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One Section of Wilderness Preserve Trail Apparently Wiped Out

Blue = trail, Yellow = bulldozed area (I think), Red = wiped out section of trail.

While the Bobcat fire did not damage the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve, the preserve did suffer rather severe damage from bulldozing, according to people I've spoken with who have accessed the area or are otherwise in a position to know.

The report is that bulldozing along the area known as Coyote Ridge (perhaps to build a fire break) spilled dirt down the hillside and obliterated the section of the trail made up of steep single-track switchbacks.

In the map above I've shown the trail in blue, where I understand the bulldozing to have been in yellow, and the obliterated part of the trail in red.

The city has reported that the preserve will be open soon, but clearly it will not be the same for some time.

- Brad Haugaard

Bulky Item Drop Off Oct. 24.


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to Begin Tree Planting Program

Recently Monrovia lost trees due to the drought and construction, but committed to replacing the removed trees on a 2 for 1 basis, so this fall the city will begin replanting trees in parkways and public spaces, with a focus on replacing trees that were previously removed. It will also consider planting trees in new parkway locations. 

If you are interested in a tree being planted in the parkway in front of your residence or business, complete the interest form (https://is.gd/owGJF3) and submit it by October 30. And if you get a tree, you're responsible for watering it. The City Arborist will review sites and decide where to place the new trees.

For more information contact Jaden Louie at 932-5584 or jlouie@ci.monrovia.ca.us or Daniel Lee at 932-8216 or dlee@ci.monrovia.ca.us

- Brad Haugaard

Earliest Monrovia YMCA Could Open is November 3

A letter from Carol Pfannkuche, Executive Director of the Santa Anita Family YMCA, says that, "More than anything, we want to be able to open our doors to our gyms and pools for healthy lifestyle activities. Right now, Los Angeles County is in the Purple, or Widespread risk category. Gyms can open after the County is in the Red, or Substantial risk category for at least two consecutive weeks. Based on the current rating, the earliest we will have approval to open our facilities will be on November 3rd."

- Brad Haugaard

City Had Budget Surplus, But Will Likely Have a Deficit This Fiscal Year


At its next meeting (agenda:
https://is.gd/je0LiT) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ A revised budget for 2020-21, which shows that, "the General Fund is expected to close the year with a $408,574 surplus." The staff report says that while COVID-19 "impacted several key revenues in Fiscal Year 2019-20, significant adjustments to expenditures were made to offset those adjustments, which include savings in maintenance and operation budgets, savings in personnel budgets (e.g., keeping vacant positions frozen through the end of the fiscal year), and adjusting some transfers out." However ...  "this Fiscal Year 2019-20 surplus will be applied towards the budgetary deficit that is expected at the end of Fiscal Year 2020-21." Lots more data here: https://is.gd/4Rkbln

~ Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. https://is.gd/WTuOZc

~ Declaring two homes as historic landmarks: the English Revival Storybook cottage at 742  E. Lime (https://is.gd/xOF6tL), and the American Colonial Revival style home at 512 West Maple (https://is.gd/6BjR4H).

- Brad Haugaard

Committee to Hunt for Unjust Policies in Schools Will Meet Tuesday

The Monrovia School District's Policy Review Committee will meet (agenda: https://is.gd/LTQok9) by Zoom Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. "to review with District staff and determine whether any policies, practices, and procedures of the District are unjust or unfair; create structural barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion in District governance, employment or enforcement; or perpetuate systemic racism in District affairs and provide a report back to the Board of Education with any recommendations for change the Committee deems advisable for consideration."

You can join the Zoom meeting at https://is.gd/ITtFGx, or submit comments by email, which will be read during the public comments section of the meeting, here: publiccomments@monroviaschools.net

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Church Planning 'Trunk or Treat' Event


Monrovia's Fellowship Church is hosting a drive-through "Trunk-or-Treat" event on Saturday, October 31, from 1-4 p.m. Location to be decided. "Grab a costume, decorate your car, and join us to drive through our goofy Fall viewing experience! You’ll get to see Fellowship staff, participate in interactive games, and receive a gift bag to take home and enjoy." https://is.gd/RsUgy3

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 803 Cases, Up 24; No New Deaths

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 10/14/2020. Changes since 10/06/2020.

City of Monrovia: 803 cases (up 24), 41 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 86 cases (up 3), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

State of the Schools Address Wednesday, Oct. 21

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man Accidentally Buys Stolen Pickup; Man Finds a Safe in Front Yard; Armed Robbery; Catalytic Converters Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 8-14. - Brad Haugaard]


During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 349 service events, resulting in 71 investigations. 

Mail Theft
October 8 at 11:09 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Grand walked outside his house and discovered his mailbox open and his mail scattered in his yard. He did not know when the theft actually occurred. Some of the mail was open and the contents missing. This investigation is continuing. 

Injury Traffic Collision
October 8 at 12:43 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Foothill and California. One of the drivers complained of pain. The party at fault was also found to be driving with no license and no insurance, and was issued a citation. 

Grand Theft From Vehicle
October 9 at 8:45 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Kirkwood walked outside his home and discovered someone had rummaged through his unlocked car sometime during the night. His wallet and sunglasses were stolen. This investigation is continuing. 

Petty Theft
October 9 at 12:55 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Heliotrope discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from his vehicle. This investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
October 9 at 1:18 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Encino reported a male subject just stole welding equipment from the back of his truck. The suspect fled with the stolen goods in his vehicle. Officers searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence/Non-Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 8:51 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Olive called police to report a vehicle just collided into a parked car. Officers arrived and contacted the driver of the vehicle. She was the only occupant and she was not injured. She showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. She was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Found Property
October 9 at 9:25 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Colorado called to report a safe that had been discarded in front of his residence. The safe had a six inch hole in the bottom of it that had been cut out and several items were still inside the safe. The safe did not contain anything to help identify the owner. A crime bulletin was generated and distributed to all Los Angeles County agencies. It is possible the safe had been discarded by burglary suspects. Investigation continuing. 

Vehicle Burglary
October 9 at 9:38 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Walnut called to report his vehicle had been broken into sometime during the night. Power tools and a generator were taken without his permission. Investigation continuing 

Injury Traffic Collision
October 10 at 3:44 p.m., a caller reported three vehicles collided into one another in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded and found two of the drivers were complaining of pain, but did not have visible injuries. Paramedics responded and evaluated the injured persons, however, they refused to go to the hospital. The driver who was found to be at fault was issued a citation. 

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 6:20 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Montana called to report a subject knocking on his door and waving his hands. Officers arrived and located the subject in question, who showed signs of being under the influence of narcotics. A computer check revealed the subject had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and held for a sobering period. 

False Report of an Emergency/Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 10 at 11:19 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington called to report a subject entered his establishment and became argumentative with him. The subject then pulled the fire alarm, causing several hotel guests to leave their rooms in fear of an emergency. Officers responded and located the suspect, who displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Video surveillance showed the suspect was the one who pulled the fire alarm. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 11 at 1:35 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Monterey called police to report a suspicious female knocking on her door. She wasn't expecting anyone, so she called the police. Officers arrived and located the female. A computer check revealed she had a no-bail warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrant. 

Driving Under the Influence
October 11 at 1:39 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Duarte and Magnolia when he saw a traffic violation. A traffic stop was made on the vehicle and the driver was contacted. The driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. 

Grand Theft/Stolen Vehicle Recovered
October 11 at 12:02 p.m., an officer responded to the front of the police station regarding a possible stolen vehicle. The victim told the officer he purchased the Chevy Silverado through OfferUp from a subject in Downey. The victim became suspicious when he saw the dates on the title were incorrect. A computer check of the VIN number revealed it was stolen from a car dealership in Downey. The license plate was stolen from a vehicle in Rancho Cucamonga. The investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
October 11 at 4:44 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington regarding a grand theft of items. Employees said a male suspect entered the store with a bag and took merchandise. The suspect fled in a black BMW. The theft occurred at around 1:00 p.m., but employees waited several hours before calling the police. The investigation is continuing. 

Battery
October 11 at 7:51 p.m., several calls were received regarding a fight in progress at an establishment in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The fight was broken up quickly and the suspect left the area before police arrived. Minor injuries were sustained by the victim. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
October 12 at 3:03 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Olive called police to report three subjects removing the catalytic converter from his nephew's vehicle. The subjects saw the resident and ran to a white sedan, possibly a BMW, and sped away. Officers arrived and searched the area. They located another vehicle parked in the 800 block of W. Walnut that also had its catalytic converter taken. The owner was contacted and a police report was taken. Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft
October 12 at 10:35 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Seymour regarding a theft of jewelry. The victim claimed several items of jewelry have been taken from her residence within the last month. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing. 

Robbery
October 12 at 8:53 p.m., police dispatch received numerous calls reporting a robbery had just occurred at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. A male suspect wearing a face mask and hooded sweatshirt entered the location at closing time. The suspect approached employees, brandished a handgun, and demanded they open the safe and give him the money. The employee opened the safe and gave the suspect the change from the safe. The suspect placed the change in his backpack and fled the store. He was last seen driving west in a newer black Dodge Charger. There were no injuries reported. The investigation is continuing. 

Drug Activity/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 2:24 a.m., officers responded for the third time to the 400 block of E. Greystone for disturbance calls. On the final occurrence, a resident on Valle Vista chased a trespassing male subject from his property into a house on Greystone. The subject was contacted by police and was found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Suspicious Circumstances/Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 8:00 a.m., a resident called from the 400 block of Oakcliff to report a vehicle in the area, possibly casing the area for delivered mail packages. The resident saw the same vehicle the week prior. The vehicle is an older model, red, 4-door vehicle, and was occupied by three subjects wearing black hoodies. An officer saw the vehicle in the 800 Block Norumbega. The vehicle license plate returned out of Long Beach with a warrant and officers stopped the vehicle. A computer check on one of the subjects revealed an outstanding warrant. Officers searched the vehicle, but no mail or packages were found. The driver was cited for a traffic violation. 

Grand Theft
October 13 at 3:45 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 400 block of W. Chestnut regarding a theft of an employee's purse. The victim said her purse was stolen from a yard forklift. There was only one customer in the yard at the time of the theft. The victim will call back when they obtain the company video. Inside the purse was cash, a cell phone and wedding ring. The investigation is continuing. 

Prowling/Resisting an Officer – Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 11:47 p.m., dispatch received calls reporting two subjects carrying a box and climbing a fence at a public storage lot in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and located a suspect inside the lot. The suspect ran from officers, but was located nearby within minutes. The second suspect was not located. A storage area had been burglarized, but officers were unable to tie the crime to the suspect at this time. He was arrested for prowling and resisting an officer. 

Petty Theft
October 14 at 4:14 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding a theft of a catalytic converter. The victim parked his 2008 Honda Element in the parking lot near the exit doors and went inside. The victim returned to the vehicle an hour later and discovered the theft. The investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft
October 14 at 4:57 p.m., a resident in the area of Grand and Aspen called to report a gardener chasing after a gold van on foot. Officers arrived and discovered two suspects in a gold van took the gardener's lawnmowers. Officers did an area check for the vehicle, but did not find it. The suspects were male and female Hispanics in an older gold van. Two lawnmowers were stolen. Investigation continuing. 

Burglary
October 14 at 9:04 p.m., a victim in the 500 block of Falling Leaf Alley stated three bicycles were stolen from the secured area inside the Colorado Commons parking structure. The bikes were stolen sometime over the last week. Two of the bikes were Treks. The victim provided serial numbers for the bikes to be entered as stolen property. Investigation continuing. This investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at BurgerIM

Lunch at BurgerIM, on the east side of Fifth just south of Huntington. Got the Spanish Burger for $7.99 and an iced tea for $2.79. Pleasant covered outdoor seating. Burger was nice and spicy. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Make a Difference Day


- Brad Haugaard 

Church Says ‘Thanks’ to Monrovia Firefighters


In early October members of California Zion Church, joined by Mayor Tom Adams, said “thank you” to firefighters by bringing donations to Monrovia’s Fire Station 101, followed by a parade of about 30 “thank you” message decorated cars.

- Brad Haugaard 

Adoptable Dan, the Lovable Couch Potato


Five-year-old Dan is a big, loveable couch potato. He loves being near his people, and will snuggle up like your best friend before you know it! He also loves to eat, and he’s a smart dog who enjoys food puzzles. His favorite game is tug-o-war, but he also likes chill activities like getting back scratches or napping with his head on your lap. Dan would do best as the only pet in the home, and just wants to give you all his love!

Dan is eligible for a 30-day adoption trial. Take him home for a month, get to know and love him, and we’ll provide all the supplies. At the end of 30 days, you can make your adoption official. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org to get your adoption trial started!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog 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.

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

- Brad Haugaard

All School Board Candidate Statements

Here is a collection of all the candidate statements for those five individuals running for Monrovia School Board. You can vote for up to three candidates to fill the three open seats.

Jennifer Anderson (challenger)

Traci Gholar (challenger) 

Rob Hammond (incumbent) 

Bryan Wong (incumbent) 

Sashary Zaroyan (challenger) 

- Brad Haugaard

Community Development Department to Consider 'Environmental Justice,' Safety and Housing

Monrovia's Community Development Department is launching a comprehensive update to Monrovia's General Plan, examining its Housing Element, Safety Element, and a new element called the Environmental Justice Element.

The Housing Element provides a blueprint for an adequate supply of safe and affordable housing for all economic segments of the community.

The Safety Element identifies and evaluates natural hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, etc. and outlines goals and programs aimed at reducing losses associated with them.

The new Environmental Justice Element will include strategies to address environmental concerns, such as  air quality, and goals to ensure every resident has access to public facilities, healthy food, safe and sanitary homes, and opportunities for physical activity.

Opportunities for community involvement will be announced.

- Brad Haugaard


Jewish Federation Sponsors Town Hall With Consul General of Israel

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will host the Consul General of Israel, Dr. Hillel Newman, for a virtual town hall meeting.

The evening program will feature an up-to-the-minute report on what is going on in Israel, insight into the Abraham Accords (peace deal between Israel and both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain), how Israel is handling COVID-19 and the medical advances coming out of Israel, and more. Attendees will be able to have their questions answered. The event is open to the public, but people need to pre-register by going to www.jewishsgpv.org.

Dr. Hillel Newman became Consul General of Israel in July 2019, where he serves as the senior representative of the State of Israel to the Pacific Southwest. Prior to his post, Newman spent over twenty years in diplomatic service including serving in several influential and critical positions including Policy Advisor to three Foreign Ministers of Israel and Ambassador of Israel to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Most recently, Consul General Newman served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as both Special Policy Advisor to the Director General and as Director of the World Jewish Affairs Department. He has been intimately involved in the most current and pressing issues confronting global Jewry.

"The opportunity to bring a senior representative of Israel, like Consul General Newman, to our community is a," explains Jason Moss, Jewish Federation's Executive Director. "It is my hope that this event will open the eyes of many in our community as they hear what is going on in Israel and the impact Israel has on the entire world."  The event will begin at 7 p.m.

To learn more about this event, or the Jewish Federation's programs and services, please contact the Jewish Federation's Executive Director, Jason Moss by calling 445-0810 or by sending an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.

Source: Jewish Federation press release

- Brad Haugaard

Announcement of School Board Candidacy of Rob Hammond


Hello Monrovia. COVID-19 has changed just about everything on how we operate as a school district except for one critical component, and that is the people.

The school district exists to serve our students, families, and community. In addition, the Board is here to support our administrators, teachers, and staff.

I believe a Boardmember must be fully engaged like never before. In these times of uncertainty I believe I have been present, accountable, accessible, calm, and above all else, understanding.

Everyday parents entrust our school district with their most precious gift, their children. I will keep working to make sure every student receives the education they deserve. I will keep working to make sure every student is ready for the next step in their lives following graduation. I will keep working to ensure the educational experience in Monrovia is second to none.

Sure, times have changed, but I will always remember I am here in the service of our students and parents.
I would very much appreciate your support, and vote, to continue to serve.

Please follow us on our website https://reelectrobhammond.com/ and like us on Facebook re-elect Rob Hammond.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 779, Up 17

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 10/06/2020. Changes since 9/30/2020.

City of Monrovia: 779 cases (up 17), 41 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 83 cases (up 2), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Ballot Box in Library Park

If you don’t want to mail in your ballot, you can drop it off at a variety of places. One of the closest ones is probably at Monrovia Library Park. Here’s the ballot dropbox on Palm Avenue on the north side of the library.

- Brad Haugaard