According to a news report, a jury has convicted Jeremiah LaCroix, 33, of killing 43-year-old Michael Lowe of Monrovia at Monrovia's Gem City Grill (on Olive just east of Myrtle) just after midnight Dec. 2, 2017. https://is.gd/0zIOw6
- Brad Haugaard
School District Plans to Reach Out to China for Students
At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/nd9oGb) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider hiring Kay Mui for $90 an hour for three months to set-up and manage an account on the Chinese social media platform, WeChat, to promote the district's Mandarin Dl program and grow the district's marketing database and "reach out to overseas schools/agents." She will strategize on WeChat design, plan content and try to increase the number of followers for the district, especially during Chinese New Year. https://is.gd/nzBKI6- Brad Haugaard
What the New Starbucks Property is Worth
The 27,975 square-foot property with the 2,200-square-foot building that Starbucks occupies at Magnolia and Huntington was recently purchased by an undisclosed buyer for $6.2 million. Starbucks has a 20-year lease on the property. https://is.gd/qLJHUV
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Monrovian
Dinner at the Monrovian, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Deep Fried Chicken for $12.99 and an iced tea for $2.69. It comes with soup or salad, which I ate so you can’t see it, and a potato, which I swapped out for cottage cheese. Very tasty and filling. Just a few extra notes:
My wife likes that she can get fresh sliced turkey here. Most places, she said, give you lunch meat style turkey.
The restaurant is changing ownership but for now things seem the same, with a notice near the door saying, “The staff will remain! We will continue on as usual with the exception of some updates to the menu and restaurant.”
- Brad Haugaard
Local Governments Considering Coyote Policy
- Brad Haugaard
Health and Wellness Fair July 21
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: $100,000 Embezzlement; No, IRS Doesn't Want Gift Cards; Woman Rams Repo Man's Truck; He Picked the Wrong Time to Light Cigarette; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 11-17. - Brad Haugaard]During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 422 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.
Injury Traffic Collision
On July 11 at 12:18 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 1100 block of S. Mayflower. Officers responded and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain. She was transported to a nearby hospital by Monrovia Paramedics. The party at fault was issued a citation.
Non-injury Traffic Collision
On July 11 at 2:10 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1300 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. The party who was found at fault was issued a citation.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Wanted
On July 12 at 5:59 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff's called to report a domestic violence incident that occurred that morning at an apartment in the 100 block of W. Olive. The suspect drove the victim to work in Duarte, where staff reported the incident. The deputies had the victim transported to a nearby hospital. The suspect was also transported to a hospital in Baldwin Park for sudden chest pains. Monrovia officers responded to the two hospitals to investigate. The suspect fled the hospital he was at and is now wanted. The victim was treated for her injuries. Investigation continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On July 12 at 1:59 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another in the 100 block of W. Foothill. An officer responded and found no one was injured. After an investigation was completed, the party at fault was issued a citation.
Fraud
On July 12 at 3:33 p.m., an elderly resident in the 400 block of Sierra Vista reported that he received a call from someone who identified themselves as the IRS. They told him he owed them $3,000 and if he didn't pay, he would be arrested. They demanded he pay with Target gift cards over the phone, so he complied. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
On July 12 at 8:10 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Hill returned home and found her residence ransacked. A review of the home’s video surveillance showed two male suspects entered the backyard of the property. The suspects looked into the windows, then made entry through an open bathroom window by placing a bucket underneath the window. The suspects left the residence with pillow cases containing belongings. The investigation is continuing.
Fire Assist / Investigation
On July 12 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of Palm called to report he heard a loud noise that sounded like fireworks. He walked outside to see what it was and saw the property fence, which has ivy on it, had caught fire. A subject was seen fleeing the scene. Investigation continuing.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested
On July 13 at 1:50 a.m., an officer responded to the report of an assault in the 100 block of W. Central. While a vehicle was being repossessed, the registered owner came out of her residence, entered another vehicle, and intentionally rammed into the truck that was repossessing her vehicle. Officers arrived on scene, conducted an investigation, and arrested the suspect for assault with a deadly weapon.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 13 at 10:01 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 3000 block of S. Peck when he saw a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the suspect was arrested for DUI. The driver was held for a sobering period.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
On July 13 at 11:40 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. One of the motorists left her name and phone number, and stated she was running late for work and left the area. An officer arrived and is conducting an investigation.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 14 at 1:33 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim reported that while she was inside a business someone broke into her vehicle and stole her purse from the floorboard. A witness described the suspect vehicle as a black Audi SUV, being driven by a female Black driver. The suspect was described as a male Black, 25-35 years old, 5’10” to 6’0”, thin build, wearing a yellow hoodie. The investigation is continuing.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 15 at 8:06 a.m., a suspicious subject was reported possibly lighting a fire in the 900 block of W. Duarte. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was lighting a cigarette. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.
Warrant – Suspect Arrested
On July 15 at 3:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mayflower and Lemon when he saw a subject who he recognized from prior contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was detained and arrested for the warrant.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 15 at 7:26 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 500 block of W. Huntington. While the victim was shopping in a business, a window on her vehicle was smashed and her backpack was stolen from inside. Investigation continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
On July 16 at 10:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Pomona called police to report a vehicle burglary. The victim parked his vehicle late in the evening the night before. When he returned to his vehicle in the morning, he saw the rear passenger window had been smashed. His backpack, which contained personal identifying information, was taken. Investigation continuing.
Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 17 at 9:49 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Shamrock and Evergreen when he saw an adult male sitting on a bench huffing an aerosol can. The subject had dried blood on his shirt. Officers stopped and talked with the subject, who displayed symptoms of being under the influence. He was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was then taken by the Monrovia Fire Department to a nearby hospital to be checked out.
Embezzlement
On July 17 at 4:09 p.m., an owner of a business in the 1700 block of California called to report an employee altered financial statements and embezzled approximately $100,000. The investigation is continuing.
Special Meeting of Monrovia Council and Supervisor Barger
- rWMP Storm Water Program
- Youth Employment Services Program
- Homeless Response Program and Information
- Lucinda Garcia Park Improvements
https://is.gd/D845QY
- Brad Haugaard
DUI Checkpoint Tuesday Night, July 23 - Some Tips
Over the course of the past three years, there have been 127 DUI collisions with 32 of those collisions resulting in injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.
In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths, because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.
Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:
• Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: Monrovia Police Department press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Honored for GoMonrovia Program
Launched in March 2018, GoMonrovia leverages the strengths of the ride-share provider Lyft, in partnership with the City's dial-a-ride operator, to provide fast and affordable transportation throughout Monrovia. Since its inception, over 23,000 individuals have signed up to use Lyft through GoMonrovia, making the program Lyft's most utilized transportation partnership.
This innovative program addresses suburban mobility challenges by creating a public-private partnership to provide fast, convenient and affordable transportation options around town. With 30 percent of rides each month beginning or ending at the highly-utilized Monrovia Gold Line station or in Old Town Monrovia, the program fills the previous gap in reliable first and last mile transit connections, reduces parking demand and eases commuter parking shortages. It has created a viable new model of suburban mobility and accessibility that other cities can replicate. For more information on GoMonrovia, visit www.gomonrovia.com.
The American Society for Public Administration is a 9,000-member organization of government and nonprofit administrators, scholars, educators and students. ASPA advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Lowe's Coming to Monrovia
In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Oliver Chi reports:
~ Lowe's is coming to Monrovia, at the former OSH on Huntington Drive, hopefully by this September. Lowe's, which owned OSH, plans for the new store to havean new "appliance-centric" concept, but also with the kind of home improvement items typically found in a Lowe's store.
~ Charter Communication will be installing underground communications conduit through this Thursday, which is affecting traffic on Lemon, just west of Myrtle.
~ Family Hike & Campout in Canyon Park. BBQ dinner, s'mores, a hike, story-time, and more. Dates: July 27-28, Aug. 25-26, Sept. 7-8, Sept. 28-29. Registration opens three weeks before each event. sign up early to get a spot. Cost: $50. For questions call Community Services at 256-8155.
~ Summer Movies in the Park. Bringa lawn chair, blankets, and snacks. Dates: July 20 - Incredibles 2 at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue;
July 27 - Ralph Breaks the Internet at Julian Fisher Park; Aug. 3 - Mary Poppins Returns at Rotary Park; Aug. 10 - Wall-E at Library Park. Movies start at dusk.
- Brad Haugaard
Auditions for 'Lend Me a Tenor'
- Brad Haugaard
Amanda - Hypno-Cat
"Hi, I'm Amanda! Hey, are you listening? Or did you get lost in my eyes? It's OK, that's been happening a lot lately! I'm definitely a head turner, and on more than one occasion I've noticed volunteers stopping mid-walk and coming over to the glass to see me, as if hypnotized by my eyes. That volunteer with the camera was just here the other day, waving her fingers at me while I stared at her. I'm magnetic! And why wouldn't you want a cat that everyone loves? People will be coming by from far and wide to get a glimpse of me! You'll make so many new friends! But even if that's not true, and we live a quiet life without people lined up at the door to see me, I'LL be your friend. And I think that's pretty great!"
The adoption fee for cats is $90. 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.
- Brad Haugaard
See Jupiter Tonight in Old Town
- Brad Haugaard
Francisco and Felix Gutierrez to Be Honored With Neighborhood Treasure Landmark
The next Neighborhood Treasure will be a four-sided statue honoring Francisco and Felix Gutierrez. It will be comprised of various materials, with two sides dedicated to Francisco and the other two to his son, Felix, to be placed at the southeast corner of Shamrock and Lemon.
Some detail:
The 1928 Monrovia Business Directory lists Francisco Gutierrez as one of only two Spanish-surnamed business owners, and he did a considerable amount of work to help build Monrovia. Of particular note, Francisco Gutierrez was responsible for installing the sidewalks around the former Monrovia Plunge (and the site of our current Monrovia Historical Museum), Immaculate Conception Church, and the tennis courts at Recreation Park, as well as at a number of private homes in the community. Common to that era, the company that poured concrete would imprint their business name into the sidewalk, and even today, there are numerous sidewalks throughout Monrovia with the Gutierrez imprint.
Francisco’s son, Felix J. Gutierrez, was born in 1918. Felix Gutierrez attended Pasadena Junior College to study art, and during that time, he started a newspaper called Mexican Voice. Launched from his home, Felix Gutierrez was the writer, artist, and editor of the paper, which provided an important voice for the Mexican American movement throughout the Southwest portions of the United States. In an editorial with political cartoons, Mexican Voice questioned the inequity that Mexican volunteers were considered “white” by the World War II draft board, but “colored” by school districts and neighbors. Felix Gutierrez’s efforts, through Mexican Voice, helped lead to the development of a better integrated, more tolerant and fairer society, both in Monrovia and beyond.
Source: https://is.gd/H8vzN4
- Brad Haugaard
City Council to Examine Entryway Sign Design; Appropriate Money for Landmarks to Francisco and Felix Gutierrez
At a study session on Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. the City Council will take a look at the design of an entryway sign on West Huntington Drive at Fifth Avenue. https://is.gd/qVZlZT
At its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., the council will consider appropriating up to $31,000 to make and install Neighborhood Treasures Landmark posts recognizing Francisco and Felix Gutierrez at the southeast corner of Shamrock Avenue and Lemon Avenue. The father and son team were cement contractors in early Monrovia, and the son published a newspaper advocating for equity in the treatment of Hispanics. https://is.gd/RxGUxU
- Brad Haugaard
At its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., the council will consider appropriating up to $31,000 to make and install Neighborhood Treasures Landmark posts recognizing Francisco and Felix Gutierrez at the southeast corner of Shamrock Avenue and Lemon Avenue. The father and son team were cement contractors in early Monrovia, and the son published a newspaper advocating for equity in the treatment of Hispanics. https://is.gd/RxGUxU
- Brad Haugaard
Not the Antiques Roadshow (But Similar) Coming to Monrovia
On Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the Monrovia Historical Society will present "Our answer to television's Antiques Road Show" (not the official TV Antiques Road Show) in the Monrovia Public Library's Community Room.
If you are wondering, How old is it? What's it worth? How do you fix it? you may get your answers from the Historical Society's panel of local experts:
Chris Shackelford, Pasadena Architectural Salvage, antique house parts (hardware, fixtures)
Norm Haley, expert in antique automobiles and rehabbing old structures
Steve Baker, City Historian, antique furniture, Early American Glass and Monroviana
Also, "We may also have an expert from a major auction house or two."
You can bring 1-2 items you're curious about. If it's large (like a desk or an airplane), or attached to your home, just bring a picture.
Free to Monrovia Historical Society members. $5 donation requested for non-members.
Get an early place in line by RSVPing to monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com or call/text 675-8323. More about the Historical Society: monroviahistoricalsociety.org
Source: Monrovia Historical Society press release
- Brad Haugaard
Neighborhood Treasures Project Will Honor Gutierrez Cement Contractors - But Where?
The next people to be honored through Monrovia's Neighborhood Treasures project will be Francisco ("Frank") Gutierrez, and his son, Felix Gutierrez, who opened a cement contracting business in Monrovia in 1925. However, there is a disagreement about where the monuments should be placed, Recreation Park or Library Park. https://is.gd/MdNSfc
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Copper Still Grill
Lunch at Copper Still Grill, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Colorado. Got the chicken quesadilla for $8.50 And a beer (Shiner Bock, which I like a lot) for $5.50 I gave the quesadilla an extra kick with some Tobasco and it was just right. - Brad Haugaard
National Weather Service Warns of Hot Days for Monrovia Area
The service warns that, "The extended period of hot weather will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible, especially for the elderly and for people working outdoors."
What to do? "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even with windows partially open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life- threatening levels."
- Brad Haugaard
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