Monrovia: Favorite Downtown, Best Air Conditioning Company

Today's Star-News (May 26) has a "San Gabriel Valley's Best" magazine insert with readers choice awards. Monrovia has two bests-in-the-valley:

- Air-Tro is the "Best Air Conditioning and Heating Company."

- Old Town Monrovia is the "Favorite Downtown," yet Glendora somehow has the "Best Downtown." Huh?

And you'll be interested to know that California Institute of Advanced Management - ever heard of it? - is the "Favorite College/University" while PCC is the "Best College/University." Uhh. I think I'll consider this a just-for-fun survey.

- Brad Haugaard

Beating on Sequoia Circle in Monrovia

A Twitter report of seven people beating up on one, on Sequoia Circle, which is off Royal Oaks just east of Mountain. This evening.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Mosley in CIF State Meet | Paul Dols - Teacher of the Year

~ Monrovia High's Sidney Mosley to compete at CIF State meet. First time in 32 years. http://goo.gl/YblYU

~ Monrovia High's Paul Dols - district's teacher of the year. http://goo.gl/ggaHD

- Brad Haugaard

Remembering a Monrovian for Memorial Day

Remembering Monrovian Bettie Mae Scott, who died in service to her country during World War II. http://goo.gl/VW8RH

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Bella Sera

Lunch yesterday at Bella Sera, on Myrtle in Old Town. Got the Emiliana panini, prosciutto ham, mozzarella and basil ($11.95). And an iced tea ($2.50). Plus tax and tip. A white-tablecloth kinda place. Nice fresh bread with oil and vinegar for appetizer. I dipped the sandwich in the vinegar. Gave it a nice tang. Good. 

- Brad Haugaard

A Boost for Restoring Monrovia's Old Fire Engine?

Jim Wigdon, president of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, writes that things may be looking up for the restoration of the city's ancient fire engine:

"With Chris Kidd of Tired Iron Works [auto restoration, on Foothill] getting behind the effort to raise funds to restore the 1917 Seagrave pumper, one of Monrovia's first fire engines, perhaps momentum will now accelerate to bring this project to fruition."

- Brad Haugaard

'Kit Homes' in Monrovia

A kit home on Encinitas.

Monrovia is home to an as-yet unknown number of "kit homes," houses that actually came in a kit for the owner to assemble, often from catalog retailers such as Sears or Montgomery Ward.

In the latest issue of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter, Sylvia Dohnal writes that they were developed in 1906 by Aladdin Homes of Bay City, Michigan, and were popular for about 30 years.

She writes that in Monrovia there are two on El Nido, as well as models on Myrtle, Encinitas, Ivy, Primrose, Palm, Lime, Canyon and Wildrose. And likely others.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekend Festival | Blood Drive

~ Festival of the Foothills, 740 S. Shamrock. Carnival rides, food, games, bands. May 24-26. Friday 6-11 p.m., Saturday 1-11 p.m., Sunday 1-11 p.m. http://goo.gl/5FYZh

~ Mt. Sierra College blood drive, May 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. http://goo.gl/5FYZh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Competing to Get a Facelift

Old Town Monrovia is the only Southern California "Main Street" competing for a facelift - including paint for facades, porches, railings, shutters and other exterior building trims - against 100 cities across the country.

On Wednesday, Benjamin Moore, a paint manufacturer and color authority, announced its biggest initiative ever to revitalize communities across North America through the launch of "Main Street Matters," according to a press release issued by the paint company.

The campaign asks consumers around the country to cast their vote online for which 20 Main Streets should be revitalized of the more than 100 North American cities nominated at www.paintwhatmatters.com. Monrovia was selected by the company, though representatives did not indicate why Monrovia was chosen. The other California cities are Martinez, Gilroy and Eureka.

Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said she was very excited to learn about the opportunity - especially when public funds that used to be available to assist with these types of facade improvements have been harder and harder to come by in recent years.

"We are very grateful to be included in this program, and are hoping that Monrovians and all Southern California residents will cast their votes for our beloved Old Town," Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said.

Old Town Monrovia is the symbolic heartbeat of the community, and has proven to be a regional attraction because of its weekly Friday Night Family Festival, beautiful Krikorian Move Theater, and an abundance of quaint stores, eateries and public amenities such as the public library.

The effort will be undertaken with the help of multiple partner organizations around the country, including Make It Right, a long-time partner of Benjamin Moore that was founded by actor-philanthropist Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt will be lending his voice in support of the effort that Benjamin Moore is undertaking with Main Street Matters.

In addition to partner organizations, this effort will be brought to life with local Benjamin Moore dealers and in conjunction with local municipalities, small businesses and local Chambers of Commerce. The effort will begin this summer and the work on repainting these Main Streets will be completed over the next year.

"Our Main Streets are the vital hubs of our communities - and Benjamin Moore and our network of independent dealers have always been integral parts of Main Street," said David Melançon, Chief Marketing Officer of Benjamin Moore. "This investment we're making in communities around North America is core to our business and to who we are; Main Streets make us who we are and we're proud to honor that with this effort.

Benjamin Moore will not only provide the paint and supplies needed for facades, porches, railings, shutters and other exterior building trims, but its color experts will consult on the best choices to enhance the architectural style, regional influences and historic references in each community. Skilled professional painters, many of them members of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, will be hired, putting another segment of local business to work along with the local Benjamin Moore retailer who will be mixing the paints that are used.

The communications portion of "Main Street Matters", which allows local businesses and community members to tell their stories, includes not only the online component, but also is being supported by an aggressive advertising program. A mix of national and local market TV, radio, online and print ads will hit North America starting in May as part of the company's overall increase in marketing, which is up 61% compared to the previous year.

Voting began at 12:00 a.m. EST on May 16, 2013 and will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on June 30, 2013. Benjamin Moore will post the final list of Main Streets and towns to be repainted on www.paintwhatmatters.com in July.

For more information and a list of nominated cities across the U.S. and Canada, please visit www.paintwhatmatters.com.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia, Monrovia Rotary Builds Garden

Arcadia, Monrovia Rotarians build garden for youth. http://goo.gl/AThcP

- Brad Haugaard

Rendering of New Monrovia Residential Structure at 5th and Huntington

Here is a rendering of the residential units the Monrovia City Council approved just south of the corner of Fifth and Huntington. This structure will replace a self-storage building. http://goo.gl/LPKvF

- Brad Haugaard

Pet 'Soiree' in Monrovia

L-F Jarel Busby with Nugget, Monica Busby (CEO of QLE-PR) with Chief, Brandon Tyler Russell (Wiener Dog Nationals), Joey Luthman (Joey & Elise Show / Nickelodeon's "How to Rock"), Elise Luthman (Joey & Elise Show), Tina Q Nguyen, Caroline Fossum, John Littlefield (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), Gary Ward (Co-Owner of Canine Caviar), Klera Washington with Lexi, Elias Washington, Heart Hays with Starr, Athena Katalaris with Gigi). Photo by Tealeye Cornejo


Canine Caviar Pet Foods co-hosted a "Red Carpet Soiree" at Monrovia's Highlander Pet Center, closing out Monrovia's 127th Birthday festivities and gathering more than 160 pounds of food for Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Drive. There were many breeds of dogs, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Suspect Arrested While Picking Up Generator | Scuffle Over Firing | Hiding Out Under Cars

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 20-22. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 475 service events, resulting in 97 investigations.

 

Commercial Burglary / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales – Suspect Arrested

May 20 at 1:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain on the report of a fraud in progress.  An unknown suspect fraudulently purchased a large generator online for over 1,400 dollars.  The next day, a suspect came to the business to pick up the item; however, while staff was reviewing the purchase, they noticed the suspect was very nervous, and he suddenly left the store.  A loss prevention officer investigated the purchase and discovered the credit account information used was unauthorized.  The account holder was contacted, and it was confirmed that the account was compromised and the purchase was fraudulent.

 

Several hours later, the suspect returned and attempted to pick up the item again.  The police were immediately notified, and the suspect was quickly detained by the arriving officers.  The suspect claimed he did not purchase the item and was only picking it up to drop it off at a construction job site.  However, the suspect's statements were inconsistent and suspicious   During a consensual search of the suspect, a large plastic baggie with a white crystalline powder was found in the suspect's pocket.  He told officers it was sugar, but it was later tested and determined to be methamphetamine.  As the quantity was much larger than a drug user would be in possession of,  the suspect was also charged with possession of a controlled substance for sales.  Investigation continuing.

 

Outstanding Warrant – Suspect Arrested

May 21 at 9:49 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Los Angeles.  An officer responded and observed the vehicle and contacted the occupant.  A computer check revealed the subject had a no-bail warrant for leaving his work release program.  The suspect was arrested for the warrant.  

 

Battery / Private Person Arrest – Suspect Arrested

May 21 at 12:56 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 200 block of Kruse Avenue.  A recently terminated employee had returned to the business to confront another employee, who he felt had caused his termination.  The suspect assaulted the employee, although the employee, while defending himself, got the better of the suspect.  The victim made a citizen's arrest on the suspect for battery.  The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Commercial Burglary – Two Suspects Arrested

May 21 at 2:50 p.m., a manager from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain observed two male suspects concealing merchandise on their person and called police.  The suspects were associated with a red Dodge truck that was involved in an incident at the Glendora business earlier in the day.  Staff from that location had alerted the Monrovia store to be on the look out for the suspects.  The suspects entered the store and pushed a cart with several items in it into the garden area.  They abandoned the cart and walked out of the store with the merchandise without paying.  

 

Officers arrived and observed the suspects.  The suspects ran south on Mountain and into a commercial property.  The red Dodge was located and officers watched it. The two male suspects were located hiding under vehicles and were arrested without further incident.  One suspect was determined to be a juvenile and was released on citation to his mother.  The adult suspect was held on bail.  There was a third suspect, a female with very short hair, who was the driver of the truck.  She was not located.  The truck was stored as evidence and an investigation is ongoing regarding the true ownership of the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.

 

Petty Theft / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

May 22 at 2:23 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported a male suspect taking merchandise and leaving the store without paying.  He was apprehended by loss prevention and returned one item, then suddenly ran, still in possession of additional items.  Officers responded and located the suspect nearby.  He was arrested for petty theft.  The suspect was also found to be in possession of a used hypodermic needle, which was added to his charges.

 

 

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

On January 6, 2013, at 5:01 a.m., an explosion occurred at a residence in the 200 block of East Walnut Avenue.  When officers arrived, they located three victims with severe burns, and the home was engulfed in flames.

 

The initial investigation and suspect statements revealed the explosion occurred due to the suspects manufacturing drugs in the home, using Butane, a highly flammable gas.  The home filled with the gas fumes and an unknown ignition source caused an explosion.  The suspects suffered burns over 50 percent of their bodies and were taken to local burn centers.  The home has extensive damage, totaling more than 94,000 dollars, and is uninhabitable.

 

On May 22, 2013, this case was presented to the Major Narcotics Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.  Multiple felony charges were filed against all three suspects and the case is pending trial.

 

Monrovia Running Back - Academics First | Relief Truck to Oklahoma

~ New Monrovia High running back, Kurt Scoby, won't join the team until after spring practice so he can focus on academics. http://goo.gl/rxGGg

~ Monrovia's Christian relief agency, World Vision, has sent 53-foot truck trailer filled with relief supplies to the Oklahoma tornado area. http://goo.gl/qmqU1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Hope Unlimited Church Sending Team To Help in Oklahoma

Video: Hope Unlimited Church (formerly New Beginnings Family Church) of Monrovia will join with eight other churches to send a team to Norman, Oklahoma, where shelters for tornado refugees are located, to determine the best ways for them to help. http://goo.gl/fFr29

- Brad Haugaard

Vote to Repaint Monrovia | Raymond Chandler Lived in Monrovia | Court Denies Murder Appeal

~ On its Facebook page, the city notes: "Monrovia has been nominated with more than 100 North American cities to participate in an initiative to revitalize communities. Launched by Benjamin Moore paints, this consumer-driven campaign will revitalize and repaint the main streets of 20 U.S. cities... Let's make Monrovia one of those cities! LIKE, SHARE, and CAST YOUR VOTE, www.paintwhatmatters.com (click on the State of California, then Monrovia)."

~ Crime novelist Raymond Chandler once lived on Duarte Road here in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/VAHWN

~ State Supreme Court won't hear an appeal by convicted in Monrovia double murder case. http://goo.gl/5bZtb

- Brad Haugaard

New Name for 'New Beginnings' Church

The former "New Beginnings Family Church," at the corner of Peck Road and Longden in Monrovia, has changed its name to Hope Unlimited Church, here: http://www.thehopeuc.com/

- Brad Haugaard

Valley Jewish Federation Collecting for Tornado Victims

The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened an Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by the tornadoes and the aftermath.

"Millions have been affected by the tornadoes that have devastated communities in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and more over the past few days," said Federation President Stuart Miller. "The Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys' Jewish community is ready to respond to provide support to those most in need, and our thoughts and prayers go to all of those affected by these devastating tornadoes."

Community members wishing to make contributions for this cause can do so in one of two ways. The first is to mail, call or drop-off contributions at the Jewish Federation (Attn: Oklahoma City Tornado Relief, 550 S. Second Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 or 626.445.0810). Or, you may donate to Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) online at http://goo.gl/kT4Q7

All funds will be directed to social welfare agencies in the affected areas serving both the Jewish and general communities. The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to aid those most grievously affected.

For more information about the Jewish Federation's Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund, or additional ways individuals can help those affected, please contact the Jewish Federation by calling 626.445.0810 or sending an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.

Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and Federations across North America are committed to care for victims of global natural disasters, and have emergency relief plans into place to aid those in need. Over the past few years, Jewish Federations have raised funds for those affected by widespread storms around the U.S. and more than $2 million for victims of earthquakes, tsunamis and other situations around the world.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Public Works Week - Monrovia Utilities Division

As part of National Public Works Week Monrovia is highlighting its Public Works Department with a series of features. Here is the second:

Ever wonder where your water comes from?  How about where is goes once it’s down the drain?

TODAY: The Utilities Division.

The City of Monrovia operates its own water utility.  With a Well Field located at the south portion of the City, the Utilities Division ensures that each household in Monrovia has clean water and a sewer system you never have to think about.

The Water Maintenance Section is responsible for installation, maintenance and repairs to over 84 miles of water mains and approximately 9,317 water services. The Water Maintenance Section also exercises over 3,000 water main valves bi-annually.

Incredibly, the City’s 93 miles of sewer mains are cleaned once a year by a two person crew.  The Sewer crew is also responsible for all video inspections of the sewer system.

Monrovia produces its own water through a series of 5 ground water wells, 11 reservoirs, and 6 booster stations. All of the water that is pump from the Main San Gabriel Basin is treated, an average of over 7 million gallons per day. The treatment of the water is done by aerating the water through the air stripping towers and adding chlorination.  Without fail, Monrovia meets or exceeds the Federal and State water quality regulations.

On average, Monrovia’s Utilities Division produces 2.4 Billion gallons of water each year.  A single household of four consumes approximately 4,900 gallons per week.

“Water conservation is so important, that’s why we offer our Water4Life program which assists residents in reducing their overall water consumption inside and outside of their homes,” said Shawn Igoe, Utilities Division Supervisor. “The City offers water conservation kits which include low flow shower heads, faucet aerators, toilet leak detections tablets, and even water audits available at no cost upon request.”

To maintain a high level of customer service, while meeting the demand for water, Monrovia relies upon meter reading.  Customer Service staff read the 9,317 meters every month, investigate leaks, and test backflow devices. Ask the experts and they can give you answers to why you may have low & high water pressure, explain water quality or general inquiries about water. 

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Organization Responding to Oklahoma Tornado | A Welding App

~ Monrovia's World Vision, a Christian relief organization, is preparing supplies for the victims of the Oklahoma tornado. http://goo.gl/irIv8

~ Need to know what materials can be welded? Doesn't everyone? Well, there's an app for that, created by Monrovia's Miyachi Unitek. http://goo.gl/kEMBx

- Brad Haugaard