News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Monrovia Police: No Helmet, and Carrying Firearm; Son Accused of Shoving Mom; Bad Taillight and Meth; Antique Bike Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 27-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 426 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Attempt Residential Burglary
July 27at 8:48 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. May called police to report two suspicious subjects on the side of her neighbor’s home. The resident was washing her vehicle in her driveway and watched the subjects look into the home and remove the window screen. The subjects fled east on Prospect in a silver 4 door vehicle prior to officers’ arrival. The investigation is ongoing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovery – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 5:10 p.m., officers on patrol in the 2000 block of South Myrtle located a stolen vehicle. The officers made a traffic stop and detained two female suspects. The driver was detained and taken into custody.

Weapon Offense / Suspended License – Suspect Arrested
July 27 at 10:28 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Lime and Canyon stopped a motorcyclist for a vehicle code violation. The motorcyclist had a passenger not wearing a helmet. Further investigation revealed that the driver had a firearm in a compartment of the motorcycle and neither the driver or the passenger had a valid license.

Vehicle Burglary
July 28 at 3:28 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington Dr. regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked and locked her vehicle and went into the establishment to eat lunch. She returned about an hour later to find her vehicle window had been shattered, no loss could be determined. The investigation is continuing.

Elder Abuse
July 28 at 3:40 p.m., officers responded an elder abuse call. The hospital called the police to report an elderly woman was being treated for a back injury caused by a family member and an Adult Protective Services referral was being completed. Officers made contact with the victim who said her son pushed her causing her to fall. The investigation is ongoing.

Warrant / Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 3:34 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of W. Duarte and noticed a vehicle with a broken tail lamp. The officer stopped the vehicle for the violation and further investigation revealed the driver had a no bail warrant and had methamphetamine in his possession. The suspect was taken into custody and booked.

Vehicle Burglary
July 29 at 11:16 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of Grand. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in front of his home on July 27. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed his third row seat had been stolen from his vehicle. No witnesses, forced entry or evidence was found. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 6:56 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 1000 block of Orange. Officers arrived and determined a male subject at the residence was the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
July 30 at 8:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington on the report of a burglary. The employee arrived for work in the morning and noticed the front window was smashed. The officers conducted an interior check and discovered someone tried to open the safe, possibly with a sledge hammer. No loss was noted other than the broken window. The investigation is continuing

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 1:50 p.m., a theft of an antique bicycle was reported by employees at a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. An area search was done and an officer noticed a female in the area of Maple and Primrose with a bicycle wheel. Apparently the tires did not have any air in them and the suspect approached a local business owner asking to help put air in them. The officer arrested the female who was later cited and released.

Residential Burglary
July 30 at 6:26 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 100 block of N. Sunset. The resident had an open house and during the open house a ring, one thousand dollars and some credit cards were stolen. The investigation is on-going.

Vehicle Burglary
July 30 at 8:13 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 800 block of E. Olive. The victim locked her vehicle, but left a window slightly down and walked to the skate park. A few minutes later she saw some subjects loitering near her vehicle. When she walked towards them, they got into a vehicle and fled. Her iPhone 7 was stolen from inside her vehicle. Investigation is ongoing.

Theft / Traffic Offense – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 12:37 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of E. Huntington stopped a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. Further investigation revealed the subject was in possession of a stolen credit card. The suspect was taken into custody and booked.

Resisting / Delaying – Suspect Arrested
July 31 at 4:02 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of California and Lemon conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The driver was showing symptoms of being under the influence. When the officer asked him to exit the vehicle, the subject would not comply and began reaching for the center console. Officers ordered the subject out of the vehicle and as soon as he exited the vehicle, he attempted to run and became resistive as the officers tried to detain him. The suspect was apprehended, arrested and booked.

'Marilyn Monrovia' Running For Actor's Union Presidency


A former Monrovian who goes by the stage name, Marilyn Monrovia, is running for president of Sag-Aftra (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the union that represents people in the entertainment industry. 

She writes that she "lived in Monrovia since 1995, although I am now married and moved to Chapman Woods.  I was playing roller derby with the Prison City Derby Dames in 2010-11.  That is when I adopted the stage name Marilyn Monrovia, since I have been working in Hollywood doing background and any such work.  This is my second time to run." The ballots were mailed July 24 and are due by Aug 23.

She adds that, "I have been studying servant leadership skills in Boy Scouting. My son Bret is in Troop 21 in Sierra Madre."

- Brad Haugaard 

Tribute Ceremony for Monrovia Couple Who Drowned

About 200 people attended a tribute to the Monrovia couple, Raul and his wife Esmeralda Gonzalez who drowned at Lake Havasu. https://goo.gl/1inVLw

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council Plans Old Town Parking Structures; Cafe at the Library? Etc.

Proposed location of parking structure, between Lemon and Lime just south of the Library.

At its next regular meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/3EXuZe ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an "exclusive negotiating agreement," good until Jan. 1, 2018, with Robhana Group to build a parking structure on what is now "the City parking lot situated between Lime Avenue to the north, Lemon Avenue to the south, Primrose Avenue to the west, and Myrtle Avenue to the east." https://goo.gl/yk5Z26

~ Hold a public hearing to discuss vacating the eastern half of the alley that goes west from Myrtle to Primrose between Chestnut and Walnut to secure enough land to build a parking structure. https://goo.gl/WjYJfQ. Comment: As this appears to be a different location from the previous parking structure item, it is apparently a different parking structure.

~ Consider the Library's proposed strategic plan ( https://goo.gl/4cU79N ), which includes the possibility of a library cafe, better wifi (needed!), and revised library hours.

~ Consider selling the property located at 498 Monrovista Avenue to T.I. Industry Corporation for $220,000. https://goo.gl/uHhyA8

~ Consider selling the property at 1234 Sherman Avenue to Bowden Development, Inc., for $210,000. https://goo.gl/RwhWGe

~ Earlier, before its regular meeting, the Monrovia City Council will hold a study session to consider "CalPERS Pension and Water Supply Challenges." https://goo.gl/wc4AdY

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Luscious Dumpling



Dinner at Luscious Dumpling, in the shopping center at Duarte Road and Sixth. Got the Steamed Soup Dumplings for $8.50, an Angus Stewed Beef Noodle soup for $7 and a Diet Coke for $1.50. It was all excellent and the dumplings were indeed luscious. And no, I didn't eat all the dumplings by myself. I'm not that big a piggy. I shared. Note: This is a cash only business, no credit cards. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Art Walk in Old Town Monrovia Saturday Night


Art walk tomorrow along Myrtle in Old Town, 7-9 p.m. July 29. Art displays, art for sale, art demonstrations and live music.

- Brad Haugaard

Get a Kitty at CatCon


The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, which services Monrovia, will facilitate on-site adoptions at CatCon, the annual convention where pop culture and cat culture converge. More than 100 cats and kittens will be available for adoption over the course of the two day event held at the Pasadena Convention Center on August 12 and 13.

The adoption fee will be reduced to $20 for one cat or two for $30, both at the event and at the shelter’s physical location at 361 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. All adoptions include the spay/neuter surgery, microchip and up-to-date vaccines. Cats and kittens will be ready to take home the same day.

CatCon will be on Saturday, August 12 from 9am to 6pm and Sunday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets available at catconworldwide.com. Use the promo code PHS to take $5 off the price of a ticket.

The Pasadena Humane Society will also be providing adoptable cats for Buzzfeed's "Party Right Meow," a CatCon After Dark Event at The Rose in Pasadena on Saturday, August 12.

Source: Pasadena Humane Society press release

- Brad Haugaard

Almost-Always-Done Building Across From Library - Is Delay Because of Cost of Electrical System?

The problem with the always-almost-done building on the east side of Myrtle across from the Library is that it doesn't have electricity, and according to Old Town merchant Pam Fitzpatrick it doesn't look likely that it will get electricity. She says that the original electrical service needs to be replaced with a service that can run a two-story building with an elevator, which means a new transformer, and she wonders if the problem is that this would "cost a boatload of change." https://goo.gl/BZbw9Y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Golf Clubs Theft; Drunk Driving; Lost Man Found

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 24-26. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 426 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

July 24 at 9:14 p.m., officers responded to a call reporting a subject passed out inside a vehicle in the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. Through investigation, the officers determined the subject was intoxicated and had been driving. The subject was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody.

Critical Missing – Subject Located

July 24 at 11:03 p.m., an 82-year-old man with Alzheimer’s was reported missing from a residence in the 200 block of Montana. Officers were dispatched and began canvassing the area. Police dispatch began calling local jurisdictions to advise them of the critical missing, and while talking to an employee from Metro, it was discovered that sheriff’s deputies were with the missing person at the Arcadia Metro Station. The subject was reunited with his family.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

July 25 at 11:20 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle speeding on Myrtle. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and observed the driver displaying symptoms of being intoxicated. After further investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Residential Burglary

July 26 at 6:29 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte Road. Unknown suspect(s) entered through an unsecured sliding door at the rear of the location and took two laptops and several credit cards. The credit cards were then used at a gas station and a store in Pasadena. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

July 26 at 7:28 p.m., a grand theft incident was reported at a hotel in the 300 block of W. Foothill. A male, white suspect entered the hotel and stole a bag of golf clubs. He fled the location on foot. The investigation is continuing. 

Auditions for JFed Players 'Twilight Zone'

Auditions for the JFed Players Community Theatre Ensemble's next production, "Twilight Zone" will be held next week - July 30th, 31st, and August first - with performances in October.
This iconic series created by Rod Serling took us all to another dimension, ". . .a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind." The four episodes, presented as four one-act plays with one intermission, will explore personal reactions to fear and loneliness, one even punctuated with humor. Audition dates and times: Sunday, July 30, 3-5 p.m.; Monday, July 31, 7-9 p.m.; Tuesday, August 1, 7-9 p.m. Auditions at the Jewish Federation, 114A Lime Ave., Monrovia. Performances will be in October at a venue in the San Gabriel Valley. For more information call the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Groundwater is Really Low; Wine Walk; Etc.



In his weekly update City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ Groundwater is barely above its lowest level, and is falling. Without conservation it will be below its record low by this fall. So... water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to minimize water loss, only once every four days, no more than 15 minutes per landscaped area. Note: 15-minute limit does not apply to drip irrigation systems, new planting of low-water usage plants, or if reclaimed water is being used as permitted by law.

~ Monrovia's first Wine Walk will be on Aug. 26, in Old Town, to introduce people to all the businesses in Old Town. Participants will stroll through Old Town, enter businesses, and sample a variety of wine, while exploring each business and its offerings. Music, too.

~ Monrovia will be featured in the September issue of the Old House Journal. The two articles are about Frank and Tammy Guarino's kitchen restoration in their 1926 English Cottage, and the second article is about the community as a whole.

~ The badly angled street sign located at Foothill Boulevard and Fifth Avenue wasn't hung by the city, but by the county. Chi says at last word the sign should be fixed within a week or two.

~ The Veterans Resource Center at the Monrovia Public Library interviewed Richard McCubbins, an Air Force veteran during Vietnam, on video. See it here: https://goo.gl/oVi2KW

~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts presents its Summer Art Walk this Saturday from 7-10 p.m. along Myrtle in Old Town. Local artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, ceramic artists, art demonstrations, and music.

~ The new entryway to Canyon Park will be dedicated on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 4 p.m.

~ The Pasadena Humane Society will host a low-cost wellness clinic in Monrovia on Aug. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Library Park. Low-cost vaccines, microchipping and pet licensing. Dogs must be on leash, and cats must be in carriers.  For more information call the Pasadena Humane Society at 792- 7151, ext. 132.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Arrested for Shoving Grandma; Car Registration Stolen; Lots of Drunk Driving; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 20-23. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Verified Complaint Filed
July 20 at 6:00 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported at a business in the 200 block of E. Duarte. An officer responded and located the subject driving a vehicle near the location. Through investigation, the officer determined the subject was driving under the influence of a controlled substance and he was found to be in possession of hypodermic needles. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. A verified complaint will be submitted to the District Attorney for filing consideration.

Injury Traffic Collision / Missing Person Located
July 20 at 10:15 p.m., an officer responded to the report of an injury traffic collision in the 800 block of W. Chestnut. A vehicle traveling east on Chestnut moved to the right and collided with a parked vehicle. The driver, a 94-year-old male, suffered injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was disoriented and he thought he was in another city. The subject had been reported as a missing person from Los Angeles.

Residential Burglary
July 20 at 10:45 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of El Nido. The resident left the location at approximately 1:00 p.m. When she returned at 10:45 p.m., she found her home and been broken into and ransacked. A small safe and other miscellaneous items were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Battery – Verified Complaints Filed
July 21 at 12:31 a.m., a battery incident was reported in the area of Primrose and Linwood. Two subjects were involved in a fight. The suspects know each other and both desired prosecution. Verified complaints will be completed and submitted to the District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.

Violation of Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 8:30 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 200 block of W. Huntington when they saw a male and female that are the subjects involved in a restraining order. The female subject has a valid domestic violence court order to protect her from the male subject. Officers contacted the male as he was leaving the area and took him into custody for violation of the court order. The suspect was booked and is being held pending his court appearance.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 3:47 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 400 block of E. Walnut when they recognized a subject they knew had a number of outstanding warrants. The suspect has been evading arrest. Officers contacted the suspect and placed him under arrest. The suspect was booked and is being held pending his court appearance.

Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 9:03 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of W. Duarte regarding a disturbing subject. The suspect threatened his 84-year-old grandmother and pushed her. She was fearful because of prior acts of violence. The suspect was arrested for elder abuse.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 21 at 10:43 p.m., officers contacted two subjects in the 1300 block of S. Magnolia. One subject was found to have warrants for her arrest. When she was searched, she was also found to be in possession of hypodermic syringes. She was arrested and later released to an outside agency on the warrants.

Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 1:29 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Mountain regarding suspicious persons in the area. Upon their arrival, one of the subjects ran. A foot pursuit ensued and the suspect was taken into custody. He was arrested for resisting and delaying a peace officer. He was booked and released on a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 3:12 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit several traffic violations at the intersection of Mountain and Huntington. He followed the vehicle and noticed the driver was swerving. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
July 22 at 6:00 a.m., the victim parked and locked her vehicle in front of her home the night before. Sometime during the night, unknown suspects entered her vehicle and stole the registration from the glovebox. Nothing else was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Bicycle Theft
July 22 at 8:30 a.m., a theft of bicycles was reported in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista. Two bicycles were taken from an open garage. No evidence or witnesses were located and nothing else in the garage had been disturbed. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 1:49 p.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower. A male and female were reported to be verbally arguing in a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and contacted the female, who was now standing outside the car and had visible facial injuries. The male subject had left the area. The victim was treated at the scene, but refused to be taken to the hospital. The investigation revealed her boyfriend had battered her during an argument and fled prior to police arriving. Officers located the suspect a short distance away and arrested him. The suspect was booked and is being held pending his court appearance.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 22 at 7:04 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of E. Lemon saw a vehicle attempting to park. The officer saw the vehicle collide into a parked vehicle. The officer contacted the driver and, through investigation, determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 12:04 a.m., dispatch received numerous calls reporting a vehicle had crashed into a structure in the 100 block of S. Mountain. Officers arrived and found the driver had fled the scene on foot. The occupant of the house the vehicle crashed into was uninjured and none of the vehicle occupants were injured. The driver was located at Mountain and Olive. He was identified by several witnesses and showed signs of intoxication. An investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 23 at 1:49 a.m., officers were working a DUI patrol assignment and observed a vehicle speeding on Myrtle. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver showed signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was determined to be too intoxicated to operate his vehicle safely. The driver was arrested for DUI.

Join Monrovia PD for National Night Out, Tuesday, August 1

Join the Monrovia Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Library Park. This event lets citizens come for crime awareness, drug awareness, and to meet some of the men and women of the Monrovia Police Department.  https://goo.gl/1i5R6J

- Brad Haugaard

Second Monrovia Historic District to be Dedicated


The Monrovia City Council and Monrovia Preservation Group will dedicate Monrovia's second historic district this Thursday, July 27 at 5 p.m.  All Monrovians are  welcome to attend the event. Below is a link to the announcement on the MOHPG website.  Here is a video album of the homes on the 100 - 200 blocks of Encinitas Ave.  https://goo.gl/vk2oiP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Couple Drowns in Lake Havasu

Monrovia husband and wife, Raul Gonzalez, 44, and Esmeralda Gonzalez, 41, apparently drowned while boating. https://goo.gl/87eRk4

- Brad Haugaard 

Rent Telescopes at Monrovia Library


- Brad Haugaard 

Qualifying Monrovia Students May Get Guaranteed Admission to Azusa Pacific

At its July 26 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/zVbaaa), the Monrovia School Board will, among other things, consider a "memorandum of understanding" with Azusa Pacific University that would guarantee Monrovia graduates who meet APU's requirements would be admitted to the university. https://goo.gl/9fxYcv

Comment: Also, I appreciate the district implementing an online agenda system that lets people click on the agenda and then click on the supporting documents for each item. This is a vast improvement on the previous system, which required the agenda and all the supporting documents - sometimes well over 120 pages if I recall - to be downloaded before you could see anything. This is much cleaner, simpler and faster. Thanks. You can see the new system here. Be careful to click on "Agenda." If you click "Packet" you will be downloading the whole nine yards, as before.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Jake's Roadhouse



Dinner at Jake's Roadhouse. Got the California Chicken Sandwich for $10.95 and a big beer for $7.50. It was hot; I was thirsty. Anyway, nice chicken sandwich and the beer was frosty cold, as I like it. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High Class of '72 Reunion

Monrovia High Class of '72 will hold a reunion on Saturday, August 19 from 3-10 p.m. (Location secret until you sign up.) Cost is $45 per person and you must pay by August 4. Checks should be payable to Shirley Slattery, PO Box 2112, Monrovia, CA 91016. For more information: monroviaclass72@aol.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Copper Still Grill Making Progress


Copper Still Grill has its sign up. Progress but looks like it's not quite ready to open yet. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Intoxicated Child Annoying; Commercial Break-ins; No Shoplifting But Arrested for Having a Throwing Star; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 17-19. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 437 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.

Child Annoying / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
July 17 at 9:04 p.m., police dispatch received multiple calls reporting an adult male chasing another adult male, who was holding a baby, in the area of Myrtle and Duarte. Officers arrived quickly and found several parents with children, who stated that the male had approached them and claimed that their child was his. Officers located the suspect and detained him. Their investigation revealed that the suspect was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and booked for several offenses.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence

July 17 at 10:19 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Magnolia and Palm. A pickup truck was traveling on Magnolia and collided into multiple parked vehicles. The driver of the truck was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Due to the injuries he sustained during the collision, he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

July 18 at 3:37 a.m., police responded to a commercial burglary report at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Unknown suspects shattered the front door to gain access to the business. The suspects entered and exited the location within 30 seconds, and then fled in a small silver sedan, heading west on Huntington. The suspects are described as two males wearing hooded sweatshirts. Officers conducted an area check, but were unable to locate the suspects. There was no loss other than the repair cost to fix the front door. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary

July 18 at 6:00 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Sometime during the night, unknown suspects shattered the front window and entered the business after hours. The suspects removed the register and fled. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

July 19 at 10:37 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Duarte Road. A caller reported a male subject in front of the location, striking a female. Officers responded and located a witness that confirmed the report and told officers the couple had gone into the residence. Officers located both subjects inside the residence and confirmed the report. The male subject was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested

July 19 at 4:02 p.m., a male subject was reported trespassing at a residence in the 1200 block of S. Sherman. Officers responded and located the subject inside the residence. The officers confirmed that a no-trespassing order had been issued to the subject. He was arrested for violation of the court order.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

July 19 at 6:40 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported leaving a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. The driver seen entering the 210 Freeway at Myrtle. Officers located the driver at the 210 and 605 Freeway interchange and conducted a traffic stop. After investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody.

Weapon Offense – Suspect Arrested

July 19 at 6:55 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a possible shoplifting in progress. Officers arrived and detained the subject outside of the store. It was determined that the subject did not actually commit a theft, however he was in possession of a shuriken, a martial arts throwing star. He was arrested for the weapon offense. 

Conserve Power During Eclipse, Monrovia's Representative Says


Legislature Passes Resolution Encouraging Lower Energy Use During Solar Eclipse

Sacramento, CA –  In an effort to lessen dependency on fossil fuel-based energy during the solar eclipse on August 21st, Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy Chair, Chris Holden (AD – 41), introduced House Resolution 50. The measure encourages all Californians to reduce energy use, and pledge to “Do Your Thing for the Sun” during the hours of 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on August 21st, 2017.

“On Monday, August 21st our hardworking sun will be taking a break, and maybe you should too,” says Assemblymember Holden. “We are encouraging all Californians to postpone major energy use until after the solar eclipse.”

“Do Your Thing for the Sun” is an effort in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission for millions to take action during the Great Solar Eclipse of 2017, an event that happens only once every 50 years. If consumers lower energy use during the eclipse, a time when California’s solar energy production will dip, fewer fossil fuels will be burned.
 
“This campaign creates a unique opportunity to educate Californians on energy-saving strategies that can extend past the hours of the solar eclipse, leading to a cleaner and more environmentally-conscious state,” said Holden.

###

Source: press release from Assemblyman Chris Holden

Drought in Monrovia Still 'Incredibly Dire'; See Starbucks Ad Filmed in Monrovia; Etc.

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

~ While the drought is over for nearly all of California, here in the Main San Gabriel Basin "the situation is still incredibly dire.  Groundwater levels in the Main San Gabriel Basin are still at historic lows, which means our water pumps and wells have to work harder to draw less water.  In addition, while we did get some rain this past winter, the rainfall we did receive only amounted to what we would typically get in an average year.  Following 5+ years of serious drought we experienced before this winter, the rain we did get has not been enough to lift the Main San Gabriel Basin out of a critically dangerous drought situation."

~ A Starbucks ad was filmed in Monrovia. See it here: https://goo.gl/LHCq65

~ Prep work for filming in Old Town for the USA Network pilot "Olive Forever" begins Tuesday, July 18, and filming will take place on July 19 and 20 around Library Park, on Myrtle, and a bit on Lemon and Lime.  Clean up on Friday, July 21.  The film company will pay to have Monrovia Police assist with traffic and pedestrian controls.

~ Foothill Boulevard will get its second coat of striping paint this coming week to complete the project.

~ Monrovia Police Department's 2017 National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Library Park. Crime and drug awareness, meet the men and women of the Monrovia Police Department, plus, free food, drink, and music.

~ Encinitas Historic District will celebrate becoming the second historic district in town at an event on July 27, at 5 p.m. at the corner of Encinitas and Greystone.

~ Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte (MAD) Town Council will be honoring Gloria Huss for 12 years of service as a volunteer member of the MAD Town Council.  Gloria owns Monrovia Floral.

~ Oak Crest Institute of Science, in Monrovia, and city staff have developed Summer Extravaganza, a science program that gives participants a hands-on science experience. Each Friday, a group of youth are bused to Oak Crest for a tour, a science lesson, and a chance to do science experiments.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Customer Threatens Employee Because Company Sold Car He Drove From Bakersfield to Buy; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 13-16. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Injury Traffic Collision

July 13 at 11:00 a.m., a vehicle collision involving injuries was reported at a business lot in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock. A staff member was driving a customer’s vehicle and hit another employee that was driving a golf cart. The driver of the golf cart suffered a minor head injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Vehicle Burglary

July 14 at 7:03 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in a business parking lot in the 500 block of S. Mountain Avenue. The victim parked and locked her vehicle in the parking lot and 6:00 a.m. When she returned at 7:00 a.m., she noticed her rear passenger side window was shattered. The victim reported that she had left her satchel on the rear seat of the vehicle. The suspect smashed the window, reached in and fled with the satchel. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Battery – Suspect Arrested

July 14 at 12:43 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. A suspect was attempting to leave the business with store merchandise without paying. As the suspect approached the exit doors, he was confronted by the victim who tried to detain him. The suspect battered the victim and attempted to flee. The suspect was detained by loss prevention personnel and placed under citizen’s arrest for battery. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested

July 14 at 8:15 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of E. Central regarding a subject threatening an employee at the location. The suspect drove to Monrovia from Bakersfield after speaking to a salesman on the phone and confirming they had a vehicle he wanted to buy at the price he wanted to pay. When the suspect arrived at the dealership, the vehicle had already been sold. This infuriated the suspect because he had driven so far and he began threatening to harm the salesman. The suspect was arrested form criminal threats.

Residential Burglary

July 15 at 12:37 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 800 block of W. Hillcrest. The victim called police to report she had just returned home and found a female suspect inside her residence. The suspect fled, running east and out of sight. Officers responded and searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The investigation revealed the suspect made entry into the home through a back sliding glass door and fled when she was confronted by the homeowner. Miscellaneous jewelry was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress / Possible Hit and Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested

July 15 at 7:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles regarding subjects fighting and a gun was reportedly seen. When officers arrived, there were multiple subjects and multiple vehicles in the area, including an unoccupied abandoned vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was found hiding on the roof of a home in the area. He was apprehended by officers, arrested and cited for resisting and delaying officers. No gun was located and the reporting party admitted she did not see a gun. Further investigation revealed only a minor conflict had occurred and no other arrests were made.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

July 16 at 1:58 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lemon regarding a subject trying to break into a home. The officers arrived and found a male subject outside the residence and he was extremely intoxicated. He thought he was at a friend’s house. The subject was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for public intoxication.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

July 16 at 6:43 a.m., a witness called police and reported a male suspect battering a female in the 300 block of W. Chestnut. Officers arrived and detained both parties involved. The investigation revealed that although there were no visible injuries, the male had battered the female subject, who is his girlfriend. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

July 16 at 9:45 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 400 block of W. Olive when he observed a male subject on a bicycle that ran a stop sign. The officer stopped the subject and found he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. During a search of his person, drugs were found in his pocket. The suspect was arrested for drug possession and the warrant.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested

July 16 at 3:30 p.m., a suspect was reported trespassing at a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The suspect has been served with a no-trespassing order for the location. Officers arrived, located the suspect and detained him. The video surveillance confirmed the suspect had entered the store in violation of the trespassing order. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges

Monrovia Now Allowing Students to Transfer to Duarte Arts Program

Monrovia Schools decides to allow students to transfer to the Cal School of Arts program in Duarte School District after initially denying the requests. Monrovia Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said the initial problem was based on miscommunication. https://goo.gl/kZrJat

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Seeks to Create 'Robust Arts Program'

At its July 17 meeting (agenda: here) the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Consider adopting a waiver for the 2017-18 school year to allow Jeffrey Mitchel Golubchick to be an elementary school principal. According to the staff report, the district has been unable to hire a fully credentialed candidate who also has "the background, training and abilities to develop a robust arts program in an elementary setting." Golubchick has a master's degree in educational administration and "also has an extensive educational backgroundin theatre arts and scenography."

~ Consider giving its emloyees a 1.5 percent salary boost retroactive to July 1, 2016.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council To Decide on Bigbelly Trash Cans, Renewal Contract for Northwest

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/QGouUq) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Will consider leasing (with a state grant) six Bigbelly solar trash compactor bins for $10,584. They hold approximately five times the normal capacity of a standard city trash can and "It is anticipated that by increasing the capacity of the trash cans, staff will spend less time emptying trash cans and can focus on other duties throughout Old Town. In addition, the compactors have built in sensors that communicate real-time status of trash levels to staff and alert them when the trash needs
to be emptied, virtually eliminating the need to check the trash several times a day." They'll be placed in Old Town between the 100-200 block; at the 400, 500, and 600 blocks; and at Library Park. https://goo.gl/yj7Xh1

~ Consider awarding a $9,530,400 contract to Sully-Miller Contracting Company and Merrell-Johnson Companies for the Monrovia Renewal Northwest Area Infrastructure Improvements Project. https://goo.gl/gpmk7N

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Los Gueros



Dinner at Los Gueros, on the north side of Huntington just west of Magnolia. Got the Chicken Monterey (It came with three tortillas) for $14.95 and an iced tea for $2.50. Nice service and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Hidden Airplane Mural Revived

A nice photo essay by Gem City Images showing before and after photos of the airplane mural hiding just west of Myrtle between Paradis Ice Cream and Merengue Bakery.  https://goo.gl/PfSbFV

- Brad Haugaard

Cat Burglar TV Pilot to be Filmed in Monrovia

A pilot for a USA Network television series called "Olive Forever" will begin filming segments on July 19 and 20 on Myrtle and in Library Park, according to Old Town's Pam Fitzpatrick (https://goo.gl/YYnyuR). Variety says that the show is about "the exploits of Olive, a mysterious high school student who leads a double-life as a cat burglar." https://goo.gl/4ZeKgu

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Invited Herself for Beer; Bike Stolen - Except for Tire; Man Steals Empty Cash Boxes; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 10-12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 423 service events, resulting in 80 investigations.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 1:00 p.m., officers responded to the report of a male, adult suspect running west, away from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. The subject had been seen taking a pair of bolt cutters from the store without paying for them. The suspect was located by police near the Metro Station. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Disturbing Subject / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 8:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of W. Duarte regarding a disturbing subject in the parking lot. The subject was detained and a computer check revealed she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 10 at 10:06 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of E. Lime called police to report a female subject who was acting suspicious. She walked up to his residence and asked if she could have a beer with him. Officers arrived, detained the female and discovered she was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
July 11 at 1:04 a.m., officers responded to a motel in the 700 block of W. Huntington on the report of disturbing subjects inside one of the motel rooms. Officers arrived and contacted the subjects. One of the female subjects in the room became very upset because the motel staff called the police and she flipped a table over, causing a portion of the table to break. She was arrested for vandalism.

Petty Theft
July 11 at 9:39 a.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Huntington. The victim secured his bike to a bike rack at work and decided to walk home after work on July 10, leaving the bike. He saw his bike in the bike rack when he left. When he returned the next day at 8:00 a.m., he discovered his bike was missing, with the exception of his front tire, which was still locked to the rack. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
July 11 at 12:00 p.m., a grand theft was reported to police that occurred in the 200 block of McKinley Place. The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his residence the evening before. He returned to his vehicle in the morning and started it. He immediately heard a loud noise and then discovered the catalytic converter had been cut off of his vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
July 12 at 12:05 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a business in the 1800 block of S. Myrtle. The cleaning crew arrived to clean the business and noticed the front window was cracked. A large rock was found next to the window. No suspects were seen. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
July 12 at 3:59 a.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and saw there was an open door. Surveillance footage revealed a male Hispanic suspect using a pry bar to open the exit doors. He entered the business, took three cashboxes from the registers and fled through the same door. He entered a black, 4-door BMW on the passenger side and the vehicle fled the area, heading east on Huntington. The cashboxes were all empty. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 12 at 10:10 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of S. Fifth regarding a suspicious female subject loitering on private property. When the officer arrived, he detained the subject, who started reaching into a black jacket. The officer told her to take her hand out of the jacket, which she did, and placed something under the jacket. During a search, the officer recovered a small purse under the jacket, which contained a baggie of methamphetamine and a drug smoking pipe. The suspect was arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Man Sentenced for Murdering Monrovia Woman

Jose Roberto Turner, 49, of Pasadena, has been sentenced to 26 years to life for strangling LaJoya McCoy, 31, of Monrovia, his girlfriend and the mother of his children. https://goo.gl/5myFQw

- Brad Haugaard

Obama Freeway Measure by Monrovia's Senator Advancing in State Senate

Legislation by State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, to name part of the 134 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway," has passed the Assembly Transportation Committee with "overwhelming support," according to a Portantino press release. The section of freeway is between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Hosts Nigerian Fire Service, Flooding in Historic Museum, More Sidewalk Grinding, Monrovia Day at the Fair, Etc.

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The Nigerian Fire Service toured the Monrovia Fire Department's propane burn rooms in the Fire Training Tower.  "It appears." Chi writes, "that Nigeria is trying to improve fire service training and is looking to install facilities similar to the one we have in Monrovia."

~ The basement of the Monrovia Historic Museum was flooded Friday night, during a wedding. Public Works fixed things, but Chi says: "more work remains as we move ahead in order to fully resolve the leak situation."

~ Next week Precision Concrete Cutting will be grinding down uneven sidewalks in northwest Monrovia, from Myrtle Avenue to western city border and from Colorado Boulevard to Hillcrest Avenue to the north.

~ The LA County Fair will host a Monrovia Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13. On that day Monrovians will receive $8 tickets (instead of $14) and there will be a parade at 5 p.m. featuring Monrovia representatives.

~ This past weekend Monrovia firefighters, Captain Morton, Engineer Buccola, and Firefighter/Paramedics Jansen and Edgely, joined 1,600 other fire response professionals to fight a fast-moving Alamo brush fire in Santa Maria.

~ The Executive Board of the LA County Division of the League of California Cities has voted to  support AB 1180 as newly amended. The amended version of the bill by Assemblyman Chris Holden would let LA County Flood Control levy a voter-approved tax for stormwater projects and programs to increase local water supplies and to help achieve compliance with the Clean Water Act.

~ You can get a passport, or get it renewed, at the Community Center. Details: https://goo.gl/TsuqjZ

- Brad Haugaard




Monrovia Police: Masked Men Rob Business; Safes Taken, Safes Found; Pedestrian Hit on Myrtle; 30-Second Burglary; Shoplifters Given Tickets; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 6-9. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Commercial Burglary
July 6 at 1:41 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Two male suspects were seen on video surveillance wearing hooded sweatshirts and jeans. They shattered the front door of the business and took a safe which contained cash out of an office and fled. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
July 6 at 2:19 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. Unknown suspects shattered the front door of the business. It is unknown if anything was taken, as the loss could not be determined until the owners could respond and inventory the business. The investigation is continuing.

Found Property
July 6 at 8:03 a.m., employees from a business in the 300 block of W. Evergreen called police to report two safes they found in the parking lot. The safes were smashed and there were papers, checks and coins on the ground. An officer arrived and saw that the paperwork and checks belonged to a business located in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The second safe belonged to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The business were burglarized that morning. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Suspect Arrested
July 6 at 8:32 a.m., officers on patrol in the 400 block of N. Alta Vista observed a suspicious vehicle and stopped to check it and the occupants. A computer check revealed the vehicle was stolen. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
July 7 at 12:40 a.m., a pedestrian was attempting to cross Myrtle at the intersection of Cypress and was struck by a vehicle traveling north on Myrtle. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Suspicious Persons / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 7 at 1:47 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 200 block of W. Maple when they observed two suspicious subjects in the area. They detained the suspects and while doing a pat down search for weapons, drug paraphernalia was found on one of the subjects and he was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
July 7 at 8:36 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1200 block of N. Canyon. The victim parked and locked her vehicle on Canyon and went to take a walk in the park. When the victim returned, she found her purse was missing from the trunk. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 7 at 11:30 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of W. Huntington when they noticed two subjects on bicycles whom they recognized from prior contacts. One of the subjects is known to be on probation for theft. Officers made contact with the two subjects and during a subsequent search of their persons, a methamphetamine pipe was located in one of the subject’s pockets. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Fireworks – Suspects Arrested
July 7 at 7:25 p.m., officers heard fireworks being set off and saw a group of juveniles in the area. They were detained and found to be in possession of illegal fireworks. Two were cited and all were picked up by their parents.

Driving Under the Influence / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 1:58 a.m., officers on patrol in the 100 block of E. Evergreen saw a vehicle driving during darkness with no headlights. The driver was stopped and, through investigation, was found to be driving under the influence of marijuana. He was also found to have warrants out of Ohio, which were confirmed. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
July 8 at 2:41 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington regarding a burglary alarm activation. The suspects are described as two male Blacks. They used a crow bar to gain entry and took drugs from the pharmacy area. They fled the area in a silver SUV.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 12:39 p.m., a shoplifting incident was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Loss prevention personnel at the business observed a subject enter the store, select merchandise and leave the store without paying for the items. The suspect was confronted outside the store and escorted back inside. The suspect was arrested by police and released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 8 at 1:35 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter. They observed the suspect entering the store, selecting merchandise and leaving the store without paying for the items. The suspect was confronted outside the store and escorted back inside. The suspect was also found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation for the theft. He was later transferred to the custody of Glendora Police Department on the warrant.

Robbery
July 8 at 7:56 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Huntington. Two male Black suspects entered the store wearing surgical masks and ordered both employees into a back room with a black semi-automatic handgun. They ordered the employees to open the safe and put all of the cell phones that were inside the safe into a laundry type bag the suspect had with him. They also demanded money from the register before fleeing the location. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 9 at 8:04 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Chestnut and Magnolia stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During a consent search of the vehicle, the driver was found to be in possession of stolen mail, drug paraphernalia and evidence of fraud. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Mail Tampering
July 9 at 9:55 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Granite regarding missing mail. The victim said he did not check his mailbox for about two weeks. When he checked it that day, he found it open and with no mail inside. He was unable to use his key to secure the mailbox, as the lock was damaged. He believes the suspects damaged the lock when they broke into his mailbox. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
July 10 at 2:50 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a burglary alarm activation. They arrived to find the glass front door shattered. The video surveillance revealed three male Black suspects using a window punch to break the glass and enter the store. They took two cash boxes, the cash register and fled in a vehicle, heading south on Myrtle. The vehicle is described as a black, newer model, 4-door, sporty looking vehicle with chrome rims. The suspects were all thin build and were wearing gloves and hooded sweatshirts to cover their faces. They were in the store for approximately 30 seconds. The investigation is continuing.

Time Bomb Concert in Library Park



Time Bomb, Rocking Hits of the 1975 - 1985, kicks off the summer concert series at Library Park, though, remember, there are also Saturday (and some Wednesday) concerts at Station Square Park. Here's the schedule:  https://goo.gl/X7so5k

- Brad Haugaard 

Hillside Parks Closed Today Due to Heat

Monrovia Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve are closed today due to extreme heat. It's supposed to get up to 104 degrees today: https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Reportedly Preventing Students from Enrolling in Duarte Charter School

Monrovia School District is reportedly blocking students from transferring to a charter school run by the Duarte School District. The school, called California School of the Arts, will open this fall. https://goo.gl/keT27p

- Brad Haugaard

Help Foothill Unity Center's Back to School Project

Foothill Unity Center needs volunteers for its 19th annual Back to School event on August 8, 2017 at Santa Anita Park Race Track. There are volunteer opportunities for adults and youth on Monday, August 7 (https://goo.gl/r6paG9) and Tuesday, August 8 (https://goo.gl/Lrgdnt). The goal is to help more than 1,200 low-income students prepare for a successful school year. For information contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Chili's


Dinner at Chili's. Got the chicken enchiladas ($9.99) and a big beer ($6.89). Good. (I actually took a bite before I took the picture but I turned it so you will never know.)


- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Money Stolen from Luggage; Cars Crash; Package on Porch Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 3-5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Grand Theft
July 3 at 8:02 a.m., an officer responded to a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a theft of money from luggage. The victim is visiting from out of town and mistakenly left their luggage outside their hotel room door when they arrived. The luggage was still there in the morning, but money that was inside the luggage was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
July 5 at 12:28 a.m., officers responded to the report of an injury traffic collision in the 400 block of W. Duarte Road. Two vehicles were traveling west on Duarte, when one attempted to make a left turn from the number two lane and collided with the vehicle that was traveling in the number one lane. Subjects from both vehicles sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
July 5 at 1:41 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 100 block of Stedman Place. A vehicle that was parked in a carport area had a window shattered on it, but nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
July 5 at 5:34 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Lemon. A utility truck was broken into sometime over the previous two days, tools were taken from the truck. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
July 5 at 2:57 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report they had a male suspect detained for petty theft. The suspect had concealed merchandise on his person and then left the store without paying. The suspect was arrested and received a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft of Package
July 5 3:45 p.m., a package was reported stolen from a residence in the 300 block of N. Alta Vista. A male, Hispanic, adult suspect was seen exiting a gold-colored Honda Accord and walking up to the residence. The suspect took a package that had been delivered and fled in the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia Police: Arrests in Auto Theft; Church Vandalized; Truck Stolen; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 29 - July 2. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
June 30 at 12:59 a.m., while on patrol in the area of Greystone and Stedman, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle stopped in the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by two juveniles who did not live in the area. One juvenile was in the driver seat and the other was in the back seat. The vehicle was registered to an address in another city and the key in the ignition was found to be a shaved key that belonged to a Toyota, but the vehicle was a Honda.

Suspecting that another person may be involved, officers began checking the area and found a third suspect inside a vehicle across the street. As the officers were removing the third suspect from the vehicle, the owners of the vehicle exited their home and told the officers they did not know the suspect sitting inside their vehicle. After completing their investigation, it was determined that the three suspects came to the area in an unreported stolen vehicle and were in the process of stealing another vehicle in Monrovia when the officers found them. All three suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
June 30 at 6:37 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1100 block of Orange Avenue. The victim parked and locked his 2000, Ford F250 truck in front of his residence and went in for the evening. The victim returned to his truck in the morning and discovered it had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Felony Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
June 30 at 8:35 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported at a church in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia Avenue. An employee of the church arrived to work and noticed fresh graffiti near the front entrance doors and the rear steps of the church. The employee saw a female she recognized walking away from the area and noticed she had blue paint on her legs. Three vehicles and two additional locations at the church were found vandalized with blue spray paint. Officers responded and located the suspect nearby. Her legs were, in fact, spray painted with blue paint. When questioned, she admitted to the vandalism. She was arrested and held pending her court appearance.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 3 at 11:54 a.m., police received several calls reporting an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Canyon and Wildrose. Officers arrived and found two vehicles had collided in the intersection. A vehicle traveling west on Wildrose pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle and broadsided it. One of the drivers received a laceration on her hand and was taken to a hospital for treatment. One of the vehicles came to rest against an Edison power pole, causing minor damage. Edison responded and repaired the pole damage.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 30 at 9:37 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Foothill and Canyon, when he observed a vehicle turn right onto Foothill from Primrose in violation of a posted sign. The officers conducted a traffic stop and, through investigation, determined the driver was driving under the influence. He was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
July 1 at 4:42 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling north on Myrtle for running the red arrow as it turned onto Duarte. After investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence. He was arrested for DUI and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
July 1 at 4:26 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of E. Olive. The victim parked her vehicle on the street and last saw it on June 30. When she returned to her vehicle on July 1, she discovered it was missing. The vehicle is a grey, 2001 Chevy Tahoe. The investigation is continuing.

Fire Assist
July 1 at 11:44 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 3300 block of Peck Road. An employee of the business reported that a subject set fire to two dismantled vehicles on the property. Officers arrived and searched the area, but did not locate the suspect. The Monrovia Fire Department responded to put out the fire and is investigating the cause of the fire. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 1 at 12:21 p.m., a subject was reported for shoplifting at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington. The subject entered the store, selected numerous items of clothing and concealed the stolen merchandise in a backpack. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Violation of Court Order
July 1 at 12:44 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of W. Maple called police to report a subject at the location whom he has a restraining order against. The subject was at the location in violation of the court order. The subject left the location prior to the officer's arrival. The violation is being submitted to the District Attorney for filing consideration.

Petty Theft
July 1 at 2:30 p.m., a petty theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in the parking lot of a business and went inside. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed miscellaneous tools missing from his utility bed storage cabinets. It appears that the cabinets were left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
July 1 at 2:30 p.m., a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report two suspects that had entered the store, selected items and left without paying. The suspects were placed under citizen’s arrest by store security. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Happy Birthday, America!


As always, a wonderful fireworks show, a tribute to the pyrotechnician's skill and a great way to honor our country. Art in the sky. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Details; Entryway Signs; A Summer of Music


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

~ Live entertainment for the 4th of July concert and fireworks show begins at 7 p.m. at Library Park with a performance by Night Owl. The free 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Spectators may reserve a space up to 10 x 10 feet beginning at 6 a.m. The space must be supervised at all times.




~ City staff has been developing a design for entryway monument signs throughout the city. Above is a sneak-peak at some of the monument art being considered for the east end of Huntington Drive. The Art in Public Places Committee will be reviewing these concepts. A sign for the west end of Huntington is being coordinated with roadway realignment work at Huntington and Fifth. The city is also thinking about entryway signs for other streets that enter Monrovia.

~ This summer there will be 20 free concerts, from July 8 through Aug. 27, every Saturday, Sunday, and some Wednesdays. The concerts all begin at 7 p.m. and run through 8:30 p.m. Sunday concerts are at Library Park and Saturday and Wednesday concerts at the Station Square Amphitheatre.

Saturday Concerts (Station Square)

July 8 - AD & The Soul Co., R&B/Blues

July 15 - The Nolan Shaheed Quintet, Jazz

July 22 - The Impulse Band, Top 40

July 29 - Tribute to Disney, Disney Music

Aug. 5 - Irie Earth Band, Steel Drum

Aug. 12 - Night Owl Big Band Orchestra, Big Band

Aug. 19 - Central, Top 40

Aug. 26 - Latin Nation, Latin

Sunday Concerts (Library Park)

July 9 - Time Bomb, Rocking Hits of the 1975 - 1985

July 16 - Upstream, Reggae

July 23 -Stone Soul, Motown

July 30 - The Answer, Classic Rock

Aug. 6 -Arnie Newman Band, Country

Aug. 13 -The Nolan Shaheed Quintet, Jazz

Aug. 20 - Mariachi Divas, Mariachi

Aug. 27 - Cold Duck, Old School Funk


Wednesday Concerts (With the Levitt Pavilion, Station Square Amphitheater)

July 12 - Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Jazz/Blues

July 19 - Babylon Social Club, Jazz/Blues

July 26 - Jerry Vivino, Jazz/Blues

Aug. 2 - Box Car 7, Jazz/Blues

Summer Movies in Monrovia


- Brad Haugaard