Dinner at Cafe LuMar

Dinner last night at Cafe LuMar, a little Croatian restaurant on the south side of Colorado half a block east of Myrtle. I got the schnitzel ($16.95) and it was excellent! As was the Croatian beer ($6.50). Everything was very fresh. It came with spinach, mashed potatoes (covered by the schnitzel here) and a tangy cabbage salad. I've also had the goulash here, and my wife loves the crepes. It's all excellent and the service is very pleasant.

I can't resist telling part of my schnitzel story. I've had quite a few schnitzels in Germany, but one of the best I ever had was in Osaka, Japan. I won't tell the whole story. Too long.

- Brad Haugaard 

100 Today and Rain Next Friday?

Possible 100 degrees today, but 40% chance of rain next Friday: http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Bear | College Access | Parking Lot Sale | Evensong

~ Another Monrovia bear video. http://goo.gl/uRAKbt

~ Governor Brown today signed Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden's AB 288 College and Career Access Pathways Act to allow high school students, especially those in under-served communities, greater access to college courses and career tech classes at both high school and college campuses. Holden represents Monrovia. Source: press release

~ Parking Lot Sale with Monrovia League and Rebuilding Together Saturday, October 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The two organizations will raise funds by selling clothing, household items and more. Proceeds will help fund the League's support of local organizations and Rebuilding Together's rehabilitation projects for low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. At St Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave.

~ Twelfth Annual Men's Evensong Invitational Sunday, October 18, 4 p.m. Sung by the choir of St. Luke's with guest singers from many other parishes. An offering will be taken, and a wine and cheese reception will follow. At St Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Camping in the Park; Truck Vs. Fire Hydrant; Intoxication; Ex-Boyfriend Takes Car; Ex-Felon With Ammunition; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 5-7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Residential Burglary
October 5 at 9:36 p.m., a burglary alarm was activated at a house in the 200 block of Bradoaks. Officers arrived and discovered a backdoor open with the window in it shattered. They surrounded the house, then made entry; however, no suspects were located inside or in the surrounding area. The home had been ransacked and evidence was collected, but the loss is unknown until the owner can inventory the property.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 7:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to a grocery store in the 100 block of west Foothill, where a 25-year-old male suspect was being detained by store security for shoplifting. The suspect had entered the store and placed merchandise in his pockets. He went to a register and paid for a box of tea, but not for what he had hidden in his pockets. As he left the store, he was stopped by store security. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Camping in a Park after Closing – Suspects Arrested
October 6 at 11:41 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of South California when he observed a male and female subject camping in the park after the park was closed. The male and female had both been issued citations in the past for the same violation; however, they continued to refuse to leave the park. They were both issued citations to appear in court on the violation and escorted out of the park.

Traffic Collision
October 7 at 10:00 a.m., a semi-truck with a trailer was making a turning movement in the 300 block of West Maple. The driver cut the corner short and struck a fire hydrant, causing the water pipe to burst. The Fire Department and City Public Works crews were able to stop the flow of water, but significant damage was caused to the sidewalk near the hydrant.

Vandalism
October 7 at 3:25 p.m., officers were called to a residence in the 100 block of Norumbega for a vandalism incident that had just occurred. An intoxicated female who had been living at the residence for two weeks was involved in a verbal argument with the owner of the home. The female became angry and kicked a stereo speaker, causing damage. The owner of the property completed a Private Person's Arrest for the female and she was arrested and taken into custody. After sobering, she was released on citation to appear in court on the charge.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 3:56 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Fight in Progress
October 7 at 4:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to a reported fight in progress in the area of Mayflower and Olive. Upon arrival, one female juvenile was being taken to the hospital for minor injuries and a second female juvenile was no longer in the area. The investigation revealed the two subjects had texted each other and agreed to meet at the park to fight. The subject at the scene was uncooperative and refused to provide an account of what occurred. The parents of the minor signed a refusal to prosecute form. The investigation continues to identify the second suspect in this case.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 8 at 12:37 a.m., police were notified by a citizen of a possible drunk driver in a Mitsubishi at Myrtle and Lemon. The vehicle was located by an officer at Lemon and Ivy. The driver failed to stop for the stop sign at Lemon and Ivy and was stopped by the officer. The officer contacted the driver and determined he was intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. He was held for a sobering.

Grand Theft Auto
October 8 at 2:08 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of West Walnut, as a resident reported her ex-boyfriend had just stolen her vehicle. He had stolen her car keys a week prior after an argument. She reported the theft to the police, but the suspect had fled the scene and was not apprehended. The victim was inside her home at 2:08 a.m. and heard the engine to her vehicle start. She ran outside and saw her ex-boyfriend driving away with her car without her permission. She called police. Officers arrived and searched the area for the suspect, but he had fled the area in the vehicle and was not located. The vehicle is a 2010, four-door, black Ford Flex. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system, and the suspect was entered into the wanted persons system.

Detective Bureau Case Update - Possession of a Controlled Substance/Receiving Stolen Property/Ex-Felon with Ammunition/Ex-Felon with a Firearm
On October 2, 2015, a suspicious subject was seen in the 600 block of West Palm unloading property. Monrovia Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team established surveillance of the location and observed the minivan leaving the area being driven by the female suspect. They stopped the van and noticed property in the van. The driver could not account for why she was in possession of the property. They also recovered ammunition for a shotgun and a pistol in the vehicle. The female suspect was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, and ex-felon with ammunition.

A search warrant was written and served on October 3, 2015, at 7:00 a.m. on the residence, as the ammunition and stolen property was recovered in the vehicle. The firearm was recovered, and a separate individual, the resident, was arrested for possessing the firearm, as he is a convicted felon.

100 Degrees in Monrovia? | Golf Tournament

Friday, Oct. 8, could get up to 100 degrees. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ Monrovian Robert Parry reports that the Duarte Rotary Club is seeking golfers for its 29th Annual Golf Tournament next Thursday, October 15, at the Rancho Duarte Golf Course starting at 1 p.m. Proceeds to benefit literacy programs. For details contact Brian Villalobos, bcvillal@lasd.org or Robert Parry, rcjparry@yahoo.com

- Brad Haugaard

Feral Cat Neutering | Choral Company Presentation

~ On October 15 and 16, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold a free spay and neuter clinic for feral cats residing in the shelter's nine service cities, which includes Monrovia. To make an appointment, email snip@pasadenahumane.org or call 626.792.7151 ext. 166.

~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Night, Sleep, Death, and the Stars" on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. Featured selections include Erlkönig by Schubert, Jabberwocky by Pottle, and Night, Sleep Death and the Stars by Gawthrop. Also solo and ensemble selections by Mozart, Bach, Fauré. Rev. Neil Tadken as narrator in Saul by Hovland. Tickets: $15 advance, $10 seniors/students; $20 at the door. www.svccsingers.org

- Brad Haugaard

Feral Cat Neutering | Choral Company Presentation

~ On October 15 and 16, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold a free spay and neuter clinic for feral cats residing in the shelter's nine service cities, which includes Monrovia. To make an appointment, email snip@pasadenahumane.org or call 626.792.7151 ext. 166.

~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Night, Sleep, Death, and the Stars" on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. Featured selections include "Erlkonig" by Franz Schubert, "Jabberwocky" by Sam Pottle, "Night, Sleep, Death, and the Stars" by Daniel Gawthrop, and "Saul," by Egil Hovland and narrated by St. Luke's Reverend Tadken. Tickets at the door are $20 ($15 seniors/students); advance tickets are $15 ($10 seniors/students). Available at http://www.eventbrite.com or by check (SGVCC; P.O. Box 2225; Monrovia, CA 91017). Donations to SGVCC are accepted online and by check.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Manager: Make A Difference | Star Wars Reading | Literacy | Youth Summit | Pink Firefighters | Trick or Treat | Art Contest | Reading With Dogs

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ...

~ 25th Annual Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 24. Hundreds of volunteers, together with the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley and the City of Monrovia, will work on 20 Monrovia beautification projects. Details from Volunteer Center: 256-8187

~ Wednesday, October 7, 2015, the Library will celebrate Star Wars Reads Day. Make Darth Vader Masks, Luke Skywalker finger puppets, and take pictures in front of the Star Wars Galaxy. Call 256-8274 for more information.

~ Be a volunteer tutor for the Monrovia Public Library's adult literacy program. Contact Crystal Noe at cnoe@monrovia.ca.us, or at 256-8274, extension 3121.

~ Annual Monrovia Youth Summit on Saturday, October 17, at Monrovia High from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The goal is to inspire participants to achieve their goals. Register at http://www.cityofmonrovia.org . For more information call the Public Services Department at 256-8246.

~ On-duty Fire Department personnel will wear pink t-shirts during the week of October 12 to show support for the fight against breast cancer.

~ Old Town Trick or Treat and Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 31, from 3-6 p.m. in Old Town and Library Park. Trick-or-treat in Old Town, sponsored by the Old Town Merchants; free costume contest in Library Park (registration begins at 3 p.m.); register your dog for the dog costume contest. For more information contact Public Services at 256-8246.

~ Entry forms for the 2016 Monrovia Conservation 5th Grade Art Contest for fifth grade artists are available at the Public Services Department. The contest focuses on a conservation theme. Details from Public Services Department, 932-5575. Entries are due at the end of October.

~ Monrovia Public Library and the Pasadena Humane Society host a third Monday of each month Barks & Books reading program for children in Kindergarten through fifth Grade, from 3-4 p.m. at the Library. Children read to a dog, helping them build reading skills and self-esteem. Next session is Monday, October 19. Call 256-8274 for more informatio.

Prep For El Nino | Monrovia Assembly Member's Trafficking Bill Becomes Law

~ With the possibility of an El Nino season, the City of Monrovia has some suggestions, like clean your rain gutters. (Sigh, I gotta do that.) Here are more: http://goo.gl/3NfquI

~ Governor Brown has signed into law AB 15, which extends the statute of limitations to ten years for human trafficking and other abuse cases in civil claims. The bill was authored by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglaries and Intoxication, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 1-4. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 11:23 p.m., an officer detained a suspect in the 600 block of Shamrock for being in a park after closing hours. The investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine and a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released on a citation.

Stolen Vehicle
October 2 at 3:51 a.m., dispatch received a report of a stolen vehicle from a victim in the 200 block of West Cherry. The victim parked her vehicle in her driveway at 2:00 p.m. When she returned to her vehicle at 3:50 a.m., she discovered it missing. The vehicle is a 2000, red, four-door, Honda Civic. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
October 2 at 7:39 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of May Avenue regarding an alarm activation at a home. The residents left the home at 5:30 p.m. Officers determined forced entry was made through the kitchen side door, but nothing was found missing from inside the residence. Neighbors were contacted, but no one witnessed or heard anything unusual. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
October 2 at 9:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Ridgeside Drive regarding a burglary. The resident left the home at 11:00 a.m. When she returned home at 8:30 p.m., she found her bedroom and bathroom had been ransacked. It appears forced entry was made through the kitchen side door. Nothing was found to be missing from the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 1:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of South Myrtle when he observed an unconscious male subject on the sidewalk near a parked vehicle. The subject was extremely intoxicated and determined unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 2:49 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Peck and Live Oak for a vehicle code violation. The investigation revealed the subject was driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Bicycle
October 4 at 1:35 a.m., a bicycle theft in progress was reported in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. The investigation led officers to an apartment complex near 3rd and Genoa in the City of Arcadia. The bicycle was recovered, but the suspect has not been identified. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 4 at 6:26 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of North Ivy. An officer responded, but no evidence was located at the scene. At 1:37 p.m., the vehicle was recovered by deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Industry Station. A Monrovia officer responded to fingerprint the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle vs. Bicycle Traffic Collision
October 4 at 11:21 a.m., a vehicle verses bicycle collision was reported in the 600 block of Terrado. A 13-year-old bicyclist traveling west on Sombrero turned onto northbound Terrado and collided with a vehicle traveling south on Terrado. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, which prevented him from sustaining major injuries. He was taken to a hospital due to complaint of pain in his legs and chest.

Vehicle Burglary
October 4 at 11:45 a.m., an officer responded to the 800 block of California regarding a vehicle burglary. The suspect entered a locked vehicle and took an iPod, CD's and a charger. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 4 at 11:51 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks. An officer responded and determined that the suspect forced open the door and entered the locked vehicle. The suspect took miscellaneous tools. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Dog vs. The Three Bears

Another Monrovia bear video. In this one a little dog chases away the three bears. http://goo.gl/YJJ29U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man And Los Angeles Woman Die in Pasadena Motorcycle Accident

A 24-year-old Monrovia motorcyclist and his passenger, a 26-year-old woman from Los Angeles, died in a traffic accident in Pasadena. http://goo.gl/c2YwVW

- Brad Haugaard

Showers Through Monday?

60% chance of showers late tonight and toorrow, Sunday, and 40% on Monday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Meeting

The Monrovia School Board gets back to work this Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. Agenda: https://goo.gl/5Z4a5c

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Alarm-Company Bill Becomes Law

A bill by Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has been signed into law by Governor Brown. AB 1097 allows alarm companies in the state to fully utilize electronic contracts, at the discretion of the customer. AB 1097 will go into effect January 1.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Noor's Indian Bistro

Dinner last night at  Noor's Indian Bistro, on the east side of  Myrtle, just south of Foothill. Got the Mughlai Masala (chicken) for $13 and a non-alcoholic beer (just to see what it's like) for $5. You really need rice with this, so my wife and I shared a bowl ($4). The meal was fine but I preferred the chicken tikka masala - I stole some from my wife and it was yummy. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Olympian Going For Gold Again

Monrovia trap and skeet shooting Olympic gold medal winner, Kim Rhode, tweets that she is again getting ready for the Olympic qualifier. About her: https://goo.gl/rv6o2A

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Water and Sewer Tax Increase; Electronic Signs; Giggle Revenue Deal; Property Sale; Evaluations

At its next meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/DJ1G71 ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Hold a public hearing about increasing taxes to pay for sewer and water system repairs. Estimate for water system: $23,258,000. For sewer system: $13,647,038. For an average family that would be a monthly water-rate increase from $7.88 to $14.88, a $7 increase. For sewer, it would be from $4.77 to $8.77, a $4 increase. Together, about an $11 increase. http://goo.gl/SeR1GR

- Consider amending the zoning ordinance to allow "recreational facilities in the public/quasi public zone" to install electronic message boards. This would let organizations such as the YMCA, which requested the change, to have an electronic sign, kinda like the one Mt. Sierra College has at Huntington and Myrtle. http://goo.gl/d773z0

- Consider a deal in which Giggle Fiber (our local Internet service provider) will pay the city 5% of revenues collected for residential, internet-only customers, and 6% of revenues collected for its premium GiggleEXTRA customers. http://goo.gl/cvc52T

- Put on its "Successor Agency" hat (successor to the former Redevelopment Agency) and consider selling agency-owned property to Romeo Estate Vineyard, LLC, for $650,000. The property is at 124-126 West Pomona Avenue. http://goo.gl/vmqo3Q

- Do a closed-session performance evaluation of the city manager and city attorney. http://goo.gl/jSUK9B

- Brad Haugaard

Tour Downtown | Taste of Old Town Monrovia

~ Walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, October 10, at 10 a.m. About two hours, and participants will be walking a total of eight city blocks. $5 per person, reservations are not necessary. Meet at southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues. http://goo.gl/I9gLrc

~ A Taste of Old Town Monrovia, Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m. on Myrtle between Lime and Olive. Tickets $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Local merchants and restaurants gather for a festival of food, music and spirits.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder - Suspects Arrested; Marijuana; Theft From Vehicles; Suburban vs. Bike - Driver Arrested for Felony Drunk Driving

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for September 28-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 28 at 9:05 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported at a residence in the 100 block of South Ivy Avenue. The victim left her vehicle parked and unlocked in front of her residence. When she returned to the vehicle, she noticed property had been stolen from the interior. Miscellaneous clothing and a briefcase was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Attempted Murder – Suspects Arrested
September 28 at 10:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Encinitas on the report of a stabbing that had just occurred. The victim had been in an altercation earlier with the brother of the suspect who stabbed him. The two brothers showed up at the victim’s residence and a physical fight ensued. During the fight, the victim was stabbed multiple times. The suspects fled on foot and containment of the area was established. One suspect was taken into custody near the original location. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he required surgery for his injuries. The second suspect has been located and arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
September 28 at 1:41 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of West Duarte Road. The victim left his vehicle to be repaired at an automotive repair shop on September 25. When he returned to the repair shop, he found tools had been stolen from a locked toolbox in the bed of his truck. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
September 28 at 2:00 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victim parked her vehicle in front of her apartment the night before. She returned at 8:00 a.m. and saw that one of her tires was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 28 at 6:26 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of West Palm regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked her vehicle on the street in front of her house at 5:00 p.m. and locked the doors. She then went into her house. She returned to her vehicle an hour and a half later and discovered a window was shattered and her briefcase containing miscellaneous papers had been taken. She immediately called the police. Officers searched the area, but did not locate a suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Marijuana for Sale/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 28 at 10:09 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 1400 block of South Mountain stopped a vehicle for failing to stop for a red light signal at an intersection. The officer approached the male driver and immediately smelled marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. A computer check of the subject revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest and was driving with a suspended license. A lawful search of the vehicle revealed several individually packaged bags of marijuana and evidence the driver was transporting the drugs for sales. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 29 at 11:48 a.m., a purse was reported stolen from a vehicle parked in the 500 block of South Mountain. The victim was picking up her daughter at the location. She parked her vehicle and left it for approximately five minutes, leaving her purse in the vehicle. When she returned, she saw a white pickup truck with tinted windows and no plates leaving from directly behind her vehicle. She entered her vehicle and saw her purse was missing. Officers later recovered her property in two separate locations after it had been discarded. The victim was missing cash and a debit card. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 29 at 11:55 a.m., a victim of theft called police to report her purse was stolen out of her unlocked vehicle while she was inside a business in the 200 block of South Ivy Avenue. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Hit and Run Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 29 at 7:20 p.m., a Chevrolet Suburban was traveling west in the 400 block of West Colorado when it collided into a bicyclist who was also traveling westbound. The bicyclist fell off his bike and landed on the pavement, causing non-life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs. The bicyclist was wearing reflective, protective gear and his bike had the legal lighting equipment. The driver of the Suburban fled west on Colorado.

A witness called police and reported the license plate of the suspect vehicle. Officers responded to the registered owner’s house, where they located the vehicle and the driver outside the home in Monrovia. The driver was determined to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested for felony driving under the influence and hit and run.