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Small Power Outage Reported in Monrovia

Southern California Edison reports that 13 Monrovia homes are without power. Problem is "equipment problems" and SCE is completing repairs and hopes to have everything up by 9 p.m. today. http://goo.gl/z7tid

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Loteria



Lunch Tuesday at Loteria (formerly Enrique's Mexican Cuisine) at Colorado and Ivy. Tacos were 99 cents on the "Taco Tuesday" menu, so I got five little cochinita pibil (pork) tacos and a $2 iced tea. Very tasty.

- Brad Haugaard

Feature on Pitcher Adrienne Guerra | Endorsements

~ Feature on Monrovia High softball pitcher Adrienne Guerra. http://goo.gl/LRVb3

San Gabriel Valley Tribune endorses Spicer, Blackburn. http://goo.gl/Qk3Ba

- Brad Haugaard

Prepare to Vote, Monrovia!

Election Day is Tuesday, April 9. Polling places will be open 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Your polling place is on your sample ballot, but if you lost it, look here: http://lavote.net/LOCATOR/ .

Vote by Mail ballots may be dropped off at City Hall anytime before 8 p.m. on Election Day, or before 8 p.m. at any precinct on Election Day. 

When the polls close, ballots will be counted at City Hall, which will be open to the public.  Or, watch on KGEM, at the city  website ( www.cityofmonrovia.org ) or right here on MonroviaNow.

Questions about the election? Call the City Clerk at 932-5505.

Source: This Week in Monrovia newsletter - http://goo.gl/ptn2f

- Brad Haugaard

Condos Planned for Corner of Olive and Ivy

Here are pictures of the condos planned for the corner of Olive and Ivy. http://goo.gl/GlRhQ

- Brad Haugaard

Will Bridge Graffiti Force Freeway Closure?

Cleaning graffiti from new Gold Line freeway bridge may require freeway closure. http://goo.gl/5AGMd

- Brad Haugaard

Car vs. Lamp Post

Car knocks over lamp post on Huntington. http://goo.gl/NeHyq
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bridge Comes Down

Monrovia bridge gets torn down to make way for Gold Line. http://goo.gl/P2Jo3
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Softball to Championship Round

The Monrovia High softball team advances to championship round. http://goo.gl/hKqWd

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Cold Case Murder Suspect Convicted, Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 482 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.

Commercial Burglary

On April 1 at 1:00 p.m., dispatch received a call regarding a theft that occurred in the 500 block of West Huntington. A male suspect entered the business and selected merchandise and walked into the dressing room. The suspect then cut security sensors off the merchandise and concealed them on his person. The suspect was seen exiting the business and getting into the driver's side of a vehicle. Further investigation led to a residence in Covina, where the vehicle was located and the stolen property was recovered. Suspect is still outstanding. Investigation continuing.

Vandalism –Suspect Arrested

On April 1 at 10:22 p.m., officers responded to the rear parking lot in the 100 block of South Myrtle regarding a male subject vandalizing a dumpster. Officers arrived and detained a subject that fit the description. The officer contacted the witness and conducted a field show up. The witness positively identified the subject and the subject was arrested for misdemeanor vandalism.

Mental Evaluation

On April 2 at 6:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of South Peck Road regarding a male subject trying to hurt himself. The male subject was detained and taken to a hospital, where he was placed on a 72 hour hold for mental evaluation.

Trespass / Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested

On April 2 at 10:00 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West Huntington regarding subjects loitering near the front door of the business, possibly panhandling. They contacted a known subject that has a "No Trespass" authorization against him. A pat down search revealed he had a stolen GPS from a vehicle. The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and trespassing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Murder - Suspect Sentenced

On August 29, 2004, a murder occurred in the South alley of the 200 block of West Olive at approximately 12:56 p.m. Two male gang members got into a verbal altercation with one gang member shooting the other and killing him.

This case went unsolved for many years and was assigned as a cold case to Detective Levin of the Monrovia Police Department. Detective Levin has been working with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau on this case. Through hard work and investigation by Detective Levin and Sheriff's Department investigators a suspect was identified in this case.

Investigators identified witnesses to this crime and worked to build enough information and evidence to file the case with the District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney's Office filed charges against the Monrovia Nuevo Varrio gang member who committed this crime.

After years of investigative work and good work by the District Attorney prosecuting this case, on April 2, 2013, the suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder along with the firearms enhancement. The suspect is facing a minimum of 50 years to life in state prison.

This case is an example of a terrific collaborative effort between Monrovia Police investigators, Sheriff's investigators, and the District Attorney's Office. Their work has resulted in the conviction of another violent gang member who victimized our community.



- Brad Haugaard

Resurfacing Olive Ave.

$723k to resurface Olive Ave. http://goo.gl/Snt7V

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Bill Requires Public Institutions Pay More for Food

Assemblymember Chris Holden's (He represents Monrovia) bill to help California farmers and boost the state's agricultural economy has been approved in the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee, particularly relevant in light of a recent news article saying that California's dairy farmers are being wooed by other states.

"It just makes sense to put California-grown crops, livestock and dairy first," said Assemblymember Holden. "When I read that dairy farmers were being lured by other states with friendlier business climates, I knew we were on the right track with this legislation. AB 199 will ultimately help the state by promoting job growth. It will also keep California funds in the state to pay California wage earners and support California families."

Under AB 199, public institutions such as prisons, Veteran's Homes or hospitals would have to give California agricultural products priority if the price is within 5% of the lowest out-of-state competitor. School districts would be required to purchase California grown products as long as they weren't more expensive.

Noelle Cremers with the California Farm Bureau testified, "California's farmers are incredibly pleased with AB 199 requiring California institutions to purchase California agricultural products. This bill will give more Californians that opportunity to experience the amazing variety of products grown in California."

"AB 199 has not only an economic benefit, but it also promotes the health benefits of buying locally. California food growers and food manufacturers adhere to the highest health and safety standards in the country, which means buying from them is also the safest and healthiest choice," concluded Holden.

AB 199 is supported by California Farm Bureau, California Dairies, Apple Commission, Western Agricultural Processors, California Association for Recreational Fishing and California Black Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Holden press release

Comment: I find this rather annoying. First the state makes life so miserable for businesses that they want to leave, then it offers goodies to politically-connected businesses to make up for the misery, and then, to top it off, the state pays for these goodies by forcing hospitals and others to pay up to five percent more for the food they buy. This is awful!

UPDATE: On reflection,The bill is slightly better than it was originally, when - if I recall correctly - schools also had to pay the extra money. Better, but still awful.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bakery to Have New Owners

Monrovia Bakery has been sold. Current owners retiring. http://goo.gl/uI5Yw

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fig Tree Birthday

Little did I know that anybody knew the birthday of the huge fig tree in Library Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council Will Let April 9 Election Fill Vacancy

The Monrovia City Council has decided not to replace Clarence Shaw, who resigned from the council, since the election for new council members is in just a few days, on April 9. http://goo.gl/rwMxt

- Brad Haugaard

Library Book Sale May 17-18

Mark your calendar. The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Spring Sale will be held Friday, May 17 and Saturday May 18, from noon to 5 p.m., in Library Park and in the Library Community Room. The $2 a Bag Sale is Saturday from 3-5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Monrovia Public Library.

More than 5,000 books will be for sale, 90% donated by the public. Prices for regular books and media range from 25¢ to $2. Book sellers are welcome but no scanners are permitted.

- Brad Haugaard

Pictures of Aztec Hotel

More pictures of the Aztec Hotel. http://goo.gl/qcrFD

- Brad Haugaard

Pro Wrestling in Monrovia

Quintessential Pro Wrestling debut show is on Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. at The Monrovia Masonic Center, 204 West Foothill Blvd. Tickets: $15 at the door. http://goo.gl/DD8d3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Treasurer Steve Baker Named to Citrus Foundation Board

Monrovia City Treasurer Steve Baker has been named to the Citrus College Foundation Board of Directors.

A Monrovia resident since his early childhood, Baker attended Citrus College, where he was involved in the college’s Performing Arts Program. He was elected City Treasurer in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. Baker also serves as Monrovia’s official city historian and is currently chair of the Santa Anita YMCA Board of Directors.

“The Citrus College Foundation is very fortunate to have Steve as one of its newest members,” said Citrus College Foundation President Tom Gerfen. “He is highly respected for his fiscal expertise and civic leadership, both in Monrovia and in the San Gabriel Valley region.”

As one of the Foundation’s newest board members, Baker joins 21 directors who raise funds for scholarships and academic support programs that assist Citrus College students in their efforts to complete their college educations, enter the workforce, and transition to four-year colleges and universities.

“Steve Baker’s experience as Monrovia City Treasurer, along with his extraordinary sense of history will be a tremendous asset to the Citrus College Foundation,” commented Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College and executive director of the Foundation. “As the college approaches its Centennial in 2015, I am confident he will have a valuable role in helping the Foundation connect with both current and potential donors, as well as other members of the community.”

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Girl Thought Lost; But Not; Sex Offence; Billy Club Bust; DUI Suspect on Wrong Freeway; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for March 28-31. - Brad Haugaard] 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Critical Missing Person – Subject Located
March 29 at 12:31 p.m., a ten-year-old female was reported missing from the Immaculate Conception Church when staff noticed the girl was not with the other children participating in an Easter Ceremony.  After an extensive search by police, the girl was located at home with her family in Duarte.  She had left the assembly area and told her parents she was not needed.  The parents did not confirm this and did not tell anyone they were leaving the event with the child.  The mother then took the child to a dentist appointment and did not return home until after the appointment; they were then located by police.     

Sex Offense
March 29 at 3:09 p.m., a female subject called police to report a sex offense she had observed.  She reported she was walking on Mountain when she went to say hello to a male subject she knew.  The male subject was in his car.  When she approached the vehicle, she saw he was masturbating.  She walked away from the car and called the police. The female subject was uncooperative with dispatch when asked about her knowledge of the subject.  Officers conducted a search of the area, but the subject was not located.  The suspect is described as a thin, male African American and the vehicle as a black sedan.    

Injury Traffic Collision
March 19 at 4:32 p.m., several vehicles collided at Foothill and Myrtle after a vehicle sped up to get through the red light.  The vehicle struck another vehicle that failed to clear the intersection prior to turning left.  Minor injuries were reported.  

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 10:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of East Almond regarding a male and female subject fighting.  Upon arrival, officers learned the male subject had forced the female onto the front seat of a vehicle and had taken her cell phone.  The male subject was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery. 

Weapons Offence / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 11:50 p.m., an officer contacted a male and female occupant of a vehicle parked in a remote area behind a restaurant in the 800 block of West Huntington.  The officer observed a wooden billy club in plain view on the backseat.  The male occupant said he manufactured the weapon from an old piece of furniture.  He commented that he grew up in a tough neighborhood and possessed it for his protection.  The male subject was also found to have three outstanding warrants.  He was arrested and taken into custody for the weapons offence and warrants.

Family Disturbance / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 12:10 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of West Hillcrest regarding a family disturbance.  The officers determined the male subject had been drinking alcohol and had argued with family members.  He became angry and injured himself by punching out a glass window, causing lacerations to his hands.  Paramedics were requested and when they arrived, the subject yelled at them and threatened one of them by saying he could kill them.  He stood up and charged toward them.  Officers attempted to stop the subject and he fought with the officers.  The subject was arrested for delaying an investigation and resisting arrest. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
March 29 at 1:45 a.m., officers observed a vehicle straddling lanes on the onramp to the westbound 210 Freeway from Myrtle.  The vehicle was stopped and the driver was contacted.  She thought she was on the 710 Freeway.  Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested.