Monrovia Police: Brandishing Knife at Skateboarder; Cash Taken From Unlocked Vehicle; Drugs; Alcohol

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 29 – March 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 427 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 427 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
February 29 at 9:27 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 400 block of West Huntington. Staff at the business reported that a subject was possibly using drugs inside their restroom. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who admitted he had drug needles in his possession. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Theft of Vehicle Parts
March 1 at 8:36 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of West Evergreen regarding a theft of vehicle parts. The suspect entered the work yard and used tools to remove a 52 inch LED light bar from the top of one of the trucks in the lot. The employees were working inside the building during the theft. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 1 at 7:34 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington. The victim arrived at the parking lot and went into the gym to work out. When she returned to her vehicle approximately an hour later, she found that someone had punched the driver side door lock to open her truck. She discovered a pair of sunglasses were missing from her vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Brandishing a Weapon
March 2 at 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a skate park in the 800 block of East Olive on the report of an altercation where a male adult brandished a pocket knife at a skateboarder. Officers arrived and determined the subject brandished the knife from a distance. The subject was interviewed and displayed behavior of mental illness. He was taken to a local facility and held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The subject does not reside in Monrovia.

Grand Theft from Vehicle
March 2 at 6:17 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported at a hotel parking lot in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue. The victim was checking into the hotel two days ago. While she was checking in with the office, someone took cash from her unlocked vehicle. She delayed reporting the theft because she thought she had just misplaced the money. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 2 at 10:18 p.m., an intoxicated subject was reported at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. He was following employees around in the parking lot. An officer arrived and arrested the male adult subject, who was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was held for a sobering period.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 3 at 12:43 a.m., a citizen called police to report a male adult subject running in the street at Palm and Ivy, acting unusual. Officers arrived and saw the subject throw something onto the ground. The subject was detained. An officer located an object containing a white powder substance on the ground near the subject. A search of the subject revealed a baggie containing what the officer believed to be a controlled substance. The suspect was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance. The substance tested positive for cocaine.

The Diplomat Restaurant Opening in Monrovia

Old Town merchant Pam Fitzpatrick reports that a new restaurant, called The Diplomat, will open on East Lemon (where Bull Taco was) in about three weeks. http://goo.gl/AQr9Va

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Doing Better

Monrovia-based STAAR Surgical, a manufacturer and marketer of implantable lenses and delivery systems for the eye, is reporting a full year net loss for 2015 of $0.17 per share vs. prior year net Loss of $0.22 per share. For the fourth quarter the net loss was $0.02 per share vs. a net loss of $0.07 per share for the same period in 2014. http://goo.gl/aeOWiY

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys and Girls Club Open House

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills invites community members to visit this Monday, March 7, during its open house.  Tour the facilities and learn more about the club's life-changing work with youth. 3:30-6 p.m., 600 S. Shamrock Ave. RSVP to anavar@foothillsbgc.org

- Brad Haugaard

KGEM Gets Big Donation From Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College

Monrovia's Mt. Sierra College has just given KGEM TV the largest donation the cable television station has ever received - $60,000, to implement a collaboration between the station and Mt. Sierra College film students. http://goo.gl/PJqatk

Skylights at Station Square; Monrovia Bucks Upward Crime Trend; Honorees; Baseball Field Improvements

In his weekly update ( http://goo.gl/F5q8Ee ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Skylights (city photo above) were installed last week at the Station Square Bandshell.

~ For 2015 California suffered a dramatic increase in crime rates for both violent and property crimes, but Monrovia "experienced no increase in our violent crime rates, and a 2% decrease in property crime rates."

~ Monrovia Station Square Project and City Council Member Gloria Crudgington will be honored at the California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners & Board Members  awards event on March 10 in Long Beach. Station Square won the group's 2016 Outstanding Project Award and Crudgington won the President's Award for chairing the Measure A and Measure B Committee that resulted in the creation of the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Comment: It would be nice if the city would finally open the Cloverleaf gate and let the citizens who paid for the thing actually enjoy it. A 16-year wait is FAR too long, but I'm hopeful the gate will be open soon.

~ The city and Monrovia Youth Baseball League have been making improvements to Barney Glenn Baseball Field at Recreation Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Yes, There Are Bad Delays At Monrovia Rail Crossings

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi acknowledged that the Gold Line trains have been disrupting Monrovia traffic. He writes that once the trains began running on their actual schedule, "the City began noticing that there were several prolonged traffic delays," particularly at Myrtle and Duarte Road.

He adds that, "the City and Metro are working collaboratively to develop options that will minimize the traffic impacts on the community. Furthermore, the City's Traffic Engineer is performing an independent assessment of the issues at hand to further develop traffic improvement measures."

If you want to report a problem with traffic signals or rail crossings, call the City at 932-5575, or Metro at (800) 396-2166.

- Brad Haugaard

Printable Gold Line Schedule | Good Chance of Rain for Monrovia

~ If you are thinking of taking the Gold Line regularly, here's a printable schedule: http://goo.gl/KaO8DQ

~ 80% chance of rain Sunday. Trailing off to 70% Monday. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Crawling Drunk; Drugs and Alcohol; Shooting Window With BB Gun; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 25-28. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 25 at 7:53 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Duarte and Myrtle. The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver continued for several blocks before eventually coming to a stop. While the officer was speaking with the driver, he could smell the odor of alcohol. The driver was intoxicated and had difficulty standing. He was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was and arrested and held for sobering.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
February 26 at 12:05 a.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious person at a business in the 2100 block of South Myrtle. When they arrived, several subjects were located inside the gates of the business. They were all detained for investigation. One subject had methamphetamine on them, along with a drug smoking pipe. The subject had no identification and was subsequently arrested in order to identify them for the citation to appear in court. A second subject was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and also having no identification.

Grand Theft Auto
February 26 at 7:53 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of Linwood. The vehicle is a black, 2013 Honda Crosstour. The victim’s friend parked and locked the vehicle in the driveway at approximately 8:30 p.m. The victim went out in the morning at approximately 7:40 a.m. and saw her vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 26 at 7:30 p.m., police received a call reporting a female adult crawling down the street in the 200 block of East Cypress Avenue. Officers located the subject and determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 12:27 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation and during the stop, determined the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was held for sobering.

Warrant/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 11:07 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2600 block of South Mountain and contacted a suspicious person in a business parking lot. The subject was found to have a warrant for their arrest and was in possession of heroin. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for the charges.

Suspicious Person/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 27 at 3:22 p.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious person in the 500 block of West Huntington. They arrived and contacted the subject, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. It was determined that the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
February 28 at 11:15 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of Linwood. An unknown suspect smashed the window of the vehicle and took a camera that was left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
February 28 at 7:41 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 600 block of South Primrose. A witness called police to report a suspect on a bike just shot out his tenant’s car window. The suspect is described as a male Black wearing a black shirt with white writing on it. Officers searched the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. It appears the window was damaged with a BB pellet. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant/Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 28 at 8:56 p.m., an officer was in the area of Foothill and Primrose and noticed a subject on a bicycle he knew had an outstanding arrest warrant. The officer made a traffic stop on the bicyclist and contacted the subject. A computer check confirmed the arrest warrant and the suspect was taken into custody. During a search of the suspect, the officer located a baggie containing methamphetamine in his pants pocket. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending his court appearance.

Are There Serious Problems With Monrovia Railroad Crossings?

A number of people have been complaining on various online media about the long waits at the railroad crossings, especially on Myrtle. One woman said she waited seven minutes and a man complained that the crossing gate remained down far longer than appeared to be necessary. Several people said they got tired of waiting and did a u-turn to get away from it.

- Brad Haugaard

Be a Member of Monrovia Wilderness Preserve Foundation

The City of Monrovia and the Monrovia Wilderness Preserve Foundation are currently recruiting members for the Wilderness Preserve Foundation until Wednesday, June 1, 2016. The foundation is seeking members that are eager to get involved in the community, have a passion for the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, and hold talents that will assist in the improvement of the City.

"This is a great opportunity for any Monrovia resident to take part in that will help guide resources within the city to improve our parks and hillside," says Public Services Director Tina Cherry.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Monrovia Wilderness Preserve Foundation is asked to contact Public Services Director, Tina Cherry, at (626) 256-8226, (626) 932-5544, or tcherry@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: City of Monrovia Press Release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Considering a Hotel For Southwest Corner of Huntington and Myrtle

The City Council (wearing its "Successor Agency" hat) will consider at its March 1 meeting asking for qualified developers who could build a hotel at the vacant southwest corner of Myrtle and Huntington. City staff figures an office building wouldn't work at that site. Here's the agenda ( http://goo.gl/LbuhSS ) and the staff report ( http://goo.gl/q6BqkY ).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Study Returning To Council-Elected Mayor

At the next Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/R1bQnz ), the council will, among other things, consider a request by City Manager Oliver Chi to form a committee to study Monrovia's directly-elected mayor system. (Other cities simply elect the council and then the council elects the mayor from among their own members, usually by rotation. Chi's request appears to be a response to Mayor Tom Adams' suggestion that the city return to this older system.) http://goo.gl/PptSQC

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at BigShrimps

Dinner last night at BigShrimps, on the north side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. Wasn't very hungry so I just got a lobster bisque, for $6, and an iced tea for $2.

  

- Brad Haugaard

Obituary for Monrovian Chris Nelson, Killed by Drunk Driver

A story about Chris Nelson, the Monrovia man who was killed by a drunk driver in Pasadena. http://goo.gl/kWGKYk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Janie Duncan Named as a 'Woman of Distinction'

Monrovian Janie Duncan will be recognized as a "woman of distinction" by Assembly Majority Floor Leader Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. Duncan will be honored with the other women of distinction on March 3 at Holden's District Office Open House, 600 N. Rosemead Blvd. Pasadena. Holden's office writes:

"Janie Duncan is known city-wide as someone who can and will help those in need. As co-founder of Monrovia's Foothills Kitchen, Janie and her team provide meals to anyone in need every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. She also helps with jobs, housing, clothing and other needed items."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fake Credit Card; Stolen Gardening Equipment; Big Rig Bonks Traffic Signal; Pickup Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 22-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Commercial Burglary/Identity Theft – Suspects Arrested
February 22 at 11:44 a.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a burglary. Two female subjects walked into a business in the city of Arcadia and tried to purchase merchandise using an altered store credit card. The purchase was rejected and the females left the store. Loss prevention notified the Monrovia store in case they tried again. The same subjects made a purchase at the Monrovia location and were seen leaving the store. Officers responded to the area and located the suspects still in the shopping center. The suspects were arrested and in their possession officers found various items of identity theft, which was added to their charges.

Robbery
February 22 at 12:02 p.m., two subjects were working at a residence when they noticed a gray Toyota Tundra with paper plates pull up to their vehicle, which was loaded with equipment. The suspect removed a blower and trimmer from the back of the victim's vehicle. When the victims approached the suspect, he brandished a firearm and fled the scene. The victims went to the police station to report the incident. The suspect was described as an adult, male Hispanic, 20-30 years old, with short hair and wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans. An area search was conducted, but the suspect vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence/Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
February 22 at 6:54 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Myrtle and Olive. Two vehicles were heading southbound Myrtle and one vehicle rear-ended the other. After an investigation, one male adult driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
February 22 at 7:35 p.m., police responded to a non-injury traffic collision at Fifth and Huntington. A truck driver from out of state was driving his big rig west on Huntington and attempted to make a right turn onto Fifth Avenue. The truck trailer sideswiped the signal light and caused minor damage to the signal.

Vandalism
February 22 at 10:11 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a school in the 100 block of South Canyon. Unknown suspects spray painted on the wall of the school. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
February 23 at 12:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to a vandalism incident at an apartment complex in the 300 block of South Canyon. The victim stated her front window had been broken. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 23 at 7:34 a.m., police responded to an injury traffic collision at Monterey and Colorado. A driver was traveling east on Colorado and failed to stop for the stop sign. The driver collided into a vehicle that was turning west onto Colorado from Monterey. The driver and passenger of the second vehicle received minor injuries. The driver who failed to stop was cited for the violation and the other parties were taken to a hospital and later released.

Grand Theft Auto
February 23 at 8:17 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of West Olive. The victim parked her vehicle in front of her residence the night before. In the morning she found her vehicle, a green, 1990 Honda Accord, was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
February 23 at 4:15 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of West Huntington. The victim was inside a grocery store and when she returned to her vehicle an hour later, her white, 1986 Mazda pickup, was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Prescription Fraud
February 24 at 8:52 a.m., an incident of prescription fraud was reported at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. A subject entered the location and presented a suspicious prescription to the attendant. A phone call to the listed doctor confirmed the prescription was, in fact, fraudulent. The suspect had already left the location before the fraud was determined. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
February 24 at 9:48 a.m., police responded to the 400 block of West Colorado on the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the alley behind her home. She went inside and did not hear anything suspicious during the night. When she returned to her vehicle in the morning, she found it had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
February 24 at 7:26 p.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision in the 200 block of South Madison. A driver made an unsafe turn and struck a parked vehicle. The driver had a small contusion on his face from the accident. After the conclusion of the investigation, the officer asked the driver to sign the citation for an unsafe turn and having a suspended driver's license. The driver refused to sign the citation. He was arrested and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Tour of Historic Monrovia

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will walk eight blocks. $5 per person. Reservations not necessary, just meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues. http://goo.gl/I9gLrc

- Brad Haugaard

Seminar on Essential Oils at Monrovia Library

Make over your Medicine Cabinet with essential oils, Monday, March 7 at 10 a.m. with host Kate Garland. At Monrovia Library. Register here: https://goo.gl/bK3cTg

Monrovia Girls Soccer Loses To Arcadia

Monrovia girls soccer loses to Arcadia, 3-0. http://goo.gl/FGcIRP

- Brad Haugaard