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Bone Marrow Match Test at Monrovia High

Vicki Barstow, 45-year-old wife and mother of two Monrovia High students, writes to say that she has Acute Myeloid Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant, but needs a match. There will be a bone marrow test sponsored by "Be the Match," this Friday, Oct. 17, at the homecoming game at Monrovia High School from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The donor test (you must be 18-44) is an easy mouth swab. Details: http://goo.gl/4ibTS7

- Brad Haugaard

What 'National Monument' Designation Means for Monrovia

This fact sheet from the White House (http://goo.gl/38pjPb) gives a bit of detail on what it means that a big chunk of the San Gabriel Mountains is now a national monument. Here are a few points I find interesting for Monrovia:

- There is a map that is way too small to study detail, but it seems to show that the southern border of the monument is along Rincon Road, which is an east-west crestline dirt road several miles above the north edge of Monrovia.

- I had thought national monuments were all administered by the Park Service, but apparently they can be administered by a variety of federal agencies, and this one will be administered by the Forest Service, as it is now.

- Various charitable organizations have pledged about $3.5 million for the monument area.

Comment: Honestly, I'm not really sure what has changed. As part of the National Forest, all the things that will be protected now were protected before, and there doesn't seem to be a dime more in federal funds as a result of this (though it's nice some charities are chipping in), and the Forest Service, which was in charge before, is still in charge.

- Brad Haugaard

How to Lay Train Track - Gold Line Construction Video

To celebrate the near completion of track-laying for the Gold Line to Azusa, the Gold Line folks have released a video documenting the construction of the line. Gives a nice glimpse into the technical details of laying track ... in case you ever need to know ;-). http://goo.gl/lYPQiP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's World Vision Partners with Grundfos to Provide 2 Million with Clean Water

Monrovia's Christian relief and development agency, World Vision, is partnering with Grundfos, the world's leading pump manufacturer, to provide clean water to 2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. World Vision is the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world. http://goo.gl/AgChJC

- Brad Haugaard

Opera Animata Opens Second Season in Monrovia

UPDATE: Canceled. 

Opera Animata kicks off a new season on Oct. 17-18 with a madcap mix of arias and antics spoofing the beauty pageant scene. Performances start at 8 p.m. in Swan Hall at St. Luke's Church in Monrovia. In a world where opportunities for classical singers are few, five female opera singers compete in a beauty pageant in hopes of advancing their careers. When the contestants are tested by a disgruntled accompanist, capricious judges, and fiendish backstage workers, they must persevere or go back to searching the Gigs section of Craigslist. Presale tickets $25 at http://operaanimata.ticketleap.com and at the door for $30. Student/senior tickets for $20. For more information visit http://www.operaanimata.com. Source: press release.

- Brad Haugaard

Haunted Hikes Gone for Good? | 'Geo Listening' to Monrovia High Students | Taste of Old Town

~ Gem City Images says the Haunted Hikes in Monrovia Canyon Park have been cancelled and appear to be dead for good. http://goo.gl/e43ywM

~ Monrovia High implements "Geo Listening," monitoring students' postings on public media: http://goo.gl/xKsGxt

~ Taste of Old Town Monrovia October 19 in Old Town from 5-8 p.m. Advance Tickets $50; $60 at the door. Food and spirits from more than 40 vendors, plus live music.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Takes the Whole Cash Register; Texting While Driving? Peeing on People; Lost and Found; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 9-12 . - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Armed Robbery 
On October 9 at 3:36 p.m., an armed robbery occurred at a business in the 400 block of West Foothill. The suspect entered the business, brandished a knife and demanded money from the register. The suspect began hitting the register in an attempt to open it. When the register did not open, he grabbed it and ripped it away from the counter. He then ran west from the location. An extensive search was made for the suspect and items from the register were found discarded in the 700 block of West Foothill. The suspect was not located. The suspect is described as a male African American, approximately 6'5" tall, medium build, wearing multiple layers of clothing and gloves. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle 
On October 10 at 8:06 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of South Primrose. The victim parked her white Toyota Camry in her carport the day before. When she returned to her vehicle in the morning, the car was gone. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered 
On October 10 at 2:41 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the 900 block of West Walnut. The registered owner was contacted and the vehicle was released to the owner. The investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested 
On October 10 at 10:02 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of West Colorado to a hit and run traffic collision where the suspect had hit a fence on a property. The officer arrived within minutes and stopped the suspect vehicle as it was attempting to leave the scene; the driver was detained. The suspect and his vehicle were positively identified and he was arrested. Although a fence was damaged in front of the residence, the house did not sustain any structural damage and no injuries were reported. There was no evidence of the suspect being under the influence of drugs or alcohol; the suspect was believed to have been texting on his cell phone just prior to the collision.

Battery with Urine / Urinating in Public / Resisting a Peace Officer by Means of Threats or Violence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 13 at 10:19 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle regarding a subject causing a disturbance. The suspect was intoxicated and intentionally urinated on two female victims that were seated at an outdoor patio table. When the officer approached, the suspect kicked the officer and threatened to kill him. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The officer was not injured as a result of being kicked by the suspect.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested 
On October 10 at 11:55 a.m., a disturbance was reported in the 800 block of West Walnut. An officer arrived and saw a subject throw an object down on the ground. Further investigation revealed the object was a methamphetamine pipe. The officer arrested the suspect for possession of the pipe.

Public Intoxication / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested 
On October 11 at 2:11 a.m., an intoxicated subject entered the police lobby with a bloody lip and claimed he was the victim of an assault that occurred near a night club in the 300 block of South Myrtle. Further investigation revealed he was involved in a fight with his friend in the 100 block of East Lime. The officer located the friend near the front of the police station. The friend was also intoxicated and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Critical Missing Person Located 
On October 11 at 3:20 p.m., the family of a fifteen-year-old, autistic boy contacted Monrovia Park Rangers about their son being missing. Their son was hiking with a group when he ran ahead to a trailhead where they were going to have lunch and went missing. He was dressed in light clothing with a hat and backpack. He had several bottles of water and some snacks, but did not have a cell phone and was not familiar with the area. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter was immediately dispatched to the area and Sierra Madre Search and Rescue was contacted. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue located the boy about two miles from the location he was last seen. His parents were brought to him, and he was checked by paramedics and determined to be in good condition.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 12 at 1:53 a.m., an officer was on patrol near the intersection of Myrtle and Lemon when he stopped a motorist for a traffic violation. The motorist was determined to be under the influence of alcohol; the driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Gold Line Track Laying Should be Complete Later this Month

The Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa is on schedule to complete laying all 28 miles of light rail track needed for the 11.5-mile project. There will be a Track Completion Ceremony Oct. 18 to commemorate this achievement. Source: Gold Line Construction Authority press release

- Brad Haugaard

Will Aztec Hotel Reopen in 2015? Halloween Activities

~ Will the historic Aztec Hotel reopen next year? Also, some history of recent complications regarding the hotel. http://goo.gl/zMfcuL

~ Halloween activities in Library Park, Friday, Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m. Costume contest and parade, dog costume contest, library stories, toddler area, activity booths, arts and crafts, parachute games, photo booths. Also, trick-or-treat in Old Town, 5-7 p.m. http://goo.gl/IfMRKd

~ Mayflower PTA is sponsoring a Fall Film Festival, Oct. 25, 4-8 p.m. Games, food, face painting, costume contest, pumpkins, movie and cake walk. At Mayflower School, 210 N Mayflower.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Jazz Thursdays at Monrovia's Doubletree Hotel

Drummer and leader of the jazz band, Martini Five-O, David Walker, writes to say the band plays a free concert every Thursday, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Monrovia. He says: "Our repertoire focuses on classic jazz standards from The Great American Songbook. The concert series at the Doubletree (which started in July and will continue indefinitely) is called 'Standards Under the Stars' (it takes place outdoors, near the pool and fireplace). The band is also putting on free jazz concerts at the Doubletree on Halloween and on the day of the Breeders Cup (10/31 and 11/01).

- Brad Haugaard

Boy Lost in Monrovia Canyon Park Found Safe

A young teen boy with autism who had been lost in Monrovia Canyon Park has been found safe.

- Brad Haugaard

Art, Music and Books in Monrovia's Library Park

Art and books for sale in Library Park, today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Picked up a paperback for 50 cents.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over San Marino in Football

Monrovia over San Marino in football, 48-42. Full story here.

- Brad Haugaard

Six Old Homes to be Demolished? | Books and Art | Junk Drive for Centre Stage

~ Monrovia Historic Preservation Group is concerned that at the next Historic Preservation Commission are applications for the demolition of six pre-1940s homes. http://goo.gl/VQbsVH

~ Friends of the Monrovia Library Annual Book Sale, and Arts Event at the Library and Library Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday. Celebrate the arts with work by local artists, including Rick Kess; live art demonstrations, live music; outdoor dining and food trucks.

~ Junk Drive to benefit Centre Stage non-profit theater company. Donate household items, clothing, toys, etc. to Goodwill this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Donation point is Monrovia Presbyterian Church, Foothill and Myrtle. Donations are tax-deductible. Items will go to Goodwill Industries, which will in turn provide funds to Centre Stage for its 2015 season.

- Brad Haugaard

Obama Names San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument

Obama has named the San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument today. http://goo.gl/G4ri4r

Comment: As I said before, I'm not so much upset at the mountains being made a national monument as I am upset that there seemed to be almost no information disseminated about what the designation would mean, and therefore no opportunity to comment intelligently about it. Oh well, I guess we will find out now.

Also, I was curious about an advocacy group called San Gabriel Mountains Forever that has been quoted in the LA Times, Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Wall Street Journal and other media (see Google News results: http://goo.gl/Vvur0S ). I looked up the domain name, sangabrielmountains.org, on whois.ws (see it here: http://goo.gl/P8PGpX ), and it turns out it is registered to Campaign for America's W[ilderness] based in Washington D.C., and now part of the Pew Charitable Funds.

So no, it may have appeared to be so, but it is not a local group.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at The Burger Shack

Lunch at The Burger Shack at Foothill and Madison yesterday. Got a bacon avocado burger for $5.49 and a lemonade for $1.89. Messy good. A four-napkin meal.

- Brad Haugaard

Smart Gardening Workshop in Monrovia

Smart Gardening Workshop at Recreation Park (600 S. Shamrock), Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. http://goo.gl/RjYBNk

- Brad Haugaard

Choral Company to Hold 'Supernatural Evening of Song' in Monrovia

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will hold "A Supernatural Evening of Song" on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, featuring Daemon Irrepit by Gyorgy Orban, Valley of Bones by Nick Strimple, and Sure on This Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen, plus solo and small ensemble performances by SGVCC members and staff, including Artistic Director Zanaida Robles. Proceeds benefit SGVCCs instrumentalist fund. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For tickets or make a donation, go to http://www.choralcompany.org, or mail checks, payable to "SGVCC," to 101 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Bear Seminar | Running Back Lawrence Spicer

~ There will be a free "Bears in Your Backyard" safey forum this Oct. 23 from 7-8 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room. There will be experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Monrovia Police, and Athens Services, along with Assembly member Chris Holden.

~ Feature story on Monrovia running back Lawrence Spicer. http://goo.gl/reyDPL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Woman Not On Meds; Too Many Washing Machines; Meth

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 6-8 . - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 462 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 462 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Mental Evaluation 
On October 7 at 9:14 p.m., a female subject who lives in the 300 block of North Encinitas Avenue phoned police several times to report she needed assistance. As officers were on the way, a male subject at the same location phoned to report the female subject was hitting him and his face was bleeding. He reported that the female subject is supposed to be on medication that she was not taking. When officers arrived, they observed the female being very aggressive toward the male subject. The male subject had visible injuries and was treated on scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. The female was taken to a hospital, where she was held for mental evaluation.

Battery 
On October 8 at 3:11 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 200 block of East Foothill regarding an assault that just occurred. The victim told the officer she was using numerous washing machines when another subject inside the location became confrontational with her over the amount of machines she was using. Several words were exchanged and both subjects started fist fighting. They were separated by other patrons in the business. Both subjects signed a refusal to prosecute.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspects Arrested 
On October 8 at 8:58 p.m., a manager of a business called to report a suspicious subject knocking on doors in the 900 block of South Fifth. The subject was looking for a person who had rented a room at the location. On our way to the location the subject went to the front desk and gave them the name of the person he was looking for and then he left. The name of the person given to management had rented two rooms that day and paid cash for both. Officers went to the rooms, at the request of management, to make sure everything was okay. Upon checking the first room none of the subjects were the person who had rented the room. However, two of the subjects had several items inside the room and appeared to be staying there. During our investigation we discovered a sizable amount of methamphetamine, packaging material and cash. Two subjects were arrested, one for possession of a controlled substance for sales and the other for a warrant.