Wine Walk, This Saturday

- Brad Haugaard

Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs - No Questions Asked

On April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Monrovia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This will be the 17th National Take Back Initiative event. Bring your medications for disposal to the Monrovia Community Center at 119 W. Palm Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

The goal of this program is to allow Southern California Residents to deliver all of their unwanted medications to law enforcement officials who can in turn dispose of these controlled substances in a secure and non-hazardous manner, potentially saving lives and protecting the ecosystem. During the previous events, tons of prescription drugs were collected nationwide.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs getting into the wrong hands. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from the medicine cabinets of family and friends. Previous methods of disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Library Fine Forgiveness; Beer and Bookmarks; Typhus - It's Increasing

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

~  Monrovia Library is celebrating National Library Week by forgiving fines and fees throughout the week. Some restrictions apply, see Library staff for more information.

~ More than 300 community members attended the 10th annual MAP conference at Second Baptist Church. Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard - who has served as the head pastor for the past 45 years - will retire this May.

~ The city will partner with Wing Walker Brewery to celebrate National Bookmark Day on Wednesday, April 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wing Walker Brewery (235 W. Maple Avenue). Fun activities from 5 to 7 p.m., then trivia from 7 to 8 p.m. For ages 21 and over. For more information, contact the Library at 256-8274.

~ Flea-borne typhus cases in LA County have nearly doubled between 2013 and 2017, to nearly 60 cases per year. People get it by contact with feces of infected fleas, which rats, cats, opossums, and other small mammals may carry.

Tips:

• Keep fleas off you and your pets (flea control products, keep pets indoors).
• Avoid wild or stray animals.
• Don't leave pet food or drinking water out for wild animals.
• Keep yard free of debris and trim overgrown plants.
• Keep trash in tightly covered containers to avoid attracting animals.
• Close openings where rats and stray animals can sleep, hide, or find food.
• Address any stray cat, rodent or opossum issues on and near your property.

- Brad Haugaard

William Pile: Clergyman, General, Governor, and Monrovia Mayor

Here’s an interesting bit of history. The Idlewild house at 255 N. Mayflower was built by a Civil War brigadier general named William Anderson Pile.

Pile,  who was one half Native American, started his career as a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, signed up as a chaplain when the war started and rose to the rank of general. After the war he was Governor of New Mexico Territory, and in 1886 moved to Monrovia and purchased a 50-acre property, where he grew wine grapes. The following year, he commissioned the Northern California architects Samuel and Joseph Cather Newsom to design the house for him. He served for one year as mayor, and then applied to be consul general in Melbourne, Australia, but caught pneumonia and died in Monrovia on July 7, 1889. https://is.gd/3EEcvj

Comment: Might make an interesting person for the Neighborhood Treasures program.

- Brad Haugaard

Police Asking for Information About Murdered Woman in Arcadia

LA Sheriff's Department and Arcadia PD are looking for any information about the car stolen from a murdered woman in Arcadia. White Lexus license 5LOG473.

- Brad Haugaard

Tomorrow - Tip A Cop at Claim Jumper for Special Olympics

- Brad Haugaard

Rigo's Mexican Food Moving Across the Street

Rigo's Mexican Food, at the northeast corner of Mayflower and Foothill, will be moving across the street to the building now occupied by Shaffer Awards, according to a flyer forwarded to me by "greeneggsandsam." Rigo's last month at its current location will be May. Then it hopes to reopen at its new location in "a few months." Thanks GE&S!

- Brad Haugaard

Jazz and Auction for Monrovia High Music

- Brad Haugaard 

Sidewalk Astronomers This Saturday

The Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be at Library Park at the corner of Myrtle and Lime this Saturday from sunset (7 p.m.) for about 2 hours. They'll let you look at the Moon and Mars, and maybe the Pleiades.

- Brad Haugaard

Polite Pups With Impeccable Manners

Osze (A469807) and Guerro (A469808) felt like they'd hit the jackpot when their favorite PHS gal pals told them they were going on a Foster Field Trip! Handsome father and son started the outing with a lunch date, where they impressed the restaurant staff and guests with their impeccable manners. The ladies window shopped while Osze and Guerro enjoyed social sniffing and people watching before heading to the park. Both boys loved the Spring air, fresh grass smells and meeting new friends, furry AND human. These polite pups came back to PHS and promptly sent thank you notes to their foster friends for the amazing day out. Such good doggies! Enjoy this adorable picture or, better yet, come meet these special guys at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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

Wild Rose Students to Perform Lion King Kids

Students from Wild Rose School of Creative Arts will perform Disney's "Lion King Kids" on Friday, April 19, 7 p.m. at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka Monrovia High School auditorium). The school is partnering with Center Theatre Group and Disney Musicals in School. The cast features 50 student actors who will sing and dance to such songs as "Circle of Life" and "I Just Can't Wait to be King."  Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults - children under 3 are free. Purchase tickets here (https://is.gd/H2Q7DV) or at the door one hour before the show.

- Brad Haugaard

Jewish Food Festival

Music and food at the Jewish Fiod Festival today. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Snails on Trails Run in Monrovia

A Snail's Pace running shop (northeast corner of Myrtle and Walnut) is hosting a "Snails on Trails" run in north Monrovia  Wednesday, April 10, from 6-7:30 a.m. Meeting at The Dip in the intersection of Canyon Blvd and Ridgeside Drive. Register for free: https://is.gd/xBM4lD

- Brad Haugaard

Free Compost and Mulch April 13

Free compost and mulch, Saturday, April 13 from 8-11 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Works Yard at 600 S. Mountain. Self serve, bring your ID or Athens bill, bring sturdy containers. No plastic bags allowed. Shovels provided. While supplies last.

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Honor Students, Employees, Volunteers

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/hHJsjV) the Board of Education will congratulate lots and lots of people.

Students who participated in the District PTA Reflections competition:

• Dance - Gabriella Figueroa, Monroe; Katherine Regencia, Monrovia High.
• Literature - Sophia Lee, Clifton; Darlene Luong, Santa Fe; Madison Maljian, Plymouth; Cosette Menard, Monroe; Elliot Webster, Mayflower.
• Photography - Ella Andrews, Monroe; Walker Andrews, Clifton; Briana Rojas-Sandoval, Monrovia High.
• Special Artist/Visual Arts - Marco Vazquez and Giovanni Vazquez, Monroe.
• Visual Arts - Samuel Acuna, Bradoaks; Adelene Atkins, Monroe; Ryen Covey, Monroe; Kennie Fess, Plymouth; Madelynn Leyva, Monrovia High; Andrew Lin, Mayflower; Sarah Lopez, Santa Fe; Sophia Luconi, Mayflower; Sofia Perez, Mayflower; Mika Ramsey, Bradoaks; Raphael Romero, Plymouth.

And these students on being honorees of the National Hispanic Recognition Program, for scoring within the top 2.5% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test: Luis Alejo, John Gutierrez, Anthony Romero, Kate Tadeo and Jacob Valenzuela.

And - along with the Chamber of Commerce - these Employees of the Month for April: Rosemary Torres, Clerical Assistant I, Monroe; Brenda Rivas, Teacher, Monroe; Denise Boudreaux, Instructional Aide, Wild Rose; Paula Langdale, Teacher, Wild Rose; Maria Sandoval, Office Manager, Santa Fe; Jennifer Wiley Magana, Teacher, Santa Fe.

AND - along with the Monrovia Schools Foundation - Rob Cady and Dana Elliott for their contribution to the success of the Monrovia Elementary Olympic games.

AND, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Darvin Jackson, on being recognized by the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators, for his outstanding contributions to the educational success of children in California.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Los Chiles Loco

Lunch at Los Chiles Loco, at the corner of Myrtle and Duarte Road, next to the car wash. I got a Panzon Burrito (beef, beans, rice and a chile relleno) for $8.25 and a horchata for $2.75. This is a taco stand, so no indoor seating. Big! Enjoyed every bite.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Fake Grandson Defrauds Grandma; Peeing in Public; Theft From Shopping Cart; Threatened Suicide; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 28 – April 3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 394 service events, resulting in 74 investigations.

Drinking in Public – Subject Issued a Citation
On March 28, at 8:51 a.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of W. Foothill called to report that a subject was in public drinking alcohol. Officers responded to the location and located the subject who was in possession of several open containers. He admitted to drinking alcohol and was issued a citation.

Delaying & Resisting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On March 28, at 3:30 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called to report that two suspicious subjects using a slim jim in an attempt to unlock a vehicle. Officers arrived and found the vehicle unoccupied. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. While officers were checking the vehicle, the suspects appeared several yards away, saw the police and ran. Officers began a foot chase which resulted in one subject entering a home. The second subject was not found. Officers were able to enter the home where the suspect was last seen. The suspect was identified by officers and arrested. A computer check revealed the suspect had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Monrovia Police Department for booking.

Shoplifting
On March 28, an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report that a male subject entered the store, selected some power tools and fled the store without paying. The subject entered a 2-door red Honda sedan with a black hood and sunroof and fled the scene. This investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
On March 29, at 4:01 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm for a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the front door was shattered. An entire search of the business was conducted but the suspect(s) had already fled. Officers contacted a responsible party for the business to determine the loss. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto - Recovered
On March 29, at 6:20 p.m., officers were patrolling a parking lot in the 900 block of S. Fifth when they saw a suspicious vehicle parked in the area, which was unoccupied. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen out of Los Angeles. Officers recovered the vehicle and the Los Angeles Police Department was notified.

Fraud - Telephone Scam
On March 29, at 8:55 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Hill called to report that she received a telephone call from a subject identifying himself as her grandson. The subject told her he was involved in a car accident that resulted in numerous injuries and that he needed her to purchase $6,000 in prepaid gift cards in order for the charges against him to be dropped. The victim complied and went and purchased the gift cards and relayed the information to the caller. Shortly after, the victim got in touch with her actual grandson who confirmed he had not been part of the accident nor had he requested her to purchase any gift cards. This investigation is continuing.

Indecent Exposure / Urinating in Public – Suspect Arrested
On March 30, at 11:19 a.m., an employee from a business in the 300 block of S. Myrtle called to report that a subject was urinating in public. Officers responded and located the subject sleeping on a bench. The officer reviewed surveillance video from the business and could clearly see the suspect laying on the bench. While lying on the bench, the suspect reached into his pants, exposed himself, and urinated, when he finished he went back to sleep. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Attempted Burglary
On March 30, at 4:58 a.m., officers responded to an alarm call at a business in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and discovered that the rear door was not secure. Surveillance footage showed a suspect tampering with the door to the business. Once he unlocked the door and opened it, the alarm sounded and the suspect fled.

Sex Offense
On March 31, at 12:31 p.m., a caller reported she was at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington, and while she was loading merchandise into her vehicle, she saw a male driver in a vehicle masturbating. The victim told the subject to leave and he drove off. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
On March 31, at 8:49 p.m., a victim who was shopping at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington, called to report a theft. The victim reported that a subject stole her wallet from a shopping cart she was pushing through the store. Her credit cards and $80 were stolen from her wallet. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On March 31, at 10:58 p.m., a caller reported that an intoxicated person left a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill got into a vehicle and drove away. Officers located the vehicle traveling on Foothill. A traffic stop was conducted and the subject was positively identified by the reporting party. A Field Sobriety Test was conducted and the subject was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 1, at 9:25 p.m., a victim called to report a vehicle burglary in the 800 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle and went inside a business. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed the window had been smashed and his briefcase had been stolen. The briefcase contained medical records of numerous people. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
On April 2, at 9:44 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Almond called to report a theft. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence on April 1st and when he returned to his vehicle on April 2nd, he discovered the catalytic converter on his vehicle had been stolen This investigation is continuing.

DUI – Suspect Arrested
On April 3, at 2:48 p.m., a citizen called to report a vehicle driving erratic, eastbound Foothill from Fifth. The caller gave a description of the vehicle with a license plate and of the driver. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle. They noticed several driving violations and stopped the vehicle. The driver displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was subsequently arrested.

Petty Theft
On April 3, at 12:10 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of E. Lemon called to report a theft. The resident walked outside his home and discovered someone had entered his unlocked vehicle. The suspect took some coins and a few dollars from inside the car. This investigation is continuing.

Suicidal Subject
On April 3, at 5:47 p.m., a motorist in the 100 block of E. Duarte called to report a male subject driving a black RAV-4 east with a gun to his head. The caller did not see the license plate and lost sight of the vehicle. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. A few minutes later, a caller reported her ex-boyfriend called her and said he was going to kill himself. The description of her boyfriend’s vehicle matched that of the prior caller. A DMV check revealed he lived in Arcadia. Arcadia Police searched for him at his home, but they were unable to locate him. The subject was located a short time later in the city of Temple City and taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.

Vehicle Burglary
On April 3, at 6:22 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of Sombrero. The victim had parked her vehicle for several days and when she returned to her vehicle, she noticed it had been ransacked. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
On April 3, at 6:26 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Colorado called to report a theft. The victim discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen from his Toyota Prius. The vehicle had been parked in front of his residence. The investigation is continuing.

Jewish Food Festival This Sunday in Library Park

This Sunday, April 7, the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will present the Jewish Food Festival at Library Park in Monrovia, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event will celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of Jewish communities throughout the world and throughout history.

The festival will feature favorites such as Matzah Ball Soup, Brisket Sandwiches, Falafel, Black and White cookies, Noodle Kugel and others. Food demonstrations will include pickle making, challah braiding and soft matzah. There will be a special Kids Zone area with bounce houses, craft projects, face painting, balloon artist, a chance to explore a fire truck and police car, and a couple places for kids to read to dogs. Other opportunities include a Beer and Wine Garden, and a Visual Arts Exhibition showcasing local Jewish artisans.

Musical performances will take place throughout the day and will be headlined by Mostly Kosher, the acclaimed klezmer gypsy-rock band that spent the past two years as part of Disney's Festival of Holidays, and children's recording artist Jason Mesches.

The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or online at www.jewishsgpv.org/jewish-food-festival or by calling 445-0810. For more information about the Jewish Food Festival, please call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Free Neighborhood Conference

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) will hold its free 10th Annual Neighborhood Conference this Saturday, April 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock. Workshop Topics: Neighborhood Treasures, upcoming development, de-escalation simulations with Monrovia Police, history, active shooter training, renewal updates. For further information contact MAP staff at 932-5563 or map@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Details: https://goo.gl/P67uoE

- Brad Haugaard

Fatburger and Buffalo's Express Opens in Monrovia

A Fatburger and Buffalo's Express co-branded restaurant opened on April 2 in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Huntington and  Fifth Avenue. The restaurant will be open 7 days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. https://is.gd/iGO36n

I dropped by and snapped a picture of the menu.


- Brad Haugaard