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Monrovia City Council Meeting: City Manager, Track Athletes, Plastic Bag Ban

At its meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/1v61Gq ) this coming Tuesday, July 1, the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Continue the process of getting a new city manager. That'll be in closed session before the regular meeting. http://goo.gl/1v61Gq

~ Recognize Monrovia High track athletes for their achievements at 2014 CIF Championships.

~ Vote again (a "second reading," which is sort of a confirmation vote) on the plastic grocery bag prohibition it adopted at the previous meeting.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 600 Marijuana Plants Seized; Theft from Vehicles; Driving Drunk

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 23-25. - Brad Haugaard]

Comment: In reading these reports week after week, it amazes me how many people leave valuables in locked - and even unlocked - vehicles. That is really not a good idea. - Brad

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 418 service events, resulting in 78 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Non-Injury Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On June 23 at 3:21 a.m., officers responded to the area of California and Huntington regarding a hit and run traffic collision. A silver truck collided into another vehicle that was stopped for a red light. The driver and passenger of the truck got out of the vehicle and ran. Both suspects were apprehended by the officers. The driver was intoxicated, so field sobriety tests were conducted. He was arrested and taken into custody. The passenger was also arrested for 2 warrants both for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
On June 23 at 6:45 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a male subject holding a big stick, talking to himself in the area of Huntington and California. The subject was contacted and found to be in possession of uncapped hypodermic needles. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vehicle Vandalism
On June 23 at 11:12 a.m., dispatch received a call from a resident in the 100 block of Encinitas regarding a vandalized vehicle. The resident reported that one of his vehicle tires was slashed sometime on Saturday and several flower pots were broken. No suspects were seen and the victim claims no one specific is suspected. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On June 23 at 12:06 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of East Olive called to report a burglary. He parked his work truck in the driveway of his residence leaving the left driver side window down about 5 inches. An unknown suspect reached through the window, activated the garage opener and took a bag containing miscellaneous tools. A work lap top computer from inside an unlocked vehicle in the garage was also taken. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Vandalism
On June 24 at 7:42 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of South Myrtle regarding vandalism that occurred between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A light fixture on the ceiling above the front door of the business had been pulled down and thrown on the ground. The investigation is continuing

Vehicle Burglary
On June 24 at 10:05 a.m., a passerby called to report broken glass on the ground from a car window in the 900 block of West Huntington. During his investigation, the officer discovered a witness who saw two male Hispanics in a grey sedan, break the window and take luggage from a Buick, and break a window on a Toyota. The investigation is continuing.

Possession for Sales of Concentrated Cannabis and Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
On June 24 at 12:59 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol in the area of California and Cherry when he observed a suspicious male seated in a vehicle. Upon approaching the vehicle he immediately smelled a pungent odor of fresh marijuana. During the course of his investigation, he discovered a large amount of concentrated cannabis and marijuana inside of the vehicle. Also discovered were approximately 25 individually packaged items of concentrated cannabis "wax," additional baggies of marijuana and a digital scale. The suspect was arrested for sales of concentrated cannabis and marijuana.

Theft from an Unlocked Vehicle
On June 25 at 8:27 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Lime regarding a theft investigation. The victim parked his vehicle in the parking lot of his complex at approximately 11:15 p.m., but left it unlocked. Upon returning the following morning discovered his iPod, three cell phones and some cash were missing. The investigation is continuing.

Cultivation of Marijuana / Sales / Grant Theft / Conspiracy – Suspects Arrested
On June 25 at 9:33 p.m., Monrovia Special Enforcement Team with the assistance of Los Angeles Inter-agency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force, served a search warrant in the 200 block of West Cypress. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of over 600 marijuana plants, 2 pounds of dried marijuana, 2 vehicles and US currency. Three male adults were arrested and charged for cultivation, sales, grand theft, and conspiracy. Charges will be sought with the Los Angeles District Attorney.

Pets and Fireworks - Keep Your Cats and Dogs Safe

The Pasadena Humane Society, which serves Monrovia, points out that cats and dogs generally don't enjoy Fourth of July fireworks. It recommends:

- Don't take pets to watch fireworks.
- Keep pets inside during fireworks. Playing a radio may help diffuse the sound of fireworks.
- Be certain that pets' ID tags and microchip are current.
- If a pet may become extremely agitated or stressed, consult a veterinarian and discuss sedatives or overnight boarding.
- If a pet runs away, search the shelter closest to home. Many shelters post photos of the animals that come into their facility on their website. PHS' website, www.pasadenahumane.org, is updated hourly. Post signs and visit nearby shelters for at least a month. Animals can run a long way when they are badly frightened.
- If a cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for days or weeks, so leave plenty of food and fresh water outside. (Pick it up at night so unwanted wild animals aren’t attracted.) Post signs and check local and neighboring shelters in person and online; a pet’s description may fit several animals in the shelter.

Source: PHS press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Canyon Park, Preserve, Closed July 3-5

Monrovia's Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be closed July 3-5 in anticipation of high fire danger. http://goo.gl/FpMZLb

- Brad Haugaard

When Will Monrovia Dog License Renewals Go Out?

A reader wonders what is happening with dog license renewals now that animal control has been transferred from the city to the Pasadena Humane Society: "Here it is June 23rd and nothing has been mailed out, at least we didn't get anything, about renewing our dog's license."

I asked Alexis Bakofsky, at the Monrovia City Hall. She responds:

"Pasadena Humane Society will be sending out the renewal for dog licenses. We don't have an exact date yet for the mailing, but residents can call PHS at (626) 792-7151. Or if they know they are due they can go there to pay or they can drop off a check or money order at the PD and PHS has an agent pick up payments once a week."

- Brad Haugaard

Kid Movies at Monrovia's Krikorian Theater

Movies for kids at the Krikorian, Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Details: http://goo.gl/cPpc6C

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shooting; Drunk Driving; Carport Fire

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On June 21 at 2:10 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 400 block of East Cherry. During the stop it was determined the driver had been drinking. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Structure Fire
On June 21 at 8:45 a.m., officers responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of West Duarte. A vehicle caught fire in the carport area of a large apartment complex. The vehicle fire lit the carport on fire which ultimately damaged 6 vehicles. The fire was handled by Monrovia Fire Department and the evacuations were completed by Monrovia Police Department patrol staff. No residential structures were involved and there were no injuries. Monrovia Fire Department is investigating the origin of the fire. No foul play is suspected.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On June 22 at 3:14 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Myrtle and Benrud. During the stop it was determined the driver had been drinking. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Shooting at a Inhabited Dwelling
On June 22 at 4:19 a.m., a resident called to report the sound of a single shot being fired in the 500 block of East Cherry. When officers arrived, they located a residence with a single gunshot hole through the front door. The round went through the door and struck a kitchen appliance. Nearby residents heard the gunshot, but could not determine where the shot came from. No one inside was injured.Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Possession of an Open Alcohol

Container / Suspended License – Suspect Arrested
On June 22 at 8:06 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle failing to stop for a red light in the area of Myrtle and Longden. The vehicle was stopped and it was apparent the driver had been drinking alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of an open alcohol container in the vehicle and driving with a suspended license. The suspect’s license was suspended due to two previous driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Register for Monrovia MAP Conference

Registration is now OPEN for the 5th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference, hosted by the City of Monrovia Neighborhood Services Division. The Conference will be held Saturday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Monrovia High School Event Center, 845 W. Colorado Blvd. (enter on Madison Ave).

This popular, annual event is open to residents in and out of Monrovia, and participants are encouraged to register early. At the Conference, participants will enjoy free food, entertainment, workshops and small group discussions with other residents, community leaders, city staff and local officials. This event is free, fun and a great way for Monrovia and area residents to learn more about getting involved in the community.

The Conference includes workshops such as: - Resume Builder - The Shaping of Station Square - Taking PLAY Seriously - Immigration Outlook - Therapy Dogs - Save Money, Save the Earth and more

To find out more or register for the Conference, visit www.cityofmonrovia.org, call (626) 932-5563 or e-mail map@ci.monrovia.ca.us

Those interested in the event can register for classes by visiting www.cityofmonrovia.org, Monrovia City Hall, Community Center, or the Monrovia Public Library. For more information, you can also call Neighborhood Services Staff at 932-5563.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Xpress Car Wash Now Open in Monrovia


The Xpress car wash is now open in Monrovia. It's on Huntington almost across from Target.

- Brad Haugaard

Art Walk in Old Monrovia

Art Walk - art and music - sponsored by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. June 29, July 27, and August 31, 7-10 p.m. on Myrtle in Old Town. http://goo.gl/yPt1h4

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Segil Fine Art Gallery Moving to Washington

Laura Segil, owner of Monrovia's Segil Fine Art painting gallery, has announced she and her husband are moving with their gallery to Port Angeles, Washington. She writes:

"Thank you for 10 wonderful years on Lime Avenue in Monrovia! You have helped us grow and become a successful art gallery during some challenging economic times. Now, it's time for a change and we are making it in a big way! My husband, Bill and I have purchased a gorgeous Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, Washington on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula named Sea Cliff Gardens and the gallery will be part of the B&B."

Comment: Monrovia's loss. I've been there many times to enjoy the really excellent paintings by local artists. But I also compared them with my own paintings, and, well, I often joked that I had come in the gallery to be discouraged. Definitely kept me humble. Bon voyage!

- Brad Haugaard

New Monrovia Coffee Shop Planned on Myrtle

A new coffee shop, called Eureka Coffee Lounge, is planning to open at 415 S. Myrtle. That's a door or two down from Sena, on the west side of the street. I wandered by today and it looks as if it may be some time before opening. http://goo.gl/Tw14he

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Care Class at Monrovia Library Park

4th of July is loud and scary for pets! It's the day/night of the year when a lot of pets are so frightened, they bolt.

Romping Dogs Dog Training and Two Dogs Petsitting have gathered local pet care experts for the first ever Pet Safety Fair in Monrovia!

Bring your well-behaved pets (no lunging, excessive barking, growling allowed) and have Family Dog and Cat Hospital, Pasadena Humane Society, or Best Friends Animal Hospital scan them for their microchip. Best Friends is also offering low cost microchips on site!

Learn how to handle basic pet emergencies from Denise Fleck of Sunny Dog Inc. Learn about car ride safety and travel safety from Two Dogs Petsitting! Romping Dogs Dog Training will teach you how to teach your dog what to do when emergency personnel come to the house or during a house fire or fireworks. The Dog Zone will have Thundershirts and Kongs to assist in keeping your dog calm and occupied during fireworks displays. Wonder Dog Ranch can tell you all about their Fireworks Camp at their boarding facility for the dogs who need to be out of the home on 4th of July!

Lots of vendors, dog games/contests, and plenty of pet experts on hand to answer any and all pet safety questions! Let's work together to keep our community pets healthy and safe :-)

All proceeds will benefit the Emma Zen Foundation. EZF donates pet oxygen masks to first responders all over the world!

If you'd like to be a vendor or donate to our raffles, there's still time. Contact info@petsafetyfair.org and check out the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/petsafetyfairs

Admission is free! The event is at Library Park (fountain side) from 10am-1pm on Sunday, June 29. Pet safety talks by local experts will be from 11am-12pm

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Fighters Extinguish Blaze on Duarte Road | Monrovia's Gillespie Athlete of Year

~ Monrovia firefighters extinguish a multi-vehicle blaze in a parking area on Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/38ZYRB

~ Monrovia's Cravon Gillespie is field athlete of the year. Also, Mike Knowles and Randy Hare, coaches of the year. http://goo.gl/haZG06

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board: Raise Lunch Price 25 Cents; Etc.

At its June 25 board meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/hrRQr4 ), the Monrovia School Board will consider ...

- Approving a twenty-five cent increase for the paid lunch rate beginning with the 2014-15 school year. http://goo.gl/1lMOC8

- Adopting a budget for 2014-15.

- Adopting various regulations permitting shuffling around of money.

- Setting salary levels for various employees.

- Accepting $100,000 from a contractor to settle a dispute over construction work. http://goo.gl/QBV1Bc

- Setting five district goals: 1. Learning for all students; 2. Safe, orderly, positive learning environments; 3. quality staff providing quality service; 4. School/home/community partnerships and communication; 5. Acquisition and allocation of resources to meet goals 1-4. http://goo.gl/5CvHXR

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine

Lunch at Max's Mexican Cuisine, on Huntington across from Target. Yes, it is actually in Monrovia. Got a taco and enchilada combo ($8.95) and a beer. ($6). Really fast and efficient service. Very good, fresh food. Liked it!

- Brad Haugaard

Harley Fundraiser for Monrovia's Relay for Life

San Gabriel Valley Harley Owners Group/Black Sheep Division will hold a fundraiser hosted by Monrovia Relay for Life's "Team Big Mike" on Saturday, June 28, at 5 p.m. BBQ, five bingo games and a big-screen showing of a hit movie (PG13 or lower). 28566 Santa Caterina Road in Saugus. $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. RSVP to shaabanx3@sbcgllobal.net. http://goo.gl/4d1nJP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Mental Evaluations; Drugs; Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 383 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Welfare Check / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Marijuana – Suspect Arrested
On June 16 at 12:47 p.m., police received a call reporting a dark gray Toyota Prius with paper plates stopped on the southwest corner of Heliotrope and Lime, with the driver slumped over the wheel and the brake lights on. Officers responded and determined the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance. When officers contacted him, he had a pipe for smoking methamphetamine in his hand and marijuana was found in his vehicle. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Mental Evaluation
On June 16 at 1:14 p.m., a 16-year-old male subject who lives at a group home in the 900 block of West Olive was in a verbal altercation with another subject and punched a wall, hurting his hand. He was taken to a hospital by the on-site keeper. Later that day, police received a call reporting the subject was attempting suicide. He had climbed on top of a chair that he had placed on a pool table and had a sheet. When officers arrived, he denied any suicide attempt. He does not like where he has been placed. He was taken to a hospital for mental evaluation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
On June 17 at 4:13 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Highway Esplanade and Chestnut regarding an intoxicated subject. An officer arrived and located the subject, who was breathing, but was not responsive. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics checked the subject. He was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for being drunk in public.

Residential Burglary
On June 17 at 9:16 p.m., a burglary was reported in then 500 block of Valmont. The victim arrived home and found his front door, rear window and back door open. The home had been ransacked and jewelry was missing. The occurrence time is believed to be between 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The investigation is continuing.

72 Hours Mental Evaluation
On June 17 at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Palm on the report of a family disturbance. The female caller was crying on the telephone and told the dispatcher her husband was acting bizarre and was in possession of a handgun. When officers arrived, the female subject was waiting outside. The subject was inside the house with their two small children. Officers directed personnel around the perimeter of the residence. The dispatcher called the residence in an effort to facilitate a welfare check on the children. The subject refused all suggestions and would not cooperate, and he also admitted that he was armed with a gun. A police sergeant was able to contact the subject and began negotiated with him on the telephone. The subject eventually agreed to put the gun down and go to the door to speak with officers. As officers approached the front door, the suspect began to slowly retreat back into the residence. Fearing for the safety of the children, the officers subdued the subject and detained him without further incident. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the kitchen counter. The magazine for the weapon was found nearby and was loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. The children were unharmed. The subject was determined to be a danger to himself and others, and was taken to a mental facility, where he would be held for a 72-hour mental evaluation. The weapon was seized.

Krikorian Theater in Chevy Ad | UFO Over Monrovia?

~ Monrovia's Krikorian Theater featured in a Chevy Cruze commercial, in Spanish. http://goo.gl/XFo4EL

~ UFO over Monrovia? Bright, white, and ping pong ball-ish. http://goo.gl/EFtqrv

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Education Bill Approved by Committee

Assembly Bill 1451, by Assemblymember Chris Holden - who represents Monrovia - has been unanimously approved in the Senate Education Committee. The bill encourages school districts and community colleges to enter into partnerships to let high school students take college courses or career tech classes. Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard