- Brad Haugaard
Bobcat Fire Reaches Chantry Flat Above Arcadia
Fire Approaching Homes Off North Canyon; Battling Flames at Camp Trask and Canyon Park
So far the battles to save Camp Trask and Canyon Park have been mostly successful, though the fire has burned around the water falls in the park. Here's what City Manager Dylan Feik had to say:
Last night, two additional City strike teams went up to Trask Boy Scout Camp to assist in the firefighting efforts. The fire approached the Camp through the drainage area below the Camp and so they focused on protecting and preserving Trask. Fire tactics used to combat the fire range from control burning to water suppression. Even before this fire, Trask suffered from water system problems and the firefighters had to rig the pool for additional water supply use to engage the fire. Trask is still there and firefighters thus far have been successful.
The fire also finally entered Canyon Park and has burned areas including Monrovia Falls. Firefighters are working hard to keep it on the north side of Sam The Damkeeper’s House and also north of the Nature Center.
The Incident Command Team continues to make contingency plans for the neighborhoods in the far northern reaches of Monrovia (think Briarcliff, Ridgeside, N. Canyon, and Oakglade). The fire has a chance of getting close to Lower Clamshell Trail, possibly homes in the area. But there is also a chance the fire does not. As the Team assesses the fire, conditions and terrain, strike teams, fire engines and even police officers are making contingency plans in case it does get close. They are speaking with residents, discussing possible control burning operations as pictured on the map below [I put it above - Brad] (which many of us know are a tool to “fight fire with fire”) and have staged hoses and fire engines for fire suppression. Please remember, the fire continues to be slow moving but it is, in fact, moving. As of 3:40 p.m., there remains consensus that an Evacuation Warning remains. If residents are concerned or feel the fire is too close, please consider leaving.
- Brad Haugaard
Water Conservation Is Helping Fight Bobcat Fire
"Your efforts to conserve water are working...Thank You! Please continue helping in this effort. As of 2:30 p.m., the Emerson and Canyon Water Tanks are both at 90% capacity because of your direct efforts. Keep up the excellent work, advocate for water conservation, and we’ll keep pumping it up there! Continue to keep conserving and as a reminder, you can help conserve water by doing the following:
"Please do NOT water your lawns, rooftops, or homes. This is not a wind-driven event and embers are not blowing downwind.
"Conserve water. If residents conserve, we can replenish the tanks faster than without conservation.
"Water movement. The City has planned ahead by designing our water system, a combination of many water storage tanks, pumps and pipe, to move water around where it is needed, including from the water plant up above Canyon Park! Some of you may notice a reduction in water pressure or even, possibly, water quality as we pump across town. This is normal and ok but please just be aware.
"If an Evacuation Order is issued or if you leave your home, please DO NOT leave your irrigation systems."
- Brad Haugaard
Announcement of School Board Candidacy of Bryan Wong
As a 25 year Monrovia resident, I am excited to run for re-election as a Monrovia Unified School District Governing Board member. In my 17 years on the Board my focus has been to educate the whole child in Academics, Arts and Athletics by focusing on intellectual growth and respect for all. Monrovia provides a world class education for world class students. We are internationally known for our robotics program, nationally known as Clifton is on the Schools to Watch list, we have been awarded 14 Golden Bell awards from the state for excellence in innovative programs and the county has presented us awards in nutrition, physical fitness and our career pathways. All of these accomplishments plus passing a $45 million high school modernization bond has occurred during my tenure. But we have so much more to get done!
Our academics standards and rigor have never been higher. 96% of MHS graduates are pursuing post secondary education. Monrovia student’s admissions to 4 year universities are at an all time high partially due to our Early College Program that allows students to earn up to 2 years of college credit while in high school. This saves both time and money. Lots of money! At the same time our career Pathways programs and Career Technical Education focuses on the kids that want to go straight into the workplace. These programs create career opportunities, not just jobs.
I believe the Arts are an integral part of a student’s education. We have art programs in all of the elementary schools in addition to creating the Wildrose School of Creative Arts. At the high school we have the Humanities Academy, Theater Arts Conservatory plus our drama dept which has won nationally recognized Herman awards for their productions.
Our Athletic program is in a league of its own. We have won CIF championships in football, baseball and soccer and countless league titles in all sports. This level of dominance raises our profile for college recruiters that result in numerous scholarships for our students. We are known to provide excellence on the field and in the class room.
Our past is strong but we are preparing for the future with our Dual Immersion programs, Santa Fe Computer Magnet School, upgraded internet backbone and moving to a 1:1 computer to student ratio.
We have a historic opportunity to eliminate barriers that exist to impede diversity, equity and inclusion. But we also need to deal with the very real educational challenges from the Covid-19 virus and financial devastation that it brought. Hard decisions will need to be made in the coming year. Board members need a deep understanding of each program that Monrovia offers and the related finances.
Experienced Board members have never been more important than they are today. Follow me on Facebook at Bryan Wong For Monrovia Unified School District. Please support me with your vote on November 3rd.
Fire Approaches Homes in North Monrovia; Already at Camp Trask, Monrovia Canyon Park
- Brad Haugaard
Possible Fire Scam Targeting Monrovians
The call came in as Private Caller, so I do not have the telephone number. The gentleman said he is a Public Adjuster with the AQMD. According to him there will be an Adjuster in our neighborhood to check homes for air quality. I asked for a number in order to confirm that this was not a scam. He wanted to explain it to me, but the more he talked the more I felt, and I told him so, that this was a scam. I called Monrovia Police who told me they can check the air quality outside and not to let anyone in their homes.
- Brad Haugaard
Fire in Canyon Park, Camp Trask
City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the fire continued is now within Canyon Park and near the Trask Boy Scout Camp. Firefighters are fighting the blaze fire near Trask with hand crews and bulldozer creating defensive lines with Phos-Chek drops around the perimeter. Now that the fire is nearing areas where firefighters will engage, additional crews are being assigned to help, including many from Monrovia Fire Department.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fire Department Needs Water - Please Use Less!
Please conserve water! The firefighters and strike teams will begin engaging the fire at Canyon Park today. As the firefighting effort includes large, continuous amounts of water usage, they will draw down our City water supply IF we cannot refill.
We need everyone's help and here is a list of ways you can help us fight this fire today –
- Please do NOT water your lawns, rooftops, or homes. This is not a wind-driven event and embers are not blowing downwind.
- Conserve water. The City stores millions of gallons of water which is used during the day and replenished constantly. When adding firefighting consumption, the tanks will not replenish as fast. If residents conserve, we can replenish the tanks faster than without conservation.
- Water movement. The City has planned ahead by designing our water system, a combination of many water storage tanks, pumps and pipe, to move water around where it is needed, including from the water plant up above Canyon Park! We have millions of gallons of water not in use and ready for firefighting efforts so we will begin pumping the water across town to locations closest to hydrants used for the fire. Some of you may notice a reduction in water pressure or even, possibly, water quality as we pump across town.
- If an Evacuation Order is issued or if you leave your home, please DO NOT leave your irrigation systems, faucets or water spigots on. We need to have water supply available for as long as the fire is present.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Fire Department Overwhelmed By Kindness
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovians Can Now Divide Their Homes Into Apartments, Build Granny Flats
At its next meeting the City Council (agenda: https://is.gd/2bSDmy) will consider adopting rules to bring city regulations into line with state laws regarding ADUs and JADUs.
ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are essentially granny flats, and JADUs (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) are smaller living units ranging in size from 220 to 500 square feet that are created by converting living space within an existing single family home.
The city is very limited in the type of restrictions it can put on such dwellings. Public hearings are not allowed, no minimum lot size can be required, no open space requirements, etc.
For example, if a garage is converted into a dwelling the city cannot require replacement parking. Nor can parking be required "if the ADU is within a half mile walking distance of public transit, within an historic district, created through the conversion of part of the primary residence or an accessory structure, in an area where permit parking is not offered to ADU occupants, or if it is within one block of a car share program."
The full staff report is here: https://is.gd/yqZ9Ve
- Brad Haugaard
Relative Danger to Buildings in North Monrovia
This map shows the risk from wildfire to buildings in North Monrovia. The scale is from red (high risk) down to blue (low risk). The red circles are the Bobcat Fire. No real surprise here but interesting. Here's the source: https://is.gd/5crvNW
- Brad Haugaard
Bobcat Crosses Into Monrovia City Limits
- Brad Haugaard
Bobcat Fire Becomes Unwelcome Tourist Attraction
The fire is now about .6 of a mile from the Trask Boy Scout Camp and about 1.3 miles north of Canyon Park.
When air visibility allows, air support will be provided. Otherwise, firefighting efforts will be on the ground.
If you have questions regarding the Bobcat Fire, you can call 256-8246 if you can't find the information you need on the city’s website.
Monrovia Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will remain closed until further notice and because of bad air the Friday Night Street Fair is cancelled tonight.
Source: https://is.gd/j4Npxs
- Brad Haugaard
Beautiful But Deadly
In looking at the fire at night and thinking how beautiful and yet how deadly it can be I was reminded of something Robert E. Lee said while overseeing the spectacle of the Battle of Fredericksburg: "It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Drivers' Checkpoint - Sobriety Tests and Citations
The checkpoint was held on Myrtle Avenue, south of Duarte Road, from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Checkpoints are hosted on days of the week at specific locations based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests in the area.
The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring motorists from driving impaired, and deterring their friends and family from allowing someone to drive impaired.
As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic safety concern. The Monrovia Police Department will hold another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday night, September 26.
Source: Monrovia Police press release
- Brad Haugaard
City Manager: Please Stay Out From Underfoot; Prepping Canyon Park
He said firefighting crews have built defensive lines on the western and southern edges of the fire, located directly above Monrovia. "I just returned from Monrovia Canyon Park and Trask Boy Scout Camp," he said. "Needless to say for this city manager...watching wildfire burn is incredibly unnerving. It is slowly making its way downhill and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of firefighters working tirelessly to prepare. They want the fire to come to them where they are ready to engage."
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Car vs. Tree; Stolen Vehicles; Stolen Vehicles Recovered; Girlfriend Hit With Cell Phone; Drugs and Such
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 357 service events, resulting in 73 investigations.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence / Weapons Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 12:27 a.m., a vehicle traveling in the 100 block of S. Mountain collided with a tree. Officers arrived and found the driver to be under the influence of narcotics. The suspect is currently on parole for robbery and was arrested for driving under the influence. His vehicle was searched and a magazine loaded with 9mm ammunition was found, which was added to his charges.
Theft
September 3 at 8:17 a.m., an employee of a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock attempted to start a company vehicle and discovered someone had taken the battery. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
September 3 at 12:03 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Hidden Valley reported their vehicle had been burglarized sometime over the past weekend. When she discovered the theft Monday morning, she noticed personal items had been stolen from inside her vehicle. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
September 3 at 4:54 p.m., the owner of a business in the 400 block of W. Foothill called police to report someone had stolen his vehicle sometime after he parked it at 3:45 p.m. The vehicle is a white, 1994, Toyota pickup truck. The vehicle was entered into the stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.
Theft From a Vehicle
September 4 at 7:32 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Encino walked outside his home and discovered someone had rummaged through his unlocked vehicle sometime during the night. Several items were taken, including his wallet and credit cards. This investigation is continuing.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 8:20 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported at a parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim reported that his boyfriend of three years had just hit him multiple times causing injuries. Officers and paramedics responded and after an investigation, the suspect was arrested for domestic violence. The victim was treated by paramedics for his injuries.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 4 at 12:30 p.m., a subject called police to report seeing his friend's stolen pickup truck parked in the Los Angeles County area of Monrovia at Brisbane and Myrtle. Officers responded and recovered the pickup truck. The owner was notified and the truck was returned to him. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 4 at 8:04 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The victim reported his vehicle was stolen while he was inside a business. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. A possible suspect was seen on security camera video. About 30 minutes later, officers on patrol saw the vehicle in the 100 block of W. Lemon. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver fled from the vehicle and ran through nearby residences. A search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 11:51 p.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of E. Olive saw a vehicle drive through a stop sign. He conducted a traffic stop and noticed the driver showed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and confirmed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and held for a sobering period.
Shoplifting
September 5 at 3:45 p.m., a security officer for a hardware store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject just left the store with merchandise without paying. Officers responded and searched for the subject, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 10:58 p.m., officers responded to a grocery store in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a shoplifting incident in progress. When contacted by officers, the suspect returned the concealed items and the grocery store declined prosecution for the theft. During the investigation, the suspect was found to have an active warrant for his arrest, and he was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested.
Evading / Driving Without a License – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 12:30 a.m., an officer on patrol near the intersection of Foothill and Canyon saw a vehicle traveling south on California with no lights. The officer initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle fled, running through several stop signs and a red light at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control and came to a stop on Foothill at Canyon. The driver was arrested for evading and driving without a license.
Theft
September 7 at 7:29 p.m., a resident called police to report two bicycles had been stolen from the front porch of her home in the 200 block of W. Lime. Officers arrived and determined the theft occurred at 2:30 a.m. The victims Ring camera captured video footage of the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 1:04 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Highland called police to report her ex-boyfriend was on her property, knocking on her back door. Officers arrived and were unable to locate him. Several hours later he returned to the home. The resident had the suspect on video. The investigation revealed he had been advised he was not welcome at the location and was issued a no trespass notification. Officers contacted the suspect and arrested him for the trespassing violation.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 10:43 a.m., officers responded to a motel in the 900 block of E. Huntington regarding a male and female arguing in one of the rooms. When officers arrived, the female claimed her boyfriend hit her with his cell phone and kicked her during an argument. She also told officers he beat her up in Riverside the week before. She had visible injuries from being hit with the cell phone. Officers arrested the boyfriend for domestic violence and he was taken into custody.
Trespassing / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 10:34 p.m., a subject was seen on surveillance cameras trespassing inside a business property in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and detained the suspect, who was also found to be in possession of multiple controlled substances. The suspect was arrested.
Grand Theft Auto / Burglary
September 9 at 7:37 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue regarding the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim parked his vehicle in the secure underground garage for his apartment the day prior. An investigation revealed the suspects also pried open eight garage storage cabinets and stole a computer. This investigation is continuing.
Vandalism
September 9 at 9:43 a.m., a bank in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a broken window on the east side of their building. The break was not large enough for anyone to gain entry. Officers arrived and saw there was a piece of broken clay pottery on the ground, which appeared to have been used to damage the window. This investigation is continuing.
Wind Is Cooperating
The wind, shown by the little green stripes, is behaving nicely, flowing towards the north/northeast at 10 mph or less. This is from CalTopo. If you'd like to track this yourself, go here: https://is.gd/nIZPxe
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch from La Noria
Got lunch today from La Noria, formerly Los Victors, a Mexican food stand at the corner of Foothill and May. I got two mini chicken tacos for 99 cents each. They came with a pepper (very hot) and some nice crisp chips. Good tacos and very good price. - Brad Haugaard
Firefighters Build Defensive Lines on Western and Southern Edges of Bobcat Fire - Emphasis Shifts East to Highway 39
"Overnight, the Bobcat Fire continues to grow, moving in a northeasterly direction but is also slowly burning towards the west. As the foothill area above Monrovia has not seen a fire in over 60 years, residents will notice that at certain times the fire will be more visible, especially when brush catches fire for the first time in 60 years or more. The fire will continue to be visible from the City with plumes of smoke during the day. Firefighting crews have spent considerable time building defensive lines on the western and southern edges of the fire. Now, efforts are being focused on the east and northeastern edges of the fire. The goal is to keep the fire from jumping Highway 39.
"Please note...the fire is burning at a high elevation, with fuels that historically have not burned, and is surrounded by defensible space, dozer lines, and even recently burned areas from fires in the past 3-4 years. The area will likely burn for several weeks until it is fully extinguished by crews."
- Brad Haugaard
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