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Monrovia Police to Wear Pink Patches During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Monrovia Police Department employees will be wearing pink patches on their uniforms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. The patches are intended to stimulate conversations within the community and raise public awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.

The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association and more than 175 public safety agencies throughout the nation.

The Monrovia Police Department is selling commemorative pink patches to the community, along with Pink Patch Project T-shirts, challenge coins and other items. Proceeds from the sale of Monrovia's commemorative Pink Patch Project items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment at the City of Hope.

Beginning Sept. 1 through Sept. 24, Pink Patch Project volunteers will be manning a booth at the Los Angeles County Fair where they will display pink patches from many of the participating agencies and will be talking to the community about breast health issues. Pink patches and other related items will be available for sale to the public with the proceeds going to the various hospitals and organizations we are supporting.

We invite the public to stop by the Pink Patch Project booth in Exhibit Hall #4, Space D-4432, while visiting the Los Angeles County Fair and to join us in the fight against breast cancer. For more information about the Pink Patch Project, visit www.pinkpatchproject.com.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's State Senator Gets Part of 134 Freeway Renamed After President Obama

The 134 freeway from the 2 freeway to the 210 Freeway interchange will be named the President Barack H. Obama Freeway, according to State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Monrovia.  In a press release, Portantino said Senate Joint Resolution 8, which he authored, will name that section of freeway after the former president because "Obama used this portion of California's freeway system to travel from his college home in Pasadena to Occidental College."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ex-Boyfriend Chases Boyfriend With Knife; Ex-Girlfriend Smashes Windows; Hit and Runs; Airbag Stolen; Car That Was Hit Flees

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 31 - September 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Loitering / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 9:35 a.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia. Two subjects, a male and female, were sleeping in front of one of the units. Officers arrived and contacted the subjects. A computer check revealed the male subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

False Information to a Peace Officer / Missing Person Located / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 10:05 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 00 block of Hidden Valley where an audible alarm had sounded, and he saw a suspicious vehicle in the area. He spoke to one occupant of the vehicle, who claimed he did not have any identification and provided a false name to the officer. He was arrested for providing false information to a peace officer and it was later discovered that he was a missing person with a felony warrant for his arrest.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
August 31 at 11:43 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Myrtle and detained two subjects involved in argument. A computer check revealed they had warrants out for their arrest and they were in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested.

Domestic Violence / Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Robbery / Burglary – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 1:12 a.m., a female resident in the 300 block of E. Colorado reported that she was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. She and her boyfriend were asleep in the home when the suspect broke into the home and confronted them. The suspect grabbed a knife from the kitchen and chased the boyfriend out of the house. The suspect took the victims’ cell phones, a computer, and then assaulted the female before he fled the location. The suspect was not located and the investigation continued. On September 2 at 10:30 a.m., the follow-up interview with the victim led to the possible whereabouts of the suspect involved in the crime. Officers of the Orange Police Department were contacted and they detained the suspect at his place of business. Monrovia police officers responded and took the suspect into custody. He was arrested and charged with domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and burglary.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 11:19 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 800 block of California. A vehicle collided into a parked vehicle and fled the scene. Officers located the suspect vehicle and made contact with the driver, who admitted to the hit and run collision. The investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of prescription medication. He was arrested for DUI and fleeing the scene of an accident. The suspect’s vehicle was impounded.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 9:10 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of S. Magnolia regarding a vehicle that struck some parked cars and was trying to flee. Officers located the vehicle and during the investigation, determined the driver was under the influence and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
September 1 at 9:44 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The suspect gained entry into a Chevy Tahoe by tampering with the driver-side-door, locking mechanism. The suspect then removed the steering wheel airbag and fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary Alarm
September 2 at 1:57 a.m., police responded to a burglary alarm at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect gained entry by forcing open a rear door, which activated the alarm. A witness saw a suspect trying to exit from the front door. When he was unable to, he ran out the back door and fled. Officers arrived, but did not locate the suspect. The loss has not been determined and the investigation is continuing.

Burglary
September 2 at 2:22 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington on the report of suspects kicking in the door of the business. Three to four suspects were seen entering the location and quickly exiting. They fled in a grey Nissan. There was no loss and the investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 3 at 4:00 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of N. Fifth Avenue. The victim parked and locked her white Honda Accord inside her unlocked garage at 11:00 a.m. She discovered it missing at 4:00 p.m. Officers conducted an area check for the vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 4 at 12:20 a.m., a vehicle was stopped on Myrtle at Lime, facing north. The driver was attempting to make a left turn, heading against one-way traffic. He realized he couldn’t turn left and made a right turn, colliding with a vehicle to his right. The vehicle that was hit fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 5:23 a.m., a vandalism in progress was reported in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The victim called to report that her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend was breaking out the windows on her vehicle. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. She suffered a laceration to her hand from the broken glass. After she was treated by paramedics, she was arrested and taken into custody. 

Pictures of Rehab of Old Monrovia Train Depot

Some great pictures of rehab work at the old Monrovia train depot from Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/vKomR9

- Brad Haugaard

What SMG Has Planned for Krikorian Theater

Here is what Studio Movie Grill (SMG) has planned for the former Monrovia Krikorian Theater:

"In 2018, SMG Monrovia will undergo a transformation as we remodel and improve the traditional theater outing in Monrovia into a full-service, movie-going experience. Your new neighborhood theater will feature the latest digital projection and sound combined with an American Grill menu, premium bar and modern lounge. Enjoy the biggest blockbusters, alternate and family programming from the comfort of custom recliners, and the convenience of in-theater service." https://goo.gl/afjihu

- Brad Haugaard

Saga Fine Art Gallery to Close

Saga Fine Art (http://sagafineart.com/), a gallery on Lime just across the street from the Monrovia Library, will close in two months, according to one of its employees, artist Lynne Schneeman Fearman. Comment: I'm sad about that. The gallery has shown a few of my works over the years, including the one above, just last month.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Guestroom Doors at Aztec Hotel; Anti-Hate Resolution; Charging Station Regulations

At its Sept. 5 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/ZXRHnn) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an appeal by the owner of the Aztec Hotel, Qin Han Chen, asking the council to overturn the Historic Preservation Commission's decision to require the replacement of hotel guestroom doors with historically accurate doors.  https://goo.gl/UWAb7u

According to the staff report the owner of the Aztec Hotel was told by the commission that the doors to the guest rooms needed to be replaced with historically authentic doors, but then the Monrovia Fire Department "required that the doors be upgraded to comply with new fire safety regulations," so the owner replaced the doors with modern ones. So, city staff is recommending that the owner be allowed to keep the doors on condition that within 18 months he:

  • Repair the pyramidal decorative element on the southeast corner roof parapet.
  • Rehabilitate guestroom windows on the south and east sides of the building.
  • Repair all neon sign lighting on the front of the building.

~ Consider - In light of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia - a "Resolution Denouncing All Forms of Hate and Violence Encouraged by Any Group or Individual and Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Establish a Community Free of Racism, Hatred, and Bigotry." https://goo.gl/XDHRiv

~ Consider regulations to speed up the permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations. https://goo.gl/f6yZyW

- Brad Haugaard

See Saturn Tonight With Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers

Update: Cancelled due to clouds.

Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the southeast corner of Library Park, at Myrtle and Lime, from 7:30 until 9 or 9:30 p.m. tonight, Sept 2.  If you drop by you should be able to see Saturn, the Earth's moon and hopefully Titan, Saturn's largest moon and the second largest moon in the solar system, behind Jupiter's Ganymede, which is just a tiny bit bigger.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Loses to La Salle :-(

Monrovia loses to La Salle 42-40. https://goo.gl/HUo2k1

- Brad Haugaard 

I Don't Think Monrovia's Zip Code Is 91017

This is kinda bizarre. This Star-News article (https://goo.gl/7Le1Mv) says the "Monrovia Post Office will offer a special postmark to commemorate the rare event when the date, 9-10-17, will match the community’s ZIP code 91017."

Since when is Monrovia's Zip code 91017?

Update: Ah! USPS says "This ZIP Code™ used for a specific PO BOX", so I guess the special postmark is to honor PO Boxes.  https://goo.gl/v5i25d

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Domenico's



Dinner at Domenico's, on Huntington just east of Magnolia. Got the Big D Combination with ravioli and lasagna for $17.99 and a large beer for $7.50. The combination comes with soup or a salad, though I ate my salad so it's not shown. Very good and filling and good service. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Mayflower Elementary Students Raising Funds for Harvey Relief

The students at Mayflower Elementary School are hosting a penny drive. Bring your coins for Houston. All donations will be sent to the Greater Houston Community Foundation Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Donation containers will be outside the main office before and after school Tuesday 9/5-Tuesday 9/12.

Every grade level that helps raise $100 or more will have a free dress day! If the whole school raises over $500 PTA will provide popsicles for all students.

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Plans to Send People to Assist in Hurricane Harvey Recovery

Fellowship Monrovia church is both raising money for Hurricane Harvey relief, and is planning to send people to the area to help rebuild.

In a message to the congregation, Pastor Albert Tate wrote:

"[W]e're beginning to identify local partners, churches, and ways we can get involved on the ground. We're thinking about how we can send resources, not just money, but also people, to help those affected as they begin to rebuild their lives."

The donation web page for the church is here, although the Hurricane Harvey link has apparently not yet been added: https://madeforfellowship.com/give/

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Warn Against Hurricane Harvey Scams

The Monrovia Police Department wants you to be careful in making donations to Hurricane Harvey relief, as there are scams out there.

On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit and eventually caused unprecedented and catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas, and was the first major hurricane to strike the United States since Wilma and Katrina. In the coming weeks, and months, Hurricane Harvey victims will continue to need assistance in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people that will take advantage of this tragedy and profit from it. So, if you are solicited in donating relief efforts by means of obtaining iTunes cards, Green Dot gift cards, or any other pre-paid gift cards as a form of donation/payment, please hang up the phone. This is a fraud and a scam!

It is important to thoroughly research any group or website when donating money. If you are unsure if you are donating to a legitimate organization, you can contact the Monrovia Police Department with your questions or concerns.

The following groups are some verified organizations:

• The American Red Cross - at www.redcross.org or text the word HARVEY to 90999. Volunteers are also being sought, and that information is available on the Red Cross’ volunteer website at www.redcross.org/volunteer. Blood donations are also being requested. You can find additional information at www.redcross.org/give-blood.

• The Salvation Army - at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. They are accepting money, donations, and seeking those who are able to volunteer their time.

• The Austin Disaster Relief Network - at www.adrn.org/give has already received one of the larges responses in its organization’s history. They are also seeking funds to help provide support to storm survivors

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Returning Stuff They Didn't Buy; Son Arrested for Abusing Mom; Indecent Exposure; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 28-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Petty Theft – Suspects Arrested
August 28 at 10:54 a.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Two females were returning items to the store they had just taken off of shelves without paying for them. They were stopped outside of the store. The suspects were arrested and the merchandise was returned. Through investigation, it was discovered that these two subjects appear to have done this multiple times at different store locations. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 12:00 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of E. Lemon when he observed a subject in the park after hours. He detained the subject and discovered he was in possession of an open container of alcohol, as well as drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 9:51 p.m., officers responded to the report of a battery incident in the 1300 block of S. Sherman Avenue. An adult male was involved in an argument with his elderly mother. The son physically grabbed his mother from behind and forcefully lifted her up off the ground against her will. He then put her down and pulled her hair, forcing her head back and forth. Paramedics responded to treat the mother and she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and complaint of pain to her neck. The son was arrested for elder abuse.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 10:07 a.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. A male adult concealed merchandise in his backpack while inside the store. He left then without paying and was located by police a short distance away. He had the merchandise on him and admitted to stealing the item. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charge.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 11:35 a.m., a petty theft incident was reported at a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington. A male subject walked out of the store with merchandise he did not pay for and ran. The reporting party provided a good description of the suspect and an accurate direction he fled towards. Officers located the subject trying to conceal himself in some bushes nearby. He was arrested for the crime.

Indecent Exposure
August 30 at 4:10 p.m., an indecent exposure incident was reported in the area of Violet and Lime Avenue. A 15-year-old, female student was walking home from the high school when an adult male asked her if he could ask her a question as she walked by the passenger seat of his van. She turned her head toward him and could see he was exposing himself. She immediately turned away and walked home. The victim went to the police station with a parent to report the incident. The victim described the suspect as a male Hispanic, approximately 30 years old, and clean shaven. The vehicle is a white van with green lettering on the side of the van. Officers conducted a search for the vehicle, but it was not located. The school resource officer was notified of the incident and extra patrol is being conducted. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 30 at 6:29 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of E. Cherry Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle at 8:15 a.m. and returned to it at 6:20 p.m. and saw that the driver's side of the vehicle had been side-swiped by another vehicle, causing damage. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 12:57 a.m., officers were dispatched on the report of a disturbing subject in the 200 block of S. Ivy. The reporting party stated there was a female subject in front of the location who was bothering him. Officers arrived and contacted the female. A computer check revealed she had a warrant or her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. 

Training Monrovians for Community Leadership

If you'd like to be a Monrovia community leader, this may be for you, the Monrovia Area Partnership leadership academies, one for adults and one for youth. https://goo.gl/HXz2Eo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Plans DUI and License Checkpoint Sept. 8

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI/CDL checkpoint on Friday night, September 8, 2017. Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped and drivers will be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having valid driver’s licenses.

Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 35 injury crashes, harming 48 of our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by drunk drivers.

Monrovia Police reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can cost $10,000 or more for the first offense, including time in jail, the loss or your driver’s license and higher insurance rates.

These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to do your part to keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911!

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Honors Its Employees

The Monrovia Police Department will recognize the accomplishments of fourteen of its employees on Thursday, August 31, at 5 p.m. in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. Two recipients will be awarded the Life Saving Medal, four recipients will be awarded the Medal of Merit and eight recipients will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia. 

The Honorees are:

Life Saving Medal
Agent Seth Hermes
Officer Taylor Anaya

Medal of Merit
Sergeant Daniel Verna
Agent Luis Villalobos
Officer David Andrew
Officer Oliver Medina

Distinguished Service Medal
Lieutenant Jaime Alfaro
Lieutenant Heath Harvey
Lieutenant Patricia Newton
Lieutenant Roberto Wilken
Office Administrator Lori Le Veque
Lead Parking Control Officer Lori Bashford
Police Communications Operator Laura Donchig
Police Communications Operator Rhonda Reynolds

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Upcoming Monrovia activities:

~ Saturday, Sept. 9, 27th Annual Monrovia Car Show, Old Town Monrovia, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

~ Saturday, Sept. 9, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Fall Book Sale, featuring children's books. Monrovia Library Community Room, Noon to 4 p.m. https://goo.gl/orgVCA

~ Saturday, Sept. 30, Monrovia Public Library Strategic Plan Kickoff Celebration, 321 S Myrtle Ave; 1 - 3 p.m. For more information call 256-8274 or visit https://goo.gl/pYQn4Q.  The full Library Strategic Plan  here: https://goo.gl/g3AqEX

Source: Becky Shevlin's monthly community calendar.

- Brad Haugaard

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Shoots Up.


Stock in Monrovia-based drone maker AeroVironment is up very nicely on better-than-Wall-Street-expected first quarter results. Up 15.58 percent today as of this writing. https://goo.gl/ZCdVCY

- Brad Haugaard