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Monrovia Predicted to Reach 107 Degrees

A blazing 107 degrees in Monrovia predicted for today. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Consider Compensation for Superintendent

At its Sept. 28 meeting ( info here ), the Monrovia Board of Education will consider giving Superintendent Katherine Thorossian an annual salary of $239,213 for the 2016-2017 school year, which includes $10,000 that is paid each year as long as her rating remains "above satisfactory" for the previous year. Plus annual salary increases and benefits.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rigo's Mexican Food


Dinner last night at Rigo's Mexican Food at Foothill and Mayflower. Got a beef burrito for $11.95 and a bottle of beer for $4.95. It was fine.

- Brad Haugaard 

Who Knew? A 'Monrovia' Boot

There's a "Monrovia Boot" for sale at Nordstrom. For women. Only $244.95. Hopefully you get two boots for that price. https://goo.gl/3otq0V

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Copper Pipe; Baseball Through School District Window; Robbed of Bike; Stolen Vehicles; Man Comes to Police Station to be Arrested

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 19-21. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 445 service events, resulting in 83 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft
September 19 at 6:48 a.m., residents at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks reported that someone attempted to remove and take copper piping from the complex, which caused flooding. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 19 at 7:18 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at the school district office in the 300 block of E. Huntington. It was reported that someone threw a baseball bat through an office window sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 19 at 8:14 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of E. Lemon. The victim called to report that someone entered her unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The vehicle was ransacked and it was unknown if anything was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Strong-arm Robbery – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 2:47 p.m., officers responded to the report of a strong-arm robbery in the area of Magnolia and the railroad tracks. The victim stated that he had just been assaulted and the suspect took his bicycle. Officers detained the suspect in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower and the bike was recovered. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft of Vehicle Registration Tabs
September 19 at 9:24 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a male subject crouched down behind a parked vehicle and there was a female subject with him. As the officer approached, the male subject ran. The officer requested assistance and he followed the suspect in his police unit. The suspect tripped in the area of Huntington and Mountain and was detained by officers. Further investigation revealed the suspect is a gang member and was crouching down removing the registration tabs from a vehicle when the officer saw him and attempted to detain him. The female suspect left the area and was not identified.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery
September 19 at 9:57 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 900 block of W. Huntington when he saw a parked vehicle that looked abandoned. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen on August 26. The vehicle did not appear damaged and the owner was notified.

Vehicle Burglary
September 20 at 12:49 p.m., the owner of the business in the 800 block of Royal Oaks reported that one of his vehicles had been broken into over the weekend. It was unknown if anything was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 21 at 8:07 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of E. Foothill. The victim reported that her silver, two-door, 2000 Honda Civic had been stolen sometime during the night. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
September 21 at 9:09 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Primrose called police to report his garage had been burglarized. Several items were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 21 at 10:03 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of Parkrose. The victim reported that items were taken out of his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 11:01 a.m., an officer on patrol located a stolen vehicle parked in the 200 block of Montana with two occupants inside. The officer requested assistance and the occupants were detained. The male driver had two no-bail warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the outstanding warrants and grand theft auto. The female passenger was eventually released.

Hit and Run Investigation / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 4:02 p.m., while investigating a hit and run traffic collision, officers discovered the suspect in the case had a warrant for his arrest. They called the suspect and asked him to come to the station, which he did. He was then arrested for the outstanding warrant. The hit and run investigation is continuing.

Monrovia's AeroVironment - Among Biggest Gainers Today


The stock of Monrovia's AeroVironment Inc. was one of the biggest gainers on the Russell 2000 index today, Sept. 21. The stock jumped 6.63 percent, to $25.24. https://goo.gl/3WXLpl

- Brad Haugaard

Wild Rose Teacher Named One of County's Teachers of the Year

Monrovia Teacher, Jennifer Tubbs from Wild Rose Elementary School, has been named an LA County District Teacher of the Year. https://goo.gl/GCdVmg

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council Opposes Prop 57

The Monrovia City Council has come out in opposition to Proposition 57, which the city says would allow dangerous criminals to be released early. The argument against the measure is that while the proposition says it does not apply to "violent" criminals, it does not define "violent," and thus would rely on the California Penal Code for the definition. But a number of crimes that most people would consider violent, such as assault with a deadly weapon, are classified by the penal code as "serious," and so those convicted of these "serious" crimes would be eligible for early release. Here is the full statement: https://goo.gl/qh5NL0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Approves Trail Improvements; Tasty City Manager

At the Monrovia City Council meeting tonight:

~ The council approved hiring the Pokrajac Corporation (the low bidder) to make improvements to the trail system in the Hillside Wilderness Area before opening the entry point on Cloverleaf. Outlined here: https://goo.gl/JcCy8Q

~ Quote of the night: Council member Gloria Crudgington, speaking of a well-received talk by City Manager Oliver Chi on storm water treatment, said Chi "is beginning to look like a tasty appetizer on a tray." She means other cities might want to hire him away. A colorful way of putting it, and I agree with her evaluation.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween in Monrovia; Side by Side; Taste of Old Town; Make a Difference; Arts Show; Etc.

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/AY8Xvu ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ Old Town Trick-or-Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 6 p.m., in Old Town and at Library Park. Trick-or-Treating in Old Town; Youth, adult and group costume contests; Dog Costume Contest. Registration beginning at 3 p.m.

~ Trick-or-Treating in Canyon Park, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Park Rangers will guide participants along a portion of the Canyon Park Waterfall Trail. Along the way, you'll meet costumed Park Rangers with treats to all who dare to participate. For details contact the Public Services Department at 256-8246.

~ Side by Side by Sondheim at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (Monrovia High auditorium) Dec. 2-4. "A sparkling retrospective of musical numbers from shows as diverse as Follies, Company, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, and Sweeney Todd." Details and tickets: https://goo.gl/uHb4Bv

~ A Taste of Old Town Monrovia, sponsored and coordinated by the Kiwanis Club, is set for October 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Old Town. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Details: http://www.tastemonrovia.com/.

~ Make a Difference Day will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon. Kick-off at Library Park. Projects include: Cleanup alley in Old Town; plant trees at Monrovia parks; pick up cigarette butts in parks; sort food and youth activity program (hosted by Foothill Unity Center); Church clean-up hosted by Bethel AME Church; Monrovia High baseball field improvements. Details: Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley - http://www.vcsgv.org.

~ 53rd Celebrate the Arts Show & Chalkfest by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts on Oct. 29-30 at Library Park. Theme is Art in Motion and featured artists will be Steve and Marianne McCarthy. On Saturday, Oct. 29, activities are from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday's events are from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Details: http://www.monroviafinearts.org/ or 483-0560.

~ Monrovia City Council Member Spicer has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills.

~ If you want to vote early, Monrovia will be participating in the Vote by Mail Ballot Drop-Off Program. Drop off your ballot at Monrovia City Hall beginning on October 11.

~ Monrovia Public Library is setting up a Veteran's Resource Center. Want to help? Get in touch with Mabel Cross at mcross@ci.monrovia.ca.us, or 256-8294. The Library will provide training.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Talking on Her Credit Card; Suspect Reports His Car Stolen; Drunks and Drugs; Paint on His Fingers; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 15-18. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 8:08 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of S. Mountain regarding a subject acting erratic and throwing objects. The officers arrived and determined the subject was under the influence of drugs. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Weapon Offense – Suspects Arrested
September 15 at 11:10 p.m., an officer was on patrol when he observed a vehicle driving north on California crash into a pole as it crossed the train tracks. Both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled east, along the train tracks. Officers detained both suspects at Shamrock and the tracks. The driver was found to be intoxicated and a weapon was found in the vehicle. Both suspects were arrested.

Driving Under the Influence / Evading a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 12:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of S. Peck on the report of a possible drunk driver. As officers were responding to the location, they saw the driver heading north without any headlights. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle for the violation, but the vehicle failed to yield and continued driving. The driver eventually yielded at a dead end street by his residence. The driver was found to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Theft of Package
September 16 at 2:58 p.m., a theft of mail was reported in the 1800 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim reported that he was notified a package was delivered by UPS to his residence. When he arrived home, the package was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 8:57 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a shoplifter that fled the location. Officers responded and conducted an area search. The suspect was located and detained in the 200 block of W. Palm. The suspect also had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for both the burglary and the warrant.

Public Intoxication / Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 1:30 a.m., officers were on patrol in the downtown area. One of the officers heard glass breaking and saw an intoxicated female who looked like she was talking on her phone. She had her hand up to her ear, but upon closer inspection, the officer saw she had a credit card to her ear and her cell phone was on the ground. She then threw an object at the glass window of a business, causing damage. She was arrested and taken into custody for being drunk in public and vandalism.

Traffic Offense / Evading a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 3:59 a.m., an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of California and Cypress. The vehicle failed to yield, accelerating through numerous red lights and stop signs, before stopping his vehicle and fleeing on foot. The suspect was identified by the pursuing officer and the vehicle was impounded. A wanted person’s entry was made into the law enforcement system for his arrest. At 8:14 p.m., the suspect called police asking how he could get his car out of impound, claiming that his vehicle was stolen. He came to the police department and filed a grand theft auto report, claiming an unknown person had stolen his vehicle. After signing the CHP form reporting his vehicle was stolen, the suspect was arrested for making a false report and for evading a police officer.

Vandalism / False Information / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 1:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Kruse regarding three subjects painting graffiti on a vehicle. The officers arrived and detained three subjects, two males and a female. One of the male subjects was a minor. The male adult suspect who painted the graffiti on the vehicle was identified by the victim. A can of spray paint was recovered and the suspect had fresh paint on his fingers. The suspect was arrested and charged with vandalism, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and giving false information. It was later determined through fingerprints that the suspect gave a false name to police and he also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

'Computer Cost Recovery' Fee Added to Monrovia Business License

On my Monrovia Business License renewal form I noticed a $5 charge for "Computer Cost Recovery." I asked about it and was told it went into effect on July 1 of this year and is "to assist with the new software program for business license tracking."

- Brad Haugaard

Opening of Wilderness Preserve Trail Delayed For Trail Improvements


Red shows the proposed trail. Blue shows a steep portion of the trail with sharp switchbacks which will be improved. Yellow shows the existing trail. In an interview Chi said the yellow trail would not be shut off to hikers and bicyclists, but they would be encouraged to follow the new red path.

City Manager Oliver Chi reports that the opening of the Cloverleaf entry point to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be delayed from four to six weeks, bringing the opening date to late October of this year. At the council's April 5 meeting, at which the city purchased rights of way to obtain access to the preserve, Chi said it could take up to six months to open the gate.

At this Tuesday's meeting ( https://goo.gl/wqksZB ) the City Council will consider a proposal by residents who live in the Wilderness Preserve to delay the opening of the gate until trail improvements can be made so some of the trail traffic could be diverted around the residents homes. In an interview, Chi said city staff is agreeable to the delay in part to minimize the risk of legal complications.

The staff report ( https://goo.gl/lq1wI8 ) says: "[I]t has been estimated that the trail system improvements can be completed in 4-6 weeks following the award of a contract. This would mean that the opening of both the Cloverleaf Access Point and the Ridgeside Access Point would occur towards the end of October 2016."

City staff is proposing hiring Pokrajac Corporation for $194,235 to finish the trail work. The required funding is available in the restricted Hillside Wilderness Preserve Fund.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Meet Again on Legal Threat from MALDEV

The city council will hold another closed session, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, to discuss the threat by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund to sue the City if it doesn't switch from at-large elections to district-based elections. https://goo.gl/XG6RLZ

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at T Burger


Dinner last night at T Burger, on Foothill just east of Magnolia. Got a chicken sandwich for $5.99 and an iced tea for $1.98. Tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Over Maranatha

Monrovia High Girl's Volleyball wins over Maranatha. https://goo.gl/n1z7OH

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stealing Cologne; Fake $20s; Beanbag Persuades Bear to Leave; Disoriented With Warrants; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 12-14. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 439 service events, resulting in 102 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
September 12 at 8:21 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 100 block of E. Lime when they located a stolen vehicle parked on the street. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Temple City. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 12 at 10:03 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The theft occurred on September 10, sometime between 9 and 10 p.m. Several suspects entered the business and stole bottles of cologne and perfume. The store employees did not realize a theft occurred until later that evening. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 12 at 10:48 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of W. Duarte regarding a grand theft of a bicycle. The victim parked and locked his bicycle behind his business on September 9 at around 6:00 p.m. When he returned on September 12 at 11:15 a.m., he found the chain had been cut and his bicycle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle
September 12 at 11:22 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Highland Avenue. The victim parked her vehicle in the alley behind her residence. She left her vehicle unlocked with her wallet and cell phone inside. When she returned approximately 15 minutes later, her wallet and cell phone had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery
September 12 at 4:49 p.m., police responded to a domestic battery report in the 100 block of S. Shamrock. The female victim was involved in an argument with her boyfriend earlier in the day at approximately 6:00 a.m. The boyfriend became angry, assaulted her, and then left the location. The victim had no visible injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 6:08 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The suspect rode the bike to the Monrovia Gold Line Train Depot, where he entered a train with the bike, heading east on the train. Monrovia dispatch contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, who responded to the Irwindale Train Depot, where the suspect was detained and taken into custody.

Attempt Passing of Counterfeit Money
September 13 at 8:42 p.m., police received a call from a business in the 500 block of W. Duarte reporting four suspicious male subjects loitering around the store. One of the subjects entered the store and attempted to exchange five counterfeit $20 bills for a one hundred dollar bill. When the store clerk confronted him about the counterfeit money, the suspect ran from the location. The suspect was not located. Officers recovered the counterfeit money from the clerk and notified the Secret Service

Bear Sighting
September 13 at 11:18 p.m., officers responded to the area of Sunset and Fowler regarding the report of a bear going through trashcans. The officers arrived and deployed one beanbag round at the bear, causing the bear to head north on Highland and back into the foothills.

Welfare Check / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 9:15 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of E. Evergreen to check on the welfare of a female subject. The officers located the subject, who appeared to be disoriented and admitted to having used drugs recently. She was also found to have several warrants for her arrest. The suspect was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
September 14 at 1:55 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 3300 block of Peck Road. The victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot and went into the business. He returned to his vehicle ten minutes later and found it had been stolen. The vehicle is a 1996, teal green Chevy Silverado. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Signs Deal With Indian Company

Monrovia's STAAR Surgical, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of implantable lenses for the eye, has entered into an agreement EyeQ Vision Private Ltd., of India to provide STAAR's intraocular lenses for refractive vision treatment in India. https://goo.gl/oJLxa9

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Apartments to Have Waterfall Art; Video of Street Fair; Bulky-Items Removal


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

~ MODA at Monrovia Station, the 261-unit luxury apartment complex being built next to the Gold Line station will have an artistic waterfall on its south face.  Artis Justin Hansch of San Juan Capistrano entitles his work, Monrovia Falls.  "The concept involves installing tiny cascading reflective discs that are commonly used in billboard advertising, and made famous by Sparkletts' water trucks to highlight their signage. It will stand 36 feet tall and be 16 feet wide, and as the wind blows, the discs will reflect light to create an illusion of moving water.

~ Video taken by a drone of the September 2 Street Fair is now on line: https://vimeo.com/181-48430

~ Monrovia has a bulky-items pick-up agreement with Athens, so if you see anything that needs to be picked-up, contact the city by email at bulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us or by phone at 932-5553.

- Brad Haugaard

Classical Music Tonight in Monrovia

Classical music by composers of African descent during the third Annual Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Concert tonight at St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Monrovia at 8 p.m. http://goo.gl/HX8U7L

- Brad Haugaard