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Detail on Life Sentence Given to Monrovia Man

A Monrovia man was sentenced today to life in state prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting four women he lured by offering them money or drugs, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.
Jason Chung Chien Yu (dob 1/15/76) was found guilty last month of three counts of sodomy by use of force, two counts each of kidnapping to commit rape, assault to commit rape and false imprisonment and one count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and criminal threats.
Deputy District Attorney Scott Yang of the Sex Crimes Division prosecuted the case.
Yu preyed upon women, ranging in age from 22 to 60 years old, and promised money or drugs in exchange for sex, the prosecutor said.
In February 2012, Yu kidnapped a woman to commit rape. The defendant beat and sodomized two women four years later. In February 2017, the defendant kidnapped another woman and sexually assaulted her as well.
Case BA457678 was investigated by the Special Victims Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Press release from Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Sentenced to 88 Years in Prison for Assaults on Women

Jason Chung Chien Yu, 43, of Monrovia, has been sentenced to 88 years in prison for attacks on four women, three of those attacks being sexual assaults. https://is.gd/nlJbKr

- Brad Haugaard

Five Arrested in Sting by ABC Investigators and Monrovia Police

Investigators from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), the Monrovia Police Department and the Bell Gardens Police Department arrested five people in an undercover operation targeting sales of alcoholic beverages to minors. The operations were conducted on June 21, 2019, and June 22, 2019, in the general area of the 400 block of W. Duarte Road and the 200 block of W. Huntington Drive in the City of Monrovia.

ABC Investigators and police personnel from Monrovia and Bell Gardens used several resources for the operation, one being the Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation that targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000.00 fine and 24 hours of community service.

The operation resulted in five people arrested for furnishing or purchasing alcoholic beverages for minors. The suspects were booked and issued court citations.

This project was a part of the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control’s Minor Decoy / Shoulder Tap Grant project, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Vacation Bible School - Farm Fresh Faith

Calvary Road Baptist Church (319 W. Olive) will host a free Vacation Bible School, titled "Farm Fresh Faith," for children 3-18 on July 9-13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Details: visitvbs.com

- Brad Haugaard

Bailey: Would Like to Be Part of an Active Family

Bailey (A448879)is a friendly four year old Labrador Retriever mix. He enjoys going for walks and even sits patiently while being leashed. Bailey is an active dog who also enjoys fetch and other activities that keep him on the go. Even though he likes to be active, he also can be calm and relaxed when snuggling with our volunteers. This happy boy is looking for an active family where he can be a part of all of your adventures.

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

Homeless Services Reports More Homeless in Monrovia Than Were Actually Counted


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

~ Is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) inflating the number of Monrovia's homeless? According to City Manager Oliver Chi, "LAHSA seems to deviate from the actual results that the City notated from the 2019 Point-In-Time Homeless Count." He said the Monrovia count found 52 instances of homelessness, but the Authority is reporting 62. "It appears," Chi writes, "that LAHSA went back and utilized some type of revised methodology and / or multiplier to produce their final estimate of unsheltered persons in Monrovia."

~ A new and improved Summer Teen Scene program kicks off this Friday, June 28, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Library Park. Leaders from youth groups, such as Fire and Police Explorers, Monrovia Area Partnership Youth Leadership Program, Youth Commission, and the Teen Advisory Board, will host a free meal and share how teens can get involved in the community. There will also be a Cell Phone Photo Scavenger Hunt, an initiative to discover public art in Old Town, art projects, and live youth band and performance groups.

~ LA County Public Works completed improvements to the intersection of Huntington and Mayflower on Sunday, June 23. Monrovia Public Works and Engineering staff will keep an eye on conditions at the intersection.

~  Monrovia Association of Fine Arts' Summer Art Walks along the sidewalks of Old Town will give a glimpse of the local arts scene. The first one will be Saturday, June 29, and they will continue on the last Saturday of July (27th) and August (24th).

- Brad Haugaard

New Candy Store Coming to Monrovia?

It appears a new candy store, Sugarland, is coming to Myrtle Avenue, according to the Gem City Images blog: https://is.gd/37ViCz

- Brad Haugaard

Mary Poppins Play at Monrovia's Taylor Performing Arts Center

The play, Mary Poppins, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (AKA Monrovia High Auditorium) Thursday, July 11, 12 (Thursday, Friday) at 8 p.m., July 13 (Saturday) at 2 and 8 p.m. and July 14 (Sunday) at 5 p.m.. $10-$35.

A Broadway play based on the books by P.L. Travers and one of the most popular Disney movies.

Tickets here: https://is.gd/9wiU8v

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Adopt Local Accountability Plan, 2019-20 Budget

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

~ Adopting its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Here's what the board will be voting on (https://is.gd/0mSTsX) and here's an overview for parents: https://is.gd/JwwLBl

~ Adopting the district budget for 2019-20. It doesn't look as if there are any surprises, but you can look for yourself: https://is.gd/OeJwpr

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Merengue

Breakfast at Merengue, on the west side of Myrtle just across from the theater. Got a Cuban Omelet for $8.75 and a coffee for $2.50. I was not expecting the omelet to come inside a sandwich, but it was a happy surprise. Very tasty. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Oops! Accelerator Instead of Brake; Red Light Runner Sends Woman to Hospital; Shoplifting; Drugs and Alcohol

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 13 – June 19. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 376 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Petty Theft
June 13 at 3:52 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of S. Fifth called to report a theft from his vehicle. His vehicle’s catalytic converter was removed sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 9:49 p.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the bicyclist had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 2:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 3000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle commit numerous traffic violations. A traffic stop was made and the driver was contacted. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department Jail for booking and a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Chestnut reported a motorist just collided into a garage door on private property. Officers responded to investigate and contacted the driver. The driver thought she was pushing the brakes but instead was pushing the gas pedal. The driver lived at the location, she was taken to a nearby hospital for complaint of pain.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 14 at 9:44 a.m., a caller reported three motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Officers responded and found one of the motorists was complaining of pain, she was taken to a nearby hospital. After an investigation, it was determined one of the drivers drove through a solid red light causing the collision. The motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Shoplifting
June 15 at 12:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident. The manager reported a male subject entered the store approximately an hour prior and took alcohol from the store without paying. This investigation is continuing.

Non-injury Traffic Collision
June 15 at 2:23 p.m., a caller reported two motorists just collided into one another at the intersection of Huntington and Monterey. Officers contacted the parties and found they were not injured. An investigation was conducted and the party at fault was issued a citation for a vehicle code violation.

Traffic Collision Hit & Run
June 15 at 4:11 p.m., a resident who was away from her home located in the 200 block of N. Mayflower called to report an unknown motorist had collided into one of her cars that was parked on the street in front of her house. The driver's side mirror was broken. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
June 15 at 5:40 p.m., the employee of a convenience store in the 400 block of W. Foothill called to report a shoplifting. The employee reported two male subjects ran into the store, took some beer and ran out without paying. Officers arrived and searched for the subjects but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 1:12 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of E. Foothill and noticed a vehicle traveling with its lights off and speeding. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation was conducted and the subject was found to be under the influence. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 2:31 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Lime when he saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs. An investigation revealed the subject was under the influence, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
June 16 at 9:15 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Walnut called to report a theft. The resident’s property was stolen from his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. The items taken were a green roadside emergency kit and a backpack. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 16 at 4:13 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lemon and spoke to the victim of a residential burglary. The victim stated he returned home from a two day trip and discovered his rear sliding door was smashed and the house was ransacked. The only item taken was a platinum wedding ring. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
June 17 at 10:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Parker. The resident returned home around 10:00 p.m. and found a back window to his home was shattered. His residence was ransacked and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 10:56 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Palm noticed a subject drinking alcohol in public. The officer contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the Monrovia Police Department for booking and a sobering period.

Theft
June 18 at 7:46 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a theft. A male and female loaded two paint sprayers onto a cart and walked out of the store without paying for the items. The subjects left in a black, older Saturn vehicle with black rims. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 9:38 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Primrose and Walnut when he noticed a motorist commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. A computer check revealed he was unlicensed and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Fraud
June 19 at 2:18 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Olive called to report a fraud. The victim received a collections notice in the mail for an outstanding balance from Sprint. The victim claimed he never had a Sprint account. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 5:00 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a shoplifting incident. The employee stated that a female subject entered the store, selected merchandise, concealed it and exited the store without paying. The subject was detained by Loss Prevention until the officers arrived. The officers responded, conducted an investigation and cited the subject for shoplifting.

Residential Burglary
June 19 at 5:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Madeline regarding a burglary. The resident came home and found her home’s rear sliding glass door was shattered and her home was ransacked. The loss was undetermined at the time of the report. This investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Has Clean Water

Here is the city's report on the quality of the drinking water in Monrovia: https://is.gd/Uk4IdC

It appears all monitored substances are well below permitted levels. The only thing that appears at all noteworthy - though the data on it is old, from 2011 - is dioxane, found in industrial solvents (Wikipedia: https://is.gd/bwmhvz), which averaged .24 parts per billion (ppb), well below the 1 ppb that requires notification, however the range from the samples went from undetectable to 1.2 ppb, somewhat exceeding the level requiring notification. But again, that number is from 2011.

The report explains that the state Department of Health Services "allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, though representative of the water quality, are more than one year old."

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July Fireworks, Music, Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest

Monrovia's 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show will take place on Thursday, July 4, in Library Park. Live Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. with a performance by Night Owl. Following the concert, a free 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.

Spectators may reserve a park space beginning at 6 a.m. The space can be a maximum of 10 x 10 feet and must be supervised at all times. The city is once again encouraging spectators to participate in the Patriotic Canopy Decorating Contest, where the most festive canopies will win prizes.

- Brad Haugaard

You May Be Paying an Extra $1.50 for Trash Pick-Up; Fixing Huntington and Mayflower; Etc.

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

~ The city and county have changes planned for the messy, clogged intersection at Huntington and Mayflower. Work on a new striping layout, signage, traffic signal timing, preventing left turns into the shopping center on the southeast corner, and allowing an additional northbound lane will take place on Sunday, June 23 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

~  Chi said he heard that a Café de Olla will likely move into the vacant storefront just north of Grey & Cash in Old Town. Looks like a hip Mexican style place: http://www.cafedeollarestaurant.com.

~ Athens is requesting a 4.77% increase for solid waste services effective July 1. This means an extra $1.50 a month (from $31.53 to $33.03) for a typical residential customer enrolled in the 90-gallon trash/recycling barrel program. Chi writes that this "takes into account both CPI and California State minimum wage cost increases," and are allowed in the city's contract with Athens.

~ The Summer 2019 Monrovia Today catalog of events is now out. It's on line here: https://is.gd/tb4GUL

~ the city has stopped street sweeping and parking enforcement in the road-construction areas in north Monrovia beginning this Monday, June 17 until construction is over. This is the area north of and including Hillcrest Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and Greystone Avenue.
However, do obey construction parking signs.

~ Each year in early June Monrovia Fire & Rescue spends the day transforming the pediatric clinic at City of Home into a place where young children can have fun, laugh, and take their minds off of their illness, allowing them to focus on being kids for the day.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Quarterback Nick Hernandez is Ready to Play

Feature on Monrovia High Quarterback Nick Hernandez: https://is.gd/8KZmMb

- Brad Haugaard

Baby Cakes - Most Relaxed Dog Ever!


Baby Cakes (A475273) gets a big two thumbs up review from PHS staff and volunteers. “Maybe the most calm, relaxed dog ever” and “Very sweet dog” are just a couple of the wonderful compliments Baby Cakes is receiving. This adorable doggy always has a smile on her face and a wag in her tail. A sweet treat of a pup, she’s easy to leash and walk and enjoys fun fetch sessions in the play yard. Baby Cakes is a calm presence in a hectic world. You’ve got to meet this Zen cuddle bug!

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's Homeless Count Goes Down

Monrovia's homeless population has decreased 11 percent since last year, down to 62, according to preliminary data from the county. https://is.gd/i9ZPmC

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Consider $42 and $43 Million Budgets; Sully-Miller to Take Over South Monrovia Street Work


At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/AGr3M7) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~  A two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2019-21 of $42 and $43 million. The staff report says the money will be spent, "maintaining a high level of service to the community, striving to implement significant capital infrastructure and facility improvements, enhancing public safety initiatives, advancing historic preservation / neighborhood compatibility practices, facilitating appropriate new development activity, and addressing economic development priorities." https://is.gd/VNOUYQ

~  Having Sully-Miller, the contractor doing street and sewer repairs in north Monrovia, complete construction in the south part of town for an amount not to exceed $4.15 million. The staff report says the contractor that was doing the south end of town, and the city, "mutually agreed upon to reduce the scope of work that would be completed by due to a variety of coordination and scheduling issues." https://is.gd/GETWGk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian to Run New York Marathon to Fight Cancer


Monrovian Brian McKim will be running in the New York City Marathon on November 3 in support of the American Cancer Society and is trying to raise $3,200 in support, which will go to fight cancer. So far, $505. If you'd like to contribute, you can here: https://is.gd/FIUyP9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza Is Citrus College 'Service Leader of the Year'

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza is one of two students selected to receive the 2019 Citrus College Service Leader of the Year award. Candidates for this  honor are nominated by faculty. Representatives from the college's constituent groups screen and select the recipients, who are judged on  academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. A psychology and criminal law major, Pedroza will graduate from Citrus  this month. In addition to pursuing her associate degree, Pedroza was vice president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club and served as a senator on the Associate Students of Citrus College Executive Board. She has volunteered for the Los Angeles LGBTQ center as a community health educator and community health ambassador. This fall, she plans to transfer to the University of California, Irvine, to pursue her bachelor's degree. Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate degree or apply to law school.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard