News: brad.haugaard@gmail.com   •  Restaurants   •  Library Catalog   •  Library Activities  •  History   •  Facebook / X/Twitter / RSS

Halloween Store at Old Monrovia Albertsons

Halloween store to use old Albertsons. http://goo.gl/u9Sbni

- Brad Haugaard

State Senate Approves Monrovia Assembly Member's Truancy Legislation

The State Senate has approved legislation by Assembly member Chris Holden - who represents Monrovia - to collect more complete records on absences and intervention strategies to help identify the effectiveness of school truancy programs. AB 1672 is part of a package of measures sponsored by the Attorney General to address chronic truancy. The vote was 29 to 4. Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Ice Bucket Challenge Comes to Monrovia High

This Friday the Monrovia High "Staffulty" (staff and faculty?) is accepting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and is asking students to join them on the softball field, "and bring $5 for the pleasure of dousing your favorite teacher with a bucket of ice water." http://goo.gl/qUMVNz

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Councilman Adams Again Opposes National Recreation Area | Beer with a Latin Flavor

~ Monrovia City Councilman Tom Adams again expresses his displeasure at a National Recreation Area in mountains above Monrovia. http://goo.gl/3snRXH

~ An article about Monrovia's Pacific Plate Brewing Company. Beer with a Latin flavor. http://goo.gl/EIB8yP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Martial Arts Studio Gone



Foothill Martial Arts, at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill, has closed.

From a farewell message on the school's Facebook page: "For us, it has been an honor and a privilege to know and work with each and every one of you! Thank you, for all that you have given us."
- Brad Haugaard

Taking Out Palm Trees on Hillcrest


Crews are removing several palms along Hillcrest.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Police: Drugs and Counterfeit Money; Price Tag Switching; Dirty-Foot Burglar; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 21-24. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Suspicious Subject
On August 21 at 8:13 a.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Olive regarding a male subject in his 20's pounding on the front doors. The subject then walked into an apartment. When officers arrived, the subject ran out of the complex and into traffic; he was nearly hit by vehicles. Officer detained the subject, and further investigation revealed the subject is Autistic and had walked away from a group home in the 200 block of West Olive. It appears the subject was scared and was trying to get out of the complex. He has walked away from the home in the past.

Possession of Counterfeit Bills / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Burglary Tools / Violation of Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested
On August 21 at 7:36 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers observed a subject commit a vehicle code violation on a bicycle. A second subject was walking with him. As the officers made a u-turn and attempted to stop the bicyclist, he tried to hide behind a vehicle and the second subject ran. The bicyclist then tried to walk away from the officers. As the officers told him to stop, the subject lifted his left hand in the air and something fell to the ground. The subject was detained, and the items that fell were determined to be counterfeit $20.00 bills. The subject was found to be in possession of burglary tools, a methamphetamine pipe, altered checks, and was also in violation of the gang injunction order. He was arrested and taken into custody for numerous charges. The second suspect was not located.

Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
On August 21 at 8:00 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a shoplifter in custody. The female subject went into the business with a pair of scissors concealed in her purse. She selected two pairs of earrings and to shirts, and then entered a fitting room. She switched price tags on the shirts and cut the tags off one pair of earrings. She returned one shirt and one pair of earrings to the racks, and then paid for one shirt that she had switched tags on, making it a lesser price. She then exited the store without paying for one pair earrings and was detained by store security. Officers responded to the location, arrested the suspect and took her into custody for commercial burglary.

Commercial Burglary / Identity Theft – Suspect Arrested.
On August 21 at 8:13 p.m., a female subject entered a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. She attempted to pay by using a fraudulent Mexico Metrical Consular Identification card. It had her picture on it, but someone else's identifying information. She was detained by store security and was found to be in possession of another fraudulent Mexico Identification card. She verbally identified herself as a fictitious person. Officers responded to the location and took the suspect into custody for the above listed charges.

Commercial Burglary
On August 22 at 5:40 p.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm at a business in the 900 block of West Huntington. The suspects forced open the front door of the restaurant and kicked open the office door where the safe is located. The suspects did not attempt to get into the safe, but took cash from a register. The suspects were captured on video cameras. Both suspects were wearing hooded sweatshirts, masks, and gloves. The investigation is continuing.

Forgery / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Violation of Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested
On August 22 at 9:25 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of West Walnut regarding a suspicious person. Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect trespassing in an apartment complex laundry room, charging his cell phone. Further investigation revealed he was under the influence of a controlled substance. This suspect was the subject who ran from officers on August 21. The suspect was also found to be in possession of a stolen personal check that was forged and made payable to him. The suspect was additionally charged for violating the conditions of the City of Monrovia's gang injunction. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Commercial Burglary
On August 23 at 4:39 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 1800 block of South Mountain on a burglary alarm activation. Upon arrival, officers discovered forced entry through a front glass window. It appears the suspect(s) kicked in an interior door leading into the accounting office. The suspect(s) ransacked the location and fled undetected. Officers conducted a building search, but did not locate any suspect(s). The responsible person could not determine a loss at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspects Arrested
On August 23 at 10:58 p.m., a church in the 700 block of South Shamrock called police to report subjects trespassing. The property manager reported two suspicious subjects on the property. Officers arrived, located the suspects and arrested them for trespassing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
On August 23 at 11:09 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers contacted a female in the 300 block of West Colorado. She was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested.

Residential Burglary
On August 23 at 11:24 p.m., a resident in the 1500 block of South Fifth Avenue called to report that someone had been in their home. They left their house at 9:00 p.m. and returned at 11:00 p.m. All doors and windows were locked, except a bedroom window off the master bedroom. Upon their return, they found dusty footprints on the bed in the master bedroom. The window was closed, but the screen was now bent. The suspect appears to have entered and exited through the same window and replaced the screen. The loss is undetermined and the investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On August 24 at 11:28 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at California and Evergreen for a vehicle code violation. When the officer approached the unlicensed driver, he believed the driver was intoxicated, so field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Bill by Monrovia's Assembly Member Promoting Obama Signed by Governor

Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation today to ensure that "President Barack Obama will take his rightful place in California textbooks." The President Barack Obama Curriculum Act (AB 1912) was authored by Assembly member Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia. His press release says it "will be the first step toward acknowledging President Obama’s legacy for generations to come."

- Brad Haugaard

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia Votes to Switch Denominations

First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia, the church at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill, voted Sunday to transfer its affiliation from the Presbyterian Church USA to a new denomination called "ECO: a Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians." http://goo.gl/96x1RV

- Brad Haugaard

Video Intro to Monrovia Action on Film Fest | Building Rail Maintenance Yard

~ Video interview about opening night of Action on Film International film festival at the Krikorian. http://goo.gl/oGhQZL

~ Picture of hoists being set in place at the Gold Line maintenance yard in Monrovia: http://goo.gl/H9G9GF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Pavilions Market - And All of Vons - Being Bought by Albertsons

The Albertsons supermarket company is buying the Safeway supermarket chain, which owns Vons and Vons Pavilions. There is a rumor on the Internet that the Pavilions at Myrtle and Foothill will close. http://goo.gl/I62VL8

Comment: Hmm. I would tend to doubt Albertsons would close the market as I don't think it overlaps any Albertsons' markets, and I'm not even sure that Alberstons will change the name. I'll try to update this as I learn more.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools: Employee Agreement; Common Core; Attendance; Arts

At its regular meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/Kl7uF9 ) Aug. 27, 7 p.m., the Monrovia Board of Education will...

~ consider a tentative agreement with the Monrovia Teachers Association ( http://goo.gl/Y53en6 ) and a tentative agreement with the California School Employees Association ( http://goo.gl/sCoav7 ), both of which will get a 1.8 percent raise retroactive to July 1, 2013.

~ Consider approving a "Math Pathway" as a step to implement the California Common Core standards for secondary students ( http://goo.gl/6pq4g5 ) and curriculum materials ( http://goo.gl/MDluzy )

~ Recognize September as "Attendance Awareness Month."

~ Hear a report on the "Arts for All" program. http://goo.gl/jo4CWZ

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Noor's Indian Bistro


Lunch at Noor's Indian Bistro, near the corner of Myrtle and Foothill. Got the Chicken Tilkka Masala for $10.95 and an iced tea for $2.95. Came with a nice lettuce, cucumber and tomato side salad with a tangy dressing and naan bread. Food was very tasty but when you order it spicy - as I did - you're gonna get it spicy!

- Brad Haugaard 

KGEM Entering 13 Short Films in Monrovia's Action on Film Fest

Monrovia's KGEM cable network is entering a set of 13 films created by employees, volunteers, and students in the Action on Film International Film Festival being held Aug.22-29 at the Krikorian Theater. KGEM's films will be shown on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. They are:

The Coffee Club, a documentary film by Hanna Nielsen featuring a group of senior citizens at McDonald's in Monrovia, CA who share life lessons and discuss the future of conversation in the Internet Age.

My Krazy Ex, Pete, the bartender-shrink, shares four of his favorite Krazy Ex stories, as told by his patron-patients. These tales include real life inspired tales of krazies like Jealous Gina, Tricky Travis, Killer Katie and Jesus George. Filmed and directed by Adam Bain.

Success in the USA, The Rutilio (Rudy) Castrellon Story, profiles the life of Monrovia's favorite restaurateur from childhood immigration through the many stages and sacrifices toward his success with "Rudy"s Mexican Restaurant."
The hour version of this film will show on Sunday, August 24th at 7 PM.

Today, I Sing the Blues, a stylish music video featuring Peach and her all Star Blues Band. Filmed by Monty Rowan at a live performance at the Maui Sugar Mill and edited by Hanna Nielson.

Conversations with Ralph Walker, showcases clips from Ralph's large library of shows.

What Do You Do? Marlene Gibb highlights various entrepreneurs discussing their business passions.

Oh, The Places You'll Go, a short video produced for Homework House of Azusa. Directed by Hanna Nielson, featuring the stories of disadvantaged children and the staff dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.
 
Postcards from Edge, produced by Lance Mungia showcases Michael and Marti Perry in revealing different realities.
 
Calling Tokyo: During WWII, the U.S. government recruited Japanese Americans to participate in controversial radio propaganda broadcasts.
 
Goldline: Featuring IconicBridge Structures, Architect Andrew Lesiter, Art Center College of Design, and Pages Platform Artists Spotlights demonstrate their works for Phase II of this project.

Shaun Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: A radio contest ignites an office feud when an all-expenses paid trip to the Sundance Film Festival is on the line-but is even Sundance worth enduring an agonizing playlist of soft rock and easy listening?

Source: KGEM news release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Vehicle Tampering; Vehicle Burglary; Commercial Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 18-20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
On August 18 at 7:35 a.m., police were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of East Olive on the report of a female subject found inside the resident’s vehicle. The owner of the vehicle said tools were missing from the van, but no tools were found on the female subject or near the area where the vehicle was parked. A light was left on in the vehicle, causing the battery to drain. The suspect was arrested for vehicle tampering.

Vehicle Burglary
On August 18 at 6:36 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a hotel parking lot in the 900 block of West Huntington. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in the parking lot. When he returned to his vehicle, he found the rear seats had been stolen. There was no sign of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto Recovered
On August 20 at 4:15 p.m., police recovered a stolen vehicle from Cypress and Magnolia. The vehicle was reported stolen on August 14 from a business parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington. The investigation is continuing.Detective Bureau Follow-up

Commercial Burglary – One Count of Felony Burglary Filed Against Suspect
On May 6, 2014, officers investigated a commercial burglary at the location and recovered latent fingerprints. The prints were submitted, which identified a potential suspect who was already in custody on an unrelated case. The suspect was interviewed, but denied committing the crime. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office, and one count of felony burglary was filed.

Commercial Burglary – One Suspect Arrested
In July of 2014, two suspects who were fired from a business entered the Home Depot in the 1600 bock of South Mountain and purchased items using their former employer’s business information. The employer recognized the suspects and contacted police. Detectives drove out to the cities of Riverside and Hemet, where they interviewed one of the suspects, who admitted to the crime. He was arrested and brought to Monrovia Police Department for booking. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office and an arrest warrant was obtained for the second suspect, who remains outstanding.

About Early Monrovia Allen Allensworth

The life of Monrovian, Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth, as we near his hundredth birthday. Highest ranking African American in the military at the time, visionary and pastor of Second Baptist Church. The Monrovia Historical Museum is planning an exhibition on Allensworth. http://goo.gl/Qkp8Rl

- Brad Haugaard

Work Beginning Again on Monrovia Commercial Building


The building on Myrtle right across from the fountain in Library Park seems it has been under construction for a long time without much visible progress, so I decided to check in with helpful Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez to get an update. He writes:

"I know there have been several unexpected challenges with the building, however, they have begun working on the building again and hopefully we’ll see some progress soon.  They are doing some stucco work and a sample of the cornice was installed at the top of the building for review of the Historic Preservation Commission.

"That’s about as much as I know at this point."

- Brad Haugaard

Water Main Break in Northeast Monrovia

Water main breaks in northeast Monrovia. Residents North Canyon Drive area may experience low water pressure or water outages as a result of the break. http://goo.gl/Rx2pPA

- Brad Haugaard

More on Representative Judy Chu's Push to Make San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument

Representative Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, is urging Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to "protect the San Gabriel Mountains by designating the area a national monument." Chu says she will be speaking at a public discussion on the mountains hosted by the U.S. Forest Service on Aug. 26 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Park Performing Arts Center at 4640 N. Maine Ave., Baldwin Park.

The Monrovia City Council has gone on record, unanimously, as opposing Monrovia's inclusion in Chu's proposed National Recreation Area, which would encompass the San Gabriel Mountains, and would encroach into Monrovia.

Source: http://goo.gl/c32MEM

Meeting details: http://goo.gl/NPaON6

- Brad Haugaard

Casino Night; Mexican Food; 80s Music at Monrovia's Library Park

~ Casino Night to benefit Wounded Warrior Project, this Saturday, Aug. 23, 5-11 p.m. at C.V. Tile and Stone, 1435 S. Shamrock. Casino games, band, food and drinks. $25 donation. Information: 303-0336.

~ Fundraiser for Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center at Paco's Mexican Restaurant, 200 E. Foothill. Aug. 27, 3-9 p.m. Proceeds help low income and homeless families in San Gabriel Valley.

~ The Undercover Girls - 80s music, this Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Library Park bandshell, 7-8:30 p.m. http://goo.gl/7Qw1hG

- Brad Haugaard