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Alex Blackburn Selected As Monrovia Mayor Pro Tem

Monrovia City Council member Alex Blackburn has been unanimously selected as the Council's mayor pro-tem. In other words, he serves as mayor when the mayor isn't available. http://goo.gl/Ugr8Mi

- Brad Haugaard

Crossing Finish Line

Crossing the finish line at Monrovia's Fountain to the Falls race.

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovian sets New Track and Field Record

Monrovia's Micah Fulton sets a new set a Rio Hondo League track and field meet jumping record of 37 1-1/2. http://goo.gl/5hchRy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Honoring Staff Members; Attendance Down; Replacing Alex

At its May 11 meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia School Board will, among other things ...

- Honor: Board Member Alexandra Zucco for her seven years as a member of the Board of Education; Bradoaks Elementary School teacher, Ani Baker, for her dedication and commitment in helping a student's dream come true; and Plymouth Elementary School and Principal Suzanne Heck for its Mandarin Dual Immersion Language Program.

- Hear a report on student attendance. It's down 0.2%, which translates into a loss of $81,000 for the district. Details here.

 - Decide on a process to replace member Alex Zucco.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rudy's


Dinner at Rudy's Mexican Food at the corner of Colorado and Myrtle. Got the Beef Birria for $12.95 and a small beer for $6.50. Filling and tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Issues Second Recall This Week

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's has issued a second recall this week, this time for 9.3-ounce packages of broccoli slaw & kale salad with white chicken, sunflowers, cranberries and sweet and spicy vinaigrette. http://goo.gl/Cu2sjz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Baseball Over Temple City :-)

Monrovia baseball victorious over Temple City 2-0. http://goo.gl/vH0jMJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Returns to Get Arrested; Threatening Phone Scam; Man Given Ticket for Shoplifting; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 2-4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 422 service events, resulting in 71 investigations.

Federal Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 2 at 9:00 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Camino Real for a vehicle code violation. A computer check on the driver revealed he had a no-bail, federal warrant for his arrest for violation of his federal probation. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 10:48 a.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks regarding a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they knocked on the front door, but no one answered the door. Officers located an open rear door and made entry into the residence. They located a female subject in a rear bedroom and found she had physical injuries. The male suspect had fled. While the officers were interviewing the victim, the male suspect returned by jumping over the rear fence. He was detained by the officers and arrested for domestic violence.

Threatening Phone Calls / Phone Scam Investigation
May 3 at 7:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Terrado. The victims are an older couple who received a phone call from a suspect identifying himself as a representative of Publisher's Clearing House. The male suspect on the phone told them they had won $2.5 million dollars. The suspect told the victims they would only have to mail him $399 by money order. The couple realized the phone call was a scam and told the suspect they were not interested. The suspect called back several times that day. The next day, the suspect called again and threatened the couple, stating he was going to do them bodily harm if they didn't send the money. The investigation is ongoing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 4:00 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a man and woman yelling, possibly fighting, near the wash north of Duarte. Officers arrived and saw a male subject, who began jumping fences to get away from the officers. The subject was eventually detained running through an apartment complex in the 800 block of W. Duarte. He was determined to be intoxicated and had numerous abrasions and scratches from jumping the fences. The officers called paramedics to have the subject checked. After he was given first aid by paramedics, he was arrested for being intoxicated in public.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 9:50 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill on the report of a shoplifting suspect in custody. The store loss prevention officer made a private persons arrest of the male suspect. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 11:04 p.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Myrtle on the report of a disturbing male subject yelling as he walked down the street. Officers located and detained the subject, who was determined to be intoxicated and too impaired to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Battery
May 4 at 11:44 p.m., officers responded to a possible fight at a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles. Two female subjects had been involved in a physical fight, but one of them had left the location. The female subject at the location was uncooperative with police.

About an hour later, a male adult called police and reported that his daughter had been involved in a fight at the location and that she was being taken by ambulance to a hospital due to her injuries that occurred during the fight. An officer was dispatched to the hospital to interview the female, he interviewed the father, and then re-interviewed the other female. Both females had minor contusions on their faces. The report will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for misdemeanor filing.

Vandalism / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:43 a.m., a vandalism in progress was reported at the northeast corner of Myrtle and Lime. The reporting party stated there were three subjects, but only one was spray painting graffiti on the wall. Officers located and detained one of the suspects near Palm and Myrtle. Upon searching the subject, officers found a baggie of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. He claimed that it was another subject that spray painted the wall. No other suspects were located. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's Recalls Veggies

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's has issued a recall "out of an abundance of caution" for several frozen vegetables - peas, beans, brocolli, and its "Trader Joe's Organic Foursome." http://goo.gl/hZSQ4E

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Woman Charged With Assaulting Postal Carrier

A Monrovia woman has been arrested by postal inspectors and charged with assaulting a postal carrier with pepper spray in Pasadena. https://goo.gl/cmb5nb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Wild Rose Elementary Receives Its Third State Award

Monrovia's Wild Rose Elementary School, a Gold Ribbon School, was honored today for its Exemplary Arts Education Program Award and as a Title I Achieving School by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

Of 5,580 elementary schools in California only 38 were honored for having Exemplary Programs in Arts Education or Physical Education. Last month, Torlakson honored 779 schools with the Gold Ribbon Award, and Wild Rose was one of the recipients. Of those schools, 496 received the Title I Achieving Schools Award, and Wild Rose received that honor as well.

At Wild Rose, students are exposed to dance, instrumental music, choir, vocal lessons, drama, and visual arts. Ninety students in grades 1-5 are preparing for a drama production of "School House Rock Jr. Live" on May 19 at 6 PM and May 20 at 9:20 AM, 10:40 AM, and 6:00 PM in the school's cafeteria. The production is being coordinated by the music teacher, the office manager, and a retired teacher. The production is based on the award-winning 1970s cartoons which features fast-paced musical lessons with clever, catchy tunes to support history, grammar, and many other academic concepts.

All fourth grade students participate in a dance program one hour per week through the California Dance Institute (CDI). The Boone Foundation, a private and local donor that supports arts education in the area, funds this program to schools with low socioeconomic demographics who also have a high percentage of English language learners. This $10,000 gift allows the students access to an experience they may not be able to afford outside of the school setting. Thirty students participate in an after school dance club called SWAT and will perform in a culmination performance on June 2 at 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM at Clifton Middle School.

Students at Wild Rose receive visual arts instruction weekly. The school district and the school's PTA fund two visual arts teachers. As you drive by the perimeter of the school, you see three murals painted by fifth graders as the annual tradition of leaving their mark on their school. These murals are done in the likeness of famous masterpieces at the Huntington Library.

In Torlakson's press release, he stated,"I'm delighted to honor these schools and programs which are doing a tremendous job preparing our students for 21st century opportunities and graduating lifelong learners in the process." Likewise, Stacy Ayers, Wild Rose School Principal stated, "We are so proud our students have the opportunity to show off their talents and creativity when test scores are so often the focus in schools. It's important to give all students a chance to shine and showcase their strengths."

Wild Rose has about 525 students, approximately 78% of whom are disadvantaged. One-third of the students speak English as a second language. Despite these challenges, Wild Rose is a California Gold Ribbon School and a four time award winning Golden Bell School.

Source: Wild Rose press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Meet With Assemblyman About Stormwater, Policing

The Monrovia City Council and State Assemblyman Chris Holden (who represents the city) will hold a special meeting Thursday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss two issues the city has been very bothered about: "MS4 Permit Concerns," which, I believe, is that whole "clean up your storm-water even though it'll cost several times your annual budget" thing, and "Proposition 47 and Law Enforcement Legislative Impacts." Police Chief Jim Hunt has been extremely critical of the law, which makes a lot more crimes misdemeanors. Here's a minimalist agenda: http://goo.gl/C83pB3

- Brad Haugaard

Municipal Services Discounts for Monrovia Seniors, Veterans, Low Income Residents

Did you know that Monrovia residents may be entitled to discounts of 5% or 25% off their municipal services bill? Yup. 5% off for seniors (65 and older) and 25% off for veterans and low income residents. Here's the sign-up form: http://goo.gl/iIZYVh . Thanks to former City Council candidate Stephan Grollnek for the tip.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Training Exercises Above Monrovia; New Fire Division Chief; Movies in the Park; Clear-Your-Brush Letters

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/h2MVgG ), City Manager Oliver Chi reported these things ...

~ LA County Fire Department will be coordinating a training exercise on Friday, May 6, from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Helispot 44-B in Monrovia, located north of Norumbega Drive (past Valmont Drive) just below Sawpit Dam.

~ The city has selected Jeremy Sanchez as its newest Fire Division Chief. He will be overseeing emergency preparedness, policies, technology, volunteer services, and brush clearance.

~ The Schedule for summer-time Movies in the Park. (All movies at dusk, about 8 p.m.)
- AntMan (PG-13), Saturday, June 18, Monrovia Historical Museum.
-  Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG), Saturday, July 9, Julian Fisher Park
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13), Saturday, July 23, Station Square Park
- The Good Dinosaur (PG), Saturday, August 6, Grand Ave Park

~ The City sent out almost 1,500 brush inspection reminder letters this past week to remind hillside residents about removing dry brush.

- Brad Haugaard

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Movie at Library

Free screening of the modern film classic, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. To reserve free tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments and aging resources. Presented by Monrovia Providers Group: www.monroviaproviders.org

Monrovia Old Homes Tour A Success

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group reports that its old homes tour was a success, with more than 450 people attending. http://www.mohpg.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Flying Car Lands in Front Yards; Stolen Make-Up Bag; Domestic Violence; Keying Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 28 – May 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
April 28 at 1:02 p.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of W. Maple regarding a vehicle burglary. A witness heard the sound of a window shattering. The witness saw a heavy-set, male Hispanic, 20-40 years old, reach in through the shattered window of a parked vehicle. A white, newer-model truck with no plates pulled up next to the male, blocking the view, so the witness could not see if he took anything from the vehicle. The male suspect entered the passenger side of the truck and they fled west on Maple, then north on Mayflower, out of sight. Officers searched the area for the truck, but were unable to locate it. The victim arrived and told officers her makeup bag was stolen from the driver's seat of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
April 29 at 5:32 a.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a male and female involved in an argument, which had escalated and become physical. Officers arrived and interviewed the subjects. They determined the male subject had physically injured the female and was the primary aggressor. The male subject was arrested for domestic violence. The female was advised of her rights and available assistance.

Vehicle Vandalism
April 29 at 7:25 p.m., a vehicle vandalism was reported at a business parking lot in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim was inside the business shopping and upon exiting the store, he observed the suspect key his vehicle. The suspect is a former roommate the victim had evicted several months prior. The victim believes the suspect is now homeless. The suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
April 29 at 8:40 p.m., the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter observed a vehicle that was traveling at a high rate of speed lose control at the intersection of El Nido and Hillcrest and it landed in the front yards of two properties. Officers responded and located the vehicle and the driver. The driver said he was traveling 40 to 50 miles per hour, heading east on Hillcrest. When he passed El Nido, he lost control and went airborne. He landed onto two properties in their front yards. Police received several calls from residents who heard the accident. No one was injured.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 2:25 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle drive through a stop sign at the intersection of Magnolia and Evergreen. He conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver had been drinking. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
April 30 at 12:38 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft of tools that just occurred. The two adult, male suspects were detained by officers, driving away from the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe. The tools were recovered and returned to the store. The two suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Family Disturbance / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
May 1 at 12:25 a.m., officers were called to a residence in the 900 block of S. Mayflower where a family was involved in a verbal argument. One of the subjects had left prior to police arriving, but she was located on an adjacent street talking on her cell phone. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Monrovia Council: Regulating Massage Establishments; Hotel at Myrtle and Huntington; Etc.

At its next meeting ( http://goo.gl/d3tnaN ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

- An amendment to the Monrovia Municipal Code to regulate "Massage Establishments and Massage Practitioners," bringing it into compliance with current state law. (It looks as if the amendment would tighten regulation of massage.) http://goo.gl/wJbuXz

- An exclusive negotiating agreement with Tharaldson Hospitality Development to build a hotel at the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive. http://goo.gl/SK1P1u

- Granting a conditional use permit for a 12-unit residential condominium development at 530 Fano Street. http://goo.gl/Te71GT

- Leasing 200 acre feet of Main San Gabriel Basin water production rights from the Azusa Valley Water Company for $128,248. http://goo.gl/EYn0uh

- Renaming Grand Avenue Park to Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue since the service club has done a lot of work for the park. http://goo.gl/2h0VZF

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Taqueria El Diablo


Dinner last night at Taqueria El Diablo, at the corner of Myrtle and Olive. Got a chorizo burrito for $8 and a medium watermelon agua fresca for $3.50. Good. 
- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Football Star Going to Air Force Academy

Monrovia High football running back Lawrence Spicer has accepted a scholarship to the Air Force Academy. http://goo.gl/wbDBwY

- Brad Haugaard