- Brad Haugaard
Feature on Nation's Top Fire Official, from Monrovia
Feature article on Monrovia's former fire chief, Ernest Mitchell Jr., who is now the nation's top fireman, heading the United States Fire Administration. http://goo.gl/jGtJB
Sing in Monrovia | Slow Down
~ The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company, which meets in Monrovia, is looking for new members. http://goo.gl/ZeoxB
~ If you are concerned about the speed people drive through your neighborhood, you can get a "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25" sign at the city. http://goo.gl/utuNV
- Brad Haugaard
Fence Around Old Monrovia Train Station
Fencing has been added around old Monrovia train station. http://goo.gl/t6Isw - Brad Haugaard
AeroVironment Drones Join the Navy
Switchblade drone by Monrovia's AeroVironment to be deployed on Navy submarines. http://goo.gl/x3H4c
- Brad Haugaard
No Federal Disaster Assistance for Windstorm
Area doesn't qualify for federal disaster assistance since not enough was damaged. http://goo.gl/EqKQ5
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Approves Backup Plan - Eminent Domain Against Monrovia
The Gold Line board has decided on a backup plan to get land for rail maintenance yard - use eminent domain against Monrovia. http://goo.gl/391yc
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Home Decoration Winners | Volunteers Honored | New Year's Eve Party | No-Fee ATM | Pawn Shop Website
~ Here is a list and map of all the holiday home decorating winners if you want to drive around: http://goo.gl/Wy8Bl
~ Windstorm volunteers honored. http://goo.gl/aemGg
~ Details on the New Year's Eve party on Myrtle, 7 p.m. to midnight. Beer and wine garden, live band, midnight champagne toast and ball drop. http://goo.gl/5wFSk
~ I was in Old Town today, needed cash and saw an ATM at the Pacific Western Bank (on the west side of Myrtle just south of Lemon) and withdrew some money. I was surprised to find there was no fee, though it is not my bank (maybe it should be). Right neighborly, I thought.
~ New school board member (and former mayor) Rob Hammond has a new web site for his pawn shop. http://goo.gl/8UhWZ
- Brad Haugaard
Spicer is New Fill-In Monrovia City Council Member | Cheap Gifts
~ Larry Spicer will be Clarence Shaw's fill-in replacement while he is on active duty ( http://goo.gl/OoMvR ). Councilman Tom Adams didn't like the choice ( http://goo.gl/CWmTR ). ~ Need a last minute gift for a literary friend and you're down on dollars? The Friends of the Monrovia Library Bookstore has books on sale for as cheap as $1. It's just inside the Library doors on the left. http://goo.gl/Nj0Cm - Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Profiled on Strong Cities Web Site | Shaw Wants Spicer to Be His Fill-In
~ Monrovia profiled on Strong Cities Strong State website. http://goo.gl/inS4k
~ City Council member Clarence Shaw has asked that Larry Spicer be his replacement until he can return from active duty. http://goo.gl/K4vPC
- Brad Haugaard
Will Gold Line Use Eminent Domain Against Monrovia?
The Gold Line may consider using eminent domain against Monrovia to get land for a rail maintenance yard if the State Supreme Court doesn't hurry up and resolve the cities-vs-state battle over redevelopment agencies, which has frozen all transactions until it is resolved. http://goo.gl/I6Zuw
- Brad Haugaard
Gold Line Bridge | New Indian Restaurant in Monrovia | Prolacta
Working on the Gold Line bridge.
~ Crews complete work on the base for the first of two basket-themed columns for the Gold Line freeway bridge at Santa Anita. The basket elements will be added in the coming months.
Today, crews are working to complete the bridge abutments and columns, and will shift to the aerial components of the bridge in the coming months. In January, the temporary falsework will be installed over the eastbound lanes of the freeway. Installation will require multiple, consecutive night closures (midnight to 5 a.m.) of the eastbound lanes.
Source: Gold Line press release
~ Noor's Indian Bistro opens. It's at the site of the former Teri & Yaki, near Myrtle and Foothill. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. http://goo.gl/HcEM9
~ Prolacta Bioscience, of Monrovia, has named Sally Crawford to its board of directors. http://goo.gl/WubGc
- Brad Haugaard
SBA Opens Disaster Loan Office
If you need a loan to fix damaged property, the SBA has opened a disaster loan office in Pasadena. http://goo.gl/8PI9m
Reception for Outgoing Monrovia City Manager | Grand Opening of Charlie's House
~ "Tomorrow night, prior to the City Council meeting, the City of Monrovia will host a reception for outgoing City Manager Scott Ochoa at 7 p.m. This reception will be held in the lobby of City Hall (415 S. Ivy Avenue). The public is invited. Refreshments will be served until 7:30 p.m. Please join us to thank him for his years of dedicated service to our community." http://goo.gl/xyUDd
~ There will be a grand opening of Charlie's House Tuesday, Dec. 20 at noon at 430 S. Myrtle Ave. in Old Town. Charlie’s House "offers unique and stylish home décor and accessories, unique gifts and much more at very affordable prices." The store is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. http://goo.gl/8zUMh
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia City Manager Says Goodbye
In his last weekly report ( http://goo.gl/FsAic ), City Manager Scott Ochoa says goodbye:
Well, after nearly eight years, my tenure as City Manager is coming to an end. I've actually been with the organization for 19 years. Beginning as an intern while I was still attending Claremont McKenna College, it has been my honor to serve Monrovia since January 1993. Over the years, I was given opportunities to contribute to this team and to this community. I did my best and tried to make a lasting and positive impact on the people around me. I am happy with the successes we've enjoyed and grateful for the lessons I've learned. As I move on to the next chapter in my career, I know I will always rely on my experiences in Monrovia. To all of the residents, business leaders, elected officials and staff members, thank you for making me the City Manager I am today.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: A Strong Disagreement Over Music; Shoplifter Tries It One Time Too Many; Bar Robbed on S. Myrtle; Etc.
[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Dec. 15-18. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events. To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to the City of Monrovia website at www.cityofmonrovia.org and click on the crime mapping link.
Burglary / Parole Hold - Suspect Arrested
On December 15 at 7:30 p.m., police responded to the 700 block of East Huntington on the report of a burglary. A female suspect entered a business and was recognized by loss prevention as a shoplifter from previous encounters. They maintained surveillance on the suspect and contacted police when she exited the store with merchandise without paying. Through investigation, it was determined she had entered the store with the intent to steal and was charged with burglary. She was found to have prior convictions and is currently on parole. A parole hold was obtained.
Robbery
On December 15 at 10:58 p.m., police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 300 block of West Central. A male subject went to the residence and rang the doorbell and knocked. When the victim opened the door slightly, the suspect pushed the door open, pulled out a revolver from his waistband, and pointed it at her. The victim began screaming. The suspect then grabbed the victim and pulled her out of the apartment and onto the landing outside her apartment, causing injuries to her hands. The victim continued to scream and the suspect fled east from the location on foot.
The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 20's, 5' 8", medium build, medium complexion, round eyes, round nose and a high forehead. He was wearing a denim collared-type shirt, dark pants, black or blue baseball cap, and he used a silver, full-sized revolver. Investigation continuing.
Possession of Burglary Tools / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested
On December 16 at 1:46 a.m., a suspicious subject was reported in a parking lot in the 100 block of West Cherry. Officers responded and located a male subject hiding behind some storage bins. He had a bag of tools and told officers he was stripping wire he found in the parking lot for copper. During a pat-down search, a methamphetamine pipe was found in his pants pocket. He was arrested for possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Outside Assist / Irwindale Police Department - Active Shooter
On December 16 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Monrovia Police Department received a request for mutual aid from Irwindale Police Department regarding an active shooter at a business complex being utilized by Edison California. All available units where dispatched to assist and the Foothill Special Enforcement Team was activated. Five persons were struck by gunfire, with three fatalities, which include the shooter. The events leading to this incident are under investigation by Irwindale Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office Homicide Bureau.
Armed Robbery
On December 19 at 1:40 a.m., the owner of a bar in the 1500 block of South Myrtle reported that he had just been robbed. He was closing the bar when three male Black suspects entered the premises. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun and pointed it at the victim. The suspects demanded money from the register, escorted the victim to the register, and took the money. The suspects ordered the victim to the floor and took his wallet, and then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects were described as three male Blacks in their early 20's, wearing dark clothing and black hooded sweatshirts. Investigation continuing.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Battery
On December 19 at 1:55 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a local hospital regarding an assault report. The victim reported that he and his girlfriend were at the suspect's residence at an address on Stedman listening to music. The suspect told the victim to change the song. When the victim refused, the suspect punched the victim in the face, causing him to go unconscious. The suspect then stood over the victim and punched him in the face repeatedly. The victim's girlfriend attempted to push the suspect away, but the suspect then pushed her to the floor.
The victim suffered a concussion, a moderate laceration above the left eye, a broken nose, and disfigurement to the left side of his face. The victim's girlfriend was not injured. The officer was unable to locate the suspect. A want for the suspect's arrest was entered into the computer database. Investigation continuing.
Special Enforcement Team Activity
False Information to a Police Officer / Sales of Methamphetamine / Transportation of Methamphetamine - Suspect Arrested
On December 14, the Special Enforcement Team was on patrol and stopped a vehicle for multiple vehicle code violations. A search of the vehicle revealed several baggies of methamphetamine. The suspect also gave officers a fraudulent international driver's license with someone else's name on it. The suspect was arrested for false information to a police officer, sales of methamphetamine, transportation of methamphetamine, and he is a previously deported illegal alien. An ICE hold was obtained for the suspect.
Parole and Probation Compliance Checks
On December 16, Monrovia's Special Enforcement Team conducted parole and probation compliance checks with Monrovia detectives and Los Angeles Sheriff's Department DAMAGE personnel. The team went to four locations and made two arrests. A parole compliance check was conducted at a residence in the 400 block of East Greystone, but the parolee was not there. His wife, who is on probation, was at the residence. A search of their bedroom revealed several pieces of drug paraphernalia and two California identification cards that did not belong to her. She was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and later released pending further investigation. Another parolee was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
On December 16, between 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., Monrovia's Special Enforcement Team officers conducted ABC saturation patrol and assisted ABC at several local bars. At approximately 1:30 a.m., officers entered a bar in the 1500 block of South Myrtle and arrested four subjects for being drunk in public and an ABC Investigator cited the owner for serving an obviously intoxicated customer.
Cleanup Money From State? | Monrovia Hillside Recommendation
~ City Manager Scott Ochoa reports that State of California "has finally recognized the magnitude of the windstorms" and "made the necessary declaration," which may result in some money from the state. http://goo.gl/FsAic
~ The Community Services Commission has recommended to the City Council the "minimalist" (5b) option for managing the hillside area above Monrovia. This essentially means leaving things as they are but adding some gates and direction signs and No Parking signs in the residential areas near the gateways. Also, the Commission recommended keeping Lower Clamshell Truck Trail closed pending further environmental study. http://goo.gl/FsAic . Also, see the executive summary of the various plans here: http://goo.gl/wpDSP
Opinion: My concern is that all Monrovians paid for this hillside area, so all Monrovians should have reasonable access to it, but if the city reduces the amount of parking (by putting up No Parking signs), that would make this area less accessible. Homeowners near the gateways reasonably don't want cars in front of their houses all day, so I think the project should include at least some new parking so the homeowners are not imposed upon and so there is a net parking increase - not decrease - for visitors.
- Brad Haugaard
Drones by Monrovia's AeroVironment May Find Work in Oil Fields; Company Wins Award for Wind Turbine
People seem to find more and more uses for the little drones made by Monrovia's AeroVironment (military, police). Now oil companies want to use them to keep an eye on pipelines. http://goo.gl/t0zhj
Also, CleanTechnica has named AeroVironment's architecturally-attractive mini wind turbine, "Architectural Wind," as one of its five best micro wind turbines. http://goo.gl/Bbjka
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police Hunt for Chubby-Cheeked Suspect
Monrovia Police are looking for a chubby-cheeked man suspected of attempting to force his way into a Monrovia apartment. Picture: http://goo.gl/iX4eY
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center - Looking for an Executive Director
Foothill Unity Center Executive Director Joan Whitenack is retiring and now the Center is advertising for her replacement. Here are the requirements: http://goo.gl/znPNU
- Brad Haugaard
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