State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, has introduced Senate Bill 328, which would apparently affect Monrovia schools. It would require California school districts to start their middle and high school days no earlier than 8:30 a.m. A press release from Portantino's office says the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that time and says that the time change would increase attendance rates, raise grades, scores, student attention, and reduce car accidents, disciplinary actions, and cut down on students sleeping through lectures. I checked and it appears Monrovia High School begins its Period 0 at 7 a.m. and its Period 1 at 8 a.m. https://goo.gl/3SO6t1
- Brad Haugaard
Oke Poke Restaurant Now Open
Now open in the Pavilion shopping center at Foothill and Myrtle. Poke is raw fish with sauce and toppings on rice or noodles.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is a State 'Model' School
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that 11 high-performing California middle schools have been designated as model middle grades schools. One of these is Monrovia's Clifton Middle School. https://goo.gl/Ya0Hkw
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Jim's Burger
Dinner at Jim's Burger, on Duarte Road at Sixth. Got the combo burrito for $6.45 and medium iced tea for $1.15. Quite filling.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Train Station Rehab Groundbreaking
Photos of the groundbreaking ceremony for rehabilitation of the old Monrovia train station: https://goo.gl/qxrwnf
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Threats With a Knife; Elder Abuse; Lexus Window Smashed; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 6-8. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 360 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.
Attempt Burglary
February 6 at 7:37 a.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report an attempt burglary at the business. Someone had tampered with the chain link fence that encloses his compressor and the rear door of his business. The suspect pried the chain link fence open and attempted to pry open the rear door, but was unsuccessful and there was no loss. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 10:41 a.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A suspect entered the store, selected merchandise from the shelf and attempted to make a fraudulent return of the stolen merchandise. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 11:58 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia Avenue called police to report her daughter was trespassing on her property. The investigation revealed the suspect was served with a valid no trespassing order and had gained entry into the property by unknown means. She was located inside the location in violation of the order and was arrested.
Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 3:30 p.m., during a follow up investigation of a reported elder abuse incident, the suspect was contacted and interviewed. The suspect admitted to taking checks and cashing them from her elderly family member’s bank account, totaling over $3000. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending her court appearance.
Commercial Burglary
February 7 at 6:04 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut Avenue. The suspect gained entry into the building by forcing open the rear door. A laptop and hand drill were taken. The investigation is continuing.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 11:49 p.m., officers were dispatched on the report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect entered the business and approached an employee. He pointed a knife at the employee and made terrorist threats, saying he wanted to kill her. The suspect moved toward the employee in a threatening manner and then fled on foot. Officers searched the area and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Attempt Vehicle Burglary
February 7 at 7:38 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his 2015 Lexus in the parking lot and went into the business. When he returned to the vehicle, he noticed his window had been smashed. Surveillance video shows two suspects arriving in a black Jeep Cherokee. One of the suspects was seen in the video breaking the driver's side window and the two suspects flee when the alarm on the vehicle sounds. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 7 at 7:52 p.m., dispatch received a report of an alarm activation at a residence in the 200 block of Terrace View. Officers arrived and did not see any vehicles leaving the property. Further investigation revealed the side and rear door to the residence were both forced open. Officers searched the residence, but no suspects were found. It appears the suspects ransacked the home and were inside for some time before setting off the alarm. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 8 at 10:16 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Terrace View. The back door had been forced open and the home had been ransacked. The loss could not be determined until the homeowners could inventory the location. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
February 8 at 11:33 a.m., the victim of a grand theft called police to report her son had stolen her vehicle, a 2011 Mercedes C300 from the 1000 block of E. Huntington. Attempts were made to contact the suspect with no results. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Possession of Loaded Firearm – Suspects Arrested
February 8 at 4:35 p.m., officers located a stolen vehicle traveling north on Myrtle at Chestnut. The vehicle was stopped on Foothill and two occupants were arrested. A loaded firearm was discovered inside the center console of the vehicle. The suspects are being held until their court appearance.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 360 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.
Attempt Burglary
February 6 at 7:37 a.m., the owner of a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut called police to report an attempt burglary at the business. Someone had tampered with the chain link fence that encloses his compressor and the rear door of his business. The suspect pried the chain link fence open and attempted to pry open the rear door, but was unsuccessful and there was no loss. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 10:41 a.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A suspect entered the store, selected merchandise from the shelf and attempted to make a fraudulent return of the stolen merchandise. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 11:58 a.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia Avenue called police to report her daughter was trespassing on her property. The investigation revealed the suspect was served with a valid no trespassing order and had gained entry into the property by unknown means. She was located inside the location in violation of the order and was arrested.
Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
February 6 at 3:30 p.m., during a follow up investigation of a reported elder abuse incident, the suspect was contacted and interviewed. The suspect admitted to taking checks and cashing them from her elderly family member’s bank account, totaling over $3000. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending her court appearance.
Commercial Burglary
February 7 at 6:04 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of E. Chestnut Avenue. The suspect gained entry into the building by forcing open the rear door. A laptop and hand drill were taken. The investigation is continuing.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
February 7 at 11:49 p.m., officers were dispatched on the report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect entered the business and approached an employee. He pointed a knife at the employee and made terrorist threats, saying he wanted to kill her. The suspect moved toward the employee in a threatening manner and then fled on foot. Officers searched the area and located the suspect. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Attempt Vehicle Burglary
February 7 at 7:38 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his 2015 Lexus in the parking lot and went into the business. When he returned to the vehicle, he noticed his window had been smashed. Surveillance video shows two suspects arriving in a black Jeep Cherokee. One of the suspects was seen in the video breaking the driver's side window and the two suspects flee when the alarm on the vehicle sounds. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 7 at 7:52 p.m., dispatch received a report of an alarm activation at a residence in the 200 block of Terrace View. Officers arrived and did not see any vehicles leaving the property. Further investigation revealed the side and rear door to the residence were both forced open. Officers searched the residence, but no suspects were found. It appears the suspects ransacked the home and were inside for some time before setting off the alarm. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
February 8 at 10:16 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Terrace View. The back door had been forced open and the home had been ransacked. The loss could not be determined until the homeowners could inventory the location. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
February 8 at 11:33 a.m., the victim of a grand theft called police to report her son had stolen her vehicle, a 2011 Mercedes C300 from the 1000 block of E. Huntington. Attempts were made to contact the suspect with no results. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto Recovery / Possession of Loaded Firearm – Suspects Arrested
February 8 at 4:35 p.m., officers located a stolen vehicle traveling north on Myrtle at Chestnut. The vehicle was stopped on Foothill and two occupants were arrested. A loaded firearm was discovered inside the center console of the vehicle. The suspects are being held until their court appearance.
Black History Events Planned for February
Events planned for Black History Month by the Monrovia-Duarte Black Alumni Association. https://goo.gl/RvtcSZ
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Serious Crime Up Almost 20% in Monrovia - 100% Jump in Rape and Attempted Rape; Homeless Squad; Gender-Neutral Bathrooms; Etc.
In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/U1npou ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ Serious crime was up almost 20% in Monrovia last year. There were 893 serious (Part 1) crimes, compared to 750 in 2015. That means 143 more victims. Part 1 crimes include murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson. Plus:
- 120 more larceny incidents, a 24% increase.
- 29 more burglary and attempted burglary incidents, a 28% increase.
- 11 more assault incidents, a 50% increase.
- 4 more rape and attempted rape incidents, a 100% increase.
There are similar and even greater increases throughout the state. Law enforcement officials attribute it to the passage of Assembly Bill 109, Proposition 47, and Proposition 57. The city is coming up with ways to address the issue. Chi adds: "As these strategies are developed, we would continue to urge that all residents stay vigilant."
~ Monrovia has been awarded $65,000 in grants to establish a two-person "homeless response squad" (two officers who will work five hours a week on homeless issues), and another $40,000 to train officers to work with a mental health clinician in dealing with homeless issues.
~ The city is replacing big water valves ($39,480)on February 8. Chi said "there will be no water service delivery disruption during this time, and water customers should see no impact whatsoever during our work."
~ Two elections coming up: A special LA County Election on March 7 to consider a .25% sales tax increase to raise money for homeless services; and the Monrovia municipal election. Contested positions in the local election are for Mayor, you get your choice between incumbent Tom Adams and challenger Mark Harris; and for City Counil you get to vote for two of the following: challenger Clifford DeCosta, incumbent Larry Spicer, and incumbent Alexander Blackburn.
~ To comply with state law, the city will be transforming two bathrooms at City Hall to be for any gender. Single-stall men's and women's bathrooms are now apparently illegal for government facilities.
~ Yermo is interested in buying tworeserve fire engines for $50,000. Monrovia has wanted to sell them.
~ City staff worked with Monrovia Youth Baseball League to prepare the baseball field at Recreation Park for the league's Opening Day activities, on Saturday, Feb. 25. Pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Serious crime was up almost 20% in Monrovia last year. There were 893 serious (Part 1) crimes, compared to 750 in 2015. That means 143 more victims. Part 1 crimes include murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson. Plus:
- 120 more larceny incidents, a 24% increase.
- 29 more burglary and attempted burglary incidents, a 28% increase.
- 11 more assault incidents, a 50% increase.
- 4 more rape and attempted rape incidents, a 100% increase.
There are similar and even greater increases throughout the state. Law enforcement officials attribute it to the passage of Assembly Bill 109, Proposition 47, and Proposition 57. The city is coming up with ways to address the issue. Chi adds: "As these strategies are developed, we would continue to urge that all residents stay vigilant."
~ Monrovia has been awarded $65,000 in grants to establish a two-person "homeless response squad" (two officers who will work five hours a week on homeless issues), and another $40,000 to train officers to work with a mental health clinician in dealing with homeless issues.
~ The city is replacing big water valves ($39,480)on February 8. Chi said "there will be no water service delivery disruption during this time, and water customers should see no impact whatsoever during our work."
~ Two elections coming up: A special LA County Election on March 7 to consider a .25% sales tax increase to raise money for homeless services; and the Monrovia municipal election. Contested positions in the local election are for Mayor, you get your choice between incumbent Tom Adams and challenger Mark Harris; and for City Counil you get to vote for two of the following: challenger Clifford DeCosta, incumbent Larry Spicer, and incumbent Alexander Blackburn.
~ To comply with state law, the city will be transforming two bathrooms at City Hall to be for any gender. Single-stall men's and women's bathrooms are now apparently illegal for government facilities.
~ Yermo is interested in buying tworeserve fire engines for $50,000. Monrovia has wanted to sell them.
~ City staff worked with Monrovia Youth Baseball League to prepare the baseball field at Recreation Park for the league's Opening Day activities, on Saturday, Feb. 25. Pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Using Pistol to Take Bike; Drunkenness; Burglary; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for February 2-5. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Weapons Offense
February 2 at 9:50 p.m., an officer was flagged down in the 300 block of W. Maple by a male subject. The subject told the officer that a male Hispanic and a male Black confronted him at a fast food restaurant at Huntington and Mayflower. The suspects accused him of taking a bicycle and brandished a pistol. The suspects then fled in a gray Nissan Altima and headed east through the alley.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 12:41 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Alamitas Avenue regarding a male and female who had been arguing. The female stated that the male became upset with her and grabbed her around the throat. He also threatened to kill her if she called the police. The male suspect was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Criminal Threats
February 3 at 5:52 a.m., police dispatch received a phone call from a suspect who was making threats regarding violence against the high school. Officers were deployed to the high school for security and to investigate. No verified threat could be established. The school resource officer stayed at the high school throughout the day. No suspects were located. The investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 5:30 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A male adult stole merchandise from the store. Officers arrived and located the subject, who had no identification on him. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was identified and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 7:08 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject yelling at families in the park. The officers determined the subject was drunk and he was arrested for public intoxication.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 10:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Colorado regarding a subject causing a disturbance. An area check was conducted and the subject found. Through investigation, officers determined the subject was under the influence of drugs. The suspect was arrested.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 10:46 p.m., an officer was on patrol at a park in the 100 block of W. Palm when he contacted a subject. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 12:53 a.m., a vehicle was reported to police that was parked on the street and facing the wrong way. An officer located the vehicle and found a male subject asleep behind the wheel of the vehicle. The keys were not in the ignition and the engine was cold. The male was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 5 at 1:23 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter. They observed a subject select an item from inside the store and leave without paying. They followed the subject out of the store, but lost sight of him as he entered another location. Officers responded to the location and located the suspect, who was found to have several outstanding warrants also. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
February 5 at 1:52 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of N. Mountain. The victim left her residence for a few hours and when she returned, she discovered her room and a hallway closet had been ransacked. The loss was jewelry. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Weapons Offense
February 2 at 9:50 p.m., an officer was flagged down in the 300 block of W. Maple by a male subject. The subject told the officer that a male Hispanic and a male Black confronted him at a fast food restaurant at Huntington and Mayflower. The suspects accused him of taking a bicycle and brandished a pistol. The suspects then fled in a gray Nissan Altima and headed east through the alley.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 12:41 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Alamitas Avenue regarding a male and female who had been arguing. The female stated that the male became upset with her and grabbed her around the throat. He also threatened to kill her if she called the police. The male suspect was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.
Criminal Threats
February 3 at 5:52 a.m., police dispatch received a phone call from a suspect who was making threats regarding violence against the high school. Officers were deployed to the high school for security and to investigate. No verified threat could be established. The school resource officer stayed at the high school throughout the day. No suspects were located. The investigation is continuing.
Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 5:30 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A male adult stole merchandise from the store. Officers arrived and located the subject, who had no identification on him. He was arrested and taken into custody. The subject was identified and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 7:08 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a male subject yelling at families in the park. The officers determined the subject was drunk and he was arrested for public intoxication.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 10:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Colorado regarding a subject causing a disturbance. An area check was conducted and the subject found. Through investigation, officers determined the subject was under the influence of drugs. The suspect was arrested.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 3 at 10:46 p.m., an officer was on patrol at a park in the 100 block of W. Palm when he contacted a subject. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
February 4 at 12:53 a.m., a vehicle was reported to police that was parked on the street and facing the wrong way. An officer located the vehicle and found a male subject asleep behind the wheel of the vehicle. The keys were not in the ignition and the engine was cold. The male was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
February 5 at 1:23 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter. They observed a subject select an item from inside the store and leave without paying. They followed the subject out of the store, but lost sight of him as he entered another location. Officers responded to the location and located the suspect, who was found to have several outstanding warrants also. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Residential Burglary
February 5 at 1:52 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of N. Mountain. The victim left her residence for a few hours and when she returned, she discovered her room and a hallway closet had been ransacked. The loss was jewelry. The investigation is continuing.
Monrovia School Enrollment Continues to Fall; Electric School Buses; Etc.
At next Wednesday's School Board meeting (agenda), the board will ...
~ Hear that student attendance at Monrovia schools is continuing down. It fell off 237 students between the day it was measured for the 2015-16 year and the day it was measured for the 2016-17 year. Down from 5,8338 to 5,601. This will affect the amount of money the district gets in the 2017-18 school year.
~ Consider applying for a grant to buy three electric school buses to replace its aging buses. If the district gets the grant, he South Coast Air Quality Management District will kick in $1,114,068, plus another $60,000 for electric charging stations.
~ Consider a three-year contract with Granicus Inc. to provide online access to agendas and minutes and reports and stuff for $600 a month.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Hear that student attendance at Monrovia schools is continuing down. It fell off 237 students between the day it was measured for the 2015-16 year and the day it was measured for the 2016-17 year. Down from 5,8338 to 5,601. This will affect the amount of money the district gets in the 2017-18 school year.
~ Consider applying for a grant to buy three electric school buses to replace its aging buses. If the district gets the grant, he South Coast Air Quality Management District will kick in $1,114,068, plus another $60,000 for electric charging stations.
~ Consider a three-year contract with Granicus Inc. to provide online access to agendas and minutes and reports and stuff for $600 a month.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Gets Unqualified Audit Report (That's Good)
At the next City Council meeting (agenda) on Feb. 7 (Tuesday) the council will ...
~ Receive an "unqualified" audit report ("unqualified" may sound bad but it's good; it means you're keeping your financial records correctly). The report also says the city is better off financially.
~ Recognize Fire Engineer Ernesto Moreno, recipient of the Martin Luther King "Lifetime of Service" Drum Major Award; Ruhiyyih Yuille and Lisa Labrie for the "Dreams for Our Children" Program at Monrovia Public Library; and will proclaim February 2017 as "Black History Month."
- Brad Haugaard
~ Receive an "unqualified" audit report ("unqualified" may sound bad but it's good; it means you're keeping your financial records correctly). The report also says the city is better off financially.
~ Recognize Fire Engineer Ernesto Moreno, recipient of the Martin Luther King "Lifetime of Service" Drum Major Award; Ruhiyyih Yuille and Lisa Labrie for the "Dreams for Our Children" Program at Monrovia Public Library; and will proclaim February 2017 as "Black History Month."
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Fins or Tails
Dinner at Fins or Tails, a new poke (pronounced as in "hokey pokey") in the Sprouts shopping center on Huntington. I got a medium build-your-own poke bowl with raw tuna, spicy tuna, and salmon. The fish are mixed with a sauce and put on top of rice or noodles with some toppings. That was $9.99, and I got a pomegranate berry drink for $2.99. Very good!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Historic Homes Tour Set for May 7
The 35th Historic Homes Tour has been scheduled for Sunday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour, sponsored by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, will feature several homes in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Encinitas Avenue, which is soon to become Monrovia's second historic district. Also, the Temple City High School barbershop quartet will be performing. Details to come. https://goo.gl/I9gLrc
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Bad Samaritan Swipes Tools; Scooter Stolen; Mailbox Tampering With Pistol; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 30 – February 1. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 11:12 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks when he stopped a female subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. The subject tossed an object on the ground as the officer approached. The object was discovered to be a methamphetamine pipe. A computer check revealed she also had outstanding warrants for her arrest. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and two outstanding warrants.
Petty Theft
January 30 at 11:27 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a residence in the 1000 block of E. Huntington. A resident caught a subject inside her vehicle. The victim reported that when she confronted the suspect, she could smell alcohol on him. The suspect told her he was only looking for shelter. He then grabbed her child's scooter and fled. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, approximately 20 years old, wearing dark clothing. Officers checked the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 31 at 6:15 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim was leaving for work and found his garage door had been forced open and his rolling tool chest had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Theft
January 31 at 10:09 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of E. Maple on the report of a theft. The victim was working on a car at the location and the suspect approached him and offered to help. When the victim left to buy parts for the vehicle, the suspect stole the victim's tools and fled the area. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
January 31 at 10:27 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1500 block of Encino. The victim called police to report that sometime during the early morning hours, a suspect used a sharp object to scratch the victim’s vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 10:07 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue regarding a subject causing a disturbance. The officers located the subject and discovered she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.
Attempt Robbery / Brandishing a Firearm / Mail Tampering
February 1 at 8:53 p.m., a victim was walking his dog in the area of Alta Vista and Central when he observed a male suspect tampering with a resident’s mailbox. When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect brandished a black revolver and threatened the victim. The suspect ordered the victim to give him his cell phone and wallet. The victim refused to give up his property and the suspect fled. Officers searched the area with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but the suspect was not located. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, thin build, approximately 25 years old, with short hair, a piercing between his eyes and earrings in both ears. He was wearing a black oversized sweater with black pants. The investigation is continuing.
Graffiti – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 9:05 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Pomona when he saw a suspect spray painting a block wall. The suspect was arrested without incident.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 373 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 11:12 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks when he stopped a female subject on a bicycle for a vehicle code violation. The subject tossed an object on the ground as the officer approached. The object was discovered to be a methamphetamine pipe. A computer check revealed she also had outstanding warrants for her arrest. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and two outstanding warrants.
Petty Theft
January 30 at 11:27 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a residence in the 1000 block of E. Huntington. A resident caught a subject inside her vehicle. The victim reported that when she confronted the suspect, she could smell alcohol on him. The suspect told her he was only looking for shelter. He then grabbed her child's scooter and fled. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, approximately 20 years old, wearing dark clothing. Officers checked the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 31 at 6:15 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim was leaving for work and found his garage door had been forced open and his rolling tool chest had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Theft
January 31 at 10:09 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of E. Maple on the report of a theft. The victim was working on a car at the location and the suspect approached him and offered to help. When the victim left to buy parts for the vehicle, the suspect stole the victim's tools and fled the area. The investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
January 31 at 10:27 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1500 block of Encino. The victim called police to report that sometime during the early morning hours, a suspect used a sharp object to scratch the victim’s vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 10:07 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue regarding a subject causing a disturbance. The officers located the subject and discovered she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.
Attempt Robbery / Brandishing a Firearm / Mail Tampering
February 1 at 8:53 p.m., a victim was walking his dog in the area of Alta Vista and Central when he observed a male suspect tampering with a resident’s mailbox. When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect brandished a black revolver and threatened the victim. The suspect ordered the victim to give him his cell phone and wallet. The victim refused to give up his property and the suspect fled. Officers searched the area with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but the suspect was not located. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, thin build, approximately 25 years old, with short hair, a piercing between his eyes and earrings in both ears. He was wearing a black oversized sweater with black pants. The investigation is continuing.
Graffiti – Suspect Arrested
February 1 at 9:05 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Pomona when he saw a suspect spray painting a block wall. The suspect was arrested without incident.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Feb. 9 For Santa Fe Train Depot Rehab
The City of Monrovia will host a public groundbreaking event to celebrate the rehabilitation of the Historic Santa Fe Depot on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at Station Square (1629 S. Myrtle Ave., CA 91016).
The Historic Santa Fe Depot is arguably one of the most historically significant buildings in Monrovia. Originally built in 1926, the facility was designed by architect William A. Mohr from Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and was constructed at a cost of $30,000 as a combination depot that combined rail passenger and freight functions into a single building. With a booming citrus industry and increased settlers in the City, the Depot served Monrovia until it closed on May 12, 1972, with the decline of rail transportation and citrus freight traffic.
After sitting dormant and dilapidated for over four decades, the Monrovia City Council was able to secure the funding needed to rehabilitate the Depot in late 2015. In addition, given the significance of the facility, on April 19, 2016, the City Council also approved the Depot as the 137th historical landmark designated in Monrovia.
Working in partnership with the Monrovia Historic Preservation Commission and the development team at Daylight Limited, LLC, the rehabilitation efforts to restore the Depot have begun. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2017, and to celebrate the start of this significant initiative, the City hopes that you can join the community for a special groundbreaking ceremony. The event is completely free to the public, and parking will be available in the Station Square Park-and-Ride parking lot on the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Pomona Avenue. Also, due to the construction, we do advise all those who are attending to wear flat, closed-toe shoes. For more information, please call 932-5512.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
The Historic Santa Fe Depot is arguably one of the most historically significant buildings in Monrovia. Originally built in 1926, the facility was designed by architect William A. Mohr from Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and was constructed at a cost of $30,000 as a combination depot that combined rail passenger and freight functions into a single building. With a booming citrus industry and increased settlers in the City, the Depot served Monrovia until it closed on May 12, 1972, with the decline of rail transportation and citrus freight traffic.
After sitting dormant and dilapidated for over four decades, the Monrovia City Council was able to secure the funding needed to rehabilitate the Depot in late 2015. In addition, given the significance of the facility, on April 19, 2016, the City Council also approved the Depot as the 137th historical landmark designated in Monrovia.
Working in partnership with the Monrovia Historic Preservation Commission and the development team at Daylight Limited, LLC, the rehabilitation efforts to restore the Depot have begun. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2017, and to celebrate the start of this significant initiative, the City hopes that you can join the community for a special groundbreaking ceremony. The event is completely free to the public, and parking will be available in the Station Square Park-and-Ride parking lot on the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Pomona Avenue. Also, due to the construction, we do advise all those who are attending to wear flat, closed-toe shoes. For more information, please call 932-5512.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
What Monrovia Plans To Do About Homelessness; Rehab on Train Station; Etc.
In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/331lmp ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
~ Monrovia has about 18-38 homeless, or about 1 per thousand of the city's population. By comparison, Pasadena has 5.6 per thousand. About 55% of Monrovia's homeless are "resistive," meaning they've chosen that lifestyle and don't want help. The city's response to homelessness in Library Park has included scheduling events in the park, park watch programs, security cameras. Also, the city is thinking about adding lights, bench partitions, decorative fencing, replacing tables with art, and adding atrium spaces connected to the library. Full report: https://goo.gl/t6PGl3
~ The recent homeless count found 28 homeless people in the city.
~ Rehabilitation has begun on the Historic Santa Fe Depot. There will be a groundbreaking event on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at Station Square.
~ Monrovia's Community Emergency Response Team assisted the City of Duarte to help residents there return to their neighborhoods after a mandatory flood warning evacuation order was lifted.
~ Calls for service to the Fire Department increased 4.6 percent in 2016, to 4,147.
~ The Monrovia Historic Museum has been reopened after being closed by rain damage.
~ Monrovia Youth Baseball League Opening Day festivities are set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Historic Museum Courtyard in Recreation Park. Then, at 10:30 a.m., the opening ceremony.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Monrovia has about 18-38 homeless, or about 1 per thousand of the city's population. By comparison, Pasadena has 5.6 per thousand. About 55% of Monrovia's homeless are "resistive," meaning they've chosen that lifestyle and don't want help. The city's response to homelessness in Library Park has included scheduling events in the park, park watch programs, security cameras. Also, the city is thinking about adding lights, bench partitions, decorative fencing, replacing tables with art, and adding atrium spaces connected to the library. Full report: https://goo.gl/t6PGl3
~ The recent homeless count found 28 homeless people in the city.
~ Rehabilitation has begun on the Historic Santa Fe Depot. There will be a groundbreaking event on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at Station Square.
~ Monrovia's Community Emergency Response Team assisted the City of Duarte to help residents there return to their neighborhoods after a mandatory flood warning evacuation order was lifted.
~ Calls for service to the Fire Department increased 4.6 percent in 2016, to 4,147.
~ The Monrovia Historic Museum has been reopened after being closed by rain damage.
~ Monrovia Youth Baseball League Opening Day festivities are set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Historic Museum Courtyard in Recreation Park. Then, at 10:30 a.m., the opening ceremony.
- Brad Haugaard
New Monrovia Anti-Graffiti Contact Info
Here is some new anti-graffiti contact information:
* Call Athens Services at (855) 557-1007
* Call Monrovia Public Works Division at (626) 932-5575
* Send an e-mail to CleanMonrovia@athensservices.com
- Brad Haugaard
* Call Athens Services at (855) 557-1007
* Call Monrovia Public Works Division at (626) 932-5575
* Send an e-mail to CleanMonrovia@athensservices.com
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Two Drivers Hurt; Woman Scammed for $20,000; Bought a Bad Car and Is Also Arrested; Attacking Safe With Sledgehammer
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 26-29. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 4:39 p.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at Duarte Road and Sixth Avenue. One of the drivers rear ended the other, causing serious injuries to both drivers. Both were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Elder Abuse Scam
January 26 at 7:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of S. Fifth Avenue to speak with an elderly female regarding a possible fiduciary crime. The subject said she was befriended by a man on Facebook and they used Facebook messenger to speak with each other. The male subject told her he was in the military and was stuck in Dubois due to an explosion. He told her the explosion destroyed his credentials and he couldn't leave the country. He said he needed money sent to a travel agent in Amarillo, Texas. The elderly female eventually sent $20,000 through a wire transfer. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 9:20 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a man yelling and causing a disturbance in the 100 block of E. Olive. When officers arrived, they saw a male subject in the street. They contacted him and determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Violation of Court Order
January 27 at 7:16 p.m., a female subject from a business in the 100 block of W. Lime contacted police to report a violation of a court order. The subject has a restraining order against an ex-employee of hers that restricts contact, including electronic communication. The subject received a message through Yelp from the restrained person. The restrained person claimed the communication was an accident and that she meant to send the message to herself. A verified complaint was sent to the District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.
Bicycle Theft
January 27 at 9:39 p.m., a theft of two bicycles was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Two juveniles left their bicycles outside of a fast food restaurant without securing them and went inside to eat. When they finished and came outside, there was a large group of juveniles in front of the business and their bicycles were gone. No witnesses came forward. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting / Identity theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:44 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a female suspect they detained for shoplifting. The subject had concealed jewelry and clothing merchandise on her person. She was arrested for shoplifting, and during an inventory search of her property, two driver's licenses and social security cards belonging to other people were found in her possession. The additional crime was added to her charges.
Public Intoxication / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 8:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue regarding a subject sleeping in a hallway. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. When officers attempted to arrest the subject for being drunk in public, the subject resisted and struggled with the officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Embezzled Vehicle / Bench Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 1:25 p.m., officers located a vehicle at Myrtle and Chestnut that had been reported as an embezzled vehicle. The driver was detained for investigation. The victim was contacted and did not desire prosecution of the driver. The person who embezzled the car from the victim had sold it to the driver. The vehicle was recovered. During the investigation, it was discovered the driver had two outstanding bench warrants and a suspended driver's license. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 8:37 p.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the area of Myrtle and Duarte Road. Officers in the area conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested.
Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
January 30 at 1:08 a.m., an alarm activation was received at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. When the officer arrived, he saw the front doors had been pried open. The store video depicted three suspects forcing the front door open and they attempted to break into the store safe with a sledge hammer. The suspect vehicle was a dark Chevy Tahoe with paper plates. At 3:00 a.m., an officer on patrol saw the suspect vehicle enter a car wash parking lot in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Additional units responded to assist and the two suspects were arrested for burglary.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 26 at 4:39 p.m., a traffic collision involving injuries was reported at Duarte Road and Sixth Avenue. One of the drivers rear ended the other, causing serious injuries to both drivers. Both were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Elder Abuse Scam
January 26 at 7:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of S. Fifth Avenue to speak with an elderly female regarding a possible fiduciary crime. The subject said she was befriended by a man on Facebook and they used Facebook messenger to speak with each other. The male subject told her he was in the military and was stuck in Dubois due to an explosion. He told her the explosion destroyed his credentials and he couldn't leave the country. He said he needed money sent to a travel agent in Amarillo, Texas. The elderly female eventually sent $20,000 through a wire transfer. The investigation is continuing.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 26 at 9:20 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a man yelling and causing a disturbance in the 100 block of E. Olive. When officers arrived, they saw a male subject in the street. They contacted him and determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Violation of Court Order
January 27 at 7:16 p.m., a female subject from a business in the 100 block of W. Lime contacted police to report a violation of a court order. The subject has a restraining order against an ex-employee of hers that restricts contact, including electronic communication. The subject received a message through Yelp from the restrained person. The restrained person claimed the communication was an accident and that she meant to send the message to herself. A verified complaint was sent to the District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.
Bicycle Theft
January 27 at 9:39 p.m., a theft of two bicycles was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Two juveniles left their bicycles outside of a fast food restaurant without securing them and went inside to eat. When they finished and came outside, there was a large group of juveniles in front of the business and their bicycles were gone. No witnesses came forward. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting / Identity theft – Suspect Arrested
January 27 at 9:44 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a female suspect they detained for shoplifting. The subject had concealed jewelry and clothing merchandise on her person. She was arrested for shoplifting, and during an inventory search of her property, two driver's licenses and social security cards belonging to other people were found in her possession. The additional crime was added to her charges.
Public Intoxication / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 8:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue regarding a subject sleeping in a hallway. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. When officers attempted to arrest the subject for being drunk in public, the subject resisted and struggled with the officers. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Embezzled Vehicle / Bench Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 1:25 p.m., officers located a vehicle at Myrtle and Chestnut that had been reported as an embezzled vehicle. The driver was detained for investigation. The victim was contacted and did not desire prosecution of the driver. The person who embezzled the car from the victim had sold it to the driver. The vehicle was recovered. During the investigation, it was discovered the driver had two outstanding bench warrants and a suspended driver's license. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 28 at 8:37 p.m., a caller reported a possible drunk driver in the area of Myrtle and Duarte Road. Officers in the area conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested.
Commercial Burglary – Suspects Arrested
January 30 at 1:08 a.m., an alarm activation was received at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. When the officer arrived, he saw the front doors had been pried open. The store video depicted three suspects forcing the front door open and they attempted to break into the store safe with a sledge hammer. The suspect vehicle was a dark Chevy Tahoe with paper plates. At 3:00 a.m., an officer on patrol saw the suspect vehicle enter a car wash parking lot in the 100 block of W. Duarte. Additional units responded to assist and the two suspects were arrested for burglary.
Help Centre Stage and Goodwill
Monrovia's Centre Stage theater group is holding a "junk drive" on Feb. 4 to benefit Goodwill and Centre Stage. You can donate items for the drive by contacting Keely Milliken at 297-4758 or centrestageinc@yahoo.com to arrange for pick-up or assistance. Otherwise bring items to the Monrovia Presbyterian Church parking lot between 9 a.m. and noon. - Brad Haugaard
Mountain Road and Trail Closed By Rain Damage
The road/trail that goes from Monrovia Canyon Park up to the Boy Scout camp (Camp Trask) and points beyond has been closed because of sliding caused by the rain. A ranger told me that there are even parts of the paved section that have been undermined.
- Brad Haugaard
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