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Local Family Takes Over Ownership of Mooyah Burgers

Local husband and wife team, Tim and Susan West, are the new owners of Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes in the Vons shopping center. The ownership change was effective Sept. 1. According to a press release, the couple and their six children were all born and raised in town and are working the restaurant as a family - with two of their children working there. The Wests plan to have a grand re-opening event in the near future.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Parking Rules for RVs; Buying Properties on Myrtle; Old Town Logo; Historic Landmarks


At its Tuesday meeting (https://goo.gl/7fHyrP) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider a) allowing residents to park overnight on the street without a permit in the area south of Huntington Drive, north of the 210 Freeway, and between Primrose Avenue and Shamrock Avenue, and b) allow RV street parking in the city by permit only. Permit would cost $5 a day for three days and non-residents could only park on the streets a maximum of six days per month. https://goo.gl/n4S1dt

~ Discuss a buying price for three properties on the west side of Myrtle just south of Primrose Pomona, just south of the property at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Primrose Pomona. This'll be considered in a 6 p.m. closed session meeting. https://goo.gl/uvr5Dz

~ Consider a special tax on the new Richman Residential Project - next to the train station - to pay for city services. https://goo.gl/4hLF52

~ Consider adopting the logo above for promotional efforts for Old Town. https://goo.gl/2LwUmg

~ Consider designating the house at 1 Hidden Valley Road and the house at 310 East Lemon as historic landmarks. https://goo.gl/RxcNNY and https://goo.gl/RxcNNY

- Brad Haugaard

Why is Hwy Esplanade a Highway?

When I saw this sign recently I again wondered why a street that is only three blocks long is called "Highway?"

So I asked Steve Baker, Monrovia's city historian, who said that the street was named by JE MacIntire (I'm unsure of spelling), the developer of the area north of what is now Huntington to Chestnut, and bordered on the west by what is now Monterey and on the east by Mayflower.

For some reason MacIntire called the development the "Highway Block," I guess maybe because it was near Huntington (called Falling Leaf at the time). But anyway, the "Hwy" part of Hwy Esplanade refers to the name of that part of town and is not a description of the street.

- Brad Haugaard


Monrovia a Finalist in Most Business Friendly City Competition

Monrovia has - for the second year in a row - been named one of five finalists competing to be Los Angeles County’s most business friendly city in the under-50,000 population category. Our near neighbors, Duarte and Azusa are also finalists. https://goo.gl/s4FMhY

Thanks for the tip, Brad Hori!

- Brad Haugaard 

Lunch at a Jim’s Burger

Lunch at Jim’s Burger, on Duarte Road at 6th. Got an Avocado, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich for $6.75 and an iced tea for 90 cents. Tasty!

- Brad Haugaard 

Scouting Program Open House Oct. 13

Venture Crew 147 will host an Open House for prospective members on Saturday, 13 October at the Gazebo in Recreation Park in Monrovia. We’ll get started at 3:30 and wrap up by 5:00. After that we’ll fire up the BBQ. Parents are encouraged to attend. Venturing is a Scouting program for young women and men ages 14 to 21 with a focus on adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service. It’s a great way to build life skills (and a great resume) while having fun in the outdoors with new friends. You can find us on the web at www.VentureCrew147.org and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @VentureCrew147.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Gun Robbery; Driver Stuck in Stolen Car; Annoying Drunk Ex-Boyfriend; Shoplifter Too Late With Second Thoughts; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for September 6-12. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 437 service events, resulting in 92 investigations.

Vehicle Burglary
September 6 at 1:30 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of N. Canyon reported his vehicle had been burglarized sometime during the night. The suspect took the vehicle’s handicap placard. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 6 at 1:54 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of Sombrero walked outside his home and discovered his vehicle’s window was shattered. She looked inside the car and saw her purse, wallet and other items had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 6 at 2:44 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1000 block of Briarcliff when he saw a male subject sitting in a parked vehicle. He recognized the subject from previous contacts and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The officer contacted the subject and took him into custody for the warrant.

Grand Theft
September 6 at 4:22 p.m., employees of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported two male subjects had just run out of the store without paying for merchandise they took. Officers arrived and searched for the subjects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision / Stolen Vehicle
September 6 at 7:59 p.m., a caller reported a motorist had collided into two parked vehicles in the 900 block of W. Colorado. When officers arrived, they found the driver stuck in the vehicle with non-life-threatening visible injuries. A computer check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital, and charges will be sought at a later date.

Warrant / Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 8:05 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of E. Duarte reported a male subject loitering on private property, refusing to leave. When officers arrived, the subject was contacted. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest, so he was taken into custody. During a search incident to arrest, the officer found the subject to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 8:10 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Lemon when he saw a male subject loitering in a private business parking lot. He contacted the subject, and during a concent search of the subject’s property, a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine was found. The subject was arrested.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 7 at 11:12 p.m., a sergeant was patrolling the 1700 block of S. Myrtle next to the train station, when he saw two subjects he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed one of them had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was contacted and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 12:49 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Monrovista reported her ex-boyfriend was continuously driving by her house honking his horn. Officers responded to the area and located the driver, who was found to be heavily intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and the subject was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft Auto / Burglary
September 8 at 8:46 a.m., the owner of a business in the 1000 block of S. Mountain arrived to work and discovered the warehouse and been burglarized sometime during the night and his black Volkswagen had been stolen from inside the building. The vehicle was entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
September 8 at 8:52 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte when he saw a suspicious male loitering next to a closed business. He contacted the subject and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was taken into custody. During a search incident to arrest, the subject was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine.

Vehicle Burglary
September 8 at 9:11 a.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject burglarizing a parked vehicle in the 700 block of E. Huntington. The subject shattered one of the vehicle’s windows, then reached inside the car. When the suspect saw the caller watching him, he ran from the area. Officers arrived and searched for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
September 8 at 12:15 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Duarte was checking his bank account statement and saw several charges that he did not make. All of the charges were from online purchases. This invesigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 2:05 p.m., employees of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported seeing a male subject inside their store, concealing merchandise in his clothing. As he exited the store, he decided to return the merchandise to the store. Officers arrived and contacted the subject outside. A computer check revealed he had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody.

Shoplifting
September 8 at 2:40 p.m., employees of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just run out of their store with merchandise and had not paid. Officers responded and searched for the subject, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 8 at 9:13 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of E. Huntington, when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. A computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest, so she was taken into custody.

Robbery
September 9 at 9:06 a.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported three male subjects had just run out of the store with power tools and did not pay for them. One of the subjects yelled at employees that he would shoot them if they tried to stop them. Officers searched the area for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Automobile
September 9 at 10:10 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Palm walked outside his home and discovered his black Chrysler had been stolen sometime during the night. The vehicle was entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 1:15 p.m., a caller reported a male and female subject yelling at each other in the 1700 block of S. Myrtle. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. A computer check revealed one of them had a warrant for his arrest, so he was taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
September 9 at 5:06 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of N. Canyon walked outside his home and discovered his car had been burglarized sometime during the night. The suspect gained entry by shattering one of the car windows and a purse was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 7:11 p.m., a caller reported a male and female subject yelling at each other in the 700 block of S. Shamrock. Officers responded and contacted both subjects. A computer check revealed the male subject had a warrant for his arrest, so he was taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 9 at 11:42 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 2500 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist speeding. As he attempted to catch up to the vehicle, he saw the vehicle drive through two solid red lights. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, who was found to be heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 12:02 a.m., a caller reported a male subject lying in the street in the 200 block of S. Encinitas. Officers responded and contacted the subject. He was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety, so officers took him into custody.

Shoplifting / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 2:50 p.m., an employee of a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill reported a female subject was being detained in the store for shoplifting. Officers arrived, and after an investigation, took custody of the subject. A computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest.

Petty Theft
September 10 at 4:31 p.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Chestnut walked outside his home and attempted to start his vehicle, but it wouldn’t start. He lifted the hood and discovered someone had stolen the car battery. Another resident in the same block reported their car battery was also stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
September 10 at 8:37 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of W. Foothill walked outside her home and discovered someone had burglarized her vehicle sometime during the day. The suspect had shattered one of the vehicle’s windows and took the victim’s purse, which she had left on the front seat. This investigation is continuing.

Robbery
September 10 at 9:08 p.m., an employee of a business in the 800 block of E. Huntington reported the business had just been robbed. Two male subjects entered the business brandishing handguns and demanded cash, while a third subject remained outside as a lookout. The employees handed over cash and the suspects fled the area. Officers responded and searched for the suspects, but could not locate them. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 10:37 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided into a parked car in the 800 block of W. Colorado and was attempting to drive away. Officers responded and contacted the driver, who was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Vehicle Burglary – Suspect Arrested
September 10 at 11:01 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Canyon reported seeing a male subject attempting to gain entry into a locked vehicle. When officers arrived, they watched the suspect gain entry. The suspect was rummaging through the inside of the vehicle as officers contacted him. The vehicle did not belong to him, so he was arrested.

Petty Theft
September 11 at 7:16 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of S. Fifth walked outside his home and attempted to start his vehicle, but it wouldn’t start. He looked inside the engine compartment and discovered someone had stolen his car battery. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
September 11 at 8:08 p.m., a resident in the 1100 block of S. Fifth had ordered a Dyson vacuum online and had it delivered to her apartment. On the day of delivery, she never received her package; however, the delivery company advised her they left it by her front door. This investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 11:07 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Shamrock reported her roommate had just hit her. They had been arguing about the victim taking a plant with her as she was moving out. Officers responded and after an investigation, took the suspect into custody.

Grand Theft Auto
September 12 at 10:39 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Alta Vista walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen his black Dodge Durango sometime during the night. Officers responded and had the vehicle entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
September 12 at 2:53 p.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject had just run out of the store with merchandise and did not pay. Officers responded to the area and searched for the suspect, but could not locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
September 12 at 6:05 p.m., a caller reported a motorist had just collided into the side of a house in the 300 block of N. Canyon. Officers responded, along with Monrovia Paramedics, and contacted the driver. The driver had suffered a heart attack while driving, which caused him to collide. He did not have any injuries from the collision. He was transported to a nearby hospital for his heart condition.

Arcadia Police Looking for this Man Regarding Sexual Assault


On Sept. 8, at approximately 8:42 p.m., an adult female victim was sexually assaulted while walking in the 2300 block of S. Santa Anita Avenue. The suspect is described as follows:

Male Hispanic, in his mid-20's, 5'6", 140-150 lbs., with a shaved head, a long nose, and a distinct crossed left eye. The suspect also had what appears to be a tattoo on the left side of his neck resembling "growing plant vines." The suspect was wearing a light colored t-shirt and dark colored shorts. The suspect rode a silver or metal color BMX style bicycle.

The victim was able to complete a composite sketch of the suspect and the Arcadia Police Department is interested in hearing from anyone who recognizes a person matching the composite sketch.

The case is under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 574-5151, case number 18-4073. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the "P3 Tips" Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Arcadia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Singing in the Rain Movie, This Saturday at the Library


For Classic Movie Afternoon, Singing in the Rain, Saturday Sept. 15, from 2-4 p.m. in the library Community Room. Details: https://goo.gl/fnRUKD

- Brad Haugaard

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