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C-c-c-cold Tonight in Monrovia

The National Weather Service has a frost advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 9 a.m. Tuesday. Bring sensitive plants, and of course your pets, inside for the night. The report says: "There will likely be at least 2 hours of temperatures at or just slightly above freezing." But Monrovia will miss out on the worst of it... "The coldest area will be in the extreme western San Fernando valley where temperatures could briefly fall into the upper 20s." http://goo.gl/yI30EX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Driving Drunk With Cell Phone; 12-Year-Old Runs Into Street, Hit; Girlfriend Arrested for Domestic Violence; Cop Firefigher

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 21-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
December 21 at 4:10 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of Poinsettia Avenue. The lock securing the doors on the bed of a utility truck were cut and miscellaneous power and cordless tools were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 6:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the rear of a business location in the 200 block of West Foothill regarding an ongoing problem of homeless persons sleeping on the property. A subject was located sleeping on the property. He was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. A computer check revealed the subject also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, held for a sobering period, and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 8:49 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Olive regarding a family disturbance between a husband and wife. The husband was intoxicated, but agreed to sleep in his vehicle for the night. As the officers were about to leave, the husband became uncooperative. Due to his high level of intoxication, he was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period and later released on a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary
December 22 at 7:52 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista. The victim parked his vehicle in the carport of his secured apartment complex the night before. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he found the passenger window broken and his stereo missing. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of East Lemon regarding a traffic collision. The driver was traveling east on Lemon and reached for her cell phone, causing her to veer to the right and hit a parked vehicle. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and her vehicle was impounded. She was held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
December 22 at 10:30 p.m., officers were sent to the area of Foothill and Norumbega regarding a traffic collision. The driver was traveling south on Norumbega and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Foothill. His vehicle traveled across all four lanes of traffic and collided into a parked vehicle. The driver demonstrated symptoms of being intoxicated and was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and his vehicle was impounded. The suspect was held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary
December 23 at 7:52 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista. The victim left his vehicle parked in the carport of his secured apartment complex in the evening. When he returned to his vehicle the next morning, he found the passenger window shattered and his stereo had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
December 23 at 11:40 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Huntington on the report of an assault in progress. The subjects reportedly left the area on foot and headed south on Magnolia. Officers located the subjects in the 1400 block of South Magnolia. The subjects are boyfriend and girlfriend, and they were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. The female subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Weapon Offenses / Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 25 at 4:34 a.m., officers on patrol initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Colorado for a traffic violation. As a result of the stop, the driver of the vehicle was arrested for having a loaded pistol and narcotics in the vehicle.

Structure Fire/Arson
December 26 at 2:40 a.m., police and fire personnel responded to a structure fire at a private warehouse in the 300 block of West Chestnut used to store classic vehicles. Further investigation led officers to believe the fire began due to arson. One male adult family member was named as the suspect. The suspect committed suicide at his home in Glendale. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision/Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
December 26 at 1:52 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision at Los Angeles & Ivy. A 12-year-old girl ran into the street and was struck by a vehicle. She sustained minor injuries, but complained of pain to her neck and back. She was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Vandalism
December 26 at 10:07 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 500 block of Diamond. A resident in the area reported graffiti spray painted on the side of his house. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
December 26 at 10:34 p.m., officers located graffiti in the 1800 block of South Myrtle. The officers noticed fresh graffiti all throughout the parking lot, windows and walls of buildings. The investigation is continuing.

Fire Assist
December 26 at 11:38 p.m., officers responded to the report of a fire next to a residence in the 500 block of Normubega. An officer arrived and located a tree and a trashcan that were on fire. The officer put out the fire with the fire extinguisher from his police unit.

'Person of Interest' in Monrovia Warehouse Fire Apparently Kills Himself

25-year-old Glendale man apparently kills himself. He was a "person of interest" in a fire at a Monrovia warehouse that apparently contained valuable cars. (I believe this is the fire on Chestnut just west of Magnolia). http://goo.gl/wntcHx

- Brad Haugaard

Woman of Year Nominations Open

Assemblymember Chris Holden is seeking nominations for the 41st Assembly District's "Woman of Distinction." Nominations, due by Jan. 15, are open to all women who live or work in Monrovia or the rest of the district. No self-nominations. For more information, contact Alex Zucco at Alex.Zucco@asm.ca.gov or 626-351-1917. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Damages Building on Chestnut


Fire damaged a light industrial building on Chestnut, just west of the VFW on the corner of Magnolia. Apparently last night.

- Brad Haugaard

Power Outage Last Night

Power outage 3:45 this morning in neighborhood of Colorado & Magnolia. Lasted abt 15 minutes. Heard siren, but no details. Thanks for the tip, Doran.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at WaBa Grill

Dinner recently at WaBa Grill, in the Pavilions shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill, where the old Subway used to be. This is rice bowl kind of place, very much like Flame Broiler. I got a chicken and veggie bowl ($6.75) and a drink ($1.80). It was good. And Merry Christmas, by the way!

- Brad Haugaard

Water Cascade in North Monrovia

Hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water are cascading down Ridgeside and along Canyon. Police and Fire have the road blocked off. 

UPDATE: Water has slowed to a trickle. Apparently it was a water main that broke. I suspect some folks up there will be without water for a bit.

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall call him his name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

Happy Holy Day!

- Brad Haugaard

Rain and Gusty Winds Possible

National Weather Service reports: "A cold Pacific disturbance is expected to bring rain and low elevation snow and gusty northerly winds to southwestern California Thursday into Friday. Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are possible Friday night and Saturday as high pressure builds into the Great Basin." http://goo.gl/9XMV6l

- Brad Haugaard

More Citrus College Students Transfer to Four-Year State Schools

The number of Citrus College students transferring into University of California schools has increased by more than 30 percent from the 2013-2014 academic year. 131 students during the 2014-2015 academic year. Also, 693 students transferred to the California State University system, an increase of nearly 20 percent from the previous year. Citrus College serves the Monrovia area. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

4th Dimension; City Hall Landscaping; New Year's Eve; Honor a Vet; Etc.

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi wrote that ...

- There will be a study session about the proposed 4th Dimension/Community Center project on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., at the Library Community Room. (The City Council Chambers will be under renovation then.)

- Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH), "is moving full speed ahead to open their new store soon." It'll be at 725 W. Huntington (next to PetsMart).

- The city has finished installing drought-tolerant landscaping at City Hall. 20 drought-tolerant plant species on display. Next it will install a work of "kinetic art." I think that means it moves.

- State of the City speach is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8 at the Krikorian Premiere Theater.
 
- New Year's Eve party on Myrtle in Old Town on Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. A live band, Night Owl, plus beer and wine garden. Merchants and restaurants will be open.

- For November, Monrovia's water consumption was down 22% compared to November 2013. Not quite the target of 28%, but Chi said "conservation is much more difficult during the winter months," so the city is still "excited that the trend of saving water in Monrovia has continued."

- Assembly Member Chris Holden wants nominations for the 41st Assembly District's 2016 Veteran of the Year. Vet must reside or perform community service within the 41st Assembly District (That includes Monrovia). For more information, contact Matthew Lyons at Matthew.Lyons@asm.ca.gov or (909) 624-7876.

- A team of Monrovia Area Partnership volunteers provided drought-tolerant landscaping at the homes of two senior citizens during a work party on Dec. 12.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Decoration Winners



  • Best Still Display – 309 North Madison Avenue
  • Best Outdoor Display – 541 Valmont Drive
  • Best Window Display – 208 South Mayflower Avenue
  • Most Effective Use Of Lighting – 380 Norumbega Drive
  • Best Decorated Outdoor Tree – 308 West Lemon Avenue
  • Best Neighborhood Effort – Valmont Drive & Place
  • Snowman Award – 632 Terrado Drive
  • Children’s Choice Award – 333 Norumbega Drive
  • Santa’s Workshop Award – 639 Parker Avenue
  • Holiday Spirit Award – 550 South Park Rose Avenue
  • Judges Award – 2500 Block of Rochelle Avenue



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Provides Shopping Spree For Local Children

For the fourth consecutive year the Monrovia Rotary Club has provided clothing and a toy to children referred by a local service provider. Dr. Sylvia Domotor, founder and chairperson of the event, said 65 children, many victims of or witnesses to domestic violence or drug abuse, were the beneficiaries of a department store shopping spree, likely providing them with the only gifts they will receive this Christmas. Each was chaperoned through Kohl's by one of 47 student volunteers from the Interact and Renaissance clubs at Monrovia High and by students from Kaizen martial arts. The event was paid for by year-long donations from members of the Monrovia Rotary Club. The sales at Kohl's generated a substantial gift card bonus which will be donated to Monrovia Public Schools.

Monrovia Rotary Club welcomes visitors and seeks service-minded individuals to join its membership. The club meets Tuesdays at noon at the Monrovian Restaurant on Myrtle Avenue. More information and a link to RSVP for a meeting at www.monroviarotaryclub.com

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Early Morning Power Outage in Monrovia

A little blackout hit Monrovia about 5:40 this morning. Power at the Pavilions center was out, but came back on within a few minutes (I watched). Southern California Edison says it is analyzing the problem and should have it fixed by 3 p.m. but looks like everything is working now. https://goo.gl/o4X32G

- Brad Haugaard

Rain Tonight, Tomorrow | Bicycle Plan for Monrovia

~ 80% chance of rain tonight, 70% tomorrow. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ Here is a survey about bicycle conditions in Monrovia for riders and non-riders to help the city complete its bicycle master plan. Here

- Brad Haugaard

Nominees Wanted For Small Business Of The Year

Assemblymember Chris Holden wants nominations for the 41st Assembly District "2016 Small Business of the Year." A business may be nominated by any business owner or resident and/or municipal and chamber of commerce staff within the 41st Assembly District (NO self-nominations). For more information, contact Matthew Lyons at Matthew.Lyons@asm.ca.gov or 909-624-7876.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 16 Victims of BB Gun Window Breaker; Checking Out Mailboxes; Vehicle Theft; Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
On December 17 at 9:51 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 900 block of West Huntington reporting a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his vehicle in the parking lot last night and returned this morning to find the rear passenger window smashed. The suspects did not take anything from the vehicle. The vehicle was parked outside of the hotel. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
On December 17 at 11:51 a.m., an officer responded to the 700 block of South Magnolia regarding a residential burglary. The victim left his residence unsecured at 11:15 a.m. and returned home at noon. When the victim entered his residence, he observed his computer was missing. When he looked into his room, he saw his bedroom window was pushed open and his jewelry was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
On December 17 at 6:49 p.m., a resident called to report his vehicle was stolen from the 200 block of West Cherry. The victim parked his vehicle in from of his residence at 9:15 a.m. He returned to his vehicle at 6:35 p.m. and discovered it missing. The vehicle is described as a silver, Toyota, Rav. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspects Arrested
On December 19 at 10:45 a.m., officers responded to several calls over the past couple of days of unknown suspect(s) using a BB-gun to shoot out vehicle’s windows in the cities of Monrovia & Arcadia. Monrovia Police Department has identified at least 16 confirmed victims. During one of the incidents in Arcadia, a witness wrote down the suspect vehicle license plate and was reported to the Arcadia Police Department. The registered owner of the suspect vehicle is a Monrovia resident. Officers from Monrovia and Arcadia Police Department went to the registered owners address in an attempt to identify the vandalism suspect(s). A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of two juvenile suspects. After the booking process, the two juveniles were released to their parents on citations. The parents were very cooperative during the investigation and assisted Monrovia Police Department in recovering the BB-gun used during the vandalisms. One additional suspect was identified. He is an adult and charges will be submitted to the District Attorney for review. The investigation is continuing.

Forgery / Mail Tampering / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
On December 19 at 11:10 a.m., dispatch received a telephone call regarding a male and female suspect walking south in the 1600 block of California, while looking through mailboxes. An officer responded to the location and detained both suspects. A computer check revealed one of the suspects had an outstanding warrant and was placed under arrest. A subsequent investigation revealed the suspects to be in possession of stolen mail, including a stolen check, which they intended to fraudulently cash. Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Monrovia Jail for booking.

Christmas Light Street in Monrovia

The folks on Valmont Drive have done it again. It's like driving through a tunnel of lights. Well worth the drive. Go north on Norumbega and keep an eye out to your left. You should see the street. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Clifton School Wins Up To $100,000 | High Chance of Rain

~ Monrovia School Board member Alex Zucco reports that Clifton Middle School has been named one of five winners of the "Fab School Labs" contest, which means it will receive a grant of up to $100,000 to create a dream laboratory.

~ 80% chance of rain today. Hmm. Doesn't look like it at the moment. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard