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Monrovia High Teacher Appointed to Board of Ceramics Museum

Monrovia High School teacher Sal Perez has been appointed to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Museum of Ceramic Art. The Board of Education will honor Perez at its May 27 meeting, agenda here: http://goo.gl/aVxedb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball Wins First Round in Playoffs

Monrovia baseball gets first-round CIF-SS playoff win, 6-1, over Whittier Christian in round one of the CIF playoffs.

- Brad Haugaard

New Park in Monrovia

Evergreen Plaza, a new park in Monrovia. Part of the new Gold Line Operations Campus: http://goo.gl/5aBptl

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Possible Suicide Prevented; Stolen Vehicle Recovered

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 396 service events, resulting in 55 investigations.

Suicidal Subject / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation
On May 18 at 4:22 a.m., a female called and said her ex-boyfriend threatened he would jump off a cliff "up on Myrtle" if she did not come to see him. The female caller was on her way in from Pomona. All available officers checked areas where the two have visited in the past, but were unable to locate him. The suicidal subject continued to call the female while she was driving to Monrovia. The subject told the female to meet him in the 100 block of West Colorado, parking structure. Officers surrounded the area and walked in on foot. An officer observed the subject run into the stairwell where he was detained. The subject was checked by Monrovia Fire Department paramedics and transported to a hospital where he was held for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle
On May 19 at 10:30 a.m., a resident in the 700 block of West Hillcrest called to report a vehicle with the engine still running was parked at the curb. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Pasadena on May 18. The ignition housing was damaged. The owner was notified and the vehicle was released.

CPR and Other Monrovia Activities

~ Learn CPR at the Monrovia Fire Department's 'Sidewalk CPR," Thursday, June 4, from 9 to noon in Library Park. http://goo.gl/lw34xY

~ Register your kids for Summer Extraveganza, Monrovia's free summer day camp from June 22 to August 14. Here's some info ( http://goo.gl/9O1lRc ) and here's where to register ( https://goo.gl/oidXXV ).

~ Here is the online version of the city's Summer Activities Guide, for all ages: http://goo.gl/nxjSBo

Monrovia Softball Beats El Monte for Place in Playoffs

Monrovia softball wins a place in playoffs with a win over El Monte. http://goo.gl/8NwdsO

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's to Accept Apple Pay | Lights, Camera, Action!

~ Monrovia-based Trader Joe's plans to begin accepting the electronic Apple Pay system: http://goo.gl/KfS5VT

~ On Saturday, June 20, at 6:00 p.m. the Monrovia-based San Gabriel Valley Choral Company concludes its twentieth season with a silent auction and gala concert called "Lights, Camera, Action!" which will include musical favorites from such film and television shows as Doctor Who, Up, Star Wars, Glee, Lord of the Rings, O Brother Where Art Thou, and more. Plus, a silent-auction with such prizes as theater tickets, hotel stays, cruises, gift baskets, sporting event tickets, concert tickets, museum passes, amusement park tickets, comedy club passes, and more, Refreshments and auction at 6 p.m., concert will at 7 p.m. Location: Throop Hall at Throop Unitarian Universalist Church (300 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena). Tickets range from $5-20 and can be purchased at www.sgvccsingers.org . Donations to SGVCC, a non-profit organization, are also gladly accepted online and by check.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Monrovia's Live Oak Memorial Park

There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those who served our Country at Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Mayor: Skip Mayor's Conference; Repair Sidewalks Instead

At tonight's Monrovia City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Adams clarified an agenda item under his name that said, "Consideration of Withdrawal from US Conference of Mayors." He said that actually, for this year's conference, he just doesn't want to attend as there doesn't seem to be much of value on the agenda. Instead, he said, he'd like to have the conference money put into repairing sidewalks. But, he said, he thinks the council should later consider which organizations - including the Conference of Mayors - the city needs to belong to.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Giving Hands Donates to City of Hope


Yesterday, Monrovia's Giving Hands Thrift Store and Donation Center donated wigs, scarfs, and toys to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center in Duarte.

"We at Giving Hands would like to extend out our services to those organizations and individuals which may benefit most. If you have a cause or need, or know someone which does, please call Arin at 213-248-8186 or email arin@givinghandssocal.org."

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia RadioShack is Closing - Everything On Sale

"SoCal Tom" writes to tell me that "the RadioShack store at Huntington and Alta Vista (in the Baja Market/Rite Aid center) is going to close in July. Apparently, the corporation  couldn't find a financial backer to keep the stores open." I called the store to confirm and the clerk told me the store is indeed set to close, although the exact date is unclear. In the meantime, everything in the store is on sale. (Thanks, SoCal Tom!)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Dick Mountjoy Dies - Former State Senator

Monrovian Dick Mountjoy, former state senator and Monrovia mayor, has died. Monrovia Weekly: http://goo.gl/oexSts ; Sacramento Bee: http://goo.gl/6cHiOj

Robert Parry, who recently ran for City Council with Mountjoy's endorsement, wrote this tribute:

The news is out that retired State Senator Dick Mountjoy passed away last night. This is very sad news. Dick was a man, a myth and a legend. He was a man of values and character, something that reflected throughout his 40 years of service to the City of Monrovia and State of California. He was a legend because he stood up for what his faith and values and character told him were right. But, those same qualities also made him a myth. To read the media coverage at the height of his political influence, Dick was a rabid right winger, at war with those who disagreed with him. And, while he earned his legend being steadfast, such hate, spite and nastiness were the antithesis of the man I came to know in recent years with my political ventures.

I first met Dick at the El Monte airport diner, at a breakfast arranged by intermediaries when I was first thinking of running for council. Though I have long followed politics, I was to say the least intimidated to ask for the support of a man of his stature. His first words were simple and to the point (and, in retrospect, totally predictable): "When does life begin?"

But that was about as close as we ever got to a "right wing" conversation. Our chats were more about practicalities and values. Dick was unflinching in his Christian faith and proud of his family and his accomplishments in business and politics. But he was also proud of little things, like the friendships he built across the aisle in Sacramento. Dick had a mischevous streak, something that glowed through the tale he told me of his fishing buddy, a politician of the exact opposite ideology with whom he would take private trips where no newspaper would find out. That those same newspapers portrayed him as someone who would never consort with the other side didn't seem to bother him much. The substance of the relationship - the substance of who he was as a man - was more important than someone else's myth.

I spoke to Dick several times during the recent campaign and was honored to have him give the keynote speech at both of my campaign kickoffs. Shortly before that, I spent several hours one cold and rainy Sunday afternoon, talking about the mechanics of politics and the lessons he learned and the adventures he enjoyed. He made a point of telling me the story of his first foray into the State Assembly, challenging an incumbent of many years. When at a forum, that incumbent was accused of misdeeds and alcholism, Dick told me he stood up for his opponent, defending his honor as a man, despite their political differences. "I had to stand up for what was right. What was right was more important than any election."

That afternoon by his roaring fireplace will remain a highlight for me not because of politics or lessons learned or campaigning insights, but because I got to better know a man of values and character who cared about people and his community. Regardless of your politics, you, and this world, would be better off if we all lived by that standard.

Rest in Peace, and thanks for all you did for others.

CIF Championship for Monrovia Baseball?

Monrovia's hopes for a CIF baseball championship. http://goo.gl/EM1nTQ

- Brad Haugaard

'Floribunda' at Monrovia Galery | Big Fire From Big Rig


~ "Florabunda," paintings of "florals, gardens and blooming landscapes" at Saga Fine Arts, 110 W. Lime, May 19 - June 26. http://goo.gl/0hrvPr

~ Big fire on big rig on the 210 near the Santa Anita exit today. http://goo.gl/zL21e3

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Lost From Texas; Store Clerk Punched; DUI; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 14-17. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Residential Burglary
On May 14 at 12:20 p.m., an officer responded to a residential burglary that occurred in the 100 block of North Garfield. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the home through an east side window. The home was ransacked and the loss is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Battery / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation
On May 14 at 6:29 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 900 block of East Huntington Drive. The store clerk was punched by a male subject inside the store. The subject heard voices coming from the clerk’s headphones. He punched her, striking her hand as she blocked the punch and then the subject fled the store. A surveillance video confirmed the subject description and he was located a short time later in the area. The clerk wanted prosecution and completed a citizen arrest. The suspect had no identification and was taken into custody. After he was identified he was place on a 72 hour hold.

Driving Under of the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
On May 15 at 12:30 p.m., a subject called stating a person who appeared drunk was getting into a vehicle and driving away near Palm and Primrose. The officer observed the vehicle which fit the description and stopped it for a vehicle code violation. An investigation revealed the driver was impaired and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
On May 17 at 10:15 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Duarte Road and 6th Avenue. When officers arrived they located a male subject near his vehicle. He explained he had struck a parked vehicle. During the course of the investigation it was determined the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Located Critical Missing from Texas / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation 
On May 17 at 12:30 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of West Duarte called to report a female had arrived in a vehicle and stated she was lost. Officers arrived and talked to her and she made several statements that did not make sense. She stated she had injured her arm in Arizona and said her arm was bothering her. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded to check on her. A computer check revealed she was a critical missing from Texas who was bipolar and off her medication. The female was transported to a hospital where she was treated for her injury and was placed on a 72 hour evaluation hold.

Monrovia Friendship Tea to Benefit Pregnancy Center

"Mothers and Others Friendship Tea" benefiting Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center, Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Monrovia, 140 E. Palm Ave. Tickets are $10 each or 2 for $18 or $15 at the door. Buy them at the Methodist Church, 303-2783. Food, fashion show with clothes from the United Thrift Store, gold buy-back booth and jewelry for sale by Janie's Jurassic Jewelry.

- Brad Haugaard

Myrtle Madness at Monrovia's Library Park Today

Nice selection of booths by local businesses and organizations in Library Park today for Myrtle Madness. Plus, bounce houses, old cars, a climbing wall and live singing right now. 
 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wildcat Baseball Ends Winning Season :-)

Rain prevented last game of the season, but Monrovia baseball ended 11-0 in league play! http://goo.gl/k4Q554

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Fixing Huntington; Hillside Access; Goodbye Conference of Mayors? Beauty Salons in Old Town; Historic-Older Americans Month

At the May 19 Monrovia City Council meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/CHY29b ), the council will, among other things ...

- In hopes that two lapsed grants (one for $1.8 million and the other for $227,000) will be renewed, the council will consider spending the expected money on improving Huntington Drive between Magnolia and Shamrock ( http://goo.gl/36XUCP ). Comment: Hmmm. I knew the city let a lot of grant money lapse, but I had no idea it was THAT much.

- Hear a report by City Manager Oliver Chi on Hillside Wilderness Preserve access issues.

- Consider withdrawing from the US Conference of Mayors. If I'm understanding the agenda correctly, Mayor Adams will propose this.

- Consider a measure to allow beauty salons, nail salons, barbershops, and pet grooming businesses in the historic downtown area. http://goo.gl/YCiTpL

- Name the month of May as both Historic Preservation Month and Older Americans Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's 1917 Fire Engine Needs More Money To Complete Restoration

Monrovia's 1917 Seagrave fire engine is still about $30,000 short of being restored. Here are pictures, details and a slide show: http://goo.gl/Wn5btR

- Brad Haugaard