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Monrovia's CODA Energy Gets UL Approval on Energy Storage System

CODA Energy, of Monrovia, has just received Underwriters Lab certification for its CODA 40kWh high-voltage system, which it says is "the first commercial scale energy storage system specifically targeted for behind-the-meter use to be subjected to UL 1973 and pass." http://goo.gl/Gy3fVj

- Brad Haugaard

Who Wouldn't Want a Trader Joe's? Portland | World Vision Helping Indonesia

~ I thought everybody wanted a Trader Joe's in their neighborhood. Well, not so for some folks in Portland, who persuaded the Monrovia-based grocery chain not to open a new store on an empty lot. Why? It would be "gentrification" ( http://goo.gl/OJKZ0w ). Comment: Sigh. If people move out of a poor part of town they are baaaad people because they are "abandoning the city." If they move back into town they are baaaad people because they are "gentrifying" the city. Sometimes you can't win.

~ Monrovia-based World Vision reports that multiple disasters in Indonesia, including flooding and a volcanic eruption, are making it difficult to scale up its relief efforts. http://goo.gl/VM5JNU

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Founder was a Redhead

Who was Monrovia founder William Monroe? Civil War vet, schoolteacher... and a redhead. More here: http://goo.gl/smIpPE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stealing Power for Hydroponic Marijuana; Armed Robbery, Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 30-February 2. - Brad Haugaard]
 
Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 30 at 4:09 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a male subject at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle who he knew had an outstanding warrant.  As the officer walked toward the subject to contact him, the subject tossed his backpack behind him.  The officer saw what appeared to be a handgun behind the subject.  The officer drew his weapon and detained the subject and others near him.  The handgun turned out to be a BB gun.  The subject was arrested for his outstanding warrant.

Narcotics Search Warrant – Suspects Arrested
The Monrovia Police Department Special Enforcement Team was conducting a narcotics investigation and information led them to a location in North Hills, California.  On January 31, Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team with the assistance of the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT) served a narcotics search warrant at an address in the 15000 block of Lassen in North Hills, California.  At 7:10 a.m., LA IMPACT safely served the search warrant and Monrovia’s Special Enforcement Team conducted the investigation.

The investigation uncovered a working hydroponic marijuana grow house which included three rooms with sophisticated equipment and 244 plants.  Inside the living area of the house, $1,800 and approximately 11 pounds of dried marijuana was seized.  Since it appeared the suspects were stealing power by bypassing the electrical box, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power investigators were notified.  They responded to the location and confirmed the theft of electricity.

Two adults, one male and one female, were arrested and taken to the Monrovia Police Department, where they were booked and charged for cultivation, possession of marijuana for sales and grand theft.  As the theft of electricity being investigated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is ongoing, police released the two suspects, pending further investigation.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 31 at 9:33 a.m., Monrovia officers assisted the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force in conducting an address verification and compliance check on an individual that resides in the 700 block of West Foothill.  The subject was located and arrested for a parole violation warrant.  He was booked and then taken to county jail.

Commercial Robbery
February 2 at 10:15 p.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 300 block of West Huntington.  Two suspects tried to enter a store on Huntington, but the front door was locked and the store staff would not open the door.  The two suspects then walked across Alta Vista to another business and both suspects entered the store.  One of the suspects showed a semi-automatic weapon and demanded money.  The employee complied and gave money to the suspect.  The same suspect then ordered the employee and a customer to the back of the store.  Both suspects then fled the location in an unknown direction.  The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia State of the City Speech | Black History Month | City Manager | Aztec Hotel | Etc.

~ If you want to attend the Mayor's State of the City address at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Krikorian, call City Hall at 932-5550 x1401 for reservations.

~ Events for Black History Month: http://goo.gl/Wwn2n6

~ Related to Black History Month, unofficial Monrovia Historian, Steve Baker, reports that Monrovia's Shiloh AME Zion Church, (1023 S. Canyon Blvd.) was founded by black immigrants from South Carolina who came here to work on Lucky Baldwin's ranch before Monrovia was a city. He said the church just celebrated its 129th anniversary. Monrovia, he said, was diverse from the start.

~ City Council member Becky Shevlin reports that Monrovia should have a new city manager by mid to late February.

~ Interested in the inside of the Aztec Hotel? Jim Wigdon, of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, reports that it will be on the group's Mothers Day Homes Tour.

~ Monrovia Providers Group is sponsoring a Valentine "Bubbles & Truffles" - a wine and chocolate evening - on Feb. 7 to benefit seniors in Monrovia and nearby communities. Details: 358-2569.

~ A new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) series at the Library for school-age children. This session on Sun and Stars. Details: 256-8274.

~ Foothill Unity Center, which provides food for low-income people, is holding a Fabulous 50's fundraiser, Saturday, April 26. Details at http://foothillunitycenter.org

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Maryknoll Card Party/Luncheon | Toastmasters

~ Maryknoll Guild in Monrovia is sponsoring a "Heart on Fire" luncheon/card party on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Luncheon at noon; card players may come at 10 a.m. $15 for luncheon. No charge for card playing, at Maryknoll Sisters' Center, 300 Norumbega Drive. Call 350-6205 for reservations.

~ Learn to speak and lead with Toastmasters. http://goo.gl/R9Mm5d

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Card Catalog Link Added to MonroviaNow.com

I don't know if you noticed, but at the top of the MonroviaNow.com webpage there is a list of links to restaurants I've been to and movies at the Krikorian. Now I've just added a link to the Monrovia Library card catalog. It's the same thing you see if you look up a book on the computer at the library itself, including whether the book is checked in. I just checked it for a book I want to read, and it was checked in! But I'm not going to tell you what book it is so you won't beat me to it. ;-)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's DeShawn Potts Heads for Fresno

Monrovia High football player DeShawn Potts has committed to play for Fresno State. http://goo.gl/F0P6KJ

- Brad Haugaard

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