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Council Meeting: Water Level Low, Rules for Parks, More


A few items of note that will be considered at the Monrovia City Council's meeting on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ( http://goo.gl/bO9lu ). The council will... 

- Hear an update of the city's Water 4 Life water conservation program. The report says, "Due to recent droughts, the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin (which the City’s groundwater is pumped from) has reached historically low water levels." But the city has achieved significant water reduction using voluntary conservation (See chart above). http://goo.gl/rJiJb

- Consider a new ordinance regulating activities at city parks. http://goo.gl/YzbzF

- Set a public hearing for Dec. 21, 2010 on whether to change what is commonly known as "the Leonard Property" from a Residential Designation to Hillside Wilderness Preserve. http://goo.gl/Lijwp

- Set a public hearing for Dec. 21, 2010 to discuss regulations covering food and ice cream trucks. http://goo.gl/FtTgt

- Consider whether to continue using Athens Services for the "Old Town Franchise Area" (http://goo.gl/aGk1B) and  whether to continue using Athens for another six months for street sweeping. [Did you know Monrovia has 90 miles of streets, 4 miles of medians, and 12 miles of alleyways?] ( http://goo.gl/HMB2y ) and decide whether to give Athens a raise ( http://goo.gl/mAA0z ).

- Vote on whether to enter into a $12,300 contract with Dimensions Unlimited to update the city's Hazard Mitigation Plan. In other words, the plan for what the city will do in the event of a disaster. Details here:
http://goo.gl/x7Plm

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Holiday Parade

A few pictures of the parade this evening. I think one of the best
things about this parade is that it has no pretensions. No pretensions
at all.
- Brad Haugaard






Christmas Tree Lights Go On


10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 lights! The lights go on at the Monrovia Christmas tree.

(Uuug! Cell phone pictures aren't so great at night, are they?)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Report: Wandering Child, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Nov. 21-Dec.1. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 454 service events, resulting in 81 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Commercial Burglary
November 26 at 8:50 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of East Evergreen regarding a burglary. The reporting party said someone had broken into the business either the day before or overnight. The suspects cut part of a corrugated steel panel to gain entry. A loss was not established and the investigation is continuing.

Gang Graffiti
November 26 at 12:21 p.m., an officer went to the 400 block of East Duarte on the report of graffiti in the area. The officer located the new graffiti on the southeast corner. The graffiti was gang related writing in black paint.

Grand Theft Auto
November 26 at 4:26 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Live Oak on the report of a stolen vehicle. An employee had parked the vehicle inside the fenced yard and locked it. In the afternoon, they went to use the vehicle and could not find it. All keys are accounted for and no one had permission to take the vehicle. The vehicle is a white, 2004, Ford F350 truck.

Child Endangering
November 27 at 8:59 a.m., a subject called to report finding a two year old, male child in the middle of the street at Shamrock and Ocean View. Officers responded and a door-to-door canvass revealed an open front door to a two story home. The residents did not respond to officers knocking. A contact for the location was called and this person responded to the location. The father of the boy was found to be asleep in the residence. Apparently, the parents know the child can open the door, but did not take any measures to ensure he could not get out. A report will be completed and forwarded to the Department of child and Family Services.

Petty Theft - Suspects Arrested
November 29 at 6:54 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington on the report of a petty theft. Two teenage sisters decided to steal items from the business and were stopped by loss prevention. Both had no criminal history. They were cited in the field and released to their mother, who had responded to the location.

Grand Theft Auto - Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 8:09 p.m., an officer on patrol received a LoJack hit on a stolen vehicle. With the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, officers tracked the hit to the area of Mayflower and Duarte Road. The signal was very inconsistent and officers had difficulty locating the stolen truck, but after a lengthy search, the truck was eventually located at a residence in the 500 block of Genoa inside a garage. The officer was able to see the truck through a crack in the garage door. The activity drew the resident out and she was questioned. She signed a consent to search for the garage and house. The garage was searched and the vehicle was recovered. The VIN number had been removed and was found on a workbench in the garage. The woman eventually admitted her husband had driven the truck there and put it in the garage. She claimed she did not know the vehicle was stolen. The wife called and asked the husband to come home, which he did. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Welfare Check / Mental Evaluation
November 29 at 8:37 p.m., officers responded to the report of a subject who claimed he wanted to kill himself with a razor. On arrival, officers determined the subject had ingested a significant amount of hard alcohol to the degree he needed medical aid. He also stated he wanted to die. Paramedics were summoned and they transported him to a hospital, where he will be held for mental evaluation.

Fraud / Warrant - Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 1:10 p.m., an officer was called to investigate a fraud which occurred at a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle. The suspect had passed a check on an account that had been closed in 2005. The suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant and she was brought to the station. She admitted to passing the check and knowing the account was closed for several years.

Receiving Stolen Property - Suspects Arrested
December 1 at 11:22 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of North May reported two subjects in the area looking into cars and checking car doors to see if they were unlocked. Officers arrived and detained two female juveniles, 15 and 16 years old, both where in possession of stolen property. They claimed to have received the property from another female subject. Officers were able to locate some of the victims and their property was returned; however, all of the victims could not be located. Some of the property taken included: several pairs of sunglasses, an iPod, CD's, and a resident's wallet and driver's license.

Grand Theft Auto
December 2 at 1:00 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of West Maple called police to report his truck had just been stolen by unknown suspects who left in an unknown direction. The vehicle is a silver, 2007, Chevy Silverado truck. Officers responded but the suspect could not be located. Investigation continuing.

Green Dot / The Aztec / Football

Green Dot Selling Stock ~ Monrovia's Green Dot Corporation, a prepaid financial services company, has begun a secondary public offering of 4,269,051 shares of its Class A common stock. http://goo.gl/bzLEW

Ragtime at the Aztec ~ On the last Sunday of each month there is ragtime music at the Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/GQOJc

Cats vs. San Dimas ~ More thoughts on upcoming football game with San Dimas. http://goo.gl/5cOuW

- Brad Haugaard

Wanna Be Mayor? / Christmas Concert / Boy's Basketball :-(

Want to run for mayor, or for a seat on the Monrovia City Council in April? The City Clerk's office will host an information meeting on Monday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Monrovia Library Community Room (PDF). http://goo.gl/FQQL1
 
Monrovia First Presbyterian Church's Christmas concert is this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/gjAla
 
Boys Basketball ~ Wildcats 56, Flintridge Prep 72. http://goo.gl/u29C3
 
- Brad Haugaard

City Council Video

For your viewing pleasure, the November 16 special meeting of the Monrovia City Council is now online. http://goo.gl/V8YnL
 
- Brad Haugaard

Upcoming Monrovia-San Dimas Game / Fun Run Signs Up

Cats vs San Dimas ~ Speculation about the upcoming Wildcats-San Dimas football game. http://goo.gl/csc0c and http://goo.gl/fQ49P
 
Fountain to the Falls ~ We mentioned this "fun-run" already, but here's a picture from Canyon Park of one of the signs to direct runners/walkers/loafers on their way to the falls. http://goo.gl/WiwtX
 
- Brad Haugaard

Metro Station Development / Photo Contest

Development Rendering ~ Early architect's rendering of proposed Monrovia Metro area development. http://goo.gl/ugAnm
 
Interactive Map ~ Data and a cool interactive map of extended Metro rail line. (Click on "Interactive Map"). http://goo.gl/GUGwL
 
Photo Contest ~ If you're a photographer, you might want to enter the My Monrovia contest. Theme is "Let's Celebrate." Details here (PDF): http://goo.gl/Ij2wI
 
- Brad Haugaard

Chess Boxes / Parade / Trains


I'd never noticed these decorated utility boxes at the library before. Right next to some chess tables.

Parade ~ Monrovia Holiday Parade - "Tinsel, Trees & Teddy Bears” - this Thursday at 7 p.m. Featuring thousands of local youngsters - and Santa! Also, Library Park Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m., just before the parade. http://goo.gl/swhs8

Train Station ~ History of old Monrovia Train station. http://goo.gl/Lv19J
 
- Brad Haugaard

New Restaurant

Nikki C's, a new restaurant, coming to Monrovia.
 
http://goo.gl/Uy68R
 
- Brad Haugaard

Wildcats Beat Schurr :-)

The final score for Friday night's football game was Monrovia 21, Schurr 7.


Monrovia victory sets up rematch with San Dimas. http://goo.gl/EBiFj and http://goo.gl/sCKSp
 
Pictures: http://goo.gl/G8Ku9



- Brad Haugaard

Black Friday in Monrovia

Kohl's looked busy but not insane from the parking lot, but inside the line to the check-out was crazy. It must have been 200 people long, winding throughout the store. I hope this is the start of a great retail season. We could use it.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Holiday Events: Toy Drive, Etc.

You're barely done with the turkey and more holiday events coming up.


Today the Family Festival Street Fair will have a holiday theme, and there will be a "Stuff the Trolley Toy Drive" tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus carolers and special merchant events, all along Myrtle Avenue.


But there's lots more stuff. See this nice list from the city (PDF): http://goo.gl/TD8Ca
 
- Brad Haugaard

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving! (Tree on N. Magnolia Ave.)

Also ...

Football ~ A tidbit of Monrovia and Schurr football history. http://goo.gl/c0n0M

Sinclair ~ History of the Upton Sinclair house. http://goo.gl/Ehs6R
- Brad Haugaard

Go Away Bear!


I snapped this picture of a bear rummaging around in our backyard (on Hillcrest in Monrovia) just a few minutes ago. I found that forcefully saying "Go away bear!" from beside the illusory safety of a door that can quickly be shut was most effective.

- Brad Haugaard

Turkeys for All!

People heeded the call for turkeys for Foothill Unity Center's Thanksgiving food distribution program. From the Center's Facebook page: "Turkeys by the dozens flew in under the wire, and by the time our clients started lining up for our Thanksgiving Distribution, we had a bird for every family. We can't thank you enough!"
 
http://goo.gl/j4g2f

- Brad Haugaard

Burglaries, Thefts and a Fire

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 18-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last six day period, the Police Department handled 448 service events, resulting in 88 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Vehicle Burglary
November 18 at 8:04 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of West Duarte regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim reported his vehicle was broken into during the night. The driver side door was pried open and the stereo and two CD cases containing about 20 CD's were taken.

Grand Theft
November 18 at 9:38 a.m., an officer went to a business in the 3300 block of South Peck to investigate a grand theft. He arrived and was told that sets of aluminum rims were stolen from the property some time during the night.

Residential Burglary - Suspects Arrested
November 18 at 1148 a.m., a caller reported two females were taking a large screen television from her neighbor's house. The suspects drove off in a black Infiniti. The caller reported a license plate number, but the DMV check did not return to an Infinity. Variations of the license number were checked and a match on a 1994 Infinity out of the City of Pacoima was made. The Los Angeles Police Department was called and provided with the crime information. The officer requested they drive by the residence to check for the vehicle. The Los Angeles Police Department later called the officer and advised they had the vehicle detained with two female adults and two child occupants. A large screen television and a computer were found inside the vehicle. The officer responded to Pacoima and arrested the two female suspects, recovered the property, and impounded the vehicle. The children were released to family members.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 12:39 p.m., an officer was flagged down regarding a suspicious vehicle in the area of Colorado and Gladys. The vehicle was located by officers and stopped. The female driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.

Structure Fire
November 20 at 12:36 a.m., dispatch received several calls reporting a structure fire at an apartment complex in the 700 block of West Foothill. When officers arrived they determined that no persons or animals were inside. Smoke filled the entire complex. Monrovia and Arcadia Fire Departments responded, along with two Arcadia police officers to help with traffic control, while Monrovia officers made sure everyone in the building was safe.

Grand Theft - Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 2:01 p.m., an officer took a grand theft report from a victim that had just realized her jewelry was missing from her home. She had not looked for her jewel for months. Recently, she went to the place were she hid her jewelry box and found the contents gone. There was only one person that had been at her home in the past several months, a relative. The officer confronted the suspect and he admitted to the theft. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary - Suspect Arrested
November 20 at 2:57 p.m., a business in the 100 block of West Foothill reported a shoplifter in the store. An adult female suspect had been seen previously taking baby formula, using a bag to conceal it and leaving the store without paying. Employees saw the suspect enter the store carrying the same bag she used in the prior burglaries. They called police and an officer responded. The suspect was stopped by the officer, but did not possess identification. She was taken into custody and interviewed. The suspect was identified on surveillance video tape of the burglaries. She was charged with three counts of burglary.

Residential Burglary
November 23 at 12:38 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of South Canyon on the report of a burglary. The victim left his house to go to dinner and when he returned, he found his house had been burglarized. No force was used to enter the home; however, a room inside that was locked had a hole punched through it to gain access. Investigation continuing.

Kiwanis / Strategy / Turkey / AeroVironment

Kiwanis Help ~ Monrovia Kiwanis help out at Foothill Unity Center's Thanksgiving food distribution. http://goo.gl/Ik9f9

Cat Strategy ~ Thoughts on Monrovia Wildcat football strategy. http://goo.gl/0wNdw

Non-Tasty Turkey ~ Not the tastiest turkey, but surely one of the prettiest. http://goo.gl/FO4E9

AeroVironment Award ~ CEO of San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership on AeroVironment award. http://goo.gl/KzeqL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Street Decorations


Nice lighted-ball decorations along Myrtle Avenue.

- Brad Haugaard