In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/dq9uul), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...
~ Despite rumors, "there have not been any immigration sweeps or immigration enforcement actions occurring in Monrovia" and "in the history of our City, the Monrovia Police Department does not know of even a single federal immigration sweep as having occurring in our community."
~ Chi adds that, "The Monrovia Police Department does not enforce immigration violations. Immigration laws are the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Here locally, Monrovia police officers are busy enforcing the laws of this State and providing for the public safety of our community. We have neither the time, resources, or desire to enforce federal immigration laws. And in fact, across all of California, there is not a single local police agency or county sheriff's department enforcing immigration violations."
~ Joint patrols between Monrovia Police and the LA County Sheriff's Department began May 14 to combat gang violence, and, "during the past few weeks, law enforcement officials have arrested the top five most active Duarte Eastside gang members."
~ The city will launch a new website on May 30.
~ Monrovia's official population, according to the State Department of Finance, is 38,514, an increase of 1,103 people since 2016.
~ There will be a Sidewalk CPR Training Program on Thursday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at Library Park. A five minute lesson from local firefighters and medical professionals could help you save a life.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Roaming Bear; Strong-Arm Robbery; Man Rolls His Truck; Focused Shoplifting; Car Parts Over the Fence
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Petty Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 12:00 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington Drive. Loss prevention at the location observed a male suspect exit the store with several items without paying. Loss prevention followed the suspect to another location and called the police department for assistance. The suspect was located by officers and detained. He was arrested for petty theft and for two outstanding warrants.
Attempt Burglary / Brandishing a Firearm
May 11 at 1:20 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle advising a burglary had just occurred at his neighbor’s house with three armed suspects. The caller stated he was armed as well. Officers arrived on scene and determined all suspects were gone. The suspects were described as three male Blacks and one female Black. The reporting party said the suspects fled in a red Ford Mustang and that they brandished a firearm at him as they drove away. It was determined that the suspects never gained entry to the residence. It appears to be an attempted burglary that was interrupted by the neighbor. The residents were not home at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Bear Incident
May 12 at 7:00 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Los Angeles regarding a bear in the area. Several residents had phoned in to report sighting the bear. The bear was located and it began moving through the nearby area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified and arrived on scene. They tranquilized and relocated the bear. This is the same bear that has been roaming through the Bradbury area.
Strong-Arm Robbery
May 12 at 11:03 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Huntington and Canyon when he was flagged down by a female robbery victim. The victim told the officer she was robbed by two male suspects while she was walking home from work approximately two hours earlier. She stated that the suspects approached her on Huntington and pushed her up against the wall of a business along the north side of the street. They took her purse and fled west on Huntington. As the suspects were fleeing, they dropped property, which she was able to recover. The victim said she was going to come to the police department to report the incident, but she saw the officer and flagged him down instead. The first suspect is described as a male Black, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. The second suspect is described as male, unknown race, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
May 12 at 11:04 p.m., a traffic collision with injuries was reported at California and Central. The driver was traveling east on Evergreen and accelerated at Evergreen and California. He went north on California and lost control of his truck, hitting the curb, which then caused his vehicle to roll over. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The investigation is continuing to determine if DUI charges will be filed.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 12:22 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious subject in the 200 block of W. Evergreen. Upon arrival, officers located a subject who was removing bicycles from the bed of a truck. The subject attempted to flee when he saw the officers, but he was detained. Further investigation revealed the truck was an unreported stolen vehicle. During a search of the suspect, methamphetamine was recovered from his pocket. During a search of the stolen vehicle, a methamphetamine pipe and two stolen license plates were recovered. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
May 13 at 5:54 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside the business. When she returned to her vehicle, she found that someone had broken into it. She was not exactly sure what had been taken. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to Royal Oaks and Mountain regarding a traffic collision involving two vehicles, one which was rear-ended. During the investigation, officers observed that one driver showed signs of intoxication. They conducted an investigation and determined he was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:41 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a shoplifter. Officers responded to the location and discovered that the suspect was stealing particular items on a regular basis per the instruction of an individual that would buy the products from her. Officers found numerous medications and other merchandise in her vehicle, which she had stolen from other businesses. The suspect was arrested.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:58 p.m., a vehicle was reported on fire in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. Dispatch informed officers that the driver had fled the scene and gave a description. Officers arrived, located the driver and began an investigation. They were contacted by the California Highway Patrol regarding a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 100 block of Central. The driver of the other vehicle provided video showing the subject they had detained for the vehicle fire, as the driver that fled from the hit and run accident. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was ultimately arrested for DUI and Hit and Run.
Shoplifting / Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 9:42 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifter in custody. The suspect entered the store, selected merchandise and then exited the business without paying. When officers asked for identification, he said he did not have any and verbally identified himself. It was later discovered that he was using his brother’s name and additional charges were added to his arrest.
Vandalism / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to Duarte and Myrtle regarding a vandalism in progress. An officer arrived and saw the vandalism suspect. As the officer exited his vehicle, the suspect ran. The officer ran after him and the suspect suddenly stopped to face the officer. As the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect swung at the officer and attempted to flee, but back up officers arrived and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Petty Theft
May 15 at 11:42 p.m., a theft in progress was reported at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck. The caller stated that several subjects were inside the business yard and they were tossing car parts over the fence. Officers responded to the area and located numerous car parts, south of the location. The area was searched for the suspects, but they were not located.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Petty Theft / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 12:00 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington Drive. Loss prevention at the location observed a male suspect exit the store with several items without paying. Loss prevention followed the suspect to another location and called the police department for assistance. The suspect was located by officers and detained. He was arrested for petty theft and for two outstanding warrants.
Attempt Burglary / Brandishing a Firearm
May 11 at 1:20 p.m., police dispatch received a call from a resident in the 100 block of N. Myrtle advising a burglary had just occurred at his neighbor’s house with three armed suspects. The caller stated he was armed as well. Officers arrived on scene and determined all suspects were gone. The suspects were described as three male Blacks and one female Black. The reporting party said the suspects fled in a red Ford Mustang and that they brandished a firearm at him as they drove away. It was determined that the suspects never gained entry to the residence. It appears to be an attempted burglary that was interrupted by the neighbor. The residents were not home at the time. The investigation is continuing.
Bear Incident
May 12 at 7:00 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Los Angeles regarding a bear in the area. Several residents had phoned in to report sighting the bear. The bear was located and it began moving through the nearby area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified and arrived on scene. They tranquilized and relocated the bear. This is the same bear that has been roaming through the Bradbury area.
Strong-Arm Robbery
May 12 at 11:03 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Huntington and Canyon when he was flagged down by a female robbery victim. The victim told the officer she was robbed by two male suspects while she was walking home from work approximately two hours earlier. She stated that the suspects approached her on Huntington and pushed her up against the wall of a business along the north side of the street. They took her purse and fled west on Huntington. As the suspects were fleeing, they dropped property, which she was able to recover. The victim said she was going to come to the police department to report the incident, but she saw the officer and flagged him down instead. The first suspect is described as a male Black, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. The second suspect is described as male, unknown race, thin build, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence
May 12 at 11:04 p.m., a traffic collision with injuries was reported at California and Central. The driver was traveling east on Evergreen and accelerated at Evergreen and California. He went north on California and lost control of his truck, hitting the curb, which then caused his vehicle to roll over. The driver was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The investigation is continuing to determine if DUI charges will be filed.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 12:22 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious subject in the 200 block of W. Evergreen. Upon arrival, officers located a subject who was removing bicycles from the bed of a truck. The subject attempted to flee when he saw the officers, but he was detained. Further investigation revealed the truck was an unreported stolen vehicle. During a search of the suspect, methamphetamine was recovered from his pocket. During a search of the stolen vehicle, a methamphetamine pipe and two stolen license plates were recovered. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglary
May 13 at 5:54 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside the business. When she returned to her vehicle, she found that someone had broken into it. She was not exactly sure what had been taken. The investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to Royal Oaks and Mountain regarding a traffic collision involving two vehicles, one which was rear-ended. During the investigation, officers observed that one driver showed signs of intoxication. They conducted an investigation and determined he was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 6:41 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a shoplifter. Officers responded to the location and discovered that the suspect was stealing particular items on a regular basis per the instruction of an individual that would buy the products from her. Officers found numerous medications and other merchandise in her vehicle, which she had stolen from other businesses. The suspect was arrested.
Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 8:58 p.m., a vehicle was reported on fire in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. Dispatch informed officers that the driver had fled the scene and gave a description. Officers arrived, located the driver and began an investigation. They were contacted by the California Highway Patrol regarding a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the 100 block of Central. The driver of the other vehicle provided video showing the subject they had detained for the vehicle fire, as the driver that fled from the hit and run accident. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was ultimately arrested for DUI and Hit and Run.
Shoplifting / Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 9:42 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifter in custody. The suspect entered the store, selected merchandise and then exited the business without paying. When officers asked for identification, he said he did not have any and verbally identified himself. It was later discovered that he was using his brother’s name and additional charges were added to his arrest.
Vandalism / Battery on a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
May 14 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to Duarte and Myrtle regarding a vandalism in progress. An officer arrived and saw the vandalism suspect. As the officer exited his vehicle, the suspect ran. The officer ran after him and the suspect suddenly stopped to face the officer. As the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect swung at the officer and attempted to flee, but back up officers arrived and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Petty Theft
May 15 at 11:42 p.m., a theft in progress was reported at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck. The caller stated that several subjects were inside the business yard and they were tossing car parts over the fence. Officers responded to the area and located numerous car parts, south of the location. The area was searched for the suspects, but they were not located.
No Recent Activity on Almost-Done Building on Myrtle - But Former 4th Dimension Is Being Remodeled
What former 4th Dimension will look like.
A reader asked what's happening with the building on Myrtle just across from the library, the one that always seems so close to done but never is, so I asked Craig Jimenez, Director of Community Development. He said:
"Well...not much to report on the building on the north of the breezeway. The last I heard the property owner was working with SCE to complete some electrical work, but there has not been any other recent activity that I am aware of. The building on the south side of the breezeway (former 4th Dimension) is moving forward on a substantial remodel. The exterior design was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission last month. https://goo.gl/yhjNJl
"Interior demolition is underway and we expect them to be under construction soon. The front portion will be retail/restaurant uses (no business has been identified yet), the rear and basement of the building will be for office uses."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Trader Joe's Rated Among Three Favorite Grocery Stores in US
Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is among the top three favorite grocery stores in the US. Market Force Information said the top two stores are Wegmans and Publix, tied with a 77 percent rating, and then Trader Joe's, following closely with a 76 percent rating. https://goo.gl/FlNLSg
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Fountain to the Falls Run; Pancake Breakfast
Some great pictures of the Fountain to the Falls run/walk and the Firefighters' Pancake Breakfast, from Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/yzLxnt
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council to Consider: Buy a 'Portland Loo'? Upgrade New Park? Better Bids in Bulk? Etc.
At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/3BTLYR), the Monrovia City Council will consider ...
~ Declaring the "Portland Loo" the standard restroom for city parks, and buy one for Julian Fisher Park. These restrooms are designed to be unattractive to people who want to camp in them and easy to police. https://goo.gl/gvWYyr
~ Awarding a $215,125 contract to Jorgensen-Reeve Builders to upgrade the electrical system at Station Square Park. Comment: Hmmm. That park was just finished a year ago and it already needs upgrades? https://goo.gl/P0TjNE
~ Soliciting bids for the next phase of the citywide street, sewer and water construction - for the northwest part of town. Staff thinks it can get a better deal by asking bidders to bid on the whole project, rather than soliciting bids for each individual trade. https://goo.gl/wtDvVZ
~ Soliciting bids for improvements to Julian Fisher Park.
~ Hiring Musco Sports Lighting for $208,380 to install lighting at Julian Fisher Park.
~ Approving an exclusive negotiating agreement with Thomas Safran & Associates for the property at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues. The company wants to build a "mixed-use project that includes a public parking structure." https://goo.gl/orgQAN
~ Leasing water rights for 400 acre-feet of water from the Azusa Valley Water Company and the purchase of 200 acre-Feet of replenishment water from Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. https://goo.gl/twYufR
~ Supporting and opposing various legislation being considered in Sacramento, including money for Gold Line (support); a requirement that governments appoint a "supervisor of record" to review public records act denials (oppose); increasing the amount of money that may be given to in-custody
informants (oppose); and limits on cities contracting with private compaies for work that could be performed by public sector employees (oppose). https://goo.gl/RJ3zkI
- Brad Haugaard
~ Declaring the "Portland Loo" the standard restroom for city parks, and buy one for Julian Fisher Park. These restrooms are designed to be unattractive to people who want to camp in them and easy to police. https://goo.gl/gvWYyr
~ Awarding a $215,125 contract to Jorgensen-Reeve Builders to upgrade the electrical system at Station Square Park. Comment: Hmmm. That park was just finished a year ago and it already needs upgrades? https://goo.gl/P0TjNE
~ Soliciting bids for the next phase of the citywide street, sewer and water construction - for the northwest part of town. Staff thinks it can get a better deal by asking bidders to bid on the whole project, rather than soliciting bids for each individual trade. https://goo.gl/wtDvVZ
~ Hiring Musco Sports Lighting for $208,380 to install lighting at Julian Fisher Park.
~ Approving an exclusive negotiating agreement with Thomas Safran & Associates for the property at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues. The company wants to build a "mixed-use project that includes a public parking structure." https://goo.gl/orgQAN
~ Leasing water rights for 400 acre-feet of water from the Azusa Valley Water Company and the purchase of 200 acre-Feet of replenishment water from Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. https://goo.gl/twYufR
~ Supporting and opposing various legislation being considered in Sacramento, including money for Gold Line (support); a requirement that governments appoint a "supervisor of record" to review public records act denials (oppose); increasing the amount of money that may be given to in-custody
informants (oppose); and limits on cities contracting with private compaies for work that could be performed by public sector employees (oppose). https://goo.gl/RJ3zkI
- Brad Haugaard
Work Has Begun at Old Albertsons
It looks like they're saving the old airport mural.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Max's
Dinner at Max's Mexican Cuisine, on Huntington across from Target. It's a cheerful, efficient place. Got a taco and enchilada combo for $10.45 and a beer for $7. As always, fresh, tasty and filling.
- Brad Haugaard
Sheriff's Homicide Looking for this Man in Connection With Murder of Monrovia Teen
LA Sheriff's Homicide Bureau is looking for this man in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Monrovian, Oscar Garcia. The department says the suspect is about 20-25 years old, light-skinned, and Hispanic. If you have any information contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or call in an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. https://goo.gl/oazsej
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Runaways Recovered; Drunk Driver vs. Phone Pole; Attempted Bag Snatch; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 8-10. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 453 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Vehicle Burglary
May 8 at 7:31 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The victim went out to his vehicle and found a window broken. The inside of the vehicle had been ransacked, but it appears that no items were missing. A second vehicle also had its window broken. The investigation is continuing.
Missing Persons Located
May 8 at 3:38 p.m., two suspicious subjects were reported in the 100 block of N. Madison. Officers were dispatched and they contacted the subjects. A computer check revealed both subjects were missing persons. The two juveniles had run away from a group home in Altadena. The subjects were taken to the police station and were picked up by staff from the group home.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 4:16 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls regarding a single vehicle traffic collision. Callers stated that the vehicle crashed into an Edison pole. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The investigation determined the driver of the vehicle was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. The driver was arrested for DUI.
Driving Under the Influence
May 10 at 2:14 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle speeding south on Canyon, running stop signs. The vehicle was stopped and through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI.
Robbery
May 10 at 6:25 a.m., a robbery incident was reported at a fast food restaurant in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that an adult couple came into the business and over to the booth where he was eating. They attempted to take the victim’s bag. The victim grabbed onto his bag and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the victim was injured when one of the suspects struck him. The suspects fled the location. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
May 10 at 5:07 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report a shoplifting incident. A male, adult suspect was concealing items in a backpack inside the store and they thought he was going to leave without paying. When officers arrived, the suspect had already left the store with the merchandise. The officers obtained a description of the suspect and conducted an area search. A suspect matching the description was located and detained. He was positively identified by loss prevention personnel and was arrested.
Grand Theft
May 10 at 10:10 p.m., a grand theft of firearms was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that 11 firearms were stolen from his residence. The last time he saw the firearms was in June of 2016.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 453 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Vehicle Burglary
May 8 at 7:31 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The victim went out to his vehicle and found a window broken. The inside of the vehicle had been ransacked, but it appears that no items were missing. A second vehicle also had its window broken. The investigation is continuing.
Missing Persons Located
May 8 at 3:38 p.m., two suspicious subjects were reported in the 100 block of N. Madison. Officers were dispatched and they contacted the subjects. A computer check revealed both subjects were missing persons. The two juveniles had run away from a group home in Altadena. The subjects were taken to the police station and were picked up by staff from the group home.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 8 at 4:16 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls regarding a single vehicle traffic collision. Callers stated that the vehicle crashed into an Edison pole. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The investigation determined the driver of the vehicle was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. The driver was arrested for DUI.
Driving Under the Influence
May 10 at 2:14 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle speeding south on Canyon, running stop signs. The vehicle was stopped and through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI.
Robbery
May 10 at 6:25 a.m., a robbery incident was reported at a fast food restaurant in the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported that an adult couple came into the business and over to the booth where he was eating. They attempted to take the victim’s bag. The victim grabbed onto his bag and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the victim was injured when one of the suspects struck him. The suspects fled the location. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
May 10 at 5:07 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report a shoplifting incident. A male, adult suspect was concealing items in a backpack inside the store and they thought he was going to leave without paying. When officers arrived, the suspect had already left the store with the merchandise. The officers obtained a description of the suspect and conducted an area search. A suspect matching the description was located and detained. He was positively identified by loss prevention personnel and was arrested.
Grand Theft
May 10 at 10:10 p.m., a grand theft of firearms was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte. The victim reported that 11 firearms were stolen from his residence. The last time he saw the firearms was in June of 2016.
Support Monrovia High Music By Having Dinner at T Phillip's
Support the MHS Jazz Band by dining at T-Phillips Alehouse on Wed. May 17, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.. Enjoy the award winning jazz band from 6:30-7:15 p.m., and the Gem City JazzCats from 7:30-9 p.m. The Monrovia High music program will receive 15 percent of proceeds. Print out this flyer or show a screenshot of it on your phone for the MHS Jazz Band to earn credit.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Original Fire Engine to Drive in Monrovia Days Parade
Monrovia's original fire engine, a 1917 Seagrave - though the restoration work is not quite done and it needs more money to get it to pristine condition - is going to be in the Monrovia Days Parade. https://goo.gl/s3DS4p
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Hair Show at Citrus College - Old Hair Styles to New
Citrus College cosmetology and esthetician students will compete in the annual Cosmetology Hair Show on Tuesday, May 30, from 7-9:30 p.m. in the college's Haugh Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Foothill Rd., Glendora. Citrus College serves Monrovia.
This year's competition is themed, "The 1800s Meet the New Millennium." Contestants will be required to prepare models by adding a modern twist to the hairstyles of the Georgian, Victorian and Regency eras.
Tickets for the event, which supports Citrus College's cosmetology and esthetician programs, are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. For more information, call the college's cosmetology department at 914-8710.
- Brad Haugaard
This year's competition is themed, "The 1800s Meet the New Millennium." Contestants will be required to prepare models by adding a modern twist to the hairstyles of the Georgian, Victorian and Regency eras.
Tickets for the event, which supports Citrus College's cosmetology and esthetician programs, are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. For more information, call the college's cosmetology department at 914-8710.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Monrovia Store Hit in String of 7-Eleven Robberies; Lots of Car Break-Ins; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 4-7. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Petty Theft From a Vehicle
May 5 at 8:30 a.m., two vehicles on a property in the 400 block of Scenic were left unlocked overnight. Someone went through the vehicles during the night and stole several items. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
May 5 at 12:19 p.m., a petty theft from a vehicle was reported at a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and returned to find their windows had been shattered and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft
May 4 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and went into the business. When they returned to their vehicle, they saw a window had been smashed and their camera equipment that was in the vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 3:55 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report they had detained a male suspect for petty theft. The suspect had left the store with merchandise without paying. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Residential Burglary
May 4 at 8:51 p.m., officers responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of N. Primrose. The victims arrived home and went inside to find their house had been ransacked and the suspects were still inside the location. As the victims entered, the suspects fled out of the house and through a neighbor's yard. The victims ran outside and saw the suspects getting into a waiting vehicle. The vehicle is described as a silver Subaru hatchback with paper plates that said "Sierra." The three suspects were all male and were wearing hooded sweatshirts. The loss is still being determined and the investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 10:01 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Montana called police stating they were detaining a subject who was trespassing and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and learned the father was restraining his son. The officer told the father to let go and the officer detained the subject. The officer searched the subject and located a large quantity of methamphetamine and powder cocaine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Armed Robbery
May 4 at 11:10 p.m., police dispatch received a robbery alarm activation from the 7- Eleven in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and made contact with the employee who pushed the robbery button. He said he had been robbed at gunpoint. The victim described the suspects as male Blacks wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirts. One suspect had a black handgun.
The suspects entered the business and asked for a package of cigars. When the employee turned around, he saw one of the suspects had a gun pointed at him. The other suspect told the employee he wanted the money from the register. The employee opened the one register and set the till on the counter. The suspects told him to open the other register. The employee told the suspects he did not have the pin number to open it. They became impatient and left the store on foot with the till from the one register. An area check was completed, but the suspects were not located and the investigation is continuing.
There were multiple armed robberies with similar suspect information at other 7-Elevens in the San Gabriel Valley that same night, as well as on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
Vehicle Burglaries
May 5 at 4:13 a.m., two vehicles were reported burglarized at a residence in the 1000 block of Norumbega Drive. The victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding, so he came outside to investigate and saw his trunk open and his driver-side window shattered. Two pairs of tennis shoes were taken from the trunk. A second vehicle that belongs to the victim’s girlfriend was also burglarized and the window shattered. A keychain with several keys and an access key card was taken from the vehicle.
At 6:01 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega Drive reported two vehicles had been broken into and items were taken. Both vehicles had their windows shattered. The investigation revealed the suspects were casing the area in a dark-colored Ford Explorer and the crime occurred between 4:00 to 4:09 a.m. The investigations are continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:21 p.m., an officer was returning from court and saw a subject he knew had warrants out for his arrest. The subject was riding his bicycle in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A computer check revealed the subject had four warrants for resisting arrest and driving under the influence on a bike. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 9:49 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls reporting a subject lying down on the railroad tracks at Duarte and Mayflower. Metro also called and said they had stopped the train due to the subject on the tracks. Officers responded and located the subject, but he was no longer on the tracks. The subject was extremely intoxicated and was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 3:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Central and Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic code violation. He stopped the vehicle and when speaking to the driver, he could smell the odor of alcohol. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
May 6 at 6:58 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of W. Scenic. The victim called to report his specialized tools had been stolen from his unsecured vehicle. He had left his vehicle parked on Heather Heights for several days and when he returned to his vehicle, the tools were gone. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Walnut on a welfare check. The female subject was concerned about the well-being of her boyfriend, who had left the location. During the investigation, it was discovered that the female subject was a victim of domestic battery. Officers located the suspect in Bradbury and placed him under arrest without incident.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 2:34 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a suspect had stolen merchandise and was running from the location. Officers responded and located the suspect attempting to hide nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Critical Missing – Subject Located
May 6 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a developmentally disabled, 17-year-old male who was visiting and had wandered away from the location. Officers immediately began an area check and surrounding agencies were contacted, as well as the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter. The subject was located by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team officers in Arcadia after approximately 30 minutes and was returned to his family.
Vandalism / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:39 p.m., a subject causing a disturbance at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle was reported to police. Officers arrived and detained a subject who was under the influence and had confronted two customers, vandalizing one of their vehicles. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 2:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A male suspect entered the business, selected merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect dropped the items as he ran out of the store. Officers located the suspect in the area and learned he also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting and the warrants.
Public Intoxication
May 7 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding a man down. They arrived and found a male subject lying on the driveway of a home that did not belong to him. Officers determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Petty Theft From a Vehicle
May 5 at 8:30 a.m., two vehicles on a property in the 400 block of Scenic were left unlocked overnight. Someone went through the vehicles during the night and stole several items. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
May 5 at 12:19 p.m., a petty theft from a vehicle was reported at a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and returned to find their windows had been shattered and miscellaneous items were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft
May 4 at 1:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a grand theft. The victim parked their vehicle in the parking lot and went into the business. When they returned to their vehicle, they saw a window had been smashed and their camera equipment that was in the vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 3:55 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report they had detained a male suspect for petty theft. The suspect had left the store with merchandise without paying. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.
Residential Burglary
May 4 at 8:51 p.m., officers responded to a residential burglary in the 400 block of N. Primrose. The victims arrived home and went inside to find their house had been ransacked and the suspects were still inside the location. As the victims entered, the suspects fled out of the house and through a neighbor's yard. The victims ran outside and saw the suspects getting into a waiting vehicle. The vehicle is described as a silver Subaru hatchback with paper plates that said "Sierra." The three suspects were all male and were wearing hooded sweatshirts. The loss is still being determined and the investigation is continuing.
Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 10:01 p.m., residents in the 200 block of Montana called police stating they were detaining a subject who was trespassing and refusing to leave. Officers arrived and learned the father was restraining his son. The officer told the father to let go and the officer detained the subject. The officer searched the subject and located a large quantity of methamphetamine and powder cocaine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Armed Robbery
May 4 at 11:10 p.m., police dispatch received a robbery alarm activation from the 7- Eleven in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. Officers arrived and made contact with the employee who pushed the robbery button. He said he had been robbed at gunpoint. The victim described the suspects as male Blacks wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirts. One suspect had a black handgun.
The suspects entered the business and asked for a package of cigars. When the employee turned around, he saw one of the suspects had a gun pointed at him. The other suspect told the employee he wanted the money from the register. The employee opened the one register and set the till on the counter. The suspects told him to open the other register. The employee told the suspects he did not have the pin number to open it. They became impatient and left the store on foot with the till from the one register. An area check was completed, but the suspects were not located and the investigation is continuing.
There were multiple armed robberies with similar suspect information at other 7-Elevens in the San Gabriel Valley that same night, as well as on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
Vehicle Burglaries
May 5 at 4:13 a.m., two vehicles were reported burglarized at a residence in the 1000 block of Norumbega Drive. The victim heard his vehicle alarm sounding, so he came outside to investigate and saw his trunk open and his driver-side window shattered. Two pairs of tennis shoes were taken from the trunk. A second vehicle that belongs to the victim’s girlfriend was also burglarized and the window shattered. A keychain with several keys and an access key card was taken from the vehicle.
At 6:01 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega Drive reported two vehicles had been broken into and items were taken. Both vehicles had their windows shattered. The investigation revealed the suspects were casing the area in a dark-colored Ford Explorer and the crime occurred between 4:00 to 4:09 a.m. The investigations are continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 12:21 p.m., an officer was returning from court and saw a subject he knew had warrants out for his arrest. The subject was riding his bicycle in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A computer check revealed the subject had four warrants for resisting arrest and driving under the influence on a bike. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 5 at 9:49 p.m., dispatch received multiple calls reporting a subject lying down on the railroad tracks at Duarte and Mayflower. Metro also called and said they had stopped the train due to the subject on the tracks. Officers responded and located the subject, but he was no longer on the tracks. The subject was extremely intoxicated and was unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 3:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Central and Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic code violation. He stopped the vehicle and when speaking to the driver, he could smell the odor of alcohol. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
May 6 at 6:58 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of W. Scenic. The victim called to report his specialized tools had been stolen from his unsecured vehicle. He had left his vehicle parked on Heather Heights for several days and when he returned to his vehicle, the tools were gone. The investigation is continuing.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Walnut on a welfare check. The female subject was concerned about the well-being of her boyfriend, who had left the location. During the investigation, it was discovered that the female subject was a victim of domestic battery. Officers located the suspect in Bradbury and placed him under arrest without incident.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 2:34 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a suspect had stolen merchandise and was running from the location. Officers responded and located the suspect attempting to hide nearby. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Critical Missing – Subject Located
May 6 at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of E. Walnut regarding a developmentally disabled, 17-year-old male who was visiting and had wandered away from the location. Officers immediately began an area check and surrounding agencies were contacted, as well as the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter. The subject was located by Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team officers in Arcadia after approximately 30 minutes and was returned to his family.
Vandalism / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:39 p.m., a subject causing a disturbance at a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle was reported to police. Officers arrived and detained a subject who was under the influence and had confronted two customers, vandalizing one of their vehicles. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 2:18 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. A male suspect entered the business, selected merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect dropped the items as he ran out of the store. Officers located the suspect in the area and learned he also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for shoplifting and the warrants.
Public Intoxication
May 7 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding a man down. They arrived and found a male subject lying on the driveway of a home that did not belong to him. Officers determined he was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.
Monrovia Days: The Movie
Here's a video introduction to Monrovia Days, coming up May 20 and 21: https://goo.gl/ZcIFDh
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Why Different Streets Are Being Fixed in Different Ways; Work on Foothill; Street Fair Open Later; Tree Trimming; Etc.
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/BCH3aT), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ In answer to residents questions about why the city is using different methods of repairing the streets, he wrote that different methods are used depending on the condition of the street - everything from no treatment to complete reconstruction. In particular, people have been concerned about the "cape seal" process, which involves putting rock chips down on liquid asphalt, letting it set for a couple weeks, then laying down a "slurry seal" to lock the chips in place. He said: "During the initial curing process, loose chips and dust from the initial application of the cape seal can certainly be a serious inconvenience, and here at the City, we apologize for the trouble!"
~ Water line work on Foothill during the week of May 22. Then road repair on Foothill starts on May 30.
~ Hours for Friday Night Street Fair have been extended to 10 p.m.
~ The work on the Huntington Drive medians is almost done. Should be done in a week or two. Work includes touching up (putting "lipstick on the pig," in Chi's words) the signs announcing you are crossing into Monrovia, and replacing the American flags.
~ The city has had 18 applicants for 3 openings on the planning commission; 5 for 2 openings on the Historic Preservation Commission, 11 for 3 vacancies on the Community Services Commission, 5 for 2 vacancies on the Library Board, and 3 for 2 vacancies on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.
~ By June 30 the city plans to trim all the trees in the area between Myrtle and Mayflower, from Huntington to the south border, about 1,300 trees.
~ The Veterans Hike, which was rained out, has been rescheduled for June 17. Veterans and their families are invited on a hike and picnic in Canyon Park starting at 9 a.m. To register call the Library at 256-8274.
~ Friends of the Monrovia Library Spring Book Sale May 19 & 20 at the library. Bargains on books, DVDs, music CDs, and more. Proceeds fund such programs as family concerts, Night Owl Storytime, teen movies, and the Summer Reading Program. Members-only sale on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regular sale hours are: Friday, May 19, from 12 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with a $5 bag sale from 4 to 5 p.m. (Saturday only). To join the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: https://goo.gl/O2TeZY
~ Monrovia Firefighters' Association annual pancake breakfast is on May 13, from 7 to 11 a.m., at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.). A $5 breakfast that supports local Monrovia charities. Kids under 3 eat for free.
~ 7th annual Fountain to the Falls Run / Walk and health fair is set for Saturday, May 13, at 7 a.m. This annual race will start at Monrovia Library Park. Medals will be awarded to the best time for male and female participants, and for first place through third place in each age category. The race is limited to 325 participants. Registration through May 10 is $35. Event day registration is $45. For additional information, contact the Public Services at 256-8246. Register here: https://goo.gl/oidXXV
- Brad Haugaard
~ In answer to residents questions about why the city is using different methods of repairing the streets, he wrote that different methods are used depending on the condition of the street - everything from no treatment to complete reconstruction. In particular, people have been concerned about the "cape seal" process, which involves putting rock chips down on liquid asphalt, letting it set for a couple weeks, then laying down a "slurry seal" to lock the chips in place. He said: "During the initial curing process, loose chips and dust from the initial application of the cape seal can certainly be a serious inconvenience, and here at the City, we apologize for the trouble!"
~ Water line work on Foothill during the week of May 22. Then road repair on Foothill starts on May 30.
~ Hours for Friday Night Street Fair have been extended to 10 p.m.
~ The work on the Huntington Drive medians is almost done. Should be done in a week or two. Work includes touching up (putting "lipstick on the pig," in Chi's words) the signs announcing you are crossing into Monrovia, and replacing the American flags.
~ The city has had 18 applicants for 3 openings on the planning commission; 5 for 2 openings on the Historic Preservation Commission, 11 for 3 vacancies on the Community Services Commission, 5 for 2 vacancies on the Library Board, and 3 for 2 vacancies on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.
~ By June 30 the city plans to trim all the trees in the area between Myrtle and Mayflower, from Huntington to the south border, about 1,300 trees.
~ The Veterans Hike, which was rained out, has been rescheduled for June 17. Veterans and their families are invited on a hike and picnic in Canyon Park starting at 9 a.m. To register call the Library at 256-8274.
~ Friends of the Monrovia Library Spring Book Sale May 19 & 20 at the library. Bargains on books, DVDs, music CDs, and more. Proceeds fund such programs as family concerts, Night Owl Storytime, teen movies, and the Summer Reading Program. Members-only sale on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regular sale hours are: Friday, May 19, from 12 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with a $5 bag sale from 4 to 5 p.m. (Saturday only). To join the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: https://goo.gl/O2TeZY
~ Monrovia Firefighters' Association annual pancake breakfast is on May 13, from 7 to 11 a.m., at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.). A $5 breakfast that supports local Monrovia charities. Kids under 3 eat for free.
~ 7th annual Fountain to the Falls Run / Walk and health fair is set for Saturday, May 13, at 7 a.m. This annual race will start at Monrovia Library Park. Medals will be awarded to the best time for male and female participants, and for first place through third place in each age category. The race is limited to 325 participants. Registration through May 10 is $35. Event day registration is $45. For additional information, contact the Public Services at 256-8246. Register here: https://goo.gl/oidXXV
- Brad Haugaard
Final Evensong of Season
St. Luke's Episcopal Church will present the final Evensong performance of the 2016-2017 season on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. at the church, at 122 South California Avenue. A wine and cheese reception will follow and an offering will be taken. The program will include John Blow's Let My Prayer Come Up, William Smith's Preces and Responses in G, and Richard Farrant's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G Minor. Declare His Honor, by Henry Purcell, will feature staff singers Caitlin Stave, Trisha Rivera, Colin Stave and Sean Gabel.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Drone Maker Unveils Palm-Launched Drone for Military
Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has announced a new mini-drone that soldiers can launch from the palms of their hands. It is an outgrowth of its earlier hummingbird drone.https://goo.gl/aVTzux
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools: Extending Dual Language Program; Lost Money
At its May 10 meeting the Monrovia School Board will ...
~ Hear a report on its dual-language program. The district has implemented a second dual-language program, this one in Mandarin. The staff report on the first program, for Spanish speakers, says: "Beginning in Kindergarten, students learned in 90 percent Spanish 10 percent English, and by 5th grade will be learning 50 percent English and 50 percent Spanish."
Comment: There must be something I'm missing here because it sounds as if non-English speakers have only half learned English after six years in Monrovia schools. If that is the case it is unclear why the district would want to extend this failure to yet another language.
~ Try to get back some of the money it lost when students stayed home from school because of a threat of violence posted on social media. It will ask the state for a waiver to get it back.
- Brad Haugaard
Don't Let Cinco de Mayo Be Deadly
Cinco de Mayo has become a deadly holiday due to drunk and drugged driving. Forty people were killed in impaired driving crashes across the nation during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period in 2015.
Officers from the Monrovia Police Department will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrol will deploy on May 5, 2017, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.
High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.
From 2011-2015, 270 people were killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period. In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.
In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Monrovia PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
Plan your sober ride home before the party begins this Cinco de Mayo. Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb. The cost of a ride home is cheap! Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for this DUI operation is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.’
Source: Monrovia Police
- Brad Haugaard
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