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Monrovia's Assembly Member Has Bill Approved to Require State Agency to Communicate Clearly

Assembly Member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has had a bill to require a state agency to clearly explain what it does approved unanimously by the Assembly Committee on Human Services.

The press release says: "Assembly Bill 959 requires the Department of Developmental Services to expand the type of information offered by regional centers on their websites and describe the services offered in plain language for parents to understand," and the Legislative Counsel's analysis (https://goo.gl/HJKlc0) says: "This bill would require a regional center to also include on its Internet Website a list, in a standardized format prescribed by the department, of the services that are provided directly to consumers by the regional center or through service vendors or contractors."

Comment: I approve of this bill, but ... Cheesh! It really says nothing good about our state government when it takes an act of the legislature to get a government agency to carry out its basic duties in a simple, businesslike way.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Street Fair May Move to Library Park; City Property for Sale; Science Program for High Schoolers; Etc.

In his weekly update (https://goo.gl/Oh8apv), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ The city is thinking of moving the Street Fair to Library Park beginning on Friday, June 30.

~ City staff it talking with the Monrovia Unified School District and Oak Crest Institute of Science about creating a summer science program for Monrovia High School students.

~ Monrovia is thinking of selling two vacant lots it owns at 498 Monrovista Avenue and 1234 Sherman Avenue.

~ A big eucalyptus tree came down in last week's windstorm around Violet Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

~ The California Parks and Recreation Society, District 13, will honor Monrovia and its Community Services Commission for banning smoking in city parks.

~ On Thursday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will host a Community Health Fair at Library Park.

~ The Summer Art Walk will be held on July 29, from 7 to 10 p.m., along the 400 and 500 blocks of Myrtle Avenue in Old Town. Live music, a gallery reception, and art demonstrations.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police On Lookout This Month for Texting-While-Driving

This month the Monrovia Police Department is participating in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In California, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Monrovia Police Department, CHP, local law enforcement, and community partners throughout the state are working together to make the roads safer by highlighting the dangers of being distracted while driving, especially by cell phones.

"Law enforcement would rather see everyone off their cell phones than hand out a lot of tickets," said Rhonda Craft, director of the Office of Traffic Safety. "Take care of calling, texting, setting your GPS and everything else before you hit the street." Lawmakers agree that distracted driving continues to be a growing problem among California's motorists. Assembly Bill 1785 went into effect on Jan. 1, requiring all drivers in California to keep their cell phone out of their hands while operating a motor vehicle. Under the new law, a driver may activate or deactivate a feature or function of the cell phone or wireless communication device by swiping or tapping its screen only if it is properly mounted or not being held in a driver's hand. Specific information on the new law can be found at www.ots.ca.gov.

The Office of Traffic Safety will begin a new public awareness campaign throughout the state in April emphasizing how the new law makes virtually all hand-held cell phone activity illegal - talking, texting, and using apps. The campaign aims to end distracted driving through education and raise awareness about the associated dangers. The goal is to change motorist behaviors and save lives, not just in the month of April, but year round. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,477 people were killed and an estimated 391,000 injured in motor vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers in 2015. That is a 9 percent increase in fatalities as compared to the previous year.

Monrovia Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the state to provide educational experiences as well as zero tolerance enforcement efforts to discourage distracted driving. Officers will have a special emphasis this month on enforcing all cell phone and distracted driving laws. The goal is to gain voluntary compliance by drivers, but sometimes citations are necessary for motorists to better understand the importance of driving distraction free.

Monrovia Police Department is deploying extra traffic officers with grant-funded resources throughout the month of April in city locations with higher numbers of traffic collisions. Violators will be stopped and cited with fines set at $162 for first time offenders. This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police Department

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Daughter Bites Mother's Finger; Burglars Break Open Roof; Biking While Drunk; She Won't Give Her iPhone Back - He Takes Her Glasses; Man Robbed at Gunpoint; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 30 - April 1. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Shoplifting / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 30 at 1:01 p.m., a loss prevention employee at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male suspect they had detained for petty theft. Officers responded and arrested the suspect for the petty theft and during a search of the suspect, officers found he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, which were added to his charges.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
March 30 at 1:58 p.m., a parking control officer located an unoccupied vehicle parked in the 300 block of S. Lincoln that had been reported stolen. An officer responded and confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Baldwin Park earlier in the day. The vehicle is a silver, 2000 Honda Civic. The officer recovered the vehicle.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 30 at 10:49 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of California and Lime for a vehicle code violation. The driver was found to be unlicensed and a parolee with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 3:18 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Norumbega regarding a family disturbance. A mother and daughter were arguing and the daughter bit her mother’s finger. She also damaged property. The daughter fled the location prior to officers arriving, but was found hiding in a parked vehicle near the home; she was arrested for battery.

Attempt Commercial Burglary
March 31 at 9:34 a.m., an attempted burglary was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The suspects broke through the roof of two businesses and then through a wall in an attempt to access a third business. It appears the suspects were unable to access the area they were attempting to burglarize and left back up through the roof opening. The investigation is continuing.

Riding a Bicycle Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
March 31 at 12:21 p.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a male adult riding a bicycle recklessly throughout the park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and nearly hitting several pedestrians. Officers located the subject and determined he was intoxicated. The subject was also combative with the officers. He was arrested for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol.

Grand Theft
April 1 at 5:07 p.m., a grand theft was reported by employees at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The suspect stole a large amount of liquor from the business on March 31, but the store did not file a report at that time. The suspect returned to the store on April 1 and was recognized by employees, but he left the business. The employees then called police to report the prior theft. The investigation will continue.

Domestic Violence
April 1 at 7:11 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at Myrtle and Chestnut. The victim reported that her boyfriend gave her an iPhone for her birthday and then asked for it back. When she refused, he hit her on the head twice and took her glasses, then fled. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence
April 1 at 9:23 p.m., a witness called police and reported a drunk driver in the 200 block of Stedman. An officer responded and located the driver stopped in the middle of the street. After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.

Robbery
April 2 at 1:26 a.m., a robbery was reported in the 200 block of W. Lemon. The male victim was dropped off by Uber on Magnolia. As the victim walked east through an alley, a vehicle traveling west in the alley stopped and a male suspect exited. He approached the victim and told him to drop his phone. When the victim turned toward the suspect, he saw a gun in the suspect’s hand. The victim dropped his phone and was then instructed to drop his wallet. The victim dropped his wallet and walked away. The suspect fled the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
April 2 at 8:37 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of E. Pomona. The victim parked and locked his green, four-door, 1995 Honda Accord in front of his home and went in for the evening. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found his car had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Bicycle Vs. Pedestrian Traffic Collision / Riding a Bicycle Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
April 2 at 4:19 p.m., a bicycle versus pedestrian collision was reported in the 300 block of Duarte Road. The father of a four-year-old girl called police to report that a male subject on a bicycle swerved and hit his daughter's leg, causing a minor injury. The suspect refused to stay at the scene and rode away; however, the father was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect. Officers were able to locate the suspect and he was arrested and held for a sobering period.

President of Citrus College Named 'Woman of the Year'


Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been named a "Woman of the Year" by State Senator Anthony Portantino.  Perri was honored at a ceremony in Pasadena on March 26 where 10 women were recognized for their contributions and accomplishments within the 25th Senate District.  "This year's Women of the Year of SD25 are each exceptional and unique in their advocacy to help others," said Senator Portantino.  "They represent the best in the district and it is my privilege to recognize their successes."

Dr. Perri was named Citrus College's superintendent/president in 2008 and has had a distinguished career in academia for over 30 years.  "Dr. Perri was selected because of her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success," Senator Portantino said.  "When we looked at what she has been able to accomplish at Citrus College, it was clear that Dr. Perri should be honored because she continues to advance the college's stellar reputation as a leader in higher education," Portantino said.

As superintendent/president, Dr. Perri oversees a $71 million operating budget and serves the communities of Azusa, Claremont, Duarte, Glendora and Monrovia.  "It was a truly an honor to be selected as a Woman of the Year," said Perri.

After earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, a bachelor's degree in dental health education and a master's degree in health education, Dr. Perri earned an additional master's degree in organizational development and a doctorate in human and organizational development.  Later, Dr. Perri completed Harvard University's Institute for Management and Leadership in Education and Cornell University's Community College Administrative Leadership Institute.

"I am a product of a community college, and I believe in the transformative nature and power of our nation's community colleges," Perri said.  "It is a privilege to be in a leadership role at Citrus College, a nationally recognized community college which is supported by a dedicated faculty, caring staff and a visionary Board of Trustees."

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Moon Watching Tonight in Monrovia

The Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers report that "We have a clear night for moon viewing tonight, so join us at our usual spot at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets in Monrovia Saturday night from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. for some great views of the moon."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Hire Second Highest Bidder for 'Historic Context Statement' | New, Improved Monrovia Days | Pyro in the Park

Monrovia's anti gang program seems to be producing results: https://goo.gl/AdW5Sh

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/qhMk5z) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Spending  $64,100.60 to hire a company to do a " Historic Context Statement" for the city. Of eight companies bidding, staff is recommending ASM, which provided the second highest bid for the project (the top bid was $65,626 and the low bid was $17,553.50). The staff report said ASM was selected because its proposal "recommended the appropriate amount of archival research and field work." Also, its proposal would involve "public outreach, a robust training program" for staff and "an informational brochure." https://goo.gl/BtgxAF

~ Approving a $50,000 contract with Paul Maurer Shows for the ride operations during a new and improved Monrovia Days celebration. The company would provide seven rides for adults, adolescents and children, including a Ferris Wheel, Gravitron, Giant Slide, Dragon Wagon, Taxi Cars, Jet Airplanes, Berry-GoRound, and a Dunk Tank. https://goo.gl/4WWx9A

~ Approving a $21,525 contract with Pyro Spectaculars to put on the 2017 Fourth of July Firework Show, still at Library Park although the city and school district had been thinking of moving it to Monrovia High. https://goo.gl/y740y1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Pieology

 Dinner at Pieology, on the north side of Huntington just east of Fifth Ave. it's a build-your-own pizza place, but I got a pre-designed Smokin' Buffalo Chicken pizza for $8.45 and a drink for $1.95. Very tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Men In Hoodies Break Into Store for Sunglasses; Elderly Man Rams House With Car; Car Driver Shot on Duarte Road

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for March 27-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 413 service events, resulting in 83 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
March 27 at 5:23 p.m., an injury traffic collision involving a solo driver who struck a parked vehicle at El Dorado and Encino was reported to police. Officers responded and found the driver had sustained a facial injury. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver is believed to have been impaired by prescription medication. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
March 28 at 12:36 a.m., dispatch received an alarm activation at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and found the front glass door had been smashed. The location was searched, but no suspects were located. Officers viewed security video, which depicted three suspects in hoodies breaking out the front glass door. The suspects entered the business and took expensive racks of sunglasses and fled the location. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
March 28 at 9:19 a.m., an elderly male subject gained access to the keys to a family vehicle and backed out of the driveway of the home. The subject accelerated, crossed the street and collided into his neighbor’s house. Although the home sustained damage, it remains inhabitable. The investigation revealed the elderly male has a suspended license. The subject was cited and the vehicle was impounded.

Mail Theft
March 28 at 12:07 p.m., a resident of an apartment complex in the 1800 block of S. Fifth Avenue called to report a theft of mail. He reported that the complex mailbox had been pried open and mail was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon – Firearm
March 29 at 5:03 p.m., an assault with a deadly weapon was reported to police. The victim was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle in front of a business in the 400 block of E. Duarte Road. A male passenger was also in the vehicle. A male suspect approached the vehicle on foot and fired four shots, striking the victim. The victim drove to his home in Duarte and contacted police. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Finishes First in Skeet Shooting

Olympic medalist Kim Rhode, of Monrovia, has placed first in Skeet Shooting at Acapulco World Cup. https://goo.gl/5z5hFk

- Brad Haugaard

Man Shot in Monrovia Wednesday

Man shot and wounded Wednesday afternoon on East Duarte Road. https://goo.gl/ZCCgJi

- Brad Haugaard

Open House at Monrovia's Boys and Girls Club


On Friday, March 31, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills (600  S. Shamrock) will hold an open house.  Tour the facilities and learn how the Boys and Girls Club is changing lives for young people in the community.  For more information, email anavar@foothillsbgc.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Bartlett Plaque at Monrovia Train Station

 

This plaque honoring former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett has just been installed next to the westbound track at the Monrovia station. He "championed public transportation for all of LA County."

- Brad Haugaard 

Metro Operations Center Being Dedicated to Former Monrovia Mayor; 'Take Back Our Streets'; Fire Fighters Save Buildings; Boys and Girls Club Open House

In his weekly update (https://goo.gl/UymIO2), City Manager Oliver Chi reported ...

~ The Metro Gold Line folks will rededicate the Gold Line Operations Campus in honor of former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett, who was instrumental in bringing the Gold Line to town. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 28, at 10 a.m., at the park facilitate next to the campus at 1600  S. California Ave., Monrovia.  Following the dedication ceremony, officials will be traveling to the Monrovia Gold Line Station for a second plaque dedication.

~ City Council and staff have "a revised plan to take back our streets and our parks from an expanding and evolving criminal element that has developed during the past few years." The plan includes: Helping the truly homeless, making "infrastructure changes" at Library Park, emphasizing a "Directed Giving Campaign," implementing "coordinated law enforcement activities," and encouraging the community to contact state representatives to give cities "the tools needed to address quality-of-life crimes."

~ Related. At the May 2 City Council meeting, Michele Hanisee, President of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, will give a presentation about what cities have to deal with in light of the new criminal justice system in California.

~ On March 27 Monrovia fire fighters were able to stop a blaze at a duplex in the 600 block of Monterey from engulfing all of the buildings on the property.  "[O]ur terrific team at the Fire Department was able to stop the blaze before it reached the second unit, and no one was hurt or injured in the incident."

~ Open house on Friday, March 31, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills. At 600  S. Shamrock Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attack by Ball Bearing; Girlfriend Too Close; Stuck in Elevator; Ex-Husband Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vandalism
March 23 at 11:52 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a residence in the 800 block of E. Foothill. The reporting party was at home when she heard glass break. A ball bearing came through the front window. It is unknown if the ball bearing was intentionally shot through the front window by a BB gun or if it came off of a vehicle, as the location is in close proximity to the street. The investigation is continuing.

Violation of Court Order / Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 2:49 p.m., an altercation was reported at a residence in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia. The altercation was between a male and female that are involved in a dating relationship. Officers arrived and contacted the female. They learned there is a restraining order against the female and she is not allowed at the location. She stated that her boyfriend punched her. He was not at the location. The female was arrested for violation of the court order and the case will be sent to the District Attorney for filing charges against the male suspect.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 23 at 4:45 p.m., officers responded to a call of a disturbance at a park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle. One of the subjects causing the disturbance was found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest and she was arrested without incident.

Battery
March 23 at 7:06 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a residence in the 100 block of N. Mountain. The reporting party advised that the brother of a female resident pushed his sister to the ground and left the area. Officers responded to the location and attempted to get a statement from the female, but she suffers from dementia and could not remember what happened. The female had a complaint of pain to her head and wanted to go to the hospital. Officers called the brother and he said he got into an argument with his sister about her not wanting to live there anymore. He said he was trying to restrain his sister when he lost his balance and fell to the ground with her. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 2:08 a.m., a caller dialed 911 and said she was stuck in an elevator, but didn't know where she was. Dispatchers were able to determine she was at the Metro parking structure in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. Officers arrived and located the female inside the elevator. Upon speaking with her, they realized she was extremely intoxicated and unable to care for her own safety. She was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Trespassing / Unlawful Possession of Access Cards – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 5:19 a.m., a caller reported a male subject sleeping in the lobby of a building in the 100 block of E. Huntington. When Officers arrived, they woke the subject. A consent search, revealed the subject was in possession of two credit cards in someone else's name. The subject said the cards belonged to his aunt and he admitted to stealing them. The subject was arrested for possession of the cards.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 24 at 8:32 a.m., a female resident in the 1700 block of S. Mountain called police to report her ex-husband was at the location. She advised he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Officers responded and contacted the subject. A computer check confirmed the warrant and he was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrants – Suspects Arrested
March 24 at 12:17 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 100 block of W. Palm when they contacted four subjects in an alley. Two of the subjects had warrants for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Vandalism
March 24 at 4:13 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in a parking lot in the 100 block of E. Lime. The victim parked her vehicle in the lot for several hours. When she returned to her vehicle, she found it had been keyed. The victim believes it may be related to an earlier incident where two subjects were arguing with her over a parking space. The investigation is continuing.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 1:15 a.m., an officer on patrol was driving in the 100 block of East Lemon when he was flagged down by a business owner. The officer was told a male and female were drinking alcohol outside in the street. Officers located the subjects and a computer check revealed the male subject had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. When he was searched, the officer found two glass drug pipes on him. He was arrested for the warrants and being in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
March 25 at 2:01 a.m., a female subject walked into the police station lobby and was waiting for her friend, who had been arrested for warrants, to be released. While waiting in the lobby, an officer saw her drinking alcohol from a bottle. The officer contacted her and told her to pour out the alcohol outside. When she walked outside the station, she tried to drink more whiskey from the bottle, but forgot the cap was on. The officer determined she was too intoxicated to care for her own safety and she was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
March 25 at 2:04 a.m., an officer was providing extra patrol to a business parking lot in the 900 block of W. Huntington when he saw an unoccupied vehicle that looked like it had been ransacked. He ran the license plate and it returned stolen out of Arcadia. The vehicle was recovered.

Injury Traffic Collision / Driving on a Suspended License
March 25 at 1:47 p.m., three vehicles were involved in a rear-end collision at the intersection of Mayflower and Huntington. Three subjects from the accident complained of pain and were treated by paramedics. The driver that caused the collision was driving on a suspended license. He was cited and his vehicle was towed for being unregistered.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspects Arrested
March 26 at 12:50 a.m., an officer was driving in the 400 block of W. Huntington when he saw a suspicious vehicle. He conducted a computer check of the vehicle, which revealed it had been reported stolen. Officers responded to assist and a high-risk traffic stop was conducted. Two suspects were taken into custody without incident. During a search of the vehicle incident to arrest, evidence of fraud and stolen property were recovered.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 1:12 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 100 block of W. Duarte Road. The driver was determined to be driving on a suspended driver's license. During a consensual search of the vehicle, a baggie of heroin and a needle belonging to the passenger were recovered. The passenger was arrested.

Vehicle Tampering
March 26 at 3:46 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Chestnut and Magnolia regarding a male subject breaking into a vehicle. The officer arrived and found a subject lying inside of a vehicle. The subject was detained. The owner of the vehicle responded and completed a private person's arrest for vehicle tampering. The suspect was arrested without incident.

Theft / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
March 26 at 2:21 p.m., a female subject was reported for taking beer from a location in the 700 block of E. Huntington without paying for it. The suspect stayed at the location in a vehicle and was detained by officers. A computer check revealed she also had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the theft and the warrant.

Domestic Battery
March 26 at 2:49 p.m., a fight in progress between a male and female was reported in the 100 block of E. Lemon. Officers arrived and detained both parties involved in the fight. The two are involved in a dating relationship. During the investigation, it was determined the female subject was the primary aggressor. She was arrested for domestic battery.

Women at Work Presentation | Japanese Moss Balls


~ The City Of Monrovia and the Creative Resistance Network presents Women At Work - a visual and performing arts exhibit in honor of Women's History Month. Opening reception with performances, refreshments, and art exhibits on Friday, March 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Art exhibit on Saturday, March 25, 12:30-- 4 p.m. For more information, contact Mohna at 991-4789 or the Library at 256-8274.

Tom Freeman will be speak about Japanese Moss Balls at the Tuesday March 28, 7 p.m. meeting of the Monrovia Garden Club in the Fireside Room of First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Myrtle and Foothill. Visitors welcome. Light refreshments served at 6:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sakura Sushi House

 
Dinner at Sakura Sushi House, on the north side of Foothill in the Certified Market shopping area. Got the Bento Box A for $16.95, which comes with chicken, miso soup and a salad. Also got an iced tea for $1.95. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Stolen Sunglass Frames; Kicking an Officer; A Gun-ish Knife; Mumbling; Upset Wife; Catalytic Converters Stolen

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 20-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft
March 20 at 11:26 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Two male suspects entered the business and stole frames for sunglasses. One suspect selected several pairs of frames while the other distracted the employees. The suspect concealed the frames on his person and both suspects left the location. The investigation is continuing.

Battery on a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 2:05 p.m., police received a call reporting a female subject hitting a male subject at a residence in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. An officer arrived and detained the female subject. While the officers were detaining her, she kicked one of the officers in the leg. The female was arrested for battery on a police officer. The investigation revealed the female had repeatedly punched the male subject, but he did not desire prosecution. The female subject was making delusional statements and said she wanted to kill herself. She was placed on a mental evaluation hold and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested
March 20 at 2:48 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Huntington called to report her ex-husband showed up at her home, exhibited what she thought was a firearm and told her he was going to kill her. Officers arrived on scene and detained the ex-husband pending further investigation. He was in possession of a folding knife that had the appearance of a small handgun. The ex-husband was arrested for criminal threats and was held pending his court date.

Grand Theft
March 20 at 4:55 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim reported that while she was at the business, someone stole her laptop from her unlocked vehicle. She did not see anyone. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 21 at 6:51 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of E. Olive. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in front of her residence and went inside for the night. She returned to her vehicle the next day to find her driver-side window was pried open and items were taken from the back seat. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
March 21 at 2:53 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a male subject who was mumbling to himself and acting very strange. When officers arrived, they saw the subject near the front of a business. Officers detained the subject and determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
March 21 at 6:50 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The victim parked his vehicle and went to eat and then to a movie with a friend. When they came out, the vehicle was gone. They came to the station to report the vehicle stolen, another friend of his was driving around the area and saw the vehicle parked in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers looked at the vehicle. The victim said there was a couple of work items missing from his vehicle. There were also two empty beer cans in the vehicle which did not belong to the victim. The investigation is continuing.

Battery
March 22 at 2:23 a.m., the victim of a battery came to the police station to file a report. The female victim was given a ride home from a male subject that she works with. They were sitting in the vehicle in front of her residence talking when the male subject’s wife pulled up and was apparently upset. She opened the front driver-side door and leaned across the seat and attacked the female passenger, scratching her on the face, neck and chest. The victim did not know the name of the wife. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
March 22 at 8:04 a.m., the victim parked and locked his vehicle in front of his residence in the 200 block of W. Central and went inside for the night. He returned to his vehicle the next day and saw several items had been taken from his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Thefts of Catalytic Converters
On March 22 in the morning, two thefts of catalytic converters were reported to police. The thefts occurred overnight in the 1700 block of S. Mayflower and the 1600 block of Radford. Both victim’s started their vehicles in the morning and heard a loud noise. They both took their vehicles to a mechanic, only to learn the catalytic converters had been removed from their vehicles. The investigations are continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / No-Bail Warrant / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested
March 22 at 1:14 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding two subjects sitting inside a parked vehicle, possibly using drugs. Officers arrived and spoke with the two subjects. One of the subjects had a juvenile no-bail warrant and was arrested. A search of the subject incident to arrest revealed drug paraphernalia and evidence of identity theft.

Grand Theft Auto
March 22 at 8:57 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked his black, 2000 Honda Civic in a business parking lot and went inside a business. When he returned to where he parked his vehicle, he discovered it was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia's Senator Proposes New Ranges for Elected Officials' Financial Disclosure

State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, has presented to the Senate Elections Committee with a bill (SB 24) to adjust financial disclosure rules for elected officials. It changes from four to eight the number of ranges of value for real property. The top range under Portantino's bill would be $10 million and above vs. the current top range of $1 million and above. The bill passed the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee with a unanimous vote. https://goo.gl/fjA5gA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Expects More Than 6,000 For Easter Services

Pastor Albert Tate

Fellowship Monrovia, the church that meets at Monrovia High, is expecting an overflow crowd of more than 6,000 people on Easter Sunday and has scheduled three services (8:15, 10, and 11:45 a.m.) at two locations, one at the Monrovia High Event Center and a smaller venue - with a video connection - at its facility at 401 E. Huntington Drive.

Source: news release

- Brad Haugaard