News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Walking Tour of Historic Monrovia

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour this Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m. Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues. We will be walking 8 city blocks in a two hour period, learning about Monrovia's past and present. Cost is $5 per person. RSVPs not required. https://goo.gl/I9gLrc

- Brad Haugaard

Expect Heavy Traffic on Foothill; Five-Story Residential Project Gets Positive Review; Passing the Hat for Fireworks; Etc.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ Upgrades to Foothill Boulevard have begun. Avoid if possible, though one lane will be kept open in each direction.

~ There was a good turnout for the scoping meeting about this project (https://goo.gl/fvNkEP), with around 3-4 dozen people in attendance, and "the overwhelming consensus about the project from those in attendance was positive." Construction on the $110 project is set to begin late 2018 or early 2019. It is a five-story (at its highest point) residential building with a 7-story parking structure at the northeast corner of Magnolia and Duarte.

~ The city will "look to 'pass the hat'" for those that want to contribute to the Fourth of July fireworks show. If I understand correctly, he means at or around show time. If you contribute you get an "I support Monrovia 4th of July Fireworks" sticker.

~ The Tuesday and Wednesday Senior Clubs honored Ruth Bailey on her 100th Birthday with cake, treats, and a tea party. Ms. Bailey has been a Monrovian for 100 years, born at the Monrovia Hospital.

~ Canyon Park and Hillside Wilderness Preserve Volunteers honored Bonny Hidas with their Golden Pinecone Award.  For the past few years, Bonny has helped with the interpretive tours by leading and educating students during their visit to Canyon Park.

~ The Taylor Performing Arts Center will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, The King and I, which opens July 13, for 5 performances.  The final showing will be held on July 16. Tickets here: https://goo.gl/NydNXj .  If you have questions, call 471-2032, or go to www.LKTaylorperformingarts.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Airport Mural at Old Albertson's Is Safe

Gem City Images has a photo of the Monrovia Airport mural at the old Albertson's Market. It's being kept safe and will be integrated into the rehabbed building. https://goo.gl/ZyuTTA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cell Phone Rip Off; Gardener's Lawnmower Stolen; Window-Breaker Suspect Arrested; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 22-25. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 22 at 10:11 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of S. Canyon called police to report his son was at the location causing a disturbance. Officers arrived, contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Petty Theft
June 22 at 11:35 a.m., a theft was reported at Mayflower and Genoa. The victim called  police to report his cell phone had been stolen. The victim met the suspect at the location to sell his cell phone. After agreeing to a price, the suspect fled with the phone in a light grey vehicle, heading north on Mayflower. The suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Outside Assist – California Highway Patrol Pursuit
June 23 at 2:33 a.m., the California Highway Patrol was involved in a pursuit and the suspect vehicle exited the 210 Freeway at Huntington. Several minutes later, the suspect vehicle was located in the area of Chestnut and Mayflower in Monrovia, but the occupants were not in the vehicle. It was later learned that the suspect vehicle was involved in a robbery where physical force was used at a business in Temple City. The California Highway Patrol towed the vehicle.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 3:00 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 700 block of W. Olive due to a pursuit that ended in that area and they observed a suspicious female subject and stopped to talk with her. A computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant and was wanted by the Pasadena Police Department. She was arrested without incident.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 8:09 a.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in a public parking lot and contacted a male subject in the driver seat. When questioned about the owner of the vehicle, the driver admitted the vehicle was not his and that there were drugs inside the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody, keys to the vehicle were located in his front pocket and drugs were recovered from the center console. The suspect was arrested and is being held pending his court appearance.

Petty Theft
June 23 at 6:41 p.m., a resident from the 300 block of Highland Place called police to report a theft. The resident saw two male adults approach a red pick-up truck and take a lawn mower that belonged to a gardener, working at the location. Police searched the area for the suspects, but they were not located. The investigation is continuing.

Robbery
June 23 at 8:07 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Two adult female subjects entered the department store and stole handbags. As they were leaving the store, loss prevention tried to detain them, but one of the suspects sprayed the loss prevention officers with pepper spray. The females were last seen heading west on Huntington in a red Charger. Monrovia Fire Department personnel was dispatched to render aid and wash down the victims. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
June 23 at 11:49 p.m., a roll-over traffic collision was reported in the 1000 block of Briarcliff Road. When officers arrived, they discovered the vehicle struck a large rock on the side of the road, the driver lost control and rolled over the side of the hill. The vehicle came to rest on its side. No serious injuries were reported and one occupant was taken to a local hospital. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision.

Disturbing Subject / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 12:50 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Palm regarding a disturbing subject. The resident’s ex-boyfriend showed up at the home and began kicking the rear door. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The subject had also been at the home earlier in the day, refusing to leave, but left prior to officers arriving. During the investigation, officers discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 7:28 a.m., a family disturbance was reported at a residence in the 700 block of Monterey Avenue. The investigation revealed a male and female who were formerly in a dating relationship were involved in a heated argument that turned physical. Both male and female sustained minor injuries from the altercation. The male subject was determined to be the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence and held pending his court appearance.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 11:05 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock. The victim reported that a rock was thrown through the window of his parked vehicle. He described a possible suspect he observed walking away from the area. A subject matching the description was located in the area, and the suspect admitted to breaking the window. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
June 25 at 4:04 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of Longford Place. The victim called to report that sometime during the night someone smashed a window on his vehicle with an unknown object. The victim was unsure if anything was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Women Pepper-Spray Guard to Steal Purses

Monrovia Police are looking for two women they say pepper-sprayed a security guard at Marshall’s, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center, on Friday when he challenged them as they were taking purses out of the store without paying. https://goo.gl/m2Tv1v
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board May Hire Clean Energy Consultant

At its next meeting (agenda), the Monrovia School Board will, among other things ...

~ Consider hiring Newcomb Anderson and McCormick for up to $130,000 to be district consultant on Prop 39 Clean Energy Jobs Act projects.

~ Consider expelling three students.

~ Deal with various financial matters: accountability plan, using EPA funds, a budget, temporary borrowing, purchasing software to manage its after-school program.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Pho House 99

 
Dinner at Pho House 99, on the north side of Lemon a half block east of Myrtle. Got the BBQ pork and egg roll with vermicelli for $8.70 and an iced tea for $1. Very reasonable price and the food was good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Council Member Spicer Named Veteran of the Year

Assembly Member Chris Holden has selected Monrovia Councilman Larry Spicer as the 41st Assembly District’s Veteran of the Year. https://goo.gl/PzhUSr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: She Wasn't ill, but She Was Arrested; Suspect Arrested Casing a Business; Pedestrian Hit at Duarte and Mayflower; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 418 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Fire Assist
June 19 at 12:11 p.m., officers responded to the report of a fire inside a residence in the 1700 block of Alamitas Avenue. When officers arrived, they saw smoke and located the fire coming from the kitchen area of the home. Officers extinguished the fire that was coming from the oven.

Missing Person Located
June 19 at 7:26 p.m., officers were on a call in the 400 block of W. Maple when they saw a mentally challenged, adult female who they are familiar with from prior contacts, walking across a business parking lot alone. The subject is usually accompanied by her mother. A computer check of the female revealed she had been reported missing earlier in the day. Her mother was notified and she responded to pick up her daughter.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 11:00 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Palm when she observed a subject that she knew had a warrant for his arrest. A computer check confirmed the warrant and the subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglaries
June 20 at 10:25 a.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported at a parking structure in the 100 block of W. Colorado. One of the vehicles was parked on the first level and the other was on the third level. Both vehicles had their windows shattered to gain entry and items were taken from inside. The investigations are continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 20 at 1:45 p.m., police received a call reporting a male adult that was kicking trash cans and being disruptive in the 600 block of S. Shamrock Avenue. Officers responded and located the male adult, who was displaying signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers performed a drug evaluation on the subject and determined he was under the influence. The subject was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
June 20 at 10:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. Maple regarding a female subject who was near a business in violation of a restraining order that she had been served. The female subject was located within 100 yards of the business and the protected person in violation of the court order. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 21 at 11:03 a.m., a suspicious subject was reported inside a business in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. The subject appeared to be casing the business. Officers arrived and located the subject. The investigation revealed an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, taken into custody and was later picked up by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on the warrant.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 21 at 5:19 p.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk at Duarte and Mayflower and fled the scene. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Duarte and is described as a small, dark grey, 4-door vehicle, being driven by a male driver. The pedestrian was not injured. The investigation is continuing.

Warrants – Suspect Arrested
June 22 at 1:27 a.m., an officer was conducting a welfare check on a subject who was reported in the 300 block of W. Maple and appeared to be ill. During the contact, the officer determined that the subject was not ill, but she was found to have multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Monrovia One of Top Cities for Police and Firefighters

The research website, Goodcall.com, reports that Monrovia is one of the 100 best cities in the United States (number 47 to be precise) for police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. https://goo.gl/STqY5W

- Brad Haugaard

City to Install Smart 'Bigbelly' Trash Cans; Trash Collection Fees Going Up; Oops! Not Enough Mulch; Etc.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi writes:

~ Bigbelly "smart" trash cans will be installed in Old Town. These solar-powered trash compactors have five times the normal capacity of a regular city trash can and reduce the number of times staff has to empty a trash can by 71%. They also have built in sensors that communicate their trash levels to collection crews.

~ The cost for trash / recycling services will increase by 4.32% beginning July 1.  For the typical residential customer enrolled in the 90-gallon trash / recycling barrel program, solid waste services will increase by $1.24 a month, from $28.79 / month to $30.03 / month. For the typical commercial / multi-family customer enrolled in the one 3-yard bin which is serviced once per week), solid waste services will increase by $7.13 a month, from $165.11 a month to $172.24 a month.

~ Oops. There wasn't much compost and mulch to distribute on June 17, so the city is planning another compost and mulch giveaway.

~ A Monrovia Renewal Dedication Event is will be held Thursday, June 22, at 4 p.m., at Lucinda Garcia Park.

~ Renovations at Julian Fisher Park are set to being in mid-July.  New lights, upgrade of basketball courts, and installing the City's first Portland Loo restroom.  Should be done by late fall. During construction, use the basketball courts at the Mary Wilcox Youth Center Gym and the playground / picnic space at Recreation Park.  There will be an open house to learn about the upgrades tomorrow, June 21, at 7 p.m. at Julian Fisher Park.

~ City staff and Monrovia Reads are considering moving the program into Monrovia Schools. Hopefully the revamped program will be ready by fall. Also, the city and Monrovia Reads have been thinking about using a surplus city transit vehicle as an alternative vehicle for the program as the Monrovia Reads bus is not in great shape.

~ The State Library has awarded the Monrovia Public Library with a $7,500 grant to buy bilingual books for kids.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Semi Gets Stuck on Railroad Tracks; Meth; Thieves Ram Store With Truck; Cell Phone GPS Helps Lost Hikers; Robber Gets $2; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto
June 15 at 6:42 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked his white, 1992 Toyota truck on the street at 7:00 p.m. the evening prior. When he returned at 6:30 a.m., he found his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
June 15 at 11:13 p.m., officers were dispatched to California and Duarte regarding a semi-truck stuck on the Metro tracks. A semi-truck turned from westbound Duarte to northbound California and struck a yellow pole that protects the railroad arm and the truck got stuck. Metro employees cut the pole in hopes of freeing the truck, but they discovered the impact snapped the brake line, which locked up the wheels on the semi truck. The truck had to be towed off of the tracks. During the accident, Metro used buses to move people east and west of the area.

Fireworks – Suspects Arrested
June 16 at 1:21 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding subjects throwing lit fireworks from a vehicle. Officers checked the area, located the vehicle described on Mayflower and Foothill, and conducted a traffic stop. The occupants denied throwing the fireworks. During a vehicle search, fireworks were found inside the vehicle and the suspects were issued citations to appear in court on the charges and the fireworks were confiscated.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 7:21 p.m., suspicious subjects were reported in the 400 block of Bella Vista. Officers arrived and contacted one subject. When he was patted down, he was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested

Commercial Burglary
June 17 at 4:22 a.m., an alarm activation was reported at a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and found the entire front entrance damaged. It appears the suspects rammed the front doors with a white, full-size, diesel truck, destroying the entrance doors and shelves in the store. The suspects took drugs and fled, heading south on Mountain. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
June 17 at 5:58 a.m., a white, full-size, diesel truck was reported stolen from the 700 block of Mountain View. The victim went out to his vehicle in the morning and found his truck had been stolen from his residence. This may be the truck used in the commercial burglary. The investigation is continuing.

Disturbing Subject / Assault
June 17 at 1:39 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the report of a disturbing subject at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and learned that the store cashier had been punched in the face by an angry customer. The suspect had left the area. Officers conducted an area check for the suspect, but he was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Lost Hikers
June 17 at 3:22 p.m., dispatch received a call from the Monrovia Fire Department stating they were trying to locate two lost hikers. The Fire Department set up a command post and reported the hikers were approximately 14 miles west of Canyon Park. Police dispatch contacted the lost hikers on their cell phone. The hikers were husband and wife. They said they had been in the hills for approximately 10 hours in 100 degree temperatures and needed water. The husband was able to give the latitude and longitude of their location from his cell phone. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue was contacted and at 4:10 p.m., search teams headed out to the hikers' location and they were rescued and brought to safety.

Attempt Robbery
June 17 at 7:13 p.m., an attempt robbery was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill. The suspect entered the business and asked a few questions, then asked what time the business closed and left. He returned an hour later, entered the shop and told the victim to give him money. The victim told the suspect she did not have any money. The suspect then lifted his shirt and showed her a gun tucked in his waistband. The victim told the suspect he needed to get a job and that he was young and able to work. While the victim was arguing with the robber, another employee sitting behind her reached back with two dollars, which the suspect took and fled. The employee had her back to the robber and did not know the suspect was attempting to rob them. She said she just heard him ask for money, so she gave him two dollars. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic in his 40’s. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Evading Police – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 8:07 p.m., an officer on patrol was flagged down by a witness and advised of a possible drunk driver. The officer saw the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road and attempted to stop it. The driver failed to yield and after several blocks of slow speed driving, began running red lights and picking up speed and the officer went in pursuit. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter responded and began calling the pursuit from the air. The vehicle entered the 210 Freeway heading east and travelling at approximately 80 miles per hour, but was going in and out of traffic. It transitioned onto the 605 Freeway, exited at Arrow Highway. The suspect was driving recklessly, almost colliding with other vehicles and was running red lights, then reentered the freeway heading north. Monrovia units backed off and the helicopter continued to follow the vehicle. The suspect eventually drove home to Covina, parked in the driveway and went into the house. Officers arrived and set up containment of the home. Dispatch was able to obtain homeowner’s information, who turned out to be the suspect’s father. The father called the suspect and told him to surrender. After approximately 45 minutes, the suspect surrendered. The suspect walked out of the home naked and was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 11:04 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a possible intoxicated subject getting into a vehicle. The subject drove away in the vehicle and was located by an officer at Myrtle and Duarte. The officer conducted a traffic stop and his investigation confirmed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Suspicious Vehicle / Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 12:05 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 3300 block of Peck Road when they observed a suspicious, unoccupied vehicle parked at the curb. As they investigated, they saw a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine on the center console. A few moments later, a subject approached them claiming the vehicle belonged to him. He admitted the pipe was his and he was arrested.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Domestic Battery
June 18 at 2:13 a.m., an assault incident was reported in the 100 block of W. Colorado. A female subject was sleeping in a stairwell when she was approached by her exboyfriend. He tried taking her bicycle and a struggle ensued. The suspect then took a full beer bottle and struck the female several times on her arms and then fled. The suspect was entered into the law enforcement computer system as a wanted person for the crime. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
June 19 at 12:52 a.m., a possible drunk driver was reported in the area of California and Huntington. The vehicle was reported to be running red lights and stopping at green lights. Officers checked the area and located the vehicle in the city of Duarte on Huntington and Alherst. Officers conducted an investigation and confirmed the driver was intoxicated. She was arrested, as well as her passenger, who was also extremely intoxicated and unable to care for herself. The suspects were held for a sobering period.

Man Wants Shower Before Being Arrested

Man allegedly resists arrest by Monrovia Police ... until he had his shower. https://goo.gl/Uxyo2Z

- Brad Haugaard

Parking Garages May Be Coming to Old Town Monrovia

In response to this article (https://goo.gl/G3NsbG) about the possible sale of several of the city's Old Town parking lots, City Manager Oliver Chi said the idea is to expand the amount of parking. Here is his response:

"Regarding the parking lots in Old Town, given that the matter is subject to closed session deliberations with the City Council, I can’t speak to the details related to either potential opportunity.  However, what I can comment on is that our goal here at the City is to see if we can expand the number of available public parking spaces in downtown.  Both of the entities that we are negotiating with own significant properties directly adjacent to the public parking lots in question.  The City’s intention in meeting in closed session with the City Council is to discuss possible opportunities where we might be able to partner to construct a parking structure to expand the number of public parking spaces available in Old Town.  Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the availability of parking in Old Town, and I am confident that the staff would not recommend – and that the City Council would not approve – any deal which does not make the overall parking situation in Old Town better."

- Brad Haugaard 

Copper Still Grill Hiring Staff

The long-awaited Copper Still Grill (608 S. Myrtle), is still not open but it appears the opening may not be too far off as it is now advertising to hire bartenders.  https://goo.gl/nFtJM5

The restaurant (https://goo.gl/KrJqX7) promises, "a relaxed twist on your local dining/social-life with ample bar seating, sidewalk seating , intimate booths, and a multi-functional group seating area for fun people watching and cozy board-game-get-togethers."

- Brad Haugaard 

Opinion: Metro Jumps the Gun in Charging for Parking

I think Metro has jumped the gun in deciding to begin charging people $3 to park in the Monrovia train station garage starting June 26.

The notice that Metro has posted at the garage and placed on car windshields at the station says that the charge is to "help protect parking spaces for Metro riders."

When the Station Square complex opens and there are restaurants and shops that people want to go to, I can understand how parking for Metro might be hurt, but there is currently nothing in the neighborhood to attract people.

Are folks going to park in Metro's garage and walk to the gas station? Are they going to park there and drag old bottles over to the recycling center? or will they park there and carry their sick dog over to the veterinarian?  Are the light industrial buildings in the neighborhood a big magnet for traffic?

I really don't think so and I think Metro should hold off charging until there is a real possibility that neighborhood attractions will affect parking for train riders. But that time has not arrived.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Metro Parking Deal; New Home Construction

At its Tuesday, June 20 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/XzurF5), the Monrovia City Council will, among other things, consider ...

~ A deal with Metro to allow people to park in the train station parking structure for $5 during non-peak hours (weekdays 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and all day on weekends and holidays). https://goo.gl/XzurF5

~ Whether to approve the construction of four detached two-story homes at 902 W. Colorado. https://goo.gl/BAsDmW

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Negotiating to - Apparently - Sell Old Town Parking Lots

Monrovia is apparently negotiating to sell several of its Old Town parking lots.

In a closed session (agenda: https://goo.gl/G3TiGt) on Tuesday, June 20, the City Council will confer about "Price and Terms of Payment" of six properties that are identified only by Assessor Parcel number.

Two of the properties make up the parking lot just to the south of the Monrovia Library, which stretches from Lime down to Lemon (8516-016-900  and 8516-016-901). Negotiations are with the Robhana Group, a real estate investment firm: http://www.robhana.com/

The city is also negotiating to - apparently - sell the parking lot on the south side of Palm a half-block east of Myrtle (8516-012-900), and three parcels that make up the parking lot on the north side of Lime just across from the Police Station (8516-012-901, 8516-012-902, and 8516-012-903). Negotiations are with Overton Moore Properties, a commercial real estate developer: http://www.omprop.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Charged With Another Sex Crime; The Volunteer Street Cleaner

~ Monrovia man who was arrested for sex crimes is charged with another: https://goo.gl/6g2ecq

~ Monrovia's volunteer street cleaner: https://goo.gl/xAUZNP

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at The Diplomat

 

Dinner at The Diplomat, on the north side of Lemon a few feet east of Myrtle. Mediterranean style food. Got the beef Schwartz for $14 and a beer for $5. Nice and filling and the service was great. 


- By ad Haugaard