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View Saturn and the Moon Tonight

The Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the southeast corner of Library Park tonight, There should be "great views of Saturn and the moon."

- Brad Haugaard 

City Council: Taking Back Our Communities; Coffee With a Cop; Etc.


There will be an update on Monrovia's "Taking Back Our Community Coalition" at a study session at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regular City Council meeting. https://goo.gl/5w68SF

Then, at the regular meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/wdZcay), 7:30, there will be more discussion of Taking Back Our Community" and Police Chief Jim Hunt will report on National Coffee With a Cop Day, which will be held Oct. 4 at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on the corner of Myrtle and Foothill between 7-9 a.m. "Our officers want to get to know you and for you to know them - there's no agenda, no distractions, and no barriers."

Plus a report on improvements at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue and a presentation from Monrovia Kiwanis.

And other stuff.

- Brad Haugaard

St. Luke Church Will Bless Animals


On Sunday, October 8, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia will celebrate the Blessing of the Animals on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The church invites everyone to bring their pets to the 10 a.m. service.

Attendees are also invited to bring a stuffed animal to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Pediatric Hub, an LA County center that provides medical and mental health care to children exposed to violence.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Copper Still Grill


Dinner at the new Copper Still Grill, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Colorado.  They're still on their "soft opening" menu, but that will be expanded soon. It's a sports bar with a large open area with a large, square bar overhung with TV sets in the middle and minimalist metal artwork on the walls. Got the Hickory BBQ Burger for $11 with garlic fries for $1.50,  and a beer for $4.50, Tasty and filling. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Escapee Child - Sitter Arrested; Bad Dog; Spare Tires Swiped; Packages Stolen; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 432 service events, resulting in 90 investigations.

Grand Theft
September 25 at 10:55 a.m., a grand theft was reported in the 1100 block of S. Fifth Avenue. Electronics and building materials were taken from a construction site. The theft occurred sometime after 12:00 noon on September 22. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
September 25 at 7:07 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Parker. The victims returned home from work and found their home had been ransacked. Entry was made through a rear sliding door. The total loss is unknown until inventory can be taken by the homeowner. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 3:35 a.m., an officer contacted two suspicious subjects in the 1100 block of Alta Vista. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had two warrants for his arrest. A search incident to the arrest was conducted and evidence from a recent grand theft auto case was discovered. The subject was arrested for the warrants and the grand theft auto case is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 26 at 8:20 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of W. Foothill. The suspect broke the driver-side window of the vehicle and took a backpack and headphones that were left inside. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
September 26 at 12:42 p.m., an employee at a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road called police to report a theft from his vehicle. The vehicle was left unlocked and the suspect reached in through an open window and stole a wallet containing the victim’s driver’s license, ATM card and a backpack containing books. The investigation is continuing.

Critical Missing Located / Felony Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 1:38 p.m., a 20-month-old child was reported missing to police. An adult female subject was babysitting the child. She drove to the 100 block of N. Mayflower and parked her vehicle on the street. She left the child inside the vehicle with the ignition running, air-conditioning on and the windows rolled up. She proceeded to a back house on the property and spoke to the property manager for several minutes before returning to her vehicle to find the child was gone. She then drove to the police department to inquire if someone had found the child. Officers immediately began a search for the child and within a couple of minutes, police dispatch received a call from the property manager, reporting she had found the child. The child had unbuckled the child safety seat, exited the vehicle and walked to the property, where she was eventually found. The child’s mother was notified and she responded to take custody of the child. The babysitter was arrested for felony child endangerment.

Vehicle Burglary
September 26 at 8:05 p.m., three vehicles were reported broken into in the 800 block of W. Foothill. Miscellaneous items were taken. The investigation is continuing. 

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
September 27 at 2:06 a.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at Mountain and Foothill. A vehicle was traveling north on Mountain, failed to stop at the stop sign at Foothill and collided with several parked cars. The driver was not injured and through further investigation was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Aggressive Dog Impounded
September 27 at 7:43 a.m., police responded to the report of an aggressive dog attacking another dog and a female subject in the 300 block of W. Palm. The female subject was passing by and attempted to separate the dogs. She was bit on the arm by the aggressive dog. The Pasadena Humane Society was notified and the dog was impounded. The dog that was attacked was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The passerby was not injured badly and refused medical treatment.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 12:21 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a suspect that had stolen merchandise from the store earlier that day and was now back in the store. The suspect was now attempting to return the stolen merchandise for a cash refund. An officer responded and the suspect was arrested. He was brought to the station, where he was booked and later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft
September 27 at 4:11 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of Magnolia. The business houses vehicles at the location and unknown suspect(s) stole four spare tires from the vehicles sometime during the evening hours. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 4:13 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a female subject yelling and causing a disturbance at the intersection of Greystone and Shamrock. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed she had an outstanding warrants for her arrest and she was arrested without incident.

Theft of Packages
September 27 at approximately 8:00 p.m., two separate victims reported packages that were stolen from their porches. The two incidents occurred in the 400 block of Concord and the 400 block of Bradbury. The possible suspect vehicle in both cases is described as a gold color sedan. The investigations are continuing. 

Sidewalk Art from Monrovia Public Works


As sort of an art project, the Monrovia Public Works Department has begun stamping messages into new sections of sidewalk, such as the one above - next to the Monrovia Historical Museum in Recreation Park - but is trying to think of a cool name for this art project. If you have any ideas, send them to  planning@ci.monrovia.ca.us. https://goo.gl/Rb8xqX

- Brad Haugaard

Athens Will Try to Foil Trash-Eating Bears; Monrovia's Ticked-Off Cities Coalition Growing; Hayrides in Old Town; Etc.


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

~ Athens will be experimenting with a way of picking up trash that should hopefully foil garbage scavenging bears.  Currently, residents living north of Hillcrest Boulevard have their trash picked up in the afternoon, which means  trash cans being left outside for the better part of the day, giving bears more time to access them. So, for October, Athens will be picking up the trash for everyone living north of Foothill Boulevard first thing in the morning, targeting the time between 7 to 9 a.m. If it works it may be permanent. Questions: contact Alex Tachiki at 932-5553 or atachiki@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

~ Monrovia's fast-growing Taking Back Our Community coalition now has a website (https://goo.gl/2sL3YG) with a video. The coalition "is quickly growing to include many cities in our region, as the response to the initiative has been overwhelming and positive.  We currently have approximately 25 cities that have formally joined the group, with another 15 cities in various stages of joining our efforts." Basically, this is a coalition of ticked off cities that want Sacramento to change recent laws that they believe have contributed to a big jump in crime.

~ There will be  horse-drawn hayrides in Old Town in conjunction with the Annual Celebrate the Arts Show and Chalkfest on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, in Library Park. Rides begin on Myrtle Avenue (east side of Library Park) from 2-6 p.m. Cost is $2 per person on a first-come, first-served basis, and is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town Merchants.

~ LA County has completed synchronizing the traffic signals along Foothill Boulevard from the western edge of Pasadena to Shamrock Avenue in Monrovia. If you discover problems, let the city know.

~  A Taste of Old Town Monrovia is set for October 15, 5-8 p.m. The event showcases Old Town merchants and restaurants, and allows you to sample a variety of foods and beverages. Tickets here: https://goo.gl/qj9125

~ There will be a Community Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Monrovia Community Center to discuss the current Monrovia Renewal construction west of Myrtle Avenue to the city limits and between Colorado and Hillcrest.

- Brad Haugaard

'All Souls' Eve' Concert Set for October 28

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will present "All Souls' Eve," a concert with soloists and full choir with selections from Mozart's Requiem, Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, and more. Tickets are now available for $5 to $20. The concert will be at The Parish of Saint Luke the Physician, 122  S. California Ave., on Saturday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. More information at www.sgvccsingers.org or by calling 818-802-9602.

This will be the first full performance conducted by Artistic Director, Dr. Alexandra Grabarchuk. Dr. Grabarchuk is a Ukrainian-born musicologist and conductor with a PhD from the UCLA Department of Musicology. She also conducts and organizes the Contemporary Choral Collective of Los Angeles, and is a mezzo-soprano soloist with a wide variety of musical interests ranging from Renaissance polyphony to traditional Balkan singing. She teaches at Scripps College, Chaffey College, and Chapman University, and works as a score reader for the Metropolitan Opera.

- Brad Haugaard

Meeting on Homelessness, Upcoming Laws, Water Rate Increase, Etc.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the Library Community Room there will be a report on Monrovia's homeless situation, an update on new laws that are going into effect in January and will affect Monrovia, information about the pending water rate increase, and what 2018 holds for the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP). For any questions and to RSVP, call Ariel Tolefree-Williams at 932-5563 or email at atolefree@ci.monrovia.ca.us. https://goo.gl/dXkRHD

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thefts From Cars; Thefts of Cars; Punching Car Window; Thief Steals Wrong Truck; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Burglary
September 21 at 10:08 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1600 of S. Mountain. The victim reported the passenger side window was shattered and an iMac Laptop Computer along with two backpacks were stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 21 at 11:18 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of E. Huntington conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation. A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Burglary
September 22 at 7:16 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The victim parked and locked his vehicle and when he returned, he realized his vehicle had been broken into and his briefcase was taken. Both rear windows were shattered. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 22 at 11:12 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 600 block of W. Lime. The victim’s light green Vespa LX150 was taken from her driveway. All keys are accounted for and an investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 1:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Fifth on the report of a male and female arguing. A caller advised the male subject was hitting a vehicle in the parking lot. Officers arrived and spoke with both parties who are in a romantic relationship and were having a verbal argument. The male subject became frustrated and punched the window to the girlfriend's vehicle. The female did not desire prosecution. Further investigation revealed the male subject had warrants. The male subject was arrested for the warrants.

Burglary
September 22 at 5:32 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of Fowler Dr. The victim parked and locked his vehicle. When he returned, he noticed his backpack containing his camera and other miscellaneous items was taken. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 22 at 7:40 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of S. Bradbury and recognized a subject who had an outstanding warrant. The officer made contact with the subject, confirmed the warrant, and took her into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 12:40 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported in the 100 block of W. Colorado. The victim reported he was battered by his spouse. Further investigation revealed a physical altercation between the couple took place and the victim sustained a visible injury to his neck. The suspect was arrested for domestic violence.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 12:52 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 200 block of W. Huntington recognized the suspect who had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The officer contacted the subject and confirmed the warrant. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest- Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 1:03 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 700 block of S. Primrose conducted a traffic stop on a subject on a bicycle known to have an outstanding warrant. The officer contacted the suspect, confirmed the warrant and took him into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 1:52 a.m., an officer noticed a suspicious subject in the 700 block of W. Huntington under the 210 freeway overpass. The officer made contact with the subject and a computer check revealed the subject had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 3:19 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 500 block of S. Ivy. Further investigation revealed the driver was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 10:05 a.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious subject in the area of Myrtle and Lemon. When the officers arrived the subject began swearing at the officers and acting erratically. The subject ran and the officers pursued the subject on foot thinking he was possibly on a controlled substance, or a danger to himself or others. The subject was detained and further investigation revealed the subject had several warrants. The subject was arrested.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 1:45 p.m., a loss prevention employee at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called to report a male subject was seen placing items inside a bag inside the store. The male subject had left the store without paying for the items in the bag. The employee told us about a vehicle that was waiting in the parking lot and that the subject was now in the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and the subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 8:28 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock. A car salesman was showing a vehicle to a male subject who posed as being interested in purchasing a truck. The suspect asked to hear the engine and suddenly got behind the wheel and fled in the vehicle. An anti-theft device was activated and the vehicle was tracked. With the assistance of other police departments the vehicle was located and the suspect was taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 23 at 10:21 p.m., officers responded to a report of a traffic collision in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. Two vehicles were involved in a non-injury traffic collision. Officers arrived and further investigation revealed the driver was too intoxicated to drive a motor vehicle. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
September 24 at 8:55 p.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle striking a pole in the area of Mayflower and Hillcrest. The vehicle left the area but was located a short distance away. The investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 

Monrovia Sidewalk Astronomers on Saturday Night

Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be out at Monrovia's Library Park on Saturday, Sept. 30 from about 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. The members set up telescopes and let people look at the moon or whatever is visible. Fun!

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Panera Bread


Lunch at Panera Bread, on Huntington. Got the Pick Two, Half a Chipotle Chicken Avocado Sandwich for $5.69 and a cup of Autumn Squash soup for $4.39 and a small coffee for $1.99. Tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Pavillions Is Re-Becoming Vons




If you have lived in Monrovia for a while this image may look familiar, and you will see it again. The Pavillions at Myrtle and Foothill is re-becoming Vons. The city Community Development department says "you'll probably see some lower prices." https://goo.gl/U5gSge

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Three Attempts to Steal Auto Fail; Suspect Arrested at Police Station; Officer Prevents Suicide; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 476 service events, resulting in 92 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
September 18 at 7:07 a.m., an attempt grand theft auto was reported in the 800 block of W. Duarte. The victim parked his 1994 Honda Accord overnight in his carport. In the morning, he found the driver’s door ajar and the wiring under the driver-side dash hanging loose. There was a shaved key on the floorboard and the vehicles hood was open. It appears someone attempted to steal his vehicle by using a shaved key, which did not work. The suspect then attempted to hot wire the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. He then tried to hot wire the vehicle directly from the engine, but did not succeed. The victim had installed a kill switch when one of his neighbors had his Honda stolen a few weeks prior. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
September 18 at 12:41 p.m., a parking control officer was on patrol in the 1900 block of S. Peck Road when she saw a vehicle parked in a no-parking area. She saw a female exit the car wearing a t-shirt and underwear. She called for an officer to respond and the investigation resulted in both the male and female being arrested. The suspects were found to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. The female was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was in possession of stolen property.

Armed Robbery – Suspects Arrested
September 18 at 10:43 p.m., the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department called to advise that one of their patrol units had contacted two subjects that stated they had been robbed in Monrovia. An officer was dispatched and contacted the victims. The victims stated they heard about a party in the 200 block of E. Cherry through social media. They arrived at the location and entered the driveway of the residence, where they were confronted by two suspects, one of them armed, and were robbed of their belongings. At 2:50 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was driving recklessly in the area of Gladys and Colorado. A computer check revealed the driver had a suspended driver’s license. Officers recovered a small Airsoft handgun and a sweatshirt from the vehicle. These items fit the description of items used in the robbery on Cherry that occurred earlier in the evening. Through a photo line-up, the victim identified the suspect as one of the persons who robbed him. While the suspect was being interviewed, the victim came to the police lobby to inquire about the progress of the investigation. While in the lobby, the victim saw the second suspect who was involved in the robbery. The victim immediately informed a police employee and the second suspect was detained in the lobby. The second suspect had come to the station because he heard his friend was arrested. Both suspects were arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
September 19 at 2:17 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington and discovered an abandoned vehicle in a business parking lot. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The vehicle was recovered and the agency was notified.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 19 at 7:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of N. Alta Vista on the report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. The officer arrived and located the vehicle. The officer made contact with driver and a computer check revealed an outstanding warrant. The driver was arrested for the warrant.

Residential Burglary
September 19 at 8:00 a.m., a burglary was reported at a residence in the 100 block of N. Garfield. The house is under construction and the suspect entered the house through a window. Numerous tools were stolen from the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 19 at 9:42 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a theft in progress at the location. The suspect took numerous tools and other merchandise to the garden department of the store and pushed the items under the fence. Loss prevention officers were following him inside the store. Officers arrived at the location and when the suspect went outside the store to retrieve the items, he was arrested.

Outside Assist – California Highway Patrol
September 20 at 2:27 a.m., a caller reported a subject standing on the freeway overpass that appeared as if he was going to jump. Officers arrived and saw the subject standing on the outside of the railing. One of the officers tried talking the subject off the overpass. The subject said he wanted to kill himself and then closed his eyes. The officer saw an opportunity and quickly pulled the subject to safety. The California Highway Patrol arrived on scene and took over the investigation.

Attempt Burglary
September 20 at 8:49 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of N. Alta Vista regarding the report of glass found on the ground under a window. It appears someone attempted to enter the home through the window, but was not successful. An interior check was done and it appears the suspects did not enter the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 7:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of E. Olive on the report of a domestic violence incident. The suspect had fled the location on foot. The victim reported that her husband had hit her head into a wall several times. Officers located the suspect in the area and he was arrested without incident.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 20 at 11:08 p.m., security at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject sleeping in a vehicle at the location. Officers made contact with the subject and it was discovered he had a no-bail felony warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
September 21 at 1:11 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim called and reported two computers were stolen from his hotel room. The investigation is continuing. 

Friends of Monrovia Library Book Sale Oct. 7-8

The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold a sale of donated books and media on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, at the Monrovia Library. "Come early if you're interested in children's books. They go quickly. On Saturday there will be a "close out sale" - $5 for your selections that fit in a grocery-sized bag. We'll have bags for you to purchase." https://goo.gl/orgVCA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Museum Invites Community to Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary


Celebrate "bringing Monrovia's history to life" at the Monrovia Historical Museum as the community celebrates the opening of the Museum 25 years ago. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 1, with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m., which will include tours of the Museum; and a recognition program at 2 p.m., to highlight the Museum's founding. The event is free and open to the public.

The Museum is located at 742 E. Lemon, Monrovia.

In 1986, three years after the closure of the Monrovia Municipal Plunge, the City of Monrovia celebrated its centennial anniversary.  As an outgrowth of this celebration, a group of residents established The Monrovia Historical Museum Foundation (MHM) and worked with the City to occupy the Municipal Plunge building with plans for an historic museum.  The MHM qualified for a $50,000 California State Grant that enabled the Foundation to renovate of the building, while retaining important architectural features of the original building.

The Museum has 8,000 square feet of indoor space includes displays that depict the founding of Monrovia and what life was like in the growing city, as well as a exhibits covering the local Native American groups, natural history, Monrovia's part through the World Wars and much more.

The Monrovia Historical Museum is a place for all people of all ages to experience history as both a spectator and as a participant in our goal of "bringing Monrovia's history to life".

Source: Monrovia Historical Museum press release

- Brad Haugaard

LA County Offering $20,000 Reward for Person Who Killed Monrovia Student Oscar Garcia

LA County is offering $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed Monrovia high school student Oscar Garcia on April 22. https://goo.gl/ZsnJw3

- Brad Haugaard

Cities Join Monrovia's Anti Crime Coalition; Replacement Reservoir; Vet Video; Bike Plan

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

~ Monrovia's Taking Back Our Community coalition is taking off. Council members Becky Shevlin and Larry Spicer, along with city staff, attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference to promote the coalition with a video (https://goo.gl/NfWYn1). The coalition seeks to modify elements of Assembly Bill 109, Proposition 47, and Proposition 57, which have resulted in public safety problems. Such problems include: Defining rape, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and solicitation to commit murder as "non-violent." Chi says response to the coalition has "been overwhelming and positive.  We currently have approximately 25 cities that have formally joined the group, with another 15 cities in various stages of joining our efforts."

~ Construction on a replacement Oakglade Reservoir should begin in late December or early January 2018. The current 900,000 gallon reservoir, at 733 Oakglade Drive, way up Canyon Boulevard, was built in the late 1800s and was one of the original water reservoirs for Monrovia, but it has developed excessive leaks and cracks. The new one should hold  1.5 million gallons.

~  The Veterans Resource Center at the Monrovia Public Library has submitted its second interview to the Library of Congress's Veterans History Project, which collects first-hand accounts of vet who served in conflicts. This video (https://goo.gl/w9oyqQ) features Joseph Callahan, a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the US Navy.

~  Monrovia, and other local cities, are developing Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans to identify opportunities to improve conditions for walking and bicycling. Share your thoughts on this online survey: https://goo.gl/Ss83nm

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center Picks Its 'Heart in Hand Humanitarian'

Foothill Unity Center will honor Lois Gaston as this year's "Heart in Hand Humanitarian." S he is the former Mayor and Councilmember for Duarte and has been a Board of Directors Member for the Foothill Unity Center since 2002. She is involved in several community organizations such as; the Community Mediation Team, the Duarte Education Foundation and the Duarte Community Coordinating Council as well as with the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics. The awards will be presented at the Golden Plate dinner on Sept. 28.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Finalist for 'Business Friendly' City Award

Monrovia is a finalist as the most business friendly city in the county for cities with fewer than 68,000 people. The award is given by the  Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. https://goo.gl/DREXaz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Carjacking; Lots of Drunk Driving; 'Multiple Charges' May be Filed In Deer Shooting; Bad License Plates; Threatening With Pistol; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Petty Theft
September 14 at 12:32 p.m., a petty theft was reported at a park in the 900 block of California. Sometime overnight, a metal spring mounted on the playground equipment was removed and taken. This is the second spring that has been taken. The investigation is continuing.

No-Bail Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 4:03 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Mayflower and Chestnut when he was flagged down regarding a possible domestic dispute inside a vehicle. The officer located and stopped the vehicle, but the occupants denied a domestic dispute. The driver had a suspended driver's license, the vehicle registration was expired for approximately two years, and the passenger had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The suspects were arrested.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 9:21 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Huntington and the 210 Freeway observed a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle. After getting identification from both the driver and passenger, the passenger was found to have several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested without incident.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 1:41 a.m., an officer observed a traffic violation from a vehicle at Live Oak and Myrtle. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who displayed signs of being intoxicated. After further investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and she was arrested. She was taken into custody and held for a sobering period. She was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Carjacking
September 15 at 3:01 p.m., a carjacking incident was reported in the 900 block of E. Royal Oaks. The victim drove to her ex-boyfriend's residence to drop off some of his property. When she arrived, the ex-boyfriend/suspect demanded the victim drive him to Pasadena. The victim was afraid of the suspect and attempted to drive away, but the suspect opened her driver's door and threatened her with a large rock. The victim feared for her safety and exited the vehicle. The suspect jumped into the vehicle and drove away without consent. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication / Challenge to fight – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 4:14 p.m., an officer was flagged down in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a disturbing subject in the park. The officer saw the subject and heard him yelling obscenities. The officer contacted the subject, who was intoxicated and took a fighting stance towards the first officer on scene. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and challenging to fight.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 1:17 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a moving vehicle code violation in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, who demonstrated signs of intoxication. The investigation revealed the driver was too intoxicated to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 1:19 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her ex-boyfriend was at her front door and was refusing to leave. When officers arrived, the subject was driving away in his vehicle. The officer made a traffic stop and contacted the driver, who demonstrated signs of intoxication. The investigation revealed there was no crime committed at the residence, but the driver was too intoxicated to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:39 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Peck Road, approaching Live Oak Avenue. The officer made a traffic stop and contacted the driver. Through investigation it was determined that the driver was too intoxicated to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody. He was held for a sobering period and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Assist
September 16 at 7:41 a.m., police received a call reporting a suspect that had shot a deer with a bow and arrow in the 400 block of Patrician Way. The reporting party noticed a blood trail outside of his house, so he checked his surveillance camera and saw a subject exit a vehicle with a bow and arrow, hide in nearby bushes and shoot a deer. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was advised and they responded along with Monrovia officers. Through investigation, the suspect was identified and located. Multiple criminal charges will be sought against the suspect.

Possession of Sawed-off Shotgun / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
September 16 at 12:07 a.m., police responded to a call reporting drug activity in the 200 block of E. Duarte. Officers located the reported vehicle that was occupied by two subjects. Officers were familiar with both subjects and one of them admitted to being in possession of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed narcotics, live ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and a sawed-off shotgun. Both suspects were arrested and a parole hold was issued for one of the suspects.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 10:39 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 2100 block of Parkrose in Duarte. The driver had a suspended driver’s license and a consent search revealed approximately 51 grams of methamphetamine, 22 grams of powder cocaine, a weight scale, cash, and dozens of empty baggies for drug packaging. The driver was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sales. The vehicle was stored.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 17 at 2:20 a.m., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. He conducted a traffic stop and upon contacting the driver, the officer noticed obvious signs of intoxication. The investigation revealed the driver was too intoxicated to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested, booked, and after a sobering period, he was released with a citation to appear in court.

Possible Grand Theft Auto / Stolen Plates Recovered
September 17 at 7:30 a.m., dispatch informed officers of a possible stolen vehicle heading north on Myrtle. Officers located the vehicle matching the description and license plate. A high-risk stop was conducted. The driver of the vehicle turned out to be the owner. Someone had stolen her license plate and replaced it with the license plate from a stolen vehicle that was reported to La Verne Police Department.

Brandishing a Weapon
September 17 at 7:45 p.m., the victim called police to report that he was driving in the area of Olive and Mayflower, and nearly collided into another vehicle. That vehicle followed him and when they reached the intersection of Olive and Alta Vista, the victim exited his vehicle to speak to the other driver. That driver pulled out a black, semi- automatic handgun, held it outside his driver’s door with the barrel pointed down and slowly drove past the victim. Fearing for his safety, the victim did not say anything and drove home to report the incident to police. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, driving a blue, early 2000 Honda Accord with tinted windows. The investigation is continuing.

Threatening / Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 1:13 a.m., employees of a fast food restaurant in the 100 block of W. Duarte reported a male suspect at their drive-thru window making criminal threats. Officers arrived in the area and located a vehicle matching the description heading west on Duarte on the wrong side of the roadway. As an officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle collided with another motorist in the area of Huntington and Alta Vista, and then fled without exchanging information. The hit and run victim was not injured, but his vehicle sustained moderate damage. The pursuit terminated near Los Angeles and Ivy Avenues, where the driver fled from the vehicle, but a passenger was taken into custody. A lengthy search of a contained area was completed, but the suspect was not located. The passenger was arrested for making criminal threats. The investigation is continuing. 

Man Who Reportedly Shot Deer May Be Prosecuted

Man who allegedly shot deer in upper Monrovia may be prosecuted. https://goo.gl/DMLQ7F

- Brad Haugaard

Man Says He Shot Deer in Monrovia Neighborhood to Put It Out of Its Misery

The man who allegedly shot a deer with an arrow in a Monrovia neighborhood says he had shot the deer earlier in a hunting-approved area but just wounded it. He said it was suffering so he tracked it into a Monrovia neighborhood and took another shot at it to put it out of its misery. https://goo.gl/BFyFgM

- Brad Haugaard

Man Identified Who Allegedly Shot Deer With Arrow in North Monrovia

Man shoots deer with arrow in north Monrovia. Suspect contacted. https://goo.gl/FvZVf5

- Brad Haugaard

How Monrovia-Based Trader Joe's Came to Be

A bit of history about how Monrovia-based Trader Joe's came to be. https://goo.gl/hibNSe

- Brad Haugaard

Sex Offenders May Soon Be Able to Live Anywhere in Monrovia

At its Sept. 19 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/vPtko3) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider repealing restrictions on where sex offenders may live in the City. The staff report indicates that a State Supreme Court decision in 2015 has "created a significant doubt regarding the validity of any residency restrictions on sex offenders." Also, there are at least 20 pending lawsuits challenging such restrictions, including one filed earlier this year against Monrovia. The staff report recommends repealing the restrictions or "face potential litigation." https://goo.gl/8YhMEX

~ Consider appointing Ted Goldbeck as the Old Town Merchant Film Liaison until Sept. 30, 2018. Goldbeck is employed by Movie Studio Grill, the new owner of the Krikorian Theater and his task would be "representing the interest of all Old Town merchants during filming. It is an unpaid position. https://goo.gl/rD78kU

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chipotle

Lunch at Chipotle, on Huntington next to Chili's. Though I'm not a vegetarian I got the sofritas (tofu) burrito ($6.70) with guacamole ($1.99 extra) and an iced tea for $1.90. Despite being vegetarian it was yummy (I took a couple bites so you can see).  And all the packaging has entertaining nonsense written on it: "With great tofu comes great responsibility."


- Brad Haugaard 

KGEM Executive Director Resigns 'Effective Immediately'

In a letter, KGEM board member Rena Delgado writes: "[B]e advised that our executive director Lance Mungia tendered his resignation on Sept. 12, 2017 effective immediately." 

No reason for the resignation was given. https://goo.gl/yEFEKb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Persistent Burglar; Quick Recovery of Truck, But It Crashed; Four Tires Stolen From Truck; Etc.

Link to Blogger

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 407 service events, resulting in 85 investigations.

Burglary
September 12 at 10:32 a.m., a burglary was reported at a business in the 100 block of Melrose. An employee that was recently fired had entered the location on two occasions and had stolen petty cash. The suspect was able to enter the business because he knew the combination to the lock on the door. On September 7, he attempted to enter the business again, but the combination had been changed. The suspect then used a hammer to break the lock to gain entry to the business and stole cash. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 12:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. The suspect was in the business around closing time and took an employee’s purse from a chair, undetected. He was seen on video surveillance stealing the purse. The following day, he returned to the business and was recognized by employees, who then called police. An officer responded and detained the suspect. He was arrested for the petty theft.

Fraudulent Use of Access Cards / Possession of Stolen Property / Identity Theft / Possession of Forged Identification Card / Unlicensed Driver – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 1:48 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington regarding the theft of credit cards. The suspect had just stolen the credit cards at a restaurant. He then went directly into a business nearby and purchased expensive electronics. Officers arrived, detained the suspect, and located the merchandise in the suspect’s vehicle. He was still in possession of the victim’s credit cards and was found to be unlicensed. He also had a fraudulent social security card in his possession. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 6:22 p.m., a resident from the 100 block of W. Central came to the police station to report his Toyota pickup had been stolen from in front of his residence. While the officer was speaking to the victim, police dispatch received a call from the California Highway Patrol advising they had located the vehicle. They had attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and a pursuit ensued which ended in a traffic collision in San Bernardino. The driver was arrested after the collision.

Vehicle Burglary
September 13 at 9:24 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of W. Walnut. The victim parked her vehicle overnight in front of her residence. Sometime during the night, an unknown suspect used a pry tool to gain entry and stole money and medicine from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
September 13 at 9:41 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of S. Magnolia. The suspect entered a secured lot and stole four tires and rims from a truck, and eight hub caps from several vans. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 1:02 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of W. Walnut. The occupants were reportedly involved in drug activity. Officers were dispatched to the location and contacted the subjects. After investigation, one of the subjects was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Legislature to Require Community Colleges to Grant Degrees to Qualified Students, Notify Students, Keep Records

Senate Bill 478, authored by State Senator Anthony  Portantino, who represents Monrovia, has passed the State Legislature and is heading to the governor's desk.

According to the Legislative Council, "This bill would require the governing board of each community college district to direct the appropriate officials at their respective campuses to (1) identify those students who have completed an associate degree for transfer, (2) notify those students of their completion of the degree requirements, (3) automatically award the student with the degree, and (4) add the student to an identification system at the end of each academic year that the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall maintain and that can be accessed electronically by the California State University and the University of California." https://goo.gl/9WKZW4

Comment: I certainly approve of this, but as I've commented before, it is a really annoying to find that it takes an act of the legislature, signed by the governor, to get government agencies to perform what should be their core functions.

Source: Portantino press release, California Legislative Information

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Looking for Youth Commissioner; Film Liaison; Youth Sports; Library Activities

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

~ Monrovia Public Services Department is accepting applications for the Youth Commission for the 2017-2018 school year from teens between grades 6 and 12. For information contact the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246. Register here: https://goo.gl/sKt6U2

~ The Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board is recommending Ted Goldbeck, General Manager of the new Movie Studio Grill theater in Old Town, as the Old Town Merchant Film Liaison.

~ Monrovia's Youth Sports Program is offering flag football and cheerleading for youth in the fourth and fifth grade who attend Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, Plymouth, and Wild Rose elementary schools. The fee is $35 per participant with a maximum of 25 participates per team. https://goo.gl/rRC8Hn

~ Pro-Active Tutoring will provide free, pre-screened tutors to assist students from Kindergarten to eighth grade in subjects such as reading, language arts, and math in the Library's Storytime Room starting Sept. 18 - Every Monday and Tuesday during the school year from 4-5 p.m.

~ Kids can learn how a 3D printer works, how to create simple designs on the computer and get them ready for the printer during Maker Day in the Story Room at the Library on Saturday, Sept. 23, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Register here:  https://goo.gl/R3H9Yf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Report on Driver Checkpoint

On Friday, Sept. 8, the Monrovia Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint in the 200 block of east Huntington Drive, from 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. 459 vehicles entered the checkpoint and drivers were evaluated for alcohol/drug impairment and driver's license checks.

Two suspects were arrested for driving under the influence, five drivers were issued citations for driving unlicensed, and one driver was issued a citation for driving on a suspended license.

The Monrovia Police Department reminds everyone how dangerous and prevalent drunk driving is. Be safe, plan ahead, and designate a sober driver.

These enforcement efforts were funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Remember, everyone is encouraged to do your part to keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers - CALL 911.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Prevent Possible Suicide; 459 Drivers Inspected at Checkpoint; Lots of Drunks; Domestic Violence

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Possible Suicide Attempt / Mental Evaluation
September 7 at 5:31 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington Drive on the report of a male adult hanging off the roof top. Several calls were received reporting the incident. When officers arrived, they located the subject on the roof. He had moved away from the ledge and he was detained by the officers. He made statements that were consistent with suicide and he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was placed on a mental hold and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 10:20 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Foothill. A subject was parked in front of the business and was unresponsive. Officers arrived and discovered the subject was intoxicated and had passed out. Officers woke the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The vehicle he was seated in was not running and he was not seen driving the vehicle to the location. He was arrested for public intoxication and held or a sobering period.

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
On September 8, the Monrovia Police Department conducted a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint in the 200 block of E. Huntington Drive. A total of 459 vehicles entered the checkpoint and the drivers were evaluated. 25 drivers were sent to secondary inspection. After secondary inspection, five drivers were issued citations for being unlicensed or having an expired license, one driver was cited for having a suspended license, three standardized field sobriety tests were completed, and two drivers were arrested for DUI/Drugs. This detail was a great success and was funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 7:46 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported swerving on the eastbound 210 Freeway and exiting at Myrtle Avenue. An officer responded and located the vehicle. The officer observed the vehicle commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. The investigation revealed the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested, held for a sobering period, and later released with a citation to appear in court.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 11:04 p.m., an officer observed a driver make an unsafe turning movement in an attempt to avoid a DUI Checkpoint in the 300 block of E. Huntington. The officer made a traffic stop and contacted the driver, who displayed symptoms of intoxication. The investigation revealed the driver was in fact intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. The suspect was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 2:47 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle in the 3300 block of Peck Road driving with no headlights. The vehicle was stopped and the investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 12:57 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of W. Olive Avenue on the report of a domestic violence incident. A male subject was heard yelling at his spouse that he was going to kill her. Officers arrived on scene and spoke to a married couple. Both subjects admitted to a verbal argument that ended with the male subject pulling the female off of a sofa and onto the floor. The female did not want prosecution, but because of the statements heard by an independent witness reporting the male suspect had threatened to kill the female victim, the male suspect was arrested for the domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 2:51 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting two subjects passed out in a vehicle in the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and contacted the occupants, who both displayed symptoms of intoxication. The investigation revealed the driver had been driving under the influence. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Rollover Traffic Collision
September 10 at 11:20 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at Palm and Primrose. A vehicle heading west on Palm ran the stop sign and collided into a vehicle that was traveling south on Primrose. The vehicle traveling on Primrose overturned, however the solo occupant did not suffer any injuries. 

Monrovia Area Partnership Helps Fix a Front Yard

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) stepped in to fix the front yard of a Monrovia home. https://goo.gl/bWKP52

- Brad Haugaard

Got An Idea How to Repaint an Electrical Box?

You may have noticed many of the electrical boxes around Monrovia have been painted with murals. However, there are still boxes painted the old gray color. If you have an idea for what could be painted on one of these boxes, contact Diane Delmatoff at the city. She's at 932-5531.

- Brad Haugaard

Immigration Workshop at Monrovia High

There will be a workshop Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in room 210 at Monrovia High School to provide information about the decision to rescind the federal immigration policy called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Information about deadlines, free clinics, renewal costs, attorneys. For more information call 494-0409 or email sram12611@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board to Consider Gardening Program for Wild Rose School

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/a24BKP), the Monrovia School Board will consider hiring EnrichLA (https://goo.gl/NmhYxQ) for about $5,175 to manage the garden at Wild Rose Elementary School and teach the students.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Rachael Corrales to be in Miss Teen Pagent; Clifton Middle School Completes Science Lab

~ Clifton Middle School celebrated the completion of a science lab on Thursday. Clifton was one of five schools in the country to win the Fab School Labs contest, receiving $100,000 from the Northrop Grumman Foundation for the lab. https://goo.gl/kVpdjN

~ Rachael Corrales of Monrovia has been selected to participate in the 2017 Miss Teen pageant competition that will take place on Sept. 24. https://goo.gl/ahnyti

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Rudy's Mexican Food



Dinner at Rudy's Mexican Food, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Crab Enchiladas for $13.75 And a beer for $4.50 . Very tasty and filling. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Living It Up on Someone Else's Credit Card; Trespassing; Drugs; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 390 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 7:21 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of California regarding a subject causing a disturbance. The subject had been advised he was not welcome at the location, but he refused to leave. The reporting party requested he be arrested for trespassing. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft of Bicycle
September 5 at 7:16 p.m., a bicycle was reported stolen from the 100 block of W. Palm. The victim reported that he fell asleep sitting on the park bench off of Palm. When he woke up his mountain bike was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property / Warrants – Suspects Arrested
September 5 at 10:39 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington. The hotel contacted police regarding several subjects in two different rooms. The rooms were charged on the same credit card. The subjects were smoking in non-smoking rooms, they had an outstanding food bill and their charge card was declined. The police entered the first room and no one was inside. They attempted to enter the second room, but the subjects had barricaded the door and would not respond.

Police dispatch identified the credit card holder, who lived in Claremont. Claremont Police Department contacted the card holder to see if he had given someone permission to use his charge card at the hotel. Officers discovered his vehicle had been broken into and there had been several unlawful charges on his card. The officers then made announcements at the hotel door that they were going to force entry and the suspects answered the door. Two females and one male were detained. The male suspect had the victim’s blank checks in his pocket and was arrested. One of the females had several warrants and was arrested for the warrants. The other female was identified and released. Items in the room indicated the suspects were producing credit cards. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 6 at 5:39 a.m., numerous callers advised there was a traffic collision at Foothill and Grand. Officers arrived and discovered it was a non-injury hit and run. The suspect vehicle is a gray Toyota Tacoma that was last seen heading east on Foothill. The vehicle was not located and the investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Vehicle / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 8:15 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Mauna Loa regarding the report of a suspicious vehicle. An officer arrived and contacted the driver, who had drug paraphernalia in plain view in the vehicle. The driver was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
September 6 at 8:29 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of E. Lemon. The victim parked the vehicle in a carport off the alley. The suspect smashed a window to gain entry and took tools out of the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 1:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of W. Huntington regarding a possible shoplifter. The subject was not found to be shoplifting, however, a pat-down search resulted in finding drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Help Monrovia's Boys and Girls Club Buy a New Van

In his weekly report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that Monrovia's Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills entered the So Cal Honda video contest and won with a remake of the opening rap from Fresh Prince of Bel Air that explains why the club needs a new van. Both of the club's current vehicles are breaking down frequently, and membership has grown so much that they don't have room to accommodate every child who needs transportation. Watch their video and donate $5, $25, or more. Every dollar you donate will be doubled. The video: https://goo.gl/2Moifs

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Fe Begins New Life as Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School

Nice feature story on the former Santa Fe Middle School as it starts its new life as Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. https://goo.gl/Ly97n1

- Brad Haugaard

Mental Health Bill By Monrovia's Senator, Signed Into Law

A bill by Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, was signed into law by Governor Brown. Senate Bill 565 requires mental health facilities, prior to certification review hearings, to make reasonable attempts to notify family members or any other person designated by the patient of the exact time and place of the hearing at least 36 hours prior to the certification review hearing.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police to Wear Pink Patches During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Monrovia Police Department employees will be wearing pink patches on their uniforms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. The patches are intended to stimulate conversations within the community and raise public awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.

The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association and more than 175 public safety agencies throughout the nation.

The Monrovia Police Department is selling commemorative pink patches to the community, along with Pink Patch Project T-shirts, challenge coins and other items. Proceeds from the sale of Monrovia's commemorative Pink Patch Project items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment at the City of Hope.

Beginning Sept. 1 through Sept. 24, Pink Patch Project volunteers will be manning a booth at the Los Angeles County Fair where they will display pink patches from many of the participating agencies and will be talking to the community about breast health issues. Pink patches and other related items will be available for sale to the public with the proceeds going to the various hospitals and organizations we are supporting.

We invite the public to stop by the Pink Patch Project booth in Exhibit Hall #4, Space D-4432, while visiting the Los Angeles County Fair and to join us in the fight against breast cancer. For more information about the Pink Patch Project, visit www.pinkpatchproject.com.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's State Senator Gets Part of 134 Freeway Renamed After President Obama

The 134 freeway from the 2 freeway to the 210 Freeway interchange will be named the President Barack H. Obama Freeway, according to State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Monrovia.  In a press release, Portantino said Senate Joint Resolution 8, which he authored, will name that section of freeway after the former president because "Obama used this portion of California's freeway system to travel from his college home in Pasadena to Occidental College."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Ex-Boyfriend Chases Boyfriend With Knife; Ex-Girlfriend Smashes Windows; Hit and Runs; Airbag Stolen; Car That Was Hit Flees

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 31 - September 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Loitering / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 9:35 a.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1400 block of S. Magnolia. Two subjects, a male and female, were sleeping in front of one of the units. Officers arrived and contacted the subjects. A computer check revealed the male subject had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

False Information to a Peace Officer / Missing Person Located / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 10:05 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 00 block of Hidden Valley where an audible alarm had sounded, and he saw a suspicious vehicle in the area. He spoke to one occupant of the vehicle, who claimed he did not have any identification and provided a false name to the officer. He was arrested for providing false information to a peace officer and it was later discovered that he was a missing person with a felony warrant for his arrest.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
August 31 at 11:43 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of S. Myrtle and detained two subjects involved in argument. A computer check revealed they had warrants out for their arrest and they were in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested.

Domestic Violence / Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Robbery / Burglary – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 1:12 a.m., a female resident in the 300 block of E. Colorado reported that she was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. She and her boyfriend were asleep in the home when the suspect broke into the home and confronted them. The suspect grabbed a knife from the kitchen and chased the boyfriend out of the house. The suspect took the victims’ cell phones, a computer, and then assaulted the female before he fled the location. The suspect was not located and the investigation continued. On September 2 at 10:30 a.m., the follow-up interview with the victim led to the possible whereabouts of the suspect involved in the crime. Officers of the Orange Police Department were contacted and they detained the suspect at his place of business. Monrovia police officers responded and took the suspect into custody. He was arrested and charged with domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and burglary.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 11:19 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 800 block of California. A vehicle collided into a parked vehicle and fled the scene. Officers located the suspect vehicle and made contact with the driver, who admitted to the hit and run collision. The investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of prescription medication. He was arrested for DUI and fleeing the scene of an accident. The suspect’s vehicle was impounded.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 1 at 9:10 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of S. Magnolia regarding a vehicle that struck some parked cars and was trying to flee. Officers located the vehicle and during the investigation, determined the driver was under the influence and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
September 1 at 9:44 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The suspect gained entry into a Chevy Tahoe by tampering with the driver-side-door, locking mechanism. The suspect then removed the steering wheel airbag and fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary Alarm
September 2 at 1:57 a.m., police responded to a burglary alarm at a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect gained entry by forcing open a rear door, which activated the alarm. A witness saw a suspect trying to exit from the front door. When he was unable to, he ran out the back door and fled. Officers arrived, but did not locate the suspect. The loss has not been determined and the investigation is continuing.

Burglary
September 2 at 2:22 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington on the report of suspects kicking in the door of the business. Three to four suspects were seen entering the location and quickly exiting. They fled in a grey Nissan. There was no loss and the investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
September 3 at 4:00 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of N. Fifth Avenue. The victim parked and locked her white Honda Accord inside her unlocked garage at 11:00 a.m. She discovered it missing at 4:00 p.m. Officers conducted an area check for the vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 4 at 12:20 a.m., a vehicle was stopped on Myrtle at Lime, facing north. The driver was attempting to make a left turn, heading against one-way traffic. He realized he couldn’t turn left and made a right turn, colliding with a vehicle to his right. The vehicle that was hit fled the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 5:23 a.m., a vandalism in progress was reported in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The victim called to report that her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend was breaking out the windows on her vehicle. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. She suffered a laceration to her hand from the broken glass. After she was treated by paramedics, she was arrested and taken into custody. 

Pictures of Rehab of Old Monrovia Train Depot

Some great pictures of rehab work at the old Monrovia train depot from Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/vKomR9

- Brad Haugaard

What SMG Has Planned for Krikorian Theater

Here is what Studio Movie Grill (SMG) has planned for the former Monrovia Krikorian Theater:

"In 2018, SMG Monrovia will undergo a transformation as we remodel and improve the traditional theater outing in Monrovia into a full-service, movie-going experience. Your new neighborhood theater will feature the latest digital projection and sound combined with an American Grill menu, premium bar and modern lounge. Enjoy the biggest blockbusters, alternate and family programming from the comfort of custom recliners, and the convenience of in-theater service." https://goo.gl/afjihu

- Brad Haugaard

Saga Fine Art Gallery to Close

Saga Fine Art (http://sagafineart.com/), a gallery on Lime just across the street from the Monrovia Library, will close in two months, according to one of its employees, artist Lynne Schneeman Fearman. Comment: I'm sad about that. The gallery has shown a few of my works over the years, including the one above, just last month.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider Guestroom Doors at Aztec Hotel; Anti-Hate Resolution; Charging Station Regulations

At its Sept. 5 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/ZXRHnn) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an appeal by the owner of the Aztec Hotel, Qin Han Chen, asking the council to overturn the Historic Preservation Commission's decision to require the replacement of hotel guestroom doors with historically accurate doors.  https://goo.gl/UWAb7u

According to the staff report the owner of the Aztec Hotel was told by the commission that the doors to the guest rooms needed to be replaced with historically authentic doors, but then the Monrovia Fire Department "required that the doors be upgraded to comply with new fire safety regulations," so the owner replaced the doors with modern ones. So, city staff is recommending that the owner be allowed to keep the doors on condition that within 18 months he:

  • Repair the pyramidal decorative element on the southeast corner roof parapet.
  • Rehabilitate guestroom windows on the south and east sides of the building.
  • Repair all neon sign lighting on the front of the building.

~ Consider - In light of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia - a "Resolution Denouncing All Forms of Hate and Violence Encouraged by Any Group or Individual and Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Establish a Community Free of Racism, Hatred, and Bigotry." https://goo.gl/XDHRiv

~ Consider regulations to speed up the permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations. https://goo.gl/f6yZyW

- Brad Haugaard

See Saturn Tonight With Monrovia's Sidewalk Astronomers

Update: Cancelled due to clouds.

Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be at the southeast corner of Library Park, at Myrtle and Lime, from 7:30 until 9 or 9:30 p.m. tonight, Sept 2.  If you drop by you should be able to see Saturn, the Earth's moon and hopefully Titan, Saturn's largest moon and the second largest moon in the solar system, behind Jupiter's Ganymede, which is just a tiny bit bigger.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Loses to La Salle :-(

Monrovia loses to La Salle 42-40. https://goo.gl/HUo2k1

- Brad Haugaard 

I Don't Think Monrovia's Zip Code Is 91017

This is kinda bizarre. This Star-News article (https://goo.gl/7Le1Mv) says the "Monrovia Post Office will offer a special postmark to commemorate the rare event when the date, 9-10-17, will match the community’s ZIP code 91017."

Since when is Monrovia's Zip code 91017?

Update: Ah! USPS says "This ZIP Code™ used for a specific PO BOX", so I guess the special postmark is to honor PO Boxes.  https://goo.gl/v5i25d

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Domenico's



Dinner at Domenico's, on Huntington just east of Magnolia. Got the Big D Combination with ravioli and lasagna for $17.99 and a large beer for $7.50. The combination comes with soup or a salad, though I ate my salad so it's not shown. Very good and filling and good service. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Mayflower Elementary Students Raising Funds for Harvey Relief

The students at Mayflower Elementary School are hosting a penny drive. Bring your coins for Houston. All donations will be sent to the Greater Houston Community Foundation Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Donation containers will be outside the main office before and after school Tuesday 9/5-Tuesday 9/12.

Every grade level that helps raise $100 or more will have a free dress day! If the whole school raises over $500 PTA will provide popsicles for all students.

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Plans to Send People to Assist in Hurricane Harvey Recovery

Fellowship Monrovia church is both raising money for Hurricane Harvey relief, and is planning to send people to the area to help rebuild.

In a message to the congregation, Pastor Albert Tate wrote:

"[W]e're beginning to identify local partners, churches, and ways we can get involved on the ground. We're thinking about how we can send resources, not just money, but also people, to help those affected as they begin to rebuild their lives."

The donation web page for the church is here, although the Hurricane Harvey link has apparently not yet been added: https://madeforfellowship.com/give/

- Brad Haugaard