Monrovia Aldi Supermarkets Now Open

Although the Grand Opening is tomorrow, Thursday, The Aldi supermarket (in the old Albertson's shopping center site on Huntington) is open today. I walked through and two things struck me: 1. How wide the aisles are, and 2. That you need to deposit a quarter to get a cart, but you get the quarter back when you return the cart. The store opens at 9 a.m. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Stock in Monrovia's AeroVironment Jumps 30 Percent

The stock in Monrovia drone-maker, AeroVironment, jumped 30 percent after it reports a 45 percent quarterly revenue jump compared to last year: https://goo.gl/8apqDd

- Brad Haugaard

Santa's Monrovia Schedule

This year, Monrovia will continue our 19 year long tradition of celebrating the holiday season by touring Santa Claus around city streets on top of a fire engine. Escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh, Santa will give candy canes to the public in the spirit of giving. City employees will be volunteering their time to help make the program fun and successful for all Monrovians and visitors in our premier city.

Last year’s event was a great success! This year’s Santa Tour will be another exciting and fun time for members of our community when they see Santa visiting their neighborhoods. Everyone is encouraged to come out and wave to Santa. The route dates are as follows:

Monday, December 18, 2017 – will tour streets south of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth, north of southern city boundaries. Also includes Valley Circle.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 –will tour city streets west of Myrtle, south of Foothill to Huntington, between Myrtle and Fifth.

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – will tour city streets east of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, and west of the eastern city boundaries.

Friday, December 22, 2017 – will tour city streets west of Myrtle, north of Foothill.

Assembly Time – 5:00 p.m. assemble at the City Hall parking lot, 415 S. Ivy, Monrovia, CA 91016

Sleigh Departure Time and Tour Hours – 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The police car will be driven by police officers who are volunteering their time. The police car will lead the procession using its red lights and siren. Holiday carols will be played over the police car’s P.A. system.

The fire engine will be driven by firefighters who are volunteering their time. The fire engine will follow the police car. Santa will ride on top of the fire engine with spotlights shining on him as he wishes everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. The fire engine will be decorated with hundreds of lights.

The public works truck will be driven by public works employees who are volunteering their time. Our reindeer sleigh, bright with over 1500 lights, will also be playing holiday carols. Community members are welcome to ride with city employees and their families in the sleigh during the tour. Space is limited and participation is first come first served. Parents are reminded that children must be accompanied by an adult, and you must bring appropriate warm clothing for cold weather and umbrellas for possible rain, as the sleigh is open air.

Venture outside, welcome Santa and enjoy the candy canes!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all and may you all have a safe holiday season.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard
 

Monrovia Sells Bonds Cheap; Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade Thursday; Aldi's Opening; Etc.

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

~ The City successfully sold $111.6 million worth of pension obligation bonds to refinance all of the City's pension liabilities at a lower cost than projected, resulting in an estimated savings of $50.3 million rather than just $43.2 million, as earlier estimated. Chi said this was because of "the City’s strong financial position and an uptick in demand for municipal securities."

~ The Annual Tree Lighting will be at 6 p.m. this Thursday, followed by the Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut Avenue to Palm Avenue.

~ And here's a great, compact list of Christmas and New Year's events in Monrovia: https://goo.gl/XjXPsq

~  Aldi’s Supermarket will have its grand opening celebration on Thursday, Dec. 7, with a ribbon cutting at 8:25 a.m. Aldi's is in the old Albertson's shopping center in east Monrovia.

~ Here's a video of the rehab work at the old train station: https://goo.gl/Zu93eC

~ The bouncy rubber coating on the Library Park Playground is scheduled to be replaced Dec. 11-20.  While the work is being completed, the playground will be closed.

~ The Library's Veterans Resource Center is partnering with the American Legion Women's Auxiliary to support the USO and local military personnel who are hospitalized. They are collecting white socks for men and women; coloring books for adults; coloring pencils, markers, and pens; and board games for adults. You can drop off donations in the large yellow box in the Library's main lobby. contact Mabel Cross, Librarian, at 256-8294 if you have any questions.

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Mayor Lutz Plans a Run for Congress

Former Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has announced on Facebook her intention to run for Congress representing the 32nd Congressional District ...  someday, but only after the current representative, Grace Napolitano, steps down. 

Here is her full statement:

“Running For Congress...

“Like many of you, the past few months have been incredibly difficult for me to watch. The current administration creates one national crisis after another as their reckless, wrong-headed and discriminatory actions create unprecedented anxiety and division throughout the country.   We need to fight back against the fear-mongering forces that divide us and remake our country into one that has immense promise for all, not one that is dominated by a politics driven by fear of the unknown. 

“After serving 3 terms as Mayor of Monrovia and six years as council member, my experience in local, regional and federal policy and public service, and decades as a neighborhood activist, I know what it takes to generate positive change and produce tangible results for the people in our local neighborhoods. 

“ In 2015 I was honored to join the staff of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, as a Policy Advisor for Water, Transportation and Environment.  This experience led me to a greater understanding of how Congress can work with and for our community.

"Congresswoman Napolitano is a widely respected leader in the community, is still the sitting Member and representative for California’s 32nd District. She is my mentor and has my support.   That said, at some point in the future, the Congresswoman will likely retire.  I believe I have the knowledge, passion and experience to represent you in Congress, thus I have opened a campaign committee in anticipation of a future race.   As I have said publicly, my plan is to run when the seat opens.

“If I have the privilege of representing the 32nd District in Congress, I will fight tooth and nail to resist the Trump agenda and work toward reducing inequality, fighting for social and economic justice, and a future full of hope and possibility for all.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Unity Center Needs December Volunteers

Foothill Unity Center needs help sorting and packing food for family distribution events this month. A limited number of volunteers are needed for each shift. Registration is mandatory and is available for individuals and groups until December 10. Register at www.foothillunitycenter.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Package Theft Suspect Caught; Woman's Foot Run Over; Drugs, Alcohol, and Gem City Grill Shooting

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 30 – December 3. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Package Theft – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 2:14 p.m., a suspicious subject who was looking into vehicles in the area of Primrose and Linwood was reported to police. An officer responded and located the subject nearby. The subject was wearing a backpack when officers first saw him, but he had dropped the backpack and walked away from it before he was detained. The subject gave officers consent to search the backpack, which contained a package that had been stolen from a residence in the 200 block of S. Primrose. The suspect was arrested for possession of the stolen property and taken into custody. The victim did not desire prosecution and the suspect was released after he was identified.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 3:15 p.m., a parking control officer was impounding a vehicle and trailer that had suspended registration as of 2015. After the tow truck arrived to tow the vehicle, a subject came out and confronted the parking control officer. Officers responded to assist and discovered the subject had multiple warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 4:20 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill regarding a disturbing subject who management wanted to complete a no trespass authorization form against. Officers recognized the subject from previous contacts and a computer check revealed the subject had warrants for his arrest. During a pat-down search of the subject, he admitted to officers that he had something he shouldn't have in his pocket. The officers recovered a .38 caliber revolver from his right pants pocket and black gloves in his left pocket. The suspect was arrested for being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and the warrants.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
November 30 at 9:57 p.m., officers responded to the area of Foothill and Mayflower regarding the report of a suspicious subject loitering in the area. They contacted the subject and a consent search revealed the subject was in possession of a pipe for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 1:43 a.m., an officer contacted a suspicious male subject in the area of Myrtle and Lemon. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and during a consent search of the subject, he was found to have cocaine in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 2:59 a.m., an officer stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Peck and Live Oak for vehicle code violations. The driver was determined to be too impaired to drive a motor vehicle safely and was arrested for driving under the influence. The driver was taken into custody and held for a sobering period.

Injury Traffic Collision
December 1 at 11:01 a.m., an injury traffic collision was reported in the 500 block of W. Huntington. An elderly female was walking through a business parking lot to her vehicle when a driver made a left turn into the parking lot and struck her foot at a slow rate of speed. The vehicle's tire hit the pedestrian's ankle. Paramedics responded and the pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Homicide Investigation
December 2 at 12:01 a.m., officers responded to shots fired at the Gem City Grill in the 100 block of E. Olive. When they arrived, they found three subjects had been shot. All three subjects were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One of the victims involved in the incident succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital. The crime is being investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit.

Public Intoxication / No-Bail Parole Warrant – Suspect Arrested
December 2 at 8:34 p.m., a citizen called police to report an intoxicated subject causing a disturbance in the 2100 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and detained the male adult, who they recognized as a subject they knew had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The subject was also determined to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The warrant was confirmed and the subject was arrested for public intoxication and the warrant.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence Investigation
December 3 at 4:19 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the 2600 block of California. A driver struck a telephone pole, cutting his vehicle in half. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment and an officer responded to have blood drawn for a DUI investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
December 3 at 6:32 p.m., employees at a business in the 300 block of W. Huntington called police to report a subject that was a causing a disturbance at the location. Officers responded and contacted the subject, who was found to be in possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later released on a citation to appear in court on the charges. 

Man Killed in Bar Shooting Identified

The 43-year-old man who was killed at the Gem City Grill has been identified as Michael Lowe, a Monrovia resident, according to the coroner's office. https://goo.gl/uA6t94

Update: A GoFundMe page has been set up for the funeral expenses of Michael Lowe: https://goo.gl/jrcgw1

- Brad Haugaard

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Old Town Monrovia

Horse drawn carriage rides have begun in Old Town Monrovia for the Christmas season. Gem City Images has a picture and details about how to take a ride: https://goo.gl/XxhYEe

- Brad Haugaard

Police Search for Suspect in Bar Killing

Police are looking for a adult Hispanic man as suspect in Gem City Grill shooting. Police surrounded a home on West Olive but apparently did not make any arrest. The shooting left one man dead and two wounded.  https://goo.gl/tM1Dj5

- Brad Haugaard 

Man Killed, Two Injured This Morning at Monrovia Bar

One man was killed and two injured in a shooting just after midnight this morning at Gem City Grill, on the north side of Olive just east of Myrtle.  https://goo.gl/LTrdwT

- Brad Haugaard

City Council: $500 Rebate for Home Security Systems; Ban Additional Food-Styrofoam From City Facilities

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/F13rp3) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Setting aside $100,000 to fund a program in which the city would kick in up to $500 per home to reimburse homeowners for "alarm systems, security cameras, home protection devices, and other related products." If you already have a security system, sorry, the offer is not retroactive. Why? Because, "Monrovia, like many communities throughout California, has experienced an alarming increase in crime." https://goo.gl/iBj488

~ Banning any additional use of expanded polystyrene ("Styrofoam") food products at city facilities. Why? Because - the staff report says - it is "a major source of litter and marine pollution, which frequently clogs storm drains and waterways throughout our region. Furthermore, as a non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic, expanded polystyrene has the potential of continuing to persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years if not managed properly." https://goo.gl/sp2c6H

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Peach Cafe

Had lunch yesterday at Peach Cafe, on the north side of Colorado just west of Ivy. Got the chicken sandwich with scalloped potatoes for $12  and an iced tea for $2.75. Pleasant atmosphere and food was very tasty. That pancake-looking thing, by the way, is the scalloped potatoes. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Did Car Accelerate On Its Own, Causing Crash? Hoodie Suspects Escape; Etc.

Link to Blogger

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for November 27-29. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 362 service events, resulting in 64 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
November 27 at 6:44 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 300 block of Lincoln. The victim parked the vehicle in their complex carport. When they returned to the vehicle, they found the rear driver-side door ajar and the trunk open. There were no signs of forced entry. A watch was taken from the glove box. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 27 at 12:37 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Parkrose regarding a burglary. The resident’s son found the front door ajar and contacted police. It appears the suspect attempted to break the sliding glass door, but did not succeed. The suspect then kicked in a rear door to gain entry. The home was ransacked, so the resident was unable to determine what was taken. The investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 12:16 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a man down in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers responded to the location and found a male adult subject lying on the ground. The subject was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself and he was arrested for public intoxication. He was held for a sobering period.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
November 28 at 10:33 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from a business in the 3300 block of S. Peck Road. The business was contacted by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department because they had impounded the vehicle as abandoned. It is unknown how the vehicle was taken off the lot. The vehicle was recovered and the investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 28 at 2:03 p.m., a driver turned into a driveway in the 300 block of W. Duarte Road to turn around, and as he was turning in, accelerated through a brick wall onto the property. The driver complained of pain. He stated that the vehicle, a Toyota Camry, had accelerated on its own through the wall. A parked vehicle on the other side of the wall sustained minor damage.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
November 29 at 12:16 a.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a man down in the 100 block of W. Cypress. Officers responded to the location and contacted a male adult who was too intoxicated to care for himself. The subject was arrested for public intoxication. He was held for detoxification.

Attempt Burglary
November 29 at 10:14 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. Greystone on the report of an alarm activation. They arrived at the location and saw the screens had been taken off the rear windows and someone had tampered with the rear door. It did not appear the suspects were able to gain entry. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary
November 29 at 11:10 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry called police and reported that two male suspects attempted to enter her home through a window. They were described as male adults wearing hoodies. They did not make entry and fled in a dark, possibly green, vehicle. Officers responded and searched the area, but were not able to locate the vehicle or suspects. The investigation is continuing. 

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Shooting Deer in Monrovia

A Duarte man has pleaded not guilty to charges related to shooting a deer with an arrow in north Monrovia. https://goo.gl/39PAiF

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Plans to Help Residents With Home Security

Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams commented today on social media that the city plans to help residents with home security systems, although exactly what type of assistance that will entail he did not specify. He wrote that, “The program was approved by the council about 2 months ago, stay tuned for the information on how to take advantage of this.”

- Brad Haugaard 

Auditions for 'She Loves Me' Dec. 17-19

Auditions for The JFed Players' Spring 2018 production of She Loves Me, will be held on December 17, 18, and 19, with performances in late April - early May.

She Loves Me takes place in Budapest in the 1930s, and focuses on two employees of a perfume shop, Georg and Amalia, who bicker constantly with each other at work, unaware that they are each other's secret pen pal.

She Loves Me is based on the 1937 play Parfumerie by the Hungarian playwright Miklós László, which also inspired the motion pictures, The Little Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail. A collaboration between composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, She Loves Me immediately preceded their smash hit, Fiddler on the Roof.

Audition dates and times:

• Sunday, December 17, 2-4 p.m.
• Monday, December 18, 7-9 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 19, 7-9 p.m.

All auditions will be held at the Jewish Federation, 114A Lime Ave., in Monrovia.

Performances will be in April and May at the Clarke Center in Arcadia.

For more information contact the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Girl Selling Doggy Treats for Children's Hospital

Monrovia girl, Hannah IIer, plans to raise $5,000 for Children’s Hospital by selling her homemade rawhide and peanut butter doggy treats. Available on Saturday Dec. 16 from 9-11 am at 710 Oakdale Ave., in Monrovia. https://goo.gl/NdXYz5

- Brad Haugaard

Lower Interest Rate for Monrovia Bond; Christmas Tree Lighting, Parade; Santa Touring Times

In his weekly report, City Manager Olive Chi reports that ...

~ The bond-rating agency, S&P, has this past week assigned Monrovia's proposed $115 million bond (to cover unfunded retirement costs) a rating of AA-, its fourth highest rating, giving the bond a "High Grade" rating, meaning Monrovia can borrow money at a lower interest rate. Also, the city as a whole has been assigned an AA rating, S&P's third highest rating.

Chi said, "This is a terrific accomplishment for the City, and our entire community should be proud of the achievement!  It wasn't that long ago that securities from the City were considered lower medium grade investments in the BBB- to BBB+ range."

Here is S&P's rating report for Monrovia: https://goo.gl/XEYZML

~ On Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Library Park, followed by the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.

~  Santa will tour Monrovia in a fire engine, accompanied by other city vehicles. Here's the schedule:

• Monday, Dec. 18, south of Huntington, west of Myrtle.
• Tuesday, Dec. 19,  east of Myrtle and north of Foothill.
• Wednesday, Dec. 20, west of Myrtle and south of Foothill to Huntington.
• Friday, Dec. 22, west of Myrtle Avenue and north of Foothill.

For more information, please contact the Police Department at 256-8000.

~ You should be getting the Monrovia Today winter brochure in your mailbox on November 30, but if you'd like an early peek: https://goo.gl/WdsFkn

~ This Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30, concrete panels on Foothill at Acacia and Melrose that were removed during the recent sewer improvements will be replaced. Foothill will be reduced to one lane in eac direction while the concrete is placed and cures.

~ In the next few weeks the city will be installing at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue fencing, lighting, tables, bike racks, trash cans, benches, better watering, a Christmas tree, and a new Samson Bear, which has been ordered by the Kiwanis Club and is being painted.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Noted in Capitol Weekly Newspaper

The newspaper, Capitol Weekly, which covers California government, has taken note of Monrovia's efforts to avoid bankruptcy from unfunded retirement costs.  https://goo.gl/ByH3fH

- Brad Haugaard