Monrovia Council To Consider Opening Cloverleaf Access Point to Wilderness Area; Friday Night Fair Operator

At its next meeting ( http://goo.gl/wqksZB ) the Monrovia City Council will consider purchasing easements from two property owners (for $175,000 each) to open the Cloverleaf access point to the Hillside Wilderness Area. The city will also spend between $50,000-$100,000 to install gates and locking mailboxes for the residents, to put in a water fountain and perform trail upgrades. Money to pay for the easements and improvements would come from the current Hillside Wilderness Preserve fund, from savings the city is seeing from refinancing the bonds for the wilderness area at a lower interest rate, and from $165,000 that accrues annually until 2031 as the city pays down the bonds. http://goo.gl/HW15y0

~ At a 5 p.m. study session, the council will discuss the Friday Night Street Fair Operator Assessment Process. http://goo.gl/E6vF5H

Comment: I have been nagging about the Cloverleaf access point for years, and I am happy to see this measure finally on the agenda. Assuming it is adopted by the City Council, it means the Cloverleaf entry point to the Wilderness Area will finally be open to hikers and bicyclists, as was promised years ago. This, in turn, means that for practical purposes the amount of trail area more than doubles.

What do I mean by, "for practical purposes?" Well, imagine a loop trail with the far side of the loop high up the side of a mountain. You hike way up the mountain, then way down the other side of the loop, which circles around towards where you started. BUT! Just as you are about to get back to where you started, you encounter a locked gate and you have to turn around and climb all the way back up the mountain and then all the way back down the way you came.

So, most non-super-athletes will hike to the top of the loop then turn around and come back down the same way they went up, meaning that one half (or more) of the loop is "for practical purposes" not really available to any but super athletes. This is precisely the problem that opening the Cloverleaf gate solves.

Thank you, Oliver Chi and city staff for the work you have done to finally bring this before the City Council. And please, City Council. Please approve it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over San Marino in Baseball

Undefeated San Marino defeated by Monrovia. http://goo.gl/IuqxIv

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Jim's Burgers

Dinner the other night at Jim's Burgers on Duarte Road in the shopping center at Fifth. Got an Avocado Cheeseburger for $5.25 and a medium iced tea for $1.10. Good price, quick service, fresh, and a generous amount of avocado. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over La Canada in Baseball

Monrovia High defeats La Canada High 8-4 in baseball. http://goo.gl/iOECwe

- Brad Haugaard

Uh, No - Trader Joe's Is Not Closing

If you've heard that Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is closing its stores, not to worry - it's an April Fools Day joke: http://goo.gl/TrbYXM

Speaking of April Fools jokes, here's a good Monrovia one: http://goo.gl/KfM84Z

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Track and Golf

South Pas beats Monrovia in track ( http://goo.gl/bBNv4o ), but Monrovia beats them at golf ( http://goo.gl/z39c7I ).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. San Marino

Monrovia vs. undefeated San Marino in baseball. http://goo.gl/tpwA75

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus 12th in Degrees to Hispanic Students

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been ranked 12th out of more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States in awarding associate degrees to Hispanic students according to "The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education," a biweekly publication that reaches more than 50,000 readers. This is the ninth consecutive year the college has been included on the magazine's Top 50 list, and its highest ranking to date. Last year, the college was ranked number 22. Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Four Catalytic Converters Stolen; Stolen Credit Card Used Fast; Drug Bust; Shoplifting Arrest

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 28-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 446 service events, resulting in 94 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle
March 28 at 8:51 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Sutter Creek. The victim had locked the doors of her vehicle and went inside the residence of a friend she was visiting. While she was inside the residence, her son entered the vehicle to get his backpack and failed to lock the doors when he exited. When they returned to the vehicle to leave, she noticed her purse was missing. She then drove home. Before the officer arrived at her house, she had found out that someone had already used one of her credit cards at a gas station at Huntington and Monterey. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 1:58 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Foothill and Canyon for a vehicle code violation. The driver displayed signs and symptoms of alcohol use. The investigation revealed the driver was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Stolen Vehicle
March 29 at 6:34 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of North Canyon regarding a stolen vehicle report. The vehicle taken is a silver, 2004 Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle was taken sometime between 11:00 p.m. on March 28 and 6:30 a.m. on March 29. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 8:29 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Magnolia and Colorado was flagged down by a resident. The resident told the officer that someone had stolen the catalytic converter from her vehicle during the night. The vehicle is a 2009 Honda Element. The vehicle was parked on the southwest corner of Colorado and Magnolia at the time of the theft. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 12:09 p.m., an officer responded to a theft of a catalytic converter from a residence in the 100 block of N. Highland. The vehicle, a 2005 Honda Element, was parked on the street. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 3:59 p.m., a possible drug sale taking place at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle was reported to police. An officer arrived and detained a subject matching the description. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested without incident.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 8:28 p.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of W. Hillcrest. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence in the evening. When he returned to his vehicle the next morning and started it, the vehicle made a loud noise. A mechanic checked the vehicle and found that someone stole the catalytic converter from the vehicle. A grand theft report was completed and the investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
March 29 at 9:16 p.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of W. Lime. The victim parked and secured her vehicle on the street in front of her house. When she returned to her vehicle the next morning, she started the engine and realized something was wrong based on the sound of the vehicle. A mechanic told her someone had stolen her catalytic converter from her vehicle. A grand theft report was completed and the investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
March 30 at 7:38 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding three subjects concealing merchandise on their person. Loss prevention personnel reported they were preparing to exit the store. Officers arrived and detained three suspects that exited the store without paying for the merchandise they had concealed. All three suspects were arrested for shoplifting.

Historical Museum Curator Leaves | Belly Dancers

~ Monrovia Historical Museum curator, Mark Sill, has left the museum, he and his wife Peggy having moved to Beaumont, California. The museum's "Museum Musings" says that, "His work over the last seven years has left our museum the center of many cultural events in Monrovia, as well [as] being known all over the San Gabriel Valley for its collection of artifacts and exhibits."

~ The former Bull Taco, on Lemon just east of Myrtle, will become The Diplomat, and hopes to have belly dancers. http://goo.gl/EYOqHp

- Brad Haugaard

Cinderella Movie at Monrovia Library

Free screening of Disney film, Cinderella, Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. For tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments and information on aging. Presented by Monrovia Providers Group.

Addressing Homelessness in Monrovia; Expand Metro Parking; Concerts; Hotel; Shuttle; New Fire Engines; History Test; Beer Fest

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/0DC9yE ), City Manager Oliver Chi reported that ...

~ To address homelessness in city parks, Monrovia plans to install video surveillance cameras, develop police and park ranger patrols of parks, and streamline the city process of connecting the homeless with services. The City Council will discuss this at its April 5 meeting.

~ The city is talking with Metro about expanding the 350-slot parking garage at Station Square, which gets up to 70% full during peak hours.

~ The city has been talking with Levitt Pavilion of Greater Los Angeles & Pasadena about putting on a concert series at the new band shell in Station Square.

~ The city got five proposals in response to its request for proposals to build a hotel at the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Huntington. Proposals were from Tharaldson Hospitality Development; Singpoli Group; Arbor Capital Group, Inc.; CFT NV Developments, LLC; CIBA Real Estate on behalf of Corinthian Development Company.

~ The experimental 5-10 p.m. weekend shuttle between the train station and Library Park carries 60-70 people a week, most on Friday evenings. The city will keep running the shuttle for a few more months to see how it works.

~ The city got two new fire engines manufactured by Kovatch Mobile Equipment. They're at Station 102. Also got a command truck. They're red.

~ Test your historical knowledge of Monrovia April 3 at the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 East Lemon Ave.) on Sunday, April 3, from 2-4 p.m. City Historian, Steve Baker will field questions. See if you can "Stump Steve." Also, hear about becoming a member of the Monrovia Historical Museum.

~ Monrovia Station Beer & Music Fest on Saturday, April 16 from 2-6 p.m. at Station Square Park. Over 30 beers from award winning breweries! Live music from Go Betty Go & the Delgado Brothers and food from local vendors. General Admission $45. Proceeds benefit the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce & Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. Details and tickets: https://goo.gl/fjvze4

Story of Mt. Sierra's Move Across Monrovia

The story behind Mt. Sierra College's move across Monrovia. http://goo.gl/iSkzMn

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Offers Forgiveness

The Monrovia Public Library is celebrating National Library Week by forgiving any late fines you have on books, magazines, DVDs, music CDs and audio books.

- Brad Haugaard

State Bill Would Promote Water-Efficient Landscaping

The Water Efficient Landscaping Bill, AB 2525, by Monrovia's Assemblyman Chris Holden, has passed the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on a 9-3 vote. It would create the California Water Efficient Landscaping Program to encourage Californians to make their landscaping more water efficient. If the legislature allocates money for the program, there will be a residential turf rebate program, jobs program, and public education.

- Brad Haugaard

Metallic Balloons Caused Monrovia Power Outage - Hopefully Fixed by 3:30 P.M.

Southern California Edison is now reporting that the power outage in north Monrovia caused by metallic balloons should be fixed by about 3:30 p.m. today. It is affecting about 460 customers.

- Brad Haugaard

Power Outage in North Monrovia

Southern California Edison reports that there are power outages in parts of north Monrovia affecting about a thousand customers. It is still analyzing the problem. One resident reported a loud explosion, as if a transformer blew out. https://goo.gl/MUxo2e

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Armed Robbery; Racing Cars on Huntington; Car Hits Pedestrian; ID Theft; Domestic Violence x 3

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 24-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
March 24 at 1:06 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle that appeared suspicious. It was driving slowly in the 200 block of W. Colorado and making unusual turns. The driver eventually stopped abruptly and motioned to the officer to pass. The officer pulled in behind the vehicle and ran a license plate check, which revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of West Covina and had been used in a carjacking. There were three occupants in the vehicle; a male and female were taken into custody and a third female subject fled, but was not located. Drug paraphernalia was found on the male driver of the vehicle. The two suspects were arrested. The male suspect was later released to the West Covina Police Department on the grand theft auto charges.

Domestic Violence
March 25 at 2:41 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of N. Fifth regarding a domestic violence incident. A male and female that have been living together for 11 years were involved in an argument. During the argument, the male subject punched the female subject in the head and then pushed and shoved her, causing visible injuries. The male subject fled the area prior to police arrival. An Emergency Protective Order was obtained. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Offense / Speed Contest – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 6:23 p.m., an officer observed two vehicles that were racing each other on Huntington Drive. The officer was able to stop one of the vehicles. He contacted the driver, who admitted to racing the other vehicle. A police helicopter searched for the second vehicle, but it was not located. The suspect that was detained was arrested and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Injury Traffic Collision – Vehicle Versus Pedestrian
March 25 at 9:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to Mayflower and Evergreen regarding a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle. Investigation revealed the pedestrian was walking south on Mayflower in a marked crosswalk at Evergreen. A vehicle was traveling south on Mayflower and made a left turn onto Evergreen. The driver did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk and struck him. The victim landed on the hood of the vehicle, rolled off and struck his head on the pavement. He was taken to a hospital with serious head trauma. The victim was later listed in stable condition and is expected to survive his injuries.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation traveling north on Peck at Live Oak. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. After further investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested, held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 2:18 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop on Mountain at Central. Investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested, held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Traffic Collision / Felony Driving Under Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 2:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Huntington and Ivy regarding a solo vehicle traffic collision. The investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his vehicle and struck the curb in the intersection. A passenger in the suspect's vehicle was injured during the collision and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested for felony DUI and held pending his court appearance.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 10:37 a.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of W. Cherry regarding a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, the female victim told them she was involved in an argument with her boyfriend. She reported that he choked her, hit her and threw keys at her, causing visible injuries. The suspect was still at the location and was uncooperative. The suspect was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 7:40 p.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Primrose and Pomona when they heard a woman screaming. The officers located a male and female involved in a verbal altercation. A consent search of their vehicle resulted in the discovery of a notebook that belonged to the male suspect. The notebook was found to contain personal, identifying information from multiple victims. The suspect was arrested for identity theft and held until his court appearance.

Robbery / Canyon and Colorado
March 26 at 10:48 p.m., a victim called police and reported he was robbed at gunpoint by four male subjects at Canyon and Colorado. The victim stated the suspects were all wearing blue bandanas and all had semi-automatic handguns. The suspects ransacked the victims vehicle and stole his wallet and skateboard. The suspects fled south on foot, but were not located after an extensive search. Later, the victim called and stated he found his wallet in a nearby alley. During the robbery, the suspects made statements about belonging to a local street gang. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
March 27 at 10:39 a.m., a female and male who are boyfriend and girlfriend were in an argument in the 400 block of Duarte Road. The boyfriend began hitting and kicking the girlfriend. She sustained numerous visible injuries, but did not want paramedics to treat her. She also refused a Protection Order. The boyfriend fled the location prior to police arriving. A wanted person entry was issued in the law enforcement system for the suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
March 28 at 1:04 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Duarte Road for an alarm call at a business. The officer arrived and found a large window had been smashed with an unknown object. The business owner checked the location and found that nothing had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Package Briefly Halts Train Service to Monrovia

Trains temporarily bypass Monrovia after suspicious package discovered. Rice cooker? http://goo.gl/87Liuq

- Brad Haugaard

Man Robbed at Gunpoint | Trader Joe's Recalls Chocolates

~ Man robbed at gunpoint of wallet and skateboard in Monrovia Saturday night. http://goo.gl/sMyRhp

~ Monrovia-based Trader Joe's has recalled its Chocolate Orange Sticks and Chocolate Raspberry Sticks because they may contain milk, which is not listed as an ingredient. http://goo.gl/FISZ24

- Brad Haugaard