Dinner at The Diplomat

Dinner at The Diplomat, on the north side of Lemon just a few doors east of Myrtle. Judging from the name it sounded kinda dress-up so I wore my best blue jeans, but I needn't have worried as it is quite casual.  Got the chicken kebab for $11 and a nice craft draft beer ($7), of which they have a good selection. Food was good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Murder Suspect Arrested; Homeless Living in Rental Car ... For Too Long; Sexting Assault; Assault on Semi; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 13-15. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 419 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.

Transportation of a Controlled Substance / False Information to a Peace Officer / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 12:00 p.m., and officer on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of Fano. When the driver saw the officer, he sped off and attempted to evade the officer. The officer temporarily lost sight of the vehicle, but eventually located it in 1300 block of Linda in Arcadia, as residents flagged the officer down and reported that the vehicle had pulled into their driveway. The officer contacted the driver and after the investigation was complete, the driver was arrested for an out-of-state warrant, providing false information to a peace officer, and transporting a controlled substance, which was located inside his vehicle during a consent search.

Bicycle Theft
June 13 at 1:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the report of a stolen bicycle in the 200 block of W. Cherry. The victim reported his blue, Kent bicycle with gold rims was stolen out of his backyard sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 3:21 p.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in the 400 block of W. Foothill. The vehicle was parked in a business parking lot and was occupied by two suspects. The officers detained the suspects and the driver was arrested for grand theft auto.

Residential Burglary
June 13 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Los Angeles on the report of a possible burglary in progress. A white Saturn or Nissan backed into the property and three male suspects with hoodies were seen loading items from the house into the vehicle. The property owner was not home and the suspects had fled the scene prior to police arrival. On arrival, police discovered a window was open, the screen had been cut and the backdoor was wide open. A search of the interior revealed the home had been burglarized. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 11:57 p.m., officers located a stolen rental vehicle in the 100 block of E. Lime Avenue in the parking lot north of the police station. An officer watched the vehicle from a distance to see if anyone returned to it. A female suspect eventually returned and entered the vehicle. She drove off and the officer stopped the vehicle in the 500 block of S. Myrtle, where the suspect was taken into custody. The suspect said she did not return the vehicle because she was currently homeless and was living out of it. She was arrested and taken into custody for grand theft auto.

Residential Burglary
June 14 at 7:08 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1800 block of S. Tenth Avenue. The suspects entered the garage and then entered two vehicles inside. They ransacked the vehicles and stole cash and a garage door opener. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
June 14 at 8:00 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1600 block of Alamitas. The victim parked his vehicle overnight. When he went out to his vehicle in the morning, he found that it had been ransacked. An electronic tablet and a small amount of cash was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
June 14 at 9:44 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked. An iPad and headphones that were left in the vehicle were stolen.The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 14 at 2:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Grand Avenue in response to an alarm activation. The resident had arrived home about the same time as the officers were arriving on scene. The glass to the rear door had been shattered. The house had been slightly ransacked. It was unknown if items were missing. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 5:18 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police regarding a theft that had just occurred. A male suspect was leaving the store with a stereo and he had not paid for it. Officers arrived on scene and saw store loss prevention personnel chasing the male suspect south on Mayflower. The officer stopped and detained the suspect. After investigation, he was arrested and taken into custody for the theft.

Identity Theft / Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Evading a Peace Officer – Suspects Arrested
June 15 at 12:10 p.m., officers responded to the report of a forgery in progress at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington Drive. When officers arrived, they saw the suspect vehicle back up and almost run over the loss prevention agent as he ordered repeatedly for the vehicle to stop. The suspect then fled and was involved in a short pursuit with a Monrovia motor officer. The female suspect was stopped and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and evading an officer. A second suspect involved had fled the store on foot. He was located, detained and arrested for identity theft.

Assault – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 8:35 p.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. It was reported that someone in the fight was possibly stabbed. The suspect was seen fleeing the area on a bicycle. An officer arrived and detained the suspect. Further investigation revealed there was no stabbing. The suspect and victim know each other and the suspect had been texting sexual messages to the victim's girlfriend. The victim confronted the suspect to talk to him and during the conversation, the suspect punched the victim in the face and both started fighting. The suspect then pulled out a knife and attempted to stab the victim several times, but was not successful and the victim ran away. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 10:51 p.m., police received a call reporting a disturbing subject in the 200 block of Railroad. The subject was banging on the side door of a semi-trailer truck. When the officer arrived, the suspect fled on foot, but fell and cut the palm of his hand. He was detained by the officer. Further investigation revealed a male and female were sleeping in the truck. The female was in the front seat and the male was in the sleeper section. The suspect approached the truck and began staring at the female subject. The suspect then climbed onto the back of the truck and disconnected the airlines. The suspect then started banging on the passenger door, telling the female to open the door. She called the police. The suspect was arrested for vehicle tampering and outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Murder Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 1:23 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of Hurstview when he attempted to contact a male subject. As he approached, the subject abruptly took off running and jumped a fence, heading south towards Euclid. The officer believed the subject was a known, possibly armed, gang member wanted for a murder that occurred in the City of Duarte. Officers quickly set up containment of the area. Temple Sheriff’s Department sent two units and Irwindale Police Department sent three units. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter also responded to assist. The suspect was last seen running through the rear yard of a residence in the 500 block of Euclid. Officers searched the residence and found the murder suspect hiding in the backyard. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Injury Traffic Collision/Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 3:31 a.m., officers responded to Fifth and Chestnut regarding a rollover traffic collision with a subject trapped inside. The driver tried to flee the scene and was being restrained by witnesses. The suspect driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fire personnel were able to free the female passenger. Both the suspect driver and passenger were taken to a hospital for their injuries. The driver was charged with felony driving under the influence.

Finding Nemo Movie At Monrovia Library

Free screening of Finding Nemo movie, Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. at Monrovia Public Library. Reserve free tickets at 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments and senior resources. Presented by Monrovia Providers Group, City of Monrovia, Foothills Resources for the Aging.

- Brad Haugaard

Celtic Woman star Chloë Agnew and Tenor Dermot Kiernan in Concert

"Ireland's Celtic Songbird" Chloë Agnew, a founding member of Celtic Women, and tenor Dermot Kiernan will perform in concert on Saturday, July 2, at 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. Ticketsare $15 at ticketleap.com.

The artists will perform an evening of their favorite Irish tunes, along with light classical pieces and well-loved standards.

A performer since childhood, Chloë Agnew appeared in the PBS special Celtic Woman at age fourteen. The US response to the special led to a debut album that remained on the Billboard World Music Chart for 81 weeks. This and their second and third albums went on to hold the top three positions on the chart. Agnew was named 2012 Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Music Awards. In 2013, she moved to Los Angeles to launch a solo career. Her appearances have included touring internationally with some of America's most distinguished orchestras.

Dermot Kiernan has toured extensively with Dublin's Pro Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral Choirs, appearing as a featured soloist for their recordings and concerts worldwide. In 2009, he joined The Celtic Woman Aontas Choir and toured with the production in the US, Australia, Japan and Europe. He was later named its choir leader/director. Kiernan holds Masters degrees from the National University of Ireland and The Sorbonne in Paris. Now based in Los Angeles, he performs, directs and teaches across the country.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Garden Club Celebrates 85th Birthday

The Monrovia Garden Club will celebrate its 85th birthday at its annual potluck dinner. The meeting, the last until fall, will be held on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. Visitors are welcome. monroviagardenclub@hotmail.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Be Hit By Blackouts This Summer | Late Gas Bills | Brews & Books | Restrooms | West Side Story

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

- Last week, Southern California Gas Company Edison told the City that because of restricted operations of the company's Southern California Gas Company's Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, there is an increased risk that we will experience rotating blackouts this summer. City staff has corresponded with SCE to determine what measures, if any, can be taken to mitigate the potential of such rolling blackouts. Comment: Sorry 'bout that.

- Southern California Gas Company notified Monrovia that some residents may receive delayed bills. This means a bigger bill later.

- Brews and Books on June 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Station Square Promenade by the Metro Parking Structure. Open to adults 21 years and older with a valid ID. Sample lagers and ales from local brewer, Pacific Plate Brewing, and discover books written by the brew masters.

- The city has installed new restroom partitions at the city-owned Boys and Girl Club of the Foothills. Existing partitions in both the boys and girls restrooms were in need of replacement due to wear and tear.

- Taylor Performing Arts Center will be presenting West Side Story, opening on July 14, for 5 performances on July 14, July 15, July 16 and July 17, at 8 p.m. each day and also a 2 p.m performance on July 16. http://goo.gl/2JhO1w

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July in Monrovia

Monrovia's 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 4, in Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Ave.). Live Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Person to Person. Following the concert, a free 20 minute Fireworks Show will begin at 9 p.m. That according to City Manager Oliver Chi.

He also says that spectators may reserve a park space no larger than 10 x 10 feet which must be supervised at all times. This event was made possible by sponsorships from Samuelson & Fetter, Monrovia Old Town Merchants, Wendy's Hamburgers, Diane Balsamo of Prime Lending, Larry Davis of Prime Lending, and the Sierra Family of Dealerships. The City will be once again encourage spectators to participate in the Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest, where the most festive canopies will win prizes.

For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Department of Public Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Soulful Celebration Concert in Monrovia

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents "A Soulful Celebration!" on June 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke Church. The concert will feature performances of classic soul hits by Michael Jackson, Etta James, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Bill Withers, in addition to spirituals and gospel songs. The performance will be accompanied by a live band, will include guest soloists, and will include "Kids in Concert!" The evening will also include a silent auction fundraiser.

Tickets at the door are $20 ($15 seniors/students, $5 children under 12). Also at http://www.sgvccsingers.org or by check (SGVCC; P.O. Box 2225; Monrovia, CA 91017). Tax-deductible donations to SGVCC are accepted online and by check.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Adoption Day at Humane Society

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, which serves Monrovia, will hold its third annual “Free Adoption Day” on June 23. Adoption fees will be waived for all available animals - dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles - for the entire day. The shelter, at 361 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena, will be open for adoptions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As the shelter fills to capacity during the warmer months, it is important to find new homes for pets as quickly as possible. This is especially true before Fourth of July, when animals are easily frightened by the loud booms and bursts of fireworks and may run away. The shelter hopes to free up as much kennel as possible to for the increased number of stray and lost pets arriving around the Fourth of July. The 2015 “Free Adoption Day” resulted in the adoption of 46 cats, 18 dogs, three rabbits and one iguana.

Regular adoption policies and screening apply. To expedite the adoption process, print an adoption application in advance on our website. If you rent, bring proof you are allowed to have a pet at your residence. Ample parking is available onsite. View all animals at the shelter at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

- Brad Haugaard

Medical Fundraiser for Carmen Martinez | Free Football Camp

~ Fundraiser for medical expenses of Monrovia resident Carmen Martinez Friday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., at United Methodist Church (140 E. Palm). http://goo.gl/QCz0kr

~ Learn basic football skills from Wildcat coaches and players. Free camp for kids ages 6-14. Wednesday, June 29 at 5-6 p.m. at the Monrovia High Football Field. For registration information email Monroviafoobtall2016@gmail.com

Toasty Days! Record 107 Degrees Expected for Monrovia Monday

Toasty days coming. It is expected to reach 103 degrees on Sunday and 107 next Monday. Make a pitcher of lemonade! ( https://goo.gl/0qMTb8 )

The National Weather service says this is "potential record heat" and recommends: "Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day. If working outside...work with a buddy and take frequent breaks. Provide water and shelter for animals. Check on family... friends... neighbors and animals. Also remember to never ever leave children... pets and the elderly unattended in vehicles... even with the windows down." NWS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Marching Band & Color Guard Awards Banquet

On May 28 the Monrovia High School Marching Wildcats Band & Color Guard held its annual awards banquet to celebrate an outstanding year in youth music and performance at Embassy Suites Arcadia. Among the awards given that night, Director of Bands Daniel J. Magallanes presented the John Phillip Sousa and the Louis Armstrong awards, as well as a new award, The Jackie Farrow Memorial Scholarship.

- The Louis Armstrong award is a nationally recognized award presented to a graduating senior for dedication and excellence in jazz. Nathanial Young is this year's recipient.

- The John Phillip Sousa award is a nationally recognized award for students who exhibit superior musicianship and outstanding dedication in band. Joseph Garcia is this year's recipient.

- The Jackie Farrow Memorial Scholarship is a new award presented by the band booster board members to an exemplary graduating senior who has dedicated him- or herself to service to others in the band program. Emily O'Pray was awarded the scholarship.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Graduates Record Number of Students

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, reports that its Class of 2016 is nearly 25 percent larger than that of the previous year and breaks a 100-year record for the total number of students receiving associate degrees.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Indecent Exposure; Pedestrian Hit; Another Bear; Not a Burglary, a Party; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 9-12. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
June 9 at 7:31 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 2500 block of S. Peck Road. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence the evening prior. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he discovered the passenger window had been shattered. The suspect entered the vehicle and rummaged through the glovebox and center console. The victim did not know exactly what was taken, if anything. The investigation is continuing.

Indecent Exposure
June 9 at 12:30 p.m., a female victim reported an incident of indecent exposure that had just occurred at Mayflower and Walnut. The female victim was walking at Mayflower and Walnut when a faded, pale green, four-door SUV stopped next to her. The male driver asked for directions. As she approached the vehicle to give him directions, she saw he was exposing himself. She immediately turned and walked quickly back to her place of business. She had security call police to report the incident. The victim described the suspect as a male white in his late 30's to early 40's with dark brown hair, average build, a pointy nose, and wearing a dark colored t-shirt. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 9 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to the report of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Foothill and Canyon. Witnesses reported that a vehicle heading east on Foothill Boulevard ran a red light and struck a male, adult pedestrian in the crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained several breaks in his left leg, a broken nose and several lacerations. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Vehicle Burglary
June 10 at 10:22 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of N. Myrtle. The vehicle was broken into sometime overnight. There were no signs of forced entry. Miscellaneous items were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Bear Incident
June 10 at 10:29 a.m., a bear was reported in the 600 block of Hacienda going yard to yard. The Department of Fish and Wildlife responded, tranquilized the bear and took it back into the foothills, where it was released. The bear was a 200 pound female in good health that had not been tagged.

Trespassing – Subjects Advised
June 10 at 8:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residential burglary in progress in the 1100 block of Norumbega Drive. The reporting party was house sitting for the resident. When she arrived at the location, she saw the lights inside turn on and off. She then saw a male subject exit the front door and she called police. Officers responded and two male juveniles were located on the property with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter. Through investigation, officers discovered the residence had been listed on social media as having a house party. The homeowner was contacted and told that his teenage son had given permission to friends to have a party while he was on vacation. The owner refused to prosecute; all parties were advised.

Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
June 10 at 9:17 p.m., a fight in progress was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Bike patrol officers arrived and located a subject matching the description of one of the reported subjects involved in the fight. While speaking with the subject, a female subject approached. Both subjects were extremely intoxicated and determined to be unable to care for themselves. Police were unable to substantiate that a fight had taken place. Both suspects were arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 9:15 p.m., a female victim called police to report that her estranged husband has been verbally threatening her. The victim showed the officers text messages she had recently received from him that threatened he was going to kill her and that she was about to die. Officers searched for the suspect at local locations and found his vehicle parked in the 600 block of E. Cypress. The suspect was inside the vehicle and was detained. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm. The suspect was arrested for criminal threats and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspects Arrested
June 10 at 9:30 p.m., two suspicious subjects were reportedly breaking into a vehicle in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was nearby and guided officers to the location of the suspicious subjects. The subjects were located inside their own vehicle and one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest. No vehicle burglaries were located. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.

Vehicle Burglary
June 11 at 2:49 a.m., a vehicle with a shattered window was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington Drive. Officers arrived and found the vehicle had been broken into and the contents were strewn about inside the vehicle. Officers were unable to locate the registered owner. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 11 at 3:25 a.m., a homeowner in the 400 block of E. Almond Avenue called police to report her residence had been burglarized. Police responded and found the interior of the residence had been ransacked. A small safe had been broken into and the contents were missing. The home was empty during the time of the burglary. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
June 11 at 9:45 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of Encino. The vehicle is a gray Toyota Camry and it was stolen from the driveway of the residence sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 8:33 p.m., officers located a reported stolen vehicle in a parking structure in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The vehicle was believed to be stolen by two subjects that have been committing vehicle burglaries in town. Officers watched the vehicle hoping the suspects would return. At 1:50 a.m., one of the suspects returned and attempted to drive the vehicle out of the parking structure. The vehicle was stopped by officers and the suspect was taken into custody. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 11 at 9:00 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Tenth Avenue called police to report his home had been burglarized while he and his family were out of the country. He indicated they have been gone for the past four months traveling. The rear window to a door was shattered and the home had been ransacked. A list is being compiled of the stolen property. The loss was extensive and the investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 7:00 a.m., a caller reported suspicious subjects in the stairway of a parking structure in the 100 block of W. Colorado. When officers arrived, they saw a male adult drop a meth pipe on the ground. The suspect was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested for the charges and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 9:54 p.m., officers responded to the report of possible domestic abuse. They arrived and determined that there had been an argument between family members and the husband punched the wife in the face. He was arrested and an emergency protection order was obtained.

OSH Monrovia Store Having a Hiring Event

Orchard Supply Hardware will have a hiring event at its new Monrovia Store (700 W. Huntington) on June 16-17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. The company is building a team for the store, which opens in late July, and wants cashiers, sales associates, receiving specialist, clerical support associates, assistant store manager, sales lead, front end lead and support team lead. Applicants must complete an online application prior to interview at: http://www.osh.com/hiring-event-monrovia . Available positions will be involved in setting up the store.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Lab Discovers Preventive Measure Against HIV

Researchers at Monrovia'S Oak Crest Institute of Science have demonstrated for the first time that two powerful antiretroviral drugs can provide complete protection against HIV. http://goo.gl/cKOC2V

- Brad Haugaard

Metro To Charge for Some Parking Spots at Monrovia Station

Metro is going to begin charging for some of the parking spots at the Monrovia train station, as well as at the Irwindale, Monrovia and Downtown Azusa stations. For $39 you get a monthly permit that allows you to park in designated spaces if you arrive between 4 and 10 a.m. Permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. http://goo.gl/wiKUcP

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Bridge Named Top Architectural Project

The Gold Line bridge over the 210 freeway has been named one of ArchDaily's top 100 architectural projects: http://goo.gl/IURfAJ

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Myrtle Tree Garden Cafe & Market

Had lunch yesterday at the new Myrtle Tree Garden Cafe & Market, on the west side of Myrtle just below Lime. Got a smoked salmon sandwich for $10 and an ice tea for $2.50. Very similar to its predecessor, Le Gourmand. Sandwich was tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Enrichment for Students; Library Activities; Golden Streets

- Monrovia Schools Foundation is offering a Summer Enrichment program for K-12 students. Elementary and middle school classes $375 per course and the high school classes are $400 per course. Details: http://goo.gl/RHwSS0

- This June at Monrovia Library, actitities for children to adults (Highlights: children - Barks and Books, read to a dog; adult - Korean food, taste and learn): http://goo.gl/Mxsx6S

~ 626 Golden Streets. Sunday June 26, (626) Day! Free, family-friendly ciclovia opening streets to Walk, Run, Skate, Bike, Ride and Explore the 626! 17 miles of open streets linking 6 Gold Line Stations and 7 San Gabriel Valley cities. Comment: Wikipedia, ciclovia, "a Spanish term that means 'cycleway', either a permanent bike path or the closing of certain streets to automobiles for cyclists and pedestrians." http://goo.gl/nU3PTU

- Brad Haugaard