Free Drink at Starbucks This Friday

Get a free "tall" size "Refreshers" drink his Friday, noon to 3 p.m. at Starbucks (621 W. Huntington and in the Pavilions lot on Foothill). Starbucks says the new drinks are made with unroasted green coffee extract, fruit and fruit juices. No coffee taste. Opinion: I tried a sample today: It has a light, fruity taste. Nice.

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Meeting Tonight | Free Slurpees

~ The Gold Line Construction Authority will have a board meeting today at 7 p.m. at the Arcadia City Hall, Council Chambers, 240 W. Huntington Drive. Open to the public.

~ 7-Eleven is celebrating its birthday today and is handing out free Slurpees from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ( http://goo.gl/OCX3i ) There is a 7-Eleven at 400 W. Foothill Blvd. (at Alta Vista).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Cheryl Reynolds Wins Woman in Business Award

Cheryl Reynolds, of Monrovia's Santa Anita Family YMCA, has been selected as an Honnoree for the Thirteen Annual Women in Business Awards as the recipient of the Outstanding Non-Profit Employee Award. According to a Facebook posting by the Y, "This award highlights her significant professional accomplishments as well as her outstanding commitment to our community. The YMCA is so proud to have Cheryl as part of our team."

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce adds that: "Each year, the Women in Business Awards honor local women whose exceptional abilities have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 21st State Senate [Carol Liu] and 43rd [Mike Gatto] and 44th [Anthony Portantino] Assembly Districts."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Accused of Violating Open Meeting Law

Monrovia City Council accused of violating California's open meeting law. http://goo.gl/WySur

 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Parasoft in the Top 100

Monrovia's Parasoft Corporation, which helps organizations efficiently deliver defect-free software, has been named by SD Times as one of its 100 industry leaders in Quality Assurance and Security. http://goo.gl/Nkmsu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 'Pub Crawl' for the Arts

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is sponsoring a "Pub Crawl" on Saturday, July 28, 5-9p.m. You get a drink at Jake's, Sena, T Phillips, Rudy's, and London Gastropub for $35. Tickets here: http://goo.gl/Qw4aw

Opinion: Hmm. I think I'll pass. Five drinks and I'd need a cab ride home.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Four-Tone Truck, Punching Out Bicyclists, Two-Year Sentence for Assault, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 5-8. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
July 5 at 7:44 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of West Olive. The owner of a 2010 Ford Escape went to her vehicle in the morning and discovered it had been burglarized sometime during the night. The suspect smashed out a window and took music CD's. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
July 5 at 9:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of West Walnut. The owner of a 2006 Honda Pilot went out in the morning to discover her car window shattered and a lug nut socket wrench stolen from the vehicle. Officers searched for witnesses and located a neighbor who had heard a car alarm during the night. She looked out her window and saw a male Hispanic, approximately 30 years old, with slicked back black hair, running from the victim's car. She did not call the police. Investigation continuing.

Robbery – Suspect Arrested
July 5 at 6:05 p.m., police responded to a market in the 1200 block of South Myrtle regarding a robbery. A suspect entered the location and selected a beer. The store clerk recognized the suspect from a couple days prior when he had also stolen a beer. The clerk told the suspect to put the beer down and leave the location. The suspect pushed the clerk out of his way and left the store with the beer. A photo line-up was presented to the clerk and he immediately identified the suspect. Later in the shift, the suspect was seen by an officer and was taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
July 5 at 7:35 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 900 block of South Canyon. The vehicle was parked in a condominium complex parking area when it was taken. The vehicle is a burgundy, 1995 Honda Accord. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Battery / Providing False Information to a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 6 at 1:20 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of West Duarte. The female at the location alleged that her boyfriend had choked her after an argument and had left the location. The victim was uncooperative with officers, but provided her name and the suspect’s name. A report was taken and she was provided domestic violence information. She was told to call police if the suspect returned.

At 4:49 a.m., officers were dispatched to the residence again regarding domestic violence. Through investigation, the officers determined that a battery did occur and the male subject, who had returned to the location, was arrested. It was also discovered that the first officers on scene were given false information by the victim regarding the suspect’s name, as well as her own name. A complaint will be filed for providing false information to a peace officer.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Battery – Suspect Arrested
July 6 at 10:16 p.m., a motorist was driving his vehicle and became angry at a group of bicyclists. The motorist intentionally swerved his vehicle toward the bicyclists, forcing one of them to crash into a parked vehicle. The motorist then pulled to the side of the roadway, exited his vehicle and began punching another bicyclist. Police arrived and the motorist was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. The two victims’ injuries were not life threatening and they were treated at the scene by Monrovia paramedics.

Felony Vandalism
July 7 at 6:23 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 200 block of West Walnut. The victim parked his truck in the evening in the parking area behind his property, which is adjacent to an alley. He returned to his truck in the morning and found the truck had been spray painted all over in four different colors. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
July 7 at 3:49 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 100 block of West Palm. The victim parked and locked his vehicle at 10:00 p.m. and went into a business. He returned to his vehicle at about 11:55 p.m. and the vehicle was gone. There was no broken glass on the ground and there was a spare key in the glove box. The vehicle is a silver, 2011 Nissan Altima with paper plates. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up
On February 9, 2012, a male subject carrying groceries was walking home in the area of Colorado and Violet. Three suspects approached the victim and demanded money. When the victim refused, one of the suspects held the victim as a second suspect beat the victim about the head and upper body. As the victim pled for the suspects to stop hitting him, he gave up his wallet. The suspects then fled on foot. The victim called police, and a short time later, two of the three suspects were apprehended. One of the suspects was in possession of the victim’s iPod at the time he was arrested. During interviews of the suspects, the third suspect was identified.

Detectives were assigned the case. Search Warrants were served and the third suspect was arrested at his girlfriend’s house on February 16, 2012.

Court trials have been ongoing over the past two months. On July 6, 2012, the third suspect pled to the robbery charges and received 2 years state prison, and is now a second striker.

Country Music in Monrovia | Chili Bowl

~ Country music by Brian Lynn Jones, July 15, 7-8:30 p.m. at Library Park.

~ Second Annual Monrovia Reads Chili Bowl. July 21, 6 p.m. at Monrovia Tennis Club (158 N. Sunset Place). Food, bar, entertainment, and help pick chili winner. $100 per person. Details from Diane Delmatoff at 303-6600 or ddelmatoff@ci.monrovia.ca.us .

- Brad Haugaard

A Toasty Week Ahead for Monrovia

Unlike the rest of the country, the Monrovia area seems to have had a fairly cool summer so far, but it looks like we'll be getting some days up in the 90s this week. Heating up. http://goo.gl/Ys6jW

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Danger in Monrovia Area Foothills

The National Weather Service is predicting "very dry conditions" and "heightened fire weather concerns" in the foothills through Monday. http://goo.gl/MYXlN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision Helps During India Flooding

Monrovia's World Vision, a Christian relief agency, is providing assistance in the Dhemaji District in northeast India during the "worst flooding in a decade." http://goo.gl/lYNEk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Apple Core, Buying Bucks From the Fed, Outsourcing Computers

A few items on the July 11, 7 p.m. School Board meeting:

~ Monrovia School District staff, recognizing that the Apple iPad is a "core" (sigh) digital device, will be participating in the Apple Developer Program, which will let the school develop its own apps for the device. Assuming the board approves, it'll cost a big $250. http://goo.gl/TpAE8

~ The board will consider a contract with CSM Consulting to help the district get bucks from the federal government. According to the staff report, the company will cost the district $15,000 a year but has "traditionally provided the District about $250,000 annually in federal funds for Internet, telephone and network services." http://goo.gl/6RYZI

~ It will also consider outsourcing the district's computer servers, for $51,093.57, to Cache Valley Electric Company of Utah "to improve performance, dependability and reduce operational costs of our network services." http://goo.gl/A87wy

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Representatives React to High-Speed Rail Vote | Digital Storytelling

~ Video: Senator Bob Huff, who represents Monrovia, says the vote for raising money for a high-speed rail line is not planned out, will initially connect low-population Central Valley areas, and is just for Governor Brown's legacy. http://goo.gl/0Zutv

~ Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents part of Monrovia, didn't like it either. He wrote on Facebook that "This highly unpopular plan is more like a high speed train robbery."

~ Free digital storytelling workshop with DJ Phatrick, Saturday, July 28, 1-3 p.m., Library Community Room. The last in the "California Reads - Searching for Democracy Series," exploring the ramifications of the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. http://goo.gl/ncKhF

- Brad Haugaard

210 Freeway Closures for Bridge Construction

There will be partial freeway lane closures on either the eastbound or possibly westbound 210 on some nights between July 8-21. Closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and end no later than 1 p.m. the next day. For bridge construction.

- Brad Haugaard

Former City Manager Scott Ochoa's Housing Request

More on former City Manager Scott Ochoa's housing request. http://goo.gl/sojwv

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Troy Donut & Burger

Lunch at Troy Donut & Burger, on Myrtle about a block south of Duarte. I think it is under new management as last time I was here it was sooo dirty (chocolate shake all over the floor that nobody bothered to clean). Now it's clean. Got a chorizo burrito and Coke for just short of $6, and it was quite good! (I took a bite so you can see the inside.)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Senior Activities: Ice Cream and Blood Pressure

~ Senior ice cream social Thursday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community Center. Featuring The Tap Chicks (senior dance troupe) and a mini health fair from 11 a.m. to noon with health experts from Methodist Hospital, Walgreens, New York Life and other local agencies. Free but reserve a spot by Friday, July 13 by calling the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

~ Free high blood pressure screening for those 50 years and older, hosted by Methodist Hospital, on the second Tuesday of each month, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., at the Community Center. For more information, contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.


Source: http://goo.gl/RgBPQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department iPads | 'Off-Myrtle'

~ The Monrovia Fire Department will be buying iPads (thanks to a grant) that it will use for - among other things - fire inspections. "Instead of manually filling out forms to be later input into a database, all of the business information is updated electronically and automatically uploaded to the database."

~ City Manager Laurie Lile wants you to notice not only the businesses along Myrtle, but also the "Off-Myrtle" businesses, the "many great restaurants, shops and services on Walnut, Olive, Colorado, Lemon, Lime and Palm."

Source: http://goo.gl/RgBPQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hillside Recreation/Preservation Area May Open in January

I am curious about what is happening about opening up the Hillside area (the preservation/recreation area the city purchased in the foothills), so I asked Monrovia's Director of Community Services, April Soash. Some questions and answers:

So, what's up with the Hillside area?

Currently staff is working with contractors to design the signage and gates for the various access points. The official opening of the access points will be once the gates and signage are in place. The timeline for the signage is approximately September for the design phase to be completed, then the signs will go into production. Each access point will be opened when all the work is completed, so some may open sooner than others.

Will the signs just be at the trailheads or will there be signs at various points on the streets directing people to the trailheads?

Per the minimalist plan adopted by city council the signs will only be located at each one of the access points/trailheads and along the trail where necessary to note information on the endangered species of Braunton’s Milk Vetch.

Roughly how long after the signs are designed will they be manufactured and installed?

Staff is estimating by January 2013 everything will be in place.

Is any parking being added (or subtracted - by posting No Parking signs) around the trailheads?

The City Council adopted the minimalist plan which did not include any new parking and it did not include any directive for no parking signs.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ex-Girlfriend Threats, Armed to the Teeth, Stolen Car

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 2-4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 488 service events, resulting in 66 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspects Arrested
July 2 at 12:37 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of West Duarte Road to take a stolen vehicle report. A 1997 Honda Accord was stolen from the residence sometime between 7:25 and 11:18 a.m. The West Covina Police Department made a traffic stop on the vehicle and found three occupants inside. While investigating, they were able to establish that the vehicle did not belong to the occupants. They contacted the victim, who confirmed the vehicle was in fact stolen. The suspects were arrested.

Criminal Threats
July 2 at 2:33 p.m., a male subject who lives in the 900 block of West Colorado called police to report he was being threatened by his ex-girlfriend. She left a recorded message in which she stated she was going to kill him. The investigating officer was able to listen to the message. The victim desires prosecution and said he feels threatened and is fearful she will make an attempt to harm him. A wanted person entry was made in the system for the suspect. Investigation continuing.

Attempt Robbery
July 4 at 10:56 p.m., an attempt robbery was reported in the 100 block of Fig. A male victim was leaving his girlfriend’s house when he was confronted by a male, African-American suspect who asked him for money. When the victim said he did not have any money, the suspect began grabbing at the victim’s pockets. The victim hit the suspect several times. The suspect continued trying to reach into his pockets and the victim was hitting his hands away when the suspect grabbed hold of the victim’s left hand and bit him. The victim yelled out to his girlfriend, who came over and hit the suspect several times until he let go of the victim’s hand. The suspect then left the area walking south to Central and out of sight. The victim was treated at a hospital for his injury. Investigation continuing.