Final Evensong of Season

St. Luke's Episcopal Church will present the final Evensong performance of the 2016-2017 season on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. at the church, at 122 South California Avenue. A wine and cheese reception will follow and an offering will be taken. The program will include John Blow's Let My Prayer Come Up, William Smith's Preces and Responses in G, and Richard Farrant's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G Minor. Declare His Honor, by Henry Purcell, will feature staff singers Caitlin Stave, Trisha Rivera, Colin Stave and Sean Gabel.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Drone Maker Unveils Palm-Launched Drone for Military

Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has announced a new mini-drone that soldiers can launch from the palms of their hands. It is an outgrowth of its earlier hummingbird drone.https://goo.gl/aVTzux

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Extending Dual Language Program; Lost Money

At its May 10 meeting the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Hear a report on its dual-language program. The district has implemented a second dual-language program, this one in Mandarin. The staff report on the first program, for Spanish speakers, says: "Beginning in Kindergarten, students learned in 90 percent Spanish 10 percent English, and by 5th grade will be learning 50 percent English and 50 percent Spanish."

Comment: There must be something I'm missing here because it sounds as if non-English speakers have only half learned English after six years in Monrovia schools. If that is the case it is unclear why the district would want to extend this failure to yet another language. 

~ Try to get back some of the money it lost when students stayed home from school because of a threat of violence posted on social media. It will ask the state for a waiver to get it back. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Don't Let Cinco de Mayo Be Deadly

Cinco de Mayo has become a deadly holiday due to drunk and drugged driving. Forty people were killed in impaired driving crashes across the nation during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period in 2015.

Officers from the Monrovia Police Department will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrol will deploy on May 5, 2017, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.

High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized, proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

From 2011-2015, 270 people were killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period. In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Monrovia PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins this Cinco de Mayo. Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb. The cost of a ride home is cheap! Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this DUI operation is provided to Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.’ 

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Thefts from Cars; Another Bear; Drugs and Alcohol; No Mental Problem, But Arrested; Etc.

Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 1-3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 449 service events, resulting in 68 investigations.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 8:17 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of Mountain View called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered their unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and took a credit card. The investigation continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 1 at 9:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered both of her vehicles that were parked on the street and took miscellaneous items. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 1 at 12:12 p.m., a subject came into the police department lobby regarding a possible mental health issue. The investigation revealed the subject was not in any mental health distress; however, he did have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and is being held pending his court appearance.

Bear Incident

May 1 at 5:06 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Norumbega called police to report a bear inside her home. The bear broke through a window to gain access. The Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified. They responded and relocated the bear.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrants – Suspects Arrested

May 1 at 7:18 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Norumbega for vehicle code violations. During the investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested. The passenger was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 2 at 8:07 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of May Avenue called police to report that sometime during the night, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street and stole miscellaneous coins. The investigation is continuing.

 Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 12:09 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Valley View regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. They arrived and found the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself and his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and held for a sobering period.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
May 3 at 1:07 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 600 block of W. Huntington when he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. A computer check of the subject revealed a warrant. The subject was arrested for the warrant and was found to also be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 3 at 3:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Olive regarding a male adult subject causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and detained the subject. A computer check revealed he had four warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Court Order Violation

May 3 at 1:54 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of S. Mayflower called police to report her son, whom she has a restraining order against, was at the location refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject in the mother’s vehicle. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Theft From a Vehicle

May 3 at 4:03 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of E. Huntington Drive. The victim reported that while he was away, someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on the street. The loss could not be determined. The investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision

May 3 at 7:17 p.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision at Mountain and Central. A vehicle traveling west on Central ran the red traffic signal at Mountain and collided into a vehicle traveling south on Mountain. One subject complained of pain and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Carrying an Air Gun within a City Park / Being in a Park After Hours – Suspect Arrested
May 4 at 12:03 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and saw a subject sitting near the entrance to the library after the park was closed. Due to it being after park hours, the officers contacted the subject. During a pat-down search, officers recovered a BB gun in the subject's pocket. The subject was arrested for the violations. The subject was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Vehicle Burglary

May 4 at 4:34 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of Vaquero Road. The victim’s vehicle was parked in the driveway. The victim looked outside from the second story window and saw the suspect inside her vehicle. She yelled out the window and the suspect fled. The suspect entered the vehicle by prying the passenger side of the vehicle open. The loss is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

May 4 at 4:59 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Magnolia. The victim heard power tools outside of his residence and saw two subjects in hooded sweatshirts near his vehicle. One of the subjects yelled to the other and they fled in a silver Honda Element, heading north on Magnolia and out of sight. The victim checked his vehicle and discovered his catalytic converter was taken from his Honda Element. The investigation is continuing. 

City to Install 'Real Change' Meters to Give to Homeless, Etc.

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

~ The city is planning to install "Real Change Movement" meters in Old Town so you can give to the homeless through Foothill Unity Center instead of giving directly to the homeless, to avoid having the money used for destructive behaviors. 

~ City staff has been developing public education materials related to the Taking Back Our Parks & Streets program to highlight the negative impacts that AB 109, Prop 47, and Prop 57 have had. Basically the materials explain the problem and urge residents to contact their state legislators. 

~ The Monrovia Fire Department has received an early report that it has been upgraded to a  Class 2 department, just a whisker away from Class 1. This means homeowners should get a break on home insurance. 

~ The city is selling two pieces of property, at 498 Monrovista Avenue (6,250 square feet), estimated value $210,000, and 1234 Sherman Avenue (6,652 square feet, estimated value $335,000. 

~ There will be music performed by a variety of artists Wednesday and Saturday nights through Saturday, Sept. 2, in Old Town, 6-8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

How to Exist With Wildlife

There will be a free seminar on coexisting with wildlife on May 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. No RSVP required. Topics include how to prevent wild critters from visiting your property and what to do if you see a wild animal like a coyote or bear.

https://goo.gl/maowrQ

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Reports Loss

Monrovia's Staar Surgical Co. has reported a loss of $2.2 million in its first quarter, or 5 cents a share. https://goo.gl/cczbPB

- Brad Haugaard 

Veterans Hike Postponed

The veterans hike scheduled for this Saturday will be rescheduling in June due to rain, according to Rebecca Elder, Adult Services Supervisor at the Monrovia Public Library. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police Ticket 96 'Distracted' Drivers

During the month of April, motorists caught violating California’s distracted-driving law received a clear message from law enforcement during the high-visibility enforcement campaign.

“Using a hand-held phone for calls, texting or apps while driving is something we all know is dangerous and wrong, but too many drivers are doing it anyway. So when we see it, we show zero tolerance,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken, Monrovia Police Department.

The Monrovia Police Department issued 96 citations to violators of California’s distracted-driving law during the recent enforcement period. The law provides that it is illegal to hold and use a cell phone while texting, calling or using apps while driving. It must be affixed to the vehicle and may be operated in hands free mode using voice activation or used with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

“Distracted driving kills too many people for us to ignore the facts and pretend it’s okay—it is never acceptable to text and drive,” said Lieutenant Rob Wilken. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed, nationwide, and another 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.

Offenders caught texting and driving will face tickets totaling at least $162, and higher for a second violation. Though the high-visibility enforcement effort is over, law enforcement officers will continue watching for distracted drivers to make sure all motorists keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Hit and Run; Cars Recovered; Assault at Bar; Drugs and Alcohol; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events. 

Hit & Run Traffic Collision

April 27 at 9:51 a.m., officers responded to Magnolia and Evergreen on the report of a hit and run traffic collision. The suspect driver rear-ended a vehicle and fled the scene. Officers checked the area for the suspect vehicle and located it in the 400 block of Andre in the city of Duarte. The driver of the vehicle was also located and he had sustained injuries from the accident when his head hit the windshield. The windshield had cracked and lacerated his forehead. The vehicle was towed and the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver admitted to being involved in the collision.

Grand Theft Auto

April 27 at 7:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of W. Huntington regarding a stolen vehicle report. The victim left his keys unattended on a table inside of a restaurant for approximately ten minutes. When he returned to the table, he realized his keys were gone. He went out to the parking lot and saw that his vehicle had been stolen. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 7:25 a.m., a suspicious person was reported at a business in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. A female subject entered the location and was driving around inside the property. A worker thought the female was acting suspicious and phoned police to report the activity. Officers arrived and located the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen and the female suspect was under the influence. She was arrested and the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner.

Vandalism Incident

April 28 at 8:39 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Sesmas regarding a vandalism incident. The victim reported that the windows on her vehicle had been shattered. A female adult in a dark colored SUV was seen driving up to the victim's vehicle. The female exited the SUV and proceeded to shatter multiple windows on the vehicle. She then got back into the SUV and left the area. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered

April 28 at 6:10 p.m., an abandoned vehicle was reported in the 100 block of E. Cypress. The black Chevy Tahoe had been parked there for three days. The license plate number was checked and it returned to a vehicle reported stolen out of Pomona. Officers responded and recovered the vehicle.

Assault Report

April 28 at 9:36 p.m., a nurse from a local hospital phoned police to report a subject in the ER that had been assaulted in Monrovia. Officers responded and spoke to the subject, who said he had been assaulted at a bar in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. He said he had been drinking and playing pool. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he stepped out to the back alley to use the restroom when he was assaulted. He didn't know the suspects, but believes there were three of them. The victim had some facial wounds and some bruising to his upper torso area, where he was possibly hit or kicked. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:25 p.m., an officer was on patrol the area of Mountain and Royal Oaks when he saw a vehicle traveling on the opposite side of the road. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, who displayed symptoms of being intoxicated. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 28 at 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the report of a disturbing subject at Foothill and Magnolia. The subject was shining a flashlight at drivers. An officer responded and located the subject at Magnolia and Chestnut. The officer stopped to talk to him and a computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 29 at 10:15 a.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. The victim reported that they parked their vehicle on Highland the day before, and when they returned to the vehicle the next day, they saw items were missing. The vehicle had been left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft

April 29 at 12:45 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Maple. A female adult walked into the business and took a cell phone and pair of shoes that belonged to a customer who was taking a class. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 10:19 p.m., an employee at a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington called police to report a disturbing female inside the location who was throwing items. They asked her to leave and she refused. Officers arrived and spoke to the subject. A computer check revealed an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect Arrested

April 29 at 11:05 p.m., officers responded to the report of a man down on the sidewalk in the 100 block of Montana. Officers arrived, made contact with the subject and determined he was intoxicated. The subject was unable to care for his own safety and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.

Intoxicated in Public – Suspect arrested

April 30 at 1:28 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Colorado when he noticed a male subject walking on the sidewalk, having some difficulty. The officer made contact with the subject and realized he was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public and was held for sobering.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 11:41 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Orange called police to report a theft from his vehicle. The theft occurred sometime overnight and the suspect(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and stole a bag of tools. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle

April 30 at 2:42 p.m., officers responded to the report of a theft from a vehicle in the 200 block of E. Cypress. The victim reported that sometime overnight, someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole his wallet. The investigation is continuing. 

Monrovia High and Mayflower Named 'Star Schools'

Monrovia High and Mayflower Elementary have been named Star Schools by the Campaign for Business & Education Excellence for narrowing achievement gaps between student populations. At both schools, Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged students raised their English scores and outperformed schools with similar demographics for English and math.

- Brad Haugaard

National Day of Prayer May 4

The Interfaith Council of Monrovia will participate in National Day of Prayer on May 4 from 7-8 p.m. at the Tzu Chi Foundation, at 206 E. Palm.

Marijuana and Airplanes at Monrovia City Council

Old airplane mural

New airplane mural

The Monrovia City Council will discuss marijuana regulation proposals at a study session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. https://goo.gl/d9QyT1

Then, at the regular meeting at 7:30, the council will consider a proposal to redo the airplane mural in Old Town, behind the Paradis Ice Cream shop on the west side of Myrtle. The old mural "is definitely showing its age." Other possible improvements may include better lighting to make the breezeway area "more inviting and safe." https://goo.gl/PJTF3q

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Kiku Sushi

 

Dinner at Kiki Sushi, in the Huntington Oaks shopping center. Got the Geisha Combo (8 pieces of Sushi) for $15.99 and a medium beer for $4.99. It came with a little salad,  a bowl of miso soup, and a tiny scoop of ice cream for desert. The fish was very fresh and good. 

- Brad Haugaard