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Monrovia Baseball Over Lompoc | Blue Boy at Wildrose | Piano Fundraiser at St. Luke | City Council

~ Monrovia baseball bounces back to score a 10-7 win over visiting Lompoc. http://goo.gl/L552ut

~ A reproduction of the Blue Boy painting at the Huntington Library was unveiled at Wild Rose Elementary School in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/wrBo2s

~ St Luke's Episcopal Church Choir will present its third annual fundraiser to help purchase a Steinway concert grand piano for the sanctuary on Sunday, June 7, at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served al fresco in the courtyard of the church, at California and Foothill, followed by a musical show with choir and guest vocalists. Wine and dessert will follow in the courtyard. $25 per person. Contact Kelly Lauer, jklauer@gmail.com or 905-5247 by Wednesday, June 3, to reserve a seat, or purchase tickets at the door.

~ Coming up at the June 2 City Council meeting: http://goo.gl/9Gzuvw

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Chang Thai Bistro



Dinner last night at Chang Thai Bistro, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Colorado. Got the Mussamun curry (beef, potatoes, coconut cream, peanuts, etc.) for $8.95 plus rice for $1.50, and a 22-ounce beer for $7.95. Sweet and tasty. Enjoyed it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attempted Murder; Car vs. Tree; Fighting Over Finances

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 25-27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 391 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Attempt Murder – Suspects Arrested
May 25 at 3:17 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 300 block of East Lime Avenue regarding a fight in progress. An altercation occurred and it appears that three male victims in their late teens were involved in a fight with two male suspects. During the fight, one of the three victims was stabbed in the abdomen. The injury is not believed to be life threatening and the victim is currently receiving medical treatment. The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the suspects may know each other, and at this point in time, the fight does not appear to be gang related. The two suspects have been arrested and are awaiting their court appearance.

Vehicle Burglary
May 26 at 4:53 a.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of West Central regarding several vehicle burglaries. One of the victims parked his company vehicle in his driveway at 6:30 p.m. He returned to his vehicle at 4:30 a.m. to find his window had been smashed and his company phone was missing. Two additional vehicles in the area had also been burglarized. A briefcase and change were taken from the other vehicles. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 27 at 1:40 p.m., a driver was injured in a solo traffic collision into a tree in the 700 block of Norumbega. Alcohol was suspected, but the driver was sedated by the time the officers arrived at the hospital. A search warrant will be written to secure the medical test results. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 27 at 7:34 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West Foothill regarding a family dispute. A husband and wife were fighting over finances and the husband assaulted the wife and threatened to kill her. The wife had visible injuries. The husband was arrested for domestic violence and an Emergency Protection Order was issued.

10 Minutes to Save a Life | Hazardous Waste Roundup

~ Take ten minutes to learn to save a life with Sidewalk CPR, at Library Park on Thursday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.

~ Hazardous waste roundup at Monrovia High on May 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. http://goo.gl/4344wh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Population Non-Explosion | Watch Out for Electric Bill Scam!

~ Monrovia's population as of January 1, 2015 is estimated at 37,406. This is an increase of 227 people or 0.6%. http://goo.gl/MofkUg

~ Southern California Edison is warning against exactly the same scam that was attempted against a Monrovia resident ( http://goo.gl/D8Ioly ). Basically, it is someone pretending to be from SCE who says: "You ran up a big electrical bill and you need to pay it right now!" http://goo.gl/Kfm7jH

- Brad Haugaard

Local Artist Paints Monrovia Houses


Local artist Leisa Collins has completed the first phase of a series of pen and watercolor architectural house portraits featuring 26 homes she loves in Monrovia.  She is working on a book that will include Monrovia house portraits along with paintings featuring homes and diverse architectural styles across 43 states. A native of New Zealand, Leisa began drawing and painting historic homes in Auckland three decades ago.   Here are her Monrovia homes ( https://goo.gl/tm7zTs ) and here is her website ( http://goo.gl/9c0wjQ ).

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Missing Man Arrested; Power Company Scam; Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves License Plate Behind; Drugahol Driving

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 21-24. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 1:10 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Mountain and Huntington when he stopped a motorist for unsafe speed. Investigation revealed the motorist was intoxicated. The officer arrested the motorist for driving under the influence and he was held for sobering.

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 3:00 a.m., an officer stopped a motorist in the area of Peck and Live Oak for driving without lights during darkness. The motorist was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for DUI. She was taken into custody, and during the booking process, a clear plastic baggie of methamphetamine was located in her purse. She was additionally charged for possession of a controlled substance.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs / Warrant / Voluntary Missing Adult Located – Suspect Arrested
May 22 at 1:00 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Lime on the report of a missing person. The missing subject was given permission to use his nephew’s car to go to the unemployment office in Pasadena on May 20. He had not returned and could not be reached by phone. The reporting party did not desire to report his vehicle stolen, but just wanted to make sure his uncle was okay. The uncle was entered into the law enforcement missing persons system. On May 25 at 3:06 a.m., and officer stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation. The investigation determined the driver was under the influence of narcotics and he was arrested for DUI. A computer check revealed the suspect had been reported missing to the Monrovia Police Department on May 22 and that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was removed from the missing persons system and the warrant was added to his charges.

Suspicious Circumstances / Possible Scam
May 22 at 3:49 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of Leafwood called police to report a suspicious person. A male subject contacted the resident at their door and stated he was with Edison. He told the resident that money was due on their account. He did not have any identification and was holding an iPad. When the resident told him they had solar power and did not owe any money, the subject left immediately. Officers responded and searched the area to contact the subject, but were unable to locate him. The subject is described as an adult, male Asian.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 23 at 1:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Sixth and Duarte regarding a hit and run traffic collision. The reporting party witnessed a vehicle collide into a lamp pole and flee the area, heading south on Sixth Avenue. The vehicles front bumper and license plate were left at the scene. Officers located the vehicle at Sixth and Wisteria, unoccupied. A search of the area for the driver was unsuccessful. The vehicle was stored as evidence. The pole sustained minimal damage. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 8:13 a.m., a witness called police to report he had observed a vehicle strike a parked car near Magnolia and Duarte Road, and then continue on Duarte Road. The witness said the vehicle was swerving and the driver pulled into a business parking lot. Officers arrived and told the driver to put the car in park and exit the vehicle. The driver could not get the car in park and almost backed into the police vehicle. He eventually parked and exited, almost falling. The driver was determined to be under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs. He was arrested for DUI and for the hit and run accident. He was held for sobering.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 23 at 3:27 p.m., and officer on patrol observed a driver acting suspiciously and attempting to hide near a drive through in the 700 block of East Huntington. With probably cause, the officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. He discovered the driver had a suspended license. Additional investigation revealed the license plate on the vehicle was not issued to that vehicle. There were no licensed drivers in the vehicle. One female occupant was determined to have a $150,000 outstanding warrant for assault, as well as a minor warrant for unlicensed driver. She was arrested for the warrants. The vehicle was stored for the display of a false license plate and for the suspended license violations.

Monrovia Over Moreno Valley | Teen Held in Stabbing

~ Monrovia had a 4-3 baseball victory over Moreno Valley yesterday in playoffs. http://goo.gl/QJ64S1

~ A teen is being held in connection with a stabbing at Rotary Park, at the corner of Lime and California. http://goo.gl/vTga38

- Brad Haugaard

Drunk Monrovia (Maryland) Man Forces 13-Year-Old to Drive Him Home

Okay, this is not *our* Monrovia, but it is an interesting Monrovia story and kinda bizarre, about a man who avoids one crime by committing another: "Drunken Monrovia man forced 13-year-old son to drive him home" http://goo.gl/BOZnAd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Saving Water; Trimming Fig; Working on Wilderness Entrance; Etc.

From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report:

- Before Phase 1 of Monrovia's water conservation program, each Monrovian was using an average of 159.5 gallons of water per day. After Phase1 1 was implemented, this dropped to 139.4 gallons of water per day.

- The Morton Bay Fig at Library Park will be trimmed this Friday, May 29. Crews will be thinning the tree canopy.

- Mayor Adams and Council member Crudgington, along with staff, met with neighbors in the Hidden Valley community to discuss the Cloverleaf access point to the city's Wilderness preserve. "Based on that meeting and subsequent discussions with neighborhood representatives, we have worked to develop a working committee to address the issues that have been raised by residents regarding access to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve through Cloverleaf Drive."

Comment: Fine, but why are potential users of the trail not included in this working committee? There is a Monrovia hiking club and I'm sure some of the bike shops could direct city staff to mountain bike riders.

- Street paving for the Station Square project has been postponed to June 4. Difficulties.

- The sumnmer edition of Monrovia Today is online here: http://goo.gl/dN9R1Y

- A new fountain (recirculating) has been installed at the Monrovia Historic Museum to replace a damaged one.

Source: http://goo.gl/N8uEOd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over Whittier Christian in Baseball

Monrovia defeated Whittier Christian 6-1 in round one of the Division 5 CIF Southern Section Baseball Tournament. http://goo.gl/7iM3DQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Stabbed in Park

18-year-old man stabbed in Monrovia, taken to hospital. http://goo.gl/ZkfWyB

Monrovia's Jordyn Tucker wins CIF Titles | Calvary Road Celebrates 40 Years

~ Monrovia's Jordyn Tucker wins CIF titles in 100- and 200-meter runs. http://goo.gl/cxRTfQ

~ Monrovia's Calvary Road Baptist Church is celebrating 40 years ( http://www.calvaryroadbaptist.org/ ). Comment: I don't think I've ever heard of a church telling people that they're welcome if they don't have a church home, but if they already have a church to stay there. "We are committed to each Christian being faithful to his present Church home." Kind of a refreshing attitude.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Newest Park

Here is Monrovia's latest park, at the corner of California Avenue and Evergreen Avenue (the south-side freeway access road). It is adjacent to the new Metro train yard. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Gold Line Operations Campus Dedicated - Open to Tour


The 24-acre Foothill Gold Line Operations Campus in Monrovia was dedicated today and is open to the public for touring from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The entrance is just off of California Avenue just south of the freeway.

 The $265 million light rail maintenance and operations facility is ahead of schedule and on-budget and "will be the largest in the county system, and is one of the only facilities of its kind designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold standard."

The maintenance yard will house and service up to 84 light rail vehicles and will have 200 employees over several shifts - the facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The new facility features:

- A state-of-the-art, 132,000-square-foot Main Shop Building, designed to achieve a 35 percent reduction in water use and 32.5 percent reduction in electricity use;

- The "Paint Room," designed to ensure timely and thorough train beautification;

- A car wash, which utilizes only recycled, reclaimed water and has the ability to wash an entire train at once;

- The Shops, Foothill Gold Line's maintenance area, complete with unique zones for each individual service, ensuring top-of-the-line care for the county's growing light rail fleet;

- A $3 million tool used to smooth the wheels on vehicles for a more comfortable and enjoyable passenger experience;

- 178.5 kilowatt solar panel array and a large-scale storm water collection and filtration system; and

- Design and architectural enhancements, including a large-scale mosaic in the Main Shop Building lobby and a decorative fence boasting a California poppy motif at the public viewing corner.

-- Brad Haugaard

Three More Historic Sites for Monrovia

Monrovia gains three more historic sites, two houses and a business: http://goo.gl/4qt1T7

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Teacher Appointed to Board of Ceramics Museum

Monrovia High School teacher Sal Perez has been appointed to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Museum of Ceramic Art. The Board of Education will honor Perez at its May 27 meeting, agenda here: http://goo.gl/aVxedb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball Wins First Round in Playoffs

Monrovia baseball gets first-round CIF-SS playoff win, 6-1, over Whittier Christian in round one of the CIF playoffs.

- Brad Haugaard

New Park in Monrovia

Evergreen Plaza, a new park in Monrovia. Part of the new Gold Line Operations Campus: http://goo.gl/5aBptl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Possible Suicide Prevented; Stolen Vehicle Recovered

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for May 18-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, resulting in 55 investigations.

Suicidal Subject / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation
On May 18 at 4:22 a.m., a female called and said her ex-boyfriend threatened he would jump off a cliff "up on Myrtle" if she did not come to see him. The female caller was on her way in from Pomona. All available officers checked areas where the two have visited in the past, but were unable to locate him. The suicidal subject continued to call the female while she was driving to Monrovia. The subject told the female to meet him in the 100 block of West Colorado, parking structure. Officers surrounded the area and walked in on foot. An officer observed the subject run into the stairwell where he was detained. The subject was checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics and transported to a hospital where he was held for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
On May 19 at 10:30 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of West Hillcrest called to report a vehicle with the engine still running was parked at the curb. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Pasadena on May 18. The ignition housing was damaged. The owner was notified and the vehicle was released.

CPR and Other Monrovia Activities

~ Learn CPR at the Monrovia Fire Department's 'Sidewalk CPR," Thursday, June 4, from 9 to noon in Library Park. http://goo.gl/lw34xY

~ Register your kids for Summer Extraveganza, Monrovia's free summer day camp from June 22 to August 14. Here's some info ( http://goo.gl/9O1lRc ) and here's where to register ( https://goo.gl/oidXXV ).

~ Here is the online version of the city's Summer Activities Guide, for all ages: http://goo.gl/nxjSBo

Monrovia Softball Beats El Monte for Place in Playoffs

Monrovia softball wins a place in playoffs with a win over El Monte. http://goo.gl/8NwdsO

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's to Accept Apple Pay | Lights, Camera, Action!

~ Monrovia-based Trader Joe's plans to begin accepting the electronic Apple Pay system: http://goo.gl/KfS5VT

~ On Saturday, June 20, at 6:00 p.m. the Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Choral Company concludes its twentieth season with a silent auction and gala concert called "Lights, Camera, Action!" which will include musical favorites from such film and television shows as Doctor Who, Up, Star Wars, Glee, Lord of the Rings, O Brother Where Art Thou, and more. Plus, a silent-auction with such prizes as theater tickets, hotel stays, cruises, gift baskets, sporting event tickets, concert tickets, museum passes, amusement park tickets, comedy club passes, and more, Refreshments and auction at 6 p.m., concert will at 7 p.m. Location: Throop Hall at Throop Unitarian Universalist Church (300 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena). Tickets range from $5-20 and can be purchased at www.sgvccsingers.org . Donations to SGVCC, a non-profit organization, are also gladly accepted online and by check.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Monrovia's Live Oak Memorial Park

There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those who served our Country at Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor: Skip Mayor's Conference; Repair Sidewalks Instead

At tonight's Monrovia City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Adams clarified an agenda item under his name that said, "Consideration of Withdrawal from US Conference of Mayors." He said that actually, for this year's conference, he just doesn't want to attend as there doesn't seem to be much of value on the agenda. Instead, he said, he'd like to have the conference money put into repairing sidewalks. But, he said, he thinks the council should later consider which organizations - including the Conference of Mayors - the city needs to belong to.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Giving Hands Donates to City of Hope


Yesterday, Monrovia's Giving Hands Thrift Store and Donation Center donated wigs, scarfs, and toys to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center in Duarte.

"We at Giving Hands would like to extend out our services to those organizations and individuals which may benefit most. If you have a cause or need, or know someone which does, please call Arin at 213-248-8186 or email arin@givinghandssocal.org."

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia RadioShack is Closing - Everything On Sale

"SoCal Tom" writes to tell me that "the RadioShack store at Huntington and Alta Vista (in the Baja Market/Rite Aid center) is going to close in July. Apparently, the corporation  couldn't find a financial backer to keep the stores open." I called the store to confirm and the clerk told me the store is indeed set to close, although the exact date is unclear. In the meantime, everything in the store is on sale. (Thanks, SoCal Tom!)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Dick Mountjoy Dies - Former State Senator

Monrovian Dick Mountjoy, former state senator and Monrovia mayor, has died. Monrovia Weekly: http://goo.gl/oexSts ; Sacramento Bee: http://goo.gl/6cHiOj

Robert Parry, who recently ran for City Council with Mountjoy's endorsement, wrote this tribute:

The news is out that retired State Senator Dick Mountjoy passed away last night. This is very sad news. Dick was a man, a myth and a legend. He was a man of values and character, something that reflected throughout his 40 years of service to the City of Monrovia and State of California. He was a legend because he stood up for what his faith and values and character told him were right. But, those same qualities also made him a myth. To read the media coverage at the height of his political influence, Dick was a rabid right winger, at war with those who disagreed with him. And, while he earned his legend being steadfast, such hate, spite and nastiness were the antithesis of the man I came to know in recent years with my political ventures.

I first met Dick at the El Monte airport diner, at a breakfast arranged by intermediaries when I was first thinking of running for council. Though I have long followed politics, I was to say the least intimidated to ask for the support of a man of his stature. His first words were simple and to the point (and, in retrospect, totally predictable): "When does life begin?"

But that was about as close as we ever got to a "right wing" conversation. Our chats were more about practicalities and values. Dick was unflinching in his Christian faith and proud of his family and his accomplishments in business and politics. But he was also proud of little things, like the friendships he built across the aisle in Sacramento. Dick had a mischevous streak, something that glowed through the tale he told me of his fishing buddy, a politician of the exact opposite ideology with whom he would take private trips where no newspaper would find out. That those same newspapers portrayed him as someone who would never consort with the other side didn't seem to bother him much. The substance of the relationship - the substance of who he was as a man - was more important than someone else's myth.

I spoke to Dick several times during the recent campaign and was honored to have him give the keynote speech at both of my campaign kickoffs. Shortly before that, I spent several hours one cold and rainy Sunday afternoon, talking about the mechanics of politics and the lessons he learned and the adventures he enjoyed. He made a point of telling me the story of his first foray into the State Assembly, challenging an incumbent of many years. When at a forum, that incumbent was accused of misdeeds and alcholism, Dick told me he stood up for his opponent, defending his honor as a man, despite their political differences. "I had to stand up for what was right. What was right was more important than any election."

That afternoon by his roaring fireplace will remain a highlight for me not because of politics or lessons learned or campaigning insights, but because I got to better know a man of values and character who cared about people and his community. Regardless of your politics, you, and this world, would be better off if we all lived by that standard.

Rest in Peace, and thanks for all you did for others.

CIF Championship for Monrovia Baseball?

Monrovia's hopes for a CIF baseball championship. http://goo.gl/EM1nTQ

- Brad Haugaard

'Floribunda' at Monrovia Galery | Big Fire From Big Rig


~ "Florabunda," paintings of "florals, gardens and blooming landscapes" at Saga Fine Arts, 110 W. Lime, May 19 - June 26. http://goo.gl/0hrvPr

~ Big fire on big rig on the 210 near the Santa Anita exit today. http://goo.gl/zL21e3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Lost From Texas; Store Clerk Punched; DUI; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 14-17. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary
On May 14 at 12:20 p.m., an officer responded to a residential burglary that occurred in the 100 block of North Garfield. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the home through an east side window. The home was ransacked and the loss is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Battery / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation
On May 14 at 6:29 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 900 block of East Huntington Drive. The store clerk was punched by a male subject inside the store. The subject heard voices coming from the clerk’s headphones. He punched her, striking her hand as she blocked the punch and then the subject fled the store. A surveillance video confirmed the subject description and he was located a short time later in the area. The clerk wanted prosecution and completed a citizen arrest. The suspect had no identification and was taken into custody. After he was identified he was place on a 72 hour hold.

Driving Under of the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On May 15 at 12:30 p.m., a subject called stating a person who appeared drunk was getting into a vehicle and driving away near Palm and Primrose. The officer observed the vehicle which fit the description and stopped it for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the driver was impaired and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On May 17 at 10:15 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte Road and 6th Avenue. When officers arrived they located a male subject near his vehicle. He explained he had struck a parked vehicle. During the course of the investigation it was determined the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Located Critical Missing from Texas / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation 
On May 17 at 12:30 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of West Duarte called to report a female had arrived in a vehicle and stated she was lost. Officers arrived and talked to her and she made several statements that did not make sense. She stated she had injured her arm in Arizona and said her arm was bothering her. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded to check on her. A computer check revealed she was a critical missing from Texas who was bipolar and off her medication. The female was transported to a hospital where she was treated for her injury and was placed on a 72 hour evaluation hold.

Monrovia Friendship Tea to Benefit Pregnancy Center

"Mothers and Others Friendship Tea" benefiting Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center, Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Monrovia, 140 E. Palm Ave. Tickets are $10 each or 2 for $18 or $15 at the door. Buy them at the Methodist Church, 303-2783. Food, fashion show with clothes from the United Thrift Store, gold buy-back booth and jewelry for sale by Janie's Jurassic Jewelry.

- Brad Haugaard

Myrtle Madness at Monrovia's Library Park Today

Nice selection of booths by local businesses and organizations in Library Park today for Myrtle Madness. Plus, bounce houses, old cars, a climbing wall and live singing right now. 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wildcat Baseball Ends Winning Season :-)

Rain prevented last game of the season, but Monrovia baseball ended 11-0 in league play! http://goo.gl/k4Q554

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Fixing Huntington; Hillside Access; Goodbye Conference of Mayors? Beauty Salons in Old Town; Historic-Older Americans Month

At the May 19 Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/CHY29b ), the council will, among other things ...

- In hopes that two lapsed grants (one for $1.8 million and the other for $227,000) will be renewed, the council will consider spending the expected money on improving Huntington Drive between Magnolia and Shamrock ( http://goo.gl/36XUCP ). Comment: Hmmm. I knew the city let a lot of grant money lapse, but I had no idea it was THAT much.

- Hear a report by City Manager Oliver Chi on Hillside Wilderness Preserve access issues.

- Consider withdrawing from the US Conference of Mayors. If I'm understanding the agenda correctly, Mayor Adams will propose this.

- Consider a measure to allow beauty salons, nail salons, barbershops, and pet grooming businesses in the historic downtown area. http://goo.gl/YCiTpL

- Name the month of May as both Historic Preservation Month and Older Americans Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's 1917 Fire Engine Needs More Money To Complete Restoration

Monrovia's 1917 Seagrave fire engine is still about $30,000 short of being restored. Here are pictures, details and a slide show: http://goo.gl/Wn5btR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Killed in Freeway Crash

Monrovia man killed in 210 Freeway crash: http://goo.gl/i2RnNP

- Brad Haugaard

Bill By Monrovia's Assemblyman Extends Time to File Claims Over Human Rights Violations

Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill to expand the time limit for filing human rights claims from two to ten years in cases of torture, war crimes, genocide and human trafficking was unanimously approved in the Assembly Thursday. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Baja Mar

Had lunch recently at Baja Mar, a Mexican style fish place in the shopping center at Foothill and May, a couple blocks east of Myrtle. Got the fish taco combo (including drink) for $6.53, including tax. It came with chips and salsa. It was fine. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Brass Knuckle Robbery; Motorcycle Crash; Lost Man Having a Donut; Teen Robber of Cell Phone; Etc

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 11-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 404 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 404 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Robbery – Suspects Arrested
May 11 at 4:40 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain. A suspect was observed stealing a pipe cutter from the business and walking out of the store without paying for the item. He was stopped by the loss prevention officer outside the store. As the loss prevention officer was attempting to take custody of the suspect, a second suspect approached and struck the loss prevention officer with brass knuckles, and both suspects fled. A description of the suspects was broadcast and both suspects were detained at Evergreen in the city of Duarte.

CHP Pursuit of Motorcycle
May 11 at 7:44 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of West Huntington regarding a motorcycle crash. Further investigation revealed the California Highway Patrol was in pursuit of the speeding motorcycle, westbound on Huntington, when it ran into a vehicle, throwing the rider approximately 100 feet. The rider was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The collision and investigation was handled by the CHP.

Missing Adult Located
May 11 at 9:29 p.m., a male subject came into the police station to report his 81-year-old father missing. The father lives at a retirement home in the 100 block of South Myrtle, but often stays the night with friends. He was at a friend’s house earlier in the day, but was last seen leaving the residence on foot. The son contacted police when his father failed to return to the retirement home. Officers eventually located the missing subject at a donut shop in El Monte by tracking his cell phone. El Monte officers responded to the location and detained the father until the Monrovia officer arrived. The subject was taken back to the retirement home. Adult Protective Services was notified of the incident.

Robbery/Cell Phone
May 12 at 5:10 p.m., two female teens were walking in 100 block of West Duarte when they were approached by two male teens. One of the male suspects brandished a black handgun and robbed one of the girls of her cell phone, then fled the scene. The female victims went home to Duarte before they called police. They contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who then advised the Monrovia Police Department. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto/Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 2:20 a.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Walnut and Fifth when they saw a blacked-out vehicle that pulled up to the curb and parked. There were three subjects in the vehicle. As officers approached, the driver exited the vehicle and told the officers he had just stolen the car from San Bernardino. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for Grand Theft Auto.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 13 at 7:36 p.m., an officer responded to the lobby of the police station on a report of domestic violence. The victim and her boyfriend were involved in an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. The boyfriend grabbed and choked the victim. The victim sustained minor injuries from the altercation. The suspect was located and arrested for domestic violence.

Armed Robbery
May 13 at 10:26 p.m., police received a call from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington reporting a robbery that just occurred. The suspect was described as a male Black wearing blue jeans, a brown hooded sweatshirt, and a black bandana covering his face. The suspect was carrying a black handgun. He jumped the counter and ordered the register to be opened. The suspect grabbed money from the register and fled the location on foot. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Summer Concert Series Line-Up

From City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report, here is the line-up of free Sunday concerts at the band shell at Library Park for the summer. Concerts last from 7-8:30 p.m.

- July 12 – Big Papa & the TCB – Blues/Swing Music
- July 19 – Stone Soul – Classic Soul/Motown
- July 26 – The Bulldogs Classic Rock Band
- August 2 – Cold Duck – Old School 40’s music
- August 9 – Time Bomb – Hits from 1975 – 85
- August 16 – Mariachi Divas – Mariachi Music
- August 23 – Pickleback Shine – Today’s Country Music
- August 30 – Yari More Latin Band – Latin/Salsa Music

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Old Town Vacancy Rate Improving; Monrovian Wins 'Fountain to Falls,' Police and Fire Officers Honored; Fire Tower Okay

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- The Old Town vacancy rate is less than 7% for fiscal 2014-15, lower than the last several years. Chi said there are "292 business locations in Old Town, and 272 of those spaces are open and operating."

- 303 people registered for the 7-mile Fountain to the Falls foot race, and Monrovian Kyle Bueckert was the first person to finish the race in a record-setting time of 39 minutes and 58.85 seconds.

- At the May 27 Congressional Prayer Breakfast Congresswoman Grace Napolitano will honor Agent Richard Schneider from the Monrovia Police Department, and Firefighter Nick Broad from the Monrovia Fire Department

- The Fire Department training tower passed its final building inspection this past week and is now ready for use.

Source: http://goo.gl/NW2gjc

- Brad Haugaard

Bill By Monrovia's Assemblyman Passes Assembly

A bill by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has passed off the Assembly Floor with a bipartisan vote of 54 to 10. AB 525 would give franchisee owners more protection from having their contracts terminated. It adopts a "substantial compliance" standard for termination. Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Rain May Cause Minor Mud Flows Near Burn Areas

For the Monrovia area, the National Weather Service is predicting for this Thursday and Friday that ...

"Most areas are expected to receive between one quarter and three quarters of an  inch of rain. However...across the San Gabriel mountains and foothills...as well as near thunderstorms...local amounts up to  around 1.50 inches will be possible. Due to the potential for heavy  showers with any thunderstorms...there will be the possibility of  minor mud and debris flows near the recent burn areas." http://goo.gl/j4OFbz

- Brad Haugaard

Update on Calvary Chapel's Planned Purchase of Monrovia's 4th Dimension

In an effort to keep the community informed about their progress toward acquiring a new permanent church building in Monrovia, Calvary Chapel Monrovia's Senior Pastor Richard Schork confirmed that they still are in process to finalize the details for the purchase of the 4th Dimension building.

The original escrow was to close last month, but the church chose to exercise their contingency right in order to further the discussions with the owners. Plans were submitted to the city for review and comments and the church and building owners are in the process to working out the details for a mutually acceptable transaction.

Mike Antenesse, the Administrative Pastor, expressed how delighted he is for the tremendous support of the Monrovia civic and business communities during the past few months. "We are committed to and excited about continuing to serve the community here in Monrovia; finding a permanent home for our congregation is high on our priority list."

Calvary Chapel is currently meeting in rented facilities at the United Methodist Church and at the Duarte Performing Arts Center. Should they reach a new agreement with the owners, their new campus at 324 Myrtle Ave, (when completed), will house a Family Friendly Bookstore and a Café on Myrtle Ave and meeting rooms and offices for the church entrancing from the rear of the building.

For further information, please contact their Administrative Pastor, Mike Antenesse at 817.2210 or pastormike@ccmonrovia.org.
 
Source: Calvary Chapel press release

- Brad Haugaard

Have 'Coffee With a Cop' at Monrovia Library

Have 'Coffee with a Cop', 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6 at the Library Community Room. Meet with Monrovia Police Chief Jim Hunt and Monrovia officers. Hear about current police issues, locally and nationally. Food, potluck style. Open to all. RSVP to Karen at 932-5525, orMAP@ci.monrovia.ca.us .

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Squeaks By San Marino - Close to League Sweep

Monrovia edges out San Marino in baseball. Is close to a league sweep. http://goo.gl/SfoucI

- Brad Haugaard

Give Monrovia Staff Your Thoughts on Neighborhood Development

City staff is meeting with residents to get their thoughts on neighborhood development. The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, at 130 West Pomona Ave. http://goo.gl/gTlIuk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Jewish Federation Sponsoring Program About Anti-Semitism on Campus

The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys is coordinating a community-wide program entitled "Confronting Anti-Semitism: What is Really Happening on College Campuses Today and How We Can Help." The event will be held on Monday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at 1434 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena.

The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) recent Global Survey of anti-Semitism found that 1.09 billion people in the world today harbor anti-Semitic attitudes, and that the rise has stemmed in large part to an increase in anti-Israel sentiment. One of the biggest challenges is at US colleges and universities, which have experienced significant events, including at Southern California campuses (i.e. UCLA, Occidental, Cal Poly Pomona, Claremont Colleges, etc.)

Speakers at the event are Ariella Schusterman, ADL's Associate Regional Director and David Myers, Professor in UCLA's Center for Jewish Studies. Local college students will also share what they are seeing on campus.

For more information contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810 or email federation@jewishsgpv.org.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's is Tops | Drinking Fountain at Night

~ For three years running, Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is the top choice for groceries. http://goo.gl/73lwDz

~ Beautiful photo of the new-old drinking fountain at Library Park. http://goo.gl/lNoy7b

- Brad Haugaard

Making Monrovia a Biotech Center | Chance of Rain Rises

~ More on the groups that hope to make the Monrovia area a center for biomedical startup companies. Here is LabLaunch ( http://lablaunch.org/ ) and here is Madia Tech Launch ( http://www.madiatech.org/ ).

~ Chance of rain up to 90% Thursday and 60% Friday. http://goo.gl/rgegvz

- Brad Haugaard

Car vs. Motorcycle on Huntingon

Correspondent Brad Hori writes that there was a collision between a car and a motorcycle in front of the Starbucks on Huntington Drive this evening about 7:40 p.m. He says the "motorcycle lost," and adds that there were at least two CHP, two Monrovia PD, one ambulance, helicopter, and more pulling up after he left.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Failed Fraud; Unlocked Truck Gone After Leaving Keys in Ignition; Fight; Car In Hole; Grand Theft Bike

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 7-10. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Felony Fraud – Suspect Arrested
May 7 at 12:28 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a suspect attempting to commit fraud. A male suspect entered a department store in the 500 block of West Huntington and opened a line of store credit using someone else's personal information, not his own. He had created a California DMV computer printout showing the fraudulent information. He then attempted to purchase store merchandise with the credit he had just fraudulently obtained; however, he was stopped by officers while in the act. The suspect was arrested for fraud and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
May 7 at 1:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of West Hillcrest. The victim parked his gray, 1990 Nissan pickup, but did not lock the doors. He left the key to the ignition in the center console, and then left the vehicle for approximately five minutes. When he returned to his truck, it was gone. Officers searched the area for the truck, but were unable to locate it. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
May 8 at 6:30 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1400 block of South Mountain. The female victim walked outside to her car, which was parked on the street, and discovered the rear window was shattered. Clothing items and shoes that were in the rear hatch area of her car were stolen from the vehicle. She did not see anyone around her vehicle or in the area when she discovered the theft. She said she had parked the vehicle there the night before at 9:00 p.m. and had locked the doors. The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress/Assault
May 8 at 8:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of West Lemon on the report of a fight in progress. When officers arrived, they found a male juvenile on the ground with swelling to his jaw and a laceration to his ear. The victim had apparently lost consciousness for a moment. The victim's father arrived on scene as the subject was being taken to the hospital by ambulance. The victim was treated at the hospital and released in stable condition. Through investigation, it was learned that this incident carried over from words being exchanged earlier in the day between the two subjects at school. The suspect is known to the victim by name. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 9 at 2:20 a.m., officers on patrol observed a motorist exceeding the posted speed limit at Myrtle and Longden. They conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered the driver to be intoxicated. The officer arrested the driver for DUI and took him into custody. He was held for sobering.

Grand Theft Auto
May 9 at 7:30 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of Stedman. The victim had parked and locked his vehicle in his driveway at approximately 11:30 p.m. When he returned to the vehicle in the morning, it was gone. The vehicle is a tan, 1985, Toyota pickup. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
May 9 at 5:27 p.m., a driver was traveling west on Duarte Road in a construction area near Walker. She became confused by the cones and altered lane she was supposed to use. There was an open portion of road surface that was not yet completed. The driver drove her vehicle into the open portion of the street, causing minor damage to her vehicle. She was not injured. A tow truck had to remove her car from the opening, but she was able to drive her car away.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at 2:07 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Primrose & Lemon when he saw a person on the street, staggering and showing signs of intoxication. The officer contacted the subject and confirmed he was, in fact, too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The officer arrested the subject for being drunk in public. The subject was held for sobering.

Grand Theft Bicycle – Suspect Arrested
May 10 at approximately 11:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of West Foothill regarding the theft of a bicycle. The officers located a male suspect riding the bicycle in the 800 block of West Walnut. He was stopped and arrested for grand theft.

Monrovia VFW Fundraiser Saturday

VFW relief fundraiser. Saturday, May 16 at noon. Floyd's "Famous" BBQ Ribs and Chicken, with potato salad, BBQ beans, corn on the cob and rolls. $10 donation. 32 S. Magnolia in Monrovia, at the corner of Chestnut.

Fundraiser for Homeless at Fellowship Monrovia

Fundraising concert with musician John Mark McMillan and Urban Rescue, at Monrovia High, May 23, 5:30-9:00 p.m. For Door of Hope, a ministry to the homeless. Sponsored by Fellowship Monrovia and Pasadena's Lake Avenue Church. Cost: $25. Food trucks at 5 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/jkPvG8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Launch Online Crime Reporting | Rain Friday?

~ Monrovia Police now has an online non-emergency crime reporting system running. You can use it ( here ). More info about it ( here ), but the link from this info page to the reporting page is broken, so use my link until it's fixed.

Update: Oops! For some reason it appears to have been switched off.

~ 80% chance of showers on Friday. http://goo.gl/ac6vFg

- Brad Haugaard

Fountain to the Falls: They're Off!


Runners head up Myrtle moments after the start of the Fountain to the Falls race today. the race goes from the fountain at Library Park, up to the waterfall in Monrovia Canyon Park, and back.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia School Board: Video Game Design, Dual Immersion, Cheaper Website

At its next meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/D7AKmL ), the Monrovia School Board will, among other things, ...

- Consider offering courses in video game design and Spanish language and culture.

- Receive a report on its dual-language immersion programs. The report says Spanish-speaking students go from 90% Spanish-teaching in kindergarten to 50% in fifth grade. ( http://goo.gl/6mHWqt ) Comment: Hmmm. So... if by age five when they enter kindergarten the kids are speaking 100% Spanish, why can't they be speaking 100% English after another five years when they are in fifth grade?

- Consider going with a less expensive company to host its website. http://goo.gl/oLPUjp

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sakura Sushi House


Had dinner last night at Sakura Sushi House, at the corner of foothill and May. Got the Monrovia Roll ($11.95) and a beer ($6.85). The roll had crab, shrimp, cucumber and salmon with a seaweed salad on the side. Very good! Completely exceeded my expectations. Never had seaweed salad but it was excellent, too. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Named Gold Ribbon School

School Board Member Alex Zucco reports that Monrovia High School has been named a California Gold Ribbon School. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the winning schools: "These schools are academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching. They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right - embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate."

Comment: Congratulations, MHS!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Wrong-Way Cyclist; BB Guns; DUIs; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 4-6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 414 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Traffic Collision/Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
May 5 at 8:57 a.m., a bicyclist was traveling southbound on the wrong side of the road on California and was struck by a vehicle traveling on Central as they both entered the intersection. The vehicle was traveling at a slow speed, so the cyclist sustained only minor injuries and was treated by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics.

72 Hour Mental Evaluation
May 5 at 8:35 p.m., officers responded to a fight in progress at a business in the 100 block of West Foothill. A male subject and his girlfriend were getting coffee at the business, when a male suspect started yelling at the girlfriend and hitting the male subject for no reason. Police have had previous contact with the suspect for prior mental issues. The victim was not injured and did not want prosecution. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was held for a 72-hour mental evaluation.

Driving Under the Influence/Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 12:13 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a speeding vehicle in the area of Huntington and Magnolia. Officers responded and were searching the area for the vehicle, when dispatch received a second call from a witness, stating the vehicle had crashed into a church parking lot wall in the 500 block of West Lemon. Officers responded to that location, but the vehicle was gone.

The Foothill Air Support helicopter responded to assist in the search for the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle in a business parking lot on Foothill, and the driver had gone inside a store. There was collision damage found on the vehicle from the church wall. The suspect was positively identified as the driver by a witness and was determined to be driving under the influence. The suspect was arrested for DUI and hit and run.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 2:13 p.m., police received a call reporting a male subject digging through a trash dumpster at a park in the 800 block of East Olive and it appeared as if he had two rifles in a blue trash bag on the ground next to him. Officers responded and determined the rifles were actually BB guns, and the subject said they were not his. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and the BB guns were taken and held for safe keeping until the owner can be found.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
May 6 at 11:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of West Duarte Road regarding an injury traffic collision. The investigation revealed that the 20-year-old driver was intoxicated and had collided into the center median that is under construction. A section of the center median curb sustained damage and will need to be replaced. The driver was not injured, but was arrested for driving under the influence and held for sobering. 

Duarte Ralph's Closing | 80% Chance of Rain Friday

~ Some of you may shop at the Ralphs in Duarte. Well, it's closing in July. http://goo.gl/oWR1Xc

~ Hmm. 80% chance of rain Friday. 40% today. http://goo.gl/s1kSj4

- Brad Haugaard

Water Still Flowing Down Myrtle

A correspondent who mentioned this problem earlier says it is still going on. He writes that the pictures below, taken this morning, show water coming from the Jack In The Box shopping area at the corner of Duarte Road and Myrtle Ave (first picture). Some of it then flows along Duarte Road (second picture), and some down Myrtle "past Spanner on Myrtle as far as I can see" (third picture). He said he has been sending similar pictures to the city for years and that "if the city expects the residents to meet their savings goal of 28%, it should start with the larger businesses that are wasting thousands of gallons a day. What does it take to get this to stop?"

- Brad Haugaard




Coming Up in Monrovia

~ May 7, Thursday, Monrovia Ministerial Association and Monrovia Interfaith Council to meet at the City Hall flagpole at noon in honor of National Day of Prayer. Public welcome.

~ May 9, Saturday, National Letter Carriers Food Drive. Letter carriers will pick up packaged food you leave at your mailbox.

~ May 9, Saturday, Monrovia Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 101, 141 E Lemon Ave in Old Town; Jr. Firefighter challenge, raffles, displays, bounce house, demonstrations. Tickets at event. Kids under 3 eat free. For more info call 256-8181.

~ May 9, Saturday, Taylor Performing Arts Center at Monrovia High presents Broadway Star and Tony nominee Susan Egan in her award-winning one woman show "The Belle of Broadway." One performance only. MHS music and drama students will perform in several ensemble numbers. 7 pm. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com

~ May 14, Thursday - The Taylor Performing Arts Center at Monrovia High presents "Superstars of Music" with more than 600 vocal and instrumental Monrovia music students. 6:30 p.m., tickets available at the door. Proceeds benefit MUSD's vocal and instrumental music programs.

~ Friday, May 15 - Saturday May 16 - Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Spring Book Sale at the library, noon-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm. $5 Bag Clearance Sale on Saturday from 4-5pm.

~ May 16, Saturday - Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's inaugural Walking Tour of historic Downtown Monrovia. Meet at the SW corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues at 10 am. Cost is $5 per person (12 and under free) and reservations are required. Go to the Online Store at www.mohpg.org to reserve a space.

~ May 16, Saturday - Monrovia Days "Myrtle Madness", featuring live entertainment, games, booths, music, family fun. Library Park 8 am - 3 pm. $7 Pancakes in the morning and BBQ in the afternoon. Information at www.centrestageinc.com or call Keely Milliken at 297-4758

~ May 17, Sunday - Second Annual Monrovia Days Music Festival, Library Park. The Whistling Diva, The Delgado Brothers, Raggae Rock, acoustic musicians and more. Vendors, food trucks, kids activities, SPCA Adoptions. For more information contact Carole Kaufman at www.whistlingdiva.com

~ July 4 The City of Monrovia's 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show. Entertainment will begin at 3 pm with recorded music, followed by a live band playing from 7 - 8:30 pm The fireworks show is free and is scheduled to begin at 9 pm and will last approximately 20 minutes. http://goo.gl/z5Vm3N

~ Thursday, July 16 - Sunday July 19 - The Taylor Performing Arts Center at Monrovia High presents it's 5th professional Production for the community "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Thursday 8 pm; Friday 8 pm; Saturday 2 and 8 pm and Sunday 4 pm.

Source: Calendar thanks to Becky Shevlin

- Brad Haugaard

Breweries to Monrovia? | Biotech Incubator Coming | Be a Commissioner | No Cell Phone Tower?

In his weekly report, City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- The city has been approached by two separate beer/wine brewery operations that expressed an interest in purchasing one of our Hamby Park units. Where, you may ask is Hamby Park? Had to look it up myself. It is the industrial area around Myrtle and Duarte.

- A new biotech incubator company called Lab Launch Monrovia is leasing approximately 11,000 square feet of research space at 605 E. Huntington, hopefully opening its doors by July 15. (An incubator helps young companies get off the ground.) Also, the city is talking with Oak Crest Institute of Science to develop a similar program, but one that would help even smaller companies get started.

- If you want to serve on the the Community Services Commission, deadline to apply has been extended to May 15. Send a note to City Clerk Alice Atkins for more info: aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us

- Apparently there will be no cell phone tower at the reservoir where Ridgeside Drive runs into North Canyon Blvd. Chi said residents "vehemently" oppose the tower.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department to Honor Eleven Employees

The Monrovia Police Department will be recognizing the accomplishments of eleven of its employees on Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m. in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. The eleven recipients will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia.

The Honorees are:

Distinguished Service Medal
Sergeant Tom Loy
Detective Sarah Bushmeyer
Detective Wendie Contreras
Detective Chad Harvey
Detective Stewart Levin
Detective Kevin Oberon
Detective Robert Van
Officer Damien Bartholomy
Officer Steven Bracci
Officer Jose Pacheco

Officer of the Year
Agent Richard Schneider

Source: Monrovia Police Department

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Train Maintenance Yard Open House May 23

On May 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a community open house and tour of the new $265-million Monrovia train maintenance yard, which is being completed ahead of schedule. The 24-acre yard is located just south of the 210 Freeway and just west of Home Depot. Entrance is off California Ave.

Adams Now New Monrovia Mayor; Crudgington Joins Council

Tonight Tom Adams became mayor of Monrovia and Gloria Crudgington became the newest city council member. Former mayor Mary Ann Lutz stepped down. While the campaign between Adams and Lutz was a bit testy at times, tonight everybody was polite. Adams complimented Lutz, saying, "What you did for Monrovia can't be replicated by anyone," and Lutz said that while she was "profoundly saddened" that she will not be part of the city leadership, she wished the new mayor her best.

In his opening remarks as mayor, Adams announced one substantive change and one superficial one. Substantive: He said he thinks council members could better learn how the city is governed if they switch committee assignments every year rather than every two years. Superficial: He said that while he will attempt to be "presentable," he doesn't much like ties and doesn't plan to start wearing one just because he's now sitting in the mayor's chair.

Comment: It's hard to be gracious when you've just lost, but Mary Ann was gracious. Good for her.

- Brad Haugaard

Antonovich Honors Monrovia Soccer Team | Holden Human Rights Bill

~ LA County Board of Supervisors Mayor Michael Antonovich honors the Monrovia High boys soccer team for winning the Division 6 CIF Championship Title. http://goo.gl/PVWpa3

~ A bill by Monrovia's assembly member, Chris Holden, to extend from two years to 10 years the statute of limitations on human rights abuses, has been unanimously approved by an Assembly committee and will now go before the full Assembly. Holden's office says AB 15 would will bring California law into line with federal regulations for filing civil lawsuits based on acts of genocide, torture, war crimes and human trafficking.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovians Help Foothill Unity Center Celebrate 35 Years

Monrovia City Council member Becky Shevlin and former Mayor Mary Ann Lutz helped Friends of Foothill Unity Center celebrate its 35th birthday on Saturday evening. Proceeds from the party go to support the Center's "wide range of programs helping the most vulnerable children, individuals and families across eleven San Gabriel Valley cities. During the past five years, the number of families coming to the Center for help has more than tripled.  Last year the organization provided over 75,000 critical services to 4,994 low-income families (10,288 persons)." Photo courtesy of PasadenaNow.com

- Brad Haugaard

Rain This Week in Monrovia?

50% chance of rain in Monrovia on Friday. And 20% Thursday. http://goo.gl/BlsjsU

Update: Phooey! Down to 20%

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Scoby to Play for Azusa Pacific | Xencor Reports Revenue Down

~ Former Monrovia High football star, Kurt Scoby, is moving back from Fresno State to join Azusa Pacific. http://goo.gl/scwYt9

~ Monrovia's Xencor reports that, "Revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 were $1.5 million, compared to $2.2 million in the same period of 2014."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bear in the Kitchen; IRS Scam; Not His Van; Texting to Punching; Dueling Videos; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for April 30 - May 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Fraud/Elder Fiduciary Abuse
April 30 at 9:52 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a bank in the 200 block of South Myrtle regarding fraud and elder fiduciary abuse. An elderly couple received a fraudulent scam call from the 209 area code. The caller claimed to be the IRS and demanded taxes due. The husband attempted to call the IRS, but could not reach anyone to get verification. In fear of getting in trouble, he went to the bank to withdraw money to send to the suspects. While the husband was on his way to the bank, the wife contacted the Monrovia Police Department and asked for police intervention. An officer arrived just as the husband was exiting the bank and was able to advise him he was being defrauded. He redeposited the $4,000, and while the officer was still with the victim, the suspect called again. The officer answered the phone and attempted a ruse to get the suspect to advise on where to send the money; however, he would only talk to the victim. There was no loss, but the emotional impact on this elderly couple was significant. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
April 30 at 1:46 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of South Violet called police after a resident moved out of an apartment, leaving behind what everyone thought was his van. They contacted him, and he said the van was not his. He thought it belonged to another resident. A computer check of the van revealed it was a stolen vehicle taken from Arcadia back in 2013. All of the residents had assumed the van belonged to someone in the apartment complex, so they had not called police to report it. The vehicle was recovered.

Vandalism/Battery
April 30 at 3:21 p.m., an officer responded to the corner of Central and Myrtle regarding a vandalism and battery incident. A driver was sitting at a green light, texting in his SUV. The driver of a large cement truck in back of him honked at him to go, and the impeding driver held up his middle finger at the truck driver. The truck driver exited his vehicle, and at some point, the cement truck driver was punched in the mouth by the SUV driver. The cement truck driver then smashed the windows of the SUV. The order of events could not be determined and there were no independent witnesses. Statements and pictures were taken and a verified complaint report for the appropriate violations will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
April 30 at 9:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Myrtle on the report of a suspicious person in area. After contacting the subject, the officer discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant issued by the Long Beach Police Department. The suspect was arrested for the warrant.

Bear Incident
May 1 at 3:39 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of North Canyon was upstairs and heard noises downstairs. He went down and saw a bear in his kitchen. He was able to get out of the house and call police. The Fish and Wildlife Warden was notified and began to respond. Officers arrived first and observed the bear coming out of the house. No tags were observed on the bear and it was persuaded back into the foothills without further incident.

Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 9:28 a.m., a stolen vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Highland. The vehicle stolen is a silver, 2007, Toyota Tacoma, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 2:00 and 9:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
May 2 at 10:08 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred in the 200 block of North Myrtle. The suspect vehicle was a black Audi. The vehicle side swiped two parked cars. Witnesses saw the car heading west on Foothill after the collision and wrote down the license plate number. Upon investigation, the registered owner was contacted and said he had let a friend borrow his car. The officer arranged to speak to the friend, who eventually admitted to being involved in the collision and said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle, a stick shift, and he lost control of the car. A verified complaint was filed with the District Attorney’s Office for vehicle hit and run charges.

Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 10:32 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of North Myrtle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 2005 Ford Escape. The vehicle was locked and there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle
May 2 at 11:13 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle stolen is a white, 1985, Toyota, pickup truck. The vehicle was stolen between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 6:21 a.m., an officer responded to the area of 605 Freeway at Lower Azusa Road regarding a domestic violence incident. Officers from Irwindale Police Department had stopped a vehicle on the freeway, and the two subjects in the vehicle were arguing. The driver had bruising and swelling to her eye. She said she was punched in the face by her female partner, who was the other subject in the vehicle. The incident occurred in the 100 block of West Cherry in Monrovia. A Monrovia officer arrived and confirmed that domestic violence did in fact occur in Monrovia's jurisdiction. He arrested the suspect and took her into custody.

Petty Theft From Vehicles
May 3 at 7:30 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting several vehicles parked in the 500 block of Fano Street with there doors open and no one in the vehicles. Officers arrived and located four vehicles that appeared ransacked and burglarized. After speaking with the registered owners of the vehicles, it was determined that all of the vehicles had been left unlocked and various items were stolen from the vehicles. The investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspects Arrested
May 3 at 2:34 p.m., dispatch received a call from a business in the 300 block of West Huntington. The employee reported that two male adult subjects came into the store and were arguing with the female manager of the store. The subjects decided to leave the store, and the female manager followed them out of the store and continued to argue with one of them outside of the store. Once outside, the male subject removed his phone and began to video tape the manager. She became more upset and slapped his phone out of his hand. She then removed her phone and began to video tape him. He then slapped her phone out of her hand and she responded by pepper spraying him. Both subjects desired prosecution. Both subjects were arrested and received a citation to appear in court on battery charges.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 3:21 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a male subject that had stolen items from inside the store. The loss prevention officer was chasing the subject through the parking lot. Police were given a suspect description and responded to the area. The suspect was located and detained near the corner of Huntington and Mayflower. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on burglary charges.

Injury Traffic Collision
May 3 at 5:13 p.m., officers responded to the area of Stedman and Greystone regarding a traffic collision. A driver struck a parked car and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then rolled, landed on its hood and slid to a stop. Both occupants, mother and teenage son, exited the vehicle on their own and sustained only minor injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Officers responded quickly and controlled the scene.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 1:05 a.m., a possible drunk driver was reported exiting the 210 Freeway at Mountain. An officer in the area of Foothill and Alta Vista saw the driver swerving in the roadway and stopped the vehicle for further investigation. The driver was determined to be driving under the influence. The subject was arrested and held for sobering.

Details on Safety on Mayflower Campus | Monrovia Olympian Interview

~ The concern about safety at Mayflower School, mentioned earlier, is apparently that children are not always under teacher supervision and people - and animals - can walk onto the campus. This parent describes on video her concerns at the latest school board meeting: http://goo.gl/jcxsVo

~ An interview with Monrovia Olympic medalist Kim Rhode. http://goo.gl/agYokj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Change | Antique Mart | Online Education Session

~ Changing of the guard at the Monrovia City Council meeting this Tuesday. Not much else. http://goo.gl/iP1YQL

~ There will be an antique market at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Ave. in Monrovia on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the church building fund.

~ There will be a free information session for parents about California Connections Academy @ Capistrano, a tuition-free K-12 online public school authorized under state law by the Capistrano Unified School District, on Thursday, May 28, at 6:30-8 p.m. at the Monrovia Courtyard Marriott, 700 W. Huntington. Meet an Academy teacher, explore program and curriculum, and enrollment process. More information: 1-800-382-6010 or http://www.connectionsacademy.com

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Claim Jumper


Dinner recently at Claim Jumper, on Huntington. Got the rotisserie chicken ($16.99) with a side of chicken tortilla soup and a side of, ahem, fried mac and cheese (I was feeling adventurous). Plus a 22-oz. beer ($8.25). Chicken good, soup, great. Fried mac and cheese? Well, I think that's more of a kid dish.

- Brad Haugaard