Monrovia Police Tips on Preventing Christmas Packages From Being Stolen

Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal. Below are some simple steps you can take to protect your package delivery:

• Request a specific drop off time when you know that you will be at home to receive the package.
• Ask for your parcel to be placed on a back porch or even beside the front porch or anywhere that is not visible from the street.
• Arrange to pick up your parcels at a package store, such as a UPS store that is convenient for you.
• Let a trustworthy neighbor know you are expecting a package delivery on a specific day and ask them to look out for it and bring it into their home for you.
• Have your package delivered to your work address during daytime hours.
• Know when a package is scheduled to arrive and if it doesn't, contact the sender to track the transport status of the package.
• And if you see mail theft happening in your neighborhood, be sure to call your local police at once to report exactly what you have seen. Time can be a decisive factor in the apprehension of mail thieves.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Shirtless Man Sobered Up; Stolen Welding Equipment; Failed Car Theft

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
November 18 at 7:42 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of California Avenue. When the officer arrived, the investigation revealed the incident was actually an attempt grand theft auto, as the vehicle was found to have a damaged steering column. The vehicle is a blue, 2000 Chevy Blazer. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
November 18 at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of West Walnut on the report of a burglary. Unknown suspects had stolen welding equipment and gas from the business. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 1:29 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East Fig Avenue regarding a suspicious subject in the area. A female resident returned home and reported that she was being watched by a shirtless male subject who was standing in the street in front of her home. The resident’s husband exited the home and the subject quickly left the area. Officers arrived and located the subject in an alley in the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue. The investigation revealed the subject is employed by a local business and was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

What Child is This? Musical at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church

Joel Raney's Christmas musical, "What Child is This?" and sing-a-long carols at Monrovia's First Presbyterian Church, Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Directed by David Michael Layne. http://goo.gl/73oUUj

- Brad Haugaard

Mystery Monrovia Stinkyness Still Unidentified | Bartlett Memorial | Christmas Tree | Traffic Light

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ( http://goo.gl/ryDtQK ) ...

~ The city hasn't yet located the source of the stink on the east side of Monrovia. Chi said the city has "opened up every manhole in the area to investigate. Our staff report that the odor was not a sewer-based smell, but rather, identified the odor as more akin to a dead and decomposing animal." Staff cleaned the sewers to be sure, then - thinking it might be the catch basins - contacted the County. County couldn't find anything. Next step: clean the storm water catch basins.

~ Monrovia is going to replace the grass around City Hall with drought tolerant landscaping. The landscaping design includes a moving sculpture of an iris located at the southeast corner of City Hall. The landscaping will be installed over the next few weeks.

~ The Bob Bartlett Memorial Committee has recommended commissioning a mural or tiled mosaic to memorialize Bob Bartlett in the Station Square area.

~ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Library Park. Parade at 7 p.m. along Myrtle.

~ There's a new traffic signal at Peck Road and Duarte Road. it is just flashing red now but will be fully operational on Nov. 23.

- Brad Haugaard

What Drought? Water Flowing in North Monrovia

I frequently ride my bike up into Gold Hills, and along Alta Vista, which at that point crosses Myrtle and goes east up the hill. This water has been flowing along Alta Vista - at about this speed - all that time. I don't recall ever seeing it dry. And yes, I reported it to the city months ago. If you can't view it here, try this: https://youtu.be/OKrOuUAmhuk

- Brad Haugaard

Vote Today To Help Clifton Middle School Win a Science Lab

Today is the day (Nov. 17) to help Clifton Middle School win $100,000 for a new science lab. You just gotta vote. Details: http://goo.gl/j8ws9N

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Friends of Library - Fewer Paperbacks

An interesting statistic from the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library: The number of paperback books they receive is becoming fewer, but the number of hardbacks continues strong. http://goo.gl/orgVCA

Comment: Hmmm. Wonder why.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Wins Over Grand Terrace

Monrovia wins 27-17 over Grand Terrace. http://goo.gl/DKnN0U

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Stolen Blankets; Big Gas Leak; Drunk Driving; Hit and Run; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 12-15. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Stolen Vehicle
November 12 at 7:35 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of West Pomona. The victim was out of the country for two weeks, and while he was away, his flatbed trailer was stolen from the location. He does not know when it was taken. The vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database and the investigation is continuing.

Robbery
November 12 at 5:24 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington Drive phoned police to report a robbery that had just occurred. A male suspect concealed two blankets and left the store without paying. The loss prevention officer confronted the suspect outside the store, but the suspect refused to go back into the store. As the loss prevention officer attempted to detain the suspect, he struck the loss prevention officer and fled. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, dark skin, mid-twenties, with a pony tail and small mustache. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 3:36 p.m., a motorist observed a male subject driving north on Shamrock. The subject was swerving back and forth, brushing up against the curb. The witness called police and reported the driver for possible drunk driving. Officers responded and located the vehicle in the 200 block of Jasmine. The subject was found passed out behind the wheel. The windshield wipers were on, the engine was running, and the subject's foot was on the brake. Officers contacted the subject and he was positively identified by the witness as the driver. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the suspect was arrested for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 13 at 8:35 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Myrtle and Duarte Road on the report of a subject asleep at the wheel in the number two lane. The officer arrived and located the vehicle, which was running and in drive. The officer tapped on the window and the driver woke up, causing the vehicle to roll forward. The vehicle continued forward and then the driver accelerated, heading south on Myrtle. The officer ran back to his vehicle and followed the suspect. He located the vehicle at Myrtle and Longden. The investigation determined the driver was intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Fire Assist
November 14 at 11:39 a.m., a homeowner ruptured a pressurized gas line in the 300 block of Wildrose while doing construction work in their backyard. Officers responded to establish a safety perimeter and possible evacuation, but it was determined not necessary. A perimeter was set and the Gas Company was notified

Medical Assist
November 14 at 11:53 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a male subject having chest pains and difficulty breathing. When the officer arrived, he found the subject on the ground and another subject was performing chest compressions on him. Fire Department personnel also responded and the subject was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Suspicious Person – Robbery Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 1:56 p.m., a suspicious subject was reported at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington. The subject was a possible suspect from a robbery at the business that occurred on November 12. Officers arrived and after investigation, the suspect was placed under arrest for the robbery. The suspect was taken into custody and the stolen property from the robbery was recovered.

Vandalism
November 14 at 3:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Wildrose Avenue on the report of vandalism to three vehicles. The tires on all three vehicles had been slashed. Two additional vehicles were located in the area that also had their tires slashed. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 4:27 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported in the area of Shamrock and Huntington. Officers located the vehicle, detained the driver and conducted field sobriety tests. The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 14 at 7:27 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Primrose on the report of a male adult subject yelling and banging his head against a door. When officers arrived, they determined the subject was intoxicated and could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence/Hit & Run Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 4:45 p.m., a driver reportedly struck a vehicle in the area of Magnolia and Chestnut. The driver stopped briefly, then left the scene without providing his identifying information. The suspect was located at his residence in the 200 block of Fig. The investigation revealed he was driving under the influence and he was arrested.

Monrovia Flags Lowered For Paris Victims

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams writes that, "The flags at City of Monrovia facilities will be flown at half staff out of respect for the victims in Paris." Comment: Good.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Station Square Almost Done | Bike Master Plan And Rent-a-Bike Service

On Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. the City Council will have a study session on its historic train depot rehabilitation project ( http://goo.gl/x1Guqe ), then at the regular 7:30 meeting a report on the whole Station Square Transit Village project (In short, major construction should be done by this December, though passenger service doesn't begin until next March.) http://goo.gl/dLUqGU

Also, the council will consider hiring Alta Planning + Design for $42,500 to put together a Bicycle Master Plan for the city, and to study the possibility of creating a rent-a-bike service based at the train station. http://goo.gl/YwzsA1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Loses $1.5 Million Because of Students Leaving

Monrovia Schools lost $1.5 million due to more students transferring out of the district than transferring in to the district. The district let 396 students transfer out but accepted only 212, a 184-student loss. here

That will be on the agenda at the next school board meeting on Nov. 18. Full agenda here: here

NOTE: Google rejected these URLS, but I've appealed and am leaving them here for Google to check.
(broken URL https://goo.gl/e3LlGk )
(broken URL https://goo.gl/CPRC6k )

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at T Phillip's''

Dinner last night at T Phillip's, at Myrtle and Colorado. Got the Buffalo Chicken sandwich ($11) and a beer ($6). Pleasant, lively atmosphere, good service, and a very nice sandwich. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Considering Park Smoking Ban; Bike and Hike Day; Transit to Trains

A few items from City Manager Oliver Chi's weekly report ...

~ Monrovia is thinking of banning smoking in its parks. Here are the unadopted minutes of a Community Services Commission subcommitte evaluating a potential ban on smoking in public parks. http://goo.gl/GmUhAr

~ Monrovia and other San Gabriel Valley are planning an "Open Streets" event "to promote walking, biking, public health, awareness of alternative modes of transportation, community connections, economic development, zero-emissions transportation." The event is proposed for June 26, 2016, from 8 a.m. to p.m. along a 17-mile route and linking all the Gold Line stations from South Pasadena to Azusa.

~ Monrovia, Duarte and Covina, are together asking for proposals to handle transportation within the cities to and from the new Metro train station.

- Brad Haugaard

Mayan Bar and Grill Now Open

The Mayan Bar and Grill, in the old Aztec Hotel at Foothill and Magnolia,  is now open. I had already had dinner tonight but I stuck my nose in, and, yup, it's open. Here's the menu:

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Youth Collects 700 Shoe Boxes Of Christmas Gifts For Children of the World

Monrovian Grayson Wade will be taking more than 700 packed shoebox gifts to Arcadia Presbyterian Church in support of Samaritan's Purse "Operation Christmas Child," a charity he has been supporting since he was nine years old. He is now 15 and attends Bosco Tech High School.

This is his sixth year raising money and packing boxes. His first year he packed 2, second year 64, third year 130, fourth year 364, last year 444 and this year more than 700. He walks door to door seeking monetary donations and encouraging families to pack shoeboxes. He speaks at Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, has presented at scout troops and service fairs at local high schools.  He has donation boxes around the community and local shoe stores save empty boxes for his campaign.

This year he has donations from over 275 families and the donations are still coming in. With the money collected, he will pack more than 600 boxes and will collect more than 150 packed boxes from local families.
 
The shoeboxes include school supplies, hygiene items and an assortment of crafts, musical instruments, games and toys. He also includes a note to the recipient and has received notes back. Among other countries, his shoeboxes have gone to Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Haiti, and the Philippines.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Alcohol Caused Auto Crash; Packages Stolen From Porch

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 9-11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 395 service events, resulting in 59 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision
November 9 at 6:51 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 1600 block of South Mountain Avenue regarding a possible medical assist or drunk driver. Officers arrived and located the vehicle, which had struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle was still running and a female driver was unresponsive behind the wheel of the vehicle. The windows were up and the doors were all locked. Fire Department personnel broke a door window to assist the subject and she was taken to a hospital for treatment. Alcohol was believed to be a factor in this accident and DUI charges are pending the blood test results.

Theft of Packages
November 10 at 6:24 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of Sequoia Circle reported that two packages that were delivered to her front porch had been stolen. The packages had been delivered sometime on October 28, 2015, and were taken by an unknown suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Veterans Day Event at Monrovia's Library Park

Allied Veterans Council of the Upper San Gabriel Valley hosts Veterans Day event at Library Park. http://goo.gl/Bdok6e

- Brad Haugaard

Help Monrovia's Clifton Middle School Win a $100K Science Lab | Cheaper Electricity Coming

~ Prep your keyboard fingers! Monrovia's Clifton Middle School is one of 20 semifinalist schools nationwide (and one of only two in California) in Northrup Grumman Foundation's Fab School Labs science lab makeover contest and could be one of five schools to receive $100,000. To win a lot of people gotta vote on Facebook on Tuesday, Nov. 17 on this page: www.facebook.com/fabschoollabs . Details: http://goo.gl/wRQEDR

~ Southern California Edison reports that residential customer bills could decrease about six percent by the end of March as a result of several actions by the California Public Utilities Commission. http://goo.gl/34aXvT

- Brad Haugaard

Antonovich Veterans Day Message | ChapCare Offers Insurance in Monrovia

~ Mayor Mike Antonovich, who represents Monrovia on the County Board of Supervisors, has released this Veterans Day Message: "On Veterans Day, our nation honors the 50 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard personnel throughout our history, and their families, who have dedicated themselves to the defense of our country. We pray for those who have died, those with us today, and those currently serving to preserve liberty and peace throughout the world. For their service, sacrifice and courage, they have earned our permanent gratitude and respect."

~ Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (ChapCare) is expanding its Covered California insurance enrollment efforts to Monrovia beginning Nov. 10. Its office is at 513 E. Lime Ave., Suite 102.

- Brad Haugaard