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Dog Park in Monrovia?

Peter Hanley writes on Facebook that City Manager Oliver Chi told the Chamber of Commerce that the city is considering creating a dog park. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Mt. Wilson Fire Not Currently a Threat to Monrovia; Pink Police Car; Lieutenants become Captains; Recliner Chairs at Theater

The city's pink police car.

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

~ The city had one of its police cars wrapped in pink to support  the Pink Patch Project, which raises awareness for breast cancer research.

~ The fire near Mt. Wilson is nowhere near Monrovia, and "there is no direct threat to our community now." Still, the city has closed Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve (except for people who have rented a facility or are on a guided tour) but hopes to reopen them tomorrow ... at least if the fire is out by then. "Based on the latest reports we have received, the fire should be put out by this afternoon."

~ With the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Jim Hunt and Captain Nels Ortland and the appointment of Captain Alan Sanvictores as the next police chief,  Lt. Heath Harvey and Lt. Roberto Wilken have been promoted to captain.  Heath  will command the Operations Division, while Roberto will oversee the Services Division.

~ Studio Movie Grill (the former Krikorian Theater) plans to install high-backed recliners within the next week or two. The job should be done within 6-8 weeks. Also, in early 2018 the company plans to convert one screening room to a full kitchen, so there will be 11 screens.

~ The installation ceremony for new Monrovia  Chief of Police,  Alan Sanvictores is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 7, just before the City Council meeting.

~ Police Agent Michael Garcia, and Fire Captain Brannigan Scott will be recognized  at Congressmember Grace Napolitano's Community Prayer Breakfast, on Nov. 17 at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry.

~ This year 28 merchants will participate in the Old Town trick-or-treating program, "Halloween Spooktacular." They will be identified on a map and will have a "Candy Stop" sign in the window.

~ Six new "Big Belly" solar compacting trash cans will be installed in late October in  the 100-200 block, 400, 500, 600 blocks and at Library Park. They'll be  wrapped in a collage of historical photos. They can hold five times as much trash, so they have to be emptied less frequently. Also, the cans send a note to city staff when they need to be emptied.

~ The City's first Portland Loo public restroom was installed at  Julian Fisher Park last week.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia Canyon Park, Wilderness Area Clised


I would guess this was prompted by last night's fire near My. Wilson. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire Above Monrovia


There is apparently a fire above Monrovia. I took this picture at about 5:35 this morning from the Pavilions shopping center. You can see aircraft silhouetted occasionally against the flames. 

Update: KABC reporting it is around Mt Wilson. 

Update 2: 6:30 a.m. and it appears it is either out or close to being out. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Heroin and Fake $100 Bills; Drunk Driving; Shoplifting; Drugs; Etc.

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

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Warrants – Suspects Arrested
October 12 at 7:26 p.m., officers completed a location check at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington due to ongoing complaints. During the location check, they contacted four subjects in one of the rooms and a computer check revealed three of the subjects had outstanding warrants for their arrest. The subjects were arrested and held pending their court appearances.

Driving Under the Influence / Public Intoxication – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 4:29 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 200 block of E. Huntington for a vehicle code violation. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and further investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested for DUI and two passengers were arrested for public intoxication.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 5:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to a disturbance in the front yard of a residence in the 700 block of Montana. They contacted several subjects. One subject was taken into custody for public intoxication and held for a sobering period. A second subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Warrant / Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 8:52 a.m., a former tenant that had been evicted several days earlier had returned to the residence in the 700 block of W. Duarte Road. He has been asked to stay away from the location. He has brought property back to the location and made statements that he is staying there. A computer check of the subject revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and served with a no-trespassing order for the location.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
October 14 at 3:06 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington phoned police to report a subject that had stolen merchandise and when confronted, became combative. Officers responded, confirmed the theft and the suspect was arrested.

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested
October 14 at 7:56 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of W. Huntington for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle was occupied by five subjects. One of the passengers had a warrant for his arrest and officers located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Two subjects were arrested and taken into custody.

Counterfeit Currency / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 15 at 10:24 a.m., the owner of a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle called police to report a subject that paid their bill with a counterfeit $100 bill and left the location. An employee followed the subject outside and called police. Officers arrived and detained the subject. The subject was arrested for possession of a counterfeit bill and was found to be in possession of heroin. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody for the charges.

Latino Heritage Fundraiser Dance

Monrovia Latino Heritage scholarship fundraiser dance, 2-7 p.m., Sunday, October. 15, VFW Post 8070, 250 E. first Street, Azusa. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For information call Louie Romero at (951)  830-9648


- Brad Haugaard 


Calvary Road Baptist Church & Sunday School

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Are you uncertain about the future? Jaded by life? Concerned for the next generation? Disillusioned by the state of our country and around the world? Are you searching for truth and the true meaning of life in this ever changing culture? Come find out the answers to these questions and more as we look closer into God's handbook for life through the Bible. See how spiritual realities are applied to practical daily living covering all aspects of life. Here at Calvary Road Baptist Church you will find appropriate Bible preaching that honors God, exalts the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, empower believers and gives hope to the lost and hopeless.  We are a traditional Christ centered, hymn singing, family values focused congregation of diverse backgrounds and age groups representing the surrounding communities we serve.

Sunday School

Come spend time with us as we prepare today's youth for tomorrow's challenges from 3-4pm

● Activities include Bible lessons, singing, crafts, and snacks.
● Newcomers are always welcome to take part with the many other boys and girls who attend for FREE.
● Your child will be placed in the appropriate age group from K-12 grade with its own regular teacher.
● If transportation is needed we can make arrangements for pick up.
● All teachers are members of the church and have received Sunday School training.
● Each week the children receive a lesson from the Bible. The Sunday School follows the Lessons for Life four-year, structured course of lessons.
● Children will receive a weekly Bible Learning Course leaflet which will indicate what they are being taught.
● Parents are welcome to sit in with their child in any class in our safe and secured facility.
● The church operates a Child Protection Policy in accordance with Government guidelines.

Military-ish Convoy Drives Through Monrovia

Photos of old military vehicles passing through town, from Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/tfEbj4

- Brad Haugaard

New Names in Monrovia


Now the former Krikorian Theater is the Studio Movie Grill. Dinner and a movie - at the same place. 


And here is the former Albertsons. Replaced by a HomeGoods and TJ Maxx, plus, it appears, a couple empty slots. These are not open yet. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Council to Consider Marijuana Regulations

At its next meeting the Monrovia City Council (agenda: https://goo.gl/LxEtYG) will, among other things ...

~ Consider adopting staff recommentdations for new marijuana growing regulations "that (1) prohibit the issuance of a business license for all commercial cannabis activity except for laboratory testing and manufacturing facilities, (2) prohibit all commercial cannabis uses except for laboratory testing and manufacturing facilities, (3) prohibit outdoor cannabis cultivation, and (4) regulate indoor cannabis cultivation in private residences." Some adjustment to the city's regulations are required due to changing state law. The staff recommendaton is more restrictive than the regulations initially proposed by the Planning Commission, which was prepared to allow outside cultivation of marijuana. https://goo.gl/fSKHQ9

~ Consider a "Mills Act Contract" for the historic landmark house at 200 E. Lime (aka the Tillapaugh House), which will give the new owner a tax break: https://goo.gl/xsPf51

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Smashburger Temporarily Closed to Fix Cockroach Problem, Newspaper Reports

Smashburger Restaurant was temporarily closed, from Oct. 4-6, due to cockroaches, according to a report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. The restaurant is at 602 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia. https://goo.gl/3g5h8r

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Something Healthy



Lunch at Something Healthy, on the east side of Shamrock just north of Huntington. Got the Farmer Sandwich with turkey for $8.59 (it came with a bag of chips) and an iced tea for $1.50. Tasted good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: No License and She Was Selling Marijuana; Brother-Sister Fight; Gardener Ripped Off; Etc.

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

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 412 service events, resulting in 63 investigations. 

Theft of Gardening Equipment

October 10 at 11:03 a.m., a citizen patrol officer was on patrol in the 400 block of Highland when he was flagged down by a gardener. The gardener told him a male suspect in a gray Ford truck just stole his yard trimmer and fled the area. An officer searched the area for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

October 10 at 5:16 p.m., units responded to the intersection of Peck and Live Oak regarding a traffic collision. A male subject in a pickup truck was driving west on Live Oak and collided with a Sheriff’s Department vehicle. There were no injuries. Further investigation revealed the driver of the pickup was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for DUI.

Possession of Marijuana for Sales – Suspect Arrested

October 10 at 9:49 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Duarte at Mayflower. The 17-year-old female driver was found to be unlicensed. She was arrested for driving without a license. During an inventory search of the vehicle, approximately 13 pounds of marijauna and cash was located. The driver was charged with an infraction due to her age for the marijuana, in addition to the unlicensed driver charge. The driver was later released to her guardian.

Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested

October 10 at 9:49 p.m., police dispatch received numerous calls regarding a disturbance at a location in the 1300 block of Alta Vista. Officers arrived and found a male subject bleeding from a laceration to his head. A female subject was also at the location and was extremely intoxicated. The investigation revealed the two subjects are siblings and were involved in a physical altercation. It was unknown how the male sustained the injury. Both subjects refused prosecution and the male subject was taken to the hospital for treatment. The female was arrested for public intoxication.

 Grand Theft Auto

October 11 at 2:09 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 100 block of W. Olive. An unknown suspect entered a parking garage at the location and stole a scooter from the garage. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft

October 11 at 4:17 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Fifth Avenue. A female staying at the location reported that she placed an expensive ring on the kitchen counter in her room and left the location. When she returned in the early evening, the ring was missing. The investigation is continuing. 

New Book Out on Monrovia's Renaissance

Former Monrovia public information officer, Dick Singer, has a new book out, called, "Renaissance Years: A History of Modern Monrovia." Here's a review: https://goo.gl/Y93rDi (Unfortunately the article gives no clue where to get the book. Dick, where can people get Renaissance Years?)

Update: See comments for where to buy the book.

- Brad Haugaard

Canyon Park Open Again


The gate is open again at Monrovia Canyon Park. I guess the fire danger has subsided. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Make a Difference; Family Affair Music Closing? AeroVironment Gets Military Contract

~ Make a Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. to noon at Library Park. tools, equipment and lunch provided. Individual, family, and group opportunities. Sponsored by Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley. For more information: 256-8187

~ Family Affair Music in Old Town expects to close after 45 years: https://goo.gl/YVNrRB

~ Monrovia drone-maker AeroVironment got a $2.5 million contract with the military for "multiple Blackwing vehicles, sensor payloads and refurbishment kits." https://goo.gl/ik2x1V

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia - Brew City! Reservoir Upgrade Will Be Tough on Neighbors; Taste of Old Town; Build a Bat House; Etc.

In his weekly update (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ This coming Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Planning Commission will consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow Wingwalker Brewing to operate a microbrewery at 235  W. Maple Ave. If approved, the craft brewery will make specialty beer and offer samples in a tasting room that will be open to the public. If approved,  Wingwalker Brewing will be the second craft brewery on Maple Avenue, and the fourth craft brewery in Monrovia.  Recently, Over Town Brewing Company was approved to operate at 227  W. Maple Ave.  We also have Pacific Plate and Hop Secret. Chi writes, "It would appear that Monrovia is developing a reputation as a semi-underground but super cool craft brewery scene."

~ The upgrade of Oakglade Reservoir, due to begin in late December or January, will be "very invasive for the residents that live off of Oakglade Drive and Ridgeside Drive," but the city will work with the neighbors. The existing 900,000 gallon Oakglade Reservoir will be replaced with a 1.5-million-gallon reservoir, which will increase supply capacity by 67% and improve emergency water storage requirements.

~ A Taste of Old Town Monrovia is coming up on Oct. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. It will showcase Old Town merchants and restaurants. Tickets: https://goo.gl/qj9125

~ For the Halloween season, Monrovia Canyon Park is hosting a Build-a-Bat-Box event at the Nature Center on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1-3 p.m. A common little brown bat can eat between 800 and 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night. (Comment: And with the Zika and West Nile mosquitoes coming to town, bats are our friends!)

~ Mayflower Avenue between Foothill and Linwood will be closed from around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day through the end of October to  replace nearly 600 linear feet of sewer line with larger pipe.  As the sewer line is in the middle of Mayflower, they have to close the whole street, though residents will always have access. Construction should be finished by the end of October.  For questions contact Public Works at 932-5575.

~ Construction crews are completing concrete work at Julian Fisher Park, including a new seat wall, a pathway through the park to the sidewalk, new basketball courts, and the foundation for the new Portland Loo-style public restroom.

~ Irwindale-based Mariposa Landscapes will take on the routine landscape maintenance of the City's parks, medians, right of way areas, and other open spaces, of which the city has approximately 66 landscaped acres. The transition will begin in December.

~ The city has received five new buses to replace buses that were put into service in 2007/8, all of which have over 200,000 miles on them. They should begin operations later this month.

~ Move Monrovia will celebrate the city's Bike Master Plan. Participants can ride to a ribbon cutting celebration of the new Class III Bike Routes, which include new "Share the Road" signs and painted sharrows along the bike path route. Oct. 21, 8 a.m. at Recreation Park.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Canyon Park Closed - Fire Danger


Fire danger. Monrovia Canyon Park closed, even to hikers and bicyclists. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Lost 5-Year-Old Rescued; Drunk Driving; Stopped at Green Light - Sleeping

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for October 5-8. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
October 5 at 3:29 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of W. Huntington regarding a 5-year-old child wandering around in his pajamas and crying. The officer found the boy, but he was unable to communicate very well and couldn't provide much information. Officers drove the child around the area until he pointed out his home on Central Avenue, over four blocks away from where he was found. No one was home at the residence. Approximately one hour after the child was reported wandering, the child’s 27-year-old brother showed up at the residence and said he left him alone to go run errands. The brother was arrested for child endangerment.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested
October 5 at 10:49 p.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported to police in the 300 block of Bradbury. When officers arrived, two subjects exited the vehicle and started to walk away. They were detained by officers and a consent search of one of the subjects revealed a methamphetamine pipe in his pocket. A computer check revealed the same subject also had a warrant for his arrest. A consent search of the vehicle revealed another methamphetamine pipe in the front passenger door. The second subject, who was in control of the vehicle, was also arrested.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 1:36 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Camino Real when he observed a driver commit a traffic violation. When the officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, he noticed the driver displayed signs of being intoxicated. Through investigation, the driver was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 7:49 p.m., loss prevention personnel at a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a shoplifter. The suspect selected a large quantity of merchandise and left the store without paying for the items. The suspect was stopped outside of the store and the property was recovered. The suspect was arrested, booked and also found to have a number of outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was held pending his court appearance.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
October 6 at 10:11 p.m., a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill called police to report a disturbing subject at the business that was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested, booked and held pending his court appearance.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 2:25 a.m., an officer observed a driver commit a vehicle code violation in the 3000 block of S. Peck and made a traffic stop. The driver displayed obvious signs of intoxication. The investigation determined the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
October 7 at 4:40 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported at the scene of what appeared to be a traffic collision in the 100 block of W. Duarte Road. The investigation revealed the driver struck the curb with the vehicle, knocked over a city street light, and then locked the vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle was impounded and the investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
October 7 at 11:15 p.m., a disturbing patron was reported at a business in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. The patron was refusing to leave. Officers arrived, contacted the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 8 at 4:40 a.m., a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 400 block of E. Duarte Road. The driver was still inside and appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. Officers arrived, contacted the driver and the investigation revealed the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. The suspect was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
October 9 at 4:01 a.m., a vehicle in the 600 block of Royal Oaks was reported to police. The driver had stopped at a green light and appeared to be asleep at the wheel. Officers arrived and contacted the driver. Through investigation, they determined he was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was arrested, booked, and held for a sobering period. 

Monrovia Firehouse Open House

Monrovia Fire & Rescue will hold an open house on Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon) to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. The theme, "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out," is to encourage residents to have an escape plan in case of an emergency.

At the event you can meet firefighters, kids can participate in a Junior Firefighter Challenge designed to simulate firefighter drills, and firefighters will perform an auto extrication demonstration to show the tools and procedures the Fire Department uses to extricate individuals who are trapped due to an automobile accident.

- Brad Haugaard