Trader Joe's NOT Changing Labels On Its Ethnic Foods

According to a report on ABC7, Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is now saying that it does NOT intend to change the labels on its ethnic foods - such as Trader Ming and Trader Jose - based on a petition that said the names were racist, an accusation it denies. Earlier it had appeared the company did intend to change those brand names. https://is.gd/VX3gtJ

- Brad Haugaard

City Manager, Department Heads to Take Pay Cut; 20 Positions Being Left Open; Increased Trash Fees; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/Q8LvTr) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Adjustments to its budget, especially in light of the Covid virus. A few highlights:

- The city manager and department directors will take a voluntary pay cut through the end of the

fiscal year.

- 20 non-critical positions are being kept vacant.

- Many contracts were reviewed and renegotiated for price reductions.

- There have been some savings from facility closures.

- Non-essential overtime was eliminated.

Lots and lots of financial data here for the money-minded: https://is.gd/B099aU

~ Giving Athens Services a5.66 percent raise for picking up trash. For two reasons: 1) Because California law now requires recycling organic waste, which is more costly, and 2) as an adjustment to the Consumer Price Index (i.e. - inflation). Here's how much of an increase you can expect:

Typical Residential: $ 1.88 / month

Typical Multi-Family: $10.72 / month

Typical Commercial: $10.91 / month

Details: https://is.gd/XEfLEc

~ Pulling out of the Foothill Workforce Development Board (an organization made up of various local cities) that provides job assistance with federal money. However, "the City of Monrovia believes that our community, as well as those of Duarte and Arcadia, have been underserved by FWDB." https://is.gd/phHE1S

~ Temporarily hiring back retiring Neighborhood and Business Services Division Manager Sheila Spicer-Batice - who has been with the city for 38 years - at lower pay. https://is.gd/RmRTwy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 519 Cases, Up 4; 34 Deaths, Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/29 . Changes since 07/28 .

City of Monrovia: 519 cases (up 4), 34 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 66 cases (up 2), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Sena

Got dinner from Sena, on the West side of Myrtle just south of Lime. I got the short rib tacos for $12 and a side of beans for $2. Very satisfying! And I love the salsa. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire in Mountains Above Monrovia

It appears there is a forest fire above East Monrovia/Duarte. ABC7 reports it began along the road up Azusa Canyon. 

 

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Escapes into Flood Control Area; Big Vitamin Heist; Thief Switches License Plates; Catalytic Converter Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 23-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 339 service events, resulting in 64 investigations. 

Theft
July 23 at 9:38 a.m., an employee of a business in the 2600 block of California called to report that items were taken from his vehicle while it was parked at the location. The vehicle was left unlocked. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
July 23 at 10:14 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report that someone stole a large amount of cash from his dresser drawer. He shares the apartment with five other people. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
July 23 at 12:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower called police to report a theft. She parked her vehicle in the business parking lot, and when she came out later to start her vehicle, she noticed a loud sound. She discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen off her vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Bicycle Theft
July 23 at 2:41 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Central called police to report her Schwinn beach cruiser had been stolen from her patio. Investigation continuing. 

Suspicious Vehicle / Pursuit
July 24 at 3:01 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of S. Mountain when he saw a suspicious U-Haul vehicle commit a traffic violation. He attempted to stop the vehicle for the violation and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued into Irwindale, where the suspect vehicle deliberately drove into a flood control channel. A witness saw the suspect flee from the vehicle before officers could approach. Outside agencies responded to assist in the search, but the suspect was not located. The vehicle was stored for being used in a crime. Investigation continuing. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 24 at 3:36 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Huntington when he discovered a stolen vehicle parked in the parking lot. The vehicle was unoccupied and it was recovered. The registered owner could not be reached. The vehicle was stored and removed from the system as stolen. 

Grand Theft
July 24 at 2:24 p.m., an employee from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington called police to report that three suspects, two female and one male, entered the store and stole a large amount of vitamins. The suspects had fled prior to police arriving. Investigation continuing. 

Public Intoxication
July 24 at 10:33 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located the subject to check on his welfare. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety or the safety of others. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Theft / Recovered License Plate
July 25 at 10:52 a.m., a resident in the 1900 block of S. Peck called to report the license plate on the back of his vehicle did not belong to his vehicle. An officer responded and ran the license plate. It returned to a stolen vehicle reported earlier in the week. The officer recovered the stolen plate and took a report for the resident’s missing license plate. The investigation is continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
July 25 at 1:18 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte called police to report someone had broken into her locked vehicle and took cash from her center console. There was no sign of forced entry. Investigation continuing. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 25 at 1:53 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a male subject sitting in his van in the 100 block of W. Foothill, yelling at people as they passed. Officers arrived and spoke with the subject. He said he was going to leave the area and the officers left the location. Another call was received a short time later reporting the same subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and a computer check revealed the subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody. 

Grand Theft
July 25 at 3:41 p.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington called police to report an adult female had entered the store, selected several items of merchandise and concealed them in her purse. She then exited the store without paying for the concealed items and the alarm sounded. She ran quickly to her vehicle and fled the area. Investigation continuing. 

Vandalism
July 26 at 6:54 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a building had been vandalized with green spray paint. A report was taken and graffiti removal was notified. 

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Driver Arrested
July 27 at 1:17 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 900 block of W. Colorado. Officers responded and located the vehicle and the driver. The driver showed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period. 

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 27 at 5:31 a.m., police dispatched received a call reporting an abandoned vehicle in the 100 block of E. Evergreen. An officer was dispatched and a computer check determined the vehicle was reported stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department. the vehicle was removed from the stolen vehicle system and the registered owner was notified. 

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 9:35 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject was smoking drugs from a glass pipe in front of the location. An officer arrived and saw the subject holding drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Plans for Education This Fall; Helping Teachers With Tech and World Language Standards

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/jMhDj9) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Plans for distance education this fall. Here is the plan for elementary grades: https://is.gd/tnnyID

And here is the plan for secondary grades: https://is.gd/gmz1Q8

~ Hiring EmpowerED for $3,000 to help elementary dual immersion teachers integrate technology and world language standards in their classes for distance learning (https://is.gd/8vhrLz). And if you're curious what World Language Standards are ... https://is.gd/ooN3ok

- Brad Haugaard

13 More Cases - Now 515; No More Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/28 . Changes since 07/27 .

City of Monrovia: 515 cases (up 13), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 64 cases (up 5), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Toasty Hot Thursday Through Saturday

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures between 97 and 107 degrees for the San Gabriel Valley from 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Saturday with the hottest day being Friday. https://is.gd/pOjKmN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count Breaks 500

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/27 . Changes since 07/26 .

City of Monrovia: 502 cases (up 6), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 59 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Sweet Oreo Needs a Forever Home

Oreo's owner was moving and couldn't take Oreo with him. This sweet cat deserves a wonderful forever home and we know her pretty eyes and beautiful white whiskers will get her noticed! Five-year-old Oreo is understandably a little shy at the shelter - everything is new for her. But she's still been confident enough to approach our staff and ask for pets with a head bump. With the stability of a loving home, Oreo will be a loving cat. She just needs someone to take a chance on her!

The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cat adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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 and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

496 Cases, Up 10. No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/26 . Changes since 07/25 .

City of Monrovia: 496 cases (up 10), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 59 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 486 - Up 5

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/25 . Changes since 07/24 .

City of Monrovia: 486 cases (up 5), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 59 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 481

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/24 . Changes since 07/23 .

City of Monrovia: 481 cases (up 7), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 56 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 474 - Up 8

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 07/23 . Changes since 07/22 .

City of Monrovia: 474 cases (up 8), 33 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 56 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 3 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

ChalkDemic! Sidewalk or Driveway Chalk Art Show

Monrovia ChalkDemic! will be held from Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2. It's free and the canvas can be your home's sidewalk, driveway or driveway apron.

Prizes are $50 gift certificates to Old Town Monrovia merchants. One each to the top three Monrovia resident entries and top three professional artist entries.

For further information contact Christine Gelz at christine@monroviafinearts.org, or Frank Zgonc at frazgo@msn.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner from Jake’s Road House

Dinner from Jake’s Road House tonight. It’s on the east side of Myrtle just north of Olive. Got the Barbecue Chicken Salad for $13.95.  It was tasty, and filling, and there’s plenty left over for tomorrow.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 466, Up 5. 33 Deaths, Up 1

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m. July 21:

Monrovia: 466 (up 5 since 8 p.m. July 20), 33 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 53 (unchanged), no deaths.
Glen Park (assisted living, 110 N Mountain), 3 cases, no deaths.
Trader Joe's market: 5 cases, no deaths.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to Meet Weekly Until School Starts

In light of all the changes that have to be made because of the plague, the Monrovia School Board has decided to meet every week until the first day of school in order  to better inform the public on its progress. That according to School Board Vice President Bryan Wong.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Trespassing to Skate; Stealing Vehicles, and From Vehicles; Drugs and Stuff

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 356 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
July 16 at 10:19 a.m., a guest at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington called police to report his vehicle had been burglarized sometime during the night in the hotel parking lot. Officers arrived and discovered several personal items were stolen and the interior of the vehicle was ransacked. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 16 at 10:50 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Pomona called police to report that his ex-wife was inside his house. He advised that he had a court order restraining her from being near him due to a past incident of domestic violence. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation, as the female subject was still at the location. The court order was confirmed and she was arrested for violating the domestic violence restraining order.

Grand Theft Auto
July 17 at 7:48 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. The vehicle is a work van and it was taken sometime during the night. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 8:39 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain when he observed a subject asleep in his vehicle. The officer contacted the subject to check on his welfare. As the subject stepped out of his vehicle, the officer observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of multiple controlled substances. The subject was arrested.

Vandalism
July 17 at 8:39 p.m., an officer drove by the skate park in the 800 block of E. Olive and saw numerous subjects skating. The lock had been cut off. The officer replaced the lock and reviewed surveillance video. The footage showed an adult male cutting the lock off the gate. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 18 at 6:59 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Huntington and Mayflower. Officers arrived and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain, but did not have any visible injuries. Paramedics from the Monrovia Fire Department responded. After investigating the collision, the driver found to be at fault was issued a citation.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
July 18 at 10:05 a.m., a resident called police to report three male subjects fighting at a home in the 400 block of Monrovista. Officers responded and located the subjects, who had stopped fighting. After investigation, two of the subjects placed the third subject under private person’s arrest. The officers arrested and took custody of the aggressor.

Trespassing
July 18 at 5:07 p.m., an officer was patrolling the Monrovia Skate Park in the 800 block of E. Olive when he saw ten juveniles skating against the City's order, closing skating activity in the park. The juveniles were advised of the order and they left the park.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Weapons Violation – Suspects Arrested
July 18 at 5:33 p.m., officers were patrolling the area of Alta Vista and Walnut when they saw a motorist commit a driving violation. They stopped the vehicle and found the driver had a warrant for her arrest. The driver was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and an illegal throwing star. The passenger was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Both subjects were arrested.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
July 19 at 2:24 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 600 block of S. Myrtle saw a subject walk behind a closed business. He made contact with the subject, which ultimately led to the subject admitting he had a controlled substance on his person. The subject was searched, and it was confirmed that he was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 19 at 12:01p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of El Norte. An officer responded, and the investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of El Monte. The vehicle was recovered.

Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
July 19 at 2:32 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen near the intersection of Lemon and Primrose. The vehicle was entered into the Stolen Vehicle System, and about an hour later, the vehicle was located and recovered by Irwindale Police Department. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales / Weapons Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 2:17 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. An investigation revealed the driver had a suspended license and was on probation for drug sales. A search of the vehicle resulted in numerous controlled substances packaged for sale being found. Also recovered was cash and a large machete. The suspect was arrested.

Grand Theft Auto
July 21 at 7:15 a.m., a resident reported that his vehicle was stolen out of his driveway in the 300 block of N. Myrtle. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. It appears a spare key to the vehicle was used to take it during the early hours of the morning. This investigation is continuing.

Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 8:15 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a male subject screaming profanities. Officers contacted the subject, and the investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Theft / Fraud
July 21 at 8:35 a.m., the victim of a theft called police to report that her credit cards were stolen from her unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of E. Cherry. The cards were currently being used at business in Duarte. Officers responded to the business, but the suspects had fled the location and were not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Tampering
July 21 at 9:20 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of N. Alta Vista regarding a possible theft from two vehicles. Both vehicles had been left unlocked while parked in the driveway. Sometime during the night, someone entered both vehicles and ransacked them. It appears nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
July 21 at 7:20 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft in progress. Two suspects fled from loss prevention officers after taking merchandise from the business without paying for it. Officers searched the area and were able to locate and detain both suspects. The stolen property was recovered and both suspects were arrested.