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Community Meeting on New Voting System

The LA County Registrar-Recorder and Monrovia Area Partnership are sponsoring a community meeting on June 6, 6-8 p.m. about Vote Centers, which will be implemented in 2020, LA County. This new system will allow voters to cast a ballot at any center in the county over an 11-day period.

The Monrovia community meeting will be held at Second Baptist Church, at 925 S. Shamrock Ave., and here's a description of the project if you want a bit of before-hand information: https://is.gd/5bPcvr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Car Chase Leads to Arrest; Manufacturing Drugs; Too-Quick U-Turn; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 18–24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Theft
On April 18 at 1:11 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Hill called to report a suspicious vehicle. Officers responded to the location and checked the area. They discovered a vehicle that had the catalytic converter stolen off of it. The registered owner of the vehicle was contacted and notified. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
On April 18 at 6:30 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a petty theft. A male suspect entered the store to purchase a small item. He set a $100 bill on the counter, then distracted the employee with questions and took the $100 bill back while the employee wasn’t looking. He then insisted he already gave the employee the money for the item, so the employee provided him with $92.44 in change. The suspect then left the location with the money and the item. Investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
On April 19 at 7:11 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Walnut called police to report an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle, which was parked in front of his residence, and took several power tools and numerous hand tools. Investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
On April 19 at 7:54 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of Monterey. An unknown suspect entered the unlocked vehicle and stole a small purse and money. Investigation continuing.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
On April 19 at 8:59 p.m., a resident in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia called to report a subject in violation of an active restraining order on their property. Officers responded and located the subject on the property. The restraining order was confirmed and the subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On April 20 at 12:34 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Cypress when he saw a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the subject and learned he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered – Suspect Arrested
On April 20 at 1:05 a.m., an officer was on patrol near Foothill and Magnolia when he saw a vehicle traveling with expired registration. A license plate check on the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen two days prior. The officer stopped the vehicle and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The stolen vehicle was recovered.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On April 20 at 2:12 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2500 block of S. Myrtle for vehicle code violations. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the subject was arrested for DUI.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On April 20 at 9:35 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cypress called to report a disturbing subject. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, who was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Suspicious Circumstances / Evading / Outside Assist – Suspect Arrested
On April 21 at 6:50 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Terrado called Monrovia police to report a male subject in a vehicle that was driving erratically, honking his horn and yelling. Officers arrived and began an area check. They contacted a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy in the area, who advised the suspect and vehicle reported to Monrovia police was possibly a suspect that just committed a home invasion in a neighboring jurisdiction. Officers then received information that the vehicle was last seen westbound on Lemon. Within seconds, a Monrovia sergeant who was in the area saw the suspect vehicle in the 200 block of E. Lime. He immediately broadcast the information and began following the vehicle. When he attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit ensued which led officers into a neighboring jurisdiction. The suspect eventually turned onto a private roadway and drove through two gates, before coming to a dead end at a residence. Monrovia officers took the suspect into custody without further incident. He was then turned over to Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies.

Grand Theft Auto
On April 23 at 7:30 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut called to report his vehicle had been stolen. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his resident and locked it. When he returned to his vehicle the next morning, he realized it had been stolen. The vehicle is a gray 2015 Nissan Sentra. It was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle system. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
On April 23 at 4:26 p.m., a citizen called to report a traffic collision in the 600 block of W. Hillcrest. A motorist was traveling west on Hillcrest and decided to make a u-turn without warning. Another motorist was behind the vehicle and was unable to stop in time. The vehicles collided into one another. One of the drivers had visible injuries caused by the airbags deploying. Investigation continuing.

Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On April 23 at 6:30 p.m., during a thorough ongoing investigation, Monrovia Police Department, Monrovia Fire Department and Los Angeles County Hazmat personnel discovered that a large amount of chemicals at a residence in the 200 block of N. Myrtle were precursors for making controlled substances. The LA IMPACT lab team responded to the residence and obtained a search warrant for the location. One adult male suspect was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
On April 24 at 9:55 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of California and Huntington. Officers responded and found that no one was injured and the two parties did not desire an investigation. They exchanged information with one another.

Commercial Burglary
On April 24 at 12:50 p.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a storage facility in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. The victim reported someone had burglarized their unit sometime during the night. Officers responded and found the lock to the storage unit door had been cut and miscellaneous personal property was taken. A couple hours later, a second victim reported their unit was also burglarized sometime during the night in the same manner. This investigation is continuing.

Betty Fisher Thomas Named Monrovia's Older American of the Year

Monrovia Area Partnership leader, Betty Fisher Thomas, has been honored as Monrovia's 2019 Older American of the Year. https://is.gd/f2Nzuc

- Brad Haugaard

Wheelhouse Spring Ceramic Sale May 3,4

(It's a block west of Myrtle just south of Duarte Road.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Arrested, Charged With Making Illegal Drugs

According to CBS News, an unnamed man who lived at the home in which chemicals used in the manufacture of illegal drugs has been arrested and charged with manufacturing of a controlled substance.

The chemicals could be used to make the hallucinogenic drugs MDMA, GHB, Ketamine, and DMT. https://is.gd/uunIYS

UPDATE: The Star-News reports the chemicals were discovered because of their smell, that the arrested man is Branden Doane, 27, of Monrovia, and that his bail is set at $75,000. https://is.gd/8ouUj4

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Fe Students Study Brain and Lung Specimens


Sixth-grade students from Monrovia Unified's Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School learned about brain and lung specimens on April 23 during a crash course with Sonia Maljian, director of laboratory services at Methodist Hospital.

Students also learned about other organs such as the heart and liver and closely observed samples that were brought into the classroom.

"We are lucky to have had the chance to host Sonia Maljian at Santa Fe," teacher Yvonne Koskela said. "Our students were able to observe the specimens closely and ask questions about the specimens to a real scientist in our community."

In addition to observing the specimens, students were introduced to the harm that occurs in the body when abusing alcohol and tobacco. Maljian encouraged students to stay away from putting harmful and dangerous products into their bodies, further explaining that smoking tobacco can cause air sacs in the lungs to become rigid and stop functioning.

"A big thank-you to Sonia Maljian, who shared with our students the many opportunities available when pursuing science as a career," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "Our Cougar Scholars fully immersed themselves into the lesson, and we will continue to encourage our students to pursue their dreams and figure out how they can become the next generation of scientists in our community."

Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Mayflower Students Take Top Prize in Math Bee


After six rounds, the Mayflower Elementary Mariners were awarded the first-place trophy during Monrovia Unified’s Next Generation Math Bee on April 18.

Using white boards and calculators, 30 elementary school students from Monrovia Unified School District competed in the District's second annual Next Generation Math Bee on April 18, with the Mayflower Elementary Mariners taking the top prize.

Working in teams of six, students employed collaboration, critical thinking, and language skills to solve math-related word problems. In a series of six rounds, teams were allowed six minutes to read, discuss, and answer each question by showing their work and explaining their thinking process in full sentences.

"The Next Generation Math Bee is an opportunity for our students to showcase their math skills and expand on their passion for mathematics," Board President Ed Gililland said. "Monrovia Unified is proud to provide students with a challenging academic environment that promotes student success."

Students were given access to materials such as white boards, pencils, highlighters, and calculators to help solve math problems. Clifton Middle School teachers Marilyn Smith and Hiroshi Suzuki were judges for the event and carefully read through each answer to determine the winner.

"Monrovia Unified's Next Generation Math Bee is an event that aims to nurture mathematical skills in our students," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "Congratulations to all of our competitors who showed excitement and good sportsmanship throughout the entire competition, and thank you to everyone who came together to make this event possible for our students."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Find Cache of Chemicals Used in Making Drugs

On April 23, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Monrovia Police Department officers were called to a residence in the 200 block of N. Myrtle Avenue. Los Angeles County Fire Department Hazmat and Monrovia Fire Department personnel were at the location about a large quantity of chemicals being stored there. Personnel on scene determined that some of the chemicals were precursors for manufacturing controlled substances.

The Monrovia Police Department requested assistance from a regional task force specializing in narcotic enforcement. A search warrant was obtained by investigators and one adult male was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance.

At the time of this press release, the investigation is still ongoing and there is a presence at the scene of law enforcement and hazmat personnel. There are no evacuation orders and there is no present danger to the community.

This crime is being actively investigated, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monrovia Police Department Detective Division at 256-8041.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reads Van Hit; Council to Study Sales Tax; More GoMonrovia Price Hikes? Ditch Your Drugs; Etc.


Monrovia Reads van hit by dump truck.

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

~  The city council will hold a study session  about a possible city sales tax. Also, city staff is developing a spending plan for the new funds, if the sales tax measure is successful. (This measure would max out the allowable sales tax for Monrovia, so if (ork "when," the city says) the county passes another tax it would have no affect on Monrovia since the city would already be paying the max.)

~ The Monrovia Reads van was severely clonked by a dump truck and is out of service indefinitely. The truck backed into it in the Monrovia Public Works Yard. The City will provide a loner bus for the library team to use it can find a replacement.

~  The city is sending a letter to Old Town business owners reminding them that they need special approval for outdoor displays, signs (including window signs), banners, or dining; and for construction.

~  Monrovia Transit will be testing smaller, more efficient vehicles during the next 30 days to see if they're a good fit. They'll be equipped with a wheel chair ramp and space for two standard seats.

~ The GoMonrovia transit program is so popular that it is still running a deficit. So... there may be more price increases - of $1-2 for both shared and regular rides. Rides to and from Old Town and the Gold Line Station would remain at $.50, but rides to elsewhere in the service area could go up to $2 or $3 for shared rides, and no-extra-stops rides could rise to $4.50 or $5.50.

~  Bring your unwanted prescription drugs to the Monrovia Community Center on April 27, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. It's free and anonymous; no questions asked. Don't flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash - both of these approaches pose safety and health hazards.

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's 37th Historic Homes Tour will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Docents will lead tour goers through six homes, all built before the end of 1887, sharing anecdotes and historical facts.
Tickets here: https://is.gd/HvZkLQ

- Brad Haugaard

Arbor Day in Monrovia

- Brad Haugaard

Rain + Higher Temperatures > Mosquitoes > Diseases

It is Mosquito Awareness Week (https://is.gd/o7Uk8D), and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is warning that record rainfall coupled with higher temperatures has set the stage for mosquitoes, particularly those that cause West Nile virus, but also the aggressive, day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, which can spread Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya. Details: https://is.gd/Hn4h3S

- Brad Haugaard

Capone- He’s Cuddly, Despite the Name

If you’re looking for a cuddly, snuggly real-life teddy bear, look no further! Capone (A467105) loves people! He was taken to the social yard recently so that staff and volunteers could get some video footage of him, and he had a blast! He hopped around from person to person, and the camera, asking for pets. He also doesn’t mind one-on-one time with a human friend, especially when they have yummy dog treats. He just enjoys a ton of head and neck scratches and full-body pets. Capone is looking to be your right-hand dog; he loves to go hiking, go for car ride adventures, and do anything that you do! Visit Capone 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

Monrovia Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

- Brad Haugaard

Calvary Chapel Monrovia Church in the Park


Calvary Chapel Monrovia had its Easter celebration today in front of the library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Happy Easter, Monrovia!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Matthew 28:5-6

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Publishes Windows Antivirus Tutorial


The Monrovia library has published a quick video tutorial on how to use Windows 10 Defender to find and remove viruses from your computer without having to purchase an antivirus program.

- Brad Haugaard

Where Crimes Happen in Monrovia

I took a look at the Monrovia Police crime reports for the past year to see where crimes - all crimes - occur in the city. Well, it's mostly where you'd guess. In shopping areas. Remember, this includes everything from vehicle burglaries to shoplifting to robbery. I mean, you kinda expect that shoplifting would take place where there are shops. So basically along Huntington Drive, and to a lesser degree, other shopping areas in town.

But here's one interesting tidbit. Vehicle burglaries. The heaviest concentration by far is on Huntington roughly from Huntington Oaks shopping center to the 900 block, which is just on the west side of the freeway. So if you go shopping there (or anywhere else, for that matter) for heaven's sake don't leave valuables visible in the car. And don't leave your car unlocked. Yes, people actually do that.

BurglariesLocation
3600 block of W. Huntington
5700 block of W. Huntington
7800 block of W. Huntington
3900 block of W. Huntington

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Declare Special Days, Weeks and Month

At its next meeting the Monrovia Board (https://is.gd/rT78d2) of Education will consider naming ...

~ May 6-10, as National Teacher Appreciation Week.

~ May 7, as the Day of the Teacher.

~ May 19-25, as Classified School Employee Week.

~ April 22-26, as Administrative Professionals Week.

~ April 24, as Administrative Professionals Day.

~ May 6-10, as School Health Services Appreciation Week.

~ May 8 as National School Nurse Day.

~ May 2019 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

And, it will consider a resolution, In Remembrance of those Lost to Genocide and Man's Inhumanity to Man, recalling the Armenian Genocide.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Peach Cafe




Breakfast at Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado just west of Ivy. Got the 2+2 and a cup of coffee, $9 for both. Good. And bacon really excellent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday


- Brad Haugaard