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Rain for Monrovia? Uhhh - Maybe

Twenty percent chance of rain this weekend, rising to 60 percent Monday. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Carriage Rides in Old Monrovia?

There may be Christmastime carriage rides in Old Monrovia during December. https://goo.gl/U1B3Ki

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Vacuum; Wandering 3-Year-Old; Car Hits Skateboarder; Stealing a Flashlight; Airsoft Gun; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 10-12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 449 service events, resulting in 95 investigations.

Suspicious Person / Petty Theft
October 10 at 6:17 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Colorado called police to report a theft that just occurred. The victim reported that he saw a female attempting to open the doors of his vehicle, which was parked in front of his house. The female climbed into the bed of his truck, took a vacuum cleaner and left the area. The officer checked the area for the suspect, but she was not located; however, the vacuum cleaner was recovered a few houses away. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 10 at 7:32 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oakcliff regarding a vehicle burglary. Unknown suspects broke into the vehicle, ransacked the glovebox and stole miscellaneous items from the trunk. The investigation is continuing.

Found Child
October 10 at 8:42 a.m., an officer was flagged down in the area of Colorado and Magnolia regarding a 3-year-old child wandering in the area alone. Officers found the child and began walking the area, hoping that someone was looking for the child. They eventually brought the child to the police station and were contacted by the mother. She stated that she left the child at home asleep and went to her neighbor’s house to drop off something. When she returned, the child was gone. The Department of Child and Family Services was notified of the incident.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 8:56 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a theft of merchandise. The suspect took merchandise from the business and fled prior to officers arriving. An area check was made and the suspect was found, positively identified and arrested.

Resisting a Peace Officer / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 8:56 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a suspect who was trespassing at the location. The suspect has repeatedly loitered at the location while under the influence of drugs and continues to cause disturbances at the business. A no trespass order is in effect, but the suspect continues to violate the order. When officers attempted to arrest the subject, he became extremely combative. The suspect was eventually arrested and taken into custody. One officer suffered minor injuries during the struggle.

Commercial Burglary
October 10 at 10:04 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 500 block of S. Shamrock. The suspects pried open a rear security gate and gained access. They took power tools, scales and alcohol before fleeing the location. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 10 at 9:38 p.m., a local hospital called to advise they had a 15-year-old male victim of a hit and run collision brought to the hospital for treatment of injures. The subject reported that the collision occurred in Monrovia. The subject reported that he was skateboarding near the corner of Court and Mayflower when he was struck by a white vehicle that did not stop after the accident. The parents of the victim drove him to the hospital, as he was complaining of pain to his elbow, his side, and had abrasions about his body. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 11 at 7:33 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a location in the 200 block of E. Duarte. An unknown suspect threw rocks and broke glass on the building. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle & Residential Burglary
October 11 at 7:38 a.m., a burglary was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mayflower. The victim’s vehicle was broken into and the suspect stole tools and a garage remote. The suspect then used the remote to enter the garage and stole a bicycle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 11 at 7:41 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1300 block of Los Robles. The vehicle is a black, 2013, Ford Taurus. The vehicle was parked on the street. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 2:41 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a shoplifter in custody. The suspect entered the business and used a knife to cut open a package containing a flashlight. He put the flashlight in his pocket and walked out of the store without paying. He was detained by security and placed under private person’s arrest. An officer arrived, arrested the suspect and took him into custody. A computer check revealed the suspect had three outstanding warrants and he was held pending his court hearing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 11 at 2:45 p.m., a rental car business in the 1100 block of E. Huntington called police to report a stolen vehicle. The suspect rented a car from the company and has not returned it. The vehicle is a 2016, Nissan Altima. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / False Identification to a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 6:13 p.m., officers responded to a theft in progress in the 400 block of Heliotrope. A suspect was stopped by officers. The suspect pulled out a replica gun in front of officers as he stated that it was only an Airsoft gun. The suspect was detained while the officers investigated the theft. The victim did not desire prosecution for the theft. The suspect was arrested for giving false information to a police officer. He also possessed three identifications that did not belong to him. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 2:56 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of Heliotrope and observed a subject loitering in the area of closed businesses. The officer stopped to talk to the subject. A consent search of the subject revealed he had a small container which contained methamphetamine. A computer check revealed he also had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and the warrant.

Commercial Burglary
October 12 at 12:26 p.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. Sometime during the week, someone entered one of the cabinets and took merchandise that belonged to a vendor. The key to the cabinet was inside the business at the time of the theft. The business has numerous vendors that rent spaces to sell items. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 12 at 4:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle regarding a break-in to a storage unit. The suspect forced open the lock clasp on the storage shed and removed approximately 10 boxes of items. An electric guitar and electric scooter were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 5:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of N. Shamrock regarding a violation of a court order. The suspect continues to return to his girlfriend's residence against court order. The suspect was asleep in the room when the victim called to report he was there. The suspect was arrested for violating the court order and outstanding warrants.

Trespassing / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 3:51 a.m., an officer contacted a known subject at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The subject had been advised by officers several times not to trespass at the business. The subject was also found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for trespassing and public intoxication.

Monrovia's Water at Historic Low Levels; 4th Dimension Into Restaurant; Election Forum; Etc.

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/mVH0Bb ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ According to information from the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, from which we get our water, "the Basin water levels are now at historical lows. At the key well in Baldwin Park, water levels are now at 172.2 feet, which is the lowest level ever recorded since the Basin became adjudicated in 1973. For comparative purposes, the historic high for the key well location was 295.3 feet in July 1983."

~ A buyer has purchased the old 4th Dimension building on Myrtle and plans to put in "an approximately 5,000 square foot restaurant on the ground floor facing Myrtle Avenue, and to utilize the remaining 22,000 square feet of the facility for creative office / administrative / professional space."

~ There will be a forum on Oct. 27, at the Monrovia Community Center to discuss ballot issues, including marijuana legalization (Proposition 64), gun control / ammunition sales (Proposition 63) and early parole / early criminal release (Proposition 57).



~ To conclude Fire Prevention Week, on Oct. 15 the Monrovia Fire Department will open Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.) between noon and 3 p.m. There will be a simple quiz about smoke alarms. Also, the Monrovia Firefighters' Association and Orchard Supply Hardware will donate fire alarms that will be distributed throughout the week.

~ After forty years of law enforcement service, 26 with the Monrovia Police Department, Sergeant Don Newton will retire later this year. Congratulate Sergeant Newton at a retirement reception on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Police Department Community Policing Room.

~ Monrovia Historical Society will hold a celebration to recognize its rebirth on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library, and at 4 p.m., will move to the Anderson House (215 E. Lime Ave.).

~ During National Library Card Sign-Up Month the Monrovia Library issued 423 new member cards in September 2016, compared to 268 in August 2016).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Gets Traffic-Safety Grant

Monrovia Police Department has been awarded a $72,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. Monrovia Police Department will use the funding as part of the city's ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

"Our goal is to maintain Monrovia's status of having zero traffic related fatalities," says Lieutenant Robert Wilken, Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Monrovia Police Department.

After falling to a ten year low in 2010, the number of persons killed has climbed nearly 17% across the state with 3,176 killed in 2015 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the six year rise in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies, and the emergence of drug-impaired driving as a major problem. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk driving, speeding and crashes at intersections.

"Years of research tell us that enforcement and education work best jointly to combat unsafe driving," said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. "This grant brings both tactics together, with the Office of Traffic Safety and the Monrovia Police Department working in concert to help keep the streets and highways safe across Monrovia and the state." Activities that the grant will fund include:

• Educational presentations • DUI checkpoints • DUI saturation patrols • Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement • Distracted driving enforcement • Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement • Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders • Compilation of DUI "Hot Sheets," identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) • Court "sting" operations to cite individuals driving from DUI court after ignoring their license suspension or revocation • Stakeout operations to observe the "worst-of-the-worst" repeat DUI offender probationers with suspended or revoked driver licenses

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Bears Attack Man in Nearby Sierra Madre

The LA Times reports that a hiker was hospitalized after a two-bear attack in the foothills above Sierra Madre. https://goo.gl/k4uHQ6

- Brad Haugaard

Flu Clinic; Evensong; Monrovia Garden Club; Senior Halloween; Breathe

~ Senior Flu Clinic every first Tuesday and Wednesday of October at the Monrovia Community Center, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free with Medicare; $32 non-Medicare. Information: Natalya Romo, 256-8246 x 3132 or nromo@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~ Thirteenth annual Men's Evensong Invitational on Sunday, Oct. 16. at 4 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church at California and Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia. The Rev. Neil Tadken will be the celebrant and cantor. The anthem will be Franz Biebl's Ave Maria, written in 1964. An offering will be taken. Wine and cheese reception will follow the performance.

~ The Monrovia Garden Club meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. (social time with refreshments at 6:30 p.m.) at the First Presbyterian Church, northeast corner of Myrtle and Foothill in the Fellowship Hall downstairs. Speaker Tom Freeman will demonstrate how to make a redwood planter box. Kits available for purchase. The Garden Club will have a booth selling plants and providing gardening information at the "Celebrate the Arts" festival on Oct. 29 and 30. Visitors welcome.

~ Thursday, Oct. 27, Senior Halloween Bingo Bash & Caring Crafters Boutique Sale in the Kay Dalton Room of the Monrovia Community Center, 119 West Palm. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For information: Natalya Romo at 256-8246 or nromo@co.monrovia.ca.us.

~ Saturday, Nov. 5 - Monrovia O2 Breathe 2016 Pulmonary Hypertension Association 2016 Phun Walk, Health Fair & Raffle at Library Park. 8:30 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony; 10 a.m. 1 mile Walk Begins; 11 a.m. Closing Ceremony; information contact Sabrina Rodgers, Development Manager, PHA CA Chapter, (415) 361-8700; email sabrinarodgers@phassociation.org; Joannie Yuille, Greater LA Co-Leader joyuille@aol.com or Susie Alvarez, Greater LA Co-Leader (310) 938-7930 batterygrl@yahoo.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Two Motorcycles Stolen; Swiping Tip Jar - Three Times; Twitching; Stolen Cars; Window Open Just Inches; Attack With Book; Felony Vandalism

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 6-9. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Theft From a Vehicle
October 6 at 9:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Alamitas Avenue regarding a theft from a vehicle. The vehicle was left unlocked and a skateboard was taken from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 6 at 1:00 p.m., two motorcycles were reported stolen from the 200 block of E. Hillcrest Avenue. The motorcycles were stolen from the side of victim’s home sometime during the week prior. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
October 7 at 2:27 a.m., an officer on patrol observed two subjects in the area of Magnolia and Huntington. One of the subjects was twitching uncontrollably and acting erratic. The officer stopped to check if the subjects were okay. One of the subjects was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and the other was found to have a warrant. Both subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7 at 4:31 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of W. Lemon. The vehicle is a 1991, brown Honda Civic. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database and the investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 7 at 7:18 a.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 700 block of S. Primrose. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in front of her residence in the evening. When she returned the next morning, she found her purse and a pair of sunglasses had been taken from her vehicle. It is unknown how the suspect gained entry. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7 at 8:39 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 3300 block of Peck Road. The victim parked his 1994, black/gray, Honda Civic in the parking lot at 7:00 a.m. and went into the business. When he returned at 8:30 a.m., he discovered his vehicle had been stolen. The vehicle was locked. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
October 7 at 10:08 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 200 block of Kruse Avenue. The victim parked his white, 1994 Honda Accord in an employee parking lot at 7:00 a.m. and went into the business. When he returned at 10:00 a.m., he discovered his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 7 at 10:11 a.m., an officer responded to a business parking lot in the 200 block of Kruse Avenue regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked their vehicle at 5:45 a.m. The windows were rolled down a couple of inches due to the hot weather. When the victim returned to the vehicle at 8:00 a.m., the driver-side door was unlocked and ajar. A cell phone and stereo were taken from the vehicle. It appears the suspect gained entry through the partially rolled down windows. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 7 at 10:33 a.m., an officer was dispatched regarding a petty theft that just occurred at a business in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Employees reported this was the third theft of their tip jar by the same suspect. Officers checked the area, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing. The suspect is described as a male white, 25-30 years old, wearing a black hat, black shirt and blue jeans. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
October 7 at 3:45 p.m., an officer located a parked vehicle in the 200 block of N. Primrose. A check of the license plate revealed it had been stolen the night before. No suspects were located.

Grand Theft Auto
October 8 at 1:36 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 200 block of railroad. The vehicle is a 1990, 4-door, brown Honda Accord. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Trailer
October 8 at 6:11 p.m., a car trailer was reported stolen from the 500 block of E. Lemon. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
October 8 at 6:58 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Olive called police to report his truck had been vandalized. The truck was parked on the street and two windows were smashed with a hard object. No suspects were located. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
October 8 at 7:36 p.m., the manager of a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police to report a petty theft that just occurred. The suspect entered the location, selected a video game station and asked the cashier for an additional controller for the game. When the cashier was distracted, the suspect fled the location. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 2:33 a.m., a female subject called police to report her husband had battered her. When officers arrived, the husband was detained. The investigation revealed the husband threw a book at the victim and hit her in the face with his hand. The husband was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence. He was held pending his court appearance.

Grand Theft From a Vehicle
October 9 at 6:18 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Grand Avenue. The victim left his vehicle unlocked in the driveway of his home. The suspect entered the vehicle and took tools, miscellaneous items, and a briefcase containing a computer circuit board. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
October 9 at 10:22 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1700 block of Leafwood on the report of a residential burglary. Neighbors found the front door to the residence open and called police. The resident was not home. The front door was forced open and it is unknown if anything was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Felony Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 9:52 p.m., a male subject called police to report an unknown female had thrown large rocks at his vehicle, causing approximately $1,000 in damage. Officers responded and located the female subject inside another vehicle. She was contacted by the officer and the investigation revealed the vehicle she was in did not belong to her. Additional victims of vandalism were located in the area. The female suspect was positively identified by the victim and a witness. The suspect was arrested for felony vandalism and taken into custody.

Monrovia Over La Canada; Matthew Relief; Moon Gazing

~ Monrovia victorious over La Canada in football. https://goo.gl/iv4SUw

~ The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Hurricane Matthew Fund to help those affected by the storm and its aftermath both in the US and abroad. Funds will aid both the Jewish and general communities. To drop off contributions at the Jewish Federation (Attn: Hurricane Matthew Relief, 114A W. Lime Ave.) or go to http://www.jewishsgpv.org/donate and indicate it is for Hurricane Matthew Relief. For info call 445-0810.

~ Old Town Monrovia Sidewalk Astronomers will give you a high-powered peek at the moon tonight through their telescopes. Just go to southeast corner of Library Park after dark.

Market Grill to Close at End of December - May Reopen Some Day

Market Grill Manager Tracy Ramirez reports on Facebook that "At the end of December, after over 7 years of incredible business, The Market Grill as you all know and love it will be closing it's doors." She says this is because of issues with the landlord, "zoning laws and red tape" and the chef's health issues.

She says, "The future is uncertain, but our hearts and our heads are dedicated to remaking The Market Grill a better version of itself at some point in the future."

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Prevention Week in Monrovia

This year, Monrovia Fire & Rescue will be participating in Fire Prevention Week. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of a three-year effort to educate the public about basic, but essential elements of smoke alarm safety. As part of the campaign, Monrovia firefighters will be visiting Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) 4th grade classrooms during the week of October 10, 2016

The teaching point will be centered on the importance of checking to ensure smoke detectors are not expired. To conclude the week, on October 15, 2016, Monrovia Fire & Rescue will be opening its doors at Station 101, located at 141 E. Lemon Ave., to the general public between the hours of 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  In order to gain access to Station 101, a simple quiz regarding smoke alarms will need to be completed and/or the smoke alarm challenge sheet will need to be submitted. For more information on Fire Prevention Week and the links to the quiz and the challenge sheet, visit our website at http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/fire/page/fire-department-press-releases.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Spotted With Pink Cell Phone; Battling Boyfriends; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 3-5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 413 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 12:42 p.m., officers responded to the report of a vandalism incident in progress. The reporting party followed the suspect and was able to direct officers to his location. The suspect was arrested.

Theft From a Vehicle – Suspect Arrested
October 3 at 4:04 p.m., the victim of a theft from a vehicle that occurred a few days prior in the 600 block of W. Foothill called police for additional assistance. The victim’s cell phone was stolen during the theft and the victim saw a male subject in the area at the time of the theft. The victim was now reporting that she saw the same male subject walk into his apartment with her pink cell phone in his hand.

Officers arrived at the location and contacted the suspect, who admitted to taking the cell phone out of the unlocked vehicle. He gave the phone to the officers and they returned it to the victim. A verified complaint charging the suspect with theft was forwarded to the District Attorney for filing.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
October 4 at 1:37 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of W. Palm and stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle was occupied by three subjects. During his contact with the occupants, the officer discovered one of the passengers had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The passenger was arrested and the driver consented to a search of her vehicle. The search revealed a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine and several syringes. The driver was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Burglary – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 7:26 a.m., a worker at a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle called to report two suspects breaking into a storage unit with a crowbar. As the suspects were leaving in their vehicle, they were having problems getting the vehicle gate to open. The passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. When officers arrived, they detained the driver at the gate. Officers confirmed the suspects forced open and burglarized a storage unit. The driver was arrested for burglary and a wanted person’s warrant was issued for the second suspect.
Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 1:00 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 400 block of W. Maple contacted a subject regarding a trespassing issue. A computer check of the subject revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. A search incident to arrest revealed a baggie of methamphetamine and a glass pipe for smoking controlled substances.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
October 4 at 7:21 p.m., a battery incident was reported in the 800 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported that he was assaulted by the current boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend. The victim had been driving by his ex-girlfriend's residence and had a prior verbal confrontation with her boyfriend/suspect. The victim returned to the location and was assaulted by the suspect. The victim placed the suspect under private person's arrest. The officer arrested the suspect and took him into custody. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Commercial Burglary
October 5 at 2:25 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of W. Huntington Drive on the activation of a burglary alarm. When they arrived, they discovered a glass door had been shattered. Further investigation revealed unknown suspect(s) entered the location through the shattered door and ransacked the drawers and cabinets. It appears that nothing was taken from the location, but the investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrant -
October 6 at 2:25 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a driver in the 400 block of W. Chestnut for driving without headlights during hours of darkness. The driver displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. The officer conducted a DUI investigation and determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate his vehicle safely. A computer check of the driver revealed there were two outstanding warrants for his arrest, as well. The driver was arrested and held for a detoxification period.

Monrovia Attorney Disbarred

Monrovia attorney disbarred for failing to appear at his disciplinary trial. https://goo.gl/wKWuag

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Girls Volleyball Over South Pas :-)

Monrovia Girls Volleyball hands South Pasadena its first loss. https://goo.gl/UhyHmP

- Brad Haugaard

Wilderness Entry-Point to Open Soon; Applebee's Closing; Police Get Mental Health Clinician; Etc.


Improvements at the soon-to-be-opened Cloverleaf trailhead.

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/hWUj7B ), Monrovia City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The city has made "significant progress" this past week in repairing the Hillside Wilderness Preserve trail system and installing improvements at access points. With the progress that was made last week, "we are feeling confident that we will be able to finish the trial improvements in time to open up the Hillside Wilderness Preserve by the end of October 2016." Comment: Hooray!

~ Applebee's Restaurant (in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center) will be closing "in short order."

~ Monrovia Police Department will have an LA County mental health clinician assigned to if for six days every month to help officers who encounter people with mental problems.

~ Cacique, is one of the largest Hispanic-style dairy product manufacturers in the US, has leased 28,000 square feet of office space in Monrovia to be its headquarters.

~ If you are interested in the hotel project planned for the corner of Huntington and Myrtle, Tharaldson Hospitality Group, which is planning a Marriott Towneplace Suites Hotel, will discuss the project on Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m., at the Monrovia Public Library.

~ The compost and mulch give-away was a success. 30 tons of compost and 20 tons of mulch were given away to 200 people.

~ Brews and Books will be held Oct. 6 from 7-8 p.m. at the Station Square Promenade by the Metro Parking Structure. Featuring, well, beer and books. Open to adults 21 years and older and you'll need a valid ID. They're not just going to take your word for it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Gets $22.7 Million Contract for Killer Drones

Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has announced the United States Army has awarded the company a contract for "Block 10C Switchblade Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems and support services valued at $22,776,812." https://goo.gl/LDmHko

- Brad Haugaard

Sketches of Historic Monrovia Homes to be Published

Monrovia Historic Preservation group is planning to publish this month a set of pen and ink drawings by Marjorie Brewer, who started in the late 1950s when she noticed that homes in a state of disrepair were being torn down. Of the eleven houses in this anthology, three were eventually demolished.

The book will contain not only the drawings but also vintage photographs of the homes where available and a current picture if the home is still standing. Plus early histories of the homes.

Source: MOHPG newsletter

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drugs, Alcohol and Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for September 29 – October 2. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 30 at 12:46 a.m., an officer observed a subject in the 300 block of S. Myrtle that he knew had an outstanding warrant. The subject was arrested, booked and later released with a citation to appear in court on the warrant.

Petty Theft
September 30 at 4:43 p.m., a petty theft was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington Drive. The victim called to report someone had stolen hand tools from the bed of his truck. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
October 1 at 8:41 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of E. Lime. The home was involved in a fire earlier in the week and had been declared uninhabitable. The front door had been boarded up and someone removed one of the boards. The owner of the property was notified and responded to the location. Officers searched the home, but did not locate anyone inside. The owner did not find anything missing. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 1 at 11:19 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he observed a suspicious male adult subject. The subject tossed something on the ground when he saw the officer. The officer detained the subject and requested assisting officers. When assistance arrived, the officer retrieved the items which had been tossed. He discovered the items were a baggie of methamphetamine and two used pipes for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 12:15 p.m., an officer was flagged down regarding a man down, possibly intoxicated. The subject was located and determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 2 at 5:20 p.m., an officer saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation and stopped the subject. During the contact with the officer, the subject admitted to having drug paraphernalia in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Halloween Film at Library

Free screening of Tim Burton's Halloween Film, Frankenweenie, Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. at Monrovia Public Library. For free tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Wear a costume for trick or treating! Light refreshments, senior community resources available.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Refinancing Bonds to Save About $200,000 a Year

At its next meeting ( https://goo.gl/odMD9F ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Refinancing at a lower interest rate the bond that paid for the new library to save about $2.2 million, or $105,000 to $110,000 per year for 20 years. https://goo.gl/YjdyNH

~ Refinancing some bonds from the old redevelopment agency bonds to save $1.8 million in lower interest rates over 20 years, or approximately $90,000 per year. https://goo.gl/fDl14G

- Brad Haugaard