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Monrovia School Board Member Riding His Bike from Here to Miami | Animal Control Truck

~ Monrovia School Board member Rob Hammond is planning to ride his bike from Monrovia to Miami, more than 3,600 miles, and Rotary Club is working with him to raise money to feed hungry kids. Also, Councilman Tom Adams and Rotary are trying to find drivers for the support vehicle. Contact him if you'd like to volunteer. You might try this email: thomas.adams@century21.com

~ Monrovia's animal control truck - from when Monrovia did animal control - has been relocated to Monrovia Canyon Park. http://goo.gl/zIAyyu

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise Restaurant


Lunch yesterday at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise restaurant, in the shopping center at Fifth and Huntington. Very elegant atmosphere. Got a lunch special called Yakitori Bowl Set ($12.95) with chicken wings, sausage, tsukune, negima, shishita peppers and shiitake mushroom with rice on the bottom. Also, miso soup and hot tea included in the price. Plus tax and tip. Very fresh and very tasty.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robot Teams Qualify | Tom Sawyer Tonight and Tomorrow

~ More Monrovia High robotic teams qualify for regional competition: http://goo.gl/N3vPoF

~ The musical, Tom Sawyer, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center at Monrovia High. http://goo.gl/iiAA5s

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: For Super Bowl, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting special DUI roving saturation patrols during the Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, February 2nd, 2014.

"This is a zero tolerance crackdown, so drive sober or get pulled over," said Sergeant Daniel Verna.

Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 33 injury crashes harming 45 of our friends and neighbors in Monrovia. A DUI can impact the economy in addition to the pain and suffering of those immediately affected. Conservatively, a fatality has a $1.4 million impact, an injury $70,000, and a crash that only damages property averages nearly $9,000. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can costs up to $10,000 or even more for the first offense, including time in jail, the loss or your driver's license and higher insurance rates.

In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities with 29% of all deaths being caused by a drunk driver.

Monrovia Police reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included, or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. The Monrovia Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives. Specially trained officers will be stopping suspected drunk or drug impaired drivers and conducting field sobriety tests.

These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to help keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers - Call 911!

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

A Sad Tale: Losing Three Monrovia Oak Trees

The Monrovia Community Development Department reports that several people called police recently to report three old oak trees at a home on North Mountain Avenue were being removed. It turned out all three of the trees were diseased and a certified arborist had recommended they be removed. The owner checked with the city first and the city's arborist agreed that they should go, so sadly, the trees were removed. http://goo.gl/Mg02Ou

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Market Grill is Four | Man Arrested at Library

~ Monrovia's Market Grill is four years old. (In the market at the corner of Colorado and Shamrock). http://goo.gl/qtGOcF

~ If you happened to see police at the Library this afternoon, Monrovia Police report that a person was spotted who had an arrest warrant outstanding, and, well, he was arrested.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Patch News Website Loses Its Editor

Along with hundreds of other editorial personnel at the Patch family of news websites, Melanie Johnson, who has been covering Monrovia for Monrovia Patch, has been laid off. In a "Thanks and Goodbye!" letter on the site, she thanks the community and writes: "I am posting to let you know that Patch was recently purchased by a company who has decided to do some restructuring. As a result, the local editor positions have been eliminated, including mine." http://goo.gl/hJYL5F

Comment: I regret this. I never believed in the Patch business model, but I've always appreciated the bold experiment in local journalism, and Patch always kept me on my toes. I felt good when I beat Patch and bad when Patch beat me. It was exciting. Best wishes, Melanie!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Monrovian Arrested in Caltech Burglary Case; Trying to Sell Someone Else's Car, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 27-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 359 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Grand Opening of Pasadena Humane Society’s New Facility
On January 30, 2014, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and Councilmember Larry Spicer attended the grand opening of Pasadena Humane Society's new facility.  The City of Monrovia has contracted with the Pasadena Humane Society for animal control services beginning January 1, 2014.  The new facility has greatly increased parking facilities and state of the art medical facilities to provide additional services to Monrovia residents.  There is a pet store located on the campus along with facilities to provide training for pets and their owners.   The Monrovia Police Department encourages Monrovia residents to visit the new facility and take advantage of the services they provide.  Residents are also encouraged to consider adopting one of the many wonderful animals available for adoption there.  You can find out more at www.pasadenahumane.org

Grand Theft / Conspiracy to Commit a Crime – Suspect Arrested
On January 29 at 2:05 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of West Colorado regarding a possible robbery in progress.  The victim a long time resident of Monrovia was approached by a male suspect who talked the victim into matching his funds and making a donation to a charity. The suspect had two other suspects help convince the victim to take $9,000.00 from his bank account. The money was taken out and the suspects were able to switch the bags where the monies were. Two of the suspects that had the money jumped into their lay-off vehicle and fled, leaving the 3rd suspect behind. He was detained by the victim’s son in law. The suspect was charged with grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Brandishing a Weapon
On January 29 at 7:53 p.m., a mother and her daughter were in a shopping center parking lot in the 600 block of West Huntington, when an angry female began yelling at them from her vehicle over an apparent parking issue.  The suspect brandished a knife toward the victims and began yelling at them, then drove away quickly out of the parking lot out of sight.  Investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspects Arrested
On January 29 at 11:14 p.m., an officer observed a silver Honda Civic traveling west on Olive, commit a vehicle code violation.  A computer check revealed the vehicle had been a reported stolen in the city of El Monte, where it had been parked for sale.  The officer waited for assistance and the vehicle was stopped.  The male driver admitted that he knew the vehicle was stolen.  The female passenger was in possession of burglary tools.  Both occupants were arrested and the vehicle was released to its owner.  The driver was charged with grand theft auto, and the passenger was charged with possession of burglary tools.
 
Detective Bureau Case Follow-up:

Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia / Suspended Driver’s License - Suspects Arrested and Cited
On January 23, Special Enforcement Officers stopped a suspicious vehicle parked in the north end where a residential alarm had gone off.  The passenger was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a smoking pipe.  The driver was cited for driving on a suspended driver’s license and his vehicle was stored.

Possession of Narcotics / Probation Violation – Suspect Arrested
On January 28, officers from West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force (WSGVACTF) assigned to monitor the early release population (AB 109) conducted probation compliance checks in Monrovia. A recent check resulted in the apprehension of one suspect who attempted to hide narcotics from the officers. Charges for violation of probation and felony possession of narcotics will be filed with the District Attorney.

AB109 Compliance Team arrests Monrovia Probationer for Suspected Burglary at Cal Tech
Members of the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force (WSGVACTF) located and arrested a burglary suspect earlier today after an approximate 2-hour search. Team members were conducting an unrelated probation investigation in Pasadena when Caltech Security personnel notified Pasadena PD of an auto burglary in progress in the 1100 block of Blanche St.  The WSGVACTF members were in the area of Caltech and responded to assist on the call.  The suspect fled from Caltech Security and hid inside the large, 4-building apartment complex.  Pasadena PD officers contained the area while the WSGVACTF conducted a sweep of the complex.  The suspect was eventually found hiding in a 3rd floor laundry chute. The suspect maneuvered his way to the lower floor at the direction of officers and was taken into custody.  Joseph A. Naylor, 34-year-old resident of Monrovia, was arrested and booked at the Pasadena City Jail on a felony burglary charge with his bail set at $50,000.00.  Naylor is currently on probation for property related crime and is believed to be an AB 109 early release subject.  The West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force is based out of the Arcadia Police Department and the primary focus of the team is AB 109 compliance. The team is led by a Pasadena PD Sergeant and has assigned Detectives from Arcadia PD, El Monte PD, Monrovia PD, Monterey Park PD, Pasadena PD, and South Pasadena PD. Other participating agencies include the Alhambra PD, Montebello PD, and San Gabriel PD. Costs associated for the team are offset by contributions from the State for an AB 109 enforcement program approved in the State budget.

Fraud Suspects Identified 
In September, a fraud case was assigned to a Detective regarding a victim who had purchased a car on Craig’s List using “money packs”. The car was determined to belong to another person and was not actually for sale. The thieves took the money and disappeared. The suspects were determined to be from the state of Georgia. The detective assigned the case contacted a detective in the jurisdiction of Georgia and they provided assistance on the case. The suspects were identified and were known to have a history of similar crimes. A case was generated in Georgia and the two suspects, a male and a female, are now wanted in Georgia. This case is a great example of collaborative effort by two hard working detectives who work at opposite ends of our country.
 

AeroVironment Introduces New Car Charger | Holden Introduces Grease Bill | First Presbyterian Switching Denominations

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment has a new palm-sized electric car charging product that reduces costs, requires no installation and operates on either 120 or 240 volts. http://goo.gl/3ayLR7

~ Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, has introduced AB 1566 to combat the growing incidences of kitchen grease theft, which is stolen to make biodiesel to fuel cars and trucks. His bill would increase the penalties for companies which do not keep proper records to help identify thieves. Source: Holden press release

~ First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia has announced on its website that it is "requesting to transfer our affiliation to ECO: The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians." It has been part of the Presbyterian Church, USA. http://goo.gl/XqiZrU

- Brad Haugaard

Rain Today? | Senior Scammed | Fellowship Monrovia Birthday Video | STAAR Gets New Board Member

~ There's a 30 percent chance of rain today and 20 percent tomorrow. http://goo.gl/UKJcAc

~ Monrovia senior tricked out of $9,500. http://goo.gl/ndcVQ7

~ A video recap of Fellowship Monrovia for its second birthday ( http://goo.gl/BX6sSo ). Also, I understand that the church is opening a branch church in Ecuador as part of an effort to combat human trafficking.

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical, which makes implantable lenses for the eye, has appointed Kathryn Tunstall to its Board of Directors. Tunstall has nearly 40 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. http://goo.gl/hkLs7B

- Brad Haugaard

Booklet Published About Monrovia Hillside Preserve

New booklet published about Monrovia's Hillside Wilderness Preserve. http://goo.gl/8gBTdi

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: New Monrovia City Manager?

At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Monrovia City Council will consider in closed session this item: "Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code §54957: City Manager[.]" Sounds like the council may have a new city manager. http://goo.gl/HOnhhR

During the open part of its meeting, the council will ...

~ Proclaim February as "Black History Month" and honor former mayor, councilmember, city clerk, and city treasurer Patricia Ostrye on her 90th birthday.

~ Hear the annual report by Police Chief Jim Hunt on Operation Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Injunction.

- Brad Haugaard

Hundreds of Patch Employees Laid Off

No word on how it will affect the Monrovia Patch news website yet, but according to a report on the journalism web site, JimRomenesko.com, "hundreds" and possibly "two-thirds" of Patch editorial staff have been laid off ( http://goo.gl/C2AZsg ).

According to a report by Fox Business News, only about 50 journalists remain to handle the 900 Patch websites. http://goo.gl/ioDB9l

- Brad Haugaard

Seminar at Monrovia Library on Getting Funding Through Kickstarter

If you want to be a filmmaker, have an idea for a great invention, or need help starting a business, you might want to consider the funding website, KickStarter. There is a seminar at the Monrovia Library Community Room Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on how to use it.

- Brad Haugaard

Fog In the Valley this Morning?

The National Weather Service warns of "dense fog" this morning until 9 a.m. in the San Gabriel Valley. Maybe, though I didn't see any fog when I went out this morning. http://goo.gl/VoI53E

- Brad Haugaard

Drone Made by Monrovia's AeroVironment in Action in Persian Gulf

Video by Stars and Stripes (military newspaper) showing the Puma drone, made by Monrovia's AeroVironment, in action in the Persian Gulf. http://goo.gl/aTlDhr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Latest Historic Landmark House

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group's newsletter highlights this house, the latest to receive historic landmark status. It is a 3,000+ squaree foot Spanish Colonial Revival home on a 40,000+ square foot lot at 505 N. Alta Vista Ave., built in 1926.
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Assemblyman Wants Vets to Help Run Community Colleges

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, is proposing legislation to give veterans a stronger voice in college leadership. AB 1557 increases the number of voting members on the Board of Governors at the California Community College system by adding two new members - both reserved for veterans.

Source: Holden press release

Comment: I'm a veteran who attended college after serving and I'm baffled by this. Do grocery stores also need veterans on their boards to help returning vets? How about city planning departments? A solution in search of a problem.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Police Blow Up Old Japanese Mortar Round; Honking and Light-Flashing Under the Influence; Stealing Copper

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 23-26. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft – Suspects Arrested
January 23 at 9:54 a.m., a resident from the 300 block of Genoa called police to report someone had cut his copper pipes and stolen his backflow valve.  An officer responding to the location observed a suspicious vehicle on Magnolia with two male subjects in it.  He could see copper pipe sticking out of the bed of the truck.  He pulled over and ran the license plate as the vehicle passed him.  The registration was expired.  He stopped the vehicle for the expired registration at Evergreen and Myrtle.

The officer approached the vehicle and observed freshly cut copper pipes, valves, and cutting tools in the bed of the truck.  The passenger admitted to cutting the pipes and taking the valves at two locations and said the driver took pipes from two other locations.  The suspects were arrested and taken into custody for grand theft and conspiracy.  The officer located the three additional victims, two were businesses in the 400 block of West Huntington, and the third victim was located in the 1100 block of South Magnolia.

Receiving and Disposal of Mortar Munition
January 23 at 2:50 p.m., an elderly male subject was helping his 92-year-old female neighbor clean up her garage.  He found a Japanese mortar munition in a cigar box and brought it to the police station.  The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Arson and Explosive Team was requested.  They responded and safely transported the mortar to a park in the 600 block of South Shamrock, where they dug a hole in the ground and safely detonated it, rendering it safe.  

Grand Theft
January 23 at 3:12 p.m., a theft was reported in the 300 block of North Primrose.  The victim called to report his gardening equipment stolen out of the bed of his truck.  The victim saw an older, white Jeep Cherokee occupied by two subjects pull up next to his truck 15-20 minutes before he discovered the theft, but is not sure they were involved in the theft.  The investigation is continuing.

Robbery
January 23 at 4:16 p.m., a male subject called police and reported he had been robbed at a fast food restaurant in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The suspect approached the victim and asked for money, while pointing a gun at him.  The victim gave the suspect his money.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a shaved head, black shirt, black pants and black shoes, wearing a stocking over his face.  The victim reported that a second suspect was involved.  The second suspect is described as a male Hispanic with a mustache, wearing a white shirt and blue pants.  Both suspects are in their 30’s.  The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Robbery
January 23 at 9:05 p.m., police responded to the report of an attempt robbery.  A 12-year-old male was skateboarding in the 200 block of West Colorado when he was approached by the suspect.  The suspect asked the victim if he could look at his skateboard.  The victim, initially, thought he knew the suspect.  As he approached, he realized he did not know the suspect, and the victim refused to let the suspect have the skateboard.  The suspect took out a knife and demanded the skateboard.  The victim struck the suspect with the skateboard and ran home.  His mother called the police.  Patrol officers searched the area, along with the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, but were unable to locate a suspect.  The investigation is continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 7:15 p.m., police responded to the 900 block of West Huntington on the report of an assault.  The suspect was reportedly sitting in his car in the parking lot with his vehicle door open and the victim was parked next to him.  The victim asked the suspect to close his door so his passenger could get in the car.  After helping his passenger get in, the victim passed the door again and the suspect, intentionally, opened the door, striking the victim.  The victim told the suspect he was going to call the police.

As victim walked to the rear of the suspect's vehicle to take a picture of the suspect's license plate, the suspect backed up and struck the victim, knocking him to the ground.  The suspect fled, but was located by police and arrested.  During the inventory search, prior to towing the vehicle, a large quantity of methamphetamine, several hundred pills and a scale were found in the vehicle.  The suspect was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance for sales.

Vehicle Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
January 24 at 8:10 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle following at an unsafe distance to the vehicle next to him at Highway Esplande and Huntington.  The suspect was honking the horn and flashing its lights at the other vehicle.  When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled and drove to the 1200 block of Alta Vista and into a carport area.  The officer went in pursuit of the vehicle.  The suspect was taken into custody and arrested.  The suspect was determined to be driving under the influence.

Grand Theft Auto / Vehicle Recovery
January 25 at 7:50 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain.  The victim parked and locked his 1996 Nissan truck in the parking lot, and when he returned the truck, it was gone.  During this report, the officers recovered a stolen vehicle from the same parking lot.  The vehicle had been stolen from Baldwin Park.  This vehicle was the same type as the one just stolen.  The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 26 at 8:04 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 300 block of West Lemon was flagged down by the victim of a grand theft auto.  The victim reported his vehicle had been stolen sometime overnight.  It had been parked and secured in the alley behind the residence.  There were no signs of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
January 26 at 11:11 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Duarte Road.  The victim parked and secured his vehicle the evening before.  When he returned the next morning, he saw the vehicle had a broken window and had been burglarized.  The investigation is continuing.

More On Pro Wrestling in Monrovia

On Saturday Feb. 1, Quintessential Pro Wrestling presents Well Worth the Wait at the Monrovia Masonic Center (204 West Foothill Blvd.). Bell time is 8 p.m., with tickets ($20) at the door.

The promotion, which launched in Monrovia last year, aims to present the best independent pro wrestling in America in intimate venues at an affordable rate. "We feel like we have a tremendous opportunity to give back to the wrestling community, and grow the business in Southern California" says promoter, Alan Denkenson; a Las Vegas resident with strong ties to the area. "We have an incredible card, featuring many unique match-ups, which should reward life-long passionate fans, while also introducing new or unfamiliar viewers to the best parts of the business. There's something for everyone, and we're here to create something special".

Denkenson's comments aren't unfounded. The show features former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Kendrick, renowned TNA alumni Joey Ryan, former Ring of Honor Champion Kevin Steen, current Ring Of Honor Tag Team Champion Kyle O'Reilly, and Cheerleader Melissa; recently ranked as the best female wrestler in the world by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

"We want to show people that the most exciting wrestling in the world isn't found on the USA Network on Monday nights at 6 p.. It's found in auditoriums, high school gyms and legion halls, as young, hungry athletes establish their names, build a fanbase and live their passion", says QPW spokesman Andy Roy. "Many of the current WWE superstars like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, the Shield, and even John Cena, came up performing on independent shows in small venues in Southern California. This is a chance for people to see the next generation of stars before the rest of the world".

Additional information can be found on Twitter (@QProWrestling) and at Facebook.com/QuintessentialProWrestling. The promotion will also be hosting an "Eat and Greet" with its wrestlers before the show. Details on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Quintessential Pro Wrestling press release

- Brad Haugaard