Monrovia's AeroVironment has just released software to analyze and display on an app the information drones gather in flying over farms. Kirk Flittie, vice president and general manager of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment, said, “Farmers can now survey their entire farm more efficiently and accurately, on their schedule, to enable better decision making and farm management." https://goo.gl/AhrbVF
Comment: I've been impressed with AeroVironment's move into commercial uses for drones, which I think may be a much larger and more stable market than just the military, so - full disclosure - I bought some of its stock.
- Brad Haugaard
Number of Homeless in Monrovia Drops to 35
In his weekly report City Manager Oliver Chi reported that, "Based on the preliminary results from the homeless count, it was reported that 35 homeless individuals were counted in Monrovia. This is a slight decrease from the 39 homeless individuals that were counted in Monrovia in 2017."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Protecting Legislative Staff From Harassment
SB 429, the Harassment Retaliation Prevention Act, has passed the State Senate with unanimous bi-partisan support. It was co-authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Monrovia. The act "protects victims from all forms of harassment in and around the Legislature. It also serves to protect against retaliation once cases are reported. The bill enhances the anti-retaliation provisions of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, which protects legislative employees and lobbyists who report sexual or related harassment." It is a companion bill with Assembly Bill 403, which Portantino also co-authored.
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Portantino press release
- Brad Haugaard
Black History Month Events
Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association is sponsoring a series of events for Black History month, including Jazz Brunch, Wealth Building Seminar, Art Festival, and Black History Luncheon. Details: https://goo.gl/8DzLby
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Pavilions Gone, Vons Arriving
It is no longer Pavilions. The sign has come down and workers are about to install the new “Vons” Sign
Netflix Films Episode of Teen Series in Old Town
Netflix filmed part of an episode of a teen series called "Best Worst Weekend Ever" today in Old Town. https://goo.gl/j3GuEh
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Total Eclipse of Moon Early Wednesday, Jan. 31
According to Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers, there will be an eclipse of the moon on Jan. 31 starting at 2:51 a.m. with totality from 4:51 a.m. to 6:07 a.m. "[I]t will be extremely low to the western horizon, so anyone with trees or mountains to their west will need to get to a flat area..... Then the moon sets before the end of the eclipse. Watch from 2:51 a.m. until totality is underway about 5 a.m. if you can."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Art in the Sky
I snapped this picture of a beautiful cloud from the Pavilions parking lot about 6:30 this morning. That’s the Chase Bank building below. I think it must have something to do with the morning air as I’ve seen several beautiful cloud formations early in the morning.
- Brad Haugaard
Breakfast at Mimi’s
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder; 800 Marijuana Plants Discovered; Bad Boyfriend; Graffiti Spree; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 18-24. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 406 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.
Grand Theft Motorcycle
January 18 at 6:39 a.m., a motorcycle was reported stolen from the 400 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim reported that his motorcycle was taken sometime during the night from the rear of his apartment complex. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
January 18 at 8:42 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Walnut Avenue. The victim reported her gray, 1995 Honda Civic was parked on the street and was taken sometime between January 17 at 3:00 p.m. to January 18 at 8:30 a.m. All keys were accounted for and the investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1100 block of S. Mountain regarding an employee who had been fired and was at the business causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and detained the subject. Further investigation revealed the subject had pushed one of the other employees. The suspect was arrested for battery and taken into custody.
Vandalism
January 19 at 11:39 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of E. Palm. The victim reported that three tires were slashed on her vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 19 at 4:28 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Grand. The resident came home and discovered that her front door was broken into sometime between 10:15 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Unknown suspects entered the home, ransacked the house, and took a laptop computer. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 7:39 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. The suspect entered the location, selected merchandise and left the store without paying. Police were notified and the suspect was located by officers a short distance away. He was arrested and the merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.
Utility Problem / Marijuana Grow Discovered
January 19 at 9:19 p.m., officers responded along with the Fire Department on the report of a utility problem at a building in the 100 block of E. Chestnut. When they arrived, they could see smoke and electrical arc flashing going on inside the building. They made entry and discovered a large marijuana grow inside. The arc flash was caused by the electrical system that was being used to maintain the marijuana grow. Detectives were called in and responded to the incident along with the Special Enforcement Team. Over 800 marijuana plants were impounded from the building. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto / Fraud
January 20 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim had been out of the country since November and returned to find his vehicle had been stolen. The victim had also left his credit card inside the vehicle and the credit card had been used to make purchases. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been impounded by Monterey Park Police Department. They had pursued a suspect on foot who had fled from the vehicle, however, the suspect was not detained or identified. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 20 at 10:30 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Peck and Longden. The suspect driver was traveling west on Longden at a high rate of speed and turned north on Peck, colliding into a vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign, facing south on Peck. The suspect continued north on Peck, without stopping. The suspect vehicle was described as a black, Chevrolet pickup truck. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud Report
January 20 at 2:22 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Encinitas reported that he was the victim of fraud. The suspect obtained a loan from a bank using the victim’s information. The suspect then opened a bank account under the victim's name, cashed the check for the loan and closed the account. The victim was notified of the delinquent loan by a collections agency. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 12:59 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of E. Colorado regarding a domestic dispute. The female victim went out with her boyfriend, they began to argue and the argument began to get physical. She made him get out of her car and she went home. A short time later, she received several threatening text messages from him. She then received a text message picture of him standing outside her residence. He began knocking on the door, causing a disturbance, so she opened the door, let him in and went to bed. He then went into her bedroom and attempted to strangle her. She was able to hit him on the head with her cell phone and escape. She called police. The suspect was arrested for felony domestic violence.
Attempt Murder
January 21 at 4:44 a.m., an attempt murder incident was reported in the 100 block of E. Palm. At approximately 2:00 a.m., an adult male subject was sleeping in his vehicle with the windows rolled down. A male Hispanic suspect approached and stabbed him in the lip, which woke up the victim. The victim opened the car door and the suspect stabbed him multiple times in the neck and began punching the victim. The suspect then ordered the victim to lie face down on the ground, but the victim refused. The suspect took $12 dollars and a pack of cigarettes from the victim, and then wanted the vehicle. The victim told the suspect that it was all he had and the suspect fled. The investigation is continuing.
Graffiti Vandalism / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 11:34 a.m., officers responded to California, under the 210 Freeway, regarding a vandalism incident in progress. As officers were conducting an area search for the suspect, another caller reported the suspect was now vandalizing a wall on Myrtle, under the 210 Freeway. Officers responded to the second location, but did not locate the suspect there. He was eventually located at Primrose and Central, where he was seen spray painting another wall. The suspect was detained and positively identified by witnesses. He was also found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody for the charges.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 21 at 11:44 a.m., officers responded to an injury traffic accident at Mountain and Lemon. A vehicle was traveling east and entered the intersection of Lemon and Mountain on a green light, where it was broadsided by a vehicle traveling south on Mountain that failed to stop for the red light at Lemon. One subject was taken to the hospital with a complaint of pain.
Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
January 21 at 3:37 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft in progress. They detained the suspect as he was running to his van. He was detained without incident. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting and his girlfriend was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 6:42 pm., loss prevention at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police regarding four male subjects causing a disturbance. The subjects were claiming to be affiliated with a gang. Officers arrived and conducted computer checks on all four subjects. One subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. The other three subjects were released at the scene.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 1:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject inside a park after hours, in violation of the local city ordinance. The officer detained the subject and noticed the subject displayed physical signs of being under the influence. The subject said he used methamphetamine about one hour earlier. After further evaluation, the subject was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and was taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglaries
January 23 at 1:47 p.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. The windows were smashed on both vehicles and the suspects took items that were left in the vehicles, including one laptop. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 2:06 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of W. Pomona. A window was smashed on the vehicle and camera equipment that was left in the vehicle was taken. Surveillance video shows two male Black suspects fleeing the scene in a white Nissan Altima. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 23 at 8:20 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of W. Duarte Road. A vehicle was traveling west on Duarte, approaching Alta Vista. The driver proceeded to make a left turn into a driveway and inadvertently stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake. The vehicle collided into a parked car. The driver was treated at the scene by Monrovia paramedics and taken to a local hospital.
Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
January 24 at 7:05 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting two male subjects that appeared intoxicated and were walking into oncoming traffic in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the two subjects. Both subjects were determined to be extremely intoxicated and were arrested for being drunk in public.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the area of Mountain and Foothill. The officer noticed that the driver was displaying signs and symptoms of being under influence of drugs. After further investigation, the subject was arrested for driving under the influence and held for a sobering period. The driver was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charge.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 406 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.
Grand Theft Motorcycle
January 18 at 6:39 a.m., a motorcycle was reported stolen from the 400 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim reported that his motorcycle was taken sometime during the night from the rear of his apartment complex. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
January 18 at 8:42 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Walnut Avenue. The victim reported her gray, 1995 Honda Civic was parked on the street and was taken sometime between January 17 at 3:00 p.m. to January 18 at 8:30 a.m. All keys were accounted for and the investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1100 block of S. Mountain regarding an employee who had been fired and was at the business causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and detained the subject. Further investigation revealed the subject had pushed one of the other employees. The suspect was arrested for battery and taken into custody.
Vandalism
January 19 at 11:39 p.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 300 block of E. Palm. The victim reported that three tires were slashed on her vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 19 at 4:28 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Grand. The resident came home and discovered that her front door was broken into sometime between 10:15 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Unknown suspects entered the home, ransacked the house, and took a laptop computer. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
January 19 at 7:39 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. The suspect entered the location, selected merchandise and left the store without paying. Police were notified and the suspect was located by officers a short distance away. He was arrested and the merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.
Utility Problem / Marijuana Grow Discovered
January 19 at 9:19 p.m., officers responded along with the Fire Department on the report of a utility problem at a building in the 100 block of E. Chestnut. When they arrived, they could see smoke and electrical arc flashing going on inside the building. They made entry and discovered a large marijuana grow inside. The arc flash was caused by the electrical system that was being used to maintain the marijuana grow. Detectives were called in and responded to the incident along with the Special Enforcement Team. Over 800 marijuana plants were impounded from the building. The investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto / Fraud
January 20 at 8:47 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim had been out of the country since November and returned to find his vehicle had been stolen. The victim had also left his credit card inside the vehicle and the credit card had been used to make purchases. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been impounded by Monterey Park Police Department. They had pursued a suspect on foot who had fled from the vehicle, however, the suspect was not detained or identified. The investigation is continuing.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
January 20 at 10:30 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Peck and Longden. The suspect driver was traveling west on Longden at a high rate of speed and turned north on Peck, colliding into a vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign, facing south on Peck. The suspect continued north on Peck, without stopping. The suspect vehicle was described as a black, Chevrolet pickup truck. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud Report
January 20 at 2:22 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Encinitas reported that he was the victim of fraud. The suspect obtained a loan from a bank using the victim’s information. The suspect then opened a bank account under the victim's name, cashed the check for the loan and closed the account. The victim was notified of the delinquent loan by a collections agency. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 12:59 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of E. Colorado regarding a domestic dispute. The female victim went out with her boyfriend, they began to argue and the argument began to get physical. She made him get out of her car and she went home. A short time later, she received several threatening text messages from him. She then received a text message picture of him standing outside her residence. He began knocking on the door, causing a disturbance, so she opened the door, let him in and went to bed. He then went into her bedroom and attempted to strangle her. She was able to hit him on the head with her cell phone and escape. She called police. The suspect was arrested for felony domestic violence.
Attempt Murder
January 21 at 4:44 a.m., an attempt murder incident was reported in the 100 block of E. Palm. At approximately 2:00 a.m., an adult male subject was sleeping in his vehicle with the windows rolled down. A male Hispanic suspect approached and stabbed him in the lip, which woke up the victim. The victim opened the car door and the suspect stabbed him multiple times in the neck and began punching the victim. The suspect then ordered the victim to lie face down on the ground, but the victim refused. The suspect took $12 dollars and a pack of cigarettes from the victim, and then wanted the vehicle. The victim told the suspect that it was all he had and the suspect fled. The investigation is continuing.
Graffiti Vandalism / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
January 21 at 11:34 a.m., officers responded to California, under the 210 Freeway, regarding a vandalism incident in progress. As officers were conducting an area search for the suspect, another caller reported the suspect was now vandalizing a wall on Myrtle, under the 210 Freeway. Officers responded to the second location, but did not locate the suspect there. He was eventually located at Primrose and Central, where he was seen spray painting another wall. The suspect was detained and positively identified by witnesses. He was also found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and taken into custody for the charges.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 21 at 11:44 a.m., officers responded to an injury traffic accident at Mountain and Lemon. A vehicle was traveling east and entered the intersection of Lemon and Mountain on a green light, where it was broadsided by a vehicle traveling south on Mountain that failed to stop for the red light at Lemon. One subject was taken to the hospital with a complaint of pain.
Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
January 21 at 3:37 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft in progress. They detained the suspect as he was running to his van. He was detained without incident. The suspect was arrested for shoplifting and his girlfriend was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 22 at 6:42 pm., loss prevention at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police regarding four male subjects causing a disturbance. The subjects were claiming to be affiliated with a gang. Officers arrived and conducted computer checks on all four subjects. One subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. The other three subjects were released at the scene.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
January 23 at 1:26 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject inside a park after hours, in violation of the local city ordinance. The officer detained the subject and noticed the subject displayed physical signs of being under the influence. The subject said he used methamphetamine about one hour earlier. After further evaluation, the subject was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and was taken into custody.
Vehicle Burglaries
January 23 at 1:47 p.m., two vehicle burglaries were reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. The windows were smashed on both vehicles and the suspects took items that were left in the vehicles, including one laptop. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
January 23 at 2:06 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of W. Pomona. A window was smashed on the vehicle and camera equipment that was left in the vehicle was taken. Surveillance video shows two male Black suspects fleeing the scene in a white Nissan Altima. The investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
January 23 at 8:20 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 400 block of W. Duarte Road. A vehicle was traveling west on Duarte, approaching Alta Vista. The driver proceeded to make a left turn into a driveway and inadvertently stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake. The vehicle collided into a parked car. The driver was treated at the scene by Monrovia paramedics and taken to a local hospital.
Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
January 24 at 7:05 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting two male subjects that appeared intoxicated and were walking into oncoming traffic in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and located the two subjects. Both subjects were determined to be extremely intoxicated and were arrested for being drunk in public.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 11:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the area of Mountain and Foothill. The officer noticed that the driver was displaying signs and symptoms of being under influence of drugs. After further investigation, the subject was arrested for driving under the influence and held for a sobering period. The driver was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charge.
Man Arrested in San Marino in Connection With Monrovia Hillside Fire
On the evening of January 13, 2018 the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia experienced a spree of outside fires along the Foothill Blvd. corridor, between Sierra Madre Villa and the Los Angeles Arboretum. Firefighters from the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia responded and quickly extinguished the fires. Investigation into the fire causes determined that they were intentionally set. Officers from the Pasadena and Arcadia Police Departments, as well as the California Highway Patrol, responded to the area to search for the person(s) responsible, but were unable to identify and locate a suspect.
An ongoing investigation by members of the Verdugo Fire Investigation Task Force yielded a suspect and description, and a "want flyer" was disseminated to local law enforcement entities. On January 21, 2018 at 03:00 a.m., in response to the "want-flyer", suspect Nigel Letren (DOB: 03/10/1973) was arrested in the City of San Marino by the San Marino Police Department.
On January 24, 2018 the suspect was arraigned at Pasadena Superior Court, where he was charged with five counts of arson related to the January 13th fires, and one count of arson related to the December 9th 2017 wildland fire in the City of Monrovia. The suspect is currently being held on $425,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on February 15, 2018.
The Verdugo Fire Investigation Task Force is a regional group of investigators from the cities of Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, South-Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and Montebello.
"This arrest is a great example of exceptional cooperation between multiple agencies and proven results from our regional Verdugo Fire Investigations Task Force," states Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral Washington. "The Regional Fire Chiefs and I are thankful for their relentless work on behalf of the communities we serve."
Source: Pasadena Fire Department press release
- Brad Haugaard
An ongoing investigation by members of the Verdugo Fire Investigation Task Force yielded a suspect and description, and a "want flyer" was disseminated to local law enforcement entities. On January 21, 2018 at 03:00 a.m., in response to the "want-flyer", suspect Nigel Letren (DOB: 03/10/1973) was arrested in the City of San Marino by the San Marino Police Department.
On January 24, 2018 the suspect was arraigned at Pasadena Superior Court, where he was charged with five counts of arson related to the January 13th fires, and one count of arson related to the December 9th 2017 wildland fire in the City of Monrovia. The suspect is currently being held on $425,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on February 15, 2018.
The Verdugo Fire Investigation Task Force is a regional group of investigators from the cities of Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, South-Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and Montebello.
"This arrest is a great example of exceptional cooperation between multiple agencies and proven results from our regional Verdugo Fire Investigations Task Force," states Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral Washington. "The Regional Fire Chiefs and I are thankful for their relentless work on behalf of the communities we serve."
Source: Pasadena Fire Department press release
- Brad Haugaard
Help Applying for Health Insurance
Chapcare will hold an Open Enrollment Event to help residents apply for health insurance on Jan. 27 at its Monrovia office at 513 E. Lime, #102 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring valid ID, Social Security card and proof of income. For details call 486-9639.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Convicted in Money Laundering Case; Could Face 30 Years in Prison
The Daily Bulletin reports that 32-year-old Monrovian, Harinder "Sonu" Singh, has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and faces up to 30 years in prison. https://goo.gl/Fmty3p
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Homelessness in Library Park: Poop Patrols, Hepatitis A, 'No Camping' Ordinance? Police Homeless Patrols, And Lots of Etc.
In his weekly report City Manager Oliver Chi had a detailed report of the homeless situation in Monrovia. I didn't want to summarize it because a) there's a lot of beef here, and b) because it's a hot topic and I figured people would like the details. So here it is, verbatim:
This past week, the City hosted a community conversation to discuss the issue of homelessness in Monrovia, and the meeting highlighted in very real terms the additional work that all of us have to do to try and reach a consensus as to the most effective way we can respond to the overall situation. Given the nature of the identified issues and the passion that so many have regarding the matter, staff has spent time this past week further rethinking and refining the City’s overall approach to addressing homelessness moving forward. We will certainly have more to share in the coming weeks and months, however, we did want everyone to know how seriously we take the issues that have been raised, and some of our initial thoughts include the following:
FIRST… Regular and Consistent Community Outreach
SECOND… Coordinate a Hepatitis A / Public Health Community Meeting in February 2018
THIRD… Schedule a Study Session with the City Council in Late February 2018 / Early March 2018 to Discuss Possible Rule Changes
FOURTH… Press Forward with Proposed Infrastructure Upgrades
FIFTH… Continue to Coordinate Both a Robust Law Enforcement Response AND Develop Enhanced Social Service Contacts
This past week, the City hosted a community conversation to discuss the issue of homelessness in Monrovia, and the meeting highlighted in very real terms the additional work that all of us have to do to try and reach a consensus as to the most effective way we can respond to the overall situation. Given the nature of the identified issues and the passion that so many have regarding the matter, staff has spent time this past week further rethinking and refining the City’s overall approach to addressing homelessness moving forward. We will certainly have more to share in the coming weeks and months, however, we did want everyone to know how seriously we take the issues that have been raised, and some of our initial thoughts include the following:
FIRST… Regular and Consistent Community Outreach
- Staff plans on coordinating more regular and consistent outreach activities designed to provide regular updates regarding our efforts here at the City.
SECOND… Coordinate a Hepatitis A / Public Health Community Meeting in February 2018
- One of the legitimate concerns that has been raised is a fear about contracting Hepatitis A and / or another communicable disease, due to the activities of our homeless population.
- To address this concern, staff is working to coordinate a Hepatitis A / Health Forum to discuss facts and myths in greater detail.
- We have reached out to some of our partners at LA County, and we plan to have representatives from the LA County Department of Public Health on hand to discuss actual health related risks and prevention strategies.
- In addition, we will share additional details regarding the concerns that have been raised about human excrement being found in Library Park.
- During the community meeting this past week, I raised an issue about poop being found in the Library Park playground swing area without providing proper context, and for that mistake and oversight, I do apologize profusely!
- It is absolutely true that we did find poop at the Library Park playground swing area, however, what I didn’t share was the incident occurred months ago, prior to the installation of a brand new play surface at the playground.
- In addition, I also failed to mention that we do not know the source of where the poop came from, as the incident was an isolated occurrence, and since that time, we have not seen any reoccurrence at the Library Park playground area.
- Furthermore, I also did not outline that in over 3 years (that’s more than 1,095 days), we have found poop outdoors in Library Park on only 2 occasions.
- However, given the seriousness of the issue, the City had previously established a poop patrol where our team monitors hot spots daily for any reoccurrence of the identified issue.
THIRD… Schedule a Study Session with the City Council in Late February 2018 / Early March 2018 to Discuss Possible Rule Changes
- Staff has heard impassioned pleas that the City change some of our rules regarding conduct in our public spaces, along with modifying how we impound items left by our homeless population in public spaces.
- To that end, we plan on coordinating a study session meeting with the City Council to take place in late February / early March 2018 to discuss each of the proposals in greater detail.
- An overview of the rule changes we plan on reviewing with the City Council includes:
- Considerations and challenges associated with re-adopting a “No-Camping” ordinance
- Maintaining our 72 hour notice prior to removing personal property belonging to a homeless individual, vs. transitioning to a 24 hour notice prior to removing that personal property
- An assessment of park closure times
- Discussion regarding the possibility of requiring homeless individuals to obtain a permit prior to loitering at Library Park
- Review of a proposed restriction on overnight on-street RV parking in Monrovia
FOURTH… Press Forward with Proposed Infrastructure Upgrades
- There are a number of infrastructure projects currently in the design / development process related to addressing issues of homelessness in Library Park, and staff plans to continue to aggressively pursue those initiatives.
- An overview of the projects currently in the pipeline includes:
- Comprehensive upgrades to Library Park – study session planned with City Council in February 2018, with construction scheduled to begin at some point in mid- to late-2018
- Install Real Change Movement signage and meters at Library Park – mid-2018
- Review possible signage upgrades / modifications at City parks – mid-2018
- Block off the alley between the Community Center and the bank – early 2018
- Redesign the patio area in front of the Community Center as a GoMonrovia LimeBike parking location – early 2018
FIFTH… Continue to Coordinate Both a Robust Law Enforcement Response AND Develop Enhanced Social Service Contacts
- The police department will continue to coordinate a robust law enforcement response to address any and all violations at Library Park, and we continue to maintain our commitment to engaging in those law enforcement activities in a manner which is aligned with all applicable rules and laws
- The City will continue our special homeless patrols, which occur each week for 5 hours at a time
- City staff is also working to expand our partnership with social service operators such as LAHSA, and we are working on development of a more robust plan of relentless interface with our homeless population to offer social service / housing related options
- This initial overview provides just a quick recap of some of our thoughts here at the City, and in the coming weeks, will be certain to coordinate engagement opportunities for the community to further discuss how we should respond to the issue of homelessness in Monrovia.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Council: Crime Up, Fire Calls Up, Water Rates Up, and More
In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...
~ Crime continued to rise in Monrovia during 2017, up 2.8 percent, though that's more slowly than in the prior year. When compared with 2016, Monrovia experienced a total increase of 2.8% in serious crimes. There were 3 more murder / negligent manslaughter incidents than in 2016 (when there were zero incidents). Still, Chi writes, "[I] t is important to keep in mind that similar and greater increases in Part I crimes are being seen throughout Los Angeles County and in the State of California."
~ Also, more calls for fire services. Up 3 percent, 123 more incidents. The city "is now analyzing how we might reorganize our operations to better respond to changing needs."
~ The City Council has approved raising water rates. The new cost will be about $16.87 more and will take effect as of March 8, and will first appear on customers' April 2018 bills. If you think you need a discount, here's the application: https://goo.gl/kc2VDU
~ The State of the City Address is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 29, at Studio Movie Grill in Old Town, at 7 p.m. Details soon.
~ A funeral mass will be held for Monrovia leader, Pat Ostrye, on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 740 S. Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Pat to the Foothill Unity Center, 358-3486.
~ The proposed GoMonrovia transportation program should be rolled out in March. Its core features are using subsidized Lyft (like Uber) rides and offering LimeBike's dockless bike-share (You can leave the bike pretty much any old where, rather than in a docking station).
~ Beer. How to make it. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:00 - 8 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Space limited. Sign up by calling 256-8274.
- Brad Haugaard
~ Crime continued to rise in Monrovia during 2017, up 2.8 percent, though that's more slowly than in the prior year. When compared with 2016, Monrovia experienced a total increase of 2.8% in serious crimes. There were 3 more murder / negligent manslaughter incidents than in 2016 (when there were zero incidents). Still, Chi writes, "[I] t is important to keep in mind that similar and greater increases in Part I crimes are being seen throughout Los Angeles County and in the State of California."
~ Also, more calls for fire services. Up 3 percent, 123 more incidents. The city "is now analyzing how we might reorganize our operations to better respond to changing needs."
~ The City Council has approved raising water rates. The new cost will be about $16.87 more and will take effect as of March 8, and will first appear on customers' April 2018 bills. If you think you need a discount, here's the application: https://goo.gl/kc2VDU
~ The State of the City Address is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 29, at Studio Movie Grill in Old Town, at 7 p.m. Details soon.
~ A funeral mass will be held for Monrovia leader, Pat Ostrye, on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 740 S. Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Pat to the Foothill Unity Center, 358-3486.
~ The proposed GoMonrovia transportation program should be rolled out in March. Its core features are using subsidized Lyft (like Uber) rides and offering LimeBike's dockless bike-share (You can leave the bike pretty much any old where, rather than in a docking station).
~ Beer. How to make it. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:00 - 8 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Space limited. Sign up by calling 256-8274.
- Brad Haugaard
County Supervisor Barger Will Help Count Homeless in Monrovia
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger will join other volunteers at the Monrovia Community Center at 8 p.m. Tuesday as part of the countywide effort to count the homeless population. She said: "Our homeless population has a face and a name. In addition to public safety and mental health, there is no greater emergency or mission than to protect those who are most vulnerable and in need. I count because they count."
Source: Barger press release
- Brad Haugaard
Source: Barger press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Leader Pat Ostrye Has Died
The first woman to serve on the Monrovia City Council, Mary Patricia "Pat" Ostrye, died on January 13 of this year (not last year, as the obituary says), a day after her 94th birthday. In addition to being the first woman to serve on the Monrovia City Council, in 1978 she also became the first elected mayor of the city. Here is the full obituary: https://goo.gl/vucuaR
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Receives Audit Report
At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...
~ Receive an audit report that to my non-accounting eye, looks fairly bleak. See image above. It would be great if someone with accounting skills could look it over. The audit report is here. Any accountants out there want to give a professional opinion on this?
~ Consider approving the rental agreement with Fellowship Monrovia, the church that meets at the Monrovia High auditorium. The church will be spending $167,708 this year to use the facilities. Report here.
~ Consider recruiting international students to attend district schools, and, related to that, will consider updating a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement form to allow Canyon Oaks High School and Monrovia Community Adult School to be added to the list of schools authorized to receive such students.
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus Fourth Best California Community College
Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been recognized as California's fourth‐ranked community college in a recent study by Schools.com.
The website reviewed the state's 114 community colleges, scoring them on a 10‐point scale in six areas: percentage of students enrolled in distance education, cost of attendance, student‐to‐faculty ratio, graduation rate, number of transfers to the University of California system, and flexibility.
Citrus College was ranked as the fourth best community college in California and the second best in Los Angeles County.
- Brad Haugaard
The website reviewed the state's 114 community colleges, scoring them on a 10‐point scale in six areas: percentage of students enrolled in distance education, cost of attendance, student‐to‐faculty ratio, graduation rate, number of transfers to the University of California system, and flexibility.
Citrus College was ranked as the fourth best community college in California and the second best in Los Angeles County.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Scouts Tour Submarines
Monrovia scout troop gets tour of submersible vehicles at SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation. https://goo.gl/eXuabW
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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