~ The Pasadena Humane Society, which serves Monrovia, will hold #GivingPawsday to provide food, shelter and medical care to the nearly 12,000 animals taken into the shelter each year. This year's giving day will be Nov. 29. Donations can be made at pasadenahumane.org/givingpawsday or by texting PAWS to 27722. In-kind donations will also be accepted at the shelter. Items in high demand are fleece bedding, pet beds, canned cat food, towels and dog food. The full wish list can be found at pasadenahumane.org/wishlist.
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present "Down Home Holiday Show," featuring Kids in Concert and The Susie Glaze New Folk Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at Monrovia's St. Luke's Episcopal Church. For tickets: http://www.sgvccsingers.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Can Non-Riders Use Metro Parking During Off Hours? | Lions Club for Monrovia? | Holiday Home Decorating | Spark of Love | Etc.
In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/2B7ks1 ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ Sixty-four newly designed Blue Star Banners honoring Monrovians serving in the military were installed on Monday, Nov. 7 along Huntington Drive from Mountain Avenue to Fifth Avenue.
~ The city is working with Metro to see if they can work a deal to let non-transit users park in the Metro parking lot during low-traffic times, such as nights and weekends. Chi says "the City has received very favorable feedback that Metro would be amenable to developing such a joint use agreement.
~ Lions Club is trying to start a club here in Monrovia, and plans a meeting at the Santa Anita Family YMCA (501 S. Mountain Ave.). If the Club can find 20 people to participate, then the new club will be formed. Lions has more than 1.4 million members in approximately 47,087 clubs in more than 200 countries. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and serving youth. For more information contact Manny Sanchez at (562) 708-9061, or by email at lionmanny@gmail.com.
~ If you have thoughts on how to improve the Monrovia Community Center, you might want to take this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N2LSTVN
~ Applications for the Holiday Home Decorating Contest are available at the Monrovia Community Center. Judging on Monday, Dec. 5, and award winners will be recognized during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at City Hall in Council Chambers. For details, contact Public Services at 256-8246. Categories:
- Best Still Display
- Best Outdoor Display
- Best Decorated Outdoor Tree
- Best Window Display
- Holiday Spirit Award
- Most Effective Use of Lighting a house
- Toyland Award
- Children's Choice Award
- Best Neighborhood Effort
- Snowman Award
- Judges Award
- Tim McKeehan "Best of Season" Award
For additional information, please contact the Department of Public Services at 256-8246.
~ The Bob Bob Bartlett Memorial Mosaic Committee will meet Nov. 30 to review the final design of the artwork being prepared by Carole Choucair Queijan. This will be "a more refined version of the conceptual actual artwork." Comment: Good, that initial concept design was not as polished as it could have been.
~ An ABC7 news team and filmed Monrovia's firefighters, equipment, and our Fire Station as part of this year's ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive, which provides thousands of toys to children that are less fortunate. Fire Engineer Moreno coordinated Monrovia's involvement in this event.
~ The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade to take place on Thursday, Dec. 1 with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. and the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade theme is "A Historic Holiday", honoring this year's Grand Marshals, the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town Merchants.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Musicians To Perform Saturday at Pavilions
Come support Monrovia Young Musicians Ensemble, which will be in front of Pavilions supermarket promoting its Carolgrams, holding its Fall Bake Sale, and performing. This Saturday, Nov. 19, and Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Man Robbed in Alley; Rifles Stolen; SUV Seats Stolen; Yelling and Screaming; Kicking Vending Machine
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 10-13. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Residential Burglary
November 10 at 6:24 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth Avenue called police to report she had just returned home from work and found her home had been burglarized. Although a complete list of stolen property could not be immediately compiled, two rifles were among the items stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Disturbing Subject / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 7:09 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported yelling and screaming in the 700 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description. A computer check revealed the subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.
Loitering / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 8:28 p.m., several subjects were reported loitering in front of a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was held pending his court appearance.
Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 8:49 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Longford Place called police to report a vehicle had collided into her neighbors’ yards. Officers arrived and the investigation revealed the driver was extremely intoxicated and had her 16-year-old son in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment.
Juvenile Problem / Vandalism / Theft
November 11 at 10:00 p.m., approximately ten juveniles were reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill causing a disturbance in a parking lot. Several subjects entered a laundromat and repeatedly kicked a vending machine, causing damage to where the coins are held. The suspects stole miscellaneous coins from the damaged machine and fled. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 11 at 10:46 p.m., police responded to the report of a robbery in the 400 block of S. Ivy. The victim parked his vehicle on Canyon and the south alley of Lime. He walked west in the alley, heading to the downtown area to meet friends. Two suspects approached, brandished a handgun and pointed it at the victim. The suspects robbed the victim of his cell phone, wallet and miscellaneous personal property, then fled on foot. An extensive search was conducted by officers, but the suspects were not located. The suspects were described as male blacks, but additional description was difficult because their features were concealed by the hoods on their sweatshirts. The investigation is continuing.
Welfare Check / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 10:52 p.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police stating there was a subject sleeping on their bench outside their to-go pickup area. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Vehicle Burglary
November 13 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his SUV in the parking lot and locked it. He returned to his vehicle a short time later to discover his vehicle had been broken into and the third row seats had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 13 at 6:01 p.m., officers responded to the area of Grand and Foothill regarding possible shots heard. As they searched the area, two subjects were contacted and questioned about the possible shots heard. As the officer approached one of the subjects, he reached into his pocket and dropped items behind a brick wall. The items were found to be a glass pipe for smoking drugs and a syringe. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. During a search of his person, a baggie of methamphetamine was found in his pocket. The other suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant. There was no evidence of gunshots and only one call was received by police.
Theft
November 14 at 5:14 a.m., a theft was reported in the 500 block of W. Colorado. The victim called police to report that high-value parts were stolen from his motorcycle that was parked in his driveway overnight. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Residential Burglary
November 10 at 6:24 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth Avenue called police to report she had just returned home from work and found her home had been burglarized. Although a complete list of stolen property could not be immediately compiled, two rifles were among the items stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Disturbing Subject / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 7:09 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported yelling and screaming in the 700 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and located a subject matching the description. A computer check revealed the subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.
Loitering / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 8:28 p.m., several subjects were reported loitering in front of a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was held pending his court appearance.
Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
November 10 at 8:49 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Longford Place called police to report a vehicle had collided into her neighbors’ yards. Officers arrived and the investigation revealed the driver was extremely intoxicated and had her 16-year-old son in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment.
Juvenile Problem / Vandalism / Theft
November 11 at 10:00 p.m., approximately ten juveniles were reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill causing a disturbance in a parking lot. Several subjects entered a laundromat and repeatedly kicked a vending machine, causing damage to where the coins are held. The suspects stole miscellaneous coins from the damaged machine and fled. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 11 at 10:46 p.m., police responded to the report of a robbery in the 400 block of S. Ivy. The victim parked his vehicle on Canyon and the south alley of Lime. He walked west in the alley, heading to the downtown area to meet friends. Two suspects approached, brandished a handgun and pointed it at the victim. The suspects robbed the victim of his cell phone, wallet and miscellaneous personal property, then fled on foot. An extensive search was conducted by officers, but the suspects were not located. The suspects were described as male blacks, but additional description was difficult because their features were concealed by the hoods on their sweatshirts. The investigation is continuing.
Welfare Check / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 12 at 10:52 p.m., a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington called police stating there was a subject sleeping on their bench outside their to-go pickup area. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Vehicle Burglary
November 13 at 1:19 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his SUV in the parking lot and locked it. He returned to his vehicle a short time later to discover his vehicle had been broken into and the third row seats had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 13 at 6:01 p.m., officers responded to the area of Grand and Foothill regarding possible shots heard. As they searched the area, two subjects were contacted and questioned about the possible shots heard. As the officer approached one of the subjects, he reached into his pocket and dropped items behind a brick wall. The items were found to be a glass pipe for smoking drugs and a syringe. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. During a search of his person, a baggie of methamphetamine was found in his pocket. The other suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant. There was no evidence of gunshots and only one call was received by police.
Theft
November 14 at 5:14 a.m., a theft was reported in the 500 block of W. Colorado. The victim called police to report that high-value parts were stolen from his motorcycle that was parked in his driveway overnight. The investigation is continuing.
Mosquito Report and Police Trust Meeting at Monrovia Library
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will give an update about mosquito activity and mosquito-borne diseases in the area and the Monrovia Police Department will hold a round-table dialogue on improving trust with police. On Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Monrovia Library Community Room. Call Ariel at 932-5563 or email atolefree@ci.monrovia.ca.us to reserve a spot. https://goo.gl/C7ODO7
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Why There Is Restricted Parking Near Ridgeside Trail Entry Point to Hillside Wilderness Area
Ridgeside Drive just north of the entry point to the the Hillside Wilderness Area.
At its next meeting, on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., the Monrovia City Council will likely declare the Hillside Wilderness Area an official park and kinda-sorta-ish restrict parking on Ridgeside, next to one of the main trail entrances to the area. (It will also limit parking near other entry points, but those are narrow, twisting roads and I reluctantly understand the need for limiting parking in those areas.)
As you can see in the photo above, this section of Ridgeside Drive next to the trail entrance is flat, wide, straight, long, with no homes on either side, and is even - as best I can tell - out of the line of sight of any local homes, ideal for parking. Nevertheless it is being made parking-by-permit-only. Even some residents of Ridgeside don't want this. So why do it?
I emailed and spoke by phone with City Manager Oliver Chi about this, and the reason is simple: "[T]he establishment of an on-street permit parking program," he wrote, "was a requirement that had to be fulfilled before the City could obtain the easement needed to formalize entry into the Hillside Wilderness Preserve through the Ridgeside Access Point."
In other words, if the city didn't agree to parking-by-permit-only along Ridgeside, it wouldn't have obtained an easement so it could open the gate to the Wilderness Area.
Ah.
Chi added that this "pilot program" will not be a "formal permit parking program managed by law enforcement personnel." Instead, "our initial plans are to enforce the parking restriction on a complaint basis. If a complaint is received, a member of our Public Services Department team will be dispatched to the site and rather than issuing a ticket, we will attempt to resolve the situation by providing background information and education regarding why the pilot permit parking program was instituted."
So, you won't get a ticket for parking there, and probably nobody will complain if you park in the area just north of the entry point (the area I show in the picture above). And if somebody does complain, well, I guess you'll have to move your car a bit.
And just in case you were wondering, there has not been a problem with cars clogging Ridgeside.
Chi again: "[T]here are no significant concerns regarding the parking situation on Ridgeside Drive today. We really have not received complaints regarding those who [are] currently parking on Ridgeside Drive to access the Hillside Wilderness Preserve through the Ridgeside Access Point. The concern that has been raised, and what the proposed pilot permit parking program is attempting to address, is the possibility that with the trail system connecting Ridgeside to Cloverleaf now complete, the use of the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will increase."
I highly doubt this will be a problem, but I'll comment on why I think so below.
However, this is not the end of the story.
"If the parking situation does not change from current usage levels, we do plan on revisiting the matter and we will attempt to make modifications to the pilot permit parking program to ease the restrictions. Conversely, if the parking situation deteriorates and causes a significant impact on the residential neighborhood, we will look to enhance the parking restrictions."
Since I don't think parking will be a problem... Good!
Okay, here are a few more thoughts:
1. The temporary signs that are posted now are posted all the way along Ridgecrest from Canyon Boulevard to Oakglade Drive, however the proposed parking-by-permit area as described in the staff report ( https://goo.gl/pm0gid ) proposes the area only be from Briarcliff Drive to Oakglade Drive, so the signs have been posted outside the designated area.2. I think the permanent signs should be re-written to indicate more specifically that you won't get a ticket for parking in that area. Something like, "This provision is enforced by complaint. Those not in compliance may be asked to move their vehicles."
3. I do not believe the full opening of the Cloverleaf access point to the Hillside Wilderness Area will result in many more people parking on Ridgeside. That may seem opposite of what you would think, so let me defend my assertion.
I think the people who park at Ridgecrest will be the same people who park there now - people who just want to hike to the top of the hill and then back down to their car. Opening Cloverleaf makes no difference to this group of people since they weren't going to Cloverleaf anyway. The situation is totally unchanged for them and there is no reason their numbers would increase in any noteworthy way.
And as for those hikers who are going to hike the full trail, they'll probably get back to their car by making a loop up city streets. But in that case it doesn't really matter where they start. They could park on any street between Cloverleaf and Ridgeside and still walk the same distance. There is no particular attraction to parking on Ridgeside. If you make a loop around a circular track, it doesn't matter where you start, you are going to travel the same distance.
So, anyway, I very much hope the city will revisit this and attempt to work things out, because I really don't see that this should be a problem for anybody.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Voted Mostly for Clinton
Here's an election map from the LA Times showing most of Monrovia and surrounding area. The bluer the more Clinton-ish, the redder the more Trump-ish. https://goo.gl/wwCaHv
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia To Declare Hillside Area a Park and Restrict Parking Near Entry Points
At its next meeting ( https://goo.gl/TZEkgN ) the Monrovia City Council will, among other things, consider ...
~ Adopting the Hillside Wilderness Preserve as an "official park," which will allow the city to establish formal hours of operation and other rules. https://goo.gl/ZZnIRR
~ Implement a parking-by-permit-only program next to the Hillside Wilderness Area entry points, specifically: On Ridgeside Drive between Briarcliff Drive and Oakglade Drive; On Cloverleaf Drive between North Alta Vista Avenue and Hidden Valley Avenue; On Hidden Valley Avenue from Cloverleaf Drive to the terminus of Hidden Valley Avenue. Comment: I am not opposed to some parking restrictions, but this is very excessive. I'll have more to say about it soon. https://goo.gl/pm0gid
- Brad Haugaard
~ Adopting the Hillside Wilderness Preserve as an "official park," which will allow the city to establish formal hours of operation and other rules. https://goo.gl/ZZnIRR
~ Implement a parking-by-permit-only program next to the Hillside Wilderness Area entry points, specifically: On Ridgeside Drive between Briarcliff Drive and Oakglade Drive; On Cloverleaf Drive between North Alta Vista Avenue and Hidden Valley Avenue; On Hidden Valley Avenue from Cloverleaf Drive to the terminus of Hidden Valley Avenue. Comment: I am not opposed to some parking restrictions, but this is very excessive. I'll have more to say about it soon. https://goo.gl/pm0gid
- Brad Haugaard
Joint Monrovia Council-School Board Meeting
There will be a joint meeting of the Monrovia City Council and Monrovia School Board at the City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss:
1. Myrtle / Duarte Intersection Traffic Update
2. Bioswale Planter Fix at Santa Fe Middle School
3. Monrovia Days 2017 Event Update
4. 4th of July Event Discussion
5. Holiday Parade Update
6. School Resources Officer Program
- Brad Haugaard
1. Myrtle / Duarte Intersection Traffic Update
2. Bioswale Planter Fix at Santa Fe Middle School
3. Monrovia Days 2017 Event Update
4. 4th of July Event Discussion
5. Holiday Parade Update
6. School Resources Officer Program
- Brad Haugaard
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Nov. 17
An interfaith Thanksgiving service, "The Power of Gratitude," will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7-8 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. in Monrovia. Donations will be accepted for the Foothill Unity Center.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Chang Thai Bistro
Had dinner last night at Chang Thai Bistro on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the Pad Thai ($7.95) and a beer ($4.95). This is a bad picture because I mixed up all the ingredients before I remembered I needed to take a picture. Anyway, it was very tasty ... and, when it started, pretty, too.
- Brad Haugaard
Jennifer Tubbs Is Monrovia Teacher of the Year
At it's Wednesday, Nov. 16, meeting (5:30 p.m.), the Monrovia Board of Education will honor Jennifer Tubbs, as the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Monrovia Unified School District.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Man Hits Woman; Woman Hits Man; Robbed While Sitting in Car; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 7-9. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Domestic Violence / Battery – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 6:19 p.m., a female subject came to the police station to report an incident of domestic violence. The subject and a female friend went to a residence in the 100 block of E. Central to serve her ex-boyfriend with a restraining order. When the friend approached the ex-boyfriend, he punched her in the face. He then threw a water bottle at the other female, striking her in the neck. Officers responded to the location and interviewed the suspect; he was arrested without further incident.
Possession of Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 8:19 a.m., a male subject was reported smoking marijuana on a public bench in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and located the subject. The officer asked the subject if he had any contraband on his person and the subject admitted to having methamphetamine on him. The subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 8 at 2:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a traffic collision in the 300 block of W. Huntington involving two vehicles. One of the drivers complained of pain and Monrovia Fire paramedics responded to treat the driver at the scene.
Domestic Violence Investigation – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Hurstview regarding the report of a male and female subject involved in a physical altercation. The male subject had some minor injuries and the female was determined to be the primary aggressor. The female adult was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
November 9 at 9:21 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle and went inside a restaurant to eat. When he returned, he saw a window on his vehicle had been smashed and a backpack and Ipod had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 10 at 12:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a robbery in the 1700 block of Alamitas. The victims had just returned from dinner and were sitting in a vehicle at the location. They were robbed at gunpoint by three suspects. The suspects were described as three male Blacks wearing ski masks that left the area in a white SUV. The loss was two cell phones and cash. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
November 10 at 2:13 a.m., officers were checking the area of Foothill and Stedman for a suspicious subject that was seen looking into parked vehicles. A subject was located and was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and syringes. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Domestic Violence / Battery – Suspect Arrested
November 7 at 6:19 p.m., a female subject came to the police station to report an incident of domestic violence. The subject and a female friend went to a residence in the 100 block of E. Central to serve her ex-boyfriend with a restraining order. When the friend approached the ex-boyfriend, he punched her in the face. He then threw a water bottle at the other female, striking her in the neck. Officers responded to the location and interviewed the suspect; he was arrested without further incident.
Possession of Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 8:19 a.m., a male subject was reported smoking marijuana on a public bench in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and located the subject. The officer asked the subject if he had any contraband on his person and the subject admitted to having methamphetamine on him. The subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken into custody.
Injury Traffic Collision
November 8 at 2:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a traffic collision in the 300 block of W. Huntington involving two vehicles. One of the drivers complained of pain and Monrovia Fire paramedics responded to treat the driver at the scene.
Domestic Violence Investigation – Suspect Arrested
November 8 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Hurstview regarding the report of a male and female subject involved in a physical altercation. The male subject had some minor injuries and the female was determined to be the primary aggressor. The female adult was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
November 9 at 9:21 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle and went inside a restaurant to eat. When he returned, he saw a window on his vehicle had been smashed and a backpack and Ipod had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Robbery
November 10 at 12:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a robbery in the 1700 block of Alamitas. The victims had just returned from dinner and were sitting in a vehicle at the location. They were robbed at gunpoint by three suspects. The suspects were described as three male Blacks wearing ski masks that left the area in a white SUV. The loss was two cell phones and cash. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
November 10 at 2:13 a.m., officers were checking the area of Foothill and Stedman for a suspicious subject that was seen looking into parked vehicles. A subject was located and was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and syringes. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Monrovia Faces St. Paul Friday
Monrovia Football faces St. Paul this Friday, coming out of a conclusive 46 - 16 victory against South Pasadena. https://goo.gl/vbP5LK
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Art Sale to Support Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club
Artwork created by members of Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Teen Center will be on display in the window of Hömage Pasadena on Holly Street in Old Pasadena Nov. 7 - Nov. 16. Hömage will host a viewing reception on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m.. The reception is free and open to the public. Purchases made that evening will be 10% off and 10% will be donated to BGCF. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket valued at $250, with all proceeds benefiting BGCF. Hömage is a 2 E. Holly St., Pasadena.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Is Very Low on Water; Low-Water Medians; Native Plant Sale; Prayer Breakfast; Etc.
What a low-water Huntington Drive may look like.
In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/erhZOw ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
~ We are REALLY low on water. He said the regional watermaster reports that the water level is at 172.2 feet, "the lowest point at which the water level has ever been measured." If it drops to 165 feet around 10% of all production wells in the Main San Gabriel Basin will be totally out of commission and the basin "will experience an estimated 30% reduction in water production capacity." Solutions? Import water, but that'll cost money, which will probably be raised as an assessment (i.e. "tax"), but Monrovia would like the tax to fall more heavily on "those who are not engaged in significant conservation efforts."
~ With the drought the city plans to replace the dry grass in the Huntington Drive medians with less thirsty plants. Above is a rendering of what that might look like.
~ There will be a Native Garden Plant Sale on Nov. 12 (this Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Library Park. In addition, the water conservation team from Public Works Division will provide Waterwise Gardening presentations.
~ The 51st annual Monrovia Community Prayer Breakfast will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (700 West Huntington ). Father Randy Campos from Immaculate Conception Church will speak on "Peace that Lies Within." More info from the Chamber of Commerce: 358-1159.
~ Oops. The old Alberstons shopping site has not been sold, but Chi adds that, "Based on discussions that have occurred to date, it appears that the new owners are still finalizing lease discussions with two operators, including TJ Maxx / Homegoods and Aldi (the grocery store concept)."
~ The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1 (I assume it is shortly after dark, but the report doesn't say.) The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will serve as Grand Marshal.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Student Runs In Front of Car - Hit; Stolen Bike; Car vs. Ankle; Brother-Sister Fight; Camping In the Alley; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 3-6. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
November 3 at 4:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle in the lot at 7:00 a.m. and went to work. When he returned at 4:30 p.m., he discovered his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 5:20 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at California and Duarte. A computer check of the driver revealed she had a felony warrant out of Monrovia for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Petty Theft
November 3 at 9:50 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Montana Street called police to report the theft of his bicycle. The victim left his bicycle on the side of his yard at 8:00 p.m. and went inside his residence. At 9:00 p.m., he went back outside and noticed his bicycle was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 3 at 11:01 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision that occurred at Mayflower and Diamond was reported to police. A 17-year-old male subject was walking across the street when a vehicle's front fender grazed the back of his ankle. The driver of the vehicle left the scene. The minor walked home and informed his mother of the incident. The minor did not have any visible injuries, but he complained of pain to his ankle. The investigation is continuing.
Assault
November 4 at 7:40 a.m., a female resident in the 1200 block of S. Sherman called police to report she had been involved in a fight with her brother. Both subjects are adults. The argument became physical and both subjects pushed and shoved each other. The male suspect then pushed his sister to the ground, causing her to fall backwards and strike her back on a brick planter box. The suspect then went into the house and the victim followed. Inside the house, they continued to argue and fight. At one point, the male suspect bit the female victim on her shoulder through her shirt, causing injury. The suspect then left the residence on foot. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect, but he was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collison – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 4 at 3:05 p.m., a student ran in front of a slow moving vehicle at a middle school in the 200 block of S. Ivy. The child was struck and went to the ground. The child was treated by Monrovia Fire Department and taken to a hospital for precautionary measures. The child had visible scrapes on his face. The child’s mother was notified. She responded to the school and went to the hospital with her son.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 3:50 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting several subjects sleeping on the lawn at a location in the 200 block of E. Palm. Officers arrived and discovered five subjects sleeping on the lawn. The officers recognized one of the subjects and knew he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The warrants were confirmed and the subject was arrested. A search of his property revealed he was in possession of methamphetamine, which was added to his charges.
Grand Theft Auto
November 5 at 7:50 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Encino. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the guest parking for the complex at 2:00 a.m. The vehicle is a black, 1998 Honda Civic. When she returned to her vehicle in the morning, she found her vehicle was missing. Officers checked the area, but the vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
November 5 at 12:02 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Ridgeside on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street at 1:45 a.m. Sometime during the night, unknown suspects entered the vehicle and gained access to the trunk. They stole miscellaneous tools and other items from the trunk of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 6:27 p.m., police received a call reporting subjects camped out in the rear alley of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with one male and one female camped out in the alley. The female subject was found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest and was in possession of a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Disturbing Subjects / Public Intoxication / Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspects Arrested
November 5 at 7:30 p.m., a male and female subject were reported fighting in the park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle Avenue. Officers arrived and located the two subjects. The female subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public. The male subject is listed as being the restrained person in a court ordered domestic violence restraining order and the protected person is the intoxicated female. The male subject was arrested for violating the restraining order.
Domestic Violence
November 5 at 11:30 p.m., a fight between a male and female subject was reported in the 500 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and found the subjects were in a vehicle arguing. The male subject had an injury to his finger and the female subject had an injury to her hand. The officers determined the female subject was the aggressor and she was arrested for domestic violence.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft Auto
November 3 at 4:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle in the lot at 7:00 a.m. and went to work. When he returned at 4:30 p.m., he discovered his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 5:20 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at California and Duarte. A computer check of the driver revealed she had a felony warrant out of Monrovia for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Petty Theft
November 3 at 9:50 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Montana Street called police to report the theft of his bicycle. The victim left his bicycle on the side of his yard at 8:00 p.m. and went inside his residence. At 9:00 p.m., he went back outside and noticed his bicycle was missing. The investigation is continuing.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 3 at 11:01 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision that occurred at Mayflower and Diamond was reported to police. A 17-year-old male subject was walking across the street when a vehicle's front fender grazed the back of his ankle. The driver of the vehicle left the scene. The minor walked home and informed his mother of the incident. The minor did not have any visible injuries, but he complained of pain to his ankle. The investigation is continuing.
Assault
November 4 at 7:40 a.m., a female resident in the 1200 block of S. Sherman called police to report she had been involved in a fight with her brother. Both subjects are adults. The argument became physical and both subjects pushed and shoved each other. The male suspect then pushed his sister to the ground, causing her to fall backwards and strike her back on a brick planter box. The suspect then went into the house and the victim followed. Inside the house, they continued to argue and fight. At one point, the male suspect bit the female victim on her shoulder through her shirt, causing injury. The suspect then left the residence on foot. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect, but he was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collison – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 4 at 3:05 p.m., a student ran in front of a slow moving vehicle at a middle school in the 200 block of S. Ivy. The child was struck and went to the ground. The child was treated by Monrovia Fire Department and taken to a hospital for precautionary measures. The child had visible scrapes on his face. The child’s mother was notified. She responded to the school and went to the hospital with her son.
Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 3:50 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting several subjects sleeping on the lawn at a location in the 200 block of E. Palm. Officers arrived and discovered five subjects sleeping on the lawn. The officers recognized one of the subjects and knew he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The warrants were confirmed and the subject was arrested. A search of his property revealed he was in possession of methamphetamine, which was added to his charges.
Grand Theft Auto
November 5 at 7:50 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Encino. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the guest parking for the complex at 2:00 a.m. The vehicle is a black, 1998 Honda Civic. When she returned to her vehicle in the morning, she found her vehicle was missing. Officers checked the area, but the vehicle was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
November 5 at 12:02 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Ridgeside on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street at 1:45 a.m. Sometime during the night, unknown suspects entered the vehicle and gained access to the trunk. They stole miscellaneous tools and other items from the trunk of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 6:27 p.m., police received a call reporting subjects camped out in the rear alley of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with one male and one female camped out in the alley. The female subject was found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest and was in possession of a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Disturbing Subjects / Public Intoxication / Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order – Suspects Arrested
November 5 at 7:30 p.m., a male and female subject were reported fighting in the park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle Avenue. Officers arrived and located the two subjects. The female subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public. The male subject is listed as being the restrained person in a court ordered domestic violence restraining order and the protected person is the intoxicated female. The male subject was arrested for violating the restraining order.
Domestic Violence
November 5 at 11:30 p.m., a fight between a male and female subject was reported in the 500 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and found the subjects were in a vehicle arguing. The male subject had an injury to his finger and the female subject had an injury to her hand. The officers determined the female subject was the aggressor and she was arrested for domestic violence.
A Photo Tour of Monrovia's New Hillside Wilderness Trail
Following up on yesterday's description of the new trail in Monrovia's Hillside Wilderness area (see here: https://goo.gl/sUf7BT ), I actually took the trail today. Here is a photo description of my trek from the Ridgeside entry point to the Cloverleaf entry point. Note that some of the pictures show itty-bitty trail signs. These are temporary and will be replaced with serious signs soon.
This is the Ridgeside entry point. It looks like a driveway because it is that too.
Oh no! Looks like it's closed, but it isn't. The lock threw me off. Open the gate and ride up Clamshell Road.
At the top of Clamshell the road goes to the left and the trail to the right. The road rejoins the trail later but don't take it because it crosses private property.
Take the trail until you get to this cutoff on the right. See the itty-bitty direction sign? Hopefully the official one will be bigger.
Soon you come to seriously steep switchbacks. A skilled mountain biker could handle it, but I'm not a skilled mountain biker, and I value my neck. I walked my bike down.
This is where the private road rejoins the trail. It comes in on the left and you can't see it in this picture. The old, easy road to the Cloverleaf entry point is in the left middle of the picture. The trail is the road on the right. It may be hard to see, but there is a cable blocking the way to the old road. It's the city's way of asking you to please take the road on the right.
I don't mind admitting that I got off my bike here and walked it down. After all, I wouldn't want my poor bike to get hurt.
Nice view into Arcadia.
The road on the right is what I came down. The road on the left goes to Arcadia's Wilderness Park. I'm not going to go that way today.
A nice easy stretch for a bit.
We encounter the old road to Cloverleaf again. Notice the cable, again to encourage you to stay off the old road and take the path on the right.
After some ups and steep downs we come to the Cloverleaf gate, just inside of which is this building. Notice the green post? That's a drinking fountain that also lets you fill water bottles. Cool!
Okay, here's the gate. Notice the panic bar on the pedestrian door. That'll let you get out if you are stuck inside after hours. You think you're done when you pass this? You're not.
The trail does not follow the road. Just past the gate it veers to the right. Take this route because if the gate at the end of Cloverleaf (the road on the left) happens to be closed, you'll have to backtrack and take this route anyway.
Okay, this is the Cloverleaf entry point. Can't see it? Well, its right where you see the storm drain in the curb. Just to the right of a private road, where you see the mailboxes. Hopefully it will better marked when the final signs are put in place.
And that's it. I had a great time.
- Brad Haugaard
New Art Show | More Monrovia Movie History | Band to Play at Pearl Harbor
~ Saga Fine Art (110 W. Lime) has a new show called "Intimate Spaces," featuring interiors, still life, private gardens and doorways through Dec. 2.
~ More on Monrovia's movie history. A movie parade and everything. https://goo.gl/i08sf4
~ The Monrovia School Board will consider approving a field trip for Monrovia High School Band students to travel to Honolulu to perform in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band, December 4-9. Also, the board will consider consider a dual-enrollment deal with Citrus College. If you are desperate to know more, click the link, but the school district has switched to putting everything in one humongous PDF file. This one is 150 pages long: Click here if you have a fast connection.
- Brad Haugaard
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