honked at him to go, and the impeding driver held up his middle finger at the truck driver. The truck driver exited his vehicle, and at some point, the cement truck driver was punched in the mouth by the SUV driver. The cement truck driver then smashed the windows of the SUV. The order of events could not be determined and there were no independent witnesses. Statements and pictures were taken and a verified complaint report for the appropriate violations will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 9:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Myrtle on the report of a suspicious person in area. After contacting the subject, the officer discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant issued by the Long Beach Police Department. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.
Bear Incident
May 1 at 3:39 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of North Canyon was upstairs and heard noises downstairs. He went down and saw a bear in his kitchen. He was able to get out of the house and call police. The Fish and Wildlife Warden was notified and began to respond. Officers arrived first and observed the bear coming out of the house. No tags were observed on the bear and it was persuaded back into the foothills without further incident.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 9:28 a.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Highland. The vehicle stolen is a silver, 2007, Toyota Tacoma, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 2:00 and 9:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 2 at 10:08 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred in the 200 block of North Myrtle. The suspect vehicle was a black Audi. The vehicle side swiped two parked cars. Witnesses saw the car heading west on Foothill after the collision and wrote down the license plate number. Upon investigation, the registered owner was contacted and said he had let a friend borrow his car. The officer arranged to speak to the friend, who eventually admitted to being involved in the collision and said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle, a stick shift, and he lost control of the car. A verified complaint was filed with the District Attorney’s Office for vehicle hit and run charges.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 10:32 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of North Myrtle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 2005 Ford Escape. The vehicle was locked and there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 11:13 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 1985, Toyota, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 6:21 a.m., an officer responded to the area of 605 Freeway at Lower Azusa Road regarding a domestic violence incident. Officers from Irwindale Police Department had stopped a vehicle on the freeway, and the two subjects in the vehicle were arguing. The driver had bruising and swelling to her eye. She said she was punched in the face by her female partner, who was the other subject in the vehicle. The incident occurred in the 100 block of West Cherry in Monrovia. A Monrovia officer arrived and confirmed that domestic violence did in fact occur in Monrovia's jurisdiction. He arrested the suspect and took her into custody.
Petty Theft From Vehicles
May 3 at 7:30 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting several vehicles parked in the 500 block of Fano Street with there doors open and no one in the vehicles. Officers arrived and located four vehicles that appeared ransacked and burglarized. After speaking with the registered owners of the vehicles, it was determined that all of the vehicles had been left unlocked and various items were stolen from the vehicles. The investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspects Arrested
May 3 at 2:34 p.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. The employee reported that two male adult subjects came into the store and were arguing with the female manager of the store. The subjects decided to leave the store, and the female manager followed them out of the store and continued to argue with one of them outside of the store. Once outside, the male subject removed his phone and began to video tape the manager. She became more upset and slapped his phone out of his hand. She then removed her phone and began to video tape him. He then slapped her phone out of her hand and she responded by pepper spraying him. Both subjects desired prosecution. Both subjects were arrested and received a citation to appear in court on battery charges.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 3:21 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a male subject that had stolen items from inside the store. The loss prevention officer was chasing the subject through the parking lot. Police were given a suspect description and responded to the area. The suspect was located and detained near the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on burglary charges.
Injury Traffic Collision
May 3 at 5:13 p.m., officers responded to the area of Stedman and Greystone regarding a traffic collision. A driver struck a parked car and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then rolled, landed on its hood and slid to a stop. Both occupants, mother and teenage son, exited the vehicle on their own and sustained only minor injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Officers responded quickly and controlled the scene.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 1:05 a.m., a possible drunk driver was reported exiting the 210 Freeway at Mountain. An officer in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista saw the driver swerving in the roadway and stopped the vehicle for further investigation. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The subject was arrested and held for sobering.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Fraud/Elder Fiduciary Abuse
April 30 at 9:52 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a bank in the 200 block of South Myrtle regarding fraud and elder fiduciary abuse. An elderly couple received a fraudulent scam call from the 209 area code. The caller claimed to be the IRS and demanded taxes due. The husband attempted to call the IRS, but could not reach anyone to get verification. In fear of getting in trouble, he went to the bank to withdraw money to send to the suspects. While the husband was on his way to the bank, the wife contacted the Monrovia Police Department and asked for police intervention. An officer arrived just as the husband was exiting the bank and was able to advise him he was being defrauded. He redeposited the $4,000, and while the officer was still with the victim, the suspect called again. The officer answered the phone and attempted a ruse to get the suspect to advise on where to send the money; however, he would only talk to the victim. There was no loss, but the emotional impact on this elderly couple was significant. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 30 at 1:46 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Violet called police after a resident moved out of an apartment, leaving behind what everyone thought was his van. They contacted him, and he said the van was not his. He thought it belonged to another resident. A computer check of the van revealed it was a stolen vehicle taken from Arcadia back in 2013. All of the residents had assumed the van belonged to someone in the apartment complex, so they had not called police to report it. The vehicle was recovered.
Vandalism/Battery
April 30 at 3:21 p.m., an officer responded to the corner of Central and Myrtle regarding a vandalism and battery incident. A driver was sitting at a green light, texting in his SUV. The driver of a large cement truck in back of him honked at him to go, and the impeding driver held up his middle finger at the truck driver. The truck driver exited his vehicle, and at some point, the cement truck driver was punched in the mouth by the SUV driver. The cement truck driver then smashed the windows of the SUV. The order of events could not be determined and there were no independent witnesses. Statements and pictures were taken and a verified complaint report for the appropriate violations will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 9:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Myrtle on the report of a suspicious person in area. After contacting the subject, the officer discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant issued by the Long Beach Police Department. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.
Bear Incident
May 1 at 3:39 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of North Canyon was upstairs and heard noises downstairs. He went down and saw a bear in his kitchen. He was able to get out of the house and call police. The Fish and Wildlife Warden was notified and began to respond. Officers arrived first and observed the bear coming out of the house. No tags were observed on the bear and it was persuaded back into the foothills without further incident.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 9:28 a.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Highland. The vehicle stolen is a silver, 2007, Toyota Tacoma, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 2:00 and 9:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 2 at 10:08 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred in the 200 block of North Myrtle. The suspect vehicle was a black Audi. The vehicle side swiped two parked cars. Witnesses saw the car heading west on Foothill after the collision and wrote down the license plate number. Upon investigation, the registered owner was contacted and said he had let a friend borrow his car. The officer arranged to speak to the friend, who eventually admitted to being involved in the collision and said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle, a stick shift, and he lost control of the car. A verified complaint was filed with the District Attorney’s Office for vehicle hit and run charges.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 10:32 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of North Myrtle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 2005 Ford Escape. The vehicle was locked and there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 11:13 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 1985, Toyota, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 6:21 a.m., an officer responded to the area of 605 Freeway at Lower Azusa Road regarding a domestic violence incident. Officers from Irwindale Police Department had stopped a vehicle on the freeway, and the two subjects in the vehicle were arguing. The driver had bruising and swelling to her eye. She said she was punched in the face by her female partner, who was the other subject in the vehicle. The incident occurred in the 100 block of West Cherry in Monrovia. A Monrovia officer arrived and confirmed that domestic violence did in fact occur in Monrovia's jurisdiction. He arrested the suspect and took her into custody.
Petty Theft From Vehicles
May 3 at 7:30 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting several vehicles parked in the 500 block of Fano Street with there doors open and no one in the vehicles. Officers arrived and located four vehicles that appeared ransacked and burglarized. After speaking with the registered owners of the vehicles, it was determined that all of the vehicles had been left unlocked and various items were stolen from the vehicles. The investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspects Arrested
May 3 at 2:34 p.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. The employee reported that two male adult subjects came into the store and were arguing with the female manager of the store. The subjects decided to leave the store, and the female manager followed them out of the store and continued to argue with one of them outside of the store. Once outside, the male subject removed his phone and began to video tape the manager. She became more upset and slapped his phone out of his hand. She then removed her phone and began to video tape him. He then slapped her phone out of her hand and she responded by pepper spraying him. Both subjects desired prosecution. Both subjects were arrested and received a citation to appear in court on battery charges.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 3:21 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a male subject that had stolen items from inside the store. The loss prevention officer was chasing the subject through the parking lot. Police were given a suspect description and responded to the area. The suspect was located and detained near the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on burglary charges.
Injury Traffic Collision
May 3 at 5:13 p.m., officers responded to the area of Stedman and Greystone regarding a traffic collision. A driver struck a parked car and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then rolled, landed on its hood and slid to a stop. Both occupants, mother and teenage son, exited the vehicle on their own and sustained only minor injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Officers responded quickly and controlled the scene.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 1:05 a.m., a possible drunk driver was reported exiting the 210 Freeway at Mountain. An officer in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista saw the driver swerving in the roadway and stopped the vehicle for further investigation. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The subject was arrested and held for sobering.
Details on Safety on Mayflower Campus | Monrovia Olympian Interview
~ The concern about safety at Mayflower School, mentioned earlier, is apparently that children are not always under teacher supervision and people - and animals - can walk onto the campus. This parent describes on video her concerns at the latest school board meeting: http://goo.gl/jcxsVo
~ An interview with Monrovia Olympic medalist Kim Rhode. http://goo.gl/agYokj
- Brad Haugaard
~ An interview with Monrovia Olympic medalist Kim Rhode. http://goo.gl/agYokj
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council Change | Antique Mart | Online Education Session
~ Changing of the guard at the Monrovia City Council meeting this Tuesday. Not much else. http://goo.gl/iP1YQL
~ There will be an antique market at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. in Monrovia on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the church building fund.
~ There will be a free information session for parents about California Connections Academy @ Capistrano, a tuition-free K-12 online public school authorized under state law by the Capistrano Unified School District, on Thursday, May 28, at 6:30-8 p.m. at the Monrovia Courtyard Marriott, 700 W. Huntington. Meet an Academy teacher, explore program and curriculum, and enrollment process. More information: 1-800-382-6010 or http://www.connectionsacademy.com
- Brad Haugaard
~ There will be an antique market at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. in Monrovia on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the church building fund.
~ There will be a free information session for parents about California Connections Academy @ Capistrano, a tuition-free K-12 online public school authorized under state law by the Capistrano Unified School District, on Thursday, May 28, at 6:30-8 p.m. at the Monrovia Courtyard Marriott, 700 W. Huntington. Meet an Academy teacher, explore program and curriculum, and enrollment process. More information: 1-800-382-6010 or http://www.connectionsacademy.com
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Claim Jumper
Dinner recently at Claim Jumper, on Huntington. Got the rotisserie chicken ($16.99) with a side of chicken tortilla soup and a side of, ahem, fried mac and cheese (I was feeling adventurous). Plus a 22-oz. beer ($8.25). Chicken good, soup, great. Fried mac and cheese? Well, I think that's more of a kid dish.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Key Attack; Drugs and Alcohol; Burglary
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 27-29. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 360 service events, resulting in 66 investigations.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 27 at 8:37 p.m., two officers were on a call at the corner of Myrtle and Olive when they saw a vehicle driving south on Myrtle, blaring loud music. The vehicle made a right turn onto Olive, against eastbound traffic. The officers shined their flashlight on the driver and she abruptly pulled into a parking lot. The officers contacted the driver and through investigation determined she was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for sobering.
Domestic Violence
April 27 at 10:19 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported at a residence in the 700 block of Mountain View. The male suspect left the location prior to police arrival. The female stated that her boyfriend slashed her fingers with a set of keys during a verbal dispute. Paramedics responded to the residence and the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of her cut fingers. A wanted person entry was made into the law enforcement system for the suspect and his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
April 28 at 5:53 a.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of East Duarte Road regarding the report of a vehicle burglary. The burglary happened sometime during the night. There were several batteries taken from the vehicle.
Possession of a Controlled Substance/Warrants – Suspects Arrested
April 29 at 6:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to the rear of a residence in the 100 block of East Olive regarding two subjects in a white truck, possibly dealing drugs. Officers arrived and contacted three subjects in the truck. Investigation revealed that one of the subjects had a large quantity of marijuana in his possession. He was arrested for drug possession. The other two subjects had outstanding warrants for their arrest and were also taken into custody.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 360 service events, resulting in 66 investigations.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 27 at 8:37 p.m., two officers were on a call at the corner of Myrtle and Olive when they saw a vehicle driving south on Myrtle, blaring loud music. The vehicle made a right turn onto Olive, against eastbound traffic. The officers shined their flashlight on the driver and she abruptly pulled into a parking lot. The officers contacted the driver and through investigation determined she was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for sobering.
Domestic Violence
April 27 at 10:19 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported at a residence in the 700 block of Mountain View. The male suspect left the location prior to police arrival. The female stated that her boyfriend slashed her fingers with a set of keys during a verbal dispute. Paramedics responded to the residence and the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of her cut fingers. A wanted person entry was made into the law enforcement system for the suspect and his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
April 28 at 5:53 a.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of East Duarte Road regarding the report of a vehicle burglary. The burglary happened sometime during the night. There were several batteries taken from the vehicle.
Possession of a Controlled Substance/Warrants – Suspects Arrested
April 29 at 6:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to the rear of a residence in the 100 block of East Olive regarding two subjects in a white truck, possibly dealing drugs. Officers arrived and contacted three subjects in the truck. Investigation revealed that one of the subjects had a large quantity of marijuana in his possession. He was arrested for drug possession. The other two subjects had outstanding warrants for their arrest and were also taken into custody.
Monrovia's AeroVironment: New Leaders | Holden Car Dealership Bill Advances
~ Monrovia's AeroVironment has announced several leadership changes. http://goo.gl/zyr43w
~ A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has passed the Assembly on a 75-0 vote and goes to the Senate. The bill requires "Buy Here, Pay Here" car dealerships to give 10-day notification before a remote kill device can be used to disable a car for lack of payment. Current law requires only a 48 hour warning.
- Brad Haugaard
~ A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has passed the Assembly on a 75-0 vote and goes to the Senate. The bill requires "Buy Here, Pay Here" car dealerships to give 10-day notification before a remote kill device can be used to disable a car for lack of payment. Current law requires only a 48 hour warning.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Mothers Day Fashion Show | Education Bills | Memorial
~ Mothers Day Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser hosted by Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association. For mothers, grandmothers and daughters, Saturday, May 9, 1-4 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 140 E. Palm. Tickets $20 from Eloise Hart - (760) 669-0669. http://goo.gl/vimnFT
~ Two bills by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, have been approved by the Assembly's Education Committee. AB 288 makes it easier for high school students to take community college courses and AB 148 places a K-14 school facilities bond on the 2016 ballot.
~ Thirteenth annual memorial on Live Oak Road for LA Sheriff's Deputy David March. http://goo.gl/i14N14
- Brad Haugaard
~ Two bills by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, have been approved by the Assembly's Education Committee. AB 288 makes it easier for high school students to take community college courses and AB 148 places a K-14 school facilities bond on the 2016 ballot.
~ Thirteenth annual memorial on Live Oak Road for LA Sheriff's Deputy David March. http://goo.gl/i14N14
- Brad Haugaard
Safety Concern at Mayflower; Fast Medical Response; New Monrovia Department of Public Services; Tree Trimming; Etc.
In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
- There is some concern about safety at Mayflower Elementary School, and police are working with the district. Chi does not mention what the safety concern is.
- Monrovia routinely beats the 90-minute goal set by LA County Emergency Medical Services Agency for getting ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction patients to the hospital. Chi said local STEMI patients are routinely having their medical procedures completed within 70 minutes of dispatch.
- Community Services Department and Public Works Department are being combined and city staff is recommending the new department be named Department of Public Services.
- Old Town trees will be trimmed on Saturday, May 2. A large sycamore tree that is blocking the clock tower at 316 S. Myrtle will be replaced with smaller, slow-growing lavender crape myrtle tree.
- The city is planning a public meeting about neighborhood compatibility and historic preservation during the second or third week of May.
- Monrovia Library Foundation Board will consider working with City Historian Steve Baker to develop "the definitive 'History of Monrovia'."
- An after-school program will be implemented immediately at Plymouth Elementary School, as it has been at other elementary schools in town.
- Tom and Aynn Freeman have received the 2015 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award. They are members of various local organizations and for over 30 years, once a month, have sponsored, decorated and cooked a luncheon for a group of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Aynn also calls Bingo at the Gables Senior Living Complex.
- Brad Haugaard
- There is some concern about safety at Mayflower Elementary School, and police are working with the district. Chi does not mention what the safety concern is.
- Monrovia routinely beats the 90-minute goal set by LA County Emergency Medical Services Agency for getting ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction patients to the hospital. Chi said local STEMI patients are routinely having their medical procedures completed within 70 minutes of dispatch.
- Community Services Department and Public Works Department are being combined and city staff is recommending the new department be named Department of Public Services.
- Old Town trees will be trimmed on Saturday, May 2. A large sycamore tree that is blocking the clock tower at 316 S. Myrtle will be replaced with smaller, slow-growing lavender crape myrtle tree.
- The city is planning a public meeting about neighborhood compatibility and historic preservation during the second or third week of May.
- Monrovia Library Foundation Board will consider working with City Historian Steve Baker to develop "the definitive 'History of Monrovia'."
- An after-school program will be implemented immediately at Plymouth Elementary School, as it has been at other elementary schools in town.
- Tom and Aynn Freeman have received the 2015 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award. They are members of various local organizations and for over 30 years, once a month, have sponsored, decorated and cooked a luncheon for a group of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Aynn also calls Bingo at the Gables Senior Living Complex.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's STAAR Surgical: Q1 Net Income Down
Monrovia's STAAR Surgical reports that "adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2015 was $1.1 million or $0.03 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income of $1.6 million or $0.04 per diluted share, for the prior year period." http://goo.gl/GwCsPp
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Chalk Fest Coming to Monrovia
Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will hold a Chalk Festival on September 26-27 as part of the annual Celebrate the Arts in Old Town Monrovia's Library Park. Chalk artists can apply by writing to Frazgo Fraz at frazgo@msn.com.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Roads to Close For Monrovia Race | Baseball Over Temple City | 93 Degrees Today
~ On May 9 Monrovia will host its annual Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk. Roads along the route will be closed or affected in some way. Details: http://goo.gl/R4bvIl
~ Monrovia baseball wins a share of Rio Hondo League title with 5-1 win over Temple City. http://goo.gl/268hDQ
~ Toasty today. Supposed to get up to 93 degrees. http://goo.gl/um7AMh
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Robotics Team Finishes in Top 100 Worldwide
Monrovia High School's robotics team The Kings and Queens returned Monday from St. Louis where they spent the past week competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championship. The team posted a respectable Championship record of four wins and five losses to finish the season ranked 86th out of 4,410 FIRST Tech Challenge teams around the world. This was an improvement over The Kings and Queens record of the prior season which saw them earn three wins and six losses for a final ranking of 101. The team's robot "Sir Lancelot" performed well, making it through the grueling two days of qualifying matches without a single mechanical failure.
Team captain Melissa Johnson commented, "Last season at Worlds we had a lot of mechanical problems with our robot. So this season one of our primary goals was a create a new robot that would be strong and well-designed so parts wouldn't break and fasteners wouldn't come lose. The World Championship is an endurance contest and your robot has to hold up or you're quickly out of the running. We met that goal and then some. We didn't have to do any repairs or replace any parts during the entire tournament." Two other teams from Southern California were on track to be tournament finalists before major mechanical failures saw them eliminated from contention.
The Kings and Queens are proud of their season but they know they have more to learn if they want to be one of the top robotic teams next year. As team member Roberto Orozco noted, "The teams that make it to the World Championship after a season of elimination tournaments are very good and have excellent robots. We've shown that we can design and build a world-class robot and that the rest of our team program is good enough to get us to Worlds two years in a row. Now we have to concentrate on doing the game tasks faster and making everything better without losing any of the ground we have gained. That's how we will become a World Championship finalist."
The Kings and Queens will be losing all four of their veteran team members from last year's team to graduation in June. That will leave the members new to the team this year with some big shoes to fill. Amanda Sullivan, the team's only four-year member, commented, "We've tried hard this year to pass as much of our knowledge and experience on to the new members as we could but it is hard for them to understand without having been through the experiences that those of us have been through that have been doing this for years. Going to Worlds was an important part of the learning process. Now they have seen top-level robots in action, talked to kids on top-level teams, and experienced both the pressure and excitement that comes with competing against the best of the best. They can come back next season with a better understanding of what it means to be a top robotics team and what it takes to get there. I guess that is the legacy the Seniors will leave behind."
Source: Brian Johnson with the Kings and Queens
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Warrant Arrests; Car Knocks Out Lights; Drunkenness; BB Through Window; Hit and Run Suspect Arrested; Sleeping in Park
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Linwood and Magnolia regarding a male subject that was possibly intoxicated and was staggering on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, the officer found the subject seated and leaning up against a parked vehicle. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own personal safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 12:27 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon saw a suspicious subject loitering at a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the subject for the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 2:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Longden when she observed a motorist exceeding the posted speed limit. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and determined the driver to be intoxicated. The officer arrested the driver for driving under the influence. The driver was later released on a citation after sobering.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 4:37 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the driver revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and was driving without a license. The warrant was for a criminal case against the driver that was initiated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:04 p.m., an officer conducted a warrant service at a location in the 200 block of Valle Vista. The officer located the suspect at the location and arrested him per the authority of the warrant. The suspect was taken into custody and remained housed pending his court appearance date.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:51 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of East Altern when he saw a male subject in a driveway and recognized him from prior contacts. The officer knew the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He made contact with the suspect and confirmed the warrant. He arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.
Weapons Offense/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Norumbega regarding the report of a suspicious subject in the area. The officer located the subject and detained him. During the course of the investigation, the officer found the subject to be in possession of a dagger and a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for the weapons offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:09 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of East Lemon when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:53 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Peck and Live Oak stopped a motorist for lane straddling. Further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence, taken into custody and held for sobering.
Vandalism
April 26 at 1:32 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 700 block of West Olive. Unknown suspect(s) shot a BB through a glass door window of a residence. A silver, 4- door, compact vehicle being driven by a female was seen slowing down in front of the victim's home. Two or three shots from what is believed to be an Airsoft BB gun were fired at the residence. The suspect vehicle then fled toward Monterey. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision with Property Damage
April 26 at 7:28 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle and Chestnut Avenue. A young female driver made a wide turn onto Myrtle and went onto the curb, striking the intersection control box. She destroyed the box and the intersection went dark. She was not injured. Signal maintenance was notified to respond to the location.
Vandalism
April 26 at 7:50 a.m., officers responded to Madison and Foothill on the report of a possible vehicle burglary. They arrived and located a vehicle with a shattered side window. Police located the registered owner and informed him of the damage. He said he had parked his vehicle the night before and the window was not shattered. Nothing was missing from the vehicle and it did not appear ransacked. The registered owner did not want to file a report for the damage.
Disturbing Subject/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:12 p.m., a staff member from a motel in the 900 block of East Huntington called police to report a disturbing subject at the location who could not pay for a room. When police arrived, they encountered a male subject who was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative. He was placed under arrest for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision with Injury – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 3:55 p.m., police responded to a hit and run traffic collision with possible injuries in the area of California and Duarte. Assisting officers were given a vehicle description and license plate for a possible suspect. They went to the address for the registered owner in Duarte and located the vehicle and suspect driver. The suspect was positively identified and arrested for felony hit and run. The victim complained of pain and had a laceration on her leg. She was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.
Municipal Code Violation/Being in a Park After Posted Hours – Suspect Cited
April 27 at 2:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon and noticed a subject sleeping in the park after the park was closed. The subject was issued a citation for being in the park after posted hours.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 24 at 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Linwood and Magnolia regarding a male subject that was possibly intoxicated and was staggering on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, the officer found the subject seated and leaning up against a parked vehicle. The officer determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own personal safety. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 12:27 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon saw a suspicious subject loitering at a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the subject for the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 2:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Myrtle and Longden when she observed a motorist exceeding the posted speed limit. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and determined the driver to be intoxicated. The officer arrested the driver for driving under the influence. The driver was later released on a citation after sobering.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 4:37 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers stopped a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the driver revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and was driving without a license. The warrant was for a criminal case against the driver that was initiated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:04 p.m., an officer conducted a warrant service at a location in the 200 block of Valle Vista. The officer located the suspect at the location and arrested him per the authority of the warrant. The suspect was taken into custody and remained housed pending his court appearance date.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 25 at 8:51 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of East Altern when he saw a male subject in a driveway and recognized him from prior contacts. The officer knew the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He made contact with the suspect and confirmed the warrant. He arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.
Weapons Offense/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Norumbega regarding the report of a suspicious subject in the area. The officer located the subject and detained him. During the course of the investigation, the officer found the subject to be in possession of a dagger and a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for the weapons offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:09 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of East Lemon when he stopped a subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the suspect per the authority of the warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 1:53 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Peck and Live Oak stopped a motorist for lane straddling. Further investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence, taken into custody and held for sobering.
Vandalism
April 26 at 1:32 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 700 block of West Olive. Unknown suspect(s) shot a BB through a glass door window of a residence. A silver, 4- door, compact vehicle being driven by a female was seen slowing down in front of the victim's home. Two or three shots from what is believed to be an Airsoft BB gun were fired at the residence. The suspect vehicle then fled toward Monterey. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision with Property Damage
April 26 at 7:28 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle and Chestnut Avenue. A young female driver made a wide turn onto Myrtle and went onto the curb, striking the intersection control box. She destroyed the box and the intersection went dark. She was not injured. Signal maintenance was notified to respond to the location.
Vandalism
April 26 at 7:50 a.m., officers responded to Madison and Foothill on the report of a possible vehicle burglary. They arrived and located a vehicle with a shattered side window. Police located the registered owner and informed him of the damage. He said he had parked his vehicle the night before and the window was not shattered. Nothing was missing from the vehicle and it did not appear ransacked. The registered owner did not want to file a report for the damage.
Disturbing Subject/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 12:12 p.m., a staff member from a motel in the 900 block of East Huntington called police to report a disturbing subject at the location who could not pay for a room. When police arrived, they encountered a male subject who was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative. He was placed under arrest for public intoxication and held for sobering.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision with Injury – Suspect Arrested
April 26 at 3:55 p.m., police responded to a hit and run traffic collision with possible injuries in the area of California and Duarte. Assisting officers were given a vehicle description and license plate for a possible suspect. They went to the address for the registered owner in Duarte and located the vehicle and suspect driver. The suspect was positively identified and arrested for felony hit and run. The victim complained of pain and had a laceration on her leg. She was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.
Municipal Code Violation/Being in a Park After Posted Hours – Suspect Cited
April 27 at 2:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of East Lemon and noticed a subject sleeping in the park after the park was closed. The subject was issued a citation for being in the park after posted hours.
Monrovia Responds to Nepal Earthquake
~ Teams from Monrovia-based World Vision are beginning aid efforts to assist those impacted by the 7.8 magnitude quake that struck Nepal. The Christian relief agency has sent teams to assess the damage in rural areas and says that food is running out. It is also hearing reports that whole villages may be buried in rockslides. "World Vision is planning to respond in its initial phase to 50,000 people, meeting their immediate needs including providing first aid kits, sleeping mats, blankets and jerry cans; temporary shelter; and protection for children." http://goo.gl/50bFP9
~ The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and the aftermath. You can send or drop off contributions to "Attn: Nepal Earthquake Relief, Jewish Federation, 114A W. Lime Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016," or donate on-line at www.jewishsgpv.org/donate and indicate it is for Nepal Earthquake Relief. All funds will go to social welfare agencies in the affected areas and The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs. For more information call 445-0810 or send an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and the aftermath. You can send or drop off contributions to "Attn: Nepal Earthquake Relief, Jewish Federation, 114A W. Lime Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016," or donate on-line at www.jewishsgpv.org/donate and indicate it is for Nepal Earthquake Relief. All funds will go to social welfare agencies in the affected areas and The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs. For more information call 445-0810 or send an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Robotics Team Heading Home From St. Louis
Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team reports:
"We ended up not winning any judged awards at the FTC Championship awards ceremony but we are content with the knowledge we have gained, the experiences we have shared, and the friends we have made. Tomorrow we get to sleep in, and then we are going to take in the sights and attractions of St. Louis before we fly home on Monday. Thank you to the organizers and many volunteers who made the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship such a great experience for us."
- Brad Haugaard
"We ended up not winning any judged awards at the FTC Championship awards ceremony but we are content with the knowledge we have gained, the experiences we have shared, and the friends we have made. Tomorrow we get to sleep in, and then we are going to take in the sights and attractions of St. Louis before we fly home on Monday. Thank you to the organizers and many volunteers who made the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship such a great experience for us."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Painting
A Monrovia painting by an un-renowned Monrovia artist. Me. If you can't figure out where this is, there's no hope for me as an artist. (The glare on this snapshot isn't helping any.)
Monrovia Keeps Its Lead in Baseball
Monrovia maintains its 3-game lead. "There's no let up with the Monrovia High School baseball team." http://goo.gl/4l1aU4
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Consider New Street Fair Company | School Board: Moving to Common Core; Refinancing Bonds
~ The Monrovia City Council will hold a special session Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. to consider having Los Angeles PartyWorks handle the Friday night street fair. The city expects to get an annual fee of $18,000 which will be paid on a monthly basis. http://goo.gl/mWgpHS
~ Meanwhile, over at the school district, at its April 29 meeting the Monrovia School Board (agenda: http://goo.gl/XyxyCm ) will ...
- consider adopting "bridge" math materials for the transition to Common Core state standards. http://goo.gl/aSjiuZ
- consider refinancing $30 million of the district's school bonds at today's lower rates. http://goo.gl/4G1Ep6
- Brad Haugaard
~ Meanwhile, over at the school district, at its April 29 meeting the Monrovia School Board (agenda: http://goo.gl/XyxyCm ) will ...
- consider adopting "bridge" math materials for the transition to Common Core state standards. http://goo.gl/aSjiuZ
- consider refinancing $30 million of the district's school bonds at today's lower rates. http://goo.gl/4G1Ep6
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Zen Buffet
Had dinner at Zen Buffet last night, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Huntington. Cost is $15.99, which is well worth it if you go back a lot, which I, uh, did. Very nice selection. Plus I had a beer for three dollars. Everything was really quite tasty, even better than I remember it from last time.
- Brad Haugaard
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