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Ulta Beauty Opening - Being Joined by Kids Empire, Tapioca Express

Ulta Beauty, which is opening at Monrovia Landing shopping center (former Albertson's shopping center), will be joined shortly by Kid's Empire (hopefully in January) and Tapioca Express (hopefully in November).

Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the U.S. Its grand opening will be Sept. 14, at 9:45 a.m.

Michael Odell, principal and co-founder of Warner Pacific Properties, also reports that, "We have also signed two new tenants, Kids Empire and Tapioca Express, which brings the occupancy to 100 percent."

Kids Empire, which was developed in Southern California, will open a 10,500-square-foot facility at Monrovia Landing. Kids Empire provides a safe, high-quality place for children to play and explore. There is a cafe where adults.

Tapioca Express is a South El Monte-based Taiwanese-American fast-food franchise chain specializing in bubble tea, coffee, fruit juices, yogurt, smoothies and slushies, and small meals, sandwiches and light snacks. It will occupy a 200-square-foot restaurant space.

Source: Warner Pacific Properties press release

- Brad Haugaard

City Serving Senior Lunches; Ulta Beauty Opening; Beer and Wine Fest; Bridge Work; Clean Sidewalks; Etc.

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

~ The City has begun serving free meals to seniors at the Monrovia Community Center.  Lunches are served from 11:30 a.m. to noon, with a suggested donation of $2.  All seniors over 55 are welcome, but will be required to become a club member of either the Gad-A-Bouts or New Horizons Club after two visits. Memberships are $5 for the year.

Comment: I'm not in the least bit comfortable with the city making membership in a private club a requirement to receive a government service. This seems wrong.

~  Ulta Beauty - cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and hair products - will open its newest location at the Monrovia Landing Shopping Center (the old Albertson's center) with aformal ribbon cutting on Friday, Sept. 14, at 9:45 a.m.

~  The  third annual Monrovia Station Beer, Wine & Music Fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 4-8 p.m. at the Station Square Park. More than 30 craft beer and wines from award winning breweries and wineries. Proceeds benefit the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce & Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. And yes, you gotta be at least 21.

~ East Huntington Drive lanes will occasionally be closed between Sept. 10 - Sept. 19 so workers can do maintenance and repair work on the overhead pedestrian bridge  The work will be between the hours of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., from Monday through Friday only.

~ Old Town sidewalks will be pressure washed starting Monday, Sept. 10 through Sept. 12.  Each day, the work will begin at 3 a.m. and end at 7 a.m.

~  Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board needs a new member. Interested? Apply here - https://goo.gl/kTrjbn - before 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17. Questions? Contact the City Clerk's office at 932-5505.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Joins City of Hope in Battle Against Breast Cancer

The Monrovia Police Department is proud to continue its Pink Patch Project partnership in fighting against breast cancer with the City of Hope. The Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and support research efforts working to combat this disease. This project will also raise awareness about early detection and treatment for breast cancer.

The Pink Patch Project began in 2015, when the Irwindale Police Department raised over $20,000 for breast cancer research by selling pink colored versions of their police patch. In 2016, the Pink Patch Project quickly grew into a collaborative effort between numerous Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies.

Beginning in September, the Monrovia Police Department will be selling limited edition pink police department patches and challenge coins for $10 each. We will also be selling limited edition MPD breast cancer awareness pins for $5 and graphic designed t-shirts for $20. All profits from these sales will be donated to the City of Hope to help fund their research for breast cancer.

Also, throughout the month of October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Monrovia Police Officers will be wearing pink patches on their patrol uniforms to continue to help raise awareness. These are the same official patches that will be available for purchase.

To purchase official Monrovia Police Department Pink Patch items, please come by the police station, located at 140 E. Lime Avenue, and help support the cause. Cash or checks are accepted. Please make checks payable to the Monrovia Police Officers' Association.

On behalf of Chief Sanvictores, the Monrovia Police Officers' Association and the Monrovia Police Department, we thank you for your support for a cure to breast cancer.

For additional information, please contact Sergeant Daniel Verna at 256-8020

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Frisbee Dog Needs a Home


Maggie (A461589) is a 10-years-young terrier mix looking for a new home! She loves to play with toys and will fetch a Frisbee like a pro! One of Maggie's favorite things to do is go for walks in the park. She's been known to jump up on the park bench to get in a snuggle with a volunteer. Maggie is a true volunteer favorite, and they say she loves to be petted and scratched. Maggie also knows her sit and down commands. If you are looking for an active older pup, stop by and ask for Maggie.

The adoption fee for dogs is $130. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going to their new home.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Aggressive Bear in Canyon Park

Here is video and a description of a family's encounter with an aggressive bear in Monrovia Canyon Park. https://goo.gl/Nzpkvv

- Brad Haugaard

Eyewitness News Films Monrovia Bear Report




Channel 7 Eyewitness News was in Monrovia Canyon Park today (Monday) filming a segment on - if I understood correctly- aggressive bears.

Well, I’ve had a momma bear lunge at me but that was because I was an idiot. I wanted a better camera shot and got too close and baby bear was with her.

- Brad Haugaard 

Fork Fire No Threat to Monrovia

Monrovia Fire Department reports:

Early today, a brush fire dubbed the Fork Fire began spreading in the San Gabriel Reservoir in Azusa Canyon, off of Highway 39 / San Gabriel Road, adjacent to the City of Azusa. So far, ~90 acres have burned.

While smoke from the fire is highly visible, it is important to note that the San Gabriel Canyon is not in close proximity to Monrovia. Based upon the latest on-the-ground information, there is currently no threat to Monrovia. The public is being urged to stay clear of the area.

The Monrovia Fire Department will continue to monitor this situation and weather patterns closely, and if anything changes that may impact the safety of our community, the City will be certain to provide notification immediately at that time.

- Brad Haugaard

Car Show Pictures

Some great pictures of the car show on Myrtle Saturday at Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/UjqnWB

- Brad Haugaard

Old Car Show on Myrtle


Old cars on display today on Old Town. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Car Show on Myrtle Tomorrow

Old Town Monrovia Car Show tomorrow, Sept. 8, on Myrtle from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Juvenile Car Thief Crashes Car in Monrovia

A juvenile stole a car in Arcadia and crashed it in Monrovia, knocking one parked car about 30 feet. https://goo.gl/3c7pKL

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Budget; Cop on Campus; Etc.


The general fund.

At its Sept. 12 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/rPgK73) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Take a look at the district's general fund. It looks to me as if revenues are down, but so are expenditures: https://goo.gl/YT5N9j

~ Consider implementing with the city a School Resource Officer (Cop on Campus) program for up to $80,000 a year. https://goo.gl/1Xk9BL

~ Consider hiring Leslie Stawarz for up to $16,500 to - as best I can figure out - help the district with the computer system of CALPADS, the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System, a data system that tracks students' academic performance. https://goo.gl/RGDQ9C

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Customer Punches Out Gas Pump; Tailgater Hits Tail; Assault With Pants; Old Lady Hits and Runs; Semi Knocks Down Pole

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for August 30 – September 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 394 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.

Vandalism
August 30 at 1:10 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Olive started her vehicle, which immediately began to overheat. She discovered someone had poured sugar in her radiator and cut several zip-ties that were holding engine parts together. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
August 30 at 7:57 p.m., an eighteen-wheel truck was backing in the 700 block of E. Cypress, when the trailer struck a light pole, causing the pole to fall.

Vandalism
August 30 at 8:43 p.m., an employee at a gas station in the 800 block of E. Huntington reported a customer had just hit the gas pump several times with his hand, causing the digital display to break. The customer left the area after damaging the pump. Officers arrived and searched the area for the subject, but could not find him. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 1:31 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte when he saw several subjects he knew from previous contacts. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had a warrant for his arrest, so he was stopped and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 4:10 a.m., a sergeant was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and after the driver identified himself, a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was taken into custody.

Possession of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 7:42 a.m., an officer was patrolling on foot in the 300 block of S. Myrtle, when he saw a male subject in Library Park in possession of methamphetamine. He arrested the subject, who was later released with a citation to appear in court on the charges.

Residential Burglary
August 31 at 9:43 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of S. Sunset walked outside his home and discovered someone had entered his attached garage. The suspect took power tools, lighting equipment and DJ equipment. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
August 31 at 4:42 p.m., a motorist was traveling east in the 800 block of W. Foothill and was following too close to the car in front of them. The vehicle in front had to brake, causing the two vehicles to collide. The motorist who was following too close was issued a citation for the driving violation.

Vehicle Pursuit – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 11:04 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 300 block of E. Huntington when he saw a vehicle illegally stopped in a driving lane. He approached the vehicle and attempted to contact the person sitting in the driver’s seat; however, the driver ignored him and began driving away. A pursuit ensued, with the motorist failing to stop for several red lights and stop signs, finally yielding in the 400 block of N. Alta Vista. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
August 31 at 11:16 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest reported a motorist had just collided into two parked vehicles, then fled the area. Officers searched for the suspect vehicle and located it five blocks away from the scene. The driver was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
September 1 at 1:18 a.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Mayflower was inside her home when she heard a loud firework explosion outside. She went outside and found the windshield on her vehicle had been shattered from a firework that had been placed under the windshield wiper. This investigation is continuing.

Warrants – Suspects Arrested
September 1 at 3:18 a.m., a female subject called 911 from her cellphone and said she needed help, then she hung up. GPS tracked the phone call to the 100 block of W. Walnut. When officers arrived, they located two male subjects, who said the female was with them, but just left the area. A computer check revealed both male subjects had warrants for their arrest, so they were taken into custody. Officers searched the area for the female subject, but were unable to locate her.

DUI / Injury Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 1:22 a.m., a caller reported two motorists collided in the 300 block of N. Canyon. Officers arrived and found one of the drivers to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and he was determined to have been driving while under the influence. Due to a complaint of pain from the collision, he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. DUI charges will be filed at a later date.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 2 at 10:18 p.m., a caller reported a male subject heavily intoxicated in the 400 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded to the area and located the subject, who was too intoxicated to stand without assistance. He was arrested for public intoxication.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 8:40 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of E. Huntington when he saw a subject he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest, so he was stopped and taken into custody.

Petty Theft
September 3 at 12:44 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block S. Alta Vista walked outside to his vehicle and discovered someone had entered his unlocked vehicle. The suspect stole a shotgun that was left in the vehicle trunk the night before after the owner returned home from a hunting trip. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 12:47 p.m., security for a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported they were detaining a male subject for theft. The subject loaded a cart full of merchandise and left the store without paying. When officers arrived, an investigation was conducted and the subject was arrested.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 3 at 1:41 p.m., officers responded to a house in the 800 block of W. Olive regarding a report of domestic violence. When they arrived, they located a male and female subject, who have a child together and were involved in an argument. It was discovered that the female subject hit the male with a pair of pants, leaving visible injuries on his body. The female subject was arrested.

Residential Burglary
September 3 at 1:55 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of E. Colorado arrived to his home and discovered someone had entered it while he was gone and stole several power tools. The house was left unlocked. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
September 4 at 9:36 a.m., the victim parked his vehicle in a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain and went into the business. When he returned to his truck, he discovered someone had stolen tools from the bed of the truck. Officers responded and reviewed store surveillance cameras. This investigation is continuing.

Possession of Narcotics / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 10:44 a.m., a caller reported a male subject in the 500 block of W. Colorado that was believed to have a warrant for his arrest. Officers responded and contacted the subject. A computer check confirmed there was a warrant for his arrest. He was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 4 at 5:05 p.m., a caller reported a heavily intoxicated male subject that was in the parking lot of a gas station in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle. Officers responded and contacted the subject. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public and taken into custody.

Battery
September 4 at 6:08 p.m., a caller reported two subjects physically fighting in front of a house in the 500 block of E. Colorado. Officers responded and contacted both subjects, who said they were friends. They became involved in an argument, which led to fighting. Neither were found to be injured. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
September 5 at 7:46 p.m., a caller reported seeing an elderly female driver collide into a parked vehicle in the 700 block of S. Shamrock. The driver stopped, exited her vehicle, looked at the damage, and then drove away without leaving a note. Officers responded, but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
September 5 at 1:13 p.m., a caller reported that two vehicles collided in the 1400 block of S. California. Officers arrived to investigate. Both drivers complained of pain and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 2:08 p.m., officers stopped a motorist in the 100 block of N. Sunset for reportedly being a possible DUI driver. Officers contacted the driver and found him to be heavily intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Traffic Collision
September 5 at 3:18 p.m., a caller reported that two motorists collided into one another in the 700 block of S. Monterey. Officers responded and found no one was injured. After an investigation, the driver who was found to be at fault was issued a citation.

Grand Theft Auto / Recovered Stolen Vehicle
September 5 at 6:47 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of S. Alta Vista walked outside his home and found that someone had stolen his Honda Civic. Officers arrived to investigate, and the vehicle was entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. Later in the evening, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies found the vehicle in Duarte, unoccupied. The vehicle was returned to the owner.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 5 at 7:53 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 200 block of W. Foothill when he saw a male subject he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed the subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was stopped and taken into custody.

Petty Theft / Fraud
September 5 at 9:45 p.m., an employee of a business in the 1400 block of S. Shamrock walked outside to her car, which she had left unlocked. She discovered someone had entered the vehicle and took her purse. She immediately called her credit card company to cancel her cards and was told someone had already used them at nearby stores. This investigation is continuing.

Lunch at The Diplomat

Lunch at The Diplomat, on the north side of Lemon just a few steps off Myrtle. Mediterranean food. Got the Chicken Kebab Wrap for $10 and a beer for $5. Tasted good.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Stock Up About 17 Percent Today


The stock for Monrovia drone-maker, AeroVironment, jumped as much as 17 percent today on earnings estimates "that blew Wall Street's estimates entirely out of the water." https://goo.gl/xDBY4W

The company's stock is up from $54.85 at the beginning of this year to almost $100 today.

- Brad Haugaard (Disclosure: I own some of the stock)

City Works With Athens to Correct Trash Pick-Up Problems; Library Card Month; Youth Sports; Successful Concert Season

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

~ Because of increased complaints about trash service and customer service, city staff has met with Athens, which "will be taking corrective measures, and will be communicating with their operations manager, route supervisor, customer service representatives, and trash truck drivers about the need to provide better service more consistently." Chi adds: "In addition, we have instituted a new monitoring and tracking system with Athens to identify and log missed trash service days.  If a customer has repeated instances of missed trash pickups (3 or more within each 90-day period), the city will be sent a report so that we can further investigate the issues and resolve the matter."

~ It's National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Everyone who signs-up for his or her first Monrovia library card will have the chance to get a picture with a photo frame. Also, new library card holders will be eligible for surprise giveaways all month. For more information call 256-8274.

~ Co-ed fourth and fifth grade basketball and cheer at Julian Fisher Park Tuesdays and  Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. with games Saturday mornings at 8, 9, and 10 a.m. Fee: $35 (MUSD resident & student) $40 (non-resident). https://goo.gl/iQsFnn

~ Around 7,060 people attended a concert in Station Square or Library Park this summer, and around 410 people watched a movie in the park.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE to Discuss its ‘Power Shutoff Protocol’

For those with homes or businesses in fire-danger areas, Southern California Edison will hold a community meeting on wildfires and public safety at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monrovia (924 W Huntington Dr.) on Sept. 10, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. SCE will also provide information about its Public Safety Power Shutoff Protocol. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Friends of the Monrovia Library Book Sale This Friday, Saturday


- Brad Haugaard

Macho The Cat: He'd Like to Meet You


Macho (A271176) is an 8-year-old domestic shorthair in need of a loving family. He is a very sweet cat who spends most of his day in his cat tower or snuggled up with his roommates (he currently resides in a staff office). He meows for attention and will curiously come up to meet you. He head bumps you to pet him and purrs and rubs against you. Despite being 20 pounds he still loves to jump onto chairs and work desks to sniff around and find a better napping spot. Come meet Macho today at the Pasadena Humane Society!

The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

Arcadia Police Needs Help to Find Missing Man




The Arcadia Police Department seeks your help in locating a missing "at risk" person Steven Harold Mills, a 5 foot 7 inch, 120 pound, white male. Steven is a transient who lives in his vehicle and was last seen near the Arcadia County Park. Steven suffers from a mental condition. Steven's vehicle is a 2015 Toyota RAV4 Silver in color with California license plate of 7MUG563. If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Steven, please call 911 or contact the poilce.
- Brad Haugaard