Monrovia Police: Son Hits Dad in Face; Fake Gold Necklace Switch; Husband Locked Out - Wife Locked Out; Running Away to New York; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft Auto / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested 
On October 23 at 4:59 p.m., loss prevention from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called police to report a theft that had just occurred. The suspects, a male and female, took an expensive drill and other items, and fled in a vehicle with no plates. An officer observed a vehicle that matched the description in the area of Evergreen and Mountain. The vehicle was stopped without incident, and the investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen. The stolen property from the business was still in the vehicle, along with additional property that is believed to be stolen and a list of other store locations. Used hypodermic needs were also discovered. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested 
On October 23 at 7:55 p.m., officers were sent to a residence in the 600 block of West Foothill on the report of domestic battery. The male subject was determined to be the primary aggressor. He was arrested and taken into custody, where he was held pending his court appearance.

Battery – Suspect Arrested 
On October 23 at 8:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West Foothill on the report of a family disturbance. The investigation revealed the 15- year-old son was angry at his father and punched him in the face. The juvenile was arrested and taken into custody. The father sustained a minor injury to his face and declined medical treatment.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 23 at 10:50 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of California and Duarte when he observed a couple arguing in a vehicle that was stopped along the side of the road. The officer contacted the couple and found the engine was running and the driver was determined to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and later released on a citation after sobering.

Burglary / Fraud Arrest – Suspect Arrested 
On October 24, at 4:41 p.m., police responded to a business in the 600 block of South Myrtle on the report of a burglary. Two male suspects entered a pawn shop and told the employees they wanted to sell a gold necklace. The employees confirmed it was real gold and offered to buy it. Right before they exchanged the necklace for the money, the suspects said they changed their mind and no longer wanted to sell it. The suspects briefly left the store, and then returned again stating they reconsidered the offer and now wanted to sell the necklace. The suspects handed a fake gold necklace to the clerk instead of the real one. The suspects were detained by officers and arrested for burglary and theft by false pretense.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 24 at 2:04 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 100 block of West Olive when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested. The motorist was taken to the Monrovia Jail, where she was held for sobering. She was later released on a citation.

Domestic Violence Arrest – Suspect Arrested 
On October 25 at 2:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista regarding a report of domestic violence. The investigation revealed the wife locked her husband out of their apartment. The husband broke a window and climbed through it, sustaining a laceration to his arm. Upon entering the apartment, he grabbed his wife by the arms in an effort to pull her outside and lock her out. The wife sustained bruising on both of her arms. The husband was treated at the scene by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics for the laceration to his arm. He was then arrested and taken into custody. He had to be taken to a local hospital for further treatment of his arm.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 26 at 1:57 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Cherry stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody. The suspect was also found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest, which were added to his charges.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested 
On October 26 at 2:14 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Ivy and Cherry when he stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation. The motorist was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested. The motorist was taken into custody and held for sobering. She was later released on a citation. The motorist was also found to be on probation for DUI.

Runaway Juvenile 
On October 26 at 7:39 a.m., the father of a 14-year-old called police to report his son had run away. He was last seen in the home about 4:00 a.m. that morning, but was gone when his father woke up. The boy left his phone and computer behind, but took his skateboard. It is possible he is on his way to New York, but by an unknown means. A flyer was distributed and the subject was entered into the law enforcement missing persons system. The investigation is continuing.

Discussion of Ballot Propositions | McMansionization

~ A video presentation by Monrovia Rotary Club and League of Women Voters on the propositions on the 2014 ballot: http://goo.gl/7AVwOD

~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary, LWV on Ballot Propositions | 'McMansionization'

~ A video presentation by Monrovia Rotary Club and League of Women Voters on the propositions on the 2014 ballot: http://goo.gl/7AVwOD

~ A group of Monrovians is petitioning to "Stop the McMansionization of Monrovia." http://goo.gl/5EMNhK

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Helping Hands Thrift Store Celebrates First Anniversary With Sale

To celebrate its one year anniversary, Helping Hands Store and Donation Center (925 W. Foothill) is holding a celebration this Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free food, beverages, and raffles every hour and 55% percent off everything. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Confusion About Effect of Making Mountains Into a National Monument

Confusion about what it means for parts of the San Gabriel Mountains to be a National Monument ( http://goo.gl/1GOe5w ): Possible effect on water supplies if San Gabriel River is included in the area (and from the White House map, it appears to be included), land usage may be "altered," possible new fees.

Comment: As I've noted, it does not seem to directly affect Monrovia, as the wretchedly small-scale map released by the White House ( http://goo.gl/38pjPb ) seems to indicate the south border of the National Monument is the Rincon Road ridgeline far north of the city.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Christmas tree lighting and parade will be held on Thursday, December 4 starting at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting at Library Park, on the corner of Myrtle and Lime. Then the parade will begin at 7 p.m., traveling north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm. The theme is "Home for the Holidays" and is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town merchants. http://goo.gl/6o6xSs

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Beats South Pas 32-6

Monrovia over South Pasadena in football. http://goo.gl/ilvcvY

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Pho on Lemon

Lunch at Pho on Lemon, just east of Myrtle on Lemon. Got the chicken curry for $8.50 and an iced tea for 99 cents. A generous amount of chicken. 

- Brad Haugaard

All Street Crossings Finished for Gold Line | Native Plant Sale

~ The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority announced today that has completed all 14 street-level crossings for the project. The final grade crossing work, at Mountain Ave, was completed this week - three months ahead of schedule. The Construction Authority announced earlier that it had also completed all the track for the project.

~ Native Plant Sale in Library Park Nov. 15 http://goo.gl/Gnfhjo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Backyard Bears Forum

A video report on the Bears in My Backyard event in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/oYBxKF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Pet Food Drive | Make a Difference Day | Delayed Graduation | Holiday Brunch | Dia de los Muertos | Miravet

~ Pet food drive this Saturday, Oct. 25, at Library Park. Unopened cans and bags of dog and cat food. Call 256-8187 for details. Hosted by Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley and Foothill Unity Center.

~ Make a Difference Day volunteers meeting this Saturday at Library Park for community clean-up projects in Monrovia and the valley. Contact Penny Arroyo to register: penny@vcsgv.org. http://goo.gl/CIs4mb

~ Monrovian Toshio Asano finally got his Associate Degree from Citrus College. He missed graduation because he was interned during World War II. http://goo.gl/ope1U9

~ Monrovia's Maryknoll Sisters will hold a holiday brunch, bake sale and boutique Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Adults $15, children under 12, $7. 300 Norumbega Drive. For information call 358-1825.

~ Dia de los Muertos, Sunday Nov. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 East Duarte Road. http://goo.gl/NWh8Pi

~ Monrovia water polo player Jacob Miravet. http://goo.gl/NYAjsU

- Brad Haugaard

Sidewalk, Curb Work Beginning Around Monrovia's Station Square

Construction on sidewalks, curbs and gutters around new Station Square area Monday, Oct. 27, to Friday Oct. 31. Work hours 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Work is on Duarte (between California and Magnolia), Pomona (between Myrtle and Magnolia), Magnolia (between Evergreen and railroad crossing), Primrose (south of Evergreen).

All lanes are expected to remain open to traffic, but drivers may expect temporary re-routing of lanes. Street parking will be limited during construction on these streets. Pedestrian traffic will also be re-routed when necessary for safety.

Street parking restrictions and pedestrian detours are expected to begin on Myrtle Ave starting November 3.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 911 Center Upgraded; Red Ribbon Week

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 20-22 2014 . - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 378 service events, resulting in 62 investigations.

Monrovia Police Department 9-1-1 Communications Center Upgrade Completed 
On October 14, 2014, the upgrade to the Monrovia Police Communications 9-1-1 Center was completed. The upgrade included a new, state-of-the-art 9-1-1 phone system and new ergonomic dispatch consoles and chairs that were funded through the California Office of Emergency Management 9-1- 1 Program Office. In addition, the radio system was also upgraded. The Monrovia Police Department would like to thank the following police department and city employees for their hard work and extra effort given to help complete this upgrade: Jim Emett, Jeff Warmuth, Tim Blackburn, Shawn Cantine, Manny Garcia, and all of the Monrovia police dispatchers for their assistance during the design and equipment selection process.

Red Ribbon Week Reminds Parents to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs 
During the week of October 23 through 31, the Monrovia Police Department will celebrate Red Ribbon Week 2014 by wearing red ribbons on their uniforms. Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse among our youth and our communities. In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique, “Kiki,” Camarena was murdered by a drug cartel. To honor his memory and to show support that we will continue the fight against illegal drugs, Monrovia Police Officers will wear red ribbons as part of our uniform. Monrovia schools have passed out red bracelets to children to encourage kids to support the fight against illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.

Monrovia-Based Upper San Gabriel Water District Declares 'Water Emergency'

The Upper San Gabriel Water District, which is based in Monrovia and serves the city, among others, yesterday declared a "water emergency" because, among other things, water levels have reached "all time historic lows." Further, it demands the Metropolitan Water District "treat the Upper District fairly, consistently, and in the same manner that it treats all other member districts." You can see the whole resolution here, starting on page 15: http://goo.gl/Oijsvn

- Brad Haugaard

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Strangling Girlfriend in Monrovia

Joel Velasquez, accused of strangling his girlfriend in Monrovia, pleaded not guilty in Pasadena Superior Court. http://goo.gl/EjtC9r

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Moving to Make Room for Wine Village

Calvary Chapel Monrovia will be moving. A staff report at the City Council meeting Tuesday said the church - near Myrtle on Evergreen on the south side of the 210, next to the Chevron station - is leasing its property from the city and will have to move to make way for the wine village the city has planned. The church's lease expires at the end of this month.

- Brad Haugaard

Battle Creek to Film in Monrovia Canyon Park

The television show Battle Creek apparently really likes Monrovia Canyon Park. Diane Delmatoff, in the Community Development Department, reports that the show will be filming in Canyon Park again on Thursday.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Wine Village; Street Fair; Outage

At its meeting tonight the Monrovia City Council ...

~ Voted to approve an wine village down near the soon-to-come train station. Several representatives of CIBA Real Estate, which represents an alternative proposal, a hotel, argued that the process was not transparent. 

~ Asked staff to see if Family Festival Productions would accept a shorter contract for putting on the Friday Night Festival so the city can get proposals from more companies about putting on the festival and other events throughout the year. 

~ Heard a spokesman for Southern California Edison say the company is sorry about a Friday night power outage that took some merchants off line at 10 p.m. instead of midnight, when it was scheduled. Miscommunication, he said.

  

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Halloween Home

One of the more dramatic Halloween homes I've seen in town. 223 N. Canyon.

Brad Haugaard

Inauthentic Mexican Restaurant Opening in Monrovia

Devon Restaurant, on the north side of Lemon near Myrtle, has closed and is being replaced with Bull Taco, "inauthentic Mexican." Love it! I think most ethnic restaurants are inauthentic, and probably better for it, but nice to see someone just come out and say it. Put my nose to the window and looks like it's just days from opening. Thanks to Doran for the tip. 

- Brad Haugaard