Fire Above East Monrovia

A substantial fire is burning in the hillsides of east Monrovia. Possibly around Norumbega. This bad picture taken from Hillcrest near Magnolia. Apparently just above Grant Park.

Update: No homes damaged yet but it appears a water tank on the hillside may be damaged.

Update: People evacuating the area may go to the Community Center, just north of the library.

Update: You can take your dog to Wonder Dog Ranch if you are evacuating the area. 220 Taylor Street, east off Myrtle two blocks south of Duarte Road.

Update: Very low winds helping a lot. Firefighters seem to be getting a handle on it. Encouraging, except I'm wondering about the cost of fixing/replacing that water tank.

Update: Mayor Tom Adams reports that Foothill Gym has opened for anyone needing a place to go. On the east side of Myrtle just across from the Pavilions shopping center.

Update: From TV coverage it looks like firefighters have it pretty much under control. It looks as if it is now a job of keeping an eye on the embers to make sure there are no flare-ups.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board to Consider Social Justice Camp; New Courses; Online Chat Software

At its December 13 meeting (agenda), the Monrovia School Board will consider ...

~ Approving a deal for 20 students to attend a free multi-day Building Bridges Camp by the California Conference for Equality and Justice during the 2017-18 school year. "After attending Builing Bridges Camps, students return to campus as leaders on anti-bias and social justice efforts." Details here.

~ Approving several new courses: Global Affairs, Avid (college prep), Math II and III, and Advanced Video Production.

~ Approving a contract with Fulcrum Management Solutions for its online software "that creates online conversations for meaningful engagement by parents, staff, and community members." Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Gem City Grill

Had lunch yesterday at Gem City Grill, on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle. Got a Bacon Cheddar Ranch Sandwich for $7.95 and a beer for $5. Nothing trendy about this place. It’s an old style bar and grill with pool tables but the  sandwich (really a burger) was great. Patty was twice as thick compared to burger patties at most places. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Bake Sale Sunday to Benefit Young Musicians

The Monrovia Young Musicians Ensemble will hold a bake sale this Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3-5 p.m. at the Pavilions market. Live music and goodies to buy.

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters Put Out Brush Fire in North Monrovia

Firefighters last night quikly put out a small brush fire in north Monrovia, in back yards near the entrance to Canyon Park.  Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Holiday Parade

- Brad Haugaard 

Christmas Tree ... With Snow

The Monrovia Christmas tree was lit this evening by Mayor Tom Adams. A new addition was a couple of snow machines that started up as the tree went on. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Woman Accidentally Spends Fake $100 Bill; Cannon Shell Found in Car; Arrest In Auto Theft; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 4-6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Counterfeit Bill
December 4 at 9:33 a.m., a female subject called police to report she had inadvertently used a fictitious $100 bill at a gas station in the 900 block of W. Foothill. She reported that she received the bill from a bank. An officer responded and confirmed the $100 bill was fictitious and the U.S. Secret Service was notified. The investigation is continuing.

Battery / Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 4 at 10:47 a.m., a caller reported a disturbing subject at a gas station in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and learned the subject had punched a customer at the gas station and then while attempting to drive away, the subject collided into a vehicle. The suspect fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Artillery Round Found – Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad Notified
December 4 at 1:01 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of E. Pomona to assist a subject with retrieving property from his impounded vehicle. While the subject was getting his property, the tip of an artillery round was located in the trunk. The item belonged to the registered owner’s grandfather. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was notified; they responded and took possession of the device.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
December 5 at 9:51 a.m., the manager of a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a disturbing male subject at the location. The subject has a notrespassing order issued to him for the location. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The no-trespass authorization was posted on the front entry and exit doors, and the subject has been notified that he is not to be at the location. He was arrested for trespassing.

Stolen Vehicle
December 5 at 8:17 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Huntington. A female subject parked her vehicle in the business parking lot and went into work. When she returned to her vehicle, she found it had been stolen. The vehicle is a 2004 Acura. The investigation is continuing.

Mail Tampering
December 6 at 11:26 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Wildrose reported an incident of mail tampering. She was at her home when FedEx dropped off a package and she heard a knock at the door. When she opened the door, she saw a female, White subject, wearing jeans and a jean jacket, walking away with her package. She yelled at the female, who then dropped the package and fled in a brown, 4-door Honda, with a male suspect driving. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Felon With a Gun / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
December 6 at 1:42 p.m., a parking control officer observed a suspicious black Honda Accord with no plates making two quick turns in what he thought was an attempt to get away from him. The vehicle parked in an alley in the 200 block of east Colorado. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Westminster. Patrol officers responded and the vehicle went mobile. As officers were attempting to stop the vehicle, the male, front passenger threw a handgun out the window. Once the vehicle was stopped, the three occupants were detained. The driver was arrested for grand theft auto, the front passenger was arrested for felon with a gun, and the rear passenger was arrested for a no-bail warrant. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
December 6 at 3:14 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain saw a subject in the store taking items and placing them in his clothing. Officers responded to the location and also observed the suspect placing items in his clothing. The suspect walked past the manned registers without stopping to pay for the items and was detained. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

What Does Hayley Mills Have to Do With Restoring the Monrovia Train Station?

A really great article about the soon-to-be-completed restoration of the old Monrovia train station. Did you know that one of the best sources of historical images for the restorers came, oddly, from the 1966 comedy, "The Trouble with Angels," starring Hayley Mills and Rosalind Russell?   https://goo.gl/rbWCDj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Aldi Supermarkets Now Open

Although the Grand Opening is tomorrow, Thursday, The Aldi supermarket (in the old Albertson's shopping center site on Huntington) is open today. I walked through and two things struck me: 1. How wide the aisles are, and 2. That you need to deposit a quarter to get a cart, but you get the quarter back when you return the cart. The store opens at 9 a.m. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Jumps 30 Percent

The stock in Monrovia drone-maker, AeroVironment, jumped 30 percent after it reports a 45 percent quarterly revenue jump compared to last year: https://goo.gl/8apqDd

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Monrovia Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue our 19 year long tradition of celebrating the holiday season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine. Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will give candy canes to the public in the spirit of giving. City employees will be volunteering their time to help make the program fun and successful for all Monrovians and visitors in our premier city.

Last year’s event was a great success! This year’s Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods. Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa. The route dates are as follows:

Monday, December 18, 2017 – will tour streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries. Also includes Valley Circle.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 –will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill to Huntington, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, and west of the eastern city boundaries.

Friday, December 22, 2017 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Assembly Time – 5:00 p.m. assemble at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA 91016

Sleigh Departure Time and Tour Hours – 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by police officers who are volunteering their time. The police car will lead the procession using its red lights and siren. Holiday carols will be played over the police car’s P.A. system.

The fire engine will be driven by firefighters who are volunteering their time. The fire engine will follow the police car. Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of lights.

The public works truck will be driven by public works employees who are volunteering their time. Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 lights, will also be playing holiday carols. Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families in the sleigh during the tour. Space is limited and participation is first come first served. Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult, and you must bring appropriate warm clothing for cold weather and umbrellas for possible rain, as the sleigh is open air.

Venture outside, welcome Santa and enjoy the candy canes!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all and may you all have a safe holiday season.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard
 

Monrovia Sells Bonds Cheap; Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade Thursday; Aldi's Opening; Etc.

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

~ The City successfully sold $111.6 million worth of pension obligation bonds to refinance all of the City's pension liabilities at a lower cost than projected, resulting in an estimated savings of $50.3 million rather than just $43.2 million, as earlier estimated. Chi said this was because of "the City’s strong financial position and an uptick in demand for municipal securities."

~ The Annual Tree Lighting will be at 6 p.m. this Thursday, followed by the Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut Avenue to Palm Avenue.

~ And here's a great, compact list of Christmas and New Year's events in Monrovia: https://goo.gl/XjXPsq

~  Aldi’s Supermarket will have its grand opening celebration on Thursday, Dec. 7, with a ribbon cutting at 8:25 a.m. Aldi's is in the old Albertson's shopping center in east Monrovia.

~ Here's a video of the rehab work at the old train station: https://goo.gl/Zu93eC

~ The bouncy rubber coating on the Library Park Playground is scheduled to be replaced Dec. 11-20.  While the work is being completed, the playground will be closed.

~ The Library's Veterans Resource Center is partnering with the American Legion Women's Auxiliary to support the USO and local military personnel who are hospitalized. They are collecting white socks for men and women; coloring books for adults; coloring pencils, markers, and pens; and board games for adults. You can drop off donations in the large yellow box in the Library's main lobby. contact Mabel Cross, Librarian, at 256-8294 if you have any questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Mayor Lutz Plans a Run for Congress

Former Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has announced on Facebook her intention to run for Congress representing the 32nd Congressional District ...  someday, but only after the current representative, Grace Napolitano, steps down. 

Here is her full statement:

“Running For Congress...

“Like many of you, the past few months have been incredibly difficult for me to watch. The current administration creates one national crisis after another as their reckless, wrong-headed and discriminatory actions create unprecedented anxiety and division throughout the country.   We need to fight back against the fear-mongering forces that divide us and remake our country into one that has immense promise for all, not one that is dominated by a politics driven by fear of the unknown. 

“After serving 3 terms as Mayor of Monrovia and six years as council member, my experience in local, regional and federal policy and public service, and decades as a neighborhood activist, I know what it takes to generate positive change and produce tangible results for the people in our local neighborhoods. 

“ In 2015 I was honored to join the staff of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, as a Policy Advisor for Water, Transportation and Environment.  This experience led me to a greater understanding of how Congress can work with and for our community.

"Congresswoman Napolitano is a widely respected leader in the community, is still the sitting Member and representative for California’s 32nd District. She is my mentor and has my support.   That said, at some point in the future, the Congresswoman will likely retire.  I believe I have the knowledge, passion and experience to represent you in Congress, thus I have opened a campaign committee in anticipation of a future race.   As I have said publicly, my plan is to run when the seat opens.

“If I have the privilege of representing the 32nd District in Congress, I will fight tooth and nail to resist the Trump agenda and work toward reducing inequality, fighting for social and economic justice, and a future full of hope and possibility for all.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Unity Center Needs December Volunteers

Foothill Unity Center needs help sorting and packing food for family distribution events this month. A limited number of volunteers are needed for each shift. Registration is mandatory and is available for individuals and groups until December 10. Register at www.foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Package Theft Suspect Caught; Woman's Foot Run Over; Drugs, Alcohol, and Gem City Grill Shooting

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 30 – December 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Package Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 2:14 p.m., a suspicious subject who was looking into vehicles in the area of Primrose and Linwood was reported to police. An officer responded and located the subject nearby. The subject was wearing a backpack when officers first saw him, but he had dropped the backpack and walked away from it before he was detained. The subject gave officers consent to search the backpack, which contained a package that had been stolen from a residence in the 200 block of S. Primrose. The suspect was arrested for possession of the stolen property and taken into custody. The victim did not desire prosecution and the suspect was released after he was identified.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 3:15 p.m., a parking control officer was impounding a vehicle and trailer that had suspended registration as of 2015. After the tow truck arrived to tow the vehicle, a subject came out and confronted the parking control officer. Officers responded to assist and discovered the subject had multiple warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 4:20 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a disturbing subject who management wanted to complete a no trespass authorization form against. Officers recognized the subject from previous contacts and a computer check revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. During a pat-down search of the subject, he admitted to officers that he had something he shouldn't have in his pocket. The officers recovered a .38 caliber revolver from his right pants pocket and black gloves in his left pocket. The suspect was arrested for being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and the warrants.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 9:57 p.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Mayflower regarding the report of a suspicious subject loitering in the area. They contacted the subject and a consent search revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 1:43 a.m., an officer contacted a suspicious male subject in the area of Myrtle and Lemon. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and during a consent search of the subject, he was found to have cocaine in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 2:59 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Peck and Live Oak for vehicle code violations. The driver was determined to be too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely and was arrested for driving under the influence. The driver was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 1 at 11:01 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An elderly female was walking through a business parking lot to her vehicle when a driver made a left turn into the parking lot and struck her foot at a slow rate of speed. The vehicle's tire hit the pedestrian's ankle. Paramedics responded and the pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Homicide Investigation
December 2 at 12:01 a.m., officers responded to shots fired at the Gem City Grill in the 100 block of E. Olive. When they arrived, they found three subjects had been shot. All three subjects were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One of the victims involved in the incident succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital. The crime is being investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit.

Public Intoxication / No-Bail Parole Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 2 at 8:34 p.m., a citizen called police to report an intoxicated subject causing a disturbance in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and detained the male adult, who they recognized as a subject they knew had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The subject was also determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The warrant was confirmed and the subject was arrested for public intoxication and the warrant.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence Investigation
December 3 at 4:19 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 2600 block of California. A driver struck a telephone pole, cutting his vehicle in half. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment and an officer responded to have blood drawn for a DUI investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 3 at 6:32 p.m., employees at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject that was a causing a disturbance at the location. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who was found to be in possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Man Killed in Bar Shooting Identified

The 43-year-old man who was killed at the Gem City Grill has been identified as Michael Lowe, a Monrovia resident, according to the coroner's office. https://goo.gl/uA6t94

Update: A GoFundMe page has been set up for the funeral expenses of Michael Lowe: https://goo.gl/jrcgw1

- Brad Haugaard

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Old Town Monrovia

Horse drawn carriage rides have begun in Old Town Monrovia for the Christmas season. Gem City Images has a picture and details about how to take a ride: https://goo.gl/XxhYEe

- Brad Haugaard

Police Search for Suspect in Bar Killing

Police are looking for a adult Hispanic man as suspect in Gem City Grill shooting. Police surrounded a home on West Olive but apparently did not make any arrest. The shooting left one man dead and two wounded.  https://goo.gl/tM1Dj5

- Brad Haugaard 

Man Killed, Two Injured This Morning at Monrovia Bar

One man was killed and two injured in a shooting just after midnight this morning at Gem City Grill, on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle.  https://goo.gl/LTrdwT

- Brad Haugaard