Civiltec to Manage Monrovia's Station Square Project | Number 2 in Baseball

~ Civiltec will design and manage construction of Monrovia's Gold Line Station Square project. http://goo.gl/x9Uwv

~ Monrovia finishes second in baseball league. http://goo.gl/9zaVk

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor's Green-Car Buying Experience Will Be on Local Cable

According to Star-News Columnist Steve Scauzillo, Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz' green car-buying experience "will be the subject of a documentary on Monrovia cable access TV." http://goo.gl/iNq8V

- Brad Haugaard

Isla Vista Night at First Presbyterian Church | Monrovia High Dress Code | Pancakes Tomorrow!

~ A night of music and worship at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia, with "Isla Vista Worship" from Isla Vista Church, Isla Vista, California, and Worship Leader Mac Montgomery.

~ Ever wonder what Monrovia High's dress code was 50 years ago? Yeah, me neather, but here it is: "Skirts could not be any higher than mid-thigh and shirts always had to be tucked in." And, a humorous word for today's boys: "We know why your pants have been sagging so much. We realize it is not your fault, it is the belt manufacturers. So, if you have a defective belt, come to my office and I will give you, free of charge, a brand new set of suspenders to keep your pants up. Wow, what a fashion statement you will make." http://goo.gl/AFzQI

~ Monrovia firefighter's pancake breakfast tomorrow (Saturday) from 7-11 a.m. at the Lemon Ave. station. http://goo.gl/xsSRo

- Brad Haugaard

New Horizons Exhibit at Segil Fine Art

Lone Cypress, Monterey - by Scott Dienhart

A new exhibition, "Chasing New Horizons," featuring oil paintings by Scott Dienhart, May 11 through June 8 at Segil Fine Art, 110 West Lime.

- Brad Haugaard

Home Depot to Add a Cafe In Front

The city has approved a request to add a permanent cafe kiosk in front of Home Depot.  http://goo.gl/Rjl6j

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Mayan Bar and Grill

The Mayan Bar and Grill, in the Aztec Hotel, is not open to the public yet, but I got to have a special preview lunch there today. I had chicken wings with mole and chipotle sauce for appetizer, pork marinated in achiolte and Carne de Res (fajitas). Portions were small since this was for tasting. Restaurant should be open mid-June to early July. Very good. I particularly liked the pork, shown here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Congresswoman Speech on Mental Health Awareness

Video: Talk for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day by Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, who represents Monrovia, for Members of Congress and their staff. http://goo.gl/X2MHQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia-Made Drone: Keeping an Eye on the Greater Sage Grouse

U.S. Geological Survey uses Raven drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, to survey the greater sage grouse. http://goo.gl/pmfbg

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Store Isn't Faked-Out Second Time; He Reeealy Didn't Want to Chat; Not Your Standard Preacher; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 6-8. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 469 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

 

Residential Burglary

May 6 at 12:40 p.m., officers responded to an alarm activation at a residence in the 200 block of Bradoaks.  When they arrived, they discovered a back window open and the house had been burglarized.  A resident in the area saw two, male Black suspects fleeing the home in a silver Toyota Camry.  Arcadia Police Department received notification of the robbery and advised of an incident in Arcadia involving a silver Toyota that occurred approximately an hour earlier.  An Arcadia resident had a male and female Black who were driving a silver Toyota Camry knock on the door.  When the resident answered, the subjects appeared surprised someone was home and quickly came up with a request for directions to the 134 Freeway.  The resident reported the suspicious incident to police, who responded, but the vehicle was not located.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Fraud / Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested

May 6 at 3:45 p.m., a female subject entered a business in the 500 block of West Huntington with her 3-year-old daughter.  She attempted to make a purchase using fraudulent credit cards she had in her possession, but was detained by store loss prevention personnel.  She had been in the store 3 days prior and used the same cards to purchase $720 of merchandise.  Officers responded, confirmed the cards in her possession were fraudulent, along with a fraudulent social security card and multiple fake identification cards.  She also had a no-bail warrant for her arrest out of San Bernardino for burglary.  She was arrested and the Department of Children and Family Services was called to take custody of her daughter.

 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested

May 6 at 8:24 p.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a burglary at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington.  An adult female with her 4-year-old child went into the business.  The suspect took a bag and removed the tag, then went throughout the store putting store merchandise inside the bag.  She exited the store without paying and was detained.  Officers spoke with the suspect and found this was not her first arrest for theft.  She was arrested and the Department of Children and Family Services was contacted and responded to take custody of the four-year-old child.

 

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested

May 6 at 11:42 p.m., a male subject who is on house arrest was at home with his girlfriend.  His girlfriend wanted to talk to him, but he wanted to be left alone.  She continued to talk to him and he became angry.  He then grabbed her, shook her, and head butted her.  She ran into the other room and called police.  He saw she was using her phone and grabbed the phone and broke it.  The police dispatcher was still on the line and heard the male subject yell at the female and the phone went dead. Officers arrived and the subject was arrested.

 

Missing Child / Runaway Juvenile - Located

On May 7 at 6:06 p.m., a 10-year-old male subject was reported missing to police by his family members.  The boy was last seen at a relative's home in the 200 block of West Walnut in the City of Monrovia.  He has run away several times before and had run away from his family the day before in Pasadena.  An extensive search was conducted by the Monrovia Police Department and neighboring agencies were notified, but the boy was not located.    

 

The boy was actually located at approximately 4:00 a.m. that next morning by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and was taken into custody by the Department of Children and Family Services.  Sheriff's deputies contacted him on Rosemead Blvd. in the City of Rosemead and detained him.  The boy had taken his grandmother's cell phone and debit card, and had withdrawn money with the card.  Due to the fact that the boy was not truthful about his identity with the Sheriff's Department, he was not determined to be the missing child from Monrovia until later in the day, when his true identity was discovered.

 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Vandalism / Mentally Disturbed Subject

May 8 at 6:39 a.m., police received a call reporting a male subject knocking on doors and claiming to be a preacher.  He was reportedly acting very odd.  Officers arrived and located the subject, who is a known drug user with a long history of contacts with the police department.  The subject was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance, and he was also charged with vandalism of a window he had damaged at the trailer park where he was located.  He was arrested and later released on citation. 

 

Later that day, at 4:11 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Bradbury called stating a male subject knocked on his door and was acting strange.  Officers responded and found the same subject who had been arrested earlier, walking in the street in the 1100 block of Lemon; he was making wildly unrealistic statements.  He was detained and was taken to a hospital, where he was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

 

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested

May 8 at 3:04 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain on the report of a burglary.  Store loss prevention had detained a subject who had attempted to take merchandise by hiding it in his waistband.  The subject is currently on probation for burglary.  He was arrested and taken into to custody.

 

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested

May 8 at 9:57 p.m., a female employee of a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain was believed to have been taking money from her cash register over a long period of time.  Employees from the business had been watching her remove money from the register drawer and put it in her pocket.  She was removed from duty at the register and interviewed.  She admitted to the long-term thefts and was arrested by police.

Ford Selects AeroVironment | Will Monrovia Win a Top Softball Spot? | Book Sale

~ Ford Motor Company has selected Monrovia's AeroVironment as its "preferred installation partner and authorized charging station supplier for the Ford Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in electric vehicles." http://goo.gl/ZpykQ

~ Monrovia in the race for a top spot in softball. http://goo.gl/jrmL4

~ Monrovia Friends of the Library book sale, Friday and Saturday, May 17-18 from noon to 5 p.m. $2 a bag sale will be Saturday from 4-5 p.m. No scanners, cell phones and other electronic devices at the sale. http://goo.gl/sRleY

- Brad Haugaard

Twelve Positions Available on Monrovia City Commissions

Are you an aspiring civic leader? Do you have a passion for historic preservation, parks or urban planning? Are you looking for a way to share your knowledge for the betterment of your community?

  

If you answered “yes!” to any of these, then here’s your chance.

The City of Monrovia is seeking 12 Monrovians to serve on one of five commissions and boards. Applications are now being accepted.  The deadline to apply is 6 p.m. on May 22. Positions available are on the:

  

Planning Commission (2 positions available). 

Description: The seven members of the Planning Commission are the decision-making body on zone variances, conditional use permits, design reviews and parcel maps.

Historic Preservation Commission (2 positions available). 

Description: The seven members of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Commission protect and preserve Monrovia’s historic landmarks. 

Community Services Commission – (3 positions available). 

Description: The seven members of the Community Services Commission assess the social service, leisure, park and street tree needs of the community to evaluate and make recommendations on how those needs are or should be met. 

Library Board (3 positions available). 

Description: The five members of the Library Board are governed by the California State Education Code, and are responsible for enforcing all the rules, regulations, and bylaws necessary for the administration, governance and protection of the library and its property.

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) (2 positions available).

Description: The five member Board is comprised of Old Town merchants and is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council on programs and projects to advance the downtown area through marketing, promotion and overall improvement of the Business Improvement District. 

Please visit http://cityofmonrovia.org/city-government/boards-a-commissions for a link to the application and additional information about each commission.

For applicants who are interested, there is an informational meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 415 S. Ivy Avenue.  

If you have not attended one of these meetings before, it is strongly encouraged that potential applicants take the opportunity to learn more about the scope of each of the boards and commissions and take a moment to speak to the Department Directors who work directly with the Boardmembers and commissioners. Each candidate must submit an application and go through an interview process. If selected, the term begins July 1, 2013.

If you plan on attending or have questions, please contact City Clerk Alice Atkins at (626) 932-5505 or by email at aatkins@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bakery Reopens

Monrovia Bakery, in Old Town, reopens after change of ownership. http://goo.gl/uBlFZ

- Brad Haugaard

FOUND: Missing Monrovia Child - Mykai Gaddis

UPDATE: Mykai was located by members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the City of Rosemead. He was transferred to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, where he was then reunited with family members. Mykai is determined to be a frequent runaway and efforts are being made to provide appropriate custodial care. No foul play or neglect by a guardian is suspected.

Last Name: Gaddis First Name: Mykai Nickname: Big Mac Age: 10 Gender: Male Height: 5'0" Weight: 92 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Medium Race: Black

Mykai was last seen at a relative’s home in the 200 block of W. Walnut in the City of Monrovia at 6:00 p.m. on May 7, 2013. He has run away several times before and had run away from his family the day before in Pasadena.

Mykai was last seen wearing a black button down long sleeved shirt with a white wavy line design, blue jeans and black dress shoes. His hair is cut short.

Any information on Mykai should be reported to the Monrovia Police Department immediately: (626) 256-8000.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Police Look for Missing Boy | Monrovia Over Temple City

~ Monrovia Police look for missing boy. Click for picture: http://goo.gl/zBCcV

~ Monrovia High over Temple City in softball. http://goo.gl/KCe8D

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia City Manager Now Heads LA Convention Center | Zumbathon

~ Former Monrovia City Manager "Bud" Ovrom named to head LA Convention Center. http://goo.gl/wU6Lx

~ Local Zumba instructors will hold a "Zumbathon" to raise money for the American Cancer Society. As many as 30 instructors will tag-team teach an 8-hour Zumba fitness party on the infield of the Santa Anita Racetrack on Saturday, June 15, 12:30-8:30 p.m. Zumba is a Latin and world dance workout. You can sign up here: http://goo.gl/FVbBg

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia and Monrovia Rotary Clubs Build Garden at Boys and Girls Club

The Arcadia and Monrovia Rotary Clubs have joined forces to build a sustainable garden at the Monrovia Boys and Girls Club. With funds donated by both clubs, along with a Rotary District 5300 Foundation Lefler grant, the project will enable children to grow fresh fruit and vegetables.

"I had heard in the news about hunger in the United States with numbers higher than many would expect, especially for children," said Dr. Brad Miller, Arcadia Rotary past president. "Then after reading about community gardens sponsored by Rotary clubs, the idea came together."

After failing to secure land for the garden in Arcadia, Mary Ann Lutz, Rotarian and mayor of Monrovia, suggested they try the Monrovia Boys and Girls Club.

"Not so much serving the whole community, but serving a specific community, underprivileged kids," said Miller. "John Wilson, CEO of Monrovia Boys and Girls Club, had initiated a community garden in a prior non-profit he was involved with. We connected and it was a natural fit."

According to Arcadia Rotary President Eric Barter, in just half a day, "with a little sweat and muscle from 25 Rotarians," phase one of the project was completed which consisted of the construction of three planter boxes.

"The Monrovia Rotary Club enjoyed working side by side with the Arcadia Rotary Club on this project. It was a day filled with laughter, hard work and fellowship," said Monrovia Rotary Club President Julie Roybal. "We are all excited to see our work manifest to the betterment of the Boys and Girls Club and it will be wonderful to see the fruits of the kids' harvest."

"I am pleased to see several organizations working together for the good of youth," said Barter. "The City of Monrovia for allowing us to use the land and supporting the project, the Arcadia and Monrovia Rotary clubs working together, the Arcadia arboretum for their guidance on the raised bed design and Rotary District 5300 for helping us with the funding."

Phase two of the project is an irrigation system and phase three, a covering for the planter boxes. "Then the kids can start planting," said Barter. "As Rotarians, these are the best projects - hands on. Together we can make a difference is the mantra for my year as president and this project is another fine example."

Source: Rotary Club press release

- Brad Haugaard

Juvolicious Starts in Monrovia | Monrovia Bakery | Dog Comes Home

~ A start-up company in Monrovia, Juvolicious: "a venture funded ecommerce company that purchases popular consumer products from manufacturers and wholesalers across the United States​." http://www.juvolicious.com/

~ The new owners of Monrovia Bakery will specialize in "French inspired pastries." Sounds good to me. http://goo.gl/tDhpS

~ Pepper dog found and returned to owner. Microchips are your friend. http://goo.gl/ioFoQ

- Brad Haugaard

Friendship Tea for Foothills Pregnancy Center

"Friendship Tea" to raise funds for Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center. May 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Monrovia, 140 E. Palm. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets: 358-2122.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Rabies and Licensing; Robber Gets Soccer Uniforms; Trespassing Suspect Awakened and Arrested for Meth; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 2-5. - 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 and click on the crime mapping link.  Sign up to follow us on twitter for police notifications.

Annual Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination & Licensing Clinic for Dogs

On June 12, 2013, the Monrovia Police Department will be hosting its Annual Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination & Licensing Clinic for dogs.  The clinic will be held at Recreation Park in Monrovia, outside the tennis courts, off Olive Avenue; parking is available.  The Clinic will start at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m.  For more information, click on Rabies Vaccination & Licensing Clinic.

 

Residential Burglary

May 2 at 5:53 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Maryanna Lane regarding the report of a residential burglary.  The victim's loss was a gun safe which contained a pistol and cash, as well as two computers, an iPad, an iPhone, and several designer purses.  It appears the suspect(s) entered through a rear door. The investigation is continuing.

 

Utility Problem

May 2 at 8:25 p.m., a power line was reported down in the 200 block of East Colorado.  Officers arrived and contained the area until Monrovia Fire Department personnel arrived.  The line, for some unknown reason, snapped and struck a parked vehicle, causing minor damage.  Edison responded and repaired the line, which was energized. 

 

Vehicle Tampering / Attempt Burglary

May 3 at 5:15 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Mauna Loa came out of his house and discovered a suspect inside his vehicle.  Once the suspect realized he had been discovered, he fled the location.  Officers got into the area quickly, but were unable to locate the suspect.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Structure Fire

May 3 at 9:39 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 900 block of West Foothill.  When officers arrived, they saw smoke emitting from a third story window.  Monrovia Fire was dispatched.  Officers spoke with the resident, who stated he was asleep in his bedroom when he was awakened by the automatic sprinkler system.  He sat up and saw the window drapes where on fire, which were apparently ignited by a lamp.  The sprinkler system extinguished most of the fire. 

 

The Monrovia Fire Department contacted the Red Cross, and they responded to the station and provided a hotel voucher to the victim for temporary shelter for a week, which would be the duration the unit would be uninhabitable.  The fire was determined not suspicious in nature. 

 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

May 4 at 2:06 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1500 block of South Myrtle noticed that a vehicle approaching Central almost struck the concrete center median, and then the driver abruptly turned on the roadway.  The officer stopped the driver and noticed he appeared to be under the influence.  After investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon / Possession of Marijuana / Driving Without a License – Suspect Arrested

May 4 at 2:18 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle that was speeding in the 100 block of South Myrtle.  The officer discovered the driver was unlicensed.  Further investigation revealed the driver had an open container of alcohol and marijuana in the vehicle.  He also had a concealed dagger in his rear pocket.  The driver was arrested for the above listed charges.

 

Robbery

May 4 at 6:09 a.m., officers responded to the report of a robbery that just occurred in the 1400 block of Alamitas.  Two male victims were approached in front of their friend's house by a passenger/suspect that got out of a tan, four-door sedan, possibly a Hyundia, occupied by two other male Hispanic suspects.  The victims were loading their duffle bags into a vehicle.  The suspect walked up to the victims and demanded they give him the bags.  He lifted his sweatshirt, revealing a black handgun in his waistband.  The suspect did not brandish the weapon. 

 

The victims gave the suspect their gear bags, which contained soccer uniforms, soccer gear, and a wallet with identification and a bank debit card.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 5'8" tall, thin build, shaved head, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with "Los Angeles" written on the front in black letters.  The suspect had his hood up and a black bandana over his face.  Officers searched the area for the suspects, but they were not located.  The investigation is continuing.  

 

Warrant / Possession of Narcotics for Sale – Suspect Arrested

May 5 at 10:44 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a possible male trespasser who was unresponsive at a residence in the 100 block of Oaks Avenue.  When officers arrived, they entered the home with the assistance of the home owner's house sitter.  They located a male subject sleeping, unresponsive on the couch.  Officers had to yell at him to wake him.  He did not have any medical issues, but did have an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of San Bernardino.  He was arrested for the warrant and transported to the Monrovia City Jail with his bicycle and backpack. 

 

In the jail, a search of his backpack revealed a large quantity of methamphetamine, a large amount of cash in his wallet in multiple denominations, small empty plastic bags, and a digital scale with white residue on top of it.  It was determined he was in possession of the methamphetamine in order to sell it.  He was charged with the additional crime.

 

Extradition Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 5 at 10:15 p.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the area of Mountain and Huntington for a traffic violation.  A computer check of the driver revealed he is on parole and had an out-of-state felony warrant for narcotics.  The issuing agency was contacted and confirmed they would extradite the suspect.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody, pending extradition.

Historic Monrovia Carriage House Being Moved

Carriage house being taken apart.

After months of planning and work, the last remaining vintage carriage barn in Monrovia has been moved (in pieces) to its new home in the 900 block of N. Norumbega, where it will be put back together. Slideshow of the process at the bottom of the page here: http://www.mohpg.org/

- Brad Haugaard