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Police to Stop Shaving in November - for Cancer Society

- Brad Haugaard

Guest Column: Honoring Veterans


By Dr. Edward C. Ortell,
Citrus College Governing Board Member

Each year, our nation’s annual observance of Veterans Day pays fitting tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States military. As we honor their service and sacrifice, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of the GI Bill to millions of veterans.

Nearly all Americans have benefited in some way from the GI Bill. My father, a World War II veteran whose brother was killed in action (KIA) in the Philippines, used the education benefits to change the course of his and his family’s future. From his roots as a sharecropper in the Midwest, the GI Bill made it possible for him to ultimately earn a Ph.D. and become a professor of mathematics and astronomy. Over the course of his career, he positively impacted the lives of thousands of students.

Since its inception, the GI Bill has undergone a number of changes, but it remains one of the most important benefits of military service today. According to Military.com, “The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and dependent GI Bill programs help service members, veterans, and families reach their education goals.”

In the next few years, the number of veterans that will transition from the military to civilian life is expected to grow. Many of them will enroll in colleges and universities to gain the necessary skills and degrees that will lead to rewarding careers and a good quality of life for themselves and their families. And today’s veterans understand that attending a community college is a good way to stretch their education benefits under the GI Bill.

Community colleges are also well-equipped to provide the important support services veterans need. Those services can include GI Bill processing information and assistance, specialized counseling, peer support groups and many others. Many community colleges have veteran’s centers that provide a “one stop” approach that gives veterans a convenient means of accessing the benefits they have earned and the academic support they need.

As Veterans Day approaches, we are reminded that we owe our nation’s veterans a debt of gratitude. They have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, and they deserve our heartfelt appreciation. They also deserve an opportunity to acquire an education that will result in rewarding careers and will allow them to continue contributing to society as they succeed in life.

About the Author:
Dr. Edward C. Ortell is the senior governing board member at Citrus College and a Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College. He has served on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) state board of directors and eight terms as president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees.

Travanti and Lockerbie Win Seats on School Board

The two winners in Monrovia’ School Board election are Maritza C. Travanti and Selene Lockerbie. 

Maritza Travanti - 4,313, 29.63%
Selene Lockerbie - 4,196, 28.83%
Terrence Williams - 3,981, 27.35%
J. Christian Holt - 2,066, 14.19%

- Brad Haugaard 

Noors Becomes Mahan Indian Restaurant

Noors Indian Bistro, at the southeast corner of Foothill and Myrtle, has been bought out and is now Mahan Indian Restaurant, according to a post on Facebook by the purchaser, Sagar “Sage” Sharma.

- Brad Haugaard 

Science for Kids; Pink Patch Raises More than $6,000; MODA Ribbon Cutting; Art Walk in Old Town

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

~ Monrovia's Oak Crest Institute of Science is opening its laboratories for a hands-on, kid-friendly event featuring cutting-edge science activities to show how biomedical and chemical principles affect our lives. The event is part of InnovateLA, a two-week celebration of innovation and creativity in LA County. It will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, 4:30-6 p.m. at Oak Crest Institute, 132 W. Chestnut. Tickets are $12 online (here: https://goo.gl/bpaa8b) or $15 at the door. Kids are free with an adult ticket. Pizza and soda is included with ticket.

~  As part of the Pink Patch Project, more than $6,000 was raised for breast cancer research by the Monrovia Police Officers' Association, Firefighters Association, Municipal Employee Association, and Employee Engagement Team. This is 50% more than last year's $4,000 donation. All funds will be donated to the City of Hope for Breast Cancer Research.

~  MODA, the big, new multi-unit residential complex next to the train station, will host a ribbon cutting tomorrow, Nov. 7, at noon on site (228 Pomona Ave.). Also, the city has been working with MODA on a grand opening on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. Details later.

~  MAFA (Monrovia Association of Fine Arts) is hosting its final Art Walk of the season on Nov. 24, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the 400 and 500 blocks of Old Town.

- Brad Haugaard

Chester - It's Easy to Start His Motor


Are you looking for a loving, attentive cat? Look no further than Chester (A467514). This 3-year-old loves to have company and will greet you at the kennel door to lick your hands and head bump you. He loves attention and with a few pets will start purring. Chester is not laying around all day; he’s actively looking for a home. He likes to pop his head around the corner of the kennel at his neighbors and at the visitors walking by. Come walk in to the Pasadena Humane Society’s Neely Cat Center and we’re sure he’ll grab your attention.

The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

Veterans Day Breakfast


- Brad Haugaard 

Arcadia Police Looking for Missing Man

The Arcadia Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating Frederick Celistan. Mr. Celistan is described as being 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, 63 years old, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve blue fleece shirt, black pants and black shoes. Celistan suffers from medical conditions.

Mr. Celistan was last seen at his residence in the 700 block of West Duarte Road, in the City of Arcadia on November 2, 2018 at approximately 9 PM.

Anyone who sees Mr. Celistan, or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626)574-5121.

APD Case #18-5050

Source: Arcadia Police

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Discuss Community Garden, Give Fire Station New Roof, AC; Honor Military Members

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/TXQoiN) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Discuss a Community Garden pilot program at a special study session at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers. https://goo.gl/HyVaJD

And at its regular 7:30 session:

~  Consider a $138,964 project to replace the roof and air conditioning at Fire Station 102, at 2055 South Myrtle Avenue. It was built  in 1996 and the roof has begun leaking. The council will consider hiring Howard Roofing for $87,182, RYCO Heating and Air Conditioning for $28,622, and Merrell-Johnson Companies, for $11,580, to manage the project. https://goo.gl/4ZFWga

~  Present a salute to the families of service members Jack Ryan Rapagna, Corporal, United States Army; Elizabeth Bufanda, Sergeant, United States Army; and Daniel Ramirez, Corporal, United States Marine Corp.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Hon Sushi

Dinner at Hon Sushi, on the north side of the Vons parking lot. Got the two item dinner bento box with chicken katsu and spicy tuna rolls for $14.50 and a small beer for $4.50. Very good and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Robbery Thwarted; Shoplifter Returns Too Many Times; Assault with Rock; Red Light Runner Causes Accident; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for October 25–31. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
October 25 at 11:13 a.m., a caller reported a suspicious person on their property in the 500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located a male subject. A computer check of the subject revealed he had an outstanding warrant. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
October 26 at 12:21 p.m., a driver was traveling south on Fifth to make a left turn onto Huntington. As she was making her turn at approximately 10 miles per hour, she failed to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk and collided into him. The pedestrian suffered multiple lacerations and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 6:09 p.m., officers responded to an injury traffic collision at Walnut and Ivy. After investigation, one of the drivers was arrested for driving under the influence.

Shoplifting
October 26 at 7:35 p.m. a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Two female suspects took merchandise from the store and fled the location prior to officers arriving. The suspects were not located and the investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence/Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 9:09 p.m., officers responded to the report of a non-injury traffic collision at Huntington and Shamrock. After investigation, one of the drivers was arrested for driving under the influence.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 27 at 1:10 a.m., officers on patrol were conducting proactive bar checks in the 400 block of S. Myrtle and were contacted by a male adult at one of the locations. The subject was found to be extremely intoxicated an unable to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Robbery
October 27 at 3:55 a.m., officers responded to a possible armed robbery that just occurred at a business in the 900 block of W. Duarte. Upon arrival, the suspect had fled the location. An employee stated that the suspect lifted his shirt, showed him the handle of a gun and attempted to rob the store. The employee ran to the back of the store and the suspect fled. After the suspect exited the store, the employee locked the doors until police arrived. Officers conducted an area search, but the suspect was not located. The suspect did not get away with any money or property from the store. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 27 at 11:27 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 600 block of Shady Oaks Drive. The victim reported that sometime during the night, someone crashed into her truck while it was parked on the street. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 27 at 7:26 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a bicyclist at Maple and Mayflower for vehicle code violations. The subject reached into his pocket and threw something on the ground as the officer was approaching. The subject was detained and the item he threw was found to be a methamphetamine pipe. The suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and given a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 12:20 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of E. Olive on the report of a male adult causing a disturbance at a residence. A subject was detained and determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence/Traffic Collision
October 28 at 3:08 a.m., officers responded to a solo-vehicle traffic accident with a vehicle on its side. Officers arrived and discovered a power pole down and lines broken. The driver was taken to a hospital and was checked for being under the influence. This DUI investigation is ongoing.

Petty Theft/Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 5:35 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road regarding two subjects possibly stealing items. Officers detained one suspect with stolen items in his possession. The owner was contacted and desired prosecution. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 6:11 p.m., officers responded to a possible domestic battery between a male and female adult at a residence in the 600 block of S. Magnolia. After investigation, the male subject was arrested for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 10:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Hillcrest regarding a possible domestic battery between a male and female adult. After investigation, the male subject was arrested and taken into custody for domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence/Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 11:10 p.m., a solo-vehicle traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and found the driver had lost control of the vehicle and hit a pole. The driver was determined to be intoxicated, and after field sobriety tests were conducted, she was arrested for DUI.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer/Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 9:05 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Myrtle Avenue regarding a male suspect that punched another male and fled. When officers arrived, the victim was bleeding from the neck. An officer located the suspect, but he fled. A brief foot pursuit ensued and the suspect was detained. It was determined that the suspect struck the victim on the neck with a rock. He was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was found to be on a parole and a parole hold was obtained.

Non-Injury Traffic Collison
October 29 at 9:54 a.m., a driver was traveling west on Central at California and failed to stop for the red light, colliding into another vehicle, that then collided into a third vehicle. The driver that ran the red light was issued a citation.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
October 29 at 11:52 a.m., a witness called police to report a truck that struck a parked vehicle at Pomona and Magnolia, and then fled the scene. The parked vehicle sustained damage to the driver’s door. The victim was notified and the investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 29 at 2:03 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The victim parked her vehicle in a parking structure. When she returned to her vehicle, she discovered her credit cards were stolen, along with documents that had been left in the vehicle. One of the credit cards was used at a nearby store. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
October 29 at 7:28 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report that a group of male suspects stole numerous items from the location. Officers arrived and detained the group inside another business. One male juvenile and three male adults were arrested for shoplifting.

Theft/Possession of Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested
October 29 at 8:49 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A male suspect made numerous trips inside the location, stealing bottles of alcohol. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. A second suspect was located inside a vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle contained over $600 worth of stolen alcohol. Both suspects were arrested.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
October 30 at 3:01 a.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and the 210 Freeway regarding a vehicle in the roadway. Upon their arrival, the driver of the vehicle fled on foot. A computer check of the vehicle revealed it was stolen out of San Dimas. Multiple agencies responded to assist with a search for the suspect, but he was not located. The vehicle was recovered and the investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
October 30 at 6:52 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Maple. The business has been broken into numerous times in recent months. The suspect has entered the business, stole money and fled. The suspect made entry by breaking a window. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 31 at 6:38 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of N. Canyon. The victim parked her car at the location and went for a walk in Canyon Park. When she returned to her vehicle, she was met by a park ranger, who told her the window on her vehicle had been shattered. The victim checked her vehicle and saw her purse was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 1:04 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a disturbing subject inside the bar area. Officers arrived and located the man, who was trying to avoid the officers and attempted to run from them. He was eventually detained. The subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety and the safety of others. He was arrested for being drunk in public.

Commercial Burglary
November 1 at 5:22 a.m., officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm activation at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front glass door had been broken. They searched the interior of the business, with negative results. The investigation is ongoing.

Happy Halloween


 A giant Tesla coil shoots out giant sparks to celebrate Halloween. At Brad Hori’s house on Maple Street just off Hwy Esplanade. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Biggie - Will Sit for Ear Scratches


Since October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, we would like to highlight Biggie (A467297) this week! He is an adorable 2-year-old not-so-small Pit Bull who was found as a stray in Arcadia at the beginning of the month. He is a good boy who knows how to sit on command, knows how to shake with both paws and responds well to clicker training. He just wants a little bit of praise and some ear scratches in return. Come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and meet Biggie and his other Pit Bull friends today.

The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's 5-Year Homelessness Plan On-Line; Library Enhancement Project Kick-Off; City Kinda-Sorta Approved for $4 Million Transportation Grant; Etc.

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

~  Monrovia's 5-year Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness is now online here: https://goo.gl/C8fbaJ . Program goals: Be "relentless" in staying in contact with homeless people; expand coordination of homelessness programs; promote the Coordinated Entry System (area-wide Internet tool to coordinate homelessness services); develop educational materials; develop a Monrovia-centric giving campaign; develop a Housing Displacement Response Plan.

~ The city has kicked off its Library Enhancement Project. The preliminary designs should take 3-5 months. Plans:  Unique places for kids; enclose outdoor area on the north and south wings of the building; address security concerns; enhance landscaping; install a Portland Loo restroom near the playground; develop a Memorial Walk; connect historic features.

~ Election Day is coming up on Nov. 6 and Lyft and LimeBike are offering cheap and free rides to your polling place. Lyft: 50% off on your ride to the polls on Nov. 6 with promo code VOTECA3. LimeBike  - Enter code LIME2VOTE18 in the Lime app on Election Day to unlock a bike for a free ride to and from your polling station.

~  Police Lieutenant Tom Loy is preparing to retire after 32 years of service to Monrovia. Tom was instrumental in administering the gang injunction program, and served for 14 years as sergeant in charge of the Special Enforcement Team. A celebration of his career is scheduled for Nov. 29, at the Marriott Hotel. To RSVP for the event, contact Lori Le Veque at 256-8098, or at lleveque@monrovia.laclen.org.

~  The Library has completed 64% of its 5-year strategic plan goals in the first year, including: five-times faster Internet; sent Monrovia Reads van to local schools; celebrated Library Card Signup Month with promotions and 396 new library cards; expanded outreach and services to local senior facilities.

~ Monrovia's request for a $4 million grant to make freeway underpass and Station Square traffic improvements has been recommended for formal approval. The money would come from Measure M, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016.

~  To celebrate National Veterans Month, the City is inviting military service members and their adult loved ones to Veterans Paint & Sip, an evening to create a piece of art and enjoy a glass of wine, Thursday, Nov. 1, 7-9 p.m., at Paint N' Play Studio (418  S. Myrtle).  Only open to Veteran adults 21 and older. Register here: https://goo.gl/q4SJ8N

~  Monrovia recently received a California Preservation Foundation Award for its rehab of the Santa Fe Depot.  The California Preservation Foundation Awards showcases the best in historic preservation.

~  During Make A Difference Day this past weekend Monrovia Fire personnel were able to inspect 105 homes and install 45 smoke alarms in 17 homes, many in homes with elderly adults and children that had inoperable devices or no fire detectors.

~  In coming weeks the city owned property at the Myrtle entrance to Gold Hills will get a clean-up, pruning of overgrown bushes, removing unhealthy plants, water-efficient sprinklers, and deer tolerant plants.

~  The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting in Library Park, then the Holiday Parade will begin at 7 p.m., traveling north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Receives Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant

On September 30, 2018, the Monrovia Police Department was awarded an $80,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

“Our goal is to maintain Monrovia’s status of having zero traffic related fatalities,” said Captain Robert Wilken of the Monrovia Police Department.

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2019 federal fiscal year (October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019):

    • DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
    • Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
    • Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
    • Checking for seat belt and child safety seat compliance.
    • Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
    • Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
    • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders.
    • Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders
    • Probation supervision for high-risk DUI offenders.
    • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.
    • Court “stings” to cite individuals driving from DUI court after license suspension or revocation.

In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state, a 7 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian deaths, with 867 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2016, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. Along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies like phones and drug-impaired driving, this grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these dangerous and illegal behaviors.

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For additional information, please contact Lieutenant Tom Loy at (626) 256-8031

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween Bash This Wednesday in Library Park and Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

November Events at the Monrovia Library

Here's what's coming up at the Monrovia Library in November: link

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys & Girls Club Holds 'Lights On Afterschool' Event


Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills sponsored a Lights On Afterschool event yesterday, one of roughly 8,000 such events across America organized by the Afterschool Alliance to celebrate afterschool programs. The event included an open house for family, teachers, and members of the community.

"We are participating in Lights On Afterschool to invite family and friends from the community to be a part of what we do here at Boys & Girls Club", said Monrovia Site Director of Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, Peter Mejia. "A safe place like this can truly change someone's life, and that's why after school programs are necessary. We are proud to celebrate this organization and other programs that care so much about the lives of kids."

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills promotes educational enrichment and school engagement. The Lights On Afterschool event spotlighted the range of programming available at BGCF, including homework help and tutoring, STEM activities, arts and crafts, structured sports and recreation, mentoring and character-building programs. Tours of the facility were given by members themselves, who were excited to share their favorite parts of the Club with visitors.

Source: Boys & Girls Club press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Victor’s

Lunch at Los Victor’s, at the corner of Foothill and May. Got three tacos for $2.80 apiece and a medium Diet Coke for $1.90. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Band and Color Guard Selling Wreaths ant Trees

Monrovia High School Band and Color Guard is selling wreaths and trees this year, fresh from Oregon. Order by Nov. 12 for pick-up at MHS Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Also selling Trees for Troops. S tax deductible donation of $68 will send a tree to a military family.

- Brad Haugaard