- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Celebrates Veterans Day
City's Budget 'Extremely Positive'; Giving City Manager a Raise; Working on Water System's Electrical System; Etc.
~ Receive a quarterly budget report showing the city is doing a $6.54 million better financially than expected. From the report: "The preliminary outlook for the City's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2021-22 is extremely positive. As City Council will recall, based on the Revised Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget, presented in May 2022, the General Fund was originally expected to close the year with a $2.87M surplus. However, due to a series of one-time revenues received during the year, a strong overall performance in many revenues, and savings in expenditure budgets, there is an estimated surplus of $6.54M for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year. The majority of the positive variance to budget is due to strong revenues exceeding expectations and the collection of several one-time revenues during the year, making up $2.67M of the variance to budget. Additionally, savings in maintenance and operations expenditures contributed $0.99M to this positive ending position. Most savings in this category is due to staff's diligent management of departmental operating budgets (i.e., only spending what was necessary)." t.ly/SWPF
~ Consider bumping City Manager Dylan Feik's salary up by five percent, from $227,115 to $238,471. t.ly/-Rba
~ Consider hiring Mel Smith Electric to replace the electrical equipment that runs the city's water system. "The current electrical system has reached the end of its useful life, with at least one switchgear reaching such an advanced stage of decline that multiple electrical contractors have refused to service the equipment due to safety concerns." The contract is for $2,977,940 with a contingency amount up to $297,794. t.ly/-Ct2
~ Receive a report on the city's response to recommendations of its ad hoc Committee on Equity and Inclusion, formed in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. The committee "did not find or identify any policies, practices or procedures which present barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion" but still made 48 recommendations. This is a report on the city's progress on those recommendations: t.ly/Vd4M
~ Consider updating the city's building code by adopting the 2022 edition of the California Building Code and the 2022 California Fire Code. t.ly/30Zc
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Lots of Alcohol or Drug Incidents; Man Breaks Windows, Steals Cash in Register; Multiple Shots Fired on Peck Road; Etc.
Municipal Code Violations – Suspects Arrested
November 2 at 1:35 a.m., while on patrol an officer saw three subjects in a park in the 600 block of S. Shamrock after hours. The subjects were arrested, cited and released at the scene.
Vandalism
November 3 at 9:00 a.m., a vandalism was reported in the 400 block of Hurstview. The caller reported a home window was broken. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 1:08 p.m., an officer saw a suspect acting suspicious near a train platform in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. Officers detained the suspect and determined the suspect had a warrant. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 4:16 p.m., officers responded to a family disturbance in the 200 block of W. Cherry. Officers contacted the suspect and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail to be held for a sobering period.
Vandalism
November 3 at 9:56 p.m., a caller reported she had parked her vehicle in the 700 block of Genoa. Several hours later she returned to her vehicle and saw that someone had scratched it. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 3 at 11:47 p.m., an officer observed a traffic violation in the area of Primrose and Maple and pulled the vehicle over. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and a DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Department.
Domestic Violence
November 4 at 9:10 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry reported her ex-boyfriend arrived at her home to retrieve personal belongings. They started arguing and he hit her causing an injury. The suspect fled the scene. Officers searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 4 at 9:49 p.m., a caller reported two motorists collided into one another at the intersection of Ivy and Chestnut. Officers arrived and found no one was injured. The driver found to be at fault was issued a citation.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 4 at 10:32 p.m., employees of a coffee shop in the 200 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject was on their property, passed out and heavily intoxicated. Officers arrived and determined she was unable to care for herself. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 12:14 a.m., while on patrol in the area of Colorado and Magnolia an officer saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The officer stopped the motorist and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
November 5 at 7:04 p.m., a disturbance was reported in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and determined that a couple had been arguing while driving. The argument escalated and the female punched the male subject. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 6 at 12:12 a.m., while on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen an officer saw a motorist commit a driving violation. The officer stopped the motorist and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Warrant Arrests – Suspects Arrested
November 6 at 8:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding suspicious male subjects. Officers arrived and during the investigation determined one of the subjects had multiple warrants for his arrest. The second subject was on parole and during the investigation lied about his identity. He was arrested for parole violation and taken into custody.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
November 6 at 12:15 a.m., several callers reported hearing multiple shots in the 1800 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived and conducted an area search for a male suspect. No one was struck by the gunshots. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
November 7 at 12:51 a.m., a witness in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a male adult approach a business and throw a rock through a front window. The male entered the business and left shortly after. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect but he was not located. The loss was loose change from the register. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 7 at 1:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Monterey and Huntington when he saw a traffic accident that had just occurred. No injuries reported. The driver at fault had no valid license and was issued a citation.
Fire
November 7 at 5:37 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 600 block of E. Colorado. Officers arrived and evacuated a male subject. They were unable to get inside to try and extinguish the fire due to the smoke being too thick. Officers blocked off the surrounding streets to allow the Monrovia Fire Department to move in.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 1:31 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and observed a subject in a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and during the investigation discovered the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested, cited and released on the scene.
Overdose
November 9 at 1:45 a.m., while on patrol officers noticed shoes protruding out of bushes behind a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. During an investigation officers discovered a male subject displaying symptoms of an overdose. The officers delivered four doses of Narcan and he began breathing better. Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 9 at 8:35 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Eighth and Duarte. A vehicle pulled out onto Duarte and didn't see the other vehicle approaching. The driver at fault was unlicensed. She was issued a citation and her vehicle was stored.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 8:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive for a welfare check. An elderly female's daughter had moved all her belongings into the location without permission. Officers arrived and a computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 1:43 p.m., a caller reported a female in the 100 block of N. Garfield had a warrant for her arrest. Officers responded to the location and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed there was a warrant for her arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Trespassing / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested
November 9 at 11:49 p.m., a security guard in the 200 block of W. Evergreen reported subjects in a vacant home. Officers arrived to the location and contacted several subjects who were not authorized to be there. During the investigation it was discovered that one of the subjects was on active parole and another was in possession of stolen property and drugs. Both subjects were arrested without incident.
Commercial Burglary
November 7 at 12:51 a.m., a witness in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a male adult approach a business and throw a rock through a front window. The male entered the business and left shortly after. Officers conducted an area search for the suspect but he was not located. The loss was loose change from the register. This investigation is continuing.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 7 at 1:09 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Monterey and Huntington when he saw a traffic accident that had just occurred. No injuries reported. The driver at fault had no valid license and was issued a citation.
Fire
November 7 at 5:37 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 600 block of E. Colorado. Officers arrived and evacuated a male subject. They were unable to get inside to try and extinguish the fire due to the smoke being too thick. Officers blocked off the surrounding streets to allow the Monrovia Fire Department to move in.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 1:31 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Myrtle and observed a subject in a park after hours. The officer contacted the subject and during the investigation discovered the subject was in possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested, cited and released on the scene.
Overdose
November 9 at 1:45 a.m., while on patrol officers noticed shoes protruding out of bushes behind a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. During an investigation officers discovered a male subject displaying symptoms of an overdose. The officers delivered four doses of Narcan and he began breathing better. Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital.
Non-Injury Traffic Collision
November 9 at 8:35 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Eighth and Duarte. A vehicle pulled out onto Duarte and didn't see the other vehicle approaching. The driver at fault was unlicensed. She was issued a citation and her vehicle was stored.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 8:44 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive for a welfare check. An elderly female's daughter had moved all her belongings into the location without permission. Officers arrived and a computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 9 at 1:43 p.m., a caller reported a female in the 100 block of N. Garfield had a warrant for her arrest. Officers responded to the location and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed there was a warrant for her arrest. The subject was arrested per the authority of the warrant and taken to the Monrovia Police Department.
Trespassing / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested
November 9 at 11:49 p.m., a security guard in the 200 block of W. Evergreen reported subjects in a vacant home. Officers arrived to the location and contacted several subjects who were not authorized to be there. During the investigation it was discovered that one of the subjects was on active parole and another was in possession of stolen property and drugs. Both subjects were arrested without incident.
By Tuesday We Should Be Reasonably Sure Whether Measure MM Passed
While the measure is currently ahead in the voting, having 58.69% of the vote, about 4% above the 55% needed to pass, there are still votes to be counted, and the county doesn't expect to certify the election results until December 5.
But we probably won't need to wait until then to have a good idea of whether it has passed.
I spoke with City Clerk Alice Atkins, who has had experience in numerous elections, and asked her when we could be reasonably certain of the results. Her best estimate - this coming Tuesday.
She wrote: "I think I'm comfortable saying that depending on the spread, results released next Tuesday could be a good indicator of whether Measure MM has the number of votes necessary to pass (55%). In my experience, following that count, the processing slows and changes are less dramatic, but in close races leads do sometimes flip.
"Also, according to the County, the number of mail ballot returns for MUSD is 6,527, with 1,889 still to be processed. Keep in mind, state law allows for mail ballots to be received up through Tuesday of next week, so long as they were postmarked no later than election day, so that number of outstanding ballots will change as the County continues to pick up mail."
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Peach Cafe
Lunch at Peach Cafe, near the corner of Colorado and Ivy. Got the Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $13.95 and a coffee for $2.50. Very good.
- Brad Haugaard
School Bond Measure MM Well Ahead in Voting
- Brad Haugaard
No Flooding Apparent in North Monrovia at 5 PM
- Brad Haugaard
Low Water Landscaping Workshop Saturday
"In this workshop you will learn the benefits of native plants, how to use them in your landscape and you will help plant over 600 native plants to complete the meadow project." t.ly/atmN
Following the workshop there will be a native plant sale at the Monrovia Historic Museum at 742 E. Lemon.
- Brad Haugaard
Bucky is Everybody's Best Buddy
Bucky is a three-year old Siberian Husky who is ready to be your best buddy. His happy grin can’t help but make people smile, and he basks in all the attention he draws from everyone around.
It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The way to Bucky’s heart is through butt scratches. It’s his favorite thing in the world! He is very content to be the recipient of all the scritches and scratches that you can manage. Of course, he’s also a fan of treats, so don’t forget about those!
Buddy recently got to be an office dog for one of our staff members, and he had a great time! He really enjoyed looking out the window and watching people walk down the sidewalk. He also enjoyed greeting everyone who walked down the hall in front of the office. Bucky probably has a future career in hospitality!
If you’re looking for an extrovert who is ready for any party, Bucky’s your guy.
The adoption fee for dogs is $150. 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.
View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Xencor Reports $32.8 Million Third Quarter Loss
Monrovia's Xencor Inc. has reported a $32.8 million loss in its third quarter, or a loss of 55 cents per share. The company develops "engineered antibodies and cytokines for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases." t.ly/pI-k
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Interior of Elegant First National Bank
First National Bank interior. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
Last Surviving Monrovia VFW Veteran to Have Served in World War II Has Died
A letter by Robert Parry in remembrance of Norman Ross.
"I learned this morning that Norman Ross passed away recently. Norman was, notably, the last surviving World War II vet in the Monrovia VFW. He was in his 90s and (until I lost touch with him a couple of years ago, at least) still driving and enjoying libations at the post regularly.
"Norm was black and had lived in Monrovia for at least 50 years. He told me of the era -- in my life time -- when the city pool was segregated and he could only swim one day a week. This also means, of course, he served in the Navy when it was very segregated. Norm loathed false complaints of racism almost as much as actual racism.
"He was a character who will be missed."
Robert Parry
Possible Mudflows in North Monrovia; Sandbags Available
With the National Weather Service forecasting thunderstorms through Wednesday morning, L.A. County Department of Public Works issued a Phase 2 Debris and Mudflow Potential Forecast for the neighborhood of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive. This means moderate debris and mudflows are possible. LA County Department of Public Works and the Monrovia Public Works Department will respond to any mud and debris flow.\
A limited number of prefilled gravel bags are available at the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 Mountain Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016). Gravel is also available at Recreation Park (847 E Olive Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016). Gravel at Recreation Park is self-serve. The city will provide bags and gravel; residents must bring their own shovels, gloves, and eye protection. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 932-5575.
- Brad Haugaard
Library Storytime at Rotary Park Nov. 12
The Library will hold a special Storytime for children at Rotary Park (401 S. California Ave.) on Saturday, November 12, at 10 a.m. With city naturalists, there will be stories, music, dancing, singing and learning.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Code Enforcement One of Best in Country; Field of Flags for Veterans Day; Museum Holding 30th Anniversary Open House; History Tour; More Mulch
~ Monrovia became the first government agency in California to receive national accreditation for code enforcement. The accreditation is awarded by the American Association of Code Enforcement to agencies across the country that meet the strict and extensive requirements. Since 2018, there have only been seven other agencies in the country that have achieved this designation, none from California until now.
~ On Veterans Day, November 7, Monrovia will have its field of flags in Library Park to honor veterans. Residents may write a message of appreciation and tie it to a flag pole. City staff will be available to hand out tags for those wishing to thank veterans. For more information, contact Community Services at 256-8246.
~ Monrovia Historical Museum will hold its 30th Anniversary Open House On Saturday, November 13. A new exhibit, IDEAS, highlights individuals and organizations who fought bigotry and segregation throughout the city's history. Admission is free. RSVP at the museum website: t.ly/G2ET
~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead another two-hour journey tracing the town's history from its origins to the present day. $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm.
~ The Public Works Department and Athens Services biannual compost and mulch event is over but compost is still available. If you'd like some make a reservation to pick it up by calling 932-5562 or email pbeglarian@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
- Brad Haugaard
Weekly Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 26 More Cases, No More Deaths
Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 12
p.m.,
11/02/2022. Changes since
10/26/2022.
City of Monrovia: 10,730 cases (up 26), 110 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,141 cases (up 2), 5 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
City of Monrovia: 10,730 cases (up 26), 110 deaths (unchanged)
Unincorporated Monrovia: 1,141 cases (up 2), 5 deaths (unchanged)
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Traffic Accidents; Drug Overdose; Shoplifting, Burglaries, Etc.
Commercial Burglary
October 27 at 4:07 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw the front doors had been forced open. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
October 27 at 7:21 a.m., the victim called stating there were two vehicles in the 100 block of W. Pomona that had the catalytic converters stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Accident
October 27 at 12:28 p.m., an injury traffic collision was reports in the 900 W. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined a party involved had to be transported to the hospital.
Injury Traffic Accident
October 27 at 1:02 p.m., officers responded to the area of Central and Magnolia regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian complained of pain and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Residential Burglary
October 27 at 4:11 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of E. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined the point of entry. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
October 28 at 1:32 a.m., an alarm activation was reported in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and found the front door of a business was open. Officers entered the location and determined the cash register had been ransacked. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
October 28 at 8:26 a.m., an officer responded to a report that the traffic signals at the intersection of Huntington and California were not functioning properly. As the officer arrived they saw a vehicle failed to stop and collide with another vehicle. One of the involved parties complained of pain. A citation was issued to the party at fault.
Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
October 28 at 7:19 p.m., a caller reported a fight in progress in the 300 block of S. California. Officers arrived and determined no fight had occurred, but an involved subject was extremely intoxicated. The subject was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period. Once in the jail, MFD was called due to the subject's intoxication. MFD transported the subject to the hospital for treatment.
Traffic Collison
October 28 at 9:07 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of E. Lime. Officers arrived and determined a vehicle conducted an unsafe turning movement and collided into a vehicle. One of driver’s was transported to the hospital due to complaint of pain.
Death Report
October 29 at 2:36 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Alamitas regarding a caller that found a family member unconscious and not breathing. MPD and MFD responded and applied life saving measures, but unfortunately she passed away. No foul play was suspected and natural causes was possibly the cause of death. The deceased was later taken to a local mortuary.
Injury Traffic Collision
October 29 at 10:43 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 300 block of N. Grand between a vehicle and a bicyclist. The bicyclist had abrasions and was transported to a local hospital.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
October 29 at 7:08 p.m., a domestic violence was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and determined a female subject caused injury to her child's father over an argument. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Shoplifting Report
October 29 at 9:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding a female subject who stole items from a store and fled. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspect Arrested
October 30 at 2:34 a.m., a battery was reported in the 200 block of W. Colorado. Officers arrived and determined a male subject assaulted two people. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Commercial Burglary
October 30 at 6:35 a.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm in the 2600 block of Peck. Officers arrived and confirmed a burglary did occur. This investigation is continuing.
Injury Traffic Collision
October 30 at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the intersection of Foothill and Canyon. One party complained of pain, but refused treatment. There was conflicting witness statements at the scene. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
October 31 at 7:40 am, a resident in the 300 block of Linwood reported their catalytic converter was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Stalking
October 31 at 2:13 pm, officers responded to the 700 block of Bonita regarding a victim reporting that a female he had a restraining order against, violated the order. This investigation is continuing.
Traffic Collision
October 31 at 6:57 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Mountain and Lemon. The drivers complained of pain. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 1 at 3:02 a.m., officers made contact with two subjects for loitering in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle after hours. A computer check revealed warrants for both subjects. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft
November 1 at 10:14 a.m., a theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The victim called to report property from his truck was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
November 1 at 3:58 p.m., officers were in the 100 block of E. Central when a subject walked up to them and stated he didn't want to live anymore and wanted to harm himself. He was detained and taken to a mental facility.
Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 5:14 a.m., an alarm activation was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and noticed the front glass window was broken. This investigation is continuing.
Overdose
November 2 at 1:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of E. Palm regarding a female at the location who had possibly overdosed. Officers responded and the female had a pulse but was not breathing. She was given Narcan and it revived her and started her breathing again. Paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital. This investigation is continuing.
Battery
November 2 at 2:23 p.m., a battery was reported in the 2600 block of S. Myrtle. The owner of a business said a customer came in to pick up items that were left at the location. The customer became upset and hit the owner in the face. The suspect left the location before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.
Commercial Burglary
November 2 at 4:58 p.m., a loss prevention officer from a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called stating three suspects came to the location and took merchandise and left without paying. This investigation is continuing.
Dinner at Bella Sera
Dinner at Bella Sera, on the east side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Ordered the Chicken Parmesan for $28 and a beer for $7. Nice.
- Brad Haugaard
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