Candlelight Vigil for Amanda Custer

There will be a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. tonight in Library Park asking for Amanda Custer's return. Custer has been missing since Monday morning. A man suspected of kidnapping her has been arrested but she has not been found. The vigil is being organized by Monrovian Carmen Martinez.

- Brad Haugaard

Panel Discussion on Senior Scamming

There will be a panel discussion sponsored by Senator Anthony Portantino on protecting seniors from scams at Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte Thursday, August 8 at 6 p.m.

This free event will include speakers from various Los Angeles County Departments: District Attorney’s Office; Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services; Consumer and Business Affairs; and the Sheriff’s Department. Speakers will answer questions for caregivers and senior care providers related to protecting seniors from fraud and scams. A mixer with the panelists will follow the panel discussion. For more information please contact Kristi Lopez at Kristi.Lopez@sen.ca.gov or (909) 599-7351.

Comment: Good topic. I really think that if we want to prevent seniors from being scammed, we should especially communicate with banks, markets and wire transfer companies. These scams usually involve telling the senior to buy $2,000 of Target gift cards, or send large amounts of money by wire transfer, and seniors are likely to withdraw large sums from the bank, or buy gift cards for large dollar amounts from markets, or send money by wire transfer. So if the employees at these companies are aware of the scams and see a senior possibly falling for a scam, the employee could perhaps hand the senior a little flyer outlining the scams and gently suggest he or she read it before sending money.


- Brad Haugaard

Trees Removed in Front of Monrovia High; $25 Off Water Bill for Low Water Landscaping, Etc.

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

~ As you may have noticed, a lot of trees (20 to be exact) were removed on Colorado in front of Monrovia High. Chi said the city considered trimming the roots, but it would have killed the trees; and moving the new sidewalk further from the trees, but the city doesn't have right-of-way to do that. Also, the camphor is considered an invasive tree species. The city will "construct a wider and safer sidewalk that will allow for easier student drop-off and pick-up," and will replace the 20 camphor with 40 new trees.

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct a walking tour in Downtown Monrovia on Saturday, August 3, starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person, and the tour will last about two hours.  Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm.

~ If you have low-water landscaping and want a one-time $25 break on your water bill, go here - https://is.gd/0YMSua - to submit an application for the city's sustainable landscaping program. Your drought-tolerant area should be in the front yard, visible from the street; no more than 50% of your landscape should be turf; and no more than 30% of your landscape should be non-permeable, such as concrete.

~ The Library will have an on-site Veterans Service Officer at its Veterans Resource Center on Mondays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to provide assistance to veterans and their families. Call 256-8294 for an appointment.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Track and Field Upgraded

Monrovia High School's stadium was upgraded this summer. A total renovation of the track and field at Monrovia High School included smoothing out the field to eliminate uneven areas, a complete turf replacement, and an upgrade of the rubber pellet infill to a cool-fill product, which decreases the temperature of the turf. Communication boxes were also relocated to outer parts of the field, ensuring the continued safety of students.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Superintendent's July Update

Monrovia Unified is committed to the continued success of our scholars, a goal reflected through work done at the District level and at our facilities this summer.

Our Board of Education approved the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2019-20 school year. The LCAP focuses on goals such as high academic achievement and increased student engagement. Major actions outlined in the LCAP are access to experienced teachers, high-quality instructional materials and well-maintained facilities.

During July, the track and artificial turf field at Monrovia High School underwent a full renovation, ensuring that MHS athletes, scholars, and the community can enjoy the field for 10 to 15 more years! In addition, air-conditioning systems at Plymouth Elementary School and Clifton Middle School were replaced.

Continuing on with the exciting news, the District received notice that Monrovia High School was listed on the 2018-19 California Honor Roll. We are proud of our students and educators from MHS and are thankful for this recognition!

Lastly, the City of Monrovia started repairing and replacing crumbling sidewalks in front of Monrovia High School this month. The project includes tree removal, concrete cutting, and curb removal; the city has indicated the trees will be replanted when the project is finished. For more information, please contact the City of Monrovia Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575. We look forward to the improvements beautifying the paths at MHS!

School starts back up on Aug. 14, and we are excited to see the successes our students will achieve this year! From our intensive arts program to dual-language immersion, from robotics to Code to the Future, Monrovia Unified offers a deep array of engaging curricular options to engage our students’ interests and spark their creativity.

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Source: Monrovia School District press release

- Brad Haugaard

Kidnapping Suspect On Video Rapping About Killing, Burying Woman

KTLA has broadcast a video that it says appears to show Monrovia kidnapping suspect Robert Camou rapping about killing and burying his girlfriend. Camou has been arrested but Amanda Custer is still missing. https://is.gd/vklnpy

- Brad Haugaard

Hagrid - Enchanting Gentleman, Purrfect Manners

The Harry Pawter spell that has recently befallen Pasadena Humane Society, brought us the sweetest, most charming, kitty cat character, Hagrid (A415052). An 8-year-old, mystical, ball of fluff, Hagrid is an enchanting gentleman with purrfect manners. He dreams of magical transport into a forever family and asks that you prepare your Floo Network (for muggles, that's a wizarding transportation) for his arrival. Hagrid is part of our bewitching FREE adoption spell, so count your lucky stars, wave your magic wand and seal the deal. Hagrid is quite possibly your soulmate.

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

Monrovia Faces Greater Wildfire Danger than Paradise, California

According to a study by USA Today and the Arizona Republic, the danger to Monrovia from wildfire is greater than the danger to Paradise, California, which was so badly damaged in the Camp Fire.

On a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the most dangerous, Paradise ranked 3.81. Monrovia ranks 4.46. Of particular concern is Monrovia's "evacuation constraint," meaning the ability of people to rapidly escape an advancing fire. Monrovia scored a very high - and bad - 816 (the median is 110).

My guess is that this refers primarily to the foothills area, especially along Norumbega, and up Canyon Boulevard.

Source article: https://is.gd/I6kFjz
Monrovia stats: https://is.gd/Y5sWz4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police, Sheriff's Department Working on Kidnapping Investigation

UPDATE: Suspect arrested; woman still missing. https://is.gd/vw1T9v

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Detectives are assisting Monrovia Police Department with a Kidnapping/ Domestic Violence investigation.  The incident occurred on Monday, July 29th, 2019, at approximately 8:15 a.m., on the 600 block of Vaquero Road, in the city of Monrovia.

Monrovia Police Department responded to the 600 block of Vaquero Road, in the city of Monrovia regarding a domestic violence incident. Upon their arrival they located evidence that there was an apparent assault that had occurred.  Investigators believe the victim was kidnapped and taken against her will in a 2017 gray Toyota Prius, CA License plate, “8AOR167”.

We are seeking the communities help in locating the above vehicle and/or suspect and victim.

The suspect, Robert Anthony Camou, is a male White, 27 years old, 6’00ft, 150lbs, Brown hair and Brown eyes.

The victim is, Amanda Kathleen Custer, is a female White, 31 years old, 5’08, 140lbs, brown hair and green eyes.
     
The investigation is ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time.

If anyone has any information regarding the above incident or the whereabouts of the victim, suspect or vehicle pictured they are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Source: https://is.gd/Dq488a

- Brad Haugaard

Sidewalk Repairs Next to Monrovia High for Next Two Weeks

The City of Monrovia has started repairing and replacing crumbling sidewalks in front of Monrovia High School along Colorado Boulevard to ensure the continued safety of students and community members. The project is expected to run during the next two weeks and to be completed by the start of school on Aug. 14.

The project will include tree removal, concrete cutting, and curb removal; the city has indicated the trees will be replanted when the project is finished.

For more information, please contact the City of Monrovia Public Works Department at 932-5575. https://is.gd/RRSHLs

- Brad Haugaard

Lecture on Collecting at John Moran Auctioneers

On August 18, at 2 p.m., Monrovia's John Moran Auctioneers will open its Monrovia Auction House at 145 E. Walnut for a  program about the art of collecting sponsored by the Pasadena Museum of History.

Learn about the history of collecting and the market for acquiring and selling collectibles. A group of collectors will comprise a panel to discuss What? Why? and How? Reservations required. $12 for members of Pasadena Museum of History; $15 general. Tickets here: https://is.gd/3fS0bf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Oak Crest Institute Wins U.S. i6 Government Grant

Oak Crest Institute of Science, a Monrovia-based non-profit science research and education organization, has been approved for full funding support through the i6 Challenge program under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies Program.

Oak Crest is one of only 22 awardees out of 183 applications in 2019, and one of only two awardees from California.

Since 2011, Monrovia has focused its economic development on making the city a premier location for technology and science-focused businesses, such as Oak Crest.

Source: City of Monrovia press release - https://is.gd/ZBzQ5d

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Oto Oto

Dinner at Oto Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant, at the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. Got the Ginger Pork Set for $16.50 and a beer for $7. Came with egg custard, a side dish (I have no idea what it was but it tasted fine), salad, miso soup and rice. Tasted fine. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Sidewalk Inspiration

Someone has decided to inspire the residents along Hillcrest in Monrovia with chalk- drawn quotes. 

- Brad Haugaard 

No, Edison Doesn't Demand Payment in Bitcoin; Mail Thief Flees in Mercedes; Robbery; Stolen Cars; Drunk Drivers; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 432 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.

Injury Traffic Collision
On July 18 at 3:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Myrtle and Evergreen where two vehicles collided. One driver had a complaint of pain and was treated by Monrovia Fire Paramedics before being transported to a hospital. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud Report
On July 18 at 4:34 p.m., a male subject came to the police department to file a fraud report. An unknown suspect claiming to be from a malware company called him and asked for money. He told the victim that someone hacked into his computer and committed fraud, and the victim now owed money. The victim agreed to pay and shipped cash to an address in Alhambra. The officer was able to contact the shipping company and alert them the package was fraudulent. An alert was to be placed on the package to prevent it from being loaded onto a truck and delivered. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
On July 18 at 6:02 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington. Two suspects entered the business and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. They took approximately $400 in cash and 30 cartons of cigarettes, then fled in a silver vehicle. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle or suspects. The suspects are described as two male Blacks in their 30's. One was heavyset wearing a grey hoodie. The other had a thin build and was wearing a white hoodie with dark pants and goggles. The investigation is continuing.

Business Dispute – Suspects Arrested
On July 18 at 11:29 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Huntington regarding a dispute between a family and an Uber driver. The family had been driven around all day by the driver. During that time, the driver’s wallet went missing and was found by one of the family members, but the driver’s money was missing. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. They discovered one of the passengers stole the driver’s money and some blank checks. She was arrested for those charges and an outstanding warrant. A second passenger was arrested for two outstanding warrants, and a third passenger was arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
On July 19 at 8:46 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen reported a vehicle parked in front of their home with collision damage. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Duarte. The same vehicle was stopped by officers the day before with a male subject driving, who was not the owner, but the vehicle had not been reported stolen yet.

Officers arrived at the location and found the vehicle parked. The same male subject that was driving the day before was near the vehicle. After further investigation, the subject was arrested for grand theft auto and the vehicle was returned to the rightful owner.

Injury Traffic Collision
On July 19 at 2:12 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of E. Lime. An officer responded and found both drivers were complaining of pain, but did not have visible injuries. Monrovia Paramedics responded to assist the drivers. After investigation, the party at fault was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Residential Burglary
On July 19 at 2:55 p.m., an alarm company reported an alarm activation at a residence in the 500 block of Norumbega. Officers responded and found the home had been burglarized, but the suspects were not located. The owners of the home were notified, but were not able to immediately respond. The loss is currently unknown and this investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On July 20 at 7:20 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega reported someone had burglarized his vehicle during the night and took items from inside. The vehicle had been parked on the street in front of the owner's house and locked. The suspect gained entry by breaking one of the windows. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
On July 20 at 7:42 a.m., a subject in the 400 block of N. Canyon called police to report his neighbor's door was wide open and broken glass was on the ground next to the door. Officers responded and discovered the house was ransacked, but no suspects were located. The owners were notified of the burglary. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
On July 20 at 8:48 a.m., an alarm was activated at a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded to the business and found the front window had been shattered. The business was closed and no one was inside. Video surveillance revealed a subject shattering the window, but not entering the business. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
On July 20 at 11:15 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Walnut walked outside his apartment and discovered someone had shattered one of his car windows. He had parked his car on the street a half hour prior to discovering the damage. Officers searched the area for possible suspects, but did not locate the suspect. There was no indication the vehicle had been entered and nothing had been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
On July 20 at 11:21 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Norumbega discovered property on his front lawn that belonged to his neighbor. The neighbor was contacted and told officers the property had been stolen from his vehicle the day before, but the incident was not reported. While speaking with the victim, another neighbor approached officers and advised their car was also burglarized sometime during the night. The investigations are continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On July 20 at 2:00 p.m., a caller reported a family argument at a house in the 700 block of Ocean View. Officers responded and found a husband and wife yelling at one another. The two were separated and after investigation, the one of the subjects was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
On July 21 at 12:56 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Foothill and Heliotrope saw a vehicle speeding without headlights during hours of darkness. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft Auto
On July 21 at 7:14 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Hacienda called police to report her vehicle missing. She had parked her vehicle in front of her residence the day before and now it was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On July 21 at 10:09 a.m., a resident called police to report his vehicle had been burglarized in the 300 block of E. Almond. He had parked his vehicle earlier that morning and left it. Upon returning to his vehicle, he discovered the driver-side window had been smashed and items had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
On July 21 at 8:04 p.m., officers responded to the report of a fight in progress in the 300 block of W. Central. Two subjects were separated, and they identified themselves as husband and wife. After investigation, one subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
On July 21 at 11:28 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of E. Foothill. A caller reported his vehicle was stolen from the driveway of his residence. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On July 22 at 8:04 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim parked his vehicle in a parking structure. Upon returning to his vehicle in the morning, he found one of the windows had been smashed and a bag containing passports was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
On July 22 at 12:21 p.m., a caller reported someone had entered his unlocked vehicle while it was parked in the 900 block of S. Fifth. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. The suspect had taken the victims work identification and vehicle registration. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
On July 22 at 3:28 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported at a parking structure in the 200 block of W. Pomona. The victim had left his vehicle parked and unlocked in the structure. Upon returning, he saw his scuba diving equipment had been taken from inside. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud Report
On July 22 at 5:34 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle reported receiving a fraudulent call from a suspect stating they were from Edison. The suspect threatened to shut off his power if he did not pay them over $2,000 in Bitcoin. The victim complied, before realizing it was a fraudulent call. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Tampering
On July 23 at 9:54 a.m., a caller reported finding opened and unopened mail along the 900 block of Ridgeside. Officers responded and determined the mail was from three different addresses. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
On July 23 at 11:21 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision near the intersection of Monterey and Huntington. A vehicle was driving out of a parking lot and failed to yield to a vehicle on the roadway. One party complained of dizziness, but refused medical treatment.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 23 at 4:16 p.m., officers responded to a three vehicle collision near the intersection of Canyon and Greystone. The first vehicle rear ended the second vehicle, which then rear ended the third vehicle. One party complained of pain, but refused transportation to the hospital. The driver of the first vehicle displayed signs and symptoms of being intoxicated. Investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 23 at 6:26 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Central and Mayflower regarding an injury traffic collision. One of the drivers involved displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. An investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Vandalism / Assault
On July 24 at 1:02 p.m., a caller reported an unknown woman was vandalizing his car in the 800 block of Naples. When confronted, the woman yelled at him and then pepper sprayed him. She then jumped inside of her car and drove away. The caller does not know the woman. Officers responded, but could not locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Theft
On July 24 at 5:50 p.m., a caller reported a female subject taking mail from a mailbox at a residence in the 100 block of N. May. The suspect fled the area in a black Mercedes. Officers responded, but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On July 24 at 8:35 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of S. Myrtle regarding a traffic collision. While contacting both parties, one of the drivers involved displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. Investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period.

Arson
On July 24 at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to Canyon Park regarding a fire seen near the entrance. A small brush fire was located near the park entrance and was extinguished by Monrovia Firefighters. A witness reported seeing three subjects lighting fireworks in the area, and fireworks were recovered nearby. This investigation is continuing.

Spoof Article About Trader Joe's

Since Trader Joe's corporate office is in Monrovia, I thought you might get a kick out of this spoof article in The Onion. https://is.gd/X74uen

- Brad Haugaard

Plan for Lucinda Garcia Park; Gold Line Wants Valley Cities' Money; Art Walk This Saturday

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

~ An initial plan is now in place to revamp Lucinda Garcia Park, at Olive and Mayflower. The plan incorporates a path; native plants demo garden; new play equipment, fencing, tables, benches, drinking fountains and lighting; signs; exercise equipment; and bike rack.

~ The Gold Line Construction Authority is short of money "(again!)" and wants to make up the shortfall "out of the $199 million pot of Measure M Equity Funds that were allocated to the broader San Gabriel Valley region." Chi writes that if that happens, "it would almost certainly mean reduced future transit funding for local jurisdictions." The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (the official distributor of the money) will hold a special meeting about this, "and the City will be paying close attention."

~  No $5 Movie Tuesday at Studio Movie Grill on July 30 because of a private event. $5 Movie Tuesday will resume the following Tuesday.

~  The next Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Summer Art Walk will be this Saturday, July 27. Enjoy art along the sidewalk in Old Town

~ Beacon Media News annual Reader's Choice awards names Monrovia library as a "Recommended Library."

~ There's a new podcast called Made in Monrovia. https://is.gd/WcmCKS

~ The elevator serving the parking garage at Colorado Commons has been acting up. The problem parts were obsolete, but Mitsubishi Electric has now been able to get the parts and repairs should be finished by this Friday, July 26.

- Brad Haugaard

Jenny the Cuddle Buddy

Jenny (A479266) is looking forward to having some magic waft her way. This 8-year young, blonde beauty is ready for her second act and a chance at unconditional love. Jenny can be a little shy (perhaps because of her vision impairment) but once she’s comfortable, she’s a sweet, tail wagging, cuddle buddy. This special girl is excited and waiting for you to magically appear!

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

Man Convicted in 2017 Killing at Gem City Grill

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