Old Town New Year's celebration attendance grew 40 percent this year. http://goo.gl/SBu9sY
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Kids from Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Attend the Theater
Boys and Girls Club kids treated to a day at the theater.
On Thursday, December 26, 2013, 27 young members of Monrovia's Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills attended the Pasadena Playhouse presentation of the Lythgoe Family Productions' Aladdin and His Winter Wish. Tickets were sponsored by Pasadena Playhouse Board Member and BGCF supporter Darrell Brooke.
"As chair of the Development, Outreach and Education Committee of the Pasadena Playhouse," Brooke said, "I have been looking at ways in which to connect the children of our community to professional theater.... The results were magical! The children were captivated throughout the show, and they had the opportunity to meet the young stars of the play on stage and in person following the show. It was such a success that I am planning another outing for the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills next year. Those children are the future of live theater in the San Gabriel Valley."
Source: Press release from Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills
- Brad Haugaard
Winning Monrovia High Football Coach Resigns
Monrovia High School football coach Ryan Maddox has resigned. He says he wants to get into administration. http://goo.gl/6M7nZ4
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia Switching to ECO Denomination
First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia is apparently transferring its denominational ties from the Presbyterian Church, USA to a new Presbyterian denomination, called "ECO," which is not an acronym but takes its name from "ecosystems," because the denomination wants to "strengthening the ecosystems of local churches." ECO says its mission is "to build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ" ( http://goo.gl/mhf3Mp ). The church reports that it will hold a special meeting this Sunday after worship "to discuss FPCM's transfer to ECO." http://goo.gl/1Hjm3O
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Apparently No Mayan Bar and Grill
Well, with a lease sign near the door, I guess the Mayan Bar and Grill is not to be. Too bad. That poor Aztec Hotel needs something in it.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Attack on Toy Soldiers; Car vs Bike; Oops! Wrong House; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 2-5. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft
January 2 at 8:16 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a construction site in the 700 block of West Duarte Road. The foreman at the site reported that someone had cut the chain link fence off of the wash, entered a house under construction, cut the steel chain securing the property, and left the location with an air compressor and three hoses. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Vandalism
January 2 at 8:54 a.m., an officer responded to the corner of Olive and Myrtle on a report of vandalism to city property. A city employee reported a toy soldier holiday decoration had been forcefully removed from its base and thrown among the plants. It’s unknown if it can be repaired. The investigation is continuing.
Theft from a Vehicle
January 2 at 2:26 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence in the 200 block of Highland in the evening. He returned to the vehicle the next day at about 11:00 a.m. As he entered the vehicle, he realized his backpack was missing from the rear sear. The backpack contained an iPad and a laptop. The vehicle is equipped with a self-locking system that secures the vehicle after being unattended for longer than three minutes. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
January 2 at 4:05 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Hillcrest regarding a hit
and run collision. A bicyclist reported that he was struck by a tan or gray Toyota and was complaining of pain to his side. The male driver of the vehicle left the scene, eastbound. The vehicle has damage to the front driver's side. The bicyclist was taken to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is continuing.
Prowling on Private Property / Violation of Court Ordered Gang Injunction – Suspects Arrested
January 3 at 4:20 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 900 block of South Magnolia observed a suspicious suspect who appeared to be looking into a vehicle at Chestnut and Magnolia. Containment of the area was set up and an additional suspect was discovered. Both suspects are known gang members. One of the suspects has been served with the gang injunction notice and the other was served by the officer. Both suspects were arrested for prowling on private property and one of them was charged with violation of the gang injunction.
Theft from a Vehicle
January 4 at 7:06 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of North Magnolia. The victim parked his vehicle the night before at 9:00 p.m. and left it unlocked. When his wife went out to the vehicle the next morning, she found the glove box and center console were open. The victim checked the vehicle and found property was missing from the center console. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 4 at 8:00 p.m., a burglary alarm was activated in the 00 block of Hidden Valley Road. Officers responded to investigate and found property on the front lawn of the residence. A perimeter was established and the Foothill Air Support helicopter checked the area for suspects, but none were located. It appears the residence was ransacked. The owners responded and were doing an inventory of the loss. The investigation is continuing.
Possible Hot Prowl in Progress / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 2:30 a.m., a resident in the 500 Block of South Mayflower called police and reported a suspect trying the handle of the back door of their home. They watched the suspect light a cigarette and start smoking. Once the officers arrived, they determined the suspect believed he was at a friend’s house and he was waiting for the friend to get home. The suspect was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Vehicle Burglaries
On January 5 in the early morning hours, four vehicle burglaries were reported to police. The burglaries occurred in the 100 block of Spanner, 400 block of West Hillcrest, and the 700 block of West Foothill. The vehicles were all broken into overnight and items of value that were left in the vehicles were taken. The investigation is continuing.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Grand Theft
January 2 at 8:16 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a construction site in the 700 block of West Duarte Road. The foreman at the site reported that someone had cut the chain link fence off of the wash, entered a house under construction, cut the steel chain securing the property, and left the location with an air compressor and three hoses. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Vandalism
January 2 at 8:54 a.m., an officer responded to the corner of Olive and Myrtle on a report of vandalism to city property. A city employee reported a toy soldier holiday decoration had been forcefully removed from its base and thrown among the plants. It’s unknown if it can be repaired. The investigation is continuing.
Theft from a Vehicle
January 2 at 2:26 p.m., the victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence in the 200 block of Highland in the evening. He returned to the vehicle the next day at about 11:00 a.m. As he entered the vehicle, he realized his backpack was missing from the rear sear. The backpack contained an iPad and a laptop. The vehicle is equipped with a self-locking system that secures the vehicle after being unattended for longer than three minutes. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.
Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision - Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
January 2 at 4:05 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Hillcrest regarding a hit
and run collision. A bicyclist reported that he was struck by a tan or gray Toyota and was complaining of pain to his side. The male driver of the vehicle left the scene, eastbound. The vehicle has damage to the front driver's side. The bicyclist was taken to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is continuing.
Prowling on Private Property / Violation of Court Ordered Gang Injunction – Suspects Arrested
January 3 at 4:20 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 900 block of South Magnolia observed a suspicious suspect who appeared to be looking into a vehicle at Chestnut and Magnolia. Containment of the area was set up and an additional suspect was discovered. Both suspects are known gang members. One of the suspects has been served with the gang injunction notice and the other was served by the officer. Both suspects were arrested for prowling on private property and one of them was charged with violation of the gang injunction.
Theft from a Vehicle
January 4 at 7:06 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of North Magnolia. The victim parked his vehicle the night before at 9:00 p.m. and left it unlocked. When his wife went out to the vehicle the next morning, she found the glove box and center console were open. The victim checked the vehicle and found property was missing from the center console. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
January 4 at 8:00 p.m., a burglary alarm was activated in the 00 block of Hidden Valley Road. Officers responded to investigate and found property on the front lawn of the residence. A perimeter was established and the Foothill Air Support helicopter checked the area for suspects, but none were located. It appears the residence was ransacked. The owners responded and were doing an inventory of the loss. The investigation is continuing.
Possible Hot Prowl in Progress / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
January 5 at 2:30 a.m., a resident in the 500 Block of South Mayflower called police and reported a suspect trying the handle of the back door of their home. They watched the suspect light a cigarette and start smoking. Once the officers arrived, they determined the suspect believed he was at a friend’s house and he was waiting for the friend to get home. The suspect was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.
Vehicle Burglaries
On January 5 in the early morning hours, four vehicle burglaries were reported to police. The burglaries occurred in the 100 block of Spanner, 400 block of West Hillcrest, and the 700 block of West Foothill. The vehicles were all broken into overnight and items of value that were left in the vehicles were taken. The investigation is continuing.
California State Government Internship Opportunity
The office of Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, recommends the Capital Fellows program for those interested in a career in public service. Interns work under a mentor for 10-11 months as full-time, paid staff members in the State Assembly, State Senate, Executive Branch or California Judiciary. For recent college grads, grad students and mid-career applicants. Online application deadline is Feb. 10. Details: www.csus.edu/calst/programs or call Holden's office at 351-1917.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Myrtle Road Closure Shortened | Food vs Heart Attack | Tom Sawyer
~ The planned five-month closure of Myrtle at Duarte Road that caused an uproar has been whittled down to four months according to City Council Member Becky Shevlin. She said she realizes that is a till a long time. The road won't be closed until California has been fully reopened.
~ John Tanner, Ph.D, CEO of Monrovia's Tanner Research, will hold a free seminar on foods he reports will completely prevent heart disease, based on his research following a near fatal heart attack. 6 p.m. on Jan. 9 or Jan. 29 at Tanner Research, 825 S. Myrtle. Email rich.lamb@nusci.org to reserve a spot.
~ The theater group, Centre Stage, will present the musical, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, at the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Theater (aka the Monrovia High auditorium) on Jan. 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. For information email centrestageinc@yahoo.com
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Sakura Sushi House
Lunch at Sakura Sushi House, at May and Foothill, a couple blocks east of Myrtle, in the Certified Market shopping area. This place has been lots of different restaurants in the past few years. Got the Bento C lunch special, with salmon, for $10.95 and an iced tea for $2.25. Plus tax and tip. Came with a nice bowl of miso soup. Tasty.
- Brad Haugaard
Veggie Exchange in Monrovia's Library Park | Food Distribution
~ Produce in the Park, Monrovia's fruits and veggie exchange. Tomorrow, Jan. 4, from 9-11 a.m., at Library Park near the corner of Myrtle and Lime.
~ Story about the latest food distribution by Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. http://goo.gl/R1lXeU
- Brad Haugaard
~ Story about the latest food distribution by Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center. http://goo.gl/R1lXeU
- Brad Haugaard
Del Taco Under Construction in East Part of Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Hires New Public Works Director
After a lengthy recruitment process, the City of Monrovia has hired a new Public Works Director: Carl E. Hassel, P.E. Mr. Hassel has over 22 years of experience in civil engineering and public works and has spent the last six years as the Assistant Director of Public Works and City Engineer in the City of Azusa.Hassel's career focus has been on service to the community and building projects. His expertise lies in major and complicated economic development projects and the facilities work that goes along with them. He also is an expert in dealing with the Metro Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority, having successfully competed for a $5 million Metro grant for Azusa to improve the overall traffic signals and transportation systems, and managing Gold Line improvements similar to the construction underway in Monrovia.
Hassel has also developed and managed long-range capital improvement projects as well as street management plans. During his time in the City of Azusa he managed and coordinated multiple paving projects in the City using environmentally friendly technologies for road reconstruction projects, and developed and oversaw the Azusa Sewer Master Plan, completing a 10-year Sewer Capital improvement program in one year; using trenchless technology.
Prior to his work in the City of Azusa, he has 16 years' experience working as a private consultant for firms in Southern California. Mr. Hassel is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. He received a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 1991 and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of La Verne. He is a member of the American Public Works Association and is the past-chair for the Technical Advisory Committee for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
Mr. Hassel's begins work in Monrovia on January 6, 2014. Mark Carney, Deputy Director of Public Works, has been serving as the Interim Monrovia Public Works Director over the past several months. Former Director Ron Bow is currently serving as the Public Works Director for the City of Monterey Park.
Hassel was born in Arcadia, CA, he now lives in the City of Glendora with his wife of 22 years and his three children.
Source: City of Monrovia press release
- Brad Haugaard
Native American Metate Found in Monrovia is Now in Historical Museum
This metate, or grinding stone, was found recently when a resident of Oakglade Drive was digging a trench for a flower-bed wall, according to Mark Still, curator at the Monrovia Historical Museum.
Still writes that the stone was probably placed there by Native Americans for when they visited the area to harvest acorns. He said the acorns were ground, then leached in the waters of Monrovia Canyon to remove the tannin and the bitter taste.
The metate is on display at the museum, at 742 E. Lemon Ave. It is open Thursdays-Sundays from 1-4 p.m.
Thanks to the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group for this information and picture.
- Brad Haugaard
Construction Proceeding on Monrovia Debris Grate
Construction seems well under way on a debris grate at the top of Highland Place. This is right below the burned-off area from the last fire.
Happy New Year, Monrovia!
A lousy photo of the Thunderbirds as they switch off their smoke trails over Monrovia this morning after buzzing the Rose Parade. I gotta use a real camera! Here are some much better photos of the pre-parade flyover from yesterday from Gem City Images. About the same thing: http://goo.gl/y3uPU3
Anyway, Happy New Year!
- Brad Haugaard
Maybe See F16 Fighters Over Monrovia New Year's Morning
If you would like to see the Thunderbirds F16 fighters that begin the Rose Parade, I'm guessing that their overflight of the parade will extend to Monrovia. The parade starts at 8 a.m., so the planes should appear overhead about that time.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
New Year's Eve Party on Myrtle
Good live music (The Lance and Gary Show), food, beer, wine, Mexican coffee, moon bounce for kids. Lots of things at the Monrovia New Year's Eve party. And a ball that will drop at midnight.
- Brad Haugaard
No Shootin' Tonight! | Computer Upgrade of Sorts
~ Sheriff's Department says no shootin' in the air tonight.
~ Angeles National Forest website says: "Please be advised that due to a computer systems upgrade Angeles National Forest will only accept CA$H for the purchasing of Adventure Passes & America the Beautiful Passes till further notice." Comment: Hmm. Sounds more like a computer downgrade to me. http://goo.gl/cLf1rl
- Brad Haugaard
Two Ball-Drops Tonight in Monrovia
The midnight New Year ball drop on Myrtle tonight isn't the only ball drop in town. According to Councilman Tom Adams, the house at 750 Crescent Drive (a block north of Hillcrest just west of El Nido and the house that won the best-decorated K-Rail award) will also have a ball drop.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
F16 Flyover This Morning? | Monrovia Party Tonight | Free Ride Home | Recycling
~ Monrovia Police report that this morning at 8 a.m., the U.S. Air Force F-16 Thunderbirds will conduct a pre-parade practice flight. I've noticed they often overshoot and come over Monrovia. You might keep an eye out. UPDATE: Yup! About six fighters. I kept my eye out but they surprised me while I was eating a bagel and instead of getting a picture of airplanes I got five beautiful pictures of blue sky. Hey! It's hard to work a camera and eat a bagel.
~ New Year's Eve party planned for Myrtle. 7 p.m. to midnight. Beer, wine, live music. Details: http://goo.gl/S8EOIE
~ AAA is offering its Tipsy Tow service to give a free ride and vehicle tow up to seven miles to drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year's Eve. Available to members and non-members. Call 1-800-400-4222. http://goo.gl/A1TbWa
~ Electronic recycling event at Mt. Sierra College (Myrtle and Huntington) on Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Electronic devices that plug in or use batteries. But, not the batteries themselves, fluorescent bulbs or large appliances. Event will support Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center.
- Brad Haugaard
~ New Year's Eve party planned for Myrtle. 7 p.m. to midnight. Beer, wine, live music. Details: http://goo.gl/S8EOIE
~ AAA is offering its Tipsy Tow service to give a free ride and vehicle tow up to seven miles to drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year's Eve. Available to members and non-members. Call 1-800-400-4222. http://goo.gl/A1TbWa
~ Electronic recycling event at Mt. Sierra College (Myrtle and Huntington) on Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Electronic devices that plug in or use batteries. But, not the batteries themselves, fluorescent bulbs or large appliances. Event will support Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center.
- Brad Haugaard
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