Here's a picture of what the new Orchard Supply Hardware store will look like. It will occupy the old Office Depot site at Huntington and Monterey. http://goo.gl/U40Gsu
- Brad Haugaard
What New Monrovia Orchard Supply Will Look Like
Here's a picture of what the new Orchard Supply Hardware store will look like. It will occupy the old Office Depot site at Huntington and Monterey. http://goo.gl/U40Gsu
- Brad Haugaard
Installing The Art At Monrovia's Station Square
Photo of Monrovia Station Square artist, Cha-Rie Tang, setting glass blocks in place around a seven-foot-tall rock to simulate water. http://goo.gl/OMPi08
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonnaise
Dinner last night at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonnaise restaurant in the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. I got the Jidori Chicken Oyakodon Set for $12.95 and a beer for $3.50. Beautiful decor and good food.
- Brad Haugaard
Why Tribune Is Moving to Monrovia | Water Rules
~ The San Gabriel Valley Tribune explains why it is moving its headquarters to 605 E. Huntington in Monrovia (Two reasons: It's not afraid of its readers anymore, and no need for those big printing presses anymore): http://goo.gl/u54g8O
~ Wondering exactly what the current water rules are for Monrovia. Here are the details: http://goo.gl/Fla2tc
- Brad Haugaard
~ Wondering exactly what the current water rules are for Monrovia. Here are the details: http://goo.gl/Fla2tc
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: It Wasn't a False Alarm; Armed Gas Station Robbery; Purse Stolen From Unlocked Vehicle
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 3-5. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, resulting in 61 investigations.
Attempt Commercial Burglary
August 3 at 9:40 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 800 block of East Huntington regarding an attempt burglary. The owner received a call from his alarm company on August 2 at 12:56 p.m., stating the alarm was going off due to possible glass breakage. The owner told the alarm company he thought it was a false alarm and that they did not need to call the police. When the owner arrived at work the next morning, the framing around the window had been removed. It appeared that the suspect was attempting to remove the front glass window and was scared off by the alarm. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 4 at 9:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of West Olive regarding the theft of a catalytic converter. The victim parked his vehicle, a Honda Element, on the street in front of his residence. He returned to his vehicle the next morning and discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 4 at 11:51 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of South Primrose. Unknown suspects took tools from company vehicles that were parked in the business parking lot. The theft occurred sometime during the night when the business was closed and utility work bags containing telephone repair equipment were stolen. The employees reported that the vehicles were locked, but there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Theft of Mail
August 4 at 2:07 p.m., a theft of mail that had just occurred was reported in the 200 block of West Hillcrest. A package was stolen from the porch of a residence. A tan Chevy Suburban was seen stopping in front of the residence. A juvenile exited the vehicle, wearing athletic clothing, and took a package from the front porch. The suspect got back into the vehicle and fled west on Hillcrest. The driver of the vehicle was described as a female Black. The investigation is continuing.
Armed Robbery
August 4 at 11:28 a.m., officers responded to a gas station in the 700 block of West Huntington on an armed robbery that had occurred 40 minutes prior. Although the report was delayed, officers searched the area for the suspects, who were reported to be two male Blacks in their late teens to early 20's. The suspects were wearing all dark clothing with jeans, and they had half their faces covered with bandana type material. They had red shoe laces and red belts. One of the suspects was armed with a black handgun. The suspects entered the gas station store, pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded cash. The clerk opened the register and one of the suspects removed the cash. Both suspects fled in a southwest direction on foot. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Burglary Tools/Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 2:50 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of East Greystone when he observed a suspicious subject unloading items from a vehicle. Believing a theft was possibly occurring, he contacted the subject. Although the vehicle was determined to belong to the subject, he was found to be in possession of burglary tools, over five grams of methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine pipe. He was arrested for the violations and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
On August 5 at 4:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Duarte Road regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Three parked vehicles were side-swiped by an unknown vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
On August 5 at 7:27 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of South Encinitas regarding a theft of a purse report. At 7:10 p.m. the victim left her purse inside her unlocked vehicle, which was parked in front of her residence. Upon returning at 7:20 p.m. she discovered that her purse had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, resulting in 61 investigations.
Attempt Commercial Burglary
August 3 at 9:40 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 800 block of East Huntington regarding an attempt burglary. The owner received a call from his alarm company on August 2 at 12:56 p.m., stating the alarm was going off due to possible glass breakage. The owner told the alarm company he thought it was a false alarm and that they did not need to call the police. When the owner arrived at work the next morning, the framing around the window had been removed. It appeared that the suspect was attempting to remove the front glass window and was scared off by the alarm. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
August 4 at 9:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of West Olive regarding the theft of a catalytic converter. The victim parked his vehicle, a Honda Element, on the street in front of his residence. He returned to his vehicle the next morning and discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
August 4 at 11:51 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of South Primrose. Unknown suspects took tools from company vehicles that were parked in the business parking lot. The theft occurred sometime during the night when the business was closed and utility work bags containing telephone repair equipment were stolen. The employees reported that the vehicles were locked, but there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Theft of Mail
August 4 at 2:07 p.m., a theft of mail that had just occurred was reported in the 200 block of West Hillcrest. A package was stolen from the porch of a residence. A tan Chevy Suburban was seen stopping in front of the residence. A juvenile exited the vehicle, wearing athletic clothing, and took a package from the front porch. The suspect got back into the vehicle and fled west on Hillcrest. The driver of the vehicle was described as a female Black. The investigation is continuing.
Armed Robbery
August 4 at 11:28 a.m., officers responded to a gas station in the 700 block of West Huntington on an armed robbery that had occurred 40 minutes prior. Although the report was delayed, officers searched the area for the suspects, who were reported to be two male Blacks in their late teens to early 20's. The suspects were wearing all dark clothing with jeans, and they had half their faces covered with bandana type material. They had red shoe laces and red belts. One of the suspects was armed with a black handgun. The suspects entered the gas station store, pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded cash. The clerk opened the register and one of the suspects removed the cash. Both suspects fled in a southwest direction on foot. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Burglary Tools/Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 2:50 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of East Greystone when he observed a suspicious subject unloading items from a vehicle. Believing a theft was possibly occurring, he contacted the subject. Although the vehicle was determined to belong to the subject, he was found to be in possession of burglary tools, over five grams of methamphetamine, and a methamphetamine pipe. He was arrested for the violations and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
On August 5 at 4:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Duarte Road regarding a hit and run traffic collision. Three parked vehicles were side-swiped by an unknown vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft
On August 5 at 7:27 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of South Encinitas regarding a theft of a purse report. At 7:10 p.m. the victim left her purse inside her unlocked vehicle, which was parked in front of her residence. Upon returning at 7:20 p.m. she discovered that her purse had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Construction to Begin on Townhomes Near Monrovia's Station Square
Brandywine Homes will begin demolition this month on Lotus Court, a .74-acre community that will offer 13 townhomes on Duarte Road near Station Square in Monrovia. Brandywine expects to begin sales in February and plans to complete the community by summer 2016.
The company plans to build 13 three- and four-bedroom townhomes ranging in size from 1,555 to 1,705 square feet, all with full side-by-side garages and Spanish inspired architecture, stainless steel appliances and solid-surface counters. The stucco, three-story townhomes with tile roofs will be built around an existing historic landmarked home on the site. Most units will have private rear yards and the development will also include a central recreation area.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
The company plans to build 13 three- and four-bedroom townhomes ranging in size from 1,555 to 1,705 square feet, all with full side-by-side garages and Spanish inspired architecture, stainless steel appliances and solid-surface counters. The stucco, three-story townhomes with tile roofs will be built around an existing historic landmarked home on the site. Most units will have private rear yards and the development will also include a central recreation area.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Xencor Reports Q2 Earnings
Monrovia-based Xencor, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported revenues for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 of $1 million, compared to $0.8 million for the same period of 2014. Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $2.5 million, compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2014. http://goo.gl/mpQ61H
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Partners With Indian Firm
Monrovia's AeroVironment is partnering with Bangalore, India-based Dynamatic Technologies to co-develop a new lightweight drone called the Cheel (Hindi for Eagle). https://goo.gl/XaUUH5
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
City Council Gives Friday Night Fair Producer Six Weeks to Improve
The Monrovia City Council decided Tuesday night to give the Friday Night Fair producer, LA PartyWorks, six extra weeks to improve. Councilmember Alex Blackburn proposed giving the six weeks and reworking the fair oversight committee (how it's used and who sits on it), and jointly (city and LA PartyWorks) interview a liason to work between the company and the city. Speakers basically asked to give LA PartyWorks a longer chance while staff and city council members felt that LA PartyWorks had been "disengenuous" (Tom Adams), and had a "huge credibility issue" (Becky Shevlin). Only Mayor Tom Adams voted against the extra time.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Cooking School to Open in Monrovia
A cooking school called "Saute" is apparently moving in to the building at the southwest corner of Colorado and Ivy, at the location of the former Flamzz Pizza. A poster in the window says there will be classes for children and adults (including baking and pastry classes), private parties and birthday parties.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia History: Incorporated Early in LA History
Did you know Monrovia was the fourth city incorporated in Los Angeles County? http://goo.gl/XNzXIJ
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Proposed Zoning Regulations for Residences; Bike Ride; MFD Helps Northern California; Fountain Working
A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly update ( http://goo.gl/nnAaHD ):
~ The historic preservation and neighborhood compatibility survey has been completed ( http://goo.gl/J0LNu0 ). Some possible changes:
- Prohibit 2-story in RL zones
- Limit 2nd story floor area (incentivize single story)
- Increase rear setbacks in RF, RE, RL Zones
- Add 2nd-story setbacks (front and rear)
- Adopt mandatory design guidelines
- Adopt mandatory style guidelines
- Increase review authority over SFRs (DRC or Staff)
- Create separate design review body
- Additional review/requirements for specific design elements (e.g. front porches, garages...)
- Garage placement/orientation
~ On Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 8 a.m., the bicycling group Move Monrovia is hosting its first "Fun Ride." Mayor Tom Adams will be riding, and everyone is invited. Meet at Library Park for a 3-mile ride down to Station Square and then back to Library Park again.
~ Monrovia Fire Engine 101 was sent to help with the Rocky Incident Fire in Lower Lake, CA (near Clear Lake, CA) in Northern California.
~ As of last weekend, the historic drinking fountain at Library Park is working again!
- Brad Haugaard
~ The historic preservation and neighborhood compatibility survey has been completed ( http://goo.gl/J0LNu0 ). Some possible changes:
- Prohibit 2-story in RL zones
- Limit 2nd story floor area (incentivize single story)
- Increase rear setbacks in RF, RE, RL Zones
- Add 2nd-story setbacks (front and rear)
- Adopt mandatory design guidelines
- Adopt mandatory style guidelines
- Increase review authority over SFRs (DRC or Staff)
- Create separate design review body
- Additional review/requirements for specific design elements (e.g. front porches, garages...)
- Garage placement/orientation
~ On Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 8 a.m., the bicycling group Move Monrovia is hosting its first "Fun Ride." Mayor Tom Adams will be riding, and everyone is invited. Meet at Library Park for a 3-mile ride down to Station Square and then back to Library Park again.
~ Monrovia Fire Engine 101 was sent to help with the Rocky Incident Fire in Lower Lake, CA (near Clear Lake, CA) in Northern California.
~ As of last weekend, the historic drinking fountain at Library Park is working again!
- Brad Haugaard
Letter From City Manager Chi Regarding LA PartyWorks
In his weekly update, City Manager Oliver Chi said an email he sent to staff regarding the recommendation that the city terminate its contract with LA Partyworks was leaked, so he decide to release the email generally. Here it is:
From: Oliver Chi
Sent: Sunday, August 2, 2015 4:25 PM
To: All Employees; Police All
Subject: Friday Night Family Street Fair Issue
Sent: Sunday, August 2, 2015 4:25 PM
To: All Employees; Police All
Subject: Friday Night Family Street Fair Issue
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that this email finds you doing great!
It was recently brought to my attention that there has been quite a bit of discussion occurring in our community regarding an item the City Council will be considering next Tuesday, August 4, 2015, regarding the potential termination of LA PartyWorks, Inc. (LA PartyWorks) as the operator of the Friday Night Family Street Fair Event.
Given the amount of dialogue that is happening regarding the issue, I thought it would be a good idea to share with our team here at the City some of the background details related to the issues at hand, and to articulate some of the reasons why I am recommending that the City Council move forward in a different direction with regard to the management of the overall Friday Night Family Street Fair (Street Fair).
After nearly 23 years of operating the Street Fair, the City Council on April 28, 2015, formally decided to end its relationship with Family Festival Productions, Inc. (FFPI), and instead, approved an Exclusive Franchise Agreement with LA PartyWorks to operate the Street Fair.
During the 3+ months that we have partnered with LA PartyWorks, I believe that the City has done everything we can to set the new company up for success. However, during that time, LA PartyWorks has engaged in activities and behaviors that have illustrated an inability to be an effective partner for the City in coordinating the Street Fair.
Outside of the operational and procedural issues regarding the production of the Street Fair, the more concerning development for staff has been the fact that there are ongoing reliability issues with LA PartyWorks which point to a fundamental values misalignment between how the City operates and how LA PartyWorks operates.
More specifically, since the contract was approved with LA PartyWorks, the City has had to intervene and mediate multiple conflicts each week that have arisen between LA PartyWorks and our Old Town Merchants / Street Fair vendors. These continual conflicts between the operator and the Street Fair stakeholders is indicative of the first values misalignment that the City has identified with LA PartyWorks. While we expect to work collaboratively with our partners in an effort to find solutions, LA PartyWorks employs a different approach that can be characterized as unilateral and one-sided.
In addition, during the assessment process prior to awarding LA PartyWorks with the contract to manage the Street Fair, representatives from LA PartyWorks shared that their business plan for making money to operate the event involved the following three primary revenue streams:
1. Fees paid by the Street Fair vendors
2. Tickets sold for the Kids Play Area
3. Outside sponsorships (LA PartyWorks specifically mentioned Vans, Miller Brewing Company, and Coca-Cola as event sponsors)
However, almost immediately after the contract was awarded to LA PartyWorks, representatives from the company informed staff on several separate occasions that the actual business model that they were employing to make money off of running the Street Fair involved the following four separate revenue streams:
1. Fees paid by the Street Fair vendors
2. Tickets sold for the Kids Play Area
3. Becoming the exclusive vendor to sell kettle corn at the Street Fair
4. Becoming the exclusive vendor selling water / soda at the Street Fair
This particular issue highlights several additional values misalignments between the City and LA PartyWorks. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, the City strives to be as transparent as possible in our intentions and actions. LA PartyWorks has shown that a willingness to provide inaccurate and conflicting representations regarding their intentions and actions.
In addition, the fact that LA PartyWorks would willingly engage in direct competition with our Old Town Merchants by trying to make themselves the exclusive vendor of kettle corn and drinks at the Street Fair – in direct violation of their contract with the City – demonstrates a complete and total disregard for the not only the rules and regulations that we all agreed to operate under, but also for the City.
Finally, with the City prohibiting LA PartyWorks from selling kettle corn and drinks at the Street Fair, we have legitimate concerns regarding the ongoing financial viability for LA PartyWorks to continue producing the event. Given the way that the company has operated to this point in time, it would be logical for the City to think that LA PartyWorks has developed some other mechanism through which to make the venture financially viable that they have yet to share with us.
One additional reliability issue that we have experienced with LA PartyWorks relates to the private discussions and interactions that City staff has had with company representatives. On multiple occasions, LA PartyWorks has told the City that unless we allow them to engage in activities that are in violation of their contract, they would be unwilling to continue as the operator of the Street Fair. While the firm has not carried through on their statements to not coordinate the Street Fair event, these types of interactions have elicited a genuine concern about the commitment that LA PartyWorks has to the Street Fair.
Given these overall issues that the City has identified with LA PartyWorks as a partner, we are recommending that if the City Council does terminate the contract with LA PartyWorks, that we enter into an interim agreement with a company known as Green Leaf Events, Inc. (GLEI), to produce the Street Fair. GLEI is a company that was recently formed by an individual named Jerry Diaz.
Mr. Diaz has significant experience managing street festivals, special events, and car shows, and in fact, was the event manager for Monrovia’s Street Fair for a number of years when the event was managed by FFPI. Currently, GLEI has been engaged to produce the Rosemead Farmer’s Market and will also be coordinating the Monrovia Kiwanis’ Taste of Monrovia event this year. Additional information regarding GLEI can be found on the internet at www.greenleafevents.net.
It is also important to note that Mr. Diaz did work for the former operator of the Street Fair (Dave Gaymen, owner of FFPI), and furthermore, the City has confirmed that GLEI has no ongoing connections to FFPI.
I have included as an attachment to this email a copy of the staff report and attachments that was prepared for the City Council’s consideration about this particular matter. The issue will be addressed next Tuesday, August 4, 2015, and if you should have any questions, please feel free to let me know!
I hope you have a terrific rest of the weekend, and do look forward to seeing everyone next week!
Best regards,
Oliver
Free Health Screening at Monrovia ChapCare Office
On August 8, From 10am - 2pm, ChapCare medical professionals will provide free health screenings at ChapCare's new Monrovia facility (513 E. Lime Ave., Suite 101). Screenings include body mass index, blood sugar, blood pressure, dental, vision, and health insurance. ChapCare provides low- or no-cost health services (Medi-Cal, Medicare, and My Health LA) and accepts many Covered California and private insurance plans. For more information, call 398-6300 or visit www.chapcare.org.
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Press release
- Brad Haugaard
Orchard Supply Hardware Coming to Monrovia? | Laundromat | Newspaper
At its August 5 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/nUxgRn ) Monrovia's Development Review Committee is going to consider ...
~ An Orchard Supply Hardware store with at 3,000 square foot outdoor nursery is planned for the shopping area at the corner of Monterey and Huntington (the shopping center with the PetSmart). The Development Review Committee will consider this.
~ A laundromat at the Monrovia Plaza Shopping Center at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia.
~ Allowing the San Gabriel Valley News Group (including San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News) to put up a sign for its new office at 605 E. Huntington.
- Brad Haugaard
~ An Orchard Supply Hardware store with at 3,000 square foot outdoor nursery is planned for the shopping area at the corner of Monterey and Huntington (the shopping center with the PetSmart). The Development Review Committee will consider this.
~ A laundromat at the Monrovia Plaza Shopping Center at the corner of Huntington and Magnolia.
~ Allowing the San Gabriel Valley News Group (including San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News) to put up a sign for its new office at 605 E. Huntington.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunk Driving; Car Crash in Driveway; Truck Full of Wood Stolen; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 30 – August 2. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 1:50 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, the officer discovered the suspect also had an outstanding warrant out of El Monte for her arrest. The officer arrested the suspect and took her into custody. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges. El Monte Police Department officers responded and took custody of the suspect per the authority of their warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 9:27 p.m., officers observed a vehicle heading southbound on Ivy, approaching Huntington. The male driver drove through the posted stop sign without coming to a complete stop. The officer pulled the vehicle over for the violation in the area of Myrtle and Maple. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle had been drinking, and after field testing, he was arrested for driving under the influence.
During the investigation, the driver’s girlfriend drove up in a second vehicle. Officers observed that she was also displaying signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were performed, and it was determined she had driven to the location while under the influence of alcohol; she was arrested for DUI, also.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 12:30 a.m., an adult female was located lying on the asphalt in the parking lot across from the police department in the 100 block of East Lime. Officers contacted her and discovered she had been drinking and was having difficulty communicating and standing. Officers determined she could not care for her own safety; she was placed under arrest for being drunk in public and held for sobering.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 1:32 a.m., officers observed a vehicle driving erratically and stopped the vehicle at Myrtle and California. After contacting the driver, it was determined that the driver had been drinking. The officers asked the driver to perform field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.
Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 8:45 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Olive regarding the violation of a domestic violence restraining order. The female resident called police to report she saw her ex-husband outside her residence. He has been served with a restraining order and is to stay away from the location. Officers located the suspect nearby and he admitted to being at the location; he was arrested for violation of the restraining order.
Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 3:35 a.m., a driver heading the wrong way on Central at Mountain struck another vehicle. There were no obvious injuries, but both parties complained of pain. They were both treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The driver of the wrong way vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence and was later released to a parent.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 2 at 8:15 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of East Maple on the report of a hit and run traffic collision. The victim parked his company vehicle in his driveway at 2:00 a.m. When he returned to the vehicle at 8:00 a.m., he found collision damage to the rear of the vehicle. It appears a vehicle drove into the driveway, crashed into the rear of the vehicle, and fled the scene. The victim did not hear a collision during the night. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
August 2 at 3:18 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 900 block of West Duarte. A 1992 Toyota pickup, white with blue stripes, was stolen. The bed of the truck was full of wood. The suspect is described as a male White in his mid-30s with shaggy hair. The victim left the vehicle running in the parking lot while he went into the business. The suspect jumped into the vehicle and fled the area. Officers searched the area, but the vehicle was not located; surrounding agencies were notified. The vehicle was recovered in Pasadena at 6:10 p.m. and was returned to the owner. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 1:50 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, the officer discovered the suspect also had an outstanding warrant out of El Monte for her arrest. The officer arrested the suspect and took her into custody. She was later released on a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges. El Monte Police Department officers responded and took custody of the suspect per the authority of their warrant.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 9:27 p.m., officers observed a vehicle heading southbound on Ivy, approaching Huntington. The male driver drove through the posted stop sign without coming to a complete stop. The officer pulled the vehicle over for the violation in the area of Myrtle and Maple. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle had been drinking, and after field testing, he was arrested for driving under the influence.
During the investigation, the driver’s girlfriend drove up in a second vehicle. Officers observed that she was also displaying signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were performed, and it was determined she had driven to the location while under the influence of alcohol; she was arrested for DUI, also.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 12:30 a.m., an adult female was located lying on the asphalt in the parking lot across from the police department in the 100 block of East Lime. Officers contacted her and discovered she had been drinking and was having difficulty communicating and standing. Officers determined she could not care for her own safety; she was placed under arrest for being drunk in public and held for sobering.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 1:32 a.m., officers observed a vehicle driving erratically and stopped the vehicle at Myrtle and California. After contacting the driver, it was determined that the driver had been drinking. The officers asked the driver to perform field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.
Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
August 1 at 8:45 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Olive regarding the violation of a domestic violence restraining order. The female resident called police to report she saw her ex-husband outside her residence. He has been served with a restraining order and is to stay away from the location. Officers located the suspect nearby and he admitted to being at the location; he was arrested for violation of the restraining order.
Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 3:35 a.m., a driver heading the wrong way on Central at Mountain struck another vehicle. There were no obvious injuries, but both parties complained of pain. They were both treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The driver of the wrong way vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence and was later released to a parent.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 2 at 8:15 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of East Maple on the report of a hit and run traffic collision. The victim parked his company vehicle in his driveway at 2:00 a.m. When he returned to the vehicle at 8:00 a.m., he found collision damage to the rear of the vehicle. It appears a vehicle drove into the driveway, crashed into the rear of the vehicle, and fled the scene. The victim did not hear a collision during the night. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
August 2 at 3:18 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 900 block of West Duarte. A 1992 Toyota pickup, white with blue stripes, was stolen. The bed of the truck was full of wood. The suspect is described as a male White in his mid-30s with shaggy hair. The victim left the vehicle running in the parking lot while he went into the business. The suspect jumped into the vehicle and fled the area. Officers searched the area, but the vehicle was not located; surrounding agencies were notified. The vehicle was recovered in Pasadena at 6:10 p.m. and was returned to the owner. The investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Street Fair: LA Partyworks Responds, Street Fair Marriage
~ LA Partyworks responds to criticism of its handling of Friday Night Street Fair. http://goo.gl/GC1Yhw
~ Monrovia couple gets married at street fair. http://goo.gl/uTBxYZ
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia couple gets married at street fair. http://goo.gl/uTBxYZ
- Brad Haugaard
Why Monrovia May End Its Contract With Friday Night Fair Operator And Hire Another Company
At its Tuesday, Aug. 4 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/1B2b9d ), the Monrovia City Council will consider its staff's recommendation (staff report: http://goo.gl/MPuQFJ ) to terminate the contract of the new Friday Night Fair operator, LA PartyWorks, and engage a new company called Greenleaf Events, Inc.
The City of Monrovia is charging that ...
"While LA PartyWorks has been able to successfully integrate several new elements into the Friday Night Family Street Fair – including enhanced live entertainment, updated signage, and the incorporation of several new appropriate vendors – the operator has also demonstrated an inability to adhere to basic regulations stipulated in their contract, while also being unable to work collaboratively with Event stakeholders."
And, at its July 28 meeting ...
"the Oversight Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council terminate the agreement with LA PartyWorks and consider engaging a new vendor to operate the overall Event."
Here are some of the city's concerns:
"Operational Concerns
Procedural Concerns
That being said ...
"LA PartyWorks was able to correct most of the operational and procedural deficiencies identified."
And if the City Council wants to end the contract, staff has a replacement company in mind, Greenleaf Events, Inc., which ...
"has over 75+ years of experience coordinating and producing street fair, farmer’s market, music festival, car show, and other similar special events. The company currently produces a weekly Farmer’s Market in the City of Rosemead, and has also been engaged to operate
the Kiwanis’ Taste of Monrovia event."
- Brad Haugaard
The City of Monrovia is charging that ...
"While LA PartyWorks has been able to successfully integrate several new elements into the Friday Night Family Street Fair – including enhanced live entertainment, updated signage, and the incorporation of several new appropriate vendors – the operator has also demonstrated an inability to adhere to basic regulations stipulated in their contract, while also being unable to work collaboratively with Event stakeholders."
And, at its July 28 meeting ...
"the Oversight Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council terminate the agreement with LA PartyWorks and consider engaging a new vendor to operate the overall Event."
Here are some of the city's concerns:
"Operational Concerns
- Lack of development of a traffic control plan
- Event set-up and take-down procedures
- Provision of adequate and trained staff to coordinate and manage the Event
- Trash collection activities
- Provision of electrical power to all portions of the Event
- Implementation of an overall lighting plan for the Event
- Compliance with ADA regulations
- Reduction in size and number of vendors in the Certified Farmer’s Market section of the Event
Procedural Concerns
- LA PartyWorks operated a kettle corn vendor booth in direct competition with an Old Town Merchant
- LA PartyWorks prohibited all event vendors from selling water / soda and operated an exclusive vendor booth selling drinks
- LA PartyWorks impaired the operations of an Old Town Merchant’s vendor booth in order to gain an operational and competitive advantage for their own vendor booth
- LA PartyWorks resisted the requirement that they provide seating at the Event in an effort to impair the operations of an Old Town Merchant’s vendor booth
- LA PartyWorks added an inappropriate number of new food vendors which has resulted in increased competition with Old Town Merchants Reliability Concerns
- Concerns from Old Town Merchants, vendors, and Event stakeholders regarding how LA PartyWorks manages, coordinates, and produces the Friday Night Family Street Fair
- Inaccurate and conflicting representations by LA PartyWorks regarding their overall business plan / financial model regarding operation of the Event
- Concerns regarding the commitment that LA PartyWorks has to continuing the production of the Event"
That being said ...
"LA PartyWorks was able to correct most of the operational and procedural deficiencies identified."
And if the City Council wants to end the contract, staff has a replacement company in mind, Greenleaf Events, Inc., which ...
"has over 75+ years of experience coordinating and producing street fair, farmer’s market, music festival, car show, and other similar special events. The company currently produces a weekly Farmer’s Market in the City of Rosemead, and has also been engaged to operate
the Kiwanis’ Taste of Monrovia event."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Mark Twain Statue Gets Dressed Up
- Brad Haugaard
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