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Clifton Middle School Representatives Going to Washington DC to Accept 'School to Watch' Award

At its May 24 meeting (this Wednesday) the Monrovia School Board will discuss Clifton Middle School's upcoming trip to Washington D.C. on June 21-24 to receive an award for being named a "2017 School to Watch," as well as the Board of Education's support and attendance at the banquet in Washington D.C., as requested by the California League of Middle Schools. The "School to Watch" award is an honor bestowed upon only 11 schools in California, and highlights "high-performing model schools that demonstrate academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity." Details at item K5

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days Begins

 
The parade gets started. Lots more through the day. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Days Today at Library Park

Today is Monrovia Days! All day at Library Park. Here's the schedule:

8 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast at fire station
9 a.m. - Opening ceremony
10 a.m. - Parade on Myrtle in Old Town
11 a.m.-9 p.m. - Carnival, Performances & Beer Garden
3 and 7 p.m. - Band Performances
5 p.m. - Pie Eating Contest

- Brad Haugaard

Teens in Progress Youth Conference at Second Baptist Church

Second Baptist Church​ Teens in Progress Ministry is hosting its first annual youth conference​ on July 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock Ave. in Monrovia. For youth ages 11-18. "Join us as we come together for a day of unashamed praise, worship, and learning about God and his goodness. Build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen testimonies, develop talents, make new friends, and have fun with teens who share similar beliefs and standards."

The conference begins at 9 a.m. with registration and breakfast; 10 a.m., speakers; 11 a.m., lunch and fellowship; noon, lunch and fellowship, 1 p.m. teen show case (show your talents).

Register here: https://goo.gl/odcPyQ

For more information, contact Erika Collins, TIP President: (909) 568-5440; Jason Jenkins, Associate Elder - Ministry to Youth: 230-3944; or Ariel Tolefree, TIP Advisor: 487-9070.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Oto-Oto

 
Dinner  at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant in the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Tuna Bowl for $14.95 and a beer at the happy hour price of $3.50. Very nice but I was still hungry so I ordered a Philly Roll. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: He Takes The Rap for Her; Battle Over Parking; Oops! Suspect Runs To Police; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 402 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 11:56 a.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report subjects shoplifting. A male and female adult had concealed merchandise while inside the store and left without paying for the items. The suspects split up outside of the store and went in different directions. Officers responded and located the female suspect. The female phoned the male suspect and told him she was being detained by officers. The male suspect returned with the stolen property and admitted to the crime. He was arrested and the female was released, as she did not have property and was not seen taking the property.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
May 15 at 4:03 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. A male adult left the store without paying for merchandise he had concealed. Officers arrived and located the suspect sitting on the front porch of a residence nearby. The homeowner appeared puzzled and said he did not know the suspect. The homeowner told officers that the suspect ran onto his porch and sat down next to him. The suspect was arrested for the crime and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
May 15 at 7:10 p.m., the victim of a vehicle burglary called police to report that sometime between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. someone broke into his vehicle in the 100 block of S. Mayflower. The rear passenger side window was shattered and his backpack was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
May 15 at 7:22 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Alta Vista. The victim parked his vehicle on the street and went inside for the night. The following morning he returned to his vehicle at 6:00 a.m. and started the ignition. There was a loud sound coming from under the vehicle. He looked underneath and saw the catalytic converter had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
May 16 at 9:25 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1000 block of S. Mountain Avenue. The victim parked her vehicle on the street on May 14. When she returned to her vehicle on May 16, she discovered it had been stolen. There were no signs of forced entry. The vehicle is a grey, 2000 Honda CRV. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
May 16 at 4:29 p.m., a caller reported several subjects using drugs near a silver vehicle parked in a business parking lot in the 200 block of E. Lime Avenue. Officers responded and located the vehicle and several subjects. During the investigation, two subjects were found to be in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Fight in Progress / Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
May 16 at 6:50 p.m., officers responded to a business parking lot in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a large fight in progress. When officers arrived, the fighting had stopped. The fight was over a parking situation involving employees and patrons from another business location. During the altercation, the victim fell to the ground and was kicked in the head multiple times by the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody for the assault.

Grand Theft / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
May 17 at 11:21 a.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle in a business parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The vehicle’s engine was running and a male adult was behind the wheel with the trunk was open. The rear license plate was missing and the front plate had been covered. Officers responded and contacted the driver. As the officer was speaking with the driver, a second male adult ran out of the business carrying two large mesh bags filled with stolen merchandise. The suspect saw the officer and dropped the bags. The officer detained both subjects. Both subjects were arrested for grand theft. At that time, a third subject exited the store followed by a store employee, who informed officers that he might have been involved in the theft. The third subject was detained and it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. It was determined that he was not involved with the other suspects, but he was arrested for the warrant.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 6:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of W. Olive regarding a family disturbance. Officers discovered there had been an ongoing argument at the location for the majority of the day. The male suspect had made threats to his girlfriend, telling her that he would kill her. He had punched, slapped, and strangled the victim. The victim sustained minor injuries. The suspect was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 17 at 8:59 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia. A vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. The investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle had been drinking and was too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. She was arrested for driving under the influence and held for a sobering period.

You May Soon Be Driving on the Obama Freeway

Senator Anthony Portantino's proposal, SCR 8, to name the segment of the CA-134 Freeway between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway," passed the State Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support with a 34 to 1 vote.  The resolution now heads to the State Assembly. Portantino represents Monrovia.

Source: Portantino press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Doesn't Enforce Federal Immigration Laws; Anti-Gang Patrols Begun; Population up 1,103; Sidewalk CPR

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.

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

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

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



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.

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

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