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Monrovia Basketball Defeats Mark Keppel

Monrovia basketball victorious over Mark Keppel, 57-41. http://goo.gl/b4KOkX

- Brad Haugaard

Swedes Like Monrovia Drones

Swedish police using drones made by Monrovia's AeroVironment. http://goo.gl/JR0l7G

- Brad Haugaard

Health Insurance Enrollment Help

On Jan. 23 ChapCare will host its final health insurance enrollment event in Monrovia to help people get enrolled before the deadline. The event will take place at its facility at 513 E. Lime Ave. from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Counselors will answer health insurance questions and help people enroll in a low or no-cost health insurance plan.

- Brad Haugaard

4th Dimension Project Dead; Monrovia Bike Master Plan; What To Do With Parks? Sandbags; Volunteers

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/Ugi5L0 ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- the 4th Dimension/Community Center project is pretty dead. "After discussing the matter further, the Hale Corporation shared with the City that they would cancel escrow on their proposed purchase of the 4th Dimension facility. That cancellation effectively ends the proposed 4th Dimension / Community Center initiative." A formal City Council action upcoming.

- Open House Workshop to discuss Bicycle Master Plan at the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. (Preceded by community bike ride at 5 p.m. starting at Library Park.

- Meetings to ask Monrovians what they want in their parks. Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9-11:00 a.m. in the Library Community Room; Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9-11 a.m. at Fire Station 102 (2055 S. Myrtle Avenue). Call Public Services Department for more info: 256-8246.

- With more rain likely, sandbags available here: Public Services Corporate Yard (600 S. Mountain Avenue, from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday); Community Center (119 W Palm Ave from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday); Monrovia Fire Station 101 (141 East Lemon Avenue) and Fire Station 102 (2055 South Myrtle Avenue). Also, gravel for residents at 900 Block of Crescent (between Madison and El Nido); 352 Hill Street (North-East corner of Hill Street and Prospect Avenue); and Recreation Park (near Barney Glen Baseball Field Parking Lot). BYO shovel, gloves, goggles.

- Bob Dollins has been recognized as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year for the Canyon Park / Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Also, Tod Barry and Bonny Hidas received Spirit Awards for their humility and loyalty.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Step In Front of Car, Demand $40; Computer Stolen From Library; 'Friend' Takes Her Car; Driving Drunk; Chasing Cars Both Hit Curb

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 7-10. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Attempt Grand Theft Auto
January 7 at 8:35 a.m., an attempt grand theft auto was reported in the 500 block of East Colorado. The victim parked his vehicle at the location overnight. When he returned to the vehicle at 7:00 a.m., he found the steering column was broken and the ignition was punched. The vehicle was not ransacked and nothing was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Commercial Burglary
January 7 at 10:48 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of West Duarte Road regarding a burglary. The owner had arrived at work to find the front window to the business shattered and cash had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
January 7 at 1:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the library in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding a theft. The victim was working on his computer in the library. He walked outside for a moment, leaving his computer on the table. When he returned, the computer was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
January 8 at 3:35 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of Colorado. The victim had a female friend stay at her home overnight. When she awoke in the morning, her friend and her vehicle were gone. The victim received a call from the friend saying she took the vehicle and would bring it back later. The victim demanded the vehicle be returned immediately, but the vehicle was not returned. A stolen vehicle report was completed and the vehicle was entered into the law enforcement stolen vehicle database. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 2:05 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the 2600 block of California. Through further investigation, it was determined that the driver was intoxicated and was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Suspect Arrested
January 9 at 4:26 a.m., dispatch received a call of a possible drunk driver in the area of Olive and Myrtle. Officers responded and located the vehicle stopped to the rear of a business in the 1600 block of South Shamrock. The officers determined the driver was intoxicated and was driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision/City Property Damage
January 9 at 11:44 p.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Madison on the report of a traffic collision. Two vehicles were following each other, heading west on Foothill. The first vehicle tried to turn south onto Madison, but was traveling too fast. The vehicle struck the curb, then hit a traffic signal pole and a planter. The second vehicle turned onto Madison and tried to avoid the first vehicle, striking the curb, also. The driver and passenger of the first vehicle were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Both drivers were traveling to fast to make the turn. 

Traffic Collision (Vehicle vs. Pedestrian)
January 10 at 4:30 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Huntington and Mayflower. A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found the victim arguing with the driver. The driver stated that she was stopped on northbound Mayflower at Huntington, ready to make a right turn. As she began her turn, the pedestrian stepped onto the street and was hit by the vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 2 miles per hour. The victim immediately approached the driver and asked her for forty dollars. The investigation is continuing.

Station Square Dedication Festival Set for Jan. 23

Station Square Park, the new train station area at 1601 S. Myrtle, will be decicated on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts for children, a Canyon Park critter display, giveaways, refreshments. LA Metro will distribute train safety and other Gold Line materials. http://goo.gl/4ey2fM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robotics Team Wins Award | E-Waste Options

~ Monrovia High's robotics team, The Kings and Queens, has been awarded the Inspire Award at yesterday's Los Angeles Region Qualifying Tournament in Palm Desert. Pretty good considering that "we had not completed the mechanical build and programming of Sir Percival in time to adequately test and troubleshoot." The win "secures us a spot in the Los Angeles Region Championship to be held on February 27th."

~ You can drop off e-waste at the Allan Company (145 W. Duarte Road) Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Not accepted: toasters, refrigerators, air conditioners, broken televisions and computers. Or, give Athens a call to arrange curbside pick-up: (800) 336-6100.

- Brad Haugaard

How to Bring More Students to Monrovia Schools

At its next meeting (agenda: Here ), the Monrovia Board of Education will, among other things ...

~ hear about "the features and benefits of increasing the number of international students accepted into Monrovia High School," the main benefit of which appears to be that the district gets $13,000 a year, or about $4,500 more per student than from other students. Details.

~ hear a report on the "Spanish Dual Immersion" program, which is designed to bring more students into the district, and teach language and provide a marketable skill. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Luscious Dumpling

Dinner last night at Luscious Dumpling, in the shopping center on Duarte Road at Sixth. Got the Pan Fried Pork Dumplings for $8.50 and a hot tea for free. Pleasant, quick service, no language problem and food was very good. Note: it's cash only. 

- Brad Haugaard

Community Center Swap Dead? | Monrovia Soccer Star

~ From what I understand from folks who attended the study session last night regarding the proposal to turn the 4th Dimension into the Community Center and the Community Center into housing, the proposal has hit snags that have nothing to do with its popularity or unpopularity, and is therefore extremely unlikely to proceed.

~ A feature story on Monrovia High soccer star Chris Wong. http://goo.gl/v9ORSm

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Celebrates By Sharing

January is the four-year anniversary of Fellowship Monrovia, the church that meets at Monrovia High, and as part of its celebration the church will provide lunch for teachers and staff of Monrovia High on Friday, Jan. 22, and for teachers and staff of Monroe Elementary and Beardslee Elementary (Duarte) on Monday, Jan. 25. Plus, it is providing 300 "Bags of Blessings" for teachers and staff at Monrovia High, Mayflower Elementary, Wild Rose Elementary, and Plymouth Elementary.

- Brad Haugaard

E-Waste Collection Saturday at Monrovia High

E-waste round-up at Monrovia High School this Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. http://goo.gl/MlMuIZ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar Tries to Steal Battery Owner Had Removed; Vehicle Hits Pedestrian; Duffle Bag Burglar; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 4-6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 375 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
January 4 at 1:46 p.m., an attempt vehicle burglary was reported in the 400 block of East Duarte Road. An unknown suspect broke a window on the vehicle to gain entry. The handle to open the vehicle’s hood was also broken to possibly steal the battery, but the owner had taken the battery out of the vehicle, due to previous thefts. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
January 4 at 5:20 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at Foothill and Primrose. The pedestrian stepped off of the sidewalk on a green light at the same time that a vehicle was making a right turn on the green light. The pedestrian sustained a possible broken foot.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
January 4 at 7:20 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Pamela observed a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit and conducted a traffic stop. The investigation revealed the driver was driving on a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The driver was arrested and later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Burglary
January 5 at 1:19 p.m., a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called police to report a burglary that had just occurred. A subject entered the store and filled two duffle bags with jeans, then fled the location. And officer arrived and checked the area, but the suspect was not located. The loss prevention officer notified their other store locations in the area of the theft. The suspect attempted to burglarize a store in Glendora and was apprehended by the Glendora Police Department.

Gold Line Construction Authority Wins Award For On-Time, On-Budget Project

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has been recognized for the successful completion of the Foothill Gold Line light from Pasadena to Azusa with a Project Achievement Award for design-build projects worth more than $100 million by the Construction Management Association of America's Southern California Chapter. The award follows the on-time, on-budget completion of the nearly $1 billion, 11.5-mile, six-station light rail extension last September.

Construction Authority Board Chairman Doug Tessitor said, "I believe the Construction Authority's design-build process should be a model for other agencies. We were able to manage the needs of three design-build teams, five different cities, and many other third-party agencies using design-build because the process allows for flexibility and is able to adjust quickly to new information and constituents' needs."

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Accused of Underfilling Tuna Cans

Lawsuit says Monrovia-based Trader Joe's underfilled its cans of tuna. http://goo.gl/2GQ1tM

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Rotary/Kohl's Provide Socks and Underwear to Needy

Janie Duncan of Foothills Kitchen, Dr. Sylvia Domotor and club president Bill Shieff.

Monrovia Rotary Club recently worked with Kohl's Department Store on its Santa Clothes project. Event chairperson Dr. Sylvia Domotor met with Jamie Duncan of the two-year-old Foothills Kitchen project based at the Methodist church and decided to spend the $1,148 Kohl's credit on socks and underwear. Ms. Duncan thanked the “Monrotarians” and explained that the Foothills Kitchen’s mission has expanded from its initial objective of providing meals for those in need to making other essentials such as clothing and blankets available. The Foothill Kitchen is a non-denominational organization with members from various congregations and lay organizations thruought Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Heavy Rain Today | Water Swamping Monrovia Backyard

~ 100% chance of "heavy rain" today in Monrovia. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ Video of water inundating Monrovia backyard. http://goo.gl/iExeoG

- Brad Haugaard

Fellowship Monrovia Hosting Blood Drive

Fellowship Monrovia is hosting a blood drive with Huntington Hospital on Jan. 10 from 7:45 .a.m - 1:45 p.m. in the Monrovia High parking lot. Details: http://goo.gl/2zjfGz

- Brad Haugaard

Evensong at St. Luke's Church

The first Evensong of 2016 will be sung at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. The choir will sing for Epiphany, joined by guest singers, including a contingent from Grace Episcopal Church, Glendora. Selections will include British composer John Linton Gardner's "Entry of the Three Kings." Jacqueline Stong will be oboist. An offering will be taken. Wine and cheese reception after the service. The church is at 122 S. California Ave. at Foothill Boulevard.

- Brad Haugaard

4th Dimension/Community Center | Iris Sculpture

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/6Hc6O6 ) City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

- There will be a Special Study Session on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Library Community Room to consider the proposed 4th Dimension/Community Center project. And speaking of which, the 4th Dimension nightclub has ceased operations.

- As part of its low-water re-landscaping in front of City Hall, a purple iris sculpture (Monrovia's official flower) has been installed at the southwest corner of City Hall.

- Brad Haugaard