Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Old Town. Raffle and prize. http://goo.gl/ig7SRL
- Brad Haugaard
Bio Research Institute Moving to Monrovia | City Gets Better Bond Rating | Library Program for At-Risk Teens | Etc.
From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report:
- City of Hope's Beckman Research Institute is moving to Monrovia and will lease the entire 139,644 square feet at the current Xerox building at 1214 South 5th. Chi says this "lends credence to our belief that Monrovia can serve as a biotechnology and advanced research hub."
- Standard and Poor's, the bond-rating agency, has boosted Monrovia's bond rating of BBB+ (lower medium grade investment rating) to "A," which means a lower interest rate if the city to borrow money. This makes Monrovia bonds upper-medium grade. S&P's rating system, by the way, goes up to AAA, so A is good but not quite as awesome as it sounds.
- The Monrovia Library has received a grant from the American Library Association to host a reading and discussion program for at-risk teens from January 2016 to April 2016. The teens will discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Feed by M.T. Anderson, and March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.
- The city has been distributing yard signs to Monrovia households with low water-usage landscaping.
- The city is planning to redesign its website. (Comment: Add an RSS feed.)
- Brad Haugaard
- City of Hope's Beckman Research Institute is moving to Monrovia and will lease the entire 139,644 square feet at the current Xerox building at 1214 South 5th. Chi says this "lends credence to our belief that Monrovia can serve as a biotechnology and advanced research hub."
- Standard and Poor's, the bond-rating agency, has boosted Monrovia's bond rating of BBB+ (lower medium grade investment rating) to "A," which means a lower interest rate if the city to borrow money. This makes Monrovia bonds upper-medium grade. S&P's rating system, by the way, goes up to AAA, so A is good but not quite as awesome as it sounds.
- The Monrovia Library has received a grant from the American Library Association to host a reading and discussion program for at-risk teens from January 2016 to April 2016. The teens will discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Feed by M.T. Anderson, and March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.
- The city has been distributing yard signs to Monrovia households with low water-usage landscaping.
- The city is planning to redesign its website. (Comment: Add an RSS feed.)
- Brad Haugaard
Nice Thanksgiving Weather | NFL Player Gives Shoes to Monrovia Player Jordon Woods
~ Should be a brisk Thanksgiving with a high of 52 degrees and mostly sunny. 50% chance of rain this coming Monday, though. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB
~ Video: NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Owens provides size-17 athletic shoes to Monrovia High School football player Jordon Woods. http://goo.gl/Y8n942
- Brad Haugaard
~ Video: NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Owens provides size-17 athletic shoes to Monrovia High School football player Jordon Woods. http://goo.gl/Y8n942
- Brad Haugaard
Glimpse of Monrovia High Robot Team's Latest Creation
Latest robot, with its super-secret track system blurred out.
- Brad Haugaard
Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips | Meeting On Converting 4th Dimension Into Monrovia Community Center
~ Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires on Thanksgiving. Here are some safety tips from Southern California Edison: http://goo.gl/GMtH61
~ The City is holding an open meeting on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Library Community Room to discuss the proposal to convert the 4th Dimension pool hall into the Community Center, and the Community Center into housing. http://goo.gl/wPySNA
~ The City is holding an open meeting on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Library Community Room to discuss the proposal to convert the 4th Dimension pool hall into the Community Center, and the Community Center into housing. http://goo.gl/wPySNA
Monrovia Police: Almost Fighting; Man Hits Wife; Domestic Violence; Home Intruder Arrested
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On November 19 at 9:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding an intoxicated male lying on the grass. When officers arrived, they found several open and empty beer cans laying on the grass next to him. The officers determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.
Fight in Progress
On November 19 at 9:37 p.m. officers responded to the 700 block of East Huntington regarding a fight in progress. Upon contacting both subjects they were squared off ready to fight. Through investigation, officers determined one subject was the aggressor and was arrested for challenging to fight.
Residential Robbery
On November 20 at 2:06 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Monterey reported a subject pushed his way into their home holding a knife and overpowering the older male adult victim. The victim's son saw the attacker on top of his father and tackled the suspect. A violent fight ensued. The father saw another suspect at his door so he shut it and locked him out. The son overpowered the suspect, taking his knife away, and holding him down until police arrived. The suspect was arrested for robbery and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On November 20 at 9:48 a.m. officers were dispatched to the corner of Lime and Mayflower regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. A resident in the area witnessed the male hit the female. When officers arrived, both subjects were detained and determined they were married. The female did not have visible injuries and did not complain of pain. After speaking with witnesses to the battery. The male subject was arrested for domestic battery and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 4:31 p.m. an officer was traveling east on Evergreen approaching Magnolia when he observed a motorist commit a traffic violation. The officer followed after the motorist and stopped the car at Mayflower and Duarte. The officer approached the male driver, who appeared intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted the driver was arrested for driving under the influence and held for sobering.
Attempt Residential Burglary
On November 21 at 10:42 p.m., an officer was responded to the 300 block of Fowler. A The resident left the location around 5:00 p.m. and returned at 10:30 p.m. to discover two window screens were partially removed to the rear of the residence. No loss was discovered.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 12:42 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. When officers arrived, they learned the male had struck the female in the face causing an injury. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence. An emergency protective order was obtained and served on the suspect.
Theft from a Vehicle
On November 22 at 10:57 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Madeline regarding a theft from a vehicle. Through investigation it was determined that unknown suspects were searching through unlocked vehicles and taking miscellaneous items of opportunity. At this time seven victims have come forward to report theft from their vehicle. The majority of thefts occurred on Madeline and Norumbega. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On November 19 at 9:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding an intoxicated male lying on the grass. When officers arrived, they found several open and empty beer cans laying on the grass next to him. The officers determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.
Fight in Progress
On November 19 at 9:37 p.m. officers responded to the 700 block of East Huntington regarding a fight in progress. Upon contacting both subjects they were squared off ready to fight. Through investigation, officers determined one subject was the aggressor and was arrested for challenging to fight.
Residential Robbery
On November 20 at 2:06 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of Monterey reported a subject pushed his way into their home holding a knife and overpowering the older male adult victim. The victim's son saw the attacker on top of his father and tackled the suspect. A violent fight ensued. The father saw another suspect at his door so he shut it and locked him out. The son overpowered the suspect, taking his knife away, and holding him down until police arrived. The suspect was arrested for robbery and taken into custody. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
On November 20 at 9:48 a.m. officers were dispatched to the corner of Lime and Mayflower regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. A resident in the area witnessed the male hit the female. When officers arrived, both subjects were detained and determined they were married. The female did not have visible injuries and did not complain of pain. After speaking with witnesses to the battery. The male subject was arrested for domestic battery and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 4:31 p.m. an officer was traveling east on Evergreen approaching Magnolia when he observed a motorist commit a traffic violation. The officer followed after the motorist and stopped the car at Mayflower and Duarte. The officer approached the male driver, who appeared intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted the driver was arrested for driving under the influence and held for sobering.
Attempt Residential Burglary
On November 21 at 10:42 p.m., an officer was responded to the 300 block of Fowler. A The resident left the location around 5:00 p.m. and returned at 10:30 p.m. to discover two window screens were partially removed to the rear of the residence. No loss was discovered.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On November 21 at 12:42 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a male and female adult couple arguing. When officers arrived, they learned the male had struck the female in the face causing an injury. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence. An emergency protective order was obtained and served on the suspect.
Theft from a Vehicle
On November 22 at 10:57 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Madeline regarding a theft from a vehicle. Through investigation it was determined that unknown suspects were searching through unlocked vehicles and taking miscellaneous items of opportunity. At this time seven victims have come forward to report theft from their vehicle. The majority of thefts occurred on Madeline and Norumbega. The investigation is continuing.
Monrovia Kicks Off Legacy Project To Preserve City History
The Monrovia Legacy Project will preserve and share materials on Monrovia history never before available to the public.
For fifty years, Monrovia’s City Historians Steve Baker and his predecessor Myron Hotchkiss gathered photographs and historical documents that reveal Monrovia’s unique history. Other Monrovians have collections and recollections that help bring its story up-to-date. These private collections and the knowledge that resides in Monrovia’s City Historian have not been cataloged or preserved. The Monrovia Legacy Project has been created to prevent the loss of this rich treasure trove and share it with the public through the Monrovia Public Library.
The Project’s mission is to preserve and share the historic information. Its goals are:
The City of Monrovia is providing partial financial support to the Project through a fund given to the City for enhancing the Library’s collections. The Project is seeking other donations to complete the budget. The Monrovia Historical Society (revitalized in 2015) is the non-profit home for the Project.
“This is such a great project! The City of Monrovia is proud to be part of it. Monrovia’s history has made us what we are and sets the stage for what we can become. It’s so important that we record it.” Tom Adams, Mayor of Monrovia.
The Legacy Project is a three-year undertaking, in three stages:
PRESERVE: Scan, digitize, inventory and catalog the photos and papers, transfer to archival storage materials, and create a comprehensive online repository.
SHARE: Create physical products -- photo and/narrative books, video series/documentary, written and oral histories, and content for teaching curriculum.
EDUCATE: Create website for distributing products and plan to engage the public.
The public is invited to share photos, documents, recollections and ideas. The intent is to tell the stories of citizens and organizations of all types that shaped this diverse city.
Project Staff include Project Co-Managers Sandy Burud, Ph.D. & Louise Robertson, Ed.D., City Historian Steve Baker. Tina Cherry, Director, Department of Public Services, is the City Liaison to the Project.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
For fifty years, Monrovia’s City Historians Steve Baker and his predecessor Myron Hotchkiss gathered photographs and historical documents that reveal Monrovia’s unique history. Other Monrovians have collections and recollections that help bring its story up-to-date. These private collections and the knowledge that resides in Monrovia’s City Historian have not been cataloged or preserved. The Monrovia Legacy Project has been created to prevent the loss of this rich treasure trove and share it with the public through the Monrovia Public Library.
The Project’s mission is to preserve and share the historic information. Its goals are:
- To document and preserve City Historian Steve Baker’s knowledge and collections, and generate end products to share them.
- To compile other Monrovians’ historical memories and records – people of all backgrounds -- and create a collection that can be built upon.
- To create places and methods for storing and sharing this history at the Library.
The City of Monrovia is providing partial financial support to the Project through a fund given to the City for enhancing the Library’s collections. The Project is seeking other donations to complete the budget. The Monrovia Historical Society (revitalized in 2015) is the non-profit home for the Project.
“This is such a great project! The City of Monrovia is proud to be part of it. Monrovia’s history has made us what we are and sets the stage for what we can become. It’s so important that we record it.” Tom Adams, Mayor of Monrovia.
The Legacy Project is a three-year undertaking, in three stages:
PRESERVE: Scan, digitize, inventory and catalog the photos and papers, transfer to archival storage materials, and create a comprehensive online repository.
SHARE: Create physical products -- photo and/narrative books, video series/documentary, written and oral histories, and content for teaching curriculum.
EDUCATE: Create website for distributing products and plan to engage the public.
The public is invited to share photos, documents, recollections and ideas. The intent is to tell the stories of citizens and organizations of all types that shaped this diverse city.
Project Staff include Project Co-Managers Sandy Burud, Ph.D. & Louise Robertson, Ed.D., City Historian Steve Baker. Tina Cherry, Director, Department of Public Services, is the City Liaison to the Project.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
View The Heavens Tonight From Myrtle Avenue
A few of sidewalk astronomers will be out at the corner of Myrtle and Lime (SE corner of Library Park) tonight from about 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Metro Yard Named After Bob Bartlett | Monrovia Loses to Charter Oaks :-(
~ The new Metro train yard in Monrovia has been named after late Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett. http://goo.gl/pKGYgV
~ In football tonight, Charter Oaks 52, Monrovia 14. :-(
- Brad Haugaard
~ In football tonight, Charter Oaks 52, Monrovia 14. :-(
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus Program Receives State Award
Citrus College's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Summer Research Experience Program was today awarded the 2015 Chancellor's Student Success Award by California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris. The college, which serves Monrovia, was one of two California community college programs to receive the award. Source: Press release.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Rigo's Mexican Food
Dinner last night at Rigo's Mexican Food, on the north side of Foothill at Mayflower. Got the Caldo de Pescado (fish soup) for $11.95 and a beer ($4.50). Tasty, and nice big chunks of fish.
- Brad Haugaard
Spark of Love toy drive With Santa in Monrovia Old Town
Old Town Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Stuff a Monrovia Fire Engine full of Christmas cheer and help make a child's Christmas more enjoyable. Do Christmas shopping in Old Town and support local small businesses. Friday Nov. 27 and Saturday Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on the Spark of Love toy drive call Firefighter Ernie Moreno at 256-8181. http://goo.gl/0Q2BqD
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Santa's Breakfast Schedule
Santa's Breakfast (and lunch) schedule, all on Saturdays except one:
- Brad Haugaard
- Nov. 28, Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Cafe LuMar 10 a.m.
- Dec. 5, Jake's 9 a.m.; Friends 10 a.m.?; VFW 2 p.m.
- Dec. 12 Peach Cafe 8 a.m.; Jake's 9:45 a.m.; Le Gourmand 10:30 a.m.
- Dec. 19 Monrovian 9 a.m.; Rudy's 10 a.m.
- Dec. 23 (Wednesday) Lunch at Rudy's 11:30 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks
Monrovia vs. Charter Oaks tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 20) at Charter Oaks. Here's a preview: http://goo.gl/jkgT3y
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Tips on Preventing Christmas Packages From Being Stolen
Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal. Below are some simple steps you can take to protect your package delivery:
- Brad Haugaard
- Request a specific drop off time when you know that you will be at home to receive the package.
- Ask for your parcel to be placed on a back porch or even beside the front porch or anywhere that is not visible from the street.
- Arrange to pick up your parcels at a package store, such as a UPS store that is convenient for you.
- Let a trustworthy neighbor know you are expecting a package delivery on a specific day and ask them to look out for it and bring it into their home for you.
- Have your package delivered to your work address during daytime hours.
- Know when a package is scheduled to arrive and if it doesn't, contact the sender to track the transport status of the package.
- And if you see mail theft happening in your neighborhood, be sure to call your local police at once to report exactly what you have seen. Time can be a decisive factor in the apprehension of mail thieves.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Shirtless Man Sobered Up; Stolen Welding Equipment; Failed Car Theft
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 18 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of California Avenue. When the officer arrived, the investigation revealed the incident was actually an attempt grand theft auto, as the vehicle was found to have a damaged steering column. The vehicle is a blue, 2000 Chevy Blazer. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
November 18 at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Walnut on the report of a burglary. Unknown suspects had stolen welding equipment and gas from the business. The investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East Fig Avenue regarding a suspicious subject in the area. A female resident returned home and reported that she was being watched by a shirtless male subject who was standing in the street in front of her home. The resident’s husband exited the home and the subject quickly left the area. Officers arrived and located the subject in an alley in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue. The investigation revealed the subject is employed by a local business and was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.
Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 18 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of California Avenue. When the officer arrived, the investigation revealed the incident was actually an attempt grand theft auto, as the vehicle was found to have a damaged steering column. The vehicle is a blue, 2000 Chevy Blazer. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
November 18 at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Walnut on the report of a burglary. Unknown suspects had stolen welding equipment and gas from the business. The investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East Fig Avenue regarding a suspicious subject in the area. A female resident returned home and reported that she was being watched by a shirtless male subject who was standing in the street in front of her home. The resident’s husband exited the home and the subject quickly left the area. Officers arrived and located the subject in an alley in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue. The investigation revealed the subject is employed by a local business and was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
What Child is This? Musical at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church
Joel Raney's Christmas musical, "What Child is This?" and sing-a-long carols at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church, Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Directed by David Michael Layne. http://goo.gl/73oUUj
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Mystery Monrovia Stinkyness Still Unidentified | Bartlett Memorial | Christmas Tree | Traffic Light
A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ryDtQK ) ...
~ The city hasn't yet located the source of the stink on the east side of Monrovia. Chi said the city has "opened up every manhole in the area to investigate. Our staff report that the odor was not a sewer-based smell, but rather, identified the odor as more akin to a dead and decomposing animal." Staff cleaned the sewers to be sure, then - thinking it might be the catch basins - contacted the County. County couldn't find anything. Next step: clean the storm water catch basins.
~ Monrovia is going to replace the grass around City Hall with drought tolerant landscaping. The landscaping design includes a moving sculpture of an iris located at the southeast corner of City Hall. The landscaping will be installed over the next few weeks.
~ The Bob Bartlett Memorial Committee has recommended commissioning a mural or tiled mosaic to memorialize Bob Bartlett in the Station Square area.
~ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle.
~ There's a new traffic signal at Peck Road and Duarte Road. it is just flashing red now but will be fully operational on Nov. 23.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The city hasn't yet located the source of the stink on the east side of Monrovia. Chi said the city has "opened up every manhole in the area to investigate. Our staff report that the odor was not a sewer-based smell, but rather, identified the odor as more akin to a dead and decomposing animal." Staff cleaned the sewers to be sure, then - thinking it might be the catch basins - contacted the County. County couldn't find anything. Next step: clean the storm water catch basins.
~ Monrovia is going to replace the grass around City Hall with drought tolerant landscaping. The landscaping design includes a moving sculpture of an iris located at the southeast corner of City Hall. The landscaping will be installed over the next few weeks.
~ The Bob Bartlett Memorial Committee has recommended commissioning a mural or tiled mosaic to memorialize Bob Bartlett in the Station Square area.
~ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle.
~ There's a new traffic signal at Peck Road and Duarte Road. it is just flashing red now but will be fully operational on Nov. 23.
- Brad Haugaard
What Drought? Water Flowing in North Monrovia
I frequently ride my bike up into Gold Hills, and along Alta Vista, which at that point crosses Myrtle and goes east up the hill. This water has been flowing along Alta Vista - at about this speed - all that time. I don't recall ever seeing it dry. And yes, I reported it to the city months ago. If you can't view it here, try this: https://youtu.be/OKrOuUAmhuk
- Brad Haugaard
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