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Santa's Monrovia Schedule

On Dec. 17-21 Santa Claus will drive down every street in Monrovia atop a decorated fire engine, passing out candy canes and escorted by a police car and a decorated public works sleigh.

If you'd like to ride along, assemble by 5 p.m. at Monrovia City Hall's back parking lot each night. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Wear warm clothing.

Schedule:

Monday, Dec. 17 - East of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Tuesday, Dec. 18 - West of Myrtle and north of Foothill.

Wednesday, Dec. 19 - East of Myrtle, south of Foothill, north of Duarte Road, to east city boundaries.

Thursday, Dec. 20 - West of Myrtle between Foothill and Huntington.

Friday, Dec. 21 - South of Huntington, west of Myrtle to Fifth Avenue, and to southern city boundaries. Also includes Valley Circle.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade will take place this Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. with the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Library Park, followed by the Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. The parade will travel north on Myrtle from Chestnut to Palm.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Moving Out of Monrovia to Simi Valley

Monrovia drone-maker AeroVironment, has reportedly moved its headquarters to Simi Valley, where it has most of its manufacturing, according to this article in the LA Times: https://goo.gl/ifdGmQ . All Monrovia employees are being given the opportunity to continue with the company in Simi Valley.

- Brad Haugaard

High Tech Ice Cream Comes to Monrovia


A new high-tech ice cream shop is coming to Monrovia. N2 Lab will be located on Myrtle just south of the 31 Flavors in the Vons shopping center. From a quick Internet search it appears N2 uses liquid nitrogen to cool its ice cream.

- Brad Haugaard 

Windmill on Denny's Replaced and Running.

It's not exactly Monrovia, but the windmill has been replaced on top of the Denny's restaurant at the corner of Huntington and Santa Anita in Arcadia. It's happily going 'round and 'round. Good for them not to let an icon like that fall apart!

If you are not familiar with the history, that building used to be a Van de Kamp's restaurant, which had a windmill as its icon.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to Review GoMonrovia and Street Vendors; Consider Honoring Pamela Fitzpatrick; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/9gBuEn) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~  Hold a study session to review the GoMonrovia transportation plan, and review regulations governing sidewalk sellers (like food trucks, I think). This is a special meeting at 5 p.m. if you want to attend.

~ Consider recognizing Pamela Fitzpatrick, who recently passed away, for her years of service and significant contributions to the community. This would include an Old Town bench with a plaque honoring her, and "a City Council Seat Recognition Plaque mounted on the very seat she sat in for every City Council meeting over the last 25 years." https://goo.gl/sL9K2r

~ Consider awarding a $12.1 million contract to Sully-Miller Contracting Company for the completion of the Monrovia Renewal North Section Infrastructure Improvements Project. The proposal would also set aside $1.8 million in case there are any unforeseen problems, and would also award a $1.4 million contract to Merrell-Johnson Companies to manage the process.  https://goo.gl/rog52H

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Basin 141

Dinner at Basin 141, a new sports bar at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Lime. Got the Black Angus Basin Burger for $13 and a happy hour beer for $4. The atmosphere is bright, lively and modern. Nice service and my burger was excellent. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Assault with Screwdriver; Credit Card Was Okay, Meth Wasn't; Package Stolen from Porch; Santa Swiped; Ex-Girlfriend Punches Ex-Boyfriend; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for November 23–28. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 341 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 8:53 a.m., a caller requested a welfare check for a male transient lying on the sidewalk in the 400 block of N. Alta Vista. Officers arrived and located the subject. He admitted to having methamphetamine and a pipe in his possession. He was arrested.

Vandalism
November 23 at 9:44 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 1800 block of California. The door to a business was vandalized with a marker. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
November 23 at 17:45 p.m., police responded to the report of an assault in the 100 block of W. Walnut. Two subjects were involved in an argument. The argument escalated and one of the subjects was stabbed multiple times with a screwdriver. The victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving, but has been identified. This Investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto – Suspect Arrested
November 23, at 8:16 p.m., an employee of a business in the 200 block of E. Duarte reported a disturbing subject that was inside a vehicle and would not leave the premises of the business. Officers arrived and located the vehicle and the subject sitting inside. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen, and the subject was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 24 at 4:12 a.m., a caller reported an occupied vehicle stopped in lanes of traffic in the 900 block of W. Duarte that had been there for approximately 30 minutes. Officers responded and contacted the driver. The subject showed symptoms of intoxication. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Drug Activity
November 24 at 4:14 a.m., an employee of a gas station in the 700 block of W. Huntington called to report a customer possibly using a stolen credit card at one of the gas pumps. Officers responded and located the subject. While there was no evidence of credit card fraud, the subject had a warrant for a drug offense and was in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. The subject was arrested.

Critical Missing – Located
November 24 at 15:34 p.m., officers responded to the report of a missing person. A resident who suffers from dementia walked away from her home in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. An extensive search was conducted, and the woman was located.

Violation of Domestic Court Order – Suspect Arrested
November 25 at 10:34 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Sherman reported a disturbing subject that was at the residence in violation of a court order. There was a valid domestic violence restraining order on file and the subject had previously been served. Officers arrived and located the subject in question. She was arrested and transported to the Monrovia Jail for booking.

Vehicle Burglary
November 25 at 3:51 p.m., a victim called to report his vehicle was broken into while it was parked in the parking structure of an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. Duarte. The suspect smashed a window and stole a Garmin GPS. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 26 at 1:13 p.m., a victim called to report the registration tab was stolen from his vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the 200 block of W. Lemon. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 26 at 4:48 p.m., a victim called to report a package was stolen from the front porch of his residence in the 500 block of Date Court. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 26 at 6:18 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Mayflower reported Christmas decorations were stolen from her front yard. A large inflatable Santa sleigh and snowmen were taken while the victim was at work. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
November 26 at 8:00 p.m., an employee from a cell phone store in the 600 block of W. Huntington called to report two suspects had entered the business and stole two Apple phones. The phones were secured by anti-theft cables that the suspects broke. The suspects fled the area in a black, four-door, Mercedes Benz prior to the police arriving. The suspects were described as male Blacks wearing dark clothing. This investigation is continuing.

Attempt Robbery – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 8:56 a.m., a victim called to report she was walking in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia when a subject approached her and attempted to grab her cell phone away from her by pushing her. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was positively identified by the victim and arrested.

Grand Theft
November 27 at 9:51 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. A subject entered the establishment and stole several bottles of high-end alcohol, then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. He fled the area prior to the police arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Battery – Suspect Arrested
November 27 at 3:27 p.m., a victim called to report that while at his residence, which is in the 100 block of N. Primrose, his ex-girlfriend punched him in the chest during an argument. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. After speaking with all parties involved, it was determined the ex-girlfriend was the primary aggressor and she was arrested.

Driving Under the Influence/Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 2:01 a.m., a caller reported a traffic accident in the 200 block of E. Evergreen. Officers arrived and located a subject sitting in a vehicle, which had struck several parked vehicles. The driver showed symptoms of intoxication. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Grand Theft Auto
November 28 at 7:12 a.m., a victim called to report his vehicle was stolen from his residence in the 300 block of E. Walnut. This investigation is continuing.

Violation of Domestic Court Order – Suspect Arrested
November 28 at 2:15 p.m., an officer saw a subject enter a property in the 200 block of E. Lime. The officer had knowledge that the subject was already served with a domestic court order. Officers contacted the subject, verified the domestic court order and arrested him.

Battery
November 28 at 10:25 p.m., a caller reported a fight between two tenants in the 600 block of W. Olive. Officers arrived and contacted the two subjects. Both parties desired prosecution and signed private person arrest forms. There were no independent witnesses. Both subjects were arrested and issued citations for battery.

Area Police Departments Form Task Force to Combat 'Street Takeovers'

Due to recent street takeover and sideshow events happening in area San Gabriel Valley cities, local police agencies have come together to form the West San Gabriel Valley Traffic Task Force. The WSGV Traffic Task Force consists of members from the Arcadia, El Monte, Alhambra, Sierra Madre, San Marino, and the Monrovia Police Departments. Officers assigned to the Task Force will work proactively to combat street takeover and associated events in and around the West San Gabriel Valley. There will be zero-tolerance for any unlawful activity.

Over the coming days, the Task Force will be deploying resources to monitor events associated with the anniversary of the death of Paul Walker. We encourage anyone attending memorial events to participate in a lawful manner. Any unlawful activity will result in zero-tolerance enforcement. This includes enforcement in public parking lots such as shopping or business lots.

Source: Arcadia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard

Big New Developments Planned Near Train Station; Award for Low Water Landscaping; Park-and-Ride Closing Temporarily; Etc.

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

~  Three large new residential/commercial development projects are in the works for the area around the Monrovia train station. Together they will cover more than 9.8 acres, with 1022 residential units, roughly 1335 parking spaces, and more than 17,000 square feet of commercial space. They are:


  • The Alexan Project, at 1625 S. Magnolia Avenue. Details: https://goo.gl/wfgGbR
  • The Arroyo at Monrovia Station - Pomona Avenue between Magnolia and Primrose Avenues. An information meeting will be held on Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall (130 W. Pomona Ave.). Details: https://goo.gl/GLsZT6
  • 123 Pomona, at 123 W. Pomona Avenue. There will be an information meeting on Dec. 10, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room. Details: https://goo.gl/oaGBg9

City Manager Oliver Chi has a more detailed discussion which should hopefully be posted here (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) very shortly.

~ Monrovia has developed a sustainable landscape recognition award. Winners will be recognized by the City and receive a $25 credit on their water utility bill. Details in the coming month. Questions? Contact Caroline Velarde at 303-6601.

~ The Park-and-Ride lot next to Station Square Park at the southwest corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenue will be closed from Nov. 30 - Jan. 15 for state-mandated environmental groundwater testing.

~ On Dec. 4 the city will unveil the Chief Stevens Memorial Plaque in honor of Chief Harry Alford Stevens. The event will be at Monrovia Fire Station 101 (141  E. Lemon Ave.) on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. On Dec. 4, 1934, Chief Harry A. Stevens lost his life while patrolling the wind-battered areas of Monrovia when his vehicle was struck by an electric-powered streetcar.

~  To celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter, the Library will hold a Yule Ball with Harry Potter themed music, crafts, games, trivia, a costume contest, and more. Saturday, Dec. 15, noon to 4 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Man Sentenced to 70 Months Prison in Sinaloa Drug Ring Money Laundering

A Monrovia man who was part of an international drug money laundering organization has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for conspiring to move millions of dollars in proceeds for the Sinaloa cartel and other narcotics traffickers.

Harinder Singh, a.k.a. "Sonu," 34, was sentenced late Monday by United States District Judge Christina A. Snyder, who imposed the sentence after noting Singh's "escalating" involvement in the money laundering conspiracy.

Singh was sentenced after being found guilty by a jury last January of conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and operating an unlicensed money transmitted business.

Singh was the 17th defendant convicted as a result of a 2015 grand jury indictment that was the first major United States criminal case involving "hawala" transfers of drug money.

According to court documents, hawala is an international underground money remittance system based on trust between the participants. The hawala system originated on the Indian subcontinent and relies on long-established connections between brokers, who usually are located in different countries, but sometimes are in different cities in one nation. The trust and long-established connection between brokers typically are based on familial, ethnic, religious, regional and/or cultural grounds. Since traditional banking and financial systems are not involved in hawala, it operates without leaving a paper trail. Under the hawala system, only the value of the money is transferred, not the money itself.

In this case, drug traffickers used a traditional hawala network of brokers in the United States, Canada and India to secretly transfer millions of dollars of drug proceeds to the United States, where brokers such as Singh delivered the money to couriers acting on behalf of Canadian drug traffickers and Mexican drug cartels. Prosecutors said the conspiracy was responsible for transferring at least $4 million in drug proceeds.

The evidence presented at his two-week trial in United States District Court showed that Singh participated in a hawala conspiracy that moved money generated from drug sales in Canada to the United States. The money was used to pay for multi-kilogram drug purchases in Los Angeles, which was then routed to Canada for distribution.

California Highway Patrol officers discovered $274,980 in U.S. currency wrapped in black plastic when Singh was stopped in October 2012. During that traffic stop, Drug Enforcement Administration special agents conducted surveillance and observed Singh's wife exiting the couple's apartment complex carrying a bag, which was later found to contain $388,100 in U.S. currency. That cash also was rubber-banded in stacks and similarly wrapped in black plastic.

Prior to the traffic stop and the seizure at Singh's apartment complex in Monrovia, a federal wiretap intercepted Punjabi-language telephone calls indicating that Singh and co-conspirators communicated over multiple prepaid - or "burner" - telephones to arrange for the pick-up, transport and delivery of large amounts of U.S. currency - in amounts of up to $800,000 - across the Los Angeles area.

Soon after the October 2012 traffic stop, Singh met with law enforcement agents and admitted collecting large sums of bulk cash on a weekly basis and receiving approximately $300 for every $200,000 in shipments, according to court documents.

During the course of a four-year investigation by the DEA's L.A. Strike Force and IRS Criminal Investigation, authorities seized nearly $15.5 million in bulk U.S. currency, 321 kilograms of cocaine, 98 pounds of methamphetamine, 11 kilograms of MDMA and nine kilograms of heroin.

Other individuals convicted in this case include Singh's uncle, Sucha Singh, who received a 63-month sentence for his role as a hawala broker; Bradley John Martin, who similarly received a 63-month sentence for his role as a money courier; and Harmeet Singh, who received a 42-month sentence for his role as a hawala broker.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation. These agencies received assistance and support from the Santa Ana Police Department, the Beverly Hills Police Department and the Pomona Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol Alexis Chen of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice press release

- Brad Haugaard

Nikee, the Squirrel Watcher


Nikee (A466206) is a calm, mellow 7-year-old brindle Pit Bull mix. He’s always happy to see you with his tail wagging and enjoys long walks in the park where he can watch the squirrels. He walks nicely on a loose leash, enjoys singing with the fire engine sirens, and curls into you to be petted and gives kisses. He’s been at the Pasadena Humane Society for 2 months so we thought he might need to be wearing business professional attire to find the right home. What do you think? 

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

December Events at Monrovia Public Library

Here's what's coming up at the Monrovia Library in November: link: link

- Brad Haugaard

Horse Carriage Rides During December

To celebrate the season, horse-drawn wagon rides will be available in Old Town Monrovia on Thursday and Sunday evenings in December. $5 per person on first-come, first serve basis. Sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

Sundays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 3-6 p.m.

Thursdays, Dec. 13 and 20 from 5 - 8 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Joanne Montgomery Honored by Black Alumni Association

Joanne Montgomery, vice president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, who represents Monrovia on the board, was recently awarded the Outstanding Educator Award at the 26th annual Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association Gala.

MDBAA President Larry Spicer said, "Educators such as Joanne Montgomery influenced thousands of people throughout Monrovia and Duarte,"

Montgomery taught in the Monrovia Unified School District and the Duarte Unified School District for 32 years.

She said, "I really cared about my students. I saw each one as a success and enjoyed providing extra tutoring time or whatever else they needed to achieve their goals. I am truly honored to have received this award from some of my former students, so many years later."

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: 14 Businesses Spray Painted; Counterfeiting; Road Rage Rock; Stolen Tailgate; Lots of Catalytic Converters Stolen; Lots More

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for November 15–22. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 412 service events, resulting in 88 investigations.

Vandalism
November 15 at 7:39 a.m., a caller reported seeing new gang graffiti on the front of a school in the 100 block of W. Duarte. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
November 15 at 11:09 a.m., an employee of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject had just left the store without paying for merchandise. The suspect entered a vehicle and fled the area prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 15 at 12:02 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of E. Cherry arrived home and discovered someone had burglarized her home sometime in the morning. The suspects gained entry into the home through an unlocked window and ransacked the home. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
November 15 at 1:57 p.m., an employee of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported shoplifting incident. A male subject had just fled the store with over $800 worth of merchandise and did not pay. He entered a vehicle and fled the area prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 15 at 11:52 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Duarte when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Alcohol Offense – Suspect Cited
November 16 at 1:48 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300 block of S. Primrose when he saw a subject drinking an alcoholic beverage in Library Park. He stopped the subject and issued a citation for the violation.

Public Intoxication / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 16 at 2:01 p.m., a caller reported a male subject in the 1700 block of S. Myrtle who appeared to be intoxicated and in need of assistance. Officers arrived and located the subject. He was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest as well.

Domestic Violence
November 16 at 6:20 p.m., a female subject entered the police lobby to report she had been battered by her boyfriend the day before in the 600 block of E. Huntington. She was offered domestic violence services and an emergency restraining order. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglaries
November 16 at 7:36 p.m., three callers reported their vehicles had been burglarized in the 900 block of W. Huntington. All three vehicles were burglarized around the same time. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 2:12 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and approached the driver, who was found to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 6:39 a.m., several callers reported a bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the roadway in the 400 block of W. Foothill, intentionally attempting to hit motorists head-on. Officers arrived and stopped the bicyclist. He immediately took a fighting stance toward officers and refused to cooperate. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
November 17 at 1:11 p.m., an officer was on patrol in the 1300 block of S. Mountain when he saw a motorist traveling along the wrong side of the roadway, swerving back and forth. The officer stopped the vehicle and approached the driver, who was found to be heavily intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, he was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft
November 17 at 3:25 p.m., an employee of a cell phone store in the 900 block of W. Huntington reported a grand theft. Two male suspects left the store with several new cell phones without paying for them. The cellphones taken were display phones. They fled in a vehicle that was waiting outside the store and was driven by a third male suspect. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 1:20 a.m., a caller reported a male subject spray painting graffiti on a wall in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle at the Monrovia Train Station. When officers arrived, the subject had fled the area. While the officers were searching for the suspect, one of the officers saw him spray painting another wall three blocks south of the Train Station. When the officer attempted to stop him, the suspect ran, but he was eventually apprehended. He had vandalized a total of 14 businesses and properties.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 8:27 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Prospect reported a suspicious male subject looking into the windows of parked cars. Officers arrived and detained the subject. No vehicles were found to have been burglarized; however, the subject was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Counterfeiting – Suspect Arrested
November 18 at 4:39 p.m., an employee of a store in the 400 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject in the store attempting to purchase merchandise using a fake $100 U.S. bill. Officers arrived and detained the subject. During the investigation, three additional counterfeit bills were located in the subject’s vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody. The Secret Service were notified.

Grand Theft
November 19 at 7:51 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of Bob Street reported someone had stolen several gardening tools and construction equipment from his backyard sometime during the past couple days. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
November 19 at 9:28 a.m., two residents in the 300 block of Fowler and the 700 block of W. Foothill reported someone had taken the catalytic converters off their vehicles sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 3:56 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Lime reported her son was in her garage even though he was told to stay away from the property and has been arrested for trespassing in the past. Officers arrived and located the subject in the garage. He was arrested for trespassing.

Fraud – Suspect Arrested
November 19 at 9:06 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Mountain when an employee of a store stopped him. A female subject was inside the store attempting to purchase items with a fraudulent credit card. While the employee was reporting it to the officer, the subject exited the store and was immediately stopped by the officer. After investigation, she was arrested for fraud and taken into custody.

Vehicle Burglary
November 19 at 9:12 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of S. Shamrock reported her vehicle had been burglarized sometime during the day. The right front window had been shattered and the resident’s purse had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
November 20 at 7:36 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Bradbury arrived home and discovered their house had been burglarized and ransacked sometime during the night. Officers arrived to investigate and found a rear window had been pried open. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Vandalism
November 20 at 7:52 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of N. Encinitas walked outside and discovered someone had cut one of the tires on his vehicle letting the air out. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
November 20 at 8:14 a.m., an employee of a business in the 900 block of S. Primrose arrived to work and discovered someone had stolen catalytic converters from six of the company vehicles. All six vehicles were parked in front of the business in an unsecure parking lot. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 20 at 9:51 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Los Angeles walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the tailgate off his pickup truck sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 20 at 1:48 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Chestnut reported a motorist had just collided into his parked vehicle, then fled the area. Officers searched for the motorist, but were unable to locate him. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
November 20 at 3:39 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of W. Foothill walked outside their home and discovered someone had burglarized their parked vehicle. The window had been shattered to gain entry. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
November 20 at 4:41 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had just collided into one another in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers responded to investigate. One of the motorists complained of pain and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 20 at 5:11 p.m., a caller reported two motorists had collided into one another in the 1400 block of S. Mountain. One of the motorists fled the area after the collision. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the motorist who fled. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
November 20 at 10:26 p.m., an employee of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a customer had presented a fraudulent driver’s license while attempting to purchase an item using store credit. The employee refused to complete the transaction and called the police. The customer ran out of the store. An area search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. This investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Vandalism
November 21 at 11:40 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Cypress walked outside their home and discovered their parked vehicle had a shattered window. It did not appear as if anyone entered the vehicle or took anything from inside. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 21 at 3:53 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of Sherman discovered someone had entered her unlocked vehicle and took her purse, which was inside. The vehicle was parked in front of her house. This investigation is continuing.

Throwing Object at a Moving Vehicle
November 21 at 4:07 p.m., a caller reported a road-rage incident that had just occurred in the 100 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect drove alongside the caller and threw a large rock through her open window, striking her leg. The suspect fled the area and could not be located by officers. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 21 at 7:06 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Royal Oaks reported a motorist had just collided into three parked vehicles and then fled the area. Officers responded and located the motorist still in the area. The driver was found to be under the influence of drugs. After field sobriety tests were conducted, she was arrested for DUI.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
November 22 at 3:50 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of S. Fifth. The victim parked his rental vehicle on the street, and when he returned to the vehicle, he noticed traffic collision damage to the side of the vehicle, indicating it had been side-swiped sometime during the night.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
November 23 at 2:59 a.m., an officer observed a traffic violation in the 800 block of W. Foothill and stopped the vehicle. A computer check revealed the female driver was listed as armed and dangerous with a no-bail warrant out of Sacramento. The warrant was confirmed and the female was arrested without incident.

Thanksgiving Dinner from Mimi’s

Had Thanksgiving dinner at home, but the feast was from Mimi’s, at Huntington and Mayflower. We got a meal for 8 to 10 people for $104.99. A whole turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry apple relish, two carrot nut loaves and a pumpkin and a pecan pie. Excellent. Turkey nice and moist. 

- Brad Haugaard 

City Facilities Closed for Thanksgiving; Firefighters Help Battle Blazes; Holiday Decorations Going Up; Etc.

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

~  All City facilities will be closed this coming Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22-23. Thanksgiving.

~  Monrovia firefighters have been helping fight the Woolsey Fire in LA / Ventura County, and the Camp Fire in Butte County. Last week, two Monrovia teams returned safely from battling the Woolsey Fire for seven days.  And now - for the Camp Fire - Monrovia has sent Captain Brannigan Scott, Engineer Jake Clemens, and Firefighter/Paramedic John Claypool as part of Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force 4. They're working out of a base camp in Paradise.

~  The city is putting up wreaths and holiday banners along Myrtle - if you hadn't noticed, and during the next few weeks will be doing more, including adding tree lights.

~  There will be a retirement celebration in honor of Tina Wells, Senior Administrative Assistant, on Thursday, Nov. 29, after 18 years of service. In the Library Community Room, 4:30-6 p.m. RSVP to hsayers@ci.monrovia.ca.us

~ There will be a fundraiser for the Monrovia Police Department Explorers on Nov. 27, 4-8 p.m., at Cold Stone Creamery to raise money to support the program.

~  Bettie Mae Scott was honored Nov. 17 with a memorial plaque on the 500 block of West Maple as part the Neighborhood Treasures program. In World War II she was among the first women trained to fly American military aircraft. In July 1944, she was killed shortly after take-off while testing a newly repaired airplane.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Winter Events


Old Town Holiday Events:

  • Black Friday, November 23
    • Santa will arrive in Old Town at 10 a.m., so bring your family and friends and shop small this Black Friday!
  • Small Business Saturday, November 24 
    • Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There will be drawings, music, and in-store specials all day long!
  • Days of Giving: Toy Drive on Myrtle Ave
    • Spread the joy this holiday season by participating in the Toy Drive on Myrtle Avenue!
    • Starting at 10 a.m. on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, members of Monrovia's Fire and Rescue will be out on Myrtle Avenue to collect your toys, so stop on by and make a child happy today!
Holiday Sing Along in Old Town
  • We will be holding a Holiday Sing Along for carolers young and old, musically gifted and tone-deaf! All are welcome! Come for the tunes, and stroll along Myrtle afterwards for shopping and dessert!
  • The sing along will be taking place on the 400 block of Myrtle Avenue.
  • Friday, December 14, 8:15 p.m. 
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides in Old Town on Thursdays & Sundays
  • Thursdays, December 13 & 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Sundays, December 2, 9, & 16, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
Free Kids' Crafts on Myrtle Avenue
  • Saturdays, December 15 & 22, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Old Town Monrovia on 400 block of Myrtle Avenue  
Breakfasts with Santa in Old Town Monrovia – Every Saturday in December!
  • December 1
    • 8:00 a.m. - Peach Café
  • December 8
    • 8:00 a.m. - Jake's Roadhouse
    • 10:00 a.m. - Monrovian Restaurant
    • 11:00 a.m. - Oh Mulberry Bush
  • December 15
    • 8:00 a.m. - Peach Café
  • December 22
    • 8:00 a.m. – Jake’s Roadhouse
    • 10:00 a.m. - Oh Mulberry Bush
    • 11:00 a.m. – Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant 
Holiday Events at the Monrovia Public Library
  • Holiday Sounds - Library Lobby (All Ages)
    • Saturday, December 1, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  • Santa Storytime - Library Community Room (All Ages)
    • Monday, December 3, 10:30 a.m.
    • Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
  • Gingerbread House Decorating - Library Community Room (All Ages)
    • Saturday, December 15, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Monday Movie Night – Library Community Room (All Ages)
    • Monday, December 17, 6:00 p.m.
  • Holiday Dessert Decorating Challenge - Library Community Room (Grades 6-12)
    • Wednesday, December 19, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Wheelhouse Ceramic Sale

Monrovia Adult Education's The Wheelhouse is having its holiday ceramic sale, at its facility at 1833 Santa Fe Place, behind Troy's Donuts and Burgers on Myrtle.

- Brad Haugaard