~ Friday, Dec. 11 - First Presbyterian Church presents "A Family Christmas Celebration" for the entire family and friends. 101 E Foothill. Musical performances, Christmas carole sing-a-Long, Santa Claus and more; 7:30 p.m. Information 358-3297.
~ Saturday, Dec. 12 - Cookie Exchange for MS at United Methodist Church of Monrovia, 140 E Palm Ave (downstairs on west side of the building) Bring 6 dozen preferably homemade cookies in disposable container and bring another container to take home 5 dozen cookies; remaining dozen is packaged at end of exchange for a special holiday gift for MS Group members. No need to RSVP. Information/questions call Janie Duncan 358-8157.
~ Friday, Dec. 18 - Foothill Unity Center Holiday Food Box Packing Day distribution. Varying shifts available; must RSVP, contact Rachel Black at rachel@foothillunitycenter.org.
~ Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 19 - Monrovia Library Gingerbread House Decorating. Create your own masterpiece. For the family. Supplies limited. Free for all ages.
Thanks to Becky Shevlin for letting me draw from her excellent community calendar.
- Brad Haugaard
AeroVironment Stock Jumps | Christmas in Old Town Monrovia
~ Nice Christmas pictures of Old Town Monrovia at Gem City Images: http://goo.gl/FBCRrn
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's AeroVironment Profitable On Drone Sales
Monrovia's AeroVironment jumped to profitability in the latest quarter with revenues up 23% on sales of its drone aircraft. http://goo.gl/YV5ssd
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Christmas Safety Tips from SCE
Tips for safe decorating with lights this Christmas season from Southern California Edison: http://goo.gl/2Z57F0
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
'Around the Clock' Construction at Monrovia High; Subdividing Old Albertson's; Pension Cost Worries; 4th Dimension Hearings
From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/kaHkTw ) ...
- By special permission of the city, reconstruction at Monrovia High will continue "around the clock." Chi said that, "Given the emergency situation, the City has authorized the MUSD staff and contractors to work beyond normal construction hours."
- The new owner of the old Albertson's building on Huntington Drive is Warner Pacific Properties. Chi said the company would like to subdivide the space for three users and build a 2,500 square foot structure closer to Huntington Drive.
- The State Auditor's Office decided not to do a full audit of Monrovia, but did, Chi said, express "their specific concerns about our overall operations, which centered around pension costs, the City's ability to pay for non-pension related retirement benefits, public safety overtime costs, grant management, and contract administration." But, he said, representatives of the Auditor's Office "acknowledged that the City was already working on the development and implementation of better systems to address the areas where they had identified operational weaknesses."
- More hearings on the proposal to turn the 4th Dimension pool haall into the Community Center and the Community Center into housing: At the Community Services Commission (Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Community Center). Presentation of a preliminary floor plan for the new proposed Community Center. Also, at the Historic Preservation Commission (Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m., City Hall). Discussion to include the exterior designs for the proposed Community Center. And, there should be a City Council study session sometime in January about the project. Here's an overview of the project: http://goo.gl/6tkpNh
- Brad Haugaard
- By special permission of the city, reconstruction at Monrovia High will continue "around the clock." Chi said that, "Given the emergency situation, the City has authorized the MUSD staff and contractors to work beyond normal construction hours."
- The new owner of the old Albertson's building on Huntington Drive is Warner Pacific Properties. Chi said the company would like to subdivide the space for three users and build a 2,500 square foot structure closer to Huntington Drive.
- The State Auditor's Office decided not to do a full audit of Monrovia, but did, Chi said, express "their specific concerns about our overall operations, which centered around pension costs, the City's ability to pay for non-pension related retirement benefits, public safety overtime costs, grant management, and contract administration." But, he said, representatives of the Auditor's Office "acknowledged that the City was already working on the development and implementation of better systems to address the areas where they had identified operational weaknesses."
- More hearings on the proposal to turn the 4th Dimension pool haall into the Community Center and the Community Center into housing: At the Community Services Commission (Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Community Center). Presentation of a preliminary floor plan for the new proposed Community Center. Also, at the Historic Preservation Commission (Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m., City Hall). Discussion to include the exterior designs for the proposed Community Center. And, there should be a City Council study session sometime in January about the project. Here's an overview of the project: http://goo.gl/6tkpNh
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglar Gets Books; Too Many Christmas Lights; Lawn Decorations Stolen; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 3-6. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
December 3 at 6:33 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of West Lemon Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence the night before. He returned to the vehicle in the morning and discovered it was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Found Property
December 4 at 8:59 p.m., an officer on patrol found several pieces of mail laying in the street in the area of Oakglade and Ridgeside. The mail belonged to two addresses in the area. There have been several recent cases reporting mail tampering in Monrovia that have been reported to the United States Postal Inspector. The investigation is continuing.
Warrants/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 6:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a possible theft that just occurred. The subject fled the store followed by a loss prevention officer. Officers arrived and located the suspect, but no theft could be substantiated. An identification check, however, revealed the subject had over $400,000 in outstanding warrants for his arrest. During a pat-down search, a baggie of cocaine was found on his person. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 5 at 11:47 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of West Foothill. A driver was traveling east on Foothill and reported that he veered for a pedestrian and struck a parked vehicle. The pedestrian could not be located, and the investigation revealed the driver was unlicensed and uninsured. The suspect was issued a citation for driving without a license, unsafe turning movement and not having insurance. His vehicle was impounded.
Warrants/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 12:44 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue for a traffic violation. The investigation revealed the passenger had outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. She was later released to the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on the warrants.
Vehicle Burglary Investigation
December 6 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. The victim parked his vehicle on the street. Sometime overnight an unknown suspect entered the vehicle by smashing the right front passenger window. The suspect then reached through the window and removed the victim's nylon bag, which contained books and miscellaneous papers. The investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 2:13 p.m., officers responded to a non-injury traffic collision in the 500 block of Duarte Road and discovered one of the drivers involved in the collision was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for driving under influence and was taken into custody. The suspect was held for sobering and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Structure Fire
December 6 at 7:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to a structure fire in the 200 block of West Palm. The investigation revealed the tenants had plugged in too many Christmas decorations into one outlet, which caused an electrical fire. The structure sustained extensive damage and is uninhabitable.
Petty Theft of Christmas Decorations
December 6 at 7:48 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of West Greystone Avenue reported that Christmas decorations displayed on her lawn were stolen. A witness described the suspect as a thin male subject in a dark colored Acura Integra, but had no further description. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
December 3 at 6:33 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of West Lemon Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence the night before. He returned to the vehicle in the morning and discovered it was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Found Property
December 4 at 8:59 p.m., an officer on patrol found several pieces of mail laying in the street in the area of Oakglade and Ridgeside. The mail belonged to two addresses in the area. There have been several recent cases reporting mail tampering in Monrovia that have been reported to the United States Postal Inspector. The investigation is continuing.
Warrants/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 6:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a possible theft that just occurred. The subject fled the store followed by a loss prevention officer. Officers arrived and located the suspect, but no theft could be substantiated. An identification check, however, revealed the subject had over $400,000 in outstanding warrants for his arrest. During a pat-down search, a baggie of cocaine was found on his person. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 5 at 11:47 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of West Foothill. A driver was traveling east on Foothill and reported that he veered for a pedestrian and struck a parked vehicle. The pedestrian could not be located, and the investigation revealed the driver was unlicensed and uninsured. The suspect was issued a citation for driving without a license, unsafe turning movement and not having insurance. His vehicle was impounded.
Warrants/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 12:44 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue for a traffic violation. The investigation revealed the passenger had outstanding warrants for her arrest. She was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. She was later released to the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on the warrants.
Vehicle Burglary Investigation
December 6 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. The victim parked his vehicle on the street. Sometime overnight an unknown suspect entered the vehicle by smashing the right front passenger window. The suspect then reached through the window and removed the victim's nylon bag, which contained books and miscellaneous papers. The investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 2:13 p.m., officers responded to a non-injury traffic collision in the 500 block of Duarte Road and discovered one of the drivers involved in the collision was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for driving under influence and was taken into custody. The suspect was held for sobering and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Structure Fire
December 6 at 7:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to a structure fire in the 200 block of West Palm. The investigation revealed the tenants had plugged in too many Christmas decorations into one outlet, which caused an electrical fire. The structure sustained extensive damage and is uninhabitable.
Petty Theft of Christmas Decorations
December 6 at 7:48 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of West Greystone Avenue reported that Christmas decorations displayed on her lawn were stolen. A witness described the suspect as a thin male subject in a dark colored Acura Integra, but had no further description. The investigation is continuing.
Watch for Christmas Grinches! | Battle of the Cookies
~ I've heard several reports of Christmas decorations being stolen, so be careful, though I'm not sure how. A correspondent writes that Sunday evening "this display plus multiple strings of Christmas lights were stolen from our front yard. A neighbor had come to our door, saying that he had just seen the thief throwing the items into his trunk before taking off."
~ Pepperidge Farm, Inc. is suing Monrovia-based Trader Joe's, claiming trademark infringement because TJ's is selling a cookie that it claims looks too much like its Milano cookie. http://goo.gl/ZTkC9e
- Brad Haugaard
Have Breakfast Sunday With the Monrovia VFW
Join VFW Post 2070 for its monthly Sunday breakfast, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. "Eggs and omelettes made to order, bacon and sausage, potatoes and hash-browns. You will not leave hungry! And, it's just $6! 825 S. Magnolia Ave."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Hyundai Picks Monrovia's AeroVironment as Electric Car Partner
Hyundai picks Monrovia-based AeroVironment to provide dealer charging stations for the new 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid model. http://goo.gl/XpqE79
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Damage to High School Estimated at $6 Million; Etc.
At its Dec. 9 meeting (agenda: here ), the Monrovia School Board will ...
- Have the unhappy duty of authorizing money to repair the damage to the high school caused by the recent arson. The district estimates the total cost at about $6 million, most of which will be covered by insurance but the district will have to pay the $25,000 deductible, and may get its insurance costs jacked up. Source
- Have the happier duty of honoring Santa Fe Middle School teacher Nedra Graham and Monrovia High teacher Ann Van Dyke as winners in the California League of Schools "Educator of the Year" program; Mountain Park student Heather Merceica for her top entry in the national Future Engineers 3d Space Container Challenge; Monrovia High's Math and Science Academy for winning a Golden Bell award.
- Thank the Monrovia Fire and Police for their prompt response to the recent high school fire.
- Brad Haugaard
- Have the unhappy duty of authorizing money to repair the damage to the high school caused by the recent arson. The district estimates the total cost at about $6 million, most of which will be covered by insurance but the district will have to pay the $25,000 deductible, and may get its insurance costs jacked up. Source
- Have the happier duty of honoring Santa Fe Middle School teacher Nedra Graham and Monrovia High teacher Ann Van Dyke as winners in the California League of Schools "Educator of the Year" program; Mountain Park student Heather Merceica for her top entry in the national Future Engineers 3d Space Container Challenge; Monrovia High's Math and Science Academy for winning a Golden Bell award.
- Thank the Monrovia Fire and Police for their prompt response to the recent high school fire.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Saigon Avenue
Dinner Wednesday night at Saigon Avenue, just off Myrtle on the south side of Lemon. Got the chicken curry ($9.95) and a beer ($5). Very good! I enjoyed it a lot.
- Brad Haugaard
Ask A Scientist About DNA Sequencing - Science Series Launches in Monrovia
Ask Dr. Marc M. Baum, President and Senior Faculty of the Oak Crest Institute of Science about "DNA Sequencing in Our Daily Life," Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Jake's Road House, 622 S. Myrtle Ave. This event, hosted by MADIA Tech Launch, begins a new "Ask a Scientist" series. Each event will feature an expert speaker who will present a casual, educational and entertaining 5-10 minute overview on a scientific topic. Audience members can then ask all the tough questions.
The Oak Crest Institute of Science is launching this quarterly "science cafe" to let local scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and community members meet and discuss current scientific or technological topics with the region's leading scientists. The events will be held at various locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
- Brad Haugaard
The Oak Crest Institute of Science is launching this quarterly "science cafe" to let local scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and community members meet and discuss current scientific or technological topics with the region's leading scientists. The events will be held at various locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Smoke Damage Forces Church to Meet on Football Field
Smoke damage from the recent arson at Monrovia High means Fellowship Monrovia, the church that meets in the school auditorium, will not be able to meet there, so it's meeting on the school's football field at all three services (8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.). They're calling it, "Fellowship in the End Zone."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Shoplifting Suspect Given Ticket; Apologetic Thief; Car Rollover; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 30 – December 2. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
November 30 at 9:55 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Primrose and Maple. The collision occurred when a vehicle made a complete stop at Primrose and Maple, failed to yield for an oncoming vehicle and the two collided in the intersection. No injuries were sustained.
Vandalism
November 30 at 4:44 p.m., a caller reported that several street signs in the 400 block of North Grand Avenue had been vandalized with a black Sharpie marker. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
November 30 at 5:09 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of West Foothill on the report a shoplifter in custody. A male suspect entered the store, selected alcohol and miscellaneous medications, and then fled the store without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was detained by a store loss prevention officer. An officer responded and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Shoplifting
November 30 at 8:29 p.m., a male suspect entered a business in the 500 block West Huntington. He selected a pair of black gloves and walked out of the store without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was followed across the street by a loss prevention officer. Police arrived and detained the suspect. The suspect was positively identified by the loss prevention officer and placed under citizen’s arrest for petty theft. The suspect was taken into custody. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Grand Theft
November 30 at 8:59 p.m., a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle called police to report a grand theft. A male Hispanic suspect entered the business and walked around the store several times. The suspect then grabbed two Black Smart Balance Wheels that were near the cash register area, apologized to the clerk and fled on foot with the merchandise. The suspect was captured on video surveillance and the investigation is continuing. The Monrovia Police Department is seeking help in identifying the suspect. Please see the Monrovia Police Department website for photos of the suspect.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
December 1 at 2:45 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the 300 block of East Central. Officers followed the vehicle and stopped the suspects in the 400 block of Montana. Two suspects in the vehicle were arrested and taken into custody.
Rollover Traffic Collision
December 2 at 4:45 p.m., officers responded to the report of a rollover traffic collision in the 700 block of Monterey. The occupants had to be extricated by the Monrovia Fire Department, but only minor injuries were sustained.
Residential Burglary
December 2 at 8:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm activation at a residence in the 100 block of Sutter Creek. The suspects shattered a rear glass door to enter the home and ransacked the master bedroom. They left the location through the front door, leaving it ajar. The investigation is continuing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
November 30 at 9:55 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Primrose and Maple. The collision occurred when a vehicle made a complete stop at Primrose and Maple, failed to yield for an oncoming vehicle and the two collided in the intersection. No injuries were sustained.
Vandalism
November 30 at 4:44 p.m., a caller reported that several street signs in the 400 block of North Grand Avenue had been vandalized with a black Sharpie marker. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
November 30 at 5:09 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of West Foothill on the report a shoplifter in custody. A male suspect entered the store, selected alcohol and miscellaneous medications, and then fled the store without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was detained by a store loss prevention officer. An officer responded and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Shoplifting
November 30 at 8:29 p.m., a male suspect entered a business in the 500 block West Huntington. He selected a pair of black gloves and walked out of the store without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was followed across the street by a loss prevention officer. Police arrived and detained the suspect. The suspect was positively identified by the loss prevention officer and placed under citizen’s arrest for petty theft. The suspect was taken into custody. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Grand Theft
November 30 at 8:59 p.m., a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle called police to report a grand theft. A male Hispanic suspect entered the business and walked around the store several times. The suspect then grabbed two Black Smart Balance Wheels that were near the cash register area, apologized to the clerk and fled on foot with the merchandise. The suspect was captured on video surveillance and the investigation is continuing. The Monrovia Police Department is seeking help in identifying the suspect. Please see the Monrovia Police Department website for photos of the suspect.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
December 1 at 2:45 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the 300 block of East Central. Officers followed the vehicle and stopped the suspects in the 400 block of Montana. Two suspects in the vehicle were arrested and taken into custody.
Rollover Traffic Collision
December 2 at 4:45 p.m., officers responded to the report of a rollover traffic collision in the 700 block of Monterey. The occupants had to be extricated by the Monrovia Fire Department, but only minor injuries were sustained.
Residential Burglary
December 2 at 8:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to an alarm activation at a residence in the 100 block of Sutter Creek. The suspects shattered a rear glass door to enter the home and ransacked the master bedroom. They left the location through the front door, leaving it ajar. The investigation is continuing.
'Hairspray' Play Moves to Arcadia After Monrovia High Arson
With the arson at Monrovia High, the performance of Hairspray is moving to the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, 188 Campus Road, Arcadia. Performances at 8 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 4), at 2 and 8 pm on Saturday (Dec. 5) and at 5pm on Sunday (Dec. 6). Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students with I.D. Tickets can be purchased through LKTaylorperformingarts.com and brownpapertickets.com or at Monrovia Travel on Myrtle Avenue. Tickets will also be available at the door at each performance.
Comment: Thanks for helping, neighbors!
- Brad Haugaard
Comment: Thanks for helping, neighbors!
- Brad Haugaard
Robot Competition at Monrovia High This Saturday
Monrovia High is hosting an open-to-the-public robot qualifying tournament this Saturday, Dec. 5. Qualifying matches are from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and elimination matches from 3-5 p.m. Almost 300 robotics students and their robots will compete. Monrovia has 50 robotics students divided into five teams: R.E.D., Kings & Queens, Suit Bots, Thavma, and Spectrum. If you'd like to support the MHS program contact Thomas Dobson at tdobson@monrovia.k12.ca.us
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia New Year's Eve Party
New Year's Eve on Myrtle, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to midnight. Beer and wine garden, midnight toast and ball rising, live band "Night Owl", family-friendly area, kids area. For more information contact Pam Fitzpatrick 862-4297. http://goo.gl/f9ucmO
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
State Auditor Decides Against Full Audit of Monrovia | Train Station Rehab Decision Delayed
~ Following an initial assessment, the State Auditor's Office has decided not to do a full audit of Monrovia's finances. http://goo.gl/elzebG
~ The City Council decided to delay until its Dec. 15 meeting a decision about hiring Daylight Limited to rehab the old Monrovia train station. http://goo.gl/rPy3fV
- Brad Haugaard
~ The City Council decided to delay until its Dec. 15 meeting a decision about hiring Daylight Limited to rehab the old Monrovia train station. http://goo.gl/rPy3fV
- Brad Haugaard
MOOYAH Burger Coming to Monrovia
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes will open a restaurant in the Pavillions shopping area at Foothill and Myrtle in Monrovia. It'll be in the unit just west of Blaze Pizza. I've asked the publicist when and am waiting for an answer. It is a "new fast casual 'better burger' concept." Here's the website: http://www.mooyah.com/
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Healthcare Enrollment Event in Monrovia
ChapCare will host a Covered California health insurance enrollment event at its 513 E. Lime Ave. location on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Counselors will answer questions and help people enroll in a low or no-cost health insurance plan. Open enrollment lasts until Jan. 31. During the first two open enrollment periods, 90% of people who purchased a Covered California plan qualified for financial assistance. ChapCare can also help enroll in Medi-Cal or the Los Angeles County My Health LA Program. You will need a California driver's license, ID, passport, or utility bill; recent paystubs, last year's tax return; Social Security Card, Naturalization Certificate, Employment Authorization Card, Residency Cards.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)