~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been named one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation, according to a recent Community College Week report. The college ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges with enrollments of 10,000 or more, according to 2012 and 2013 records. Nearly 13,000 students attended Citrus College in 2013, a 10 percent increase over the previous year. Source: press release
~ At its 90th Anniversary Breakfast on December 10 the Arcadia Association of Realtors donated $1,000 to Monrovia Providers Group. MPG is a non-profit organization of community agencies and private resources that provides services to area seniors. Source: press release
- Brad Haugaard
Police Chief Hunt: Proposition 47 'Terrible' for Monrovia Merchants
Let's say you (foolishly) leave your iPad on the front seat of your car, forget to lock the door, and go shopping. You come out, see someone making off with your iPad and call the Monrovia Police. They catch the guy. Hooray! But what happens next?
A ticket. The thief gets a citation, and he may be ticketed right on the spot and released, though he may be brought in for fingerprinting and identification. But at the end of the day the suspect walks out the door with a misdemeanor citation.
Monrovia Police Chief James Hunt told me why.
With the passage of Proposition 47, which Hunt strongly opposed (see here: http://goo.gl/dETaoI ) many felonies were turned into misdemeanors, including many types of theft.
Previously, he said, if a person stole something worth more than $500, it was a felony, or if he entered a business - for example - with the intent of stealing, regardless of the value of the item, it was a felony. Now, as long as the value of the item is under $950, it's a misdemeanor and it doesn't matter if the criminal has been doing it all day long all over town and has 100 prior arrests for the same crime, it's still a misdemeanor.
And even if the suspect is convicted in court, Hunt said, the likelihood of him spending time in jail is extremely low since there is little room in the jails for misdemeanor offenders.
The effect of the law, he said, was almost immediate. Just after it passed, he said, police stopped crimes and were told by the thieves, "You can't arrest me for a misdemeanor."
"Why break in to steal something when you can just grab it and run out the door?" Hunt said. The worst you face if you get caught is a misdemeanor charge.
"For our merchants," he said, "it's terrible."
All businesses are affected, he added, but the large retailers like Home Depot, Kohl's and supermarkets (where thieves like to grab alcohol) are hit hardest.
Hunt is also concerned that...
~ People serving jail time for felonies are petitioning to be released early since their crimes are now misdemeanors.
~ Probation terms are not applied for misdemeanors, and with some felonies being reclassified as misedmeanors, probation terms will not apply.
~ Possession of drugs, even date-rape drugs, is now just a ticketing offense.
- Brad Haugaard
A ticket. The thief gets a citation, and he may be ticketed right on the spot and released, though he may be brought in for fingerprinting and identification. But at the end of the day the suspect walks out the door with a misdemeanor citation.
Monrovia Police Chief James Hunt told me why.
With the passage of Proposition 47, which Hunt strongly opposed (see here: http://goo.gl/dETaoI ) many felonies were turned into misdemeanors, including many types of theft.
Previously, he said, if a person stole something worth more than $500, it was a felony, or if he entered a business - for example - with the intent of stealing, regardless of the value of the item, it was a felony. Now, as long as the value of the item is under $950, it's a misdemeanor and it doesn't matter if the criminal has been doing it all day long all over town and has 100 prior arrests for the same crime, it's still a misdemeanor.
And even if the suspect is convicted in court, Hunt said, the likelihood of him spending time in jail is extremely low since there is little room in the jails for misdemeanor offenders.
The effect of the law, he said, was almost immediate. Just after it passed, he said, police stopped crimes and were told by the thieves, "You can't arrest me for a misdemeanor."
"Why break in to steal something when you can just grab it and run out the door?" Hunt said. The worst you face if you get caught is a misdemeanor charge.
"For our merchants," he said, "it's terrible."
All businesses are affected, he added, but the large retailers like Home Depot, Kohl's and supermarkets (where thieves like to grab alcohol) are hit hardest.
Hunt is also concerned that...
~ People serving jail time for felonies are petitioning to be released early since their crimes are now misdemeanors.
~ Probation terms are not applied for misdemeanors, and with some felonies being reclassified as misedmeanors, probation terms will not apply.
~ Possession of drugs, even date-rape drugs, is now just a ticketing offense.
- Brad Haugaard
Candlelight Service at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia will hold a Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/Ht92gf
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch at Church's Chicken
Lunch at Church's Chicken, at the corner of Huntington and Shamrock. Got the three-piece lunch for $7.49. Came with drink, biscuit, mashed potatoes and handy spork. Not health food, but filling and tasty. If you want something healthy, go next-door to Something Healthy. There was a sign saying, "Have a side of chicken genius." No clue what that means and neither did the attendant.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Company Installs Big Battery
CODA Energy of Monrovia has installed the "largest behind the meter lithium-ion energy storage system in the Los Angeles basin." CODA began installations at the beginning of this year and now has nearly 3MWh of energy storage installations. The company designs and builds "industrial energy storage solutions." http://goo.gl/mc7Xph
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Awesome Christmas Street in Monrovia
Wow! Ignore my bad photography and check this street out for yourself. Amazing and enchantingly beautiful! Winner of the Best Neighborhood Effort in Monrovia's Holiday Home Decorating Contest, Valmont Drive and Valmont Place. From Foothill drive north on Norumbega, past Greystone, past Valle Vista, then turn left on Valmont. You're there. Really, it's great!
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Tip: Don’t Fill Your Vehicle With Presents for Thieves!
It only takes a few seconds for thieves to break into your vehicle and steal your valuables.
It only takes a few seconds to remove your valuables and secure your vehicle.
Don't Be a Victim!
Auto-burglary prevention starts by limiting the criminal's opportunity to commit the crime and can be accomplished with very little time and effort. Criminals are looking for something to steal - don't supply the valuables. Leaving your valuables in your vehicle instantly makes your car a target for thieves.
Take a few seconds to prevent auto-burglary!
The University of Oklahoma Police Department offers great auto-burglary prevention tips, here: http://goo.gl/jnhKHY
- Brad Haugaard
It only takes a few seconds to remove your valuables and secure your vehicle.
Don't Be a Victim!
Auto-burglary prevention starts by limiting the criminal's opportunity to commit the crime and can be accomplished with very little time and effort. Criminals are looking for something to steal - don't supply the valuables. Leaving your valuables in your vehicle instantly makes your car a target for thieves.
Take a few seconds to prevent auto-burglary!
The University of Oklahoma Police Department offers great auto-burglary prevention tips, here: http://goo.gl/jnhKHY
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Snoozing Driver Hits Power Pole; Thefts from Vehicles; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 369 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.
Injury Traffic Collision
December 16 at 4:06 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington Drive. The female driver of the vehicle had just left work, fell asleep at the wheel and struck a power pole. She was not badly injured, but there were downed power lines. Southern California Edison was advised.
Attempt Theft From a Vehicle
December 16 at 5:40 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of West Lime heard noise to the front of her residence. She noticed a male subject dressed in dark clothing trying to get into her car. She called police, who arrived at the location and saw the suspect run north. Containment was set up, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
December 16 at 7:23 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of West Huntington. Unknown suspect(s) smashed the rear window and took a black backpack with an iPad and an Apple Computer in it, as well as credit and identification cards. A credit card was used at a Walmart in Rosemead a short time later. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
December 16 at 1:47 p.m., police responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 100 block of North Madison. While the victims were away, the home was broken into and ransacked. Point of entry was a sliding glass door that was smashed and items of jewelry were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 369 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.
Injury Traffic Collision
December 16 at 4:06 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 700 block of East Huntington Drive. The female driver of the vehicle had just left work, fell asleep at the wheel and struck a power pole. She was not badly injured, but there were downed power lines. Southern California Edison was advised.
Attempt Theft From a Vehicle
December 16 at 5:40 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of West Lime heard noise to the front of her residence. She noticed a male subject dressed in dark clothing trying to get into her car. She called police, who arrived at the location and saw the suspect run north. Containment was set up, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Burglary
December 16 at 7:23 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of West Huntington. Unknown suspect(s) smashed the rear window and took a black backpack with an iPad and an Apple Computer in it, as well as credit and identification cards. A credit card was used at a Walmart in Rosemead a short time later. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
December 16 at 1:47 p.m., police responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 100 block of North Madison. While the victims were away, the home was broken into and ransacked. Point of entry was a sliding glass door that was smashed and items of jewelry were stolen. The investigation is continuing.
Celebrating Former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett
Tomorrow former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett will be celebrated at Bethel AME Church in Monrovia, where he was recently voted Man of the Year. Details: http://goo.gl/KcIxQA
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Best Christmas Displays in Monrovia
If you want a list of Christmas-decorated homes to see, try the winners of Monrovia's Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. The winners are:
- Brad Haugaard
- Best Still Display - 702 East Lemon Avenue (Note: a reader believes this may actually be E. Lime)
- Best Neighborhood Effort - Valmont Drive & Valmont Place
- Best Outdoor Display - 409 Meadow Lane
- Best Window Display - 550 South Park Rose Avenue
- Holiday Spirit Award - 639 Parker Avenue
- Snowman Award - 632 Terrado Drive
- Toyland Award - 214 South Alta Vista Avenue
- Best Decorated Outdoor Tree - 308 West Lemon Avenue
- Children's Choice Award - 333 Norumbega Drive
- Judges' Award - 2514 Rochelle Avenue
- Most Effective Use of Outdoor Holiday Lighting - 163 Mauna Loa Drive
- Tim McKeehan "Best of Season" Award - 309 North Madison Avenue
Source: http://goo.gl/X2sXon
- Brad Haugaard
Fire Truck Santa Touring Monrovia
- Brad Haugaard
More Monrovia Christmas Lights
The most Christmas-light covered house I have seen so far this year. Very nice! On Alta Vista south of Foothill, about a half block north of Palm.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Congresswoman Judy Chu Rebuked by House Ethics Committee
Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, has been rebuked for interfering with an investigation by the House Ethics Committee into whether some of her staff members used some of their time to do campaign work. The committee found she didn't know about the improper work, but that she did interfere with the investigation. She apologized. http://goo.gl/Cy2h4R
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Rain Shouldn't Cause Debris Flow Below Madison Burn Area in Monrovia
LA County Department of Water and Power predicts that the current rain shouldn't result in "appreciable amounts of debris on streets or specific public infrastructure locations" from the Madison Fire burn area above Monrovia. http://goo.gl/g0qbj2
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Montgomery Named President of Citrus Board | Monrovia Dancers Place First | More Rain?
~ On Saturday Monrovia High School Dance placed first in its category, first in its division, and first place overall, earning the dance team the championship banner. http://goo.gl/ZxLajd
~ Cloudy with occasional rain tomorrow, Tuesday. 60% chance of showers. http://goo.gl/HdDex8
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Drunken Bicycling; Refusing to Leave Hotel; Domestic Violence; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 4:40 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of West Lime regarding a family disturbance. A female subject went to the location in an effort to visit her children. Family members at the location observed the female acting bizarre and called the police. Upon investigation, it was determined the female was under the influence of methamphetamine and she was arrested. The female was taken into custody and later released on a citation after a sobering period.
Theft From a Vehicle
December 12 at 8:53 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Grand on the report of a theft from a vehicle. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle and stole identification items from the glove box. The theft occurred sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
December 12 at 8:54 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Jasmine. The suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked garage and forced entry into their vehicle by smashing a window. The victim's purse was in plain view and stolen from the passenger seat. The suspect(s) then left the area undetected. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 4:40 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington called police to report a guest refusing to leave. The subject was contacted by an officer and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He had warrants for his arrest and was held for the warrants.
Riding a Bicycle Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect arrested.
December 13 at 1:15 a.m., an officer observed a subject riding his bicycle on the wrong side of the road in the 1500 block of South Myrtle. Through investigation, the subject was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. Battery December 13 at 1:50 p.m., officers responded to a local bar in the 100 block of East Olive regarding a battery report. The fight inside the bar was over a female patron. All parties refused to prosecute.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 1:25 a.m., dispatch received a call from a female subject reporting her husband was intoxicated and left the residence in his vehicle from the 700 block of West Foothill. Officers found the vehicle and stopped the driver. Upon investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 3:00 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Myrtle and Foothill. Through investigation, the officer determined the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 1:57 p.m., a male was seen walking south in the 100 block of South Myrtle and appeared to be heavily intoxicated, staggering back and forth slowly as he walked. Officers detained the subject and determined his was too intoxicated to care for his own safety; he was arrested.
Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 5:29 p.m., a female was detained at a store in the 1600 block of South Mountain by store loss prevention. She had entered the store and stole bathroom items, knowing she did not have enough money to pay for them. Officers arrived and accepted the store's private person’s arrest. The female was issued a misdemeanor citation at the store, then released on a citation pending court appearance.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 6:23 p.m., dispatch received several calls reporting a disturbance in the 700 block of West Foothill. Police then received a 911 call from a female, believed to be the victim, who reported her husband had just beaten her up. Officers responded and determined this was an ongoing marital dispute. The female was taken to a hospital for complaint of pain to her back. The husband was arrested for domestic violence.
Mental Evaluation
December 15 at 5:58 a.m., a caller reported an erratic driver in the 200 block of South Myrtle to police. Officers responded and found the subject in the vehicle. After speaking with the subject, it was determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was placed on a mental evaluation hold and taken to a hospital, where he will be held for 72 hours.
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 11 at 4:40 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of West Lime regarding a family disturbance. A female subject went to the location in an effort to visit her children. Family members at the location observed the female acting bizarre and called the police. Upon investigation, it was determined the female was under the influence of methamphetamine and she was arrested. The female was taken into custody and later released on a citation after a sobering period.
Theft From a Vehicle
December 12 at 8:53 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Grand on the report of a theft from a vehicle. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle and stole identification items from the glove box. The theft occurred sometime overnight. The investigation is continuing.
Residential Burglary
December 12 at 8:54 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of Jasmine. The suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked garage and forced entry into their vehicle by smashing a window. The victim's purse was in plain view and stolen from the passenger seat. The suspect(s) then left the area undetected. The investigation is continuing.
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 4:40 p.m., an employee from a hotel in the 900 block of West Huntington called police to report a guest refusing to leave. The subject was contacted by an officer and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. He had warrants for his arrest and was held for the warrants.
Riding a Bicycle Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect arrested.
December 13 at 1:15 a.m., an officer observed a subject riding his bicycle on the wrong side of the road in the 1500 block of South Myrtle. Through investigation, the subject was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. Battery December 13 at 1:50 p.m., officers responded to a local bar in the 100 block of East Olive regarding a battery report. The fight inside the bar was over a female patron. All parties refused to prosecute.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 1:25 a.m., dispatch received a call from a female subject reporting her husband was intoxicated and left the residence in his vehicle from the 700 block of West Foothill. Officers found the vehicle and stopped the driver. Upon investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 3:00 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Myrtle and Foothill. Through investigation, the officer determined the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 1:57 p.m., a male was seen walking south in the 100 block of South Myrtle and appeared to be heavily intoxicated, staggering back and forth slowly as he walked. Officers detained the subject and determined his was too intoxicated to care for his own safety; he was arrested.
Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 5:29 p.m., a female was detained at a store in the 1600 block of South Mountain by store loss prevention. She had entered the store and stole bathroom items, knowing she did not have enough money to pay for them. Officers arrived and accepted the store's private person’s arrest. The female was issued a misdemeanor citation at the store, then released on a citation pending court appearance.
Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
December 14 at 6:23 p.m., dispatch received several calls reporting a disturbance in the 700 block of West Foothill. Police then received a 911 call from a female, believed to be the victim, who reported her husband had just beaten her up. Officers responded and determined this was an ongoing marital dispute. The female was taken to a hospital for complaint of pain to her back. The husband was arrested for domestic violence.
Mental Evaluation
December 15 at 5:58 a.m., a caller reported an erratic driver in the 200 block of South Myrtle to police. Officers responded and found the subject in the vehicle. After speaking with the subject, it was determined he was a danger to himself and others. He was placed on a mental evaluation hold and taken to a hospital, where he will be held for 72 hours.
Watch Out for Gold Line Testing Train
Watch out for the testing train. It will be riding along the Gold Line track through Monrovia until Dec. 19. It "will be moving very slowly and will result in short-term stoppages of street traffic at the intersection." Occasional short-term stoppages of street traffic at the Mountain Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only on weekdays; no weekend testing is expected. Details: http://goo.gl/8tNPsI
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's First Fire Engine Being Restored - Needs Another $50k
Monrovia's first fire engine, a 1917 Seagrave, is being restored by volunteers but it is going to cost another $50,000 to complete it. If you'd like to donate, send check to "Save the Grave," P.O. Box 2021, Monrovia, CA 91017. Pictures and details here: http://goo.gl/eFbo1r
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
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