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Audition for Monrovia Production of 'The Music Man'

IFGF Church and Centre Stage will hold an open audition for their April 21-May 1 community theater performance of The Music Man. Open to all ages. Auditions are Jan. 23 at IFGF Church, 147 West Palm Ave., Monrovia. Adult/Teens at 9 a.m. Prepare 16 bars of a traditional Broadway piece. Pianist provided. Those auditioning for teen dance ensemble, Harold Hill, Marion, Ethel, Marcellus, Zaneeta and Tommy, will be taught a dance combination. Please wear clothing accordingly. Children at 11 a.m. Children will be taught the opening phrase to Wells Fargo Wagon and a short dance combination. For more information contact Director, Keely Milliken at centrestageinc@yahoo.com Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council To Consider Hiring Engineering Firms

At its Tuesday, Jan. 19 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/9WaQII ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

- Consider hiring General Pump Company, Inc. of San Dimas to rehab "Well No. 4" (at 354 Valley Circle, in the south end of town) for $109,100. http://goo.gl/CCua4r

- Consider hiring Gibson Transportation Consulting for $28,000 to prepare an Engineering and Traffic Survey for the city, as required by state law. The survey will include pedestrian and bicyclist safety. http://goo.gl/uglRwV

- Consider paying Civiltec Engineering up to $23,230 to do engineering and design for a proposed Mountain Avenue crosswalk between the Best Buy shopping center on the east side and the BMW dealership on the west. http://goo.gl/us9oNK

- Brad Haugaard

Play, 'Damn Yankees' Playing in Monrovia Jan. 14-16


- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Bella Serra Trattoria


Dinner last night at Bella Serra Trattoria on Myrtle just south of the theater. Got the lasagna ($16) and a beer ($7). The lasagna was good and filling, the place was humming, and the service was great. 
- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Hall Closed Monday | Citrus Receives Grant for Veterans

~ City Hall will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

~ The Citrus College Foundation has received a grant from the Ludwick Family Foundation that will support the continuing work of the Citrus College Veterans Success Center, which helps student veterans transition from the military to civilian and college life. Citrus College serves Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Traffic Accidents; Black Beard Steals Purse; Meth Bust; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for January 11-13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 354 service events, resulting in 63 investigations.

Vandalism in Progress – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 3:19 p.m., police received a report of a subject vandalizing a park in the 500 block of West Olive. An officer responded and detained a subject, who was positively identified by two witnesses and arrested.

Traffic Offense/Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer/Bench Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 11 at 5:06 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a subject in the 1300 block of South Shamrock that he knew had several warrants outstanding for his arrest. The subject saw the officer and fled on his bicycle. As the officer pursued him, the subject ran several stop signs and eventually abandoned his bicycle and fled on foot. The officer eventually caught up to him on foot and placed him under arrest. 

Traffic Collision with Injuries
January 12 at 3:40 p.m., a vehicle was traveling westbound on Huntington and ran a red light. The vehicle struck another car that was traveling south on California, causing a rollover collision. There were no serious injuries, just complaints of pain.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Possession of a Controlled Substance/ Warrants – Suspect Arrested
January 12 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious male subject loitering in the area of King and Highway Esplanade. When officers arrived, they located a subject matching the description given and made contact with him. The subject had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was also found to have a methamphetamine pipe and a useable amount of methamphetamine on his person. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Significant Traffic Collision Investigation
A traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 12:54 p.m. As a result of the traffic collision, nine people were injured and required medical attention, including the adult driver of the vehicle believed to have caused the collision. Several others were taken to local area hospitals. The cause of the accident is under investigation and the questioning of the driver believed to have caused the collision is pending, as they are being treated for their injuries and have not regained consciousness at this time. Witnesses stated that the driver of a late model Mercedes-Benz station wagon was driving west on Foothill Boulevard at a very high speed, failing to come to a stop behind the already stopped vehicles at the intersection. The driver then drove around the stopped vehicles and through the intersection against a red light, striking the first vehicle, facing east in the number one lane of Foothill Boulevard. The impact caused an additional number of vehicles to collide into each other. The Mercedes-Benz struck a Toyota sedan, which became airborne, landing on the hood of a large pickup truck. The Toyota then rolled off the truck onto the south sidewalk of Foothill Boulevard, narrowly missing a mother walking her child in a stroller. The child was thrown from the stroller and was later taken to the hospital for medical examination. Due to the extensive scene and the serious nature of several of the injuries, a specialized traffic investigations unit was called to assist. Several vehicles were stored as part of the investigation process so accurate data can be gathered regarding the cause of this collision.

As of January 14, the two most seriously injured persons remain hospitalized in critical condition, but are expected to survive. The infant child that was thrown from the stroller was released from the hospital with minor injuries.

Vehicle Burglary
January 13 at 1:31 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 500 block of West Huntington. An unknown suspect smashed the right rear passenger window of a vehicle and stole a purse containing cash, credit cards, and the victim’s driver’s license. The suspect fled the scene and was chased by a witness for several blocks, but he was not caught. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 5'7” tall, with a black beard. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Monrovia Police Report on Major Collision At Foothill and Myrtle

A traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 12:54 p.m. As a result of the traffic collision, nine people were injured and required medical attention, including the adult driver of the vehicle believed to have caused the collision. Several others were taken to local area hospitals. The cause of the accident is under investigation and the questioning of the driver believed to have caused the collision is pending, as they are being treated for their injuries and have not regained consciousness at this time.

Witnesses stated that the driver of a late model Mercedes-Benz station wagon was driving west on Foothill Boulevard at a very high speed, failing to come to a stop behind the already stopped vehicles at the intersection. The driver then drove around the stopped vehicles and through the intersection against a red light, striking the first vehicle, facing east in the number one lane of Foothill Boulevard. The impact caused an additional number of vehicles to collide into each other. The Mercedes-Benz struck a Toyota sedan, which became airborne, landing on the hood of a large pickup truck. The Toyota then rolled off the truck onto the south sidewalk of Foothill Boulevard, narrowly missing a mother walking her child in a stroller. The child was thrown from the stroller and was later taken to the hospital for medical examination.

Due to the extensive scene and the serious nature of several of the injuries, a specialized traffic investigations unit was called to assist. Several vehicles were stored as part of the investigation process so accurate data can be gathered regarding the cause of this collision.

As of January 14, the two most seriously injured persons remain hospitalized in critical condition, but are expected to survive. The infant child that was thrown from the stroller was released from the hospital with minor injuries.

No further information is available at this time. Updates may be available by calling the Monrovia Police Department Watch Commander at 626-256-8030.

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Embezzler Gets 16 Months for Stealing from Monrovia Company | Rain | EV Charger is Finalist | Bartlett Award

~ Walnut woman sentenced to 16 months in prison for embezzling nearly $1 million from Monrovia company, Mask-Off, a maker of protective films, papers and specialty coatings. http://goo.gl/fsSTpz

~ 60% chance of more rain Tuesday. http://goo.gl/VnR5SB

~ AeroVironment's "TurboCord" Dual plug-in EV charger has been named as a finalist for the 2016 Automotive News PACE Awards. The electric car charger can charge nearly three times faster than others. http://goo.gl/JcbBlD

~ Nominate a Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) leader for the "Bob Bartlett MAP Leader of the Year Award" someone who is tireless in working to improve the community. The person must be a Neighborhood Leader and have completed the MAP Leadership Academy. http://goo.gl/3eOrjl

- Brad Haugaard

Bad Car Accident at Foothill and Myrtle

Facebook posters note a bad car accident at Foothill and Myrtle with at least six vehicles involved. One person posting mentions an elderly driver and another speeding as contributing factors.

Nine injured, no fatalities: http://goo.gl/H232RZ

- Brad Haugaard

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