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B1 Over Monrovia

Some nice pictures of the Stealth bomber flying over Monrovia this morning at Gem City Images. https://goo.gl/IH5N8h

- Brad Haugaard

1776 Gastro Pub Opens in Monrovia

 
1776 - All American Gastro Pub, has opened on the east side of Myrtle just south of Lemon.
 
- Brad Haugaard 

Happy New Year, Monrovia!

 
The crowd is a bit sparse at the New Year's Eve Celebration, but the rain has stopped, the band is playing, and the night is still young. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at La Adelita

 
Dinner last night at La Adelita, on the south side of Colorado a half block east of Myrtle. I got the Carne con Pappas (potatoes) for $11.99 and a beer for $3 (happy hour price).  Tasty and filling. Had to take a couple of the tortillas home.

- Brad Haugaard 

New Year's Eve In Monrovia | City in Good Financial Health | Dogs and Cats at Council Meetings | Community Services Officer

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/o0dtDA ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ New Year's Eve on Myrtle Avenue begins at 6 p.m. with the opening of a kids and family area in Old Town. Then the band, Night Owl, will perform as the beer and wine garden opens at 7 p.m. The party culminates with the New Year's Eve Ball Raising, which will happen as the clock strikes midnight. Admission is free. Beer and wine are $7 each and you must be at least 21 to enter the adult beverage location. ID required.

~ The city's auditor, Lance, Soll, Lunghard (LSL) intends to give Monrovia an "unmodified" (that's the best) opinion of the city's finances. Also, the auditor says the city is in "strong financial health" and has "established effective internal financial controls."

~ The Pasadena Humane Society, which serves Monrovia, will begin presenting an adoptable pet once a month at upcoming City Council meetings. First presentation at the Jan. 17 meeting.

~ The City may hire half of a Community Services Officer, who would handle administrative tasks for the police. Monrovia is chatting about it with the City of Bradbury, which proposed splitting the costs and time of the officer, thus freeing officers for higher priority tasks. Tasks would include: taking over the investigation of crimes with few or no workable leads, investigation of non-injury traffic collisions, enforcing parking restrictions, writing crime reports, and handling other public safety tasks.



Monrovia's Assemblyman to Run Utilities and Energy Committee

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has been named chair of the California State Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy. Its responsibilities include public utilities, the California Public Utilities Commission, energy companies, telecommunications and international trade, among others. Source: Holden press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Tree Pick-Up

To recycle your Christmas Tree, place it curbside on your regular trash collection day from Dec. 26 through Jan. 8, 2017. Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands. Flocked and trees coated with fire retardant will be accepted. https://goo.gl/N3GoMj

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!


The birth of Jesus, portrayed in this manger scene in front of Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church at Foothill and Myrtle.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Noor's Indian Bistro

 
Dinner last night at Noor's Indian Bistro, at the southeast corner of Foothill and Myrtle. I got the chicken Tikka Marsala for $13.95, a large beer for $9 and rice (not shown) for two for $4. Tasty and filling.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Will Have a Food Train in Rose Parade

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's will have a float in the Rose Parade this year. Called, All Aboard, it is a 75-foot food-meets-train float. https://goo.gl/xZAKSX

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspected Thief Bites on Bait; Stolen Mail; Fake Gun; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 387 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Theft of Mail
December 19 at 7:25 a.m., an officer responded to an apartment complex in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista regarding a theft of mail. This was the second time in a week that the mail had been stolen from the mailboxes. It appears the suspects may have a key, because there was no sign of forced entry and all the boxes were wide open. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 19 at 8:46 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of N. Primrose regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked her vehicle on the street in front of her residence the night before. When she returned to the vehicle in the morning, she discovered the driver's side rear window had been smashed out and some items that she left in the vehicle had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspects Arrested
December 19 at 8:16 p.m., security at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called and stated two subjects were hiding items from their store on their persons. Officers arrived and detained the two suspects. One subject was arrested for petty theft and the other was arrested for petty theft and possession of another's identification with intent to defraud. Both suspects were taken into custody.

Attempt Residential Burglary
December 20 at 12:51 a.m., an attempt break-in was reported at a residence in the 500 block of Diamond. The caller had arrived at her boyfriend’s house and was at the door when she heard glass breaking and a male subject running from the rear of the residence. The female activated her vehicle alarm to scare the subject away. The suspect had entered the rear yard of the residence and broke a window. The resident was sleeping inside and did not hear the suspect break the back window. The investigation is continuing.

Ex-Felon With a Replica Gun / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 2:00 a.m., an officer contacted a subject near a closed business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. A search of the subject's property revealed an orange flare gun that had been painted black to make it look like a real gun. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Stolen Bait Package / Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 8:19 a.m., dispatch received an activation alert that a police bait package was taken from a residence in the 200 block of N. Mountain. An officer located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle abruptly sped off west on Foothill. The officer advised the vehicle was failing to yield and he was in pursuit of the vehicle. Officers lost sight of the vehicle after the driver entered the 210 Freeway. They were able to relocate the vehicle using the tracking system in the bait package. The officers followed the vehicle to a residence in Baldwin Park, where the male driver and a female passenger fled from the vehicle. The female passenger was taken into custody and detectives are trying to ascertain the male driver’s identity. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
December 20 at 3:15 p.m., security at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report they had detained a subject inside their store in possession of bolt cutters, but they let him go. The suspect then walked inside another business and selected numerous pieces of clothing and items from the electronics department. He then entered the dressing room. The suspect was inside the dressing room for approximately 30 minutes. When officers confronted the suspect, he was dressed in the stolen clothing. The suspect was arrested for petty theft and possession of burglary tools.

Vehicle Burglary
December 20 at 10:52 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in a public parking lot in the 100 block of E. Lime. Several bags left inside the vehicle were taken. The suspects were possibly driving a Honda Odyssey van, gray in color. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 21 at 2:19 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Monterey and Huntington. The investigation determined the driver was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely due to being intoxicated. The female driver was arrested and taken into custody for DUI.

Traffic Collision
December 22 at 2:11 a.m., officers responded to the report of a solo vehicle traffic collision at Myrtle and Chestnut. The driver was distracted by his cell phone and collided with the center divider, striking a tree. The driver complained of pain, but refused to be taken to a hospital.

Monrovia's Senator Wants a President Obama Freeway

State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, has introduced Resolution, SCR 8, which would name the 134 Freeway between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway." Obama attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock from 1979 to 1981 and lived in Pasadena during his sophomore year. Source: Portantino Press Release

- Brad Haugaard

Lumber Yard Restaurant/Retail Area Moving Forward; Water Tax; Home Decorating Winners; Carriage Rides - Last Day; Library Training

Proposed Lumber Yard Restaurant/Retail Area

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/7plGY4 ), City Manager Oliver Chi writes ...

~ With Planning Commission approval, the Lumber Yard at Myrtle Avenue, an artisan food and beverage village, is set to move forward.  The project, in the Station Square area, is anticipated to have around 23,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space surrounding a courtyard next to the City's Gold Line stop.

~ The Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster plans to charge an assessment (tax) next year to pay for 40,000-60,000 acre feet of water from the Metropolitan Water District.

~ Holiday Home Decorating Contest winners:
Most Effective Use of Lighting - 214 South Alta Vista Avenue
Best Still Display - 205 Acacia Avenue
Holiday Spirit Award - 300 Block of North Alta Vista Avenue
Best Outdoor Display -911 Crescent Drive
Children's Choice Award - 309  N. Madison Ave.
Best Window Display - 208  S. Mayflower Ave.
Best Decorated Outdoor Tree - 308  W. Lemon Ave.
Snowman Award - 1517 Encino Avenue
Best Neighborhood Effort - Rochelle Avenue (2500 block)
Tim McKeehan "Best of the Season" - 541 Valmont Drive
Judges Award - Valmont Drive & Valmont Place
Santa's Workshop Award - 333 Norumbega Drive

~ Last day for horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Town is this Thursday, Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Rides are $2 per person.

~ The Monrovia Library has been selected as one of 12 libraries nationwide to participate in a new training program put on by Infopeople, which provides continuing education and professional development opportunities to library professionals nationwide.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Girl Makes Tasty Dog Houses for Children's Hospital and Animal Rescue

Monrovia girl makes rawhide and peanut butter houses for dogs. For sale for $10 and all proceeds go to Children's Hospital and animal rescue. https://goo.gl/UWFqNu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Plan Drunk-Driver/Driver's License Checkpoint Dec. 30

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI/CDL checkpoint on Friday night, Dec. 30. Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped. Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver's license.

Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 30 injury crashes, harming 41 of our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.

Monrovia Police reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included, or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can cost up to $10,000 or more for the first offense, including time in jail, the loss or your driver's license and higher insurance rates.

These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to do your part to keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers - Call 911.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Rain Likely, But Christmas Should be Mostly Sunny

Good chance of some rain Thursday (30%), Friday (30%), and Saturday (60%), but should be mostly sunny for Christmas. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bear Deported to Azusa; Hands in Pockets; Wife Beaten; Drunkeness

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Bear Incident
December 16 at 11:10 a.m., a bear was reported in the 100 block of N. Lincoln. The bear had wandered into a back yard. The bear had previously been tagged and it appeared injured. Pasadena Humane and the Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified. The bear was tranquilized and taken into Azusa Canyon.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 16 at 4:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Magnolia Avenue on the report of several subjects arguing and causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and were told that a male adult had been arguing with residents. The subject left the area prior to police arrival. The officers located the subject and determined he could not care for himself due to his level of intoxication. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
December 16 at 9:56 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked her vehicle at the location and went into work. When she returned, she found her vehicle was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
December 16 at 10:08 p.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist in the 500 block of W. Huntington for a vehicle code violation. The subject would not comply with the officer's repeated commands to remove his hands from his pockets. Officers gained control of the subject's hands and detained him. The subject was found to be in possession of burglary tools. He was arrested and taken into custody for resisting and delaying a peace officer and possession of burglary tools.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 17 at 2:14 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the 400 block of S. Myrtle and stopped the vehicle. While speaking to the driver, the officer noted obvious signs of alcohol intoxication. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 1:04 a.m., police responded to the report of a domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of S. Myrtle. The caller reported that she heard what sounded like a male hitting a female at the location. An officer arrived and contacted a male and female that are married and have a child together. The child was sleeping at the time of this incident. After speaking with subjects, it was determined that the male subject was the aggressor in the incident. He was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Residential Burglary
December 18 at 7:55 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 500 block of Valmont. The resident was out of town, but was alerted by his security alarm that there was movement on his property. The resident called his neighbor to have him check his yard, but did not call police. The neighbor checked and discovered a rear slider had been smashed, so the neighbor called police. Officers arrived and checked the residence, but the suspects had fled the location. The loss was cash from a small safe. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 18 at 9:15 p.m., police dispatch received a call regarding a subject who was causing a disturbance at a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the subject in the business parking lot. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated and unable to care for himself and his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers saw a subject lying down on the sidewalk at Myrtle and Foothill. They stopped to check on the welfare of the subject. The officers determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 19 at 3:55 a.m., officers observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation at Huntington and Primrose, and they stopped the vehicle. While speaking to the driver, the officer noted symptoms of alcohol intoxication. After investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI, held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Monrovia Council: Is City Charging Right Amount for Sewer, Water? Selling Myrtle/Huntington Property for Hotel; Monrovia Legacy; Etc.

At its next meeting on Tuesday (agenda: https://goo.gl/W9UAuA ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider hiring NBS Government Finance Group for $57,915 to study whether the city is charging the right amount for water and sewer services. https://goo.gl/DD2H86

~ Consider some legal gymnastics required by the state to sell six parcels of property at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Huntington Drive to T.P. Heritage Inn of Monrovia, LLC, which wants to build a Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel project on the site. https://goo.gl/pzaHfz

~ Consider paying the Monrovia Historical Society $50,000 ( https://goo.gl/W9UAuA ) for completing step one of Monrovia Legacy Project. (There are two more steps.) The team ...

- Digitized, preserved, and catalogued 500 photos and 3,000 negatives
- Completed 30 hours of live recordings recounting historically significant Monrovia stories
- Recorded City Historian Steve Baker’s Live Oak Cemetery Tour
- Digitized, preserved, and catalogued 130 house histories developed over the years by City Historian Steve Baker
- Digitized, preserved, catalogued, and indexed all of Myron Hotchkiss’ transcriptions of the Monrovia Planet & Messenger and Monrovia News newspaper articles
- Digitized, preserved, and catalogued all available City directories (beginning in the early 1900s)

~ Receive a mid-year budget update by Administrative Services Director Mark Alvarado. He says: "Based on staff’s overall analysis of the General Fund, there are sufficient revenues to cover all budgeted expenditures and the General Fund remains structurally balanced." https://goo.gl/6rEzTW

~ Consider hiring Environmental Construction, Inc., for $1,086,162 to re-landscape the Huntington Drive median with less thirsty plants. https://goo.gl/cHoXLI

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Mooncat

 
Dinner at Mooncat, on the south side of Lime a few doors east of Myrtle. Got the shrimp tempura udon soup for $8.50 and an ice tea for $3. Very good; just right for a rainy night. 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Student Saves Satellite Company Big Bucks

Monrovian Jacob Lovi, who attends high school at Bosco Tech, came up with a way to save Boeing $100,000 per satellite it builds. The company honored him for it at an assembly at his school. https://goo.gl/izShX6

- Brad Haugaard