Dinner at Mooyah Burgers

Dinner last night at the new Mooyah Burgers, in the Pavilions shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. I got a Mooyah burger for $5.79, a small fries for $2.49 and a Little Moo shake for $3.49. A very lively place. The burger comes on a potato bun and is tasty. Shake nice and thick. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Gold Line Service to Improve In Late June

"All Gold Line trains will run from Azusa to East Los Angeles with frequencies of every seven minutes during peak hours beginning Monday, June 27, Metro CEO Phil Washington announced Thursday." http://goo.gl/ZjBM8s Comment: This is very good. I take the trains at rush hour and most of the time it is standing room only because currently half the trains from LA end at Sierra Madre Villa station, which means the trains that continue on - and come back - are about every fifteen minutes and are very crowded. Hooray!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball - Success in Round Two of Playoffs

Monrovia baseball over Ganesha in the second round of the CIF playoffs. http://goo.gl/LbtNY2

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Warn of Fake IRS Phone Scam

The Monrovia Police Department would like to alert the public to a telephone scam that The Monrovia Police Department would like to alert the public to a telephone scam that is currently targeting the public. This week, a Monrovia resident called police to report a telephone scam where they received a recorded phone call from a suspect claiming to represent the Department of the United States Treasury. The suspect stated the call was concerning tax fraud and gave the resident a hotline phone number to call. The suspect said the resident would be facing litigation and would be arrested and put in jail if they did not respond to the call. The resident did not return the phone call. They recognized the call was a fraudulent telephone scam and reported the incident to police. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask you for personal information over the phone. The Monrovia Police Department would like to remind the public not to respond to these telephone scams and to never give out personal information over the telephone.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Vehicle Burglaries and Vandalism; Identity Theft; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 23-25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
May 23 at 8:53 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of Monterey. While police were investigating the incident, a second victim from the 800 block of Monterey contacted police stating their vehicle had also been burglarized. The suspect smashed the vehicle windows to gain entry. A laptop computer that was left on the passenger seat was taken from the first vehicle and a backpack was taken from the second vehicle. The investigations are continuing.

Vehicle Vandalism
May 23 at 4:56 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the report of a vehicle vandalism in the 500 block of Bradbury. The victim parked the vehicle in the evening and returned the next day to discover the window had been shot, possibly with a BB gun. There was one small hole in the window, but no BB's were found inside. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 8:40 p.m., a male adult was caught by employees stealing several items from a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The employees detained the suspect and called police. An officer arrived and, after investigation, arrested the suspect. The suspect was issued a citation to appear in court on the shoplifting charges.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 11:35 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower observed a subject riding his bicycle and attempted to stop him for vehicle code violations. The subject jumped off his bike and ran through a gated apartment complex, but was apprehended by the officer. A search of the subject revealed a methamphetamine smoking pipe. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting/ delaying a peace officer.

Fraud Investigation
May 24 at 10:27 p.m., a victim of identity theft came into the police department lobby to file a report. The victim had received several applications for credit and newly opened credit card accounts. In checking her credit further, she found at least five accounts had been opened in her name. She canceled all the accounts and contacted police. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
May 26 at 5:30 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Olive. The victim parked and secured his van in the evening. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, the victim found one of the windows had been smashed. Upon further inspection, he realized his tools had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Municipal Service Bill To Go Up; Rotating Mayor; Power Poles; Etc.

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ILpgBG ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports:

- Your Municipal Services Bill will go up starting with the August 2016 bill. "For the typical residential customer, a 2.7% CPI rate adjustment will result in a $1.05 / month water bill increase, and a $0.24 / month sewer bill increase."

- The city is planning a set of community meeting to ask people their thoughts about having a the mayor's office rotate among council members. No dates yet.

- SCE will be replacing 214 50-year old power poles with new steel poles, 20 poles per day. You should get a door-hanger notice if there will be work in your area.

- There will be a grand opening of the remodeled Nature Center Exhibit in Canyon Park showcasing Native Americans of the San Gabriel Valley, on Saturday, May 28, from noon to 2 p.m. Event will feature with Native American blessing ceremony, children's activities, story telling, face painting, activity booths.

- Canyon Park Family Hike & Campouts on June 11-12 and August 13-14. From Saturday at 2 p.m. to Sunday at 10 a.m. $40 per 10x10 camping spot. Guided day and night hikes, story times, BBQ'd hotdogs and hamburgers, roast marshmallows... all while spending an evening in a tent beneath the stars. Then a Sunday morning pancake breakfast. For details contact Eugene Suk, Hillside Wilderness Preserve Supervisor, at 256-8281, or at esuk@ci.monrovia.ca.us!

- Monrovia students are featured in this video edition of Metro Motion taking a train ride to Citrus College in Azusa. https://goo.gl/nAoo60

- The latest edition of the Monrovia Today will be out in a week or two. Information about summer concerts, community events, and Library and Recreation activities, programs, and classes.

- Monrovia Day Parade winners: Best Band - Monrovia High; Best Float - Monrovia Elementary School Float; Best Themed Entry - Monrovia High Robotics Club; Best Cheer Squad - Monrovia High Cheerleaders; Best Dance Troop - Pasadena Cowgirls Drill Team & Drum Squad. Judges Award - Ballet Folklorico Azteca.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary Awards Scholarships

The Monrovia Rotary Club reports that it has presented $14,000 in scholarships to students from the Monrovia School District. http://goo.gl/yuY5Ih

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia ChapCare Will Provide Pediatric Care

On June 6, Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (ChapCare), will begin providing pediatric medical services at its center in Monrovia, located at 513 E. Lime Ave. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Bike Safety Saturday | Time Not a Factor Lecture

~ Bike Safety Saturday will be held on Saturday, June 4, from 8 to 10 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at Foothill and California. It will include safety tips, riding skills and first aid information, as well as opportunities for Girl Scouts to earn badges. For information, contact Michael Gray, (818) 468-8870. Sponsored by the Monrovia Police Department, the American Red Cross, Monrovia/Duarte Girl Scouts and Empire Bikes.

~ Christian Science lecture, "Time is Not a Factor in Your Life," by Dave Hohle, Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Monrovia United Methodist Church, 140 W. Palm. Child care provided. Presented by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia College Grad Wins Award for Outstanding Community Service

Aspiring pediatrician Karah Kirby of Monrovia is the 2016 recipient of Cal State Fullerton's Kenneth L. Goodhue-McWilliams Award, which recognizes outstanding community service in the health professions. She received the award Friday at the university's Honors and Scholars Awards ceremony, then donned cap and gown for the May 22 commencement ceremonies on campus. She graduated summa cum laude. Full story: http://goo.gl/J8JOvj

- Brad Haugaaard

Monrovia Police: Road Rage; Drunken Car Accident; Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
May 19 at 7:59 a.m., an abandoned vehicle was reported in the 800 block of W. Walnut. An officer arrived to check on the vehicle and found the driver side door handle was damaged, there were no license plates, and the vehicle identification number was covered. A tow service was requested to store the vehicle. They gained entry into the vehicle, allowing the officer to check the vehicle identification number. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Hollywood a one week prior. The vehicle was stored and the owner was notified.

Road Rage / Criminal Threats / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 19 at 3:09 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Foothill and Magnolia regarding an incident of road rage and criminal threats that just occurred. The female victim reported that the female suspect was driving a silver Honda and cut in front of her on Foothill at Magnolia, as they both were driving east in heavy traffic. The suspect then abruptly stopped her vehicle, causing the victim to stop, as well. The suspect exited her vehicle in the middle of the road, ran up to the victim's vehicle, and began pounding her fists on the window, yelling profanities and threatening the victim. The victim called police on her cellphone.

When the suspect saw the victim calling on her phone, she punched the victim’s side mirror, breaking it, and then fled in her vehicle. She was detained by police. A computer check revealed the suspect had four outstanding warrants for her arrest and a suspended driver's license. The victim positively identified the suspect and she was arrested and taken into custody for the charges and warrants.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
May 19 at 4:01 p.m., officers were alerted to a possible stolen vehicle in the 1800 block of S. Peck. The vehicle, a blue Honda Civic, was traveling north on Myrtle. An officer in the area saw the vehicle stopped for a red light at Duarte Road. A computer check confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen the day before to the Los Angeles Police Department. The officer followed the vehicle until assisting officers could arrive and then the vehicle was stopped. The driver and passenger, both male adults, were arrested and taken into custody for questioning. The passenger was later released.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Traffic Collision with Injuries
May 19 at 4:40 p.m., a three car collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Magnolia. A small red vehicle was traveling west on Foothill and ran a red light at Magnolia, colliding into a white compact traveling north on Magnolia. The white vehicle was pushed into a small postal carrier truck. Both the driver of the red vehicle and white compact sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver of the red vehicle appeared to be intoxicated and there were empty alcohol containers in his vehicle. A blood sample was taken and the investigation is continuing.

Fraud Report
May 19 at 7:40 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington on the report of a fraud scam. The suspect claimed to be a representative of the electric company and told the victim he was late with this month’s payment. The victim did not know it was a scam and sent a Money Gram to the suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 20 at 12:58 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of W. Duarte Road regarding two male subjects climbing into a clothing donation bin. Officers arrived and contacted a subject near the bin. Although no theft was substantiated, the investigation revealed one of the suspects was under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary
May 21 at 9:05 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle in a business parking lot and went into a business. When she returned, she found a window smashed and her purse missing from inside the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Weapon Offense / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 21 at 1:49 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks when the officer saw a subject acting suspicious and attempting to hide behind a dumpster at a closed business. He stopped and contacted the subject. The subject admitted to having drug paraphernalia. During a pat-down search, a weapon and drug paraphernalia were found on his person. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 21 at 10:35 p.m., a suspicious male subject was reported to the rear of a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 12:32 a.m., a possible traffic accident was reported in a business parking lot in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and saw one of the involved vehicles leaving the scene and conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of S. Canyon. During the investigation, it was determined that no traffic accident had occurred, but the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Felony Vandalism
May 22 at 7:55 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1100 block of E. Huntington on the report of vandalism to a customer's vehicle. It appears the suspect used some type of paint thinner or a corrosive substance on the victim’s vehicle, causing damage. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 7:18 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported near a dumpster in an alley behind an apartment complex in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description given. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding parole warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 7:23 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding a subject who was trying to grab one of the employees. Officers arrived and determined the subject was intoxicated and was trying to talk to his girlfriend, who works at the location. Although no crime occurred, the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Vandalism
May 23 at 2:48 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1900 block of S. Myrtle noticed what appeared to be fresh graffiti on the walls of the businesses between the 1900 and 2000 blocks of S. Myrtle. Red spray paint was used to damage the property. The investigation is continuing.

Citrus College Places Well in Rocket Competition

Left to right: Logan Tomes, Justin Frias, Tabitha Bailey, and Rebecca Thomas, members of the 2016 Citrus College Rocket Owls.

Two teams of Citrus College science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students recently participated in competitions organized by NASA. Citrus College serves Monrovia.

Eight Citrus College students known as the Rocket Owls joined groups from 47 other American colleges and universities in designing, constructing, and launching rockets as part of NASA’s annual Student Launch project in April. The Rocket Owls completed the challenge in fourth place, their best showing ever, after first place Vanderbilt University, second place University of Louisville, and third place Cornell University.

The Citrus College team had to design a rocket that could reach an altitude of one mile, deploy an automated parachute system, and safely land where it could be recovered.

Several days earlier, Citrus's Galactic Owls was the only group from California selected to participate in NASA’s international Human Exploration Rover Challenge, or HERC.  The five students from Citrus College travelled to Huntsville, Ala. to design, build, and race human-powered rovers April 7-9, 2016.

The Galactic Owls competed against college and university teams from throughout the United States, as well as teams from Russia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and India.  The students successfully completed the mandatory rover obstacle race and the optional sample collection challenge.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard

Mooyah Burgers Opens Today in Monrovia

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is opening today in the Pavilions shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. The company says:

Guests can choose from a variety of bun options, such as baked in-house artisan white or multigrain wheat buns and handcrafted lettuce buns to accompany a never-frozen, 100 percent American beef patty, all-natural Jennie-O turkey patty or delicious black bean veggie patty. Each gourmet burger can be customized with five different cheese options, applewood smoked bacon and sliced avocado, along with nine free veggie toppings and 11 free sauces.

- Brad Haugaard

Government Evaluating Monrovia Company's 'Tether Eye' Drone

Monrovia drone-maker, AeroVironment, reports that the government's Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office is evaluating the company's new drone, named Tether Eye. The company calls it a 'virtual observation tower.' It is tethered to the ground with a special power cord and it circles and keeps watch around the point where it is tethered. http://goo.gl/WrRM5d

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Micah Fulton Wins Two Titles; City Facilities Closed Memorial Day

~ Monrovia Girl's Track star, Micah Fulton, wins two track and field titles. http://goo.gl/qTNmMQ

~ All city facilities will be closed on May 30, Memorial Day. http://goo.gl/qTNmMQ

- Brad Haugaard

- Brad Haugaard

Clifton Robotics Team to China; State Funding Lacks Excitement; New Classes

At its May 25 meeting (agenda here), the Monrovia School Board will ...

- Consider an "extended field trip" to Shanghai, China,  on May 30-June 5 for the Clifton Robotics Team to participate in a robotics competition. All expenses will be paid by donations. And if you want to donate, click here: https://goo.gl/bVSg8V

- Hear a report on state schools funding. Chief Business Officer Connie Wu writes: "The Governor's May [budget] Revision reflects the lower state revenue collection compared to January's projection. Although there is no funding cuts in K-12, as a result of year-to-date weak sales tax receipts and April's lackluster personal income tax revenue, there is definitely lack of excitement." Details here

- Consider approving new classes in ceramics and vehicle maintenance, and advanced placement classes in computer science, psychology, and physics.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hazardous Waste Roundup

Household Hazardous & E-Waste roundup on Sat. June 4; 9-3 p.m. in the 300 block of Evergreen (between California and Shamrock) in Monrovia.

Monrovia City Manager Estimates Cloverleaf Entry Point Should Be Open Within Three Months

I asked City Manager Oliver Chi for an update on progress opening the Cloverleaf entry point to the Hillside Wilderness area. Here's most of his response:

First, pursuant to the purchase and sale agreements that were approved, he City has been working to implement the capital improvements that were identified.  Those capital improvements include:

§  The City will install two (2) electric access control gates on Cloverleaf Drive.

• The first gate shall be located on Cloverleaf Drive where Cloverleaf Drive splits off from Hidden Valley Road.
• The second gate shall be installed on either the easements being acquired or on City owned property in-between the property owned by Baze and Reid.

§  The City will install a set of locking mailboxes for the residents of Cloverleaf Drive.
 
§  The City will install a public drinking fountain on City property located north of the facility known as Fire Station 103.
 
§  The City will install a public trash receptacle on City property located north of the facility known as Fire Station 103.

§  The City will develop mechanisms to divert pedestrian and bicycle traffic into and out of the HWP through the CAP onto the existing access trail located just west of the City’s Cloverleaf Canyon Reservoir.

We have been making good progress during the past month and half since the agreements were approved.  A status update of each item is included below:

§  We have complete the preliminary designs for the two fences that we need to install, and we have also obtained quotes from the contractors.  We are in the process of working with the contractor to refine the fencing quotes, and we plan on meeting with the residents within the next few weeks to finalize and approve the fencing plans in question.

§  We have identified the recommended mailbox, drinking fountain, and trash receptacle for installation.  We need to review the selections with the residents before we finalize the installation.

§  Our team has also assessed the access trail located west of the City’s Cloverleaf Canyon Reservoir, and the work needed to upgrade the location is minimal.  Our staff has identified that any needed work can be accomplished in less than a week, and therefore, we are holding off on making those improvements in order to coordinate the work with the installation of the two gates.

One other note… the permit parking program for the area has been developed in concert with the capital improvement work that staff has been executing.  The Traffic Safety Committee approved the permit parking program at their May 19, 2016 meeting and we are now working to get the signage developed and installed in consultations with the area residents.

...

Based on our progress to date, I do believe that we should be able to get everything completed within the next 3 months.


- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Wang's Place

Dinner at Wang's Place, on the south side of Lemon just east of Myrtle. Got the Kung Pow Chicken ($12) and a beer ($4). Very good! I was impressed. 

- Brad Haugaard 

'From Sea to Shining Sea' Musical Production at Monrovia's Clifton School

California Dance Institute presents "From Sea to Shining Sea," with 150 California Dance Institute students, on June 2 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Clifton Middle School Theater at 226 S. Ivy Ave. Students are from local schools, including Monrovia's Plymouth and Wild Rose Elementary Schools. The show, which also features a professional band and vocalists, travels across America through song and dance, from Zydeco to Bluegrass to Motown.

CDI is an in-school and after-school arts education program and West Coast Affiliate of Jacques D'Amboise's National Dance Institute. It engages children to move toward success in life through dance and music.

- Brad Haugaard