The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, July 2, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will be walking 8 city blocks. Cost is $5 per person, and reservations are not necessary. Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues.
- Brad Haugaard
News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com •
Restaurants
•
Library Catalog
•
Library Activities •
History
• 
Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS
The Origin of Monrovia's Box Clock
Photo courtesy Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.
The latest issue of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter examines the origin of the Box Jewelry Store clock on Myrtle.
"Originally, the clock was located on the west side of the street where Glenn L. Box had a jewelry store (he arrived in Monrovia in 1921). In 1931 he moved his business (and, it is assumed, the clock) to 518 S. Myrtle."
The clock was made by the Brown Clock Company, and Monrovia’s clock is one of only four Brown clocks still remaining in California.
Over the years the dial has been changed and the iron scroll work that you see at the top of the clock in this picture has been replaced with neon lettering.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Isaiah Ramos Named Baseball Player of the Year
Monrovia High School pitcher Isaiah Ramos has been named the Pasadena Star-News baseball player of the year. http://goo.gl/19gYBV
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
More Trash Services, Higher Price; 4th of July; Leak Fixed; Pacific Plate Honored; Etc.
In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ The city has worked a deal with our trash disposal company, Athens, for the company to provide free mulch to residents twice a year, free hillside brush clearance, pick-up from trash cans at bus stops, unlimited bulky-item pick-ups for free. Free, however, is going to cost more. Starting this July 1, trash costs will go up a per-month average of $4.99 for homes, $28.53 for apartments/condos, and $31.60 for businesses.
~ The 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show will be held in Library Park beginning at 7 p.m. with a performance by Person to Person, followed by a free 20 minute fireworks show will at 9 p.m. You may reserve a space no larger than 10 x 10 feet, which must be supervised at all times.
~ The city had to fix a major water leak on Magnolia Avenue between Lemon Avenue and Lime Avenue on June 18. It was a six-inch crack in a water main. Workers Steve Hardman, Michael Troncosso, Gerry Acosta, Alonzo Alatorre and Scott Hallimore got it fixed.
~ SGV Economic Partnership will recognize Monrovia-based Pacific Plate Brewing Company as its Small Business of the Year. Here's the company: http://goo.gl/3DcD0j
~ In partnership with Looplink, the city is offering a new service showing all available retail / commercial properties in Monrovia, here: http://goo.gl/Ym41yv
~ Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a measure into the Assembly to request that the federal government provide money for LA-area cities to pay for federally-mandated storm water clean-up. Currently the burden on Monrovia to clean up its storm water is $231 million.
~ The fire is 62% contained and blocked from homes. It has burned about 5,285 acres, and about 923 individuals were fighting the blaze this past weekend. Privately operated drones have been getting in the way of fire-fighting aircraft and air operations had to be suspended on June 25.
- Brad Haugaard
~ The city has worked a deal with our trash disposal company, Athens, for the company to provide free mulch to residents twice a year, free hillside brush clearance, pick-up from trash cans at bus stops, unlimited bulky-item pick-ups for free. Free, however, is going to cost more. Starting this July 1, trash costs will go up a per-month average of $4.99 for homes, $28.53 for apartments/condos, and $31.60 for businesses.
~ The 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show will be held in Library Park beginning at 7 p.m. with a performance by Person to Person, followed by a free 20 minute fireworks show will at 9 p.m. You may reserve a space no larger than 10 x 10 feet, which must be supervised at all times.
~ The city had to fix a major water leak on Magnolia Avenue between Lemon Avenue and Lime Avenue on June 18. It was a six-inch crack in a water main. Workers Steve Hardman, Michael Troncosso, Gerry Acosta, Alonzo Alatorre and Scott Hallimore got it fixed.
~ SGV Economic Partnership will recognize Monrovia-based Pacific Plate Brewing Company as its Small Business of the Year. Here's the company: http://goo.gl/3DcD0j
~ In partnership with Looplink, the city is offering a new service showing all available retail / commercial properties in Monrovia, here: http://goo.gl/Ym41yv
~ Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced a measure into the Assembly to request that the federal government provide money for LA-area cities to pay for federally-mandated storm water clean-up. Currently the burden on Monrovia to clean up its storm water is $231 million.
~ The fire is 62% contained and blocked from homes. It has burned about 5,285 acres, and about 923 individuals were fighting the blaze this past weekend. Privately operated drones have been getting in the way of fire-fighting aircraft and air operations had to be suspended on June 25.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Trader Joe's Fined Over Greenhouse Gas
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's fined $500,000 for refrigerators that leak Freon, a greenhouse gas. http://goo.gl/5D15RZ
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Dump Truck vs. Car; Sleeping at the Wheel; Bears; Indecent Exposure; Fake Fifty; Domestic Violence
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Vehicle Burglary
June 23 at 6:29 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest. The victim parked and locked his truck in front of his home in the evening. When he returned to the vehicle in the morning, he found someone had broken into the vehicle. The driver's door lock was punched and his tools had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision
June 23 at 12:53 p.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. A large dump truck was following too close and collided into a passenger vehicle. The dump truck driver was driving without the appropriate license certification and was issued a citation. The driver of the second vehicle complained of neck and back pain, but refused medical treatment.
Traffic Collision
June 23 at 1:33 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of E. Foothill. Two vehicles were involved in the collision. One of the drivers fell asleep at the wheel and collided into the other vehicle, which was making a parking maneuver.
Bear Incident
June 23 at 2:00 p.m., a bear was sighted in the 400 block of N. Canyon. The resident called to report a bear in his front yard that was aggressive. The resident came in contact with the animal as he exited his home. The resident reported that the bear was agitated. It growled at the resident, but then left the area back into the foothills. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified.
Indecent Exposure
June 23 at 7:16 p.m., two adult females were walking east on Hillcrest, approaching Heather Heights, when they walked by a grey pickup truck that was parked with the passenger window open. Both females looked inside the truck and saw a white, adult male, mid to late 20s, sitting in the driver's seat, exposing himself. They attempted to get a photograph of him with their phone, but he quickly drove away, heading south on Heather Heights. However, since Heather Heights is a dead-end street, he was required to drive by them again as he drove back onto Hillcrest. The male driver looked at the females, waved at them, then drove away out of sight. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 23 at 10:05 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 700 block of E. Foothill. The residents had left the home locked and secured to go out to dinner at 6:30 p.m. When they returned at 10:05 p.m., they discovered their house had been burglarized. The suspects broke into the home through a bathroom window. The suspects ransacked the entire house, then fled prior to the family returning. It is unknown what exactly was taken. The victims will conduct an inventory of their personal possessions. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 23 at 11:53 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Wildrose. The resident left her house to go out with friends. At 11:00 p.m., she returned home and discovered the house had been ransacked. There was no one inside the home. The backdoor was open and she realized she had left it unlocked. The loss is unknown and the investigation in ongoing.
Petty Theft
June 24 at 6:50 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower Avenue called police to report a theft. The resident parked his vehicle in his detached garage in the evening and left both the garage and his vehicle unlocked. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found his briefcase had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 10:36 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Norumbega reported a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was determined to be under the influence of narcotics. The subject was arrested, taken into custody and held for a sobering period.
Counterfeit Currency
June 24 at 6:43 p.m., a male adult suspect entered a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill and attempted to purchase merchandise with a fraudulent $50.00 bill. The employee checked the authenticity of the bill and determined it was fraudulent. The employee called police, but the suspect left the business prior to police arrival and was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Bear Sighting
June 24 at 8:06 p.m., the homeowners of a house in the 300 block of N. Encinitas called police to report a bear in their backyard. Officers arrived and flushed the bear off the property and back into the foothills.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 25 at 11:03 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 200 block of E. Colorado. The victim parked her vehicle in front of her home and went inside for the night. She went out to her vehicle in the morning and found the front of her vehicle had been damaged. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 25 at 11:58 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of E. Cherry Avenue. The residents were leaving for the weekend. They locked the front door, but left a bedroom window open. The caretaker later arrived to check on the home and found the front door ajar and a bedroom ransacked. The loss could not be determined until the owners can take inventory. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 25 at 3:33 p.m., an officer responded to the report of an injury traffic collision in the 200 block of E. Foothill. A vehicle traveling on Foothill slowed to make a left turn and was rear ended by a second vehicle. Three passengers complained of pain and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Domestic Violence
June 26 at 1:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hospital, where a female adult had checked herself in for injuries she had just sustained at her house. She told the officer that she was home with her child when the father of the child arrived to visit. They began to argue, and the male suspect hit the female victim in the head with his fist, causing a visible injury. The suspect then left the house. A want for domestic violence was issued for the suspect.
Domestic Violence
June 26 at 6:45 p.m., police received a report of a disturbance at a location in the 1800 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived and separated a male and female who have been in a relationship for over 10 years. The female sustained a visible injury to the top of her head during the altercation. The male was arrested for domestic violence.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Vehicle Burglary
June 23 at 6:29 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest. The victim parked and locked his truck in front of his home in the evening. When he returned to the vehicle in the morning, he found someone had broken into the vehicle. The driver's door lock was punched and his tools had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision
June 23 at 12:53 p.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington. A large dump truck was following too close and collided into a passenger vehicle. The dump truck driver was driving without the appropriate license certification and was issued a citation. The driver of the second vehicle complained of neck and back pain, but refused medical treatment.
Traffic Collision
June 23 at 1:33 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of E. Foothill. Two vehicles were involved in the collision. One of the drivers fell asleep at the wheel and collided into the other vehicle, which was making a parking maneuver.
Bear Incident
June 23 at 2:00 p.m., a bear was sighted in the 400 block of N. Canyon. The resident called to report a bear in his front yard that was aggressive. The resident came in contact with the animal as he exited his home. The resident reported that the bear was agitated. It growled at the resident, but then left the area back into the foothills. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified.
Indecent Exposure
June 23 at 7:16 p.m., two adult females were walking east on Hillcrest, approaching Heather Heights, when they walked by a grey pickup truck that was parked with the passenger window open. Both females looked inside the truck and saw a white, adult male, mid to late 20s, sitting in the driver's seat, exposing himself. They attempted to get a photograph of him with their phone, but he quickly drove away, heading south on Heather Heights. However, since Heather Heights is a dead-end street, he was required to drive by them again as he drove back onto Hillcrest. The male driver looked at the females, waved at them, then drove away out of sight. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 23 at 10:05 p.m., an officer responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 700 block of E. Foothill. The residents had left the home locked and secured to go out to dinner at 6:30 p.m. When they returned at 10:05 p.m., they discovered their house had been burglarized. The suspects broke into the home through a bathroom window. The suspects ransacked the entire house, then fled prior to the family returning. It is unknown what exactly was taken. The victims will conduct an inventory of their personal possessions. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 23 at 11:53 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Wildrose. The resident left her house to go out with friends. At 11:00 p.m., she returned home and discovered the house had been ransacked. There was no one inside the home. The backdoor was open and she realized she had left it unlocked. The loss is unknown and the investigation in ongoing.
Petty Theft
June 24 at 6:50 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Mayflower Avenue called police to report a theft. The resident parked his vehicle in his detached garage in the evening and left both the garage and his vehicle unlocked. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found his briefcase had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 10:36 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Norumbega reported a suspicious person in the area. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was determined to be under the influence of narcotics. The subject was arrested, taken into custody and held for a sobering period.
Counterfeit Currency
June 24 at 6:43 p.m., a male adult suspect entered a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill and attempted to purchase merchandise with a fraudulent $50.00 bill. The employee checked the authenticity of the bill and determined it was fraudulent. The employee called police, but the suspect left the business prior to police arrival and was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Bear Sighting
June 24 at 8:06 p.m., the homeowners of a house in the 300 block of N. Encinitas called police to report a bear in their backyard. Officers arrived and flushed the bear off the property and back into the foothills.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 25 at 11:03 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 200 block of E. Colorado. The victim parked her vehicle in front of her home and went inside for the night. She went out to her vehicle in the morning and found the front of her vehicle had been damaged. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 25 at 11:58 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of E. Cherry Avenue. The residents were leaving for the weekend. They locked the front door, but left a bedroom window open. The caretaker later arrived to check on the home and found the front door ajar and a bedroom ransacked. The loss could not be determined until the owners can take inventory. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
June 25 at 3:33 p.m., an officer responded to the report of an injury traffic collision in the 200 block of E. Foothill. A vehicle traveling on Foothill slowed to make a left turn and was rear ended by a second vehicle. Three passengers complained of pain and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Domestic Violence
June 26 at 1:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hospital, where a female adult had checked herself in for injuries she had just sustained at her house. She told the officer that she was home with her child when the father of the child arrived to visit. They began to argue, and the male suspect hit the female victim in the head with his fist, causing a visible injury. The suspect then left the house. A want for domestic violence was issued for the suspect.
Domestic Violence
June 26 at 6:45 p.m., police received a report of a disturbance at a location in the 1800 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived and separated a male and female who have been in a relationship for over 10 years. The female sustained a visible injury to the top of her head during the altercation. The male was arrested for domestic violence.
Dinner at Cafe X2O
Dinner at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. I got the Lule Kebab, $11, a lightly seasoned ground beef roll, and a beer at the special Thursday half-off-with-a-meal price of $3. Food was good.
- Brad Haugaard
626 Golden Streets Event Postponed
The 626 Golden Streets event which was scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed. The festival website says "the 18 mile open streets event and all associated activities scheduled for June 26th 2016 will no longer be held this Sunday. The event is being postponed; a future date is not available at this time." http://www.626goldenstreets.com/
Thanks to Brad Hori for the tip.
- Brad Haugaard
Thanks to Brad Hori for the tip.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Plans 91016 Zip Code Day
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce asks you to save the date 9/10/16 (Sept. 10, 2016) as Zip Code Day for Monrovia and to "Stay tuned for more information."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Thefts from Vehicles; Stolen Golf Clubs; Not Drunk, Diabetic; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 458 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.
Grand Theft Auto
June 20 at 8:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim stated his motorcycle was stolen from the apartment parking structure. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
June 20 at 4:58 p.m., a resident called police to report a vehicle had been abandoned along a red curb in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower for two days. Officers responded and the investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Downey Police Department.
Theft From a Vehicle
June 21 at 9:22 a.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report a theft from his vehicle in the 100 block of N. Encinitas. The victim parked his vehicle and left his golf clubs inside. The vehicle was left unlocked. When he returned to his vehicle the next day, he found the back passenger door open and noticed his golf clubs were missing. The investigation is continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
June 21 at 9:50 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of N. Mountain. The victim left his vehicle unlocked and when he returned, he discovered his center console had been ransacked. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 21 at 12:18 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. The caller reported he found his garage open and several items were missing. The investigation is continuing.
Medical Assistance
June 21 at 10:37 p.m., a motorist called to report a possible DUI driver on Scenic and Canyon. The driver was driving wrong way in opposing lanes of traffic. An officer responded and located the driver and vehicle. The driver was found to be diabetic and in need of medical help. Paramedics responded and treated the driver.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 458 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.
Grand Theft Auto
June 20 at 8:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of S. Myrtle regarding the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim stated his motorcycle was stolen from the apartment parking structure. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery
June 20 at 4:58 p.m., a resident called police to report a vehicle had been abandoned along a red curb in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower for two days. Officers responded and the investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Downey Police Department.
Theft From a Vehicle
June 21 at 9:22 a.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report a theft from his vehicle in the 100 block of N. Encinitas. The victim parked his vehicle and left his golf clubs inside. The vehicle was left unlocked. When he returned to his vehicle the next day, he found the back passenger door open and noticed his golf clubs were missing. The investigation is continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
June 21 at 9:50 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of N. Mountain. The victim left his vehicle unlocked and when he returned, he discovered his center console had been ransacked. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 21 at 12:18 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. The caller reported he found his garage open and several items were missing. The investigation is continuing.
Medical Assistance
June 21 at 10:37 p.m., a motorist called to report a possible DUI driver on Scenic and Canyon. The driver was driving wrong way in opposing lanes of traffic. An officer responded and located the driver and vehicle. The driver was found to be diabetic and in need of medical help. Paramedics responded and treated the driver.
Three New Monrovia Historic Structures
The Monrovia City Council has added three more buildings to its list of historic structures. Pictures here: http://goo.gl/jIJsZI
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Should Be Blocked From Monrovia By Tonight
Monrovia is reporting that "there is no immediate direct fire threat to Monrovia, and we remain cautiously optimistic that the San Gabriel Complex Fire will not impact the City." And, that fire crews are blocking off the western edge of the fire, which poses the greatest threat to Monrovia. "[F]ire officials are hopeful that the entire western flank of the fire will be boxed in and contained by the evening tonight." http://goo.gl/wVtF9Z
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Current Extent of Fire
The current extent of the San Gabriel Complex fire, from Supervisor Michael Antonovich's office. http://goo.gl/99QWXm
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Optimistic, But Has Fire Evacuation Plan Ready Just in Case
Tan is first evacuation group. Red is second. Details below.
Based on all the latest intelligence information available, officials have identified that there is no direct fire threat to Monrovia at this time. However, while the City remains cautiously optimistic that the fire will not impact our community moving forward, the flames are moving slowly in a southwesterly pattern, which could eventually impact residents living in the neighborhoods around the northeastern part of Monrovia. In particular, the residents living in and around the Norumbega Road area are the most likely to be affected.
It is important to note that if City officials determine that the fire could cause any impact on residents or property in Monrovia, we will order mandatory precautionary evacuation procedures for all impacted residents. Based on the current fire movement pattern, if the precautionary evacuations are ordered, it is estimated that the soonest that such an order would be issued is later this evening.
To that end, all residents living in the northeastern part of Monrovia are encouraged to remain vigilant and ready to be evacuated. Should an evacuation order be given, we will be coordinating evacuation procedures as follows:
§ First Evacuation Phase – all residents living east of Norumbega (where it parallels Sawpit Wash) and north of Greystone Avenue
§ Second Evacuation Phase – all residents living east of Myrtle Avenue and north of Greystone Avenue, and east of Shamrock and north of Foothill
In addition, the attached map outlines the areas of Monrovia that would be evacuated, and also the evacuation phasing plan. Also, should an evacuation order be issued, the City has made all of the necessary preparations to establish the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) as our primary evacuation site.
With regard to other local fire impacts, fire officials believe that the Fish Fire in Duarte and the Reservoir Fire in Azusa will merge today, and to that end, the overall response to the incident has been combined and the fire will be known as the San Gabriel Complex Fire moving forward. In total, the San Gabriel Complex Fire has burned around 5,400 acres, and while no structures have been damaged, around 770 homes have been evacuated in Azusa and Duarte.
Firefighting crews made good progress last night containing the portion of the San Gabriel Complex Fire closest to Monrovia. The weather helped, as a significant marine layer crept into the area last night that helped to put the fire down, and while it is expected that the blaze will become more visible as the day progresses, our reports from the fire command station indicates that as of now, firefighting crews do have a good handle on the situation.
Throughout the day, there will be a significant push by those coordinating the firefighting response to further contain the San Gabriel Complex Fire and push it away from residential areas. To that end, we have confirmed that the following heavy equipment will be deployed today to fight the fire:
§ 5 Type-1 Helicopters
§ 6 Type-2 Helicopters
§ 10 air tankers (will be put in use as soon as weather conditions permit)
§ 2 bulldozers cutting fire breaks in the mountains entered the area through Canyon Park
§ Several hundred firefighters from the US Forest Service and LA County are battling the blaze
However, it is important to note that the current weather forecast calls for a shift in winds at around 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. This will be an important time for Monrovia, as the changing winds could cause the fire to act unpredictably.
Again, the current situation should allow us to feel cautiously optimistic that Monrovia will not be impacted by the fire, but we are taking all necessary precautions here locally. In particular, we have recalled all available Monrovia Fire Department personnel and have implemented an operational plan that allows for all normal service delivery to occur, while also setting up the following additional firefighting support functions:
§ Monrovia Fire Department Brush Task Force… this team will be monitoring our highest fire danger zones throughout the day. This monitoring will take the form of sweeps conducted by Monrovia Fire Department personnel in the north-eastern quadrant of the City, with a special focus on Norumbega Drive, Ridgeside Drive, Oakglade Drive, and Canyon Park.
§ A Special Liaison Team… this team will remain in constant communication with the US Forest Service and L.A. County Fire Department command staff personnel. This liaison team will be receiving constant real-time updates to monitor the progress of the overall San Gabriel Complex Fire to assess potential impacts on Monrovia.
In addition, the City has continued to maintain the closure of Canyon Park, Trask Boy Scout Camp, and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, and we have ensured that all City reservoirs are filled at 100% capacity in the event that we need to access water for firefighting activities.
All residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and on alert. To stay up to date on the status of the overall situation here in Monrovia, we encourage everyone to check the City's website (www.cityofmonrovia.org), or subscribe to Nixle Alerts by texting 91016 to 888777. We will continue to post updates throughout the day as the local fire conditions change.
Source: Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Restaurants To Get Grease Inspection; Police Awarded Grant; Scout Rehabs Picnic Area
In his weekly update ( http://goo.gl/52hLQQ ), City Manager Olive Chi reports that ...
- Following a letter to restaurant owners, Monrovia restaurants will get a visit to inspect how they dispose of fats, oils, and grease. When disposed of improperly, they clog sewer pipes. Chi writes that "the goal of these inspections is to educate businesses on the proper ways to dispose of fats, oils, and grease, and not to impose harsh penalties."
- The Monrovia Police Department was awarded a $193,171 Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Relations Grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections. It was one of only ten agencies awarded this grant in California. Its purpose is to fund the police department's Achieving Community Trust program. ACT is aimed at strengthening law enforcement and community relations and building trust.
- Boy Scout Dylan Che from Boy Scout Troop 349 earned the rank of Eagle Scout by completing his Eagle Scout project in Canyon Park. "Through Dylan's efforts, we were able to rehabilitate a picnic area in Canyon Park. The Malcom Packer Mesa picnic area was in need of restoration from decomposing picnic benches and fallen dead pine trees."
- Brad Haugaard
- Following a letter to restaurant owners, Monrovia restaurants will get a visit to inspect how they dispose of fats, oils, and grease. When disposed of improperly, they clog sewer pipes. Chi writes that "the goal of these inspections is to educate businesses on the proper ways to dispose of fats, oils, and grease, and not to impose harsh penalties."
- The Monrovia Police Department was awarded a $193,171 Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Relations Grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections. It was one of only ten agencies awarded this grant in California. Its purpose is to fund the police department's Achieving Community Trust program. ACT is aimed at strengthening law enforcement and community relations and building trust.
- Boy Scout Dylan Che from Boy Scout Troop 349 earned the rank of Eagle Scout by completing his Eagle Scout project in Canyon Park. "Through Dylan's efforts, we were able to rehabilitate a picnic area in Canyon Park. The Malcom Packer Mesa picnic area was in need of restoration from decomposing picnic benches and fallen dead pine trees."
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Evacuations Unlikely in Monrovia
Monrovia is reporting that "it is extremely unlikely that Monrovia will need to engage in any evacuation procedures tonight for any locations in the City." However, if winds kick up, all bets are off, so stay alert. Follow city updates here: http://goo.gl/wVtF9Z
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Burglar on Bike; Seats Stolen from Vehicle; Twice!; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 16-20. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Bicycle Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 8:44 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a bicycle theft that just occurred in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. The officer located the suspect on the bicycle and detained him. The suspect was also in possession of burglary tools, narcotics and drug paraphernalia. After investigation, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
June 16 at 9:06 a.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report his vehicle had been broken into and miscellaneous items were taken. The vehicle burglary occurred in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. The investigation continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 16 at 11:26 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista. The victim called to report her house alarm had been activated. She returned home and found the rear sliding door on the home had been smashed and the residence was ransacked. The loss could not be determined and the investigation is continuing.
Driving the Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 10:50 a.m., a driver on the 210 Freeway called to report a possible subject driving under the influence who exited at Huntington Drive. An officer located the vehicle in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto Recovered
June 17 at 1:16 p.m., a private tow company was recovering an abandoned vehicle from a parking lot in the 2600 block of California. The driver of the tow truck called police to report the impound and it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of the City of Hawthorne. Officers recovered the stolen vehicle and the victim was notified.
Grand Theft Auto
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 3300 block of S. Peck and went inside a business. He returned to his vehicle three hours later and it was gone. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt residential burglary
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Lime called police to report that someone had attempted to pry open the windows to his home while he was away from the location for less than an hour. No entry was made into the home and the investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
June 17 at 10:51 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 of W. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle had been broken into while he was inside a restaurant. The third row seats were taken from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 18 at 8:11 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of W. Palm. The home is under construction. A construction worker left the location and returned the following morning to find someone had broken into the home. Tools and miscellaneous items were being stored inside the home during the construction, but no loss could be determined. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
June 18 at 8:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington Drive on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot overnight. When she returned the next morning, she found her third row seats had been stolen. The suspect forced entry into the vehicle through the rear hatch door, allowing the suspect to enter and take the seats. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
June 18 at 11:19 a.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue called police to report a burglary that had just occurred. A suspect entered the store and selected merchandise from a shelf, then approached the return desk and produced old receipts to return the merchandise for cash. Loss prevention followed the suspect while calling police, but lost sight of the suspect prior to police arrival. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 18 at 5:48 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Rosewood. The victim left his residence for approximately 20 minutes while he went to the grocery store. When he returned, he found his home had been broken into and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
June 19 at 5:44 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive. As he drove by the park, he observed graffiti on the building near the baseball field. Graffiti was spray painted in four separate places. The investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive parked and locked her vehicle on the street in front of her house. The following morning, she went out to her car and saw a male suspect inside her vehicle, rummaging through it. The suspect made eye contact with the victim, then exited the vehicle. A neighbor also saw the suspect exiting the vehicle. The suspect began walking away and the victim yelled at him to stop, but he refused and left the area. The neighbor knew who the suspect was and identified him to the victim. The suspect had taken the victim's wallet, a pair of sunglasses, the valet key to the vehicle and some cash. The wallet was later found discarded in a park.
At 7:57 p.m. that evening, an officer saw the known suspect walking in the 400 block of E. Lemon. He detained the suspect and arrested him for the burglary without incident.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Bicycle Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 8:44 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a bicycle theft that just occurred in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. The officer located the suspect on the bicycle and detained him. The suspect was also in possession of burglary tools, narcotics and drug paraphernalia. After investigation, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
June 16 at 9:06 a.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report his vehicle had been broken into and miscellaneous items were taken. The vehicle burglary occurred in the 100 block of Mauna Loa. The investigation continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 16 at 11:26 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista. The victim called to report her house alarm had been activated. She returned home and found the rear sliding door on the home had been smashed and the residence was ransacked. The loss could not be determined and the investigation is continuing.
Driving the Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 10:50 a.m., a driver on the 210 Freeway called to report a possible subject driving under the influence who exited at Huntington Drive. An officer located the vehicle in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto Recovered
June 17 at 1:16 p.m., a private tow company was recovering an abandoned vehicle from a parking lot in the 2600 block of California. The driver of the tow truck called police to report the impound and it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of the City of Hawthorne. Officers recovered the stolen vehicle and the victim was notified.
Grand Theft Auto
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 3300 block of S. Peck and went inside a business. He returned to his vehicle three hours later and it was gone. The investigation is continuing.
Attempt residential burglary
June 17 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Lime called police to report that someone had attempted to pry open the windows to his home while he was away from the location for less than an hour. No entry was made into the home and the investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
June 17 at 10:51 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 of W. Huntington. The victim called to report his vehicle had been broken into while he was inside a restaurant. The third row seats were taken from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 18 at 8:11 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of W. Palm. The home is under construction. A construction worker left the location and returned the following morning to find someone had broken into the home. Tools and miscellaneous items were being stored inside the home during the construction, but no loss could be determined. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
June 18 at 8:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a hotel parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington Drive on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot overnight. When she returned the next morning, she found her third row seats had been stolen. The suspect forced entry into the vehicle through the rear hatch door, allowing the suspect to enter and take the seats. The investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
June 18 at 11:19 a.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue called police to report a burglary that had just occurred. A suspect entered the store and selected merchandise from a shelf, then approached the return desk and produced old receipts to return the merchandise for cash. Loss prevention followed the suspect while calling police, but lost sight of the suspect prior to police arrival. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
June 18 at 5:48 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Rosewood. The victim left his residence for approximately 20 minutes while he went to the grocery store. When he returned, he found his home had been broken into and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
June 19 at 5:44 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive. As he drove by the park, he observed graffiti on the building near the baseball field. Graffiti was spray painted in four separate places. The investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:20 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Olive parked and locked her vehicle on the street in front of her house. The following morning, she went out to her car and saw a male suspect inside her vehicle, rummaging through it. The suspect made eye contact with the victim, then exited the vehicle. A neighbor also saw the suspect exiting the vehicle. The suspect began walking away and the victim yelled at him to stop, but he refused and left the area. The neighbor knew who the suspect was and identified him to the victim. The suspect had taken the victim's wallet, a pair of sunglasses, the valet key to the vehicle and some cash. The wallet was later found discarded in a park.
At 7:57 p.m. that evening, an officer saw the known suspect walking in the 400 block of E. Lemon. He detained the suspect and arrested him for the burglary without incident.
City of Monrovia Reaction to Fire
Photo courtesy of Jim Wigton.
Based on the most recent available reports, there are two separate brush fires currently burning in Los Angeles County near Monrovia, including the Reservoir Fire (in Azusa) & the Fish Fire (in Duarte). The Reservoir Fire is estimated to be 1,200 acres in size and the Fish Fire is estimated to be 1,000 acres in size.
At this point in time, the fires are burning away from Monrovia. However, City personnel have taken a series of fire prevention measures, including the following:
- We have closed Canyon Park, Trask Boy Scout Camp, and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.
- At the Fire Department, we have called back an extra engine company to allow for advance firefighting preparatory work while also maintaining our normal service levels.
- As we track the fire, we are also working to establish a fire break at the Rincon Ridge and Mt. Bliss Road.
- We have made preparations at the Community Center in the event that we need to order evacuations in Monrovia.
We are monitoring the situation very closely, and it is important to emphasize that at this point in time, both the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire are burning away from Monrovia. However, given the time of day, our personnel are monitoring wind patterns, and while we are hopeful that the fire will continue to push away from Monrovia, we are taking precautions in the event that the situation changes. Furthermore, should the conditions change at all, the City has made plans to coordinate the activation of our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) later this evening.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Burning Rapidly Near Highway 39
It appears the fire visible to the east of Monrovia is along Highway 39, which goes up from Azusa into the mountains.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Saturn Tonight in Monrovia
Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers will be out tonight with their telescopes to show Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, and the moon. "Sunset is at about 8 p.m. so wander by our Sidewalk Astronomy corner -- Myrtle and Lime streets in Monrovia between 8 and 9:30 p.m. It should cool to about 79 or 80 degrees by sundown."
- Brad Haugaard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)