Halloween in Monrovia


Want to know what a Trunk or Treat looks like? I was wondering myself, so I went down to First Presbyterian Church. Decorated car trunks with goodies for the kids.


Then I dropped by Brad Hori's house, on Maple just west of Hwy Esplanade. This thing jumped out at me from his mailbox and scared my socks off, but not as much as his pet attack-spider.


And of course, Alta Vista north of Hillcrest always does it up big. Scary music, scary fog, scary lights. The street is blocked off to cars, so it's wall-to-wall trick-or-treaters.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Chamber: Great Turnout for Trick or Treat; Winners of Annual Chamber Awards


Monrovia Chamber of Commerce suggests thousands have turned out today for its Old Town Trick or Treat fest. (Photo from Facebook)

Also, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce has selected winners for its annual awards:

The Iris Award, Citizen of the Year, goes to Mark Still, Curator of Exhibits Monrovia Historical Museum.

The Monroe Award; Business Person of the Year, goes to Diane Balsamo, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

The Dick Lord Award, for outstanding contributions to the Chamber, goes to Shawn Davis, Route 66 Weekly.

Also, two new awards. The winner of the New Member Business of the Year will be announced in December, and the Military Service and Stewardship Award will go to Chuck Keen for his work for veterans.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: City Getting Out of Animal Control Biz; Merit Pay for Cops; Station Square; Etc.

At its Nov. 5 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/QEHXWO ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider contracting with the Pasadena Humane Society to provide "full animal control services" for Monrovia. "Effective January 1, 2014, Monrovia will no longer have animal control officers." http://goo.gl/SZMiUj

~ Consider reinstatement of merit step salary increases for members of the Monrovia Police Officers' Association "to reduce the attrition rate of public safety employees and related recruitment and training costs for the City of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/8wv5Mb

~ Have a 5:30 p.m. study session on the Station Square Public Improvements Concept Design.

~ At 7 p.m. recognize graduates of the Monrovia Area Partnership Leadership Academy.

~ Chat in closed session conference with its labor negotiator regarding contracts (I assume) with the Monrovia Firefighters' Association and Monrovia Police Officers' Association.

~ Consider adopting the latest California Building Standards Code. http://goo.gl/HtBlxu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Congresswoman, Judy Chu, Introduces Veterans Bill

Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents Monrovia, has introduced The Veterans Education Counseling Act to improve GI Bill educational benefits counseling process. It directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to differentiate between Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Chapter 36 Educational Counseling. http://goo.gl/clh5ON

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Unity Center Readying for Food Stamp Cut | Halloween Activities, Myrtle Closing

~ Foothill Unity Center writes that with the federal food stamp program facing a $5 billion cut this Friday, "We're bracing for more clients signing up with us - and finding the food and funds to meet their needs."

~ Mayor Mary Ann Lutz writes that Myrtle Avenue in Old Town will close from 2:30 - 6:30 pm. today for Halloween activities, which you can read about here: http://goo.gl/sryM2b

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglars Wake Sleeping Woman | Drug Bust


[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 28–30. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 70 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

October 29 at 3:04 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 400 block of South California on the report of several male subjects in the park involved in drug activity. After investigation, officers arrested one male suspect who was found to be in possession of a glass pipe and methamphetamine.

Hot Prowl Residential Burglary

October 30 at 11:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of North Alta Vista regarding a hot prowl burglary that just occurred. The owners of the residence were away from the location at the time of the burglary and a housekeeper was home, asleep inside one of the bedrooms. She was awakened by two male Black suspects that came into the room. When the suspects saw her, they ran out the backdoor of the residence. The housekeeper called the homeowners, and there was an approximate twenty minute delay until the owners arrived home and called the police. Officers responded and the area was searched, but no suspects were located. A rock had been thrown through the backdoor window to gain entry to the home. The investigation is continuing.

Veterans Day in Monrovia

Monrovia's Annual Veterans Day observance is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Library Park. The event will honor local servicemen and women who served our country in the U.S. military. For details call the Department of Community Services at 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Update on Monrovia Flood Prevention Efforts

In anticipation of rains that could cause flooding, construction should begin on a debris wall at the top of Highland Place (in the fire-burned area) on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to Alexis Newell of the Monrovia City Manager's office. Also, she said, "the K-Rail (portable concrete wall segments) project for the Madison Fire neighborhoods will be discussed, hopefully approved and will start being installed after the Nov. 5 Council meeting."

- Brad Haugaard

Trick or Treat Tips for the Schamadan Household

Monrovia columnist Charlotte Schamadan - who writes for the Star-News insert, The Weekly Star - has some advice for trick-or-treaters coming to her door tonight. Here are a few:

- If you knock on my door and I look out the peephole to see your eyeball looking back at me, you are too old and/or too tall to be trick-or-treating. Go away.

- If you are dressed cute and know how to say please and thank you, here, have some more treats.

- If your dog is accompanying you wearing a costume that makes him/her look like anything other than a dog, that's dog abuse. Funny hats and bow ties are fine. Zombie dogs are not. Go away.

For the rest, pick up the paper copy of today's Star-News.

- Brad Haugaard

Traffic Accident on Mountain | Football vs. Blair | Mapping Pyramids of Zuleta


~ A picture of a traffic accident in front of 1020 S. Mountain Ave., last night, Wednesday, Oct. 30, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Thomas Adams (not the city councilman) says there were three vehicles involved and one woman treated at scene. Thanks, Thomas!

~ Friday at 7 p.m. (tomorrow) Monrovia takes on Blair in football, at Monrovia.

~ An AeroVironment helps map the Pyramids of Zuleta, one of the hidden treasures of the Andes. (Note: This article doesn't mention AeroVironment, but the the company seems to claim it by linking to it.) Video: http://goo.gl/HqEsyV

- Brad Haugaard

Revenue up Eight Percent for Monrovia's Staar Surgical

STAAR Surgical, of Monrovia, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products, today reported revenue for the third quarter ended September 27, 2013 of $17.1 million, up 8% growth compared to $15.9 million reported for the third quarter of 2012. http://goo.gl/n4FEbp

- Brad Haugaard

Trick or Treat Tips from City of Monrovia

Check these Halloween tips from the City of Monrovia before letting your kids out on the streets tomorrow: http://goo.gl/1mVvy0

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Boys & Girls Club Gets Gift from JC Penney

Getting help on homework at Boys & Girls Club

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, based in Monrovia, got $12,500 ( http://goo.gl/GJ9tKm ) as one of the beneficiaries of a JC Penney campaign that asked customers to "round up" their purchases and donate the rest to Boys & Girls Clubs.

John Wilson, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, said, "With budget cuts in education, there's never been a more important time to support afterschool programs as a valuable community resource that helps to bridge the education gap. As customers shop for the Back-to-School season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind so that the social and academic learning opportunities we provide after school will continue to be available to Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia students."

For more information about JCP Cares, please visit www.jcp.com/jcpcares.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Maryknoll Sisters Fall Festival

Monrovia's Maryknoll Sisters will hold its Fall Festival luncheon/card party on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Luncheon is at noon. $15 donation per person. Card players may come at 10 a.m. Single card players will be matched to complete tables of four. Call 358-1825 for reservations. Maryknoll Sisters is at 300 Norumbega Drive Proceeds go to maintaining and improving the quality of life for the Maryknoll Sisters at their Monrovia Center.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Halloween: Decorated Houses, Trunk or Treat, Stories


~ These folks (on Melrose just north of Hillcrest) really got into the spirit. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

~ Thursday Oct.31 from 5-7 p.m. Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church is holding a "Trunk Or Treat" event in its parking lot. Come at 4:30 p.m. to set up your trunk. The church is still looking for cars and people to decorate their car trunks and hand out candy. There will be a prize for the best "trunk." http://goo.gl/8Y9w7v

~ Halloween Stories and Giveaways, Thursday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. in the Library Community Room.

~ UPDATE: I guess this "Trunk or Treat" thing is a trend. Hope Unlimited Church at 2789 S. Peck is also holding a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m. Laser tag, bull riding, bouncers, maze, face painting, pumpkin decorating, sumo wrestling, giant slide, funnel cakes, food and candy.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council to Meet with Antonovich

The Monrovia City Council will meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Oct. 30) with Supervisor Michael Antonovich at the Library's Community Room, if you'd like to attend. They'll talk about:

1. Public Safety Discussion: Realignment
2. Madison Fire & Mudflow Mitigation Efforts
3. Fire Department Training Center
4. Public Works: Traffic Signal Synchronization Program
5. Gold Line & Station Square Update
6. Julian Fisher Park Grant
7. Redevelopment Oversight Board
8. Other Topics

- Brad Haugaard

Electricity Still Out for 2,671 Monrovia Families

2,671 Monrovia customers of Southern California Edison still without power. SCE estimates the damage, caused by an equipment fire, will be fixed by 1 p.m. today. http://goo.gl/Kxy1D0

- Brad Haugaard

About 2,851 Monrovians Without Power | An Inch-And-a-Half of Rain?

~ About 2,851 Monrovia customers of Southern California Edison have been without power today. SCE hopes to have it all fixed by 6 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). Cause was a fire. http://goo.gl/d6fbYx

~ National Weather Service is predicting we'll have a cold storm system through Tuesday morning, with the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills (that's us!) getting the most rain, between a half and one inch, "with locally higher amounts possible. http://goo.gl/lOYDhA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drugs and Alcohol and Shooting and Halloween Burglary Attempt

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 24-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested
October 24 at 6:35 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Foothill and Shamrock.  The driver was heading east on Foothill and suddenly veered right, causing his vehicle to sideswipe two parked vehicles.  The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Commercial Burglary / Conspiracy - Suspects Arrested
October 24 at 6:46 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding two male suspects attempting to steal merchandise.  Officers arrived and detained the two suspects outside the store.  One suspect had purchased a large Halloween decoration and paid for it.  The suspect put the decoration in his truck. The suspect returned to the store and gave his receipt to his friend, who then selected the same ornament and a small plant.  He paid for the plant and when asked about the decoration, he showed the receipt his friend had given him.  The suspects were arrested for the above listed charges.

Unlicensed Driver / Gang Injunction - Suspects Arrested
October 25 at 10:42 p.m., an officer saw a vehicle heading south on Myrtle from Pomona with no headlights.  The vehicle was stopped at Alta Vista and Duarte.  The juvenile driver was unlicensed, and computer check indicated he had been served with the gang injunction; he was arrested.  Two passengers in the vehicle were also arrested, one had an outstanding warrant and the other one was also arrested for violation of the gang injunction.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 26 1:54 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle for speeding and following too close behind another vehicle at Huntington and Monterey.  The female driver displayed signs of intoxication.  She was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 26 at 2:37 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at Myrtle and Palm.  The male driver was determined to be under the influence of marijuana and was arrested.

Mental Evaluation
October 26 at 9:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 700 of West Huntington regarding a male subject who was acting strange.  An officer located the subject and found him to be uncooperative, non-compliant, and paranoid.  The subject is from San Francisco and had psychiatric medication with him.  He was detained and taken to a hospital where he was held on a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.

Shots Fired / Mental Evaluation
October 26 at 10:06 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting shots fired from a residence in the 1800 block of South Mayflower.  Officers arrived and containment of the location was set up.  Attempts to contact the subject were started.  The suspect was seen in the front window of the residence and was told to come out by police.  He complied and was detained without further incident.

Officers cleared the house and yard.  Several bullet holes were located on walls at the residence.  Officers canvassed the area for possible stray bullets to other properties, but none were located.  A handgun was located, along with several pellet rifles.  The suspect was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

Vehicle Burglary
October 26 at 11:26 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of South Madison.  The victim parked his vehicle on the street and secured it.  When he returned to the vehicle, he saw the dome light was on and the rear hatch was ajar.  He found that his GPS, gym bag, flashlight, and cell phone charger had been taken.  The investigation is continuing.
 
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On October 26, Special Enforcement Team officers arrested a disturbing subject at a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle.  A consent search of the subject revealed he had a methamphetamine pipe on his person.  He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Drunk in Public / Trespassing Warrant
On October 26, while on patrol, Special Enforcement Team officers observed an adult male subject hiding in the bushes near a church at the northwest corner of Palm and Encinitas.  They detained the subject and he was cited for drinking alcohol in public.  A computer check of the subject revealed he had an outstanding warrant for trespassing.  He was then arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Operation 
On October 26, Monrovia Police Department's Special Enforcement Team (SET) officers and four Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents worked a Trap Door Operation and saturation patrol throughout the downtown area.  They arrested an 18-year-old male subject that was intoxicated and tried to enter a bar in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  He was arrested by an undercover officer at the door for being drunk in public.  Three undercover ABC agents requested assistance at a bar in the 400 block of South Myrtle.  SET officers arrived and arrested two male adults for being drunk in public.

French Outdoor Marketplace at Monrovia's St Luke's

French marketplace coming to St. Luke's Church in Monrovia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. St. Luke's is at the corner of California and Foothill. http://goo.gl/O84vGN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Resident Honored by Citrus College for Volunteer Efforts



Monrovia resident and recently retired Citrus College photography instructor Darrell Carr was honored as a "Community Dignitary" on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Duarte Education Foundation's annual fundraising event.

"Darrell has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, helping students to achieve their goals and encouraging them to excel academically," said Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. "He is truly deserving of this special recognition."

Carr, a Citrus College alumnus and 23-year photography instructor, previously coached basketball at Duarte High and served as a faculty member at Monrovia High for 13 years. He began teaching full-time at Citrus College in 1990 before retiring in September.

"It is quite an honor to be recognized," said Carr, who mentors Duarte High School students in photography through the Duarte Education Foundation. "Teachers are in the business of helping others and I think we, as professionals, are all bound to go above and beyond the call of duty; for me, it's helping underprivileged children learn something they otherwise wouldn't have."

Carr is also the founder of the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation, which he and his wife established after their only child, Justin, died from an undiagnosed heart condition, called idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (IHC). The organization's mission is to raise awareness of IHC and provide funding for youth to attend camps, participate in after-school mentoring programs and study visual and performing arts.

"Darrell's desire to help the youth of this community is truly inspirational and commendable," said Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees President Susan M. Keith. "He is such a positive role model, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Restaurant Building Almost Done | Rain?

~ The multi-restaurant building that replaces the old Acapulco restaurant looks as if it is almost done. Photo here: http://goo.gl/09y2ZS

~ A forty percent chance of rain today. http://goo.gl/YNgQ1o

- Brad Haugaard

Cold and Maybe Rain | World Vision Still Helping Sandy Victims | Citizenship

~ A low pressure system will bring cold temperatures, light showers, mountain snow and gusty winds to the San Gabriel Mountains starting late Sunday night. The National Weather Service says "the San Gabriel Mountains and adjacent foothills are expected to see the highest totals." http://goo.gl/fC0K88

~ A year after Hurricane Sandy, Monrovia's World Vision, a Christian relief agency, is still helping its victims. http://goo.gl/7QYqbg

~ Monrovia Library's Literacy Services department announced that Alejandro de la Luz, an adult learner, is getting his U.S. citizenship on November 18, 2013. He came to the library a year ago to improving his English and achieve citizenship. He lives in Monrovia on a visa from Mexico.

- Brad Haugaard

Giving Hands Thrift Store Opens | Monrovia Man Pleads Not-Guilty in Threats

~ Giving Hands at 925 W. Foothill, at the corner of Lincoln Place, is now open. Its hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Telephone is 626-239-6047. Chief Operations Officer Arin Davoodian said the non-profit thrift store offers free donation pickup and is partnering with other non-profits, such as Door of Hope and the Foothill Unity Center. Here is its web site: http://www.givinghandssocal.org

~ A Monrovia man has pleaded not guilty to six counts of telephone threats to San Gabriel Valley schools, hospitals and a mall. http://goo.gl/7JyVL7

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Philly's Best


Lunch at Philly's Best, in the shopping area at Fifth and Huntington. Got a pepper steak sandwich for $7.90 and an iced tea $1.99. Pretty good. 

- Brad Haugaard

Buy a Christmas Tree to Support Monrovia High Band and Colorguard

Order and pay for a Christmas tree or wreath by Nov. 1 to support the Monrovia High Band and Colorguard. Prices range from $42 to $90 (or higher if you want a 9-14' tree). Wreaths are $22 to $28. For an extra $15 you can have it delivered. For details contact Christine Langteau at langteaus3@verizon.com or 393-3299.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia 'Make a Difference' Day | Donation Drive

~ 23rd Annual Make a Difference Day, this Saturday at 8 a.m. at Library Park. Help with variety of community improvement projects throughout Monrovia and the San Gabriel Valley. Sign up: http://goo.gl/VW0urA

~ Goodwill donation drive this Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Monrovia Presbyterian Church.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bear Munching Trash

Yet another Monrovia bear video. http://goo.gl/Vjqwt3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Walks Over La Canada 77-0

Monrovia over La Canada 77-0 in football. http://goo.gl/j2vyXE

- Brad Haugaard

Pastor Albert Tate of Fellowship Monrovia to Speak at Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Pastor Albert Tate and family.

Forty-Eighth Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, "Our Healthy City," on Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 a.m. with Speaker Pastor Albert Tate of Fellowship Monrovia. At the Doubletree (924 W. Huntington). For all members of the family. Tickets for the buffet breakfast $25 per person. RSVP by November 14. Sponsored by Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. For information call 358-1159 or e-mail: kr@monroviacc.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Alhambra Rape Suspect Arrested; Runaway; Mystery Explosion

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 81 investigations. 
 
Outside Assist / Alhambra Police Department – Rape Suspect Detained
October 21 at 5:39 p.m., officers responded to a business parking lot in the 200 block of West Huntington regarding a suspect wanted for rape by the Alhambra Police Department.  The victim saw the suspect in a vehicle parked in a parking lot and called police.  An officer responded, located the vehicle and detained the suspect.  The Alhambra Police Department was notified and responded to take custody of the suspect.
 
Runaway Juvenile Located
October 21 at 12:56 a.m., the Temple Sheriff's Department called and requested an officer respond to a residence in the 1000 block of Royal Oaks regarding a runaway juvenile at the location.  The juvenile had run away from a boy's home in the City of Chino.  An officer was dispatched to the residence and the juvenile was detained.  The juvenile was taken to East Lake Juvenile Hall.
 
Loud Explosion/Noise Heard
October 23 at 10:17 p.m., police dispatch received five calls reporting a loud explosion type noise coming from the area east of the 400 Block of South Mayflower.  Officers responded and searched the area reported, but they were unable to locate a cause.    

Citrus Vets Event | Monrovia Book Sale | Thrift Shop Opens

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, and Azusa Pacific University, will pay tribute to veterans at the eighth annual "Saluting our Veterans" event, 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Citrus Campus Center Mall, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. There will be a performance by Gladstone High School's marching band, an AMVETS Honor Guard, military exhibits, keynote speeches and a patriotic musical tribute.

~ Books with an orange dot on the spine will be half price at the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library bookstore this November. Regular prices range from $0.25 to $2. The store, in the library is open Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.

~ Giving Hands Thrift Store opens tomorrow (Friday) in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/wqqTe2

- Brad Haugaard

Science Month at the Monrovia Library

Students in first though eighth grade are invited to attend a month of science programs this November, at the Library. Every Tuesday at 4 p.m., in the Community Room.

- Nov. 5 - Great Scott, the Glad Scientist: Learn what matters about mater and discover the properties of air and water.

- Nov. 12 - Sizes of Things: Join Steven L. Cornford, NASA/JPL scientist, to learn about the sizes of things, from planets to the biggest star and from the human hand to atoms.

- Nov. 19 - Animals 101: Wildlife Company will introduce insects, amphibians, reptiles and more.

- Nov. 26 - Hands On Science: Is it a solid or a liquid? Make a batch of oobleck and perform experiments.

For more information, call the Library at 256-8274 and ask for the Youth Services Desk.

Source: http://goo.gl/VYJl9U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. La Canada | Students in Better Shape

~ Monrovia football vs. La Canada today (Oct. 24) at La Canada High School. Sportswriter Steve Ramirez thinks Monrovia will easily win. http://goo.gl/zI8geI

~ Monrovia students score higher on physical fitness exam. http://goo.gl/4EdMRz

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Prepare Monrovia Canyon Park for Haunted Hike


Volunteers are setting up for the Haunted Hike in Monrovia Canyon Park set for this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Oct. 23, 24, and 25). No tickets at the gate. Proceeds benefit Monrovia Canyon Park programs. If there are any tickets left, they are available through the Monrovia Community Services office at City Hall. http://goo.gl/y926k0 . And here's the Haunted Hike website: http://www.mcphauntedhike.com/

- Brad Haugaard

How Monrovia Congresswoman Gets Campaign Money Into Her Own Pocket | K-Rail Meeting | AeroVironment Teams With Copter Maker | Station Square

~ In an editorial, the Pasadena Star-News echos a criticism leveled by the program 60 Minutes at Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, who represents the bulk of Monrovia, for using her campaign money to enrich herself. How it works: Loan your own campaign a chunk of money and charge the campaign a hefty interest rate (Napolitano charged 18 percent and later 10 percent). All completely legal. [Comment: Yeah, it seems a bit high, but for risky borrowers, like members of Congress, I guess you gotta charge a lot more.] http://goo.gl/ElHb6U

~ There will be a meeting about installing the concrete K-Rail barriers on Madison, near where the fire burned off, at the Library Community Room, today (Oct. 23) at 7 p.m. For more information call 932-5575 or visit www.cityofmonrovia.org/publicworks

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment, the world's highest volume manufacturer of drones, has signed an agreement with Eurocopter, the leading global helicopter manufacturer, to explore opportunities for expanding their military and commercial product portfolios. http://goo.gl/mBKxk5

~ City meeting on Station Square project. http://goo.gl/TISGuo

- Brad Haugaard

Patch Cutting More Staff at Some Websites

The Patch family of news websites (Monrovia has a Patch site) will let go all staff in non-core market areas. Los Angeles, however, is listed as a core area. Also, even some websites in the core areas may be "lightly" staffed if they receive insufficient traffic. http://goo.gl/B0QdiV

- Brad Haugaard

Youth & Government Training in Monrovia

There will be a six-month Youth & Government training program at Santa Anita Family YMCA in which students in grades 9-12 can learn public speaking, organization, problem solving and time management. They can write bills, attend training conferences and run for offices. "You will also have the unique opportunity of taking over the State Capitol and using the halls, chambers and offices where real government is conducted." [Opinion: Hmm. Might be a big improvement.] Meetings at Y's Program Center Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. If interested contact Lindsey Acquazzino at lindseyacquazzino@ymcala.org or 359.9244 ext. 8340.

- Brad Haugaard

Starbucks Being Remodeled

The Starbucks coffee shop on the north side of the Pavilions parking lot will close Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. through Nov. 2 for remodeling.

- Brad Haugaard

Business Showcase in Old Town This Friday

There will be a business showcase this Friday, Oct. 25, in the 700 block of Myrtle, in front of the Paragon Apartments, from 5-9 p.m., during the street fair. Food, fun, and you can visit each of the business showcase exhibitor booths for a chance to win a prize.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Unveils Drone-Watcher

Monrovia's AeroVironment has unveiled its new Pocket DDL secure digital video and data receiver. The four-ounce device enables remote viewing of video and data from drones. http://goo.gl/uXwKJK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Dad Allegedly Whacks Son With Chair; Fight at Wedding Reception; Hitting Candy-Selling Teen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 17-20. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary
October 17 at 3:30 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 600 block of Norumbega.  The victim left her residence at 2:30 p.m. and returned approximately an hour later.  When she returned, she discovered her front door had been pried open and the entire residence had been ransacked.  The loss is still undetermined at this time.  The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary / Petty Theft / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
October 17 at 8:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of West Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred.  As the officers were arriving, a second business called reporting another theft that had just occurred, and the suspect description matched in both thefts.  The suspect was located and detained by police.  The suspect was carrying a backpack which contained stolen property from both stores.    He was also in possession of a methamphetamine pipe.  The suspect was positively identified and was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 4:14 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of West Olive.  The victim’s vehicle was parked between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:45 a.m. When he returned to his vehicle the following morning, he discovered a tool missing from the trunk.  The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Residential Burglary
October 18 at 6:14 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of North Fifth regarding the report of a residential burglary.  The incident occurred on October 16, between 8:00 a.m. and 1200 p.m.  The victim found a window screen pulled back and the gates leading to the rear of the location were open.  The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
October 18 at 6:25 p.m., the manager of a business in the 800 block of West Huntington called to report her vehicle had been broken into between 3:00 and 6:20 p.m.  The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and left her purse inside the vehicle under the driver’s seat.  The rear driver side window was smashed and the victim's purse was taken.  The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 1:56 a.m., officers on patrol in the 400 block South Myrtle observed two subjects sitting at a patio table behind a business in the dark.  One of the subjects had his phone, cigarettes and lighters on the table, and his hands were also on the table.  When the officers moved him from the table, they found he had been concealing several methamphetamine crystals with his hands.  The crystals tested positive for methamphetamine.  The suspect was arrested.  During the booking process at the jail, a search of the suspect revealed an additional plastic baggie containing about 5 grams of methamphetamine crystals which he had concealed on his person.  The subject was charged with possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a jail facility.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 3:09 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Pamela for a traffic violation.  The driver was observed swerving over the line between lanes and then swerving back into his lane.  Upon further investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Assault – Suspect Arrested
October 19 at 9:52 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Montana regarding disturbing subjects.  When they arrived, it was determined a father and son were having a verbal altercation, and the father struck the son on the head with a chair.  The son sustained a small cut on his left temple and a contusion on the left eye area.  He refused medical attention.  The father had been drinking and was arrested for assault.

Fight in Progress – Four Suspects Arrested
October 20 at 1:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 700 block of West Huntington regarding ten people fighting in the lobby.  The manager pointed out a female subject and told the officer she had started the fight during a wedding reception.  Other officers arrived and moved further into the lobby area, where people were still pushing each other.  Officers from Arcadia Police Department were requested to assist.  In all, three subjects, two males and one female, were arrested for public intoxication, and one female was arrested for delaying and obstructing an officer.  The lobby was cleared and the guests dispersed.

Battery
October 20 at 4:15 p.m., an assault incident was reported in the 100 block of West Foothill.  The victim was a 16-year-old male who was selling candy door-to-door.  He went into a business and was immediately told to leave and that he could not sell candy at the business.  As he left, he made a comment under his breath.  A coworker of the person the comment was directed at became angry and followed the victim outside. Once in the parking lot, he hit the victim three times in the face.  Witnesses began yelling at him to stop hitting the victim, and the suspect was pulled away by a coworker.  The case will be sent to the District Attorney for filing.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested                                                          
October 20 at 11:55 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 2600 block of California stopped a motorist for a minor traffic violation.  Further investigation revealed the motorist was in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, and three glass pipes.  The motorist was arrested and taken to jail for the above listed charges.

Girl's Varsity Volleyball Successfully Defends Its Championship | Banning Bags | Cheap Eats

~ Monrovia High's Girl's varsity volleyball team successfully defended its championship in The Gabrielino Fall Classic by defeating San Gabriel in the final set 25-23 last Saturday, according to Monrovia High. MVP was Kelsey Molnar and All Tournament players were Kayla Howell. On Tuesday the girls volleyball teams will try to prevent South Pasadena from winning the Rio Hondo League title.

~ City to explore banning or reducing the number of plastic bags. Here's the video: http://goo.gl/9OXK1C

~ Cheap dinners at the VFW. Taco Mondays, burger Tuesdays. http://goo.gl/C1BffX

AeroVironment Drone Flies Longer

The Puma drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, will now fly up to 75% longer. Also, other improvements. http://goo.gl/WBXM8P

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fog


Early morning ( about 6 a.m. today) fog rolls in at the Pavilions shopping area at Foothill and Myrtle. 

- Brad Haugaard

Friends of Monrovia Public Library Winners


The four winners of the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library bookmark contest with the Monrovia City Council: Member Larry Spicer, Council Member Alex Blackburn, Council Member Tom Adams, Winner Iris Xu (age 4), Karen Hollinhurst, president of FOMPL, winner Jose Elias Pla De Anda (age 5),  Council Member Becky Shevlin, winner Kimberlie Nordahl (age 11), Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, and winner Amanda Abidin (age 14). Each winner received 50 bookmarks and $15 in Friends Book Bucks which can be used to purchase books and media from the Friends Store.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Attendance for Students ... And Teachers; Honoring Employees; Welcoming Chinese Delegation

At its Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/i1t0eH ), the Monrovia school board will ...

~ Hear an enrollment report for October. Enrollment is 7 students higher than projected for October and 43 more than last year. Also, kindergarten enrollment is up 19 since last year and 77 more than in 2010-11, and that is important because the kindergartners will tend to stay in school for lots more years. Details: http://goo.gl/vfN3qJ

~ Hear a report on attendance rates for teachers. Canyon Early Learning Center scored best, with teachers present 95.02 percent of the time, Mayflower Elementary second at 94.03 percent, and Monrovia High at the bottom at 89.73 percent. The highest percentages of absences - 25 percent - are on Fridays. http://goo.gl/ZHKPv5

~ Recognize (with the Chamber of Commerce) outstanding employees Rosa Avila, assistant food services manager at Canyon Early Learning Center; Barbara Swisher, teacher at Canyon Early Learning Center; Jason Edwards, teacher at Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; Donna Wheeler, food service worker, Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park; and Selena Patton, ESL teacher, Monrovia Community Adult School.

~ Welcome a delegation of school teachers and principals from China.

- Brad Haugaard

Progress on Monrovia Train Maintenance Yard


Each flag shown here on the Gold Line's Monrovia Operations Campus shows the location of a future OCS (overhead catenary system) pole. More than half of the 213 pole foundations are complete. They will support nearly six miles of track that will be installed.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Panda Express


Lunch recently at Panda Express at the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Got the 2-entree plate with Orange Chicken and a new dish called Samurai Surf and Turf, for $6.59 plus an extra dollar for the Surf and Turf (beef and shrimp) and an iced tea for $1.59. Plus tax. Panda is always good.

- Brad Haugaard

Halloween at the Library | Monrovia High Grad Wins Architecture Award

~ Coming up for kids at the library: Halloween Spooktacular, Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Storytime Room, and Halloween Stories and Giveaways, Thursday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. in the Library Community Room.

~ Former Monrovia High student wins state architecture award. http://goo.gl/hqgKur

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Driving Under the Influence; Vehicle Burglary; Shoplifting

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 10-16. - Brad Haugaard]
 
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 421 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.n, visit our website and follow us on Twitter for police notifications.
 
Warrants - Suspect Arrested
October 12 at 11:58 a.m., an officer on patrol recognized a male subject who had outstanding warrants walking south on Buena Vista from Huntington.  A computer check confirmed the male subject did have three outstanding warrants for his arrest.  The subject was stopped and arrested for the warrants.
 
Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
October 13 at 2:01 a.m., and officer stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and the 210 Freeway.  The driver was speeding and swerved over the dividing line, straddling the line for approximately 40 feet.  Through investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence and he was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
October 15 at 5:58 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of Monrovista.  The victim believes his vehicle was locked when he parked it.  There were no signs of forced entry.  Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took new clothing in boxes that was left in the vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.
 
Shoplifting - Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 12:12 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain detained a female suspect for shoplifting.  The suspect was seen by loss prevention putting items into her purse and then exiting the store without paying for the merchandise.  She was arrested and taken into custody.
  

Monrovia Beer at Weekend Festival

Monrovia's Pacific Plate Brewing Co. will be serving its organic beer at this weekend's A Taste of Old Town Monrovia, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets $50, at the door $60. Oct. 20, 5–8 p.m. on Myrtle Ave. Food by local restaurants, wines, spirits, live music. http://goo.gl/KpO4Rk

- Brad Haugaard

Tiger Mosquitoes Getting Close to Monrovia - Spraying Tonight


Tiger mosquitoes are getting close to Monrovia. Early tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 18), the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will be spraying neighborhoods (dark blue on this map) just south of Mayflower Village, below Live Oak where Myrtle turns into Peck Road). Spraying will be from 1-3 a.m. from a truck, which is targeting immature mosquitoes in hidden standing water sources. The EPA has determined the chemicals are "non-toxic with no or minimal potential risk to people and other animals."

What they look like: The Asian tiger mosquito can be identified by its unique size, color, and feeding habits. The mosquito is approximately 1⁄4 inch long and has distinctive black and white stripes across its body and legs. This is an aggressive day-time biting mosquito that can transmit the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, and encephalitis.

What to do: If you see any small, black and white mosquitoes or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day, call SGVMVCD at 626-814-9466.

Keep them from breeding:

- Search for and discard any containers, cans, buckets, old tires, and trash around the home. Store items in a covered area or indoors to prevent water from accumulating.

- Drill drain-holes in tubs, containers, trash cans, and tire swings that must be kept outdoors.

- Look closely under all bushes and behind walls for trash, plastic bags, tarps or children's toys that may collect water. Discard or store them indoors.

- Store recyclables inside covered trashcans or sealed plastic bagsRemove any water saucers from beneath potted plants and drill drain holes in all decorative flower pots.

- Do not store water in uncovered buckets or rain barrels. Ensure rain barrels are completely sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

- Empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them thoroughly every 3 days. Request FREE mosquitofish for ponds or larger fountains.

- Clean out rain gutters and lawn drains to ensure water does not collect.

- Water plants at the soil level. Water that collects in the leaves and axils of plants will breed mosquitoes.

- Spread the word! Talk to your neighbors about preventing mosquitoes from breeding

Source: http://goo.gl/0kQQ54 and http://goo.gl/Gh4gXQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs. South Pas | Trader Joe's Comes to Town

~ Monrovia football against South Pas tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. at Monrovia High.

~ Thought this was fun. A Tonawanda (near Niagara Falls, NY) newspaper columnist wonders what the fuss is about when a Trader Joe's moves to town. She finds out. Trader Joe's, of course, is based in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/kXVs4A

- Brad Haugaard

See What is Planned for Monrovia Station Square Project

Station Square Open House set for next Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 130 West Pomona Avenue, Monrovia. Come and learn about the Public Improvements planned for Monrovia's Station Square or visit http://goo.gl/bc9BBE.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fundraisers, Health Expo

~ Buy a pie, support Foothill Unity Center. Get a pie voucher for a Marie Calendar pie from the Center's auxiliary: http://goo.gl/H6FIPX

~ Another Unity Center fundraiser, on Oct. 17. Paco's, at 200 E. Foothill in Arcadia, will donate 10 percent of all dining proceeds between 3-9 p.m. to Foothill Unity Center Auxiliary.

~ Set for Life Health Expo on Oct. 19 at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock. Health screenings, workshops, healthy food choices, get-fit class, vendors and more. Free mammograms for low-income women, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For information email patricia@setforlifenews.org; call 386-8071 or go to www.setforlifenews.org

~ Centre Stage music school has partnered with Goodwill for a charitable fundraiser on Oct. 26. You can donate gently used clothing, accessories, electronic, e-media, household items and more from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. For info and pick-up call 297-4758.

Source: Becky Shevlin (thanks!)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia - Home to Major Ink Cartridge Provider

Who knew Monrovia had a prominent ink cartridge provider?

Everlert, Inc., of Monrovia is "one of the most prominent providers of quality ink cartridges in the US postage meter industry." It makes cartridges for Pitney Bowes, Neopost/Hasler, FP and others. http://goo.gl/jqqnyW

- Brad Haugaard

Church Building at Palm and Primrose Bought


International Full Gospel Fellowship, located at 301 E. Foothill (about a block into Arcadia on the north side of the street) has purchased the church building at the corner of Palm and Primrose in Monrovia, next to Library Park, according to Bob Gollihugh, a member of Restored Life Fellowship, which meets in the building. He said IFGF, an Indonesian group, has asked Restored Life to stay and work with IFGF, which it has agreed to do.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's California Wine and Cheese Going Out of Business

California Wine and Cheese, on Foothill just west of Myrtle, is going out of business and will close no later than November 2. All goods are now being offered at 25 percent off.

In a newsletter announcement, the owners said the company has never been profitable, and that while wealth was not the object - introducing people to new wines and cheeses was - the company had to at least break even.

They write: "We renewed our lease in the midst of the economic downturn in 2008 confident the economy would bounce back, but, as many people understand who are still struggling to regain their own past stability, the turn-around we had hoped for has not materialized."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Ward Service 90th Year Anniversary Party - Old Cars, Raffle, Etc.

Longtime Monrovia automotive business, Ward Service, will celebrate 90 years of business on November 2nd, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with classic cars on display, celebrity guests, and live music at 130 Railroad Avenue in Monrovia. The event is open to the public and parking will be available at the Park & Ride lot on S. Myrtle Avenue.
 
The celebratory event celebrates Ward Service's longevity as a family-owned, family-run business from its 1923 inception through economic recessions, gasoline wars, war-time rationing, and a forced relocation to build the 210 freeway in Pasadena. Now run by the fourth generation, Ward Service is one of the oldest family-run automotive businesses in California.
 
"Ward Service has outlasted many of its competitors by holding fast to its family values and strong work ethic," notes Tom Ward, 3rd generation owner of the business. "When other service stations and tow companies closed at night, our service stations and tow trucks were operating, helping thousands of stranded motorists to get home safely. When you employ your family to run a business, you get an extra level of commitment that you can't always expect from employees."
 
The 90th anniversary party will showcase Ward Service's 'preferred status' as classic and antique car mechanics with customers and celebrity media displaying their prized classic cars. "We will have a classic rock band entertaining our guests, a taco truck, cupcakes, popcorn and snow cones," states Office Manager Melanie Ward. "We want to create an old-time feel for our event to celebrate and honor our 90-year heritage."
 
On display will be classic motorcycles, Hot Rods from the 20s to the 70s, antique cars, muscle cars, NHRA race cars, rare and unusual vehicles, and a high-wheeler bicycle for the public to view. Owner Jim Ward says, "Many of the vehicles are owned by our customers and we are proud to include them as part of our 90th Anniversary gala. To entertain our guests, we will be doing an engine blow with the local Fire Department. Later, we will hold a raffle with some large gift prizes that auto fans are sure to enjoy. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Monrovia Fire Department to help them restore one of their antique fire trucks."
 
During Ward Service's long history (78 years of those years in Pasadena and 12 in Monrovia), the Wards have served as civic and auto industry leaders giving back to their community. Organizations they have served in leadership include Pasadena's lauded Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena Lions Club, Pasadena Optimists Club, Pasadena Junior Chamber and Pasadena Quarterbacks Club. Additionally, they have led their industry with fourth generation owners Mike and Tom Ward serving terms as president of the local chapter of the Automotive Service Council and the California Tow Truck Association. Today, fourth generation owner Jim Ward continues that heritage as president of ASCCA, after serving as president of the Rotary Club's Monrovia chapter and on the board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA.
 
"We've built a heritage of community service throughout the generations of automotive business," says Jim Ward. "We look forward to keeping that tradition alive with the same family values that have served us through the past 90 years."
  
For more information on the Ward Service's 90th Anniversary event, please contact Melanie Ward at: (626) 357-8080 or email: jim@wardservice.com.  For more information on Ward Service, please go to: www.wardservice.com.
 
Source: Ward Service press release
 
- Brad Haugaard

Friends of Monrovia Library Has Great Fundraiser

Friends of the Monrovia Library report on Facebook that its weekend book sale "was a blowout fundraiser for the Library. The. BEST. sale. EVER."

- Brad Haugaard

'Songs in Darkness' at Monrovia's Aztec Hotel

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will perform Songs in Darkness, "a supernatural evening of music" at Monrovia's Aztec Hotel on Saturday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. Music includes selections from Mozart's Requiem, along with "Sure on this Shining Night" by Lauridsen, "Daemon Irrepit Callidus" by Orbán, works by Ramirez, Bach, Schubert, and more. Details: http://www.sgvccsingers.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Rescued on Freeway in Monrovia

Good Samaritan rescues dog with broken leg on 210 Freeway in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/udpYHJ

- Brad Haugaard

Sign Up for Monrovia Christmas Parade | VFW Needs Nominees for Teacher of the Year

~ If you'd like to be in the Monrovia Christmas parade (Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.), here's an application form. You need to get it filled and returned by Nov. 8. http://goo.gl/ldohE3

~ Monrovia VFW is looking for nominees for its teacher of the year award. http://goo.gl/ks1ZkG

- Brad Haugaard

Will AOL Sell Its Patch News Sites?

AOL, the owner of the Patch local-news websites, including the Monrovia Patch, may be considering selling them, or finding a partner for them. http://goo.gl/SlnLe8

- Brad Haugaard

Watch for New Stop Sign! | Monrovia Over Temple City

Brad Hori writes: "There is a new stop sign at the corner of Magnolia and Evergreen, just south of the freeway. (it is now a 4-way stop). It popped up yesterday. The police have been pulling over cars that are driving through without stopping (a lot of them!)."

~ Monrovia over Temple City 54-0. http://goo.gl/jWB2DB

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Peach Cafe


Lunch at Peach Cafe yesterday. On Colorado almost at Ivy. Got the Philly Steak Wrap ($11.95) with vegetable beef soup and an iced tea ($2.75). Plus tax and tip. I'm no Philly expert but it was pretty tasty. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Company Plans IPO | Biker Against Trafficking | Art Festival | Unity Volunteer Dies

~ Monrovia's Xencor, Inc. announced today that is registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of shares of its common stock. http://goo.gl/fGujeX

~ Garrett Zambrows will speak at First Baptist Church (223 S. Encinitas) on his planned five-month, circumnavigating the country bike ride against human trafficking. http://goo.gl/kGbPDn

~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will hold an art festival tomorrow and Sunday (Oct. 12, 13), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Library Park. Art for sale, demonstrations, entertainment, refreshments. Also, at 10 a.m. Der Kleiner Panzers Volkswagen Club will display custom built high performance Volkswagens.

~ Foothill Unity Center reports that "one of our most faithful volunteers, Henry Thedinga, recently passed away peacefully at 96 after a stroke. Henry and his wife, Lou, volunteered with and supported us for 14 years."

- Brad Haugaard

Thoughts on Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum


From left: Terrence Williams, Alex Zucco, Ruhhiyyih Yuille, Scott Pomrehn.

Thoughts on the Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum tonight. You get to vote for two of these folks on Nov. 5:

- Terrence Williams emphasized his lengthy involvement with schools and youth in town and spoke of his desire to get local businesses to contribute to the schools. His work with gangs gave a lot of credence to his answer to a question about bullying (he said it needs to be dealt with directly with the bully and the bully's parents) and his answer to a question about the importance of counselors (he said they are as important as teachers and that kids will tell counselors things they'd never tell their parents). He said the most important issue facing the district is the board's cohesiveness.

- As the incumbent, Alex Zucco emphasized her experience, and her knowledge of the district came through regularly in her answers. She said the biggest problem facing the district is the state of its facilities, that while Monrovia High has had a nice upgrade, the other schools need work as well. The problem with implementing the Core Curriculum, she said, is that the district is only getting about $1 million to implement a $3 million project.

- Ruhhiyyih Yuille spoke of her broad experience as a teacher and that her family has lived in Monrovia since the 1950s. She was easily the best public speaker of the crew and had a nicely prepared opening statement which she delivered very well. Everyone else ad libed. Oddly, she then ad libed her closing statement. She shined best when questioned on general educational questions, such as her opinion of the Common Core curriculum. She said standards have been adopted, but no curriculum. If the district gets more money, she said her priorities would be: 1. Teacher training, 2. Class size reduction, 3. Excellent curriculum - and she'd like to negotiate a raise for the teachers.

- Scott Pomrehn emphasized his long experience in local government and that he now has time that he can devote to board work. I think he had the most interesting idea of the night, which is that Monrovia should introduce on-line classes and maybe round up students from outside the district. He emphasized local control and said that "If Sacramento and Washington would let us use our money the way we want, we'd be a lot better off." I'm with him on that.

Someone asked if the district would consider issuing a bond "to fund programs." Now this "to fund programs" phrase set off alarm bells in my head. In my view, issuing a bond (which is basically taking out a loan) should ONLY be for specific and occasional big-ticket expenses, never for day-to-day expenses. You take out a loan to buy a car or a house, not to pay the rent. So, anyway, I was very surprised that Pomrehn - whom I thought was a numbers kinda guy and thought would nail that question - said he would consider that as an option if necessary. I thought that was a peculiar answer, though maybe he understood the question differently than I did or maybe there are methods of using bonds I'm not aware of.

Best answers of the evening were to the question, "Are you an independent thinker?" To which each of the candidates unanimously responded, Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

UPDATE: Scott Pomrehn responds: Thank you for covering the forum. To clarify, I completely agree with you on the use of bond funds, or as you correctly stated, "a loan", for on-going operational costs. I made an assumption and should have had the moderator clarify the question. Again, thank you for informing Monrovians about the upcoming election.

- Brad Haugaard

Win Tickets to Taste of Monrovia | Sing Handel's Messiah

~ Win two free tickets this years "A Taste of Old Town Monrovia." Here: http://goo.gl/f4IgFr

~ Sing Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian Church with the choir at the Dec. 8 Christmas Concert. Rehearsals from 7:30-8:30 p.m. each Thursday. For information call Dr. Peter Green at the church (626-358-3297, ext. 205) or email peter@fpcmonrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Officials Visit Train Maintenance Yard; Gold Line Bridge Wins More Awards


Assemblymember Chris Holden and Monrovia Mayor Pro Tem Becky Shevlin and Councilman Larry Spicer visit the train maintenance yard next to the Home Depot in Monrovia.

Also, the Gold Line Bridge has recently won two additional awards. The American Society of Civil Engineers awarded the bridge the Outstanding Public Civil Engineering Transportation Project over $10 million; and Engineering News-Record (ENR) awarded it the Best Project in Southern California, Highways/Bridges category.

Source: Gold Line Construction Authority spokesman Habib F. Balian

- Brad Haugaard

Governor Signs Monrovia Assemblyman's Bill to Give Armed Forces Members a Tax Break

Members of the Armed Forces and National Guard will get a break on state use tax (like sales tax but for stuff you buy out of state) when they are transferred to California under Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill signed today by Governor Brown. Holden represents Monrovia.

"It just doesn't seem fair to tax active duty military personnel when they are already making so many sacrifices," Holden said.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: The Grandparent Scam; More Meth

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 7–9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 428 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Annoying Phone Calls / Grandparent Scam

October 7 at 3:22 p.m., a phone scam was reported from a resident in the 100 block of North Magnolia. The resident received calls telling her that her grandson was in jail in Puerto Vallarta. The caller wanted 10,000 dollars in 100 dollar bills placed throughout a magazine and mailed to a location in New York. The victim stopped and confirmed both of her grandsons were in the United States, and then reported the incident to police. The victim did not suffer any loss.

Fight in Progress / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested

October 8 at 9:25 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue on the report of two male subjects fighting in the hotel hallway. One of the suspects left the location prior to the officers arriving. Officers located the other male suspect in a hotel room, along with two female subjects. One of the females was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of San Bernardino, and the second female was arrested for possession of a methamphetamine pipe. A baggie of methamphetamine was found in the hotel, which possibly belonged to the outstanding male suspect.



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teens Invited to Alien Creature Feature

As part of Teen Read Week, teens are invited to watch an Alien Creature Feature and slurp "swamp juice" on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m. in the Library Community Room. For more information, call the Monrovia Public Library at 256-8274 and ask for Youth Services.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Candidates Forum | Football vs. Temple City

~ Monrovia school board candidates' forum at 7 p.m. tonight in the school district board room, 325 Huntington. http://goo.gl/QFFYab

~ Football: Monrovia vs. Temple City tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. at Temple City. http://goo.gl/d7uVGp

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Buy Concrete Barriers to Protect Homes From Flooding; Etc.

At its Oct. 15 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/kHJPvN ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider buying $183,364 of "K-rail" from Jensen Precast  and contract with Ellis Construction for no more than $26,000 for installing it. This is to protect homes from possible flooding in the aftermath of the Madison fire. The staff report says the county recommended buying 246 twenty-foot sections and 64 ten-foot sections of the stuff.

What is K-Rail? Staff report says: "K-rail or Jersey Barriers are concrete barriers that measure approximately 32 inches tall by 24 inches wide and come in lengths of 10 and 20 feet. K-rail is used as a method to protect construction workers and equipment; it is often found on freeways near construction areas."

The K-rail will be placed here:

- Avocado Place (both sides)

- Crescent Drive (south side of street)

- Highland Place (both sides)

- Lotone Street (south side)

- Highland Place (North of Scenic) (east side)

- Hillcrest Boulevard (south side)

- Heather Heights Court (both sides)

City staff estimates it will stay in place up to five years. http://goo.gl/jsH4Ka


~ Proclaim October 26 as "Make A Difference Day."

~ Hold closed-door discussions on negotiations with the firefighter's union and a lawsuit. http://goo.gl/6ICjBO


- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers Work Thousands of Hours a Year on Canyon Park

Thirty three volunteers worked 6,507 hours at Canyon Park during the 2012-13 year, according to Hector Inzunza, Wilderness and Park Supervisor, 446 hours fewer than the previous year due the retirement of one prolific volunteer. Also, "one-time" project volunteers donated approximately 676 hours during 2012-13 compared to 612 in 2011-12 thanks to new connections with the California Conservation Corps and with Citrus Community College. http://goo.gl/vP4Q9U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Get Traffic Safety Grant

Monrovia Police Department has been awarded a $55,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness efforts. The grant received by Monrovia will aid in the city's ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life. Monrovia Police Department will use the funding as part of an on- going commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.

"Our goal is to maintain Monrovia's status of having zero traffic related fatalities," says Sergeant Daniel Verna, Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Monrovia Police Department. The grant will assist in efforts to deal with traffic safety problems and to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions. While traffic deaths from all causes declined by nearly 39 percent between 2006 and 2010 in California, they rose by 2.6 percent in 2011. State and federal officials anticipate that figures will show another rise for 2012. DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Recent trends show increases in two new categories – distracted driving and drug-impaired driving. Activities that the grant will fund include:

  • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE).

  • DUI Saturation Patrols

  • Distracted driving enforcement

  • Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement

  • Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement

  • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders

  • Compilation of DUI "Hot Sheets," identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Rain Very Likely in Monrovia Today

The National Weather Service says a fast-moving cold storm system will bring measurable rain, high-elevation snow and gusty winds to the area through tonight ( http://goo.gl/f2xN4S ). Likelihood of rain now up to 80 percent. http://goo.gl/baCPWl

- Brad Haugaard

E-Waste Recycling at Monrovia High | Rain Tomorrow?

~ Electronic waste recycling at Monrovia High School Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

~ Sixty percent chance of rain tomorrow in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/4TG9HA

- Brad Haugaard

Book Sale at Monrovia Library this Weekend

This Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-13, the Friends of the Monrovia Library will hold its Fall Book Sale, with more than 5,000 books. Hours:

Friday - noon-5 p.m. Saturday - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The $2-a-Bag Sale will be on Sunday from 4-5 p.m.

Prices for regular books and media range from 25 cents to $2. Collectibles are priced from $5 to $40. While book sellers are welcome, scanners are not permitted.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Driving Drunk with Kids; Spitting Meth; Hammer and Drugs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Oct. 3–6. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Possession of Controlled Substance / Possession of Deadly Weapon / Parole Hold – Suspect Arrested

On October 3 at 8:53 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 200 block West Huntington for a traffic violation. A computer check revealed that the suspect was on parole for residential burglary. A search of the vehicle revealed a ball pin hammer and methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested and booked on the listed charges.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested

On October 4 at 1:55 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Duarte for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and arrested.

Commercial Burglary / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Smoking Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

On October 4 at 4:45 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a theft. A male and female adult entered a business and were seen selecting merchandise and concealing it into the women's purse. Both were arrested and transported to the station in separate vehicles. When the patrol unit transporting the female was at the corner of Ivy and Lime, the suspect spit something out her mouth onto the street through an open window. A citizen saw this and approached the item and noticed it was a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine. The citizen took to the item to the police department. The female admitted to the offense. The female was additionally booked for the offense.

Driving under the Influence of Alcohol / Child Endangerment / Driving on the Wrong side of the Roadway / Expired Driver's License – Suspect Arrested

On October 4 at 7:00 p.m., while on patrol an officer observed a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the roadway in the 300 Block of West Evergreen. Upon contacting the driver he displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. Also, in the vehicle were 4 small children in the two rear seats and a female passenger in the front seat. Through the investigation it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol and charged also with child endangerment and expired driver's license.

Injury Traffic Collision

On October 4 at 9:36 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Norumbega Drive regarding an overturned vehicle. Officers arrived and located the vehicle on its driver's side with the driver still inside. Monrovia Fire Department responded and assisted the driver out of the vehicle. The driver stated he was south on Norumbega Drive and looked down to adjust the air conditioner. The front tire struck the curb and then the vehicle struck a retaining wall forcing the vehicle to roll on its side. The driver sustained minor injuries.

Vehicle Burglary

On October 5 at 9:11 a.m., a victim called to report she had been a victim of a vehicle burglary. The victim had parked her vehicle in the 700 block of West Huntington overnight and someone smashed the rear window and stole a digital camera left on the front seat. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

On October 5 at 5:27 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road regarding a suspicious person. An officer arrived and found the suspect to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.

Vehicle Burglaries

On October 5 at 6:20 a.m., dispatch received a call of a vehicle burglary that occurred at 200 Block of East Hillcrest. The suspect vehicle was a dark gray mini Van last seen westbound on Hillcrest. The officer was unable to locate the vehicle. When he arrived to take the report, he discovered a second victim also in the 200 block of East Hillcrest. Both vehicles were parked on the street and both had smashed driver side windows. The loss was a USB cable and some mail. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

On October 6 at 11:58 p.m., an officer observed a suspicious subject nervously looking around in the area of Myrtle and Pamela. Upon contacting the subject he displayed symptoms of being under the influence. The subject was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.



- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Candidates Forum | Unity Center Eyeglass Experiment

~ Monrovia PTA will hold a school board candidates' forum at 7 p.m. Thursday in the school district board room, 325 Huntington. http://goo.gl/QFFYab

~ The latest Foothill Unity Center newsletter says that since studies have show vision is very important to academic success, the Center coordinated an eyeglass project (together with Duarte Unified School District and Western University College of Optometry) for students who failed vision tests and didn't have enough money for glasses. Parents liked the program. Comment: Cool! It would be really neat to hear the hard data on how much better the students did.

- Brad Haugaard

Progress on Power Towers Above Monrovia


The power towers above Monrovia appear to be mostly installed now, so there will soon be three sets of wires going over the mountains, the new lines between the old ones. As you can see from this view near White Saddle,, the new towers don't yet have the power lines installed. When finished, they'll bring power from Tehachapi. 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Police Activity at Hwy Esplanade and Maple


Correspondent Brad Hori writes: Sheriff's helicopter flying low around 1 p.m. Saturday with Arcadia police on the corner of Hwy Esplanade and Maple Avenue [a block north of Huntington]. They have been there for over 1-1/2 hours so far. May have been a car chase. (Picture by Brad Hori.)

UPDATE: Brad Hori noticed that this incident involved Arcadia police. From Arcadia: "Around 1:08 p.m., an officer conducted a high risk traffic stop on a stolen vehicle in the
area of Highway Esplanade and Maple Avenue. The officer discovered the passenger, a
31-year-old Hispanic male, had [allegedly] stolen the vehicle out of Fontana. The suspect had his
relative, a 29-year-old Hispanic female, drive the vehicle for him. Further investigation
revealed she had a suspended license and was in possession of burglary tools. Both
suspects were arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Representative to Forgo Salary During Shutdown

In "solidarity with furloughed federal workers," Representative Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, said she will forgo her salary. http://goo.gl/ReUfeQ

- Brad Haugaard

Progress on Power Towers Above Monrovia


The power towers above Monrovia appear to be mostly installed now, so there will soon be three sets of wires going over the mountains, the new lines between the old ones. As you can see from this view near White Saddle, the new towers don't yet have the power lines installed. When finished, they'll bring power from Tehachapi. 

- Brad Haugaard

St. Francis Over Monrovia

St. Francis 48 to Monrovia's 14 in football. http://goo.gl/y4N8uS :-(

- Brad Haugaard

Fireworks at Monrovia Homecoming | Choral Company Fundraiser at Aztec | No Forest Service Services | Cortez Arraignment

~ At the Oct. 9 School Board meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/kt8Sxg ), the board will: consider hiring Pyro Spectaculars for a fireworks display during Homecoming on Oct. 18; hear a report on emergency prep; hold a public hearing on "the adequacy of textbook funding and the availability of textbooks and instructional materials;" and other stuff.

~ San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will hold a yard-sale fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, 311 W Foothill Blvd. Available: furniture, appliances, clothing, books, more. Proceeds will benefit SGVCC music programs.

~ The Forest Service will not be selling permits for recreation, firewood, forest products, and "mineral materials." Also, reservations are suspended, recreation sites and all offices are closed until funding is restored. Law enforcement, fire suppression, and other essential services will continue without interruption. http://goo.gl/HFe8GV

~ The arraignment of Monrovian Gerardo Cortez, 26, has been continued to Oct. 25. He allegedly made threats to several local schools and other facilities. http://goo.gl/qMqeOY

- Brad Haugaard

Governor Signs Two Bills by Monrovia's Assemblyman

Governor Brown today signed Assembly Bills 201 and 250, both by Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. AB 201 requires the Office of Small Business Advocate to include on its website information on the Small Business Loan Guarantee program's loan guarantees, direct lending, surety bond guarantees, and disaster loans. AB 250 is designed to increase the number of iHubs across California to create more opportunities for start-up companies, promote greater collaboration between innovators and venture capital investment within the state.

Source: Holden press release

Comment: It is amazing that we need both houses of the legislature and the governor's signature to force a state agency to do what it should have done long ago without having its arm twisted - post relevant consumer information on the Internet. I approve of the bill, but CHEESH!

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at VegeUSA


Lunch the other day at VegeUSA, at the corner of Myrtle and the freeway. Got a Vegan Black Pepper Steak Wrap ($10.88 with tax) and a cream soda ($1.84 with tax) at its Good Eats Test Kitchen. Quite meat-like. Tasty. I wasn't converted to being a vegan, but still, pretty good.

- Brad Haugaard