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Monrovia Police Warn Against Hurricane Harvey Scams

The Monrovia Police Department wants you to be careful in making donations to Hurricane Harvey relief, as there are scams out there.

On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit and eventually caused unprecedented and catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas, and was the first major hurricane to strike the United States since Wilma and Katrina. In the coming weeks, and months, Hurricane Harvey victims will continue to need assistance in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people that will take advantage of this tragedy and profit from it. So, if you are solicited in donating relief efforts by means of obtaining iTunes cards, Green Dot gift cards, or any other pre-paid gift cards as a form of donation/payment, please hang up the phone. This is a fraud and a scam!

It is important to thoroughly research any group or website when donating money. If you are unsure if you are donating to a legitimate organization, you can contact the Monrovia Police Department with your questions or concerns.

The following groups are some verified organizations:

• The American Red Cross - at www.redcross.org or text the word HARVEY to 90999. Volunteers are also being sought, and that information is available on the Red Cross’ volunteer website at www.redcross.org/volunteer. Blood donations are also being requested. You can find additional information at www.redcross.org/give-blood.

• The Salvation Army - at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. They are accepting money, donations, and seeking those who are able to volunteer their time.

• The Austin Disaster Relief Network - at www.adrn.org/give has already received one of the larges responses in its organization’s history. They are also seeking funds to help provide support to storm survivors

Source: Monrovia Police

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Returning Stuff They Didn't Buy; Son Arrested for Abusing Mom; Indecent Exposure; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 28-30. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 411 service events, resulting in 84 investigations.

Petty Theft – Suspects Arrested
August 28 at 10:54 a.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Two females were returning items to the store they had just taken off of shelves without paying for them. They were stopped outside of the store. The suspects were arrested and the merchandise was returned. Through investigation, it was discovered that these two subjects appear to have done this multiple times at different store locations. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 12:00 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 700 block of E. Lemon when he observed a subject in the park after hours. He detained the subject and discovered he was in possession of an open container of alcohol, as well as drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Elder Abuse – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 9:51 p.m., officers responded to the report of a battery incident in the 1300 block of S. Sherman Avenue. An adult male was involved in an argument with his elderly mother. The son physically grabbed his mother from behind and forcefully lifted her up off the ground against her will. He then put her down and pulled her hair, forcing her head back and forth. Paramedics responded to treat the mother and she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and complaint of pain to her neck. The son was arrested for elder abuse.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 10:07 a.m., a petty theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of W. Foothill. A male adult concealed merchandise in his backpack while inside the store. He left then without paying and was located by police a short distance away. He had the merchandise on him and admitted to stealing the item. He was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the charge.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 30 at 11:35 a.m., a petty theft incident was reported at a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington. A male subject walked out of the store with merchandise he did not pay for and ran. The reporting party provided a good description of the suspect and an accurate direction he fled towards. Officers located the subject trying to conceal himself in some bushes nearby. He was arrested for the crime.

Indecent Exposure
August 30 at 4:10 p.m., an indecent exposure incident was reported in the area of Violet and Lime Avenue. A 15-year-old, female student was walking home from the high school when an adult male asked her if he could ask her a question as she walked by the passenger seat of his van. She turned her head toward him and could see he was exposing himself. She immediately turned away and walked home. The victim went to the police station with a parent to report the incident. The victim described the suspect as a male Hispanic, approximately 30 years old, and clean shaven. The vehicle is a white van with green lettering on the side of the van. Officers conducted a search for the vehicle, but it was not located. The school resource officer was notified of the incident and extra patrol is being conducted. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 30 at 6:29 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 200 block of E. Cherry Avenue. The victim parked his vehicle at 8:15 a.m. and returned to it at 6:20 p.m. and saw that the driver's side of the vehicle had been side-swiped by another vehicle, causing damage. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 12:57 a.m., officers were dispatched on the report of a disturbing subject in the 200 block of S. Ivy. The reporting party stated there was a female subject in front of the location who was bothering him. Officers arrived and contacted the female. A computer check revealed she had a warrant or her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant. 

Training Monrovians for Community Leadership

If you'd like to be a Monrovia community leader, this may be for you, the Monrovia Area Partnership leadership academies, one for adults and one for youth. https://goo.gl/HXz2Eo

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Plans DUI and License Checkpoint Sept. 8

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI/CDL checkpoint on Friday night, September 8, 2017. Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped and drivers will be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having valid driver’s licenses.

Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 35 injury crashes, harming 48 of our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.

In California, this deadly crime led to countless deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities, with 29% of all deaths being caused by drunk drivers.

Monrovia Police reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can cost $10,000 or more for the first offense, including time in jail, the loss or your driver’s license and higher insurance rates.

These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to do your part to keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911!

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Department Honors Its Employees

The Monrovia Police Department will recognize the accomplishments of fourteen of its employees on Thursday, August 31, at 5 p.m. in the City of Monrovia Council Chambers. Two recipients will be awarded the Life Saving Medal, four recipients will be awarded the Medal of Merit and eight recipients will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their exceptional work, their dedication to the Monrovia Police Department and their commitment to the community of Monrovia. 

The Honorees are:

Life Saving Medal
Agent Seth Hermes
Officer Taylor Anaya

Medal of Merit
Sergeant Daniel Verna
Agent Luis Villalobos
Officer David Andrew
Officer Oliver Medina

Distinguished Service Medal
Lieutenant Jaime Alfaro
Lieutenant Heath Harvey
Lieutenant Patricia Newton
Lieutenant Roberto Wilken
Office Administrator Lori Le Veque
Lead Parking Control Officer Lori Bashford
Police Communications Operator Laura Donchig
Police Communications Operator Rhonda Reynolds

Source: Monrovia Police Department press release

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Upcoming Monrovia activities:

~ Saturday, Sept. 9, 27th Annual Monrovia Car Show, Old Town Monrovia, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

~ Saturday, Sept. 9, Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Fall Book Sale, featuring children's books. Monrovia Library Community Room, Noon to 4 p.m. https://goo.gl/orgVCA

~ Saturday, Sept. 30, Monrovia Public Library Strategic Plan Kickoff Celebration, 321 S Myrtle Ave; 1 - 3 p.m. For more information call 256-8274 or visit https://goo.gl/pYQn4Q.  The full Library Strategic Plan  here: https://goo.gl/g3AqEX

Source: Becky Shevlin's monthly community calendar.

- Brad Haugaard

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Shoots Up.


Stock in Monrovia-based drone maker AeroVironment is up very nicely on better-than-Wall-Street-expected first quarter results. Up 15.58 percent today as of this writing. https://goo.gl/ZCdVCY

- Brad Haugaard

Craft Event at Library; Historic Walking Tour of Monrovia

~ Handmade items vendors event at Monrovia's Library Park Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1-7 p.m. Also music, crafters and face painter. The event will donate supplies to schools or churches.

~ Take a two hour walk through downtown Monrovia with Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Cost is $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues this Saturday, Sept. 2, at 10 am.

- Brad Haugaard

JFed Players Present 'Twilight Zone'

The JFed Players Community Theatre Ensemble's next production, Twilight Zone opens Saturday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. The JFed Players is part of the Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

The four episodes, presented as four one-act plays with one intermission, will explore personal reactions to fear and loneliness, one even punctuated with a bit of humor.

Performance dates and times:
Saturday, October 7, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 8, 2 p.m. (followed by a reception at Villa Catrina Restaurant)
Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 14, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.

All performances will be held at:
The Clarke Center
400 Rolyn Place
Arcadia, CA 91006

For tickets and more information please go to www.jewishsgpv.org or contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Water Rates to Jump $15-17 Per Month; Krikorian Being Sold; Etc.

In his weekly report City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Beginning in 2018 water rates are going up, for most residences between $15 - $17 a month. By fiscal year 2021/22, the cost for water is expected to increase by around $35 a month from what the typical residential customer pays today. The increases will go entirely to the San Gabriel Basin Watermaster and the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. The Watermaster just bought 40.7 billion gallons of water at more than $100 million. All communities and agencies that use this water will split the cost.

~ The Krikorian Theatres is selling its Monrovia theater (along with others) to Texas based Studio Movie Grill, which is preparing for a big expansion into California. It plans enhancements at the Monrovia theater, including: reserved seating, exterior façade improvements, high-back reclining seats (which will decrease seating capacity but hopefully provide a better experience for movie goers. It hopes to have the initial upgrade complete in time for the December 15 release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

~ Monrovia crosswalks along Myrtle in Old Town, and westt to Primrose and east to Ivy, will be refreshed, which I take it to mean they'll get a bit of paint.

~ As a part of the Old Town Parking assessment that looked at current parking issues in our downtown area, it was recommended that parking time limits on portions of East Lime Avenue be modified from 90 Minutes to 3 Hours.

~ The second annual Monrovia Station Beer, Wine & Music Festival is coming to Station Square Park on September 16 from 5-8 p.m. VIP admission with ticket from 4-5 p.m. More than 30 craft beers and wines, food trucks, music from the Swinging 8 Balls and "No Duh," the No Doubt tribute band. Price of food is not included in admission.  Designated drivers will receive 5 free waters or sodas.  Bring lawn chairs, blankets. Proceeds benefit the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. You gotta be at least 21 to get in. Ticket info: https://goo.gl/esiJ3W

~ The Monrovia Historical Museum invites you to help celebrate its 25th birthday on Oct. 1, at the museum facility (742  E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia), from 1 to 4 p.m.

~ Free earthquake preparedness workshop with guest speaker Margaret Vinci from the California Institute of Technology on Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Room of the Monrovia Public Library. Click here to RSVP (required): http://www.mohpg.org/earthquake-rsvp.html

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Attempted Playground Equipment Theft; Mid-Street Walker Arrested; He Didn't Want a Designated Driver; Flat-Tire Row

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 24-27. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Attempted Theft
August 24 at 6:30 a.m., an attempted theft was reported at a park playground in the 900 block of S. California. Sometime overnight, unknown suspects cut the bolts that secure a rocking playground fixture and attempted to flee with the city-owned property. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 8:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of W. Walnut regarding a subject causing a disturbance at the location. The subject is residing in a converted carport at the location. A computer check revealed a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:07 a.m., an officer was patrolling a park in the 900 block of S. California due to a recent theft attempt. The officer located a subject sleeping in a box in the parking lot. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest. During a search incident to arrest, a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine was found. The subject was arrested without incident.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:33 a.m., a subject entered the police station and then turned around and left without speaking to the records clerk. The subject was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and was acting odd. He left the station and walked south on Ivy, walking in the middle of the street. Officers were dispatched and they contacted the subject in the 600 block of S. Ivy. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for trespassing and he was arrested.

Public Intoxication / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 2:03 a.m., dispatch received a call from a female resident in the 100 block of E. Colorado requesting help with her boyfriend. The caller stated her boyfriend was intoxicated and wanted to drive home. She stated that he was becoming agitated and aggressive. Officers arrived and contacted the couple. The male refused to get a ride home or to allow his girlfriend to drive. He then walked away from the officers. He was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest.

No-Trespassing Order / Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 10:11 a.m., a subject that has a no-trespassing order for a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington had returned to the location. The subject has been notified not to be at the location and this was the third time he has returned. The subject has stolen merchandise from the location. Officers responded and located the known subject walking towards his residence in the 1300 Block of S. Mayflower. He was arrested and the property was recovered.

Vandalism
August 26, at 11:30 a.m., a resident from the 1200 block of S. Myrtle called police to state that several vehicles parked on the street had flat tires. When the Officer arrived, it was discovered the tires had been slashed. At 12:00 a.m., a resident in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle called to report that several vehicles parked on that street had flat tires. The officer arrived and found the tires on the vehicles had also been slashed. The incidents occurred sometime overnight. The investigations are continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 12:03 a.m., an officer on patrol saw a vehicle fail to stop for a red signal at Lime and Myrtle. The officer conducted a traffic stop and noticed the driver showed signs of intoxication and impairment. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested and taken into custody. 

Monrovia's Jewish Federation Opens Harvey Relief Fund

The Monrovia-based Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to assist those affected by the hurricane.

To donate, mail, call or drop-off contributions at the Jewish Federation (Attn: Hurricane Harvey Relief, 114A W. Lime Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016), or donate to Jewish Federation of North America at https://jewishfederations.org. Click Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey. All funds  will go to welfare agencies in the affected areas serving both the Jewish and general communities. The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs. For more information contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810 or email federation@jewishsgpv.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Considering the heat wave coming our way, I thought it might be wise to be familiar with the symptoms of heat exhaustion. (After heat exhaustion comes heat stroke, which can be deadly.)

Here they are:

  • Faintness or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Heavy sweating often accompanied by cold, clammy skin
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Pale or flushed face
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache
  • Weakness or fatigue

Here's more detail from Mayo Clinic, as well as first aid tips: https://goo.gl/O0YM0y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Loses to Burbank :-(

Monrovia loses nonleague game against Burbank 23-8. https://goo.gl/3cmjnF

- Brad Haugaard

View the Heavens Saturday Night in Library Park

Monrovia's Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will have their telescopes set up this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at - I assume - their usual place, the southeast corner of Library Park.  This is the same night as the Wine Walk, so it may be busy along Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard

Move Monrovia Jerseys Available Only Through August


Move Monrovia jerseys are on sale until midnight, Aug. 31, if you'd like to have one for the community bike ride on Saturday Oct. 21, 8 a.m. The ride is to celebrate the implementation of Monrovia's Bike Master Plan. You can order a jersey at  https://www.ICESPORTSWEAR.COM/movemonrovia and you can try on a sample at Empire Bikes, 625 S. Myrtle Ave. The store's number is  930-1983 and it is open Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Breakfast at Gray and Cash



Breakfast at Gray and Cash, on the west side of Myrtle kinda across from the theater. Got an egg, bacon and cheese sandwich or $7.50  and a coffee for $2.25. Sandwich was really good. Eggs fluffy but moist and excellent bacon. Good coffee, too. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Five Days of Triple-Digit Heat Ahead for Monrovia

Hot days ahead! Predictions of 97 Saturday, 102 Sunday, 106 Monday and Tuesday, 104 Wednesday, 102 Thursday, and 99 Friday. https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Chief - From Restaurant to Police Chief to Guitar Making

City of Monrovia Police Chief Jim Hunt has announced his plans to retire after 27 years in law enforcement.  Chief Hunt will be retiring on Thursday, Nov. 2, after 26 years with the Monrovia Police Department.  He has been with the City since July 1991, when he joined the force as a police officer.  Since then, Chief Hunt has worked several specialized assignments throughout his career, including Bike Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Special Enforcement Team Sergeant, SWAT Team Sergeant, Community Policing Sergeant, and Regional Tactical Team Commander.  Chief Hunt was also a Certified Drug Recognition Expert.

In 2002, Jim was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 2006, promoted to Captain, where he served as the Operations Division Commander and then the Services Division Commander.  On May 1, 2011, he was promoted as Monrovia's eighth Chief of Police, and has served in this role for the last 6 ½ years.  Jim has a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training Command College.  

Throughout his tenure with the Monrovia Police Department, Chief Hunt has worked to expand the City's Community Policing programs aimed at building relationships with community members and helping to find creative solutions to long-standing crime issues in the community.  Under his leadership, Monrovia reached its lowest levels of crime in over 50 years.  During his term as Chief, the Monrovia Police Department won the 2012 James Q. Wilson Community Policing Finalist Award from the California Police Chiefs Association for the Safe Neighborhoods program, the 2017 James Q. Wilson Community Policing Finalist Award from the California Police Chiefs Association for the Achieving Community Trust program, and the 2017 Cisco Community Policing Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for the Achieving Community Trust program.

"Beyond the results and the awards and the recognition, what I will always remember about Jim is that fact that he is a truly good man," said City Manager Oliver Chi.  "I have had the privilege of working closely with him during the past three years addressing a variety of organizational, operational, and community-wide law enforcement issues.  And in that time, what I have seen first-hand is that Jim has an authentic desire to serve people, and he employs an approach that I would describe as being laced with humility.  Jim is one of those rare, special people, and all of us here in Monrovia are truly blessed to have had him as our Chief of Police."

Prior to starting his law enforcement career, Jim owned and operated a restaurant in the City of Covina.  He brought his service-oriented, small business experience to his work here in Monrovia, and has been instrumental in developing many community policing programs aimed at creating a  premier quality of life for the citizens of Monrovia.

In retirement, Jim is looking forward to spending time with family, and particularly his new 10 month old grandson. Additionally, Jim will be kept busy in retirement making custom guitars, fighting off sharks while surfing, and making delicious gourmet pizza for his family and friends.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Burglar Smashes Piggy Banks; Theft from Vehicle - Window Left Open; He Accidentally Paid for Her Purchase

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 21-23. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 406 service events, resulting in 60 investigations.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
August 21 at 4:04 p.m., officers responded to the report of a located stolen vehicle parked on the street in the 100 Block of El Nido. The vehicle was located by a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department airship through LoJack. Monrovia officers arrived and recovered the unoccupied stolen vehicle.

Theft From a Vehicle
August 22 at 2:50 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported at a business parking lot in the 900 block of W. Foothill. The victim parked her vehicle in the lot and went into the business. When she returned to her vehicle, she found someone had entered the vehicle and items were missing. She reported that she had left a window partially down. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 3:45 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported to police. An officer responded and located the driver at Mountain and Foothill. The officer observed the driver swerving from side to side in the number two lane. He stopped the vehicle for the vehicle code violation. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Fraud Investigation
August 22 at 5:13 p.m., a fraud incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. The victim inadvertently left his wallet at the cash register and left the store. The female suspect behind him in line picked up the wallet and paid for her purchase, using the victim's credit card. The suspect then went to another business in Monrovia and made additional purchases. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
August 23 at 2:37 a.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 200 block of N. Primrose. The resident had just returned home and saw that her house had been ransacked. Two laptop computers, several pieces of jewelry, and checkbooks were taken. The suspect(s) also smashed two piggy banks belonging to the children who live at the location. The suspect(s) entered through an unlocked door. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft / Felony Vandalism
August 23 at 2:30 p.m., a car dealership in the 1800 block of S. Shamrock reported that the windows on two vehicles had been shattered. When they inspected the vehicles, they realized the lockboxes for the vehicles were missing, they had been attached to the windows. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant Arrest
August 23 at 7:39 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of W. Duarte Road on the report of subjects loitering and drinking alcohol in front of a business. While at the location, officers detained one of the subjects, who had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Warrant Arrest
August 23 at 7:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to a vacant building in the 200 block of S. Madison on the report of someone possibly trespassing inside. Officers checked the building, but did not locate anyone inside. While checking the area, they located a subject who was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.