Pea-Fowl Invade Monrovia

I took this picture today of two peahens (fancy tail is on the other side of the family, the peacock) near the parking area just south of Lime and west of Myrtle. Wandered in from Arcadia I guess. Hope they're just passing through.

- Brad Haugaard

Deer Dining Spot in Monrovia

Deer enjoying snacking on a lawn on Canyon in north Monrovia. My presence didn't bother them at all.
- Brad Haugaard

Wrestling Bears in Monrovia Park - Yawn, More Bears

Mama Bear: Back off!

With heads down, huffing and puffing as we rode our bikes to the top of Monrovia Canyon Park today, we came within 20 feet of a mama and baby bear wrestling in the middle of the road before I glanced up.

"Wait!Wait!Wait!Wait!Wait!" I yelled to my biking buddy.

I snapped some shots as the bears ambled off the road, and then we made our way to the top and I took another picture from above, but mama bear looked like she was getting a bit grumpy (as you can see above), and we were getting a bit nervous, so when the bears decided to check out the nature center, we skittered down the hill.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Canyon Rattlers

This rattlesnake (in Monrovia Canyon Park) took a lunge at my biking buddy today. I think they were both surprised. We saw two rattlers within three minutes. This one is the biggest I've ever seen.

Bears, Bears, Bears - in Monrovia and Elsewhere

I received a note from a Monrovia correspondent the other day entitled "bears bears bears," which read:

 

"The past three nights, when my husband and I have gone out to do our walks, we've had to turn back because of bears.  Bears are all the buzz.  Bears are all the rage.  Praying nothing bad happens!"

 

And then I saw this NY Times story about increasing numbers of human run-ins with bears: http://goo.gl/INlqB

 

I've seen plenty of black bears - even in my back yard - and never had a problem, but it is wise to remember they're wild animals and not safe, Samson notwithstanding.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Rattlesnake Above Monrovia

It's spring and the mountains above Monrovia are full of many happy little woodland creatures, like this rattler, which I almost ran over on my bike. - Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Deer

These deer were all munching in someone's front yard on Scenic Drive. They saw me but couldn't care less. Can you spot all seven of them?

- Brad Haugaard

The Bear That Made Monrovia Famous

More on Monrovia' Fiberglas bears - based on Samson the Hot Tub Bear - which will soon be decorating the downtown: http://goo.gl/kL7ML

 

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Lion Alert

From the City Website:

A mountain lion has been sighted during the evening hours in the mountainous area around the 1100 block of Norumbega Road. California Fish and Game has been advised and is monitoring the situation. Residents in the area are encouraged to be alert to their surroundings and use appropriate precautions with their children and pets. http://www.ci.monrovia.ca.us/

More detail: http://goo.gl/oFAPZ

- Brad Haugaard

40 Years in Prison, Meth, Fighting, Mountain Lion, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Feb. 3-9. - Brad Haugaard]

  

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 525 service events, resulting in 101 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

 

Update - Gang member sentenced for 2007 attempted murder

February 2, 2011, Monrovia Police Department detectives concluded the prosecution of a Monrovia Nuevo Varrio gang member who was responsible for the 2007 shooting and attempted murder of an individual in the 200 block of Cherry.  The suspect was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

 

Vehicle Burglary

February 3 at 8:06 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Wildrose regarding a vehicle burglary.  He arrived on scene and the victim reported his vehicle had been broken into during the night.  The loss is unknown and the investigation is continuing.

 

Injury Traffic Collision

February 3 at 8:15 p.m., a vehicle collided into a light pole at Mountain, just north of the 210 Freeway.  The light pole fell onto a main power grid line.  Officers blocked Mountain until Edison arrived to clear the downed active line.  The driver of the vehicle was not hurt; however, the passenger had minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

February 4 at 10:46 p.m., an officer on patrol located an unoccupied stolen vehicle.  The vehicle was a 1995 Honda and was parked on Chestnut in front of a business.  A DMV computer check confirmed it was stolen out of Monterey Park.  No suspects were located.

 

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of Marijuana / Outstanding Warrant  - Three Suspects Arrested

February 5 at 4:30 a.m., an officer stopped a driver at Magnolia and Lemon for possibly driving under the influence.  After conducting an investigation, it was determined the driver was, in fact, under the influence.  The front passenger was found to be in possession of a paper bag full of Marijuana, totaling just over three ounces.  The rear passenger was found to have an outstanding warrant.  All three subjects were arrested. 

 

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Public Intoxication - Suspect Arrested

February 6 at 1:12 a.m., officers responded to a disturbing subject call at a night club in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  As the officer arrived, the subject ran from him.  The officer apprehended the subject near Ivy and Palm.  The subject was determined to be a minor under the influence of alcohol.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Fighting / Drunk in Public - Three Subjects Arrested

February 6 at 1:56 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Palm and Myrtle observed several females fighting.  He requested assisting officers, who responded and the involved parties where detained.  The investigation revealed the females all know each other, but due to their intoxicated state, they argued and two of them got into a physical altercation.  All three subjects were arrested. 

 

Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested

February 6, a Special Enforcement Team officer conducted a traffic stop, and the resulting search revealed the subject was in possession of methamphetamine and a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  He was arrested for the narcotics charges and three outstanding warrants.

 

Police Pursuit - Suspect Arrested

February 6 at 9:09 a.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Lincoln Place regarding vehicle vandalism in progress.  The suspect was last seen driving north on Lincoln.  An officer located the suspect vehicle at Hillcrest, east of Myrtle.  Officers attempted a traffic stop with emergency lights, but the vehicle failed to yield and increased speed.  The vehicle went through several posted stop signs and a residential alley.  The pursuit ended in the 200 block of Canyon Crest, where the suspect fled on foot.  Containment was set up with the assistance of two units from Arcadia Police Department.  Officers conducted a search of the area with no results.  As officers were about to leave the area, the suspect was spotted in the 100 block of North Ivy.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident and positively identified by the witness.  The suspect was also wanted for criminal threats.  

 

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Possession of Methamphetamine - Suspects Arrested

February 6 at 4:43 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting two male subjects fighting in the 800 block of West Duarte.  When the officer arrived, he saw a subject loitering near the passenger side of a parked vehicle and another subject in the driver's seat.  The subject on the outside of the vehicle had head injuries consistent with a fight.  As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver sped off south on Eighth and pulled into the carport area of an apartment complex, where the driver fled on foot.  The second subject also tried to flee, but was detained.  The Foothill Air Support helicopter assisted in the search for the first suspect.  Officers eventually located the suspect hiding in the laundry room of the complex.  Further investigation revealed the subject received the head injuries from an unrelated traffic collision and had just been released from the hospital.  The suspects were arrested for resisting and delaying officers.  One of the suspects was in possession of methamphetamine when arrested.

 

Disturbing Subject / Resisting and Delaying a Pease Officer - Suspect Arrested

February 6 at 9:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of North Canyon regarding an intoxicated adult throwing furniture and demanding vehicle keys from his family members.  The family members refused to give the suspect the keys because he was too intoxicated to drive.  The family members locked themselves in a bedroom and called police.  When officers arrived, they were greeted by the intoxicated suspect, who became aggressive and yelled profanities at the officers.  Officers attempted to check the welfare of the family members, but were obstructed by the intoxicated suspect.  Officers had to arrest the suspect in order to control him.  The officers were then able to check on the family members and found they were not harmed.  The suspect was taken into custody and later released after a sobering period. 

 

Animal Problem - Coyote

February 7 at 6:49 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Wildrose called to report a coyote had jumped her fence and attacked her cat.  Animal Control responded to the location and found the coyote had attacked and killed the cat.  The coyote had left the location and returned again several times during the incident.  While animal control was at the location the coyote was seen again near the yard before it fled the area.  Later that same evening police received another call of a coyote seen at an apartment complex at Foothill and Magnolia, and later there was another sighting at Magnolia and Huntington.  The Department of Fish and Game was notified.

 

Search Warrant - Three Suspects Arrested

February 8, 2011, Special Enforcement Team officers and detectives served a search warrant in the 500 block of East Foothill.  Officers recovered a handgun, drugs and stolen property.  Three suspects were arrested.

 

Mountain Lion Sighting

February 9 at 9:06 p.m., a resident driving in the 1100 block of Norumbega saw a mountain lion in the middle of the road that was approximately 125 pounds.  An officer was dispatched to the area and located the mountain lion.  The officer used a beanbag gun and managed to send the mountain lion back into the hills.  

Bear Poles / Basketball / Cupid / Author Talk / Rockin' Women / Tutoring

~ Along the Ben Overturff road, in Forest Service area above Monrovia Canyon Park, you see a lot of telephone poles (who has a phone up there I've no idea), all of which have scratch marks almost exactly six feet off the ground. Bear scratching posts. As you can see from the thin photo below, those bears could eventually chop down a pole. It got me thinking: When they replace a pole, maybe they ought to cut the old one off about seven feet from the ground instead of three feet. That way the bears would have a nice broken-in phone pole to scratch and maybe the new poles would last a lot longer. (No extra charge for that idea.)

~ Boys basketball; Monrovia 62, San Marino 31 :-) http://goo.gl/iV8qA

~ On Saturday, February 12, from 2 - 3 p.m. Cupid is bringing some favorite stories, songs, crafts and film to the library in honor of love, hearts and Valentines. For ages 4 years through 5th grade. http://goo.gl/O0Vr3

~ Author Daniel McLaurin will talk about his book, "32 Minutes of Greatness," the story of the Hillside High basketball team of Durham, North Carolina, and how it persevered in the face of mid-1960s racism. Wednesday, Feb 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/DSA4I

~ The Monrovia Library will be holding a "Women Who Rock" performance in the lobby on Tuesday March 29, at 6:30. If you are a musically talented woman, contact Youth Services Librarian Rebecca Diaz at rdiaz@ci.monrovia.ca.us. http://goo.gl/W86nT

~ Monrovia's AVID tutoring program. http://goo.gl/YCaPT

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Valentine / Fiberglas Bears

~ Win an Old Town Monrovia Valentine's Day Weekend! A 40-inch teddy bear; a dozen red roses; breakfast, lunch or dinner at your favorite Old Town Monrovia restaurant. Details here: http://goo.gl/66G0R

 

~ The artist-decorated 3- to 4-foot-tall Fiberglas bears we mentioned earlier ( http://goo.gl/A3PeI ) have been announced by city officials. They'll be sprinkled around town. http://goo.gl/oy4jm

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Samson: Merry Christmas!

Someone has made sure that the Samson the Bear statue in Monrovia Canyon Park is in the Christmas spirit.

- Brad Haugaard

Go Away Bear!

I snapped this picture of a bear rummaging around in our backyard (on Hillcrest in Monrovia) just a few minutes ago. I found that forcefully saying "Go away bear!" from beside the illusory safety of a door that can quickly be shut was most effective.

- Brad Haugaard

Refrigerator Bear and Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 28 to November 3. - Brad Haugaard]
 

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 536 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

 
Residential Burglary
October 29 at 1:42 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Beechworth Avenue on the report of a burglary.  The victim left his garage door open.  The suspect took gardening equipment from inside and then fled the area.   
 

Bear Incident
October 30 at 3:12 a.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Norumbega regarding a bear incident.  The bear had entered the detached garage of a residence and forced entry into a refrigerator.  The bear took meat out of the refrigerator and left the location.
 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery - Suspect Arrested
October 31 at 4:39 a.m., an officer was patrolling in the 500 block of Sherman when he observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two subjects.  The officer ran the vehicle's license plate and discovered it was reported stolen out of San Dimas.  The officer arrested the person in the driver's seat and completed an identification card on the passenger.  It was later determined the suspect had rented the vehicle and did not return it as agreed upon.  The owner then reported it stolen.
 

Driving Under the Influence / Suspect Arrested
November 2 at 2:11 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle driving around the area of Bradbury and Royal Oaks.  The officer located and stopped a vehicle for traffic violations that matched the description of the vehicle.  The driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

 
Robbery / Witness Intimidation / Drug Activity - Suspects Arrested
November 2 at 6:32 p.m., the victim of a strong-arm robbery that occurred on Wednesday, October 27, called police.  He reported that he just saw the two suspects, who are known gang members, on Duarte Road.  He said they were threatening and following him as he was walking down Duarte Road.  Officers responded and conducted an area search for the suspects.  They located four juveniles at an elementary school in Arcadia.  One of the juveniles was wanted for the strong arm robbery, and was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.  He was arrested for suspicion of robbery, possession of methamphetamine and witness intimidation.   A second juvenile suspect was arrested for witness intimidation.  The third juvenile attempted to run from officers, and the forth was found to be in possession of marijuana, both were arrested.  The juvenile wanted in the robbery was booked and taken to Eastlake Juvenile Hall.  The other three were cited and later released to their parents at the station.

 
72-Hour Mental Evaluation
November 2 at 7:46 p.m., a caller reported to police that her neighbor appeared to be under the influence of drugs.  She stated that he was in an argument with his girlfriend and he jumped through a living room window.  She reported that a piece of glass struck the girlfriend, who was bleeding.  Officers responded and detained a known gang member that threatened to kill himself.  He was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

Vehicle Burglary
October 3 at 9:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The suspect smashed the window of the car and took items that were left visible from outside the vehicle.

 
Vehicle Burglary     
October 3 at 10:17 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported that occurred during the evening hours of October 2.  The crime occurred in the 200 block of North Primrose.

Bear in Backyard

This bear-in-the-backyard thing is getting pretty routine these days. 200 block of West Greystone:

http://goo.gl/jsG2

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Lion Alert

The City of Monrovia reports that "a mountain lion has been sighted during the evening hours in the mountainous area from Gold Hills to Norumbega Avenue. California Fish and Game has been advised and is monitoring the situation. Residents in the area are encouraged to be alert to their surroundings and use appropriate precautions with their children and pets."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monrovia-CA/City-of-Monrovia/330697204437

- Brad Haugaard

Shoo Big Kitty! ... and Other Police Activities

[From Monrovia Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 16-22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 549 service events, resulting in 116 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Residential Burglary

September 17 at 1:39 p.m., an officer went to a residence in the 400 block of Park Rose regarding a burglary.  The victim told the officer he had filing boxes with old checks, receipts and documents from an old business that no longer exits.  The boxes were kept near his front door, which is kept open a lot.  Someone apparently entered the residence and took the boxes.  Nothing else was taken.

Residential Burglary

September 17 at 3:10 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of West Foothill reported she had just returned home from work and someone had broken into her home.  An officer responded and cleared the location.  Entry was made through a side door.  Some jewelry and old checks were taken, but the victim was unsure if anything else was taken.  Investigation continuing.

Commercial Burglary - Suspects Arrested

September 17 at 3:51 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a male and a female in custody for shoplifting.  The officer determined the subjects had committed burglary; both were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

September 18 at 1:08 a.m., an officer noticed a vehicle traveling south on Myrtle that was following another vehicle too closely.  He noticed the driver was also swerving on the roadway.  He stopped the driver and during the investigation, determined the driver was under the influence.  The driver was arrested.

Domestic Violence / Battery on a Peace Officer

September 19 at 2:28 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 00 block of Hidden Valley regarding a domestic violence incident in progress.  When they arrived, the husband was attempting to restrain his wife, who was intoxicated and violent.  As an officer entered the location, he was pushed by the wife.  The officers were able to restrain the wife and she was taken into custody without further incident.  The husband was bleeding and had sustained visible injuries.  He did not desire medical treatment.  The wife was not injured.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle - Suspects Arrested

September 19 at 7:20 p.m., an officer on patrol located a stolen vehicle in the area of California, near Duarte.  He followed the vehicle into a parking lot in Duarte.  Additional Monrovia officers were requested to assist in a high-risk traffic stop.  Two suspects were arrested and later interviewed.  After investigation, the female driver was charged with grand theft auto and receiving stolen property.  The male passenger was released, pending further investigation.

Mountain Lion Sighting

September 20 at 10:20 p.m., police received the report of a mountain lion sighted in a backyard in the 700 block of Oakglade.  Officers were able to direct it back into the hills.

Fiberglass Bears

I hear that Monrovia is going to follow the lead of some other cities around the country (Chicago, D.C.) and have a set of decorated fiberglass animals sprinkled around town.

I was at the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts meeting and heard that the city will purchase six 3-4-foot-high bears (a la Samson) and have local artists decorate them. Hopefully the city will find sponsors for six more bears, for an even dozen. The bears will be mounted on concrete bases.

- Brad Haugaard

The Three Bears

I was bikng in the hills above Monrovia this morning and took a break next to Camp Trask. As I was sitting there a momma bear and two cubs crossed the road. Mom looked at me and I looked back ... a little nervously. And I snapped this picture.

- Brad Haugaard