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Rain on Saturday for Monrovia?

70% chance of rain on Saturday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Renaming Monrovia's Grand Avenue Park; Train-to-Old Town Shuttle; Termites; El Nino Prep

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/kaHkTw ), City Manager Oliver Chi mentioned, among a lot of things, that ...

~ The City is thinking about renaming Grand Avenue Park to "Kiwanis Park on Grand Avenue." A letter and advisory ballot is going out to all residents living within a certain distance of Grand Avenue Park to inform the neighborhood about the proposal to rename the facility.

~ The next company to operate Monrovia Transit will need to continue the existing dial-a-ride services and develop a new fixed-route transportation option connecting Station Square with Old Town, and possibly other locations in Monrovia. The city is evaluating the proposals of four companies.

~ Repairs began on the roof of the Historic Museum on Dec. 7. Unfortunately, it appears the building may have termites.

~ There will be El Nino prep meetings in the Library Community Room coordinated by the Fire Department and Public Services Department on Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m.; and Thursday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Frost Warning for Monrovia Area | Bursting Bottles

~ Frost warning in effect until 9 a.m. today. http://goo.gl/35m1gp

~ Monrovia's Trader Joe's is issuing a voluntary recall of its Triple Ginger Brew due to reports of unopened bottles potentially bursting, although the ginger brew does not pose a health risk if consumed. http://goo.gl/VVtvpc

- Brad Haugaard

Wind Damage

A bit of damage from last night's wind, on Magnolia Avenue.

- Brad Haugaard

Wind | Paladins of America | Monrovia Neighbor Of The Year

~ Wind tonight up to 17 mph in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ A group called Paladins of America, which "tell[s] the stories of the unsung heroes who embodied the American spirit to the fullest," has rented a room at the Monrovia Community Center (north side of Palm just west of Myrtle) for Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 from 7-8:15 p.m., apparently for a story-telling session. https://goo.gl/WWrNyx

~ Nominate someone for the 2016 Monrovia Neighbor of the Year Award. http://goo.gl/OGqFET

Monrovia Police: Freeway Chase; Argument Leads to Man Being Run Over; Man Beaten For Not Handing Over Money, Cigarettes; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 10-13. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Vehicle Pursuit
December 10 at 10:36 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Longden observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. As the officer walked up to the vehicle, the driver abruptly drove away. The vehicle drove east onto Longden on the wrong side of the divider. The officer went in pursuit of the motorist east on Longden and then south on the 605 Freeway. The vehicle drove on the shoulder of the freeway and pulled away from the patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was terminated at the 605 and 10 Freeway interchange. The California Highway Patrol was notified of the pursuit and were responding to the area. The license plate of the vehicle was obtained and returned to a rental car company. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered/Pursuit – Four Suspects Arrested
December 10 at 11:29 a.m., an officer located a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Colorado and Mayflower. The vehicle had been stolen in a carjacking that occurred in another jurisdiction the day before. The vehicle was headed east on Colorado. As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle by activating his lights and siren, the suspect fled in the vehicle. A short pursuit ensued through city streets and alleys. The suspect stopped at Mayflower and Colorado in an alley, four suspects exited the vehicle and ran in all directions.

Officers responded and set up containment of the area. The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter and additional resources were requested to assist. The Monrovia Detective Bureau also responded to assist with the search. Three of the suspects were located and taken into custody within several minutes. The fourth female suspect had walked onto the Monroe Elementary School campus and into their cafeteria, where students were currently eating lunch.

Police immediately redirected resources to the school. The female subject was located on campus and identified as the fourth suspect. She was taken into custody without further incident. One of the other suspects taken into custody was found to be a fugitive wanted by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for escaping from one of their facilities.

Vehicle Burglary
December 10 at 4:29 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of South Myrtle to investigate a theft from a vehicle. It was determined that a 2007 Toyota Camry had been broken into and several items were taken while the owner of the vehicle was inside the business. The investigation continuing.

Wanted Suspect
December 11 at 1:41 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue who was the victim of domestic violence called police to report the wanted suspect was on his way to the location in a taxi. Officers responded to the area, but the suspect fled on foot when officers attempted to detain him. He was apprehended after a short foot chase. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
December 11 at 10:50 a.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Maurice called police to report their vehicle had been burglarized. The victim parked and secured the vehicle in the early evening on December 10. Upon returning to the vehicle the next morning, they discovered someone had broken into it. The investigation is continuing.

Theft of Package
December 11 at 11:25 a.m., the theft of a package was reported in the 400 block of West Foothill. The package was left by UPS at the front door of the residence. A male Hispanic with facial hair, in his late 30's, wearing a black jogging suit, was seen running by the location. He ran up to the front door and took the package. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspect.

Vehicle Burglary
December 11 at 11:55 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of Madison to the report of a vehicle burglary. Change was missing from the center console and the vehicle appeared ransacked. There was no sign of forced entry, but the owner believed the vehicle was locked. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 1:45 a.m., an officer in the area of Brisbane and Myrtle observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation. During the stop, it was determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence. The driver was held for sobering.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Vehicle
December 12 at 2:10 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting that a vehicle had just run over a pedestrian in the area of Linwood and Violet. When officers arrived, they located a male subject suffering from a possible broken leg. The victim reported that he and his adult sister were in an argument. She got into a vehicle and started to leave. He asked her not to take the vehicle and stood in front of it. She then hit him with the vehicle. The victim was thrown onto the windshield and then rolled off the side and onto the ground. He sustained injuries to his leg and soreness to his upper body. Officers arrived and searched the area for the suspect, but did not locate her. A wanted person entry was made into the law enforcement database for the suspect and the vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 7:03 p.m., a citizen called to report that the driver next to her was consuming an alcoholic drink while stopped at Shamrock and Foothill. The citizen followed the driver while officers responded to the area. The officers located the vehicle traveling south on the 605 Freeway. Officers conducted a traffic stop and during the investigation, they determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and booked.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 9:57 p.m., a driver was stopped when he almost collided into a patrol unit as he failed to stop at a stop sign. The driver was stopped and determined to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested.

Robbery
December 12 at 11:00 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 700 block of West Huntington. The victim reported that he parked behind the business to purchase cigarettes. While walking back to his vehicle, he was approached by two or three male Black subjects. They asked for a cigarette and then asked for money. When the victim refused to give them either, he was punched and kicked, and he fell to the ground. The victim did not call police after the incident. He drove himself to the hospital. No further description was provided on the suspects. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 12 at 12:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Montana regarding subjects drinking in public. Officers arrived and determined one of the subjects was so intoxicated that he was unable to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for sobering.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 1:43 a.m., officers were notified of a possible fight in progress in the 300 block of South Myrtle between a male and female subject. When the officers arrived, the male subject had fled on foot. He was quickly detained and determined to be intoxicated to the point he could not care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication.

Gang Injunction Violation – Suspect Arrested
December 13 at 1:47 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of West Walnut regarding a subject seen trespassing. The caller had reported that the subject had a knife and was last seen entering another nearby property. The Foothill Air Support helicopter heard the call and responded. The subject was spotted by the helicopter attempting to hide from officers. The officers were directed to the subject's location by the air unit and he was detained. During the investigation, it was determined that the subject was listed on the gang injunction and was in violation of the curfew section. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Stolen Vehicle
December 13 at 9:34 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of East Lemon. The victim parked his vehicle in front of his residence in the evening. He returned to his vehicle the next morning and discovered it missing. The vehicle is described as a black, 1993, Nissan King Cab truck. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 13 at 10:30 a.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of Lincoln regarding a vehicle burglary. Unknown suspects pried open the passenger door of the victim’s vehicle with some type of pry tool. The suspects then took new windshield wiper blades that were still in the box and placed on the passenger seat in plain view. The investigation is continuing.

ChapCare Gets Grant For Its Monrovia Office

UniHealth Foundation has provided a $300,000 (over 2 years) to support the Monrovia office of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (ChapCare). ChapCare provides primary healthcare services to underrepresented, underserved, and underinsured families in Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia. The office is at 513 E. Lime Ave., Suite 102. Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

Coroner Reports Monrovia Woman Killed By Strangulation

The Coroner's Office reports that Lajoya McCoy, the Monrovia woman who was found dead in her car in June, was killed by strangulation. http://goo.gl/BsUZuR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Replace Reservoir; Ban Marijuana; Historic District; Train Depot; Etc.

At its December 15 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/jcOvJp ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Consider doing some preliminary work to replace the "structurally compromised" Oakglade water reservoir, which is full of "leaks, cracks, and root intrusion" with a larger capacity reservoir, which will cost about $3 million and take two years to complete. As part of the same action, the council will consider a new water well, which will eventually cost $2.7 million. In this action, however, the council will just consider hiring Civiltec to do the design work on the projects, for $616,620. I believe the reservoir is up Canyon, right at the point where it turns into Oakglade. http://goo.gl/eIOjEb

- Consider prohibiting the delivery of marijuana and medical marijuana products to and from the city, and prohibiting mobile marijuana dispensaries in the city. http://goo.gl/ihahxd

- Hear a report on historic districts in Monrovia. Here's the report: http://goo.gl/3mvGPO

- Again consider a deal with Daylight Limited, LLC to fix up the historic Santa Fe Depot. (The deal was on the agenda last meeting but the proposal wasn't ready, so i was put off to this meeting.) http://goo.gl/cVrlSQ

- Consider contracting with two companies to do engineering and landscape design work for Julian Fisher Park. http://goo.gl/eIOjEb

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Sow House


Dinner at the new Sow (as in "sow" seed) House at Myrtle and Lime. The former Opera Cafe. Got The Burger with sweet potato fries ($16) and a beer ($6). Good big burger.
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Young Musicians' Ensemble Offering 'Carol-Grams'


A new community band called MYME (Monrovia Young Musicians' Ensemble) is having its first annual "Carol-Gram" fundraiser. For $5 have the band sing for family or friends at their homes. Carol-Grams delivered in the evening, at varying times. Pricing: $5 per song, three-song minimum. Send desired date, time, and number of songs to monroviayoungmusicians@gmail.com Please include your name, phone number, the recipient of the carolgram's name and address, and any other important information or special requests. Payments accepted as cash, check, or through PayPal. Available dates: Saturday, Dec. 12, Sunday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 18, Saturday, Dec. 19, Sunday, Dec. 20, Monday, Dec. 21, Tuesday, Dec. 22, Wednesday, Dec. 23.

MYME is comprised of Monrovia middle and high school students, with the goal of serving our community, nurturing the artistic and personal growth of young musicians, sharing music with local audiences, and raising awareness of the necessity to keep music education alive in local schools.

- Brad Haugaard

Getting Monrovia Ready For El Nino

Monrovia has set up a couple of meetings on how to be prepared for El Nino. Plus some links. Here: http://goo.gl/ZIJYDR

- Brad Haugaard

Suspects Arrested in Monrovia in Suspected Car Theft

Suspects arrested in suspected car theft after Monrovia Police match license to stolen car list. http://goo.gl/Q9oPsG

- Brad Haugaard

Anti-Theft Tips For Christmas From Monrovia Police

Don’t Fill Your Vehicle With Presents for Thieves!
It only takes a few seconds for thieves to break into your vehicle and steal your valuables. It only takes a few seconds to remove your valuables and lock your vehicle.

Park as close to entrances and exits as you can. No one wants to circle the lot for an hour waiting for a good spot to open up, but give it a shot, at least for a few minutes. If forced to the far reaches of a lot, seek a spot that's well-lighted.

Stow your purchases in the trunk. When you're weighed down with packages, you may be tempted to throw them in the back seat and return to the mall to continue shopping. You may even want to move your vehicle in case someone is watching you put your purchases in your trunk. If your purchases are in plain view, you may return to find your car windows smashed and your presents stolen. Save your most expensive purchases for last, so you can head straight home. Have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle. Before entering, check that no one is hiding in the back seat.

Auto-burglary prevention starts by limiting the criminal's opportunity to commit the crime and can be accomplished with very little time and effort. Criminals are looking for something to steal - don't supply the valuables. Leaving your valuables in your vehicle instantly makes your car a target for thieves. Always lock your vehicle. Take a few seconds to prevent auto-burglary! Don't be a victim!

Prevent Theft of Packages
Theft of packages is an easy crime to commit and can be perpetrated by even the least professional type of criminal.

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.

Monrovia Police: Burglars Can't Break a Safe; Stealing from Mailboxes; Stolen Credit Cards Used In 30 Minutes

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for December 7-9. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 389 service events, resulting in 72 investigations.

Residential Burglary
December 7 at 3:51 p.m., police responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 400 block of Highland. Suspects shattered a rear glass door of the home and entered the property. They removed a safe that was bolted down and took it out of the house. They attempted to open the safe in the driveway using various tools, but were unsuccessful. They fled the scene with jewelry taken from the residence. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
December 7 at 5:01 p.m., an attempt vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of South Heliotrope. An unknown suspect shattered the window on a 2006 Toyota Camry. Nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 7 at 6:53 p.m., officers were dispatched to a domestic violence incident in the 100 block of East Lemon Avenue. The investigation revealed no crime had occurred. The subjects involved had been in an ongoing verbal argument throughout the weekend. The female subject was found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Grand Theft Auto
December 7 at 8:45 p.m., a stolen vehicle was located in the 2000 block of South Myrtle. The suspect vehicle turned into a residential driveway in the 200 block of Montana Avenue. The suspect exited the truck and fled on foot. Containment of the area was established and a search was conducted with the assistance of the Sierra Madre Police Department, The Foothill Air Support Team helicopter and an El Monte Police Department canine unit. The suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
December 8 at 12:53 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 600 block of Parker. A husband and wife were involved in an argument. During the argument, the wife attempted to walk away and the husband struck her in the neck with a closed fist. The husband was arrested for domestic violence.

Mail Theft
December 8 at 3:19 p.m., an incident of mail theft was reported in the 1200 block of South Mayflower. Several mailboxes were forced open and mail was taken from six of the mailboxes. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
December 8 at 7:20 p.m., an officer responded to the 400 block of Sunset regarding a residential burglary. The resident left the location at 6:00 p.m. and believes he secured all the doors and windows. As the homeowner was driving away, he noticed a 1990's, white, Toyota Sienna van driving slowly in the neighborhood. At the time he did not think anything of it. He returned home at 7:05 p.m. and found his home had been ransacked and a jar of coins and two old cell phones were taken. It appears the suspects gained entry through an unlocked rear sliding door. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 9 at 12:32 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 600 block of West Huntington. Suspects smashed the window on a 1997 GMC Safari and took a stereo from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Theft From a Vehicle
December 9 at 7:17 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. The victim parked her vehicle on the street and walked to the preschool to pick up her child, leaving her purse and cell phone in the vehicle. After picking up her child and driving away from the school, she noticed her purse and cell phone were missing. Although less than 30 minutes had passed, her credit cards had already been used at the mall in Arcadia. There was no sign of forced entry to the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Rain for Monrovia?

50% chance of rain Friday and Sunday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library Creating Giant Index

Monrovia Library is embarking on a "Giant Index Project" to create a - uh - giant index of all the "annotated indexes of the major histories of Monrovia currently in our possession." http://goo.gl/Z10Qtf

- Brad Haugaard

December events in Monrovia

~ Friday, Dec. 11 - First Presbyterian Church presents "A Family Christmas Celebration" for the entire family and friends. 101 E Foothill. Musical performances, Christmas carole sing-a-Long, Santa Claus and more; 7:30 p.m. Information 358-3297.

~ Saturday, Dec. 12 - Cookie Exchange for MS at United Methodist Church of Monrovia, 140 E Palm Ave (downstairs on west side of the building) Bring 6 dozen preferably homemade cookies in disposable container and bring another container to take home 5 dozen cookies; remaining dozen is packaged at end of exchange for a special holiday gift for MS Group members. No need to RSVP. Information/questions call Janie Duncan 358-8157.

~ Friday, Dec. 18 - Foothill Unity Center Holiday Food Box Packing Day distribution. Varying shifts available; must RSVP, contact Rachel Black at rachel@foothillunitycenter.org.

~ Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 19 - Monrovia Library Gingerbread House Decorating. Create your own masterpiece. For the family. Supplies limited. Free for all ages.

Thanks to Becky Shevlin for letting me draw from her excellent community calendar.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Stock Jumps | Christmas in Old Town Monrovia

~ Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment has taken a big jump following a good quarter. Up about 15%, from about 24.5 to 28.21.

~ Nice Christmas pictures of Old Town Monrovia at Gem City Images: http://goo.gl/FBCRrn

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's AeroVironment Profitable On Drone Sales

Monrovia's AeroVironment jumped to profitability in the latest quarter with revenues up 23% on sales of its drone aircraft. http://goo.gl/YV5ssd

- Brad Haugaard