Monrovia Looking for New Company to Run Street Fair; Bears on Bikes; Sculpture: Fountain to Falls; Etc.

More from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report:

~ Here is the Library mural painted onto the bindings of recycled books by artist Mike Stilkey. It is a project led by Youth Services Librarian Annette Simpson. (Photo courtesy of City of Monrovia.)

~ The City is looking for a company to run the Friday Night Family Street Fair. Green Leaf Events, Inc., was awarded a contract to serve as interim operator of the fair. http://goo.gl/gP3916

~ The State Water Resources Control Board is proposing to lower Monrovia's water conservation goal from a 28% reduction when compared with 2013 water usage levels, to a 26% reduction.

~ A sculpture by Daniel Stern, an actor in the Home Alone movie series has been working on a movie-themed sculpture for Old Town for several months (see earlier report: http://goo.gl/E8AarP ) and will show the almost-done work to a city delegation on March 28.

~ Monrovia's Youth Sports Soccer Program registration is open for youth in the 4th and 5th grades. Fee is $35 per participant, here: https://cityofmonroviarecreation.org/.

~ 6th annual Fountain to the Falls Run / Walk will take place on Saturday, May 7 at 7 a.m. A 6.38 mile race from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park Waterfall. Early registration through May 4 for $35; event-day registration is $45. 325 participants max. Register here: https://cityofmonroviarecreation.org/. For more information, call Public Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

The Four Problems Messing Up Monrovia Rail-Crossing Traffic

In addition to a faulty traffic-gate controller device (noted earlier), City Manager Oliver Chi notes in his weekly report three more problems that are contributing to the snarl of traffic around railroad crossings:

1. "It appears that several new operational procedures being implemented by Metro may be contributing to the delay at several at-grade crossings. Issues such as access to the maintenance and operation yard, operator switch-outs, and the amount of time that trains hold at platforms are all being analyzed, and the City has been assured by Metro personnel that they will be streamlining their operations as much as possible to limit any direct traffic impacts."

2. Traffic signal timing. The city has been reviewing traffic signal timing sheets and video detection cameras to improve when lights turn green and red.

3. "[The] left turn pocket for eastbound traffic on Duarte heading northbound onto Myrtle has been functioning very poorly. There are a variety of issues that have exacerbated the situation, including the fact that the left turn signal is getting skipped in the traffic phasing when the train crossing is activated. In addition, the lack of capacity in the left turn pocket is also contributing to the backup along Duarte.... [T]he plan right now is to revise the phasing at this intersection by making the left turn the leading phase after the rail crossing arms go up. This means that immediately after the train crossing, the left turn phase for eastbound traffic on Duarte turning north onto Myrtle will be set to clear, allowing 8-10 vehicles to get through the intersection, before it cycles back to the north / south traffic light signal."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Traffic Snarl Makes TV News | Beer and Music Fest

~ An interesting video report on CBS LA News about the messed up crossing gates at the railroad tracks. http://goo.gl/MRwxfE

~ Monrovia Station Beer and Music Festival. April 16, 2-6 p.m. 21 and over. Live music by Go Betty Go and The Delgado Brothers.

- Brad Haugaard

Good Friday Tenebrae Service at Monrovia's First Presbyterian

Good Friday tenebrae service, Friday, March 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia, at Foothill and Myrtle. Dr. Anthony Osimo leads in reflection on Good Friday. Featuring a choir and orchestra performance of The Seven Last Days by Joel Raney, directed by David Michael Layne. http://goo.gl/YXbvXj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Missing Girl Located; Possible Stolen Bikes in Garage; Elderly Man Pushes Wrong Pedal; Man Beaten; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 10-13. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vandalism
March 10 at 7:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Myrtle regarding a vandalism report. It appears an unknown suspect smashed the driver-side window on a vehicle. There was nothing inside the vehicle in plain view. Officers received information of a second window smash on another vehicle in the 300 block N. Primrose. There was nothing taken from the second vehicle either. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Stolen Property/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 10:56 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of N. Primrose when he saw a suspicious subject walk out from the side of a residence. The subject saw the officer and attempted to walk away, but was detained. While the officer was talking with the subject, the subject appeared nervous and was visibly shaken. The subject said he was not alone at the residence, and that there were other people in the back garage. He gave the officer permission to search the garage. Additional units responded to assist. While walking to the garage, the officers observed numerous expensive bicycles, which appeared to be in the process of having the serial numbers ground off and rims repainted. A search of the garage also revealed drug paraphernalia. The subject was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested for possession of stolen property and the drug charges.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 10 at 8:04 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington on the report of a male subject that fled the store without paying for merchandise. The officers obtained a description of the suspect and searched the area; the suspect was located at a bus bench nearby. During the investigation, the officers located the stolen property, and store loss prevention personnel positively identified the suspect. He was arrested for the crime and taken into custody.

Critical Missing Juvenile Located
March 10 at 10:00 p.m., a female juvenile was reported missing to the Monrovia Police Department. The missing was last seen at her apartment complex in the 500 block of W. Foothill. She had argued with her father over the use of a cell phone. She had gone to school that morning, but had not returned home. Police conducted an area search and followed all investigative leads, but the juvenile was not located. On March 13 at 2:15 p.m., detectives received a lead on the location of the juvenile and went to the Pasadena area to follow up. During the course of their investigation, they located the juvenile at a residence in Altadena. The juvenile’s parents were notified and responded.

Domestic Violence
March 10 at 11:10 p.m., a disturbance was reported at the intersection of Chestnut and Monterey. Officers arrived to investigate and located a female subject hiding near several vehicles. She had been assaulted and had sustained injuries to her face. During the investigation, the officers learned her husband had struck her several times, causing the visible injuries. The officers went to the residence, where the crime occurred, and located the husband. After speaking with him, he was arrested for domestic violence.

Theft from an Unlocked Vehicle
March 11 at 8:56 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of S. Primrose. The victim had parked his vehicle and left it unlocked. Sometime overnight, an unknown suspect entered the vehicle and rummaged through it. A thumb drive and a pair of sunglasses were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
March 11 at 10:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to a traffic collision at a business parking lot in the 300 block of W. Huntington. An 84-year-old male subject was attempting to park his vehicle and accidentally pushed on the accelerator instead of the brake, causing his vehicle to lunge forward into the side of a building. There was damage to a wall of the building and the store front glass was broken. The subject was wearing his seat belt and sustained no injuries, however, paramedics still responded to check him. A DMV reexamination was issued.

Felony Warrants/Wanted Fugitive/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
March 11 at 4:13 p.m., officers conducted a high-risk stop on a white VW Jetta in the parking lot of a closed business in the 300 block of W. Foothill. The registered owner of the vehicle had felony warrants out for his arrest and was listed as a wanted fugitive for a weapons charge. The male suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident. The female passenger was also arrested for being in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Theft of Package
March 11 at 6:42 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Encinitas reported the theft of a package that was delivered and stolen from her porch sometime during the day. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 11 at 7:57 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of W. Chestnut when he noticed a subject sitting in a vehicle slumped over. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 4:36 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of W. Foothill and observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation. He conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. Through investigation, the officer determined the driver was intoxicated and driving under the influence. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. The suspect was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 2:34 p.m., two subjects, a boyfriend and girlfriend, were arguing in the area of Palm and Primrose. The male got angry and threw the female to the ground, causing scrapes on her arms. He was arrested for domestic violence and a temporary restraining order was issued.

Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 12 at 7:27 p.m., officers responded to the area of Duarte Road and Magnolia for a non-injury traffic collision. While speaking to the subjects involved, officers noticed the subject suspected of causing the collision appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were administered and the driver was arrested for DUI. The driver was later released after a sobering period with a citation to appear in court.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 12 at 8:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to an injury traffic collision at Myrtle and Evergreen. A vehicle traveling east on Evergreen was struck by a vehicle traveling north on Myrtle that had failed to stop at a red signal. Three people in the vehicle traveling east suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department personnel.

Fight in Progress/Assault With a Deadly Weapon
March 13 at 1:23 a.m., Monrovia Fire Department personnel were at a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle for a medical assist and observed a disturbance to the front of the location involving three adult male subjects. The subjects separated and left the location heading in different directions. The subjects came back together around the corner on Lemon. A physical altercation began and the two suspects assaulted the victim. During the assault, he was pushed to the ground, kicked in the head and his head was struck against the pavement. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of multiple head injuries. The two suspects had fled the location. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
March 13 at 1:57 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported a vehicle had crashed into her parked car and fled. The suspect vehicle was described as a gold-colored, four-door vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
March 13 at 3:22 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road called police to report a vandalism that had just occurred. The victim was inside his residence when he heard noises outside. He looked out and saw an ex-roommate standing by his vehicle. He went out to confront the subject, but he fled. The victim looked at his vehicle and noticed the tires had been slashed. The suspect was not located and the investigation is ongoing.

Monrovia Police Seek Missing Girl

Monrovia Police are looking for 14-year-old Bertha Calderon, last seen at her apartment in the 500 block of West Foothill Boulevard. She is 5'01", about 100 pounds with brown hair and eyes. Last seen in short sleave black t-shirt and blue jeans. Originally from Pasadena. If you have information, please call Monrovia Police at 256-8000.

- Brad Haugaard

Faulty Part Causing Traffic Jams at Monrovia Rail Crossings

One cause of the traffic jams around the railroad tracks going through Monrovia is a faulty part in the traffic gate controller. The part is manufactured by Siemens and was recalled by the company back in December. http://goo.gl/W6pevG

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Study Gold Line Traffic Problems; Park Smoking Ban; Educate Council Members; Etc.

At its March 15 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/u9DY3R ), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

- Hiring Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc., for $12,000 to study "the impact of the Gold Line on the traffic flow at key intersections." http://goo.gl/teS3cy

- Establishing a ban on smoking in public parks. http://goo.gl/KLRvYW

- Spending $10,000 to educate and train city council members. http://goo.gl/FRQmf3

- Adding Station Square Park (at the train station) to the list of city designated parks. http://goo.gl/QPCDaz

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sakura Asian Kitchen

Dinner at Sakura Asian Kitchen, a sushi place in the shopping center at the corner of May and Foothill. Got the Bento Box A dinner for $16.95 and a beer for $3.95. The dinner came with miso soup and a salad. We also got some sushi, not shown here. Really excellent meal. ! I'm  surprised this place isn't busier because it certainly deserves it.

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Tips

Some tips on using the Gold Line and how the train and buses interact (thanks to Dennis Sanchez): http://goo.gl/u0w8b7

Comment: I've been giving the train a workout this week and am enjoying it more and more. I think I may check traffic before I leave home and if it is clear, I'll drive, and if not, take the train. Or maybe I'll just take the train. Love trains.


- Brad Haugaard

Shuttle Service from Monrovia Library to Station Square

Schedule for weekend shuttle service starting this Friday between the Library (on Lime) and Station Square. Every Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. It'll cost a dollar. Here's the schedule:

Monrovia Police: Shoplifting; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Girlfriend Battered; Pushing Woman in Shower

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 7-9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 1:32 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter in custody. A male adult was detained by loss prevention for stealing merchandise. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 8 at 2:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of West Huntington regarding a shoplifter in custody. A male adult was stopped by the store manager outside of the store after he concealed a Polaroid tablet in his waistband and left the store without paying. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Investigation
March 8 at 7:53 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported in the 100 block of Madison. The victim had left their residence and was away for four days. When they returned to the home, they discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen off of their parked vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence Investigation
March 8 at 10:25 p.m., Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies called and reported they were in the 400 block East Pamela in Duarte with the female victim of a battery. The victim stated she had been battered by her boyfriend near the corner of Duarte and Myrtle in Monrovia. The boyfriend was not at the scene. Monrovia officers arrived and took over the battery investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 9 at 9:06 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Garfield regarding a domestic dispute between a male and female subject. The female victim was in the shower and refused to give the male suspect a ride to work. The male suspect broke the door and pushed the female. He then left the location and went to work. The male was eventually arrested at his place of work and was taken into custody.

Trader Joe's Pistachios Recalled

Pistachios sold by Monrovia-based Trader Joe's and other markets are being recalled after reports of salmonella. http://goo.gl/ddQMpk

- Brad Haugaard

Free Screening of Film, Robot & Frank

A free screening of the Sundance Film Festival Winner, Robot & Frank, Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Plus, light refreshments, information about aging resources. To reserve free tickets call 205-4308, email movie@monroviaproviders.org



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club Tea Party

Monrovia Garden Club Annual Tea Party, March 22 at 7 p.m. with social time at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church at Foothill and Myrtle. Theme is a "Tea-Story." There will be a forum for participants to share a tea story, which may include a special teapot, tea items or experience. Tea, refreshments, and homemade goodies will be available. Participants should bring a tea cup or mug and any food items, teas or coffee they would like to share.

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Jumps Up

The stock of Monrovia-based drone maker, AeroVironment, jumped 6.09% today, to $28.20, after announcing that it had beaten analysts' estimates. http://goo.gl/J3bl0U

- Brad Haugaard

7th Annual Monrovia Area Partnership Neighborhood Conference

MAP is a partnership of residents, agencies and city departments, joining unique skills, knowledge and expertise to make Monrovia a strong and vibrant community. Since 2006,  MAP has worked year round to develop and promote programs that enhance public trust,  practice effective problem solving and educate residents on the subjects of neighborhood  safety and community pride.

This event only comes once a year and it’s not to be missed.  Be sure to save your spot by registering early and tell your friends to do the same. At the Conference, participants will  enjoy free food, workshops, an information/health fair and small group discussions with other  residents, community leaders, city staff and local organizations. This event is on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.. It's free, fun and a  great way to be part of Team Monrovia!

Join us to celebrate our community and learn about all the ways we continue to work together for a stronger Monrovia.  Register today to save your spot in workshops like:

• Achieving Renewal for Monrovia
• How to Grow a Vegetable Garden
• Coffee with a Cop
• Examining our Snack Foods
• Drought Tolerant Landscaping
• ChangeMakers & The Monrovia Legacy Project and much more!

To find out more or register for the Conference, visit https://goo.gl/cenAe3, call 932- 5563 or e-mail map@ci.monrovia.ca.us

While the MAP Neighborhood Conference is being offered free of charge, registration is recommended. Register online at cityofmonrovia.org or in person at the following locations:  Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia Community Center or the Monrovia Public Library. For more  information, you can also call Neighborhood Services Staff at (626) 932-5563.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Rain Coming to Monrovia | Big Opening Day for Gold Line

~ 90% chance of rain for Monrovia this Friday and 60% chance on Monday. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

~ The Gold Line estimates that there were about 30,000 riders on its opening day, Saturday, March 5, free-ride day.

- Brad Haugaard

Taking the Train to Work

I took the train to work in Pasadena today, from the Monrovia station to Memorial Park station. Parking is free at the Monrovia station and parking slots are nice and wide. 

It was standing room only when I got on the train about 7:35 or so and I stood all the way to Pasadena. (Metro reported later that the Irwindale parking garage was packed by 7 a.m. I believe it.) Otherwise, the ride was beautiful. At exactly 45 minutes door to door, it took about 10 to 15 minutes longer than by car, but on the other hand, no battling traffic. On the way home (I left at 5:08) it was crowded but I had no trouble finding a seat. It took 41 minutes door to door - pretty close to driving time.

My one complaint is with the Tap card ticketing system. It is far better than when I took the train from the Sierra Madre Villa station several years ago, but is still pretty poor. It appears Metro knows how poor its system is because it had an employee helping people figure out how to use it. I would have held up the line for ten minutes if I'd had to do it myself. As I walked up in the morning a woman finishing said to the Metro employee, "Pretty confusing." Indeed it is. Unlike the last time I used the system, at least this time there were some instructions, but they are unhelpfully placed AFTER you encounter the machines. You could decipher them to guess (I'm still not sure this is true) that you don't exactly buy a ticket to a destination but I think you buy for a certain amount of time... maybe just  one way. Very confusing but I'm sure you get used to it.

Anyway, I had a good time overall, but then I love trains. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Art Show in Monrovia

A tour of some of the finest California and US artists on Wednesday, March 16 at John Moran Auctioneers, 145 E. Walnut Ave., in Monrovia, with wine and hors d'oeuvres by The Kitchen for Exploring Food. The event will benefit the at-risk teen art workshop program of Monrovia Association of Fine Arts and the Make a Difference Day outreach of the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley. Art work will span the last century and each attendee will receive an auction catalogue and will be able to preview the sale. Tickets are $50 at www.moranprivatepreview.eventbrite.com or at the door. For more information contact Christine Geltz at 483-0560 or at christine@monroviafinearts.org.

- Brad Haugaard