Monrovia Police: Jewelry Taken From Wall Safe; Unhappy Customer; Driving High; Thefts From Vehicles; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 21-24. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft
January 22 at 1:38 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a residence in the 200 block of Greystone. The residents, an elderly couple, noticed the door to their wall safe was open. They inventoried the contents and found several pieces of jewelry were missing. The couple does have two subjects they have hired to help around the property, but do not know who may have taken the jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

Battery/Vandalism
January 22 at 10:56 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of South Magnolia regarding a battery that had just occurred. The suspect took his vehicle to have an audio entertainment system installed, but there was a dispute over the billing. The suspect pushed and struck the installer and the owner of the business. The installer sustained a swollen hand defending himself from the suspect. The owner sustained a swollen eye, and the suspect was taken to a hospital for complaint of pain. The investigation is continuing and the report will be submitted to the District Attorney’s office for possible filing of charges.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 9:15 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of West Maple Avenue. The caller was following a vehicle that struck two parked cars and hit the curb while driving west on Maple. The vehicle pulled into a business parking lot near Fifth and Huntington and stopped. Officers arrived and found the suspect behind the wheel of his vehicle. He seemed disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. The officers determined the subject was driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle
January 23 at 6:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 400 block of Huntington regarding a theft from a vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle in front of a business and went inside. He returned 30 minutes later and saw a male adult suspect going through his trunk. He yelled out and the suspect fled in a vehicle. The loss was a backpack containing miscellaneous items. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 8:19 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in 600 block of West Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot and went into work. He returned later and discovered his vehicle had been ransacked. The victim's checkbook was taken from the center console and a backpack containing baseball equipment was taken from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 9:37 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of Colorado. The victim parked his vehicle in the 100 block of Colorado and went into work. When he returned to his vehicle after work, he discovered his vehicle had been ransacked. The loss was a wallet from the driver's door pocket, which also contained his debit card. The victim reported that the debit card had already been used at a business. The investigation is continuing.

Citrus Top Degree Producer | Holden Bill Would Pay For Stop-Smoking Treatments

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has once again this year been named one of the nation's top degree and certificate producing two-year institutions by Community College Week. The bi-weekly magazine releases a special report featuring the top 100 degree and certificate producing two-year institutions in the nation. This year, Citrus College was included on seven of the 44 lists, the most since the magazine began publishing the report in 2003.

~ State Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a bill to have MediCal pay for treatment for poor Californians who want to stop smoking. http://goo.gl/ixenfJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Meet With MAD Council

A joint meeting tomorrow (Jan. 26) of the Monrovia City Council and the Monrovia-Arcadia-Daurte Town Council (I believe it represents unincorporated area next to Monrovia, Arcadia and Duarte). http://goo.gl/N9xO2w

- Brad Haugaard

Dedication of Monrovia's Station Square

The dedication of Station Square is going on today until 2 p.m. Kid activities and booths for local organizations. 

Note: Better pictures here: http://goo.gl/RbCpuL

Ribbon cutting. 

A bandshell area. 

Play areas for the children. 

A long fountain. 

The old train station still needs to be refurbished. 

A mini train just for today. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at The Shrimp House

Dinner last Sunday at the Shrimp House, at the corner of Myrtle and Live Oak. Got the Sunday Special, steak, shrimp and lobster for $16.99 and a draft beer for $2.99. It comes with two sides; I chose red beans and rice (in the cup) and a salad which you don't see because I ate it. I liked! Very tasty and filling.

- Brad Haugaard 

The Woman Who Inspired Charles Schulz to Create Franklin, at Monrovia Library

Franklin

For Black History Month, meet Harriet Glickman, the teacher who inspired Charles Schulz to include the first African-American character in his comic strip, Peanuts. Then, watch the 1977 movie, Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown. Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Library Community Room. Call 256-8274 for more information. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council/School Board Meeting | New Microbrewery; New Restaurant; New Kids' Center

~ The Monrovia City Council and Monrovia School Board are getting together for a joint meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/YgedBH ) at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, to discuss: Santa Fe Middle School traffic; Santa Fe Middle School planters; and Monrovia Days.

The Monrovia Development Review Committee ( http://goo.gl/NQEwL1 ) recommended approval of these three projects:

~ A new microbrewery called Hop Secret is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to move into the Station Square Transit Village.

~ A new Mediterranean restaurant, called Hummos & Pita is hoping to open in the next few months on Lemon Avenue.

~ "Dream Big Children's Center," an indoor play and exploration zone for children ages 1-10, is planning to open somewhere near Old Town.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Student Newspaper Cleans Up On Journalism Awards

The Citrus College Clarion student newspaper recently won 14 journalism awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Citrus College serves Monrovia. Seven reporters and graphic designers received awards in 11 categories, including JACC's highest honor, General Excellence. Evan Solano, the Clarion's managing editor and JACC Southern Region student president for 2015-2016, received eight of the Clarion's awards, establishing a Citrus College record. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Mostly Positive About Gold Line

An unscientific survey by Monrovian Robert Parry suggests that Monrovia is generally positive about the coming of the Gold Line. Parry said that about half of all those who responded to the survey came to it from MonroviaNow.com.

Update: More detailed data (negative to the left, positive to the right):

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thieves and Drunks; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 18-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Note: Some of the dates below say "July." Methinks that is wrong. Will update when I hear back from Police Department.

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
July 18 at 9:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of East Walnut. The suspect took keys from a business and then returned later and stole a box truck containing antiques. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Violation/Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 12:04 a.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Huntington and Fifth. The driver had no identification in his possession and gave the officer a false name. The officer had the driver step out of the vehicle and he fled on foot. Containment of the area was established, but the suspect was not located. The two passengers in the vehicle identified the driver by name. The suspect was later positively identified by his California Driver’s License photograph. A case will be presented to the District Attorney's office seeking charges against the driver for resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 3:40 a.m., an officer was conducting routine patrol in the 200 block of East Hillcrest Boulevard when he located a subject stumbling down the street on Hillcrest. The subject was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
July 19 at 6:04 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the area of Lime and Shamrock. The victim left his older model pickup truck parked on the street. The door on the vehicle does not lock. An unknown suspect stole the vehicle sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft from a Vehicle 

July 19 at 6:30 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of South Magnolia. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed his backpack was missing from the backseat.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 9:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Mountain and Duarte on the report of a subject staggering in the roadway. The officer arrived and found the subject was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 10:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of east Maple regarding a suspicious subject laying in the driveway of a residence. The officer arrived and found the subject was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested and held for sobering.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 20 at 12:27 a.m., officers responded to the report of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. The investigation revealed that one of the vehicles was traveling westbound on Huntington and ran a red light. The vehicle collided into another passenger vehicle. Both parties involved were taken by ambulance to a hospital for complaint of pain.

Residential Burglary
January 20 at 2:20 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Genoa. The victims left the residence with the back slider open for their dogs. Unknown suspects entered the home and took a television, a computer, and an iPad. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 20 at 6:33 p.m., police responded to a vehicle burglary in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the driveway of her children’s school and walked inside to pick them up. She returned to the vehicle moments later and discovered the passenger side window had been smashed. The victim’s purse and workbag were stolen from the front passenger seat. The investigation is continuing.

City Faces Monstrous Cost In Complying With Environmental Law; Mayor Pro Tem's Mother Dies; Station Square; Development; Etc.

City Manager Oliver Chi says in his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ecuhtI ) that ...

- Monrovia estimates it will cost the city $214.15 million to comply with state stormwater treatment requirements and at a meeting, representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board "were unapologetic about the implications that we face in complying with the provisions of our MS4 Permit, which mandate the completion of significant capital projects by 2017." Chi adds that, "the indications we received from the State Water Resources Control Board staff point to a situation where we will likely be at odds with the State regarding this particular matter moving forward."

- On Jan. 12, Geneva Monroe Spicer, mother to Mayor Pro Tem Larry Spicer, passed away. She was born on April 26, 1931, and moved to Monrovia in 1954. Known as Mother Spicer by Second Baptist Church of Monrovia, she served faithfully as a foster care parent for Los Angeles County.

- Station Square Park, the new train station area at 1601 S. Myrtle, will be decicated on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts for children, a Canyon Park critter display, giveaways, refreshments. LA Metro will distribute train safety and other Gold Line materials. http://goo.gl/4ey2fM

- The city has been working on proposed modifications to its development standards and is about ready to present the results of its work. Details here on meetings to give feedback on the plan: http://goo.gl/ecuhtI

- The Monrovia Chamber of commerce wil hold a banquet to honor its various award winners. The Iris Award will go to Janet Wall; The Monroe Awar to BMW Monrovia; The Dick Lord Award to Alfredo Mejia (CIBA Real Estate); and Military Service and Stewardship Award to Hector Elizalde.

- The Library has established a display in the Youth Services Room to highlight the 115 entries received for the 2016 Water Conservation Calendar Contest. You can also pick up a calendar when you view the entries.

- Wednesday, Feb. 3, Monrovia will host an open workshop to discuss the Bicycle Master Plan at the Community Center (119 W. Palm.) at 6 p.m. Also, a pre-workshop bicycle ride starting at 5 p.m. at the bicycle rack in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

ChapCare Gets New Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Mitchell S. Kushner has been named Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (ChapCare), which has an office in Monrovia. Kushner is a Board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with more than 30 years experience specializing in HIV and communicable diseases and more than 10 years of senior management experience, having previously been employed as the Medical Director of Community Health for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and as the City of Long Beach Health Officer. Source: ChapCare press release. Source: press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Effect of Gold Line on Monrovia | Volunteers for Homeless Count | New AeroVironment President

~ What do you think the effect of the Gold Line coming to Monrovia will be? Anonymous survey here: https://goo.gl/tRbDdX . Created by Monrovian Robert Parry. (It'll take about 30 seconds.)

~ Volunteers needed for homeless count on Jan. 26. Details: http://goo.gl/pCIsOE

~ Wahid Nawabi, chief operating officer at Monrovia's AeroVironment, will become president of the company. https://goo.gl/lX7RNY

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 300-Pound Thief; Argument Causes Car Accident; Domestic Violence; Grand Theft Auto Suspect Arrested; Bike Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 14-17. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders/Warrants – Suspects Arrested
January 14 at 6:22 p.m., police received a call reporting a male and female adult arguing in the 1200 block of South Magnolia. Officers arrived and located the subjects. During the investigation, it was discovered that the subjects had domestic violence restraining orders against each other and both had outstanding warrants for their arrest. The subjects were both arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 14 at 9:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of East Cypress regarding a male and female adult arguing. The officers arrived and found the subjects outside the residence, still arguing. The argument was found to be over custody of their children. During the argument, the female struck the male in the face with a clenched fist, which caused a bloody lip. The male refused paramedics. The female subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 8:43 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance between a male and female in the 200 block of North Shamrock. During the investigation, it was discovered that the male subject had two outstanding warrants out of Monrovia. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.

Traffic Collison/Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 9:22 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Evergreen and Mountain Avenue. Officers responded to assist the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department at the location. Sheriff’s deputies were in pursuit of a grand theft auto suspect who crashed into another vehicle at the intersection in Monrovia. The suspect fled the scene of the collision, but was apprehended in a business parking lot in Duarte. Monrovia officers handled the traffic collision investigation and sheriff’s deputies handled the grand theft auto investigation.

Petty Theft
January 15 at 1:08 p.m., a mountain bike was reported stolen from a residence in the 400 block of Linwood Avenue. An unknown suspect entered an open garage door and took the mountain bike. The mountain bike is a black and while, 2016, PST Cannondale Synapse with lime green trim. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
January 15 at 1:47 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Pilgrim Way. Unknown suspects broke into a residence that is under construction and stole building materials and tools. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 5:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a petty theft. Store loss prevention agents phoned to report a female running through the parking lot with stolen merchandise. Officers responded and located the female. She was positively identified by loss prevention and the property was recovered. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court.

Suspicious Subject/Vehicle Tampering/Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
January 15 at 5:20 p.m., police received several calls from residents in the area of Alta Vista and Lime reporting a suspicious male subject walking onto their property, up to their homes, and looking into their vehicles. Officers responded and, initially, could not locate the subject. He was eventually located and found to be currently on parole. He was arrested and taken into custody and a parole hold was issued.

Theft of Mail
January 16 at 9:45 a.m., a theft of mail was reported in the 00 block of Hidden Valley Road. The victim described the suspect as an adult, male Hispanic, weighing approximately 300 pounds. The suspect walked up to the front porch of the home and removed a package that had been delivered earlier. The suspect was seen leaving the area in an older, grey Suburban. Police responded, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
January 16 1:24 p.m., police responded to the report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. Officers arrived and found a vehicle on the center median that had struck another vehicle in the turn bay. The investigation determined that the traffic collision was caused by an argument between the driver and passenger. The female passenger had exited the vehicle after the collision and ran from the scene. There was no pedestrian involved in the collision. The female was located in the area and was not injured. The male subject was taken to the hospital for complaint of pain.

Possession of Methamphetamine/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance/Warrant – Two Suspects Arrested
January 17 at 11:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of West Olive on the report of possible drug activity at the location. Officers arrived and located four subjects at the location that did not have permission to be there. All of the subjects had been drinking or smoking. One subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and a second subject was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and a warrant.

Monrovia Robotics Team Wins New Award | Bad Cashews!

~ Monrovia High's Kings and Queens robotics team has won the Think Award at the LA Region FIRST Tech Challenge Riobotics qualifying tournament held at De Toledo High School in West Hills. The award is the second highest judged award given at FTC tournaments and is awarded to the team with the most outstanding engineering notebook. (Source: Facebook post)

~ Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling some cashews, which it has discovered may have salmonella. http://goo.gl/otbT7z

- Brad Haugaard

Collection Box Play Set For Feb. 27-28

Ixthus Players presents, "The Collection Box," a presentation for Black History Month set in Virginia during the late 1940s. Feb. 27 (6 p.m.) and Feb. 28 (4 p.m.) at the Fannie M. Goodwin Education Center, 925 Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia. Call 386-8071 for tickets. VIP, $20; General, $15; Seniors, $10; Children, $5. Two adult tickets for $25. Under pressure to save the family farm his parents spent their lives building, Jacob makes a bombshell decision that shocks his new wife, leaves his wedding guests in disbelief and lands him in front of a judge and jury. http://goo.gl/GOl0yw

- Brad Haugaard

Filming CSI in Monrovia

They're about to start filming CSI at 4 PM today, the guard said. On Myrtle just south of Lime. 

- Brad Haugaard

Station Square Park Dedication This Saturday

This coming Saturday (Jan. 23) Station Square Park, the new train station area at 1601 S. Myrtle, will be dedicated. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts for children, a Canyon Park critter display, giveaways, refreshments. LA Metro will distribute train safety and other Gold Line materials. http://goo.gl/3F423b

- Brad Haugaard

Audition for Monrovia Production of 'The Music Man'

IFGF Church and Centre Stage will hold an open audition for their April 21-May 1 community theater performance of The Music Man. Open to all ages. Auditions are Jan. 23 at IFGF Church, 147 West Palm Ave., Monrovia. Adult/Teens at 9 a.m. Prepare 16 bars of a traditional Broadway piece. Pianist provided. Those auditioning for teen dance ensemble, Harold Hill, Marion, Ethel, Marcellus, Zaneeta and Tommy, will be taught a dance combination. Please wear clothing accordingly. Children at 11 a.m. Children will be taught the opening phrase to Wells Fargo Wagon and a short dance combination. For more information contact Director, Keely Milliken at centrestageinc@yahoo.com Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council To Consider Hiring Engineering Firms

At its Tuesday, Jan. 19 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/9WaQII ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Consider hiring General Pump Company, Inc. of San Dimas to rehab "Well No. 4" (at 354 Valley Circle, in the south end of town) for $109,100. http://goo.gl/CCua4r

- Consider hiring Gibson Transportation Consulting for $28,000 to prepare an Engineering and Traffic Survey for the city, as required by state law. The survey will include pedestrian and bicyclist safety. http://goo.gl/uglRwV

- Consider paying Civiltec Engineering up to $23,230 to do engineering and design for a proposed Mountain Avenue crosswalk between the Best Buy shopping center on the east side and the BMW dealership on the west. http://goo.gl/us9oNK

- Brad Haugaard