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Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Event Tomorrow; Pot Lab Opening in Monrovia; Gravel Bags; Youth Volleyball; Chamber Awards

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

~ To replace the rained out holiday parade there will be a Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Event at Library Park tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be music;  parade float entries; carriage rides; photo booth; face painting; Starbucks coffee, tea, and cocoa; cookie decorating station; and a Letters to Santa station. There will also be a display of parade floats. The Christmas tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. For questions call Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246.

~ A company called LB PharmLabs received the final State regulatory approvals needed to open a new cannabis testing laboratory in Monrovia at 1000  S. Magnolia Ave. The firm says it "provides the "cannabis industry with laboratory testing and analytic services to ensure consumers have access to safe medicine."

~  If you're a resident living in an area subject to flooding, you might want to pick up some gravel bags at either the Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain) or Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Ave.), Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. And if you want something to put in them, you can get gravel any time in the parking lot south of the baseball field in Recreation Park, on East Olive Avenue. For more information contact Public Works at 932-5575.

~  The city's Youth Sports Program will feature Indoor Volleyball Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. Games Saturday mornings. Details: https://goo.gl/WrHBgs

~  Winners of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce's Iris Award (Citizen of the Year), Monroe Award (Business Person of the Year), Service to the Chamber Award, and the Military Service & Stewardship Award, are: Iris Award, Monrovia Reads; Monroe Award, Oak Crest Institute of Science; Service to the Chamber Award, Richard Andrews, Realtor with Century 21 Adams & Barnes; Military Service and Stewardship Award, Donna "Sam" Natali.

- Brad Haugaard

Goober Needs a Furrever Home

Goober (A462838) is a 4-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei looking for a home for the holidays. Goober has been at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA since July! We think he’s been getting overlooked in the kennels. This past weekend he went home with a foster family to get some comfy couch time. He was a very well-behaved boy who liked to follow his Foster around the house and sit right by her side. He gave tons of kisses and slept peacefully at the foot of the bed at night. Goober is now back at PHS looking for a new friend who would like to give him a furrever home.

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

Vigil for Cecilia and Kelsey Cami Meza at Library Fountain, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.


There will be a vigil tomorrow, Wednesday, December 12, for Cecilia Meza and her daughter, Monrovia High School senior, Kelsey Cami Meza, who were recently murdered.

The vigil will be at the Monrovia Public Library Fountain area at 6:30 p.m.

Carmen Martinez writes:
Please bring candles (preferably battery operated - if regular wax candles, make sure to have a cup to catch the melting wax).
If you do not bring candles, we will have some that have been lovingly donated.
We will have a poster board you can sign and color markers.
We will have note cards, and color markers, for you to write your memories of Kelsey and/or Cecilia and a box you can drop them off in for their family (or you are welcome to take them for keepsake). You are encouraged to write your memories before the vigil.
We have been told Starbucks will provide free coffee.
We will have Pastor Tim Mahan, from Fellowship Monrovia, lead us in prayer and say a few words to our teenagers.
Family and friends will have a chance to say a few words.
Jennifer Ranger and family will sing Amazing Grace.
Pastor Tim Mahan will close us in prayer.
We will have some MAP leaders, community members and friends help us set up and pass the candles.
Please share the information about the vigil. If you have any questions, comments and/or concerns, please message me [Carmen Martinez, 626-673-5308.].
GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memoriam-of-cecilia-and-kelsey-cami-meza
There will be a donation box available for anyone that is able to donate, but it is not required.
Thank you for all of you that have stepped up and donated candles, time and love.
Let's make Monrovia proud and not leave any trash on the ground.
- Brad Haugaard

Studio Movie Grill Now Reportedly Complete

The Studio Movie Grill build-out is complete, according to the blog, Gem City Images (https://goo.gl/GNPTXf), so you should now be able to enjoy a meal with your movie.

- Brad Haugaard

Tree Lighting- and Party - Wednesday, Dec. 12

As you likely are aware, due to the rain last week, the City regrettably had to cancel our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade.  However, in an effort to organize a scaled down version of our annual holiday celebration, we are happy to share that the City will be hosting a special Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Event at Library Park this coming Wednesday, December 12, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  

 

We hope that everyone in the community will join us for a special evening of festive, holiday cheer!  We plan on displaying several of the floats that were created for the parade this year at the event, and will also have live holiday musical performances, special holiday crafts, Christmas themed activities, and of course… the official lighting of our community Christmas Tree!  In addition, at this special event, we will be recognizing and celebrating our Parade Grand Marshall – the Monrovia Area Partnership, MAP Leaders!

 

If you have any questions, please call the Monrovia Community Center at 256-8246! We look forward to celebrating with everyone on Wednesday!


Source: Monrovia City Manager Oliver Chi 

 

- Brad Haugaard 

Murdered Mother and Daughter Victims of Strangulation

The murdered Monrovia mother and daughter - Cecilia Meza, 41, and 17-year-old Kelsey Cami Meza - were both strangled, and the daughter also suffered "blunt head trauma," according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. https://goo.gl/SBv25h

- Brad Haugaard

Presentation on Founder of Oldest African-American Architecture Firm in LA

On Martin Luther King Day, Sunday, Jan. 20, from 1-2 p.m., the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E. Lemon) will host a program on Monrovia's Robert Kennard, founder of the oldest African-American architecture firm in Los Angeles. Details: https://goo.gl/1ULuEf

- Brad Haugaard

Vigil for Murdered Mother and Daughter on Wednesday

A public vigil will be held this coming Wednesday, Dec. 12, for Cecilia Meza and her daughter, Kelsey Cami Meza, who were murdered in the 800 block of Colorado Boulevard earlier this week. The vigil will be at 6:30 p.m. by the fountain at Library Park. For questions, please contact Carmen Martinez at 673-5308.

- Brad Haugaard

Schools Consider Adding 'Immigration Status" and 'Gender Identity' to Nondiscrimination Rules; Also, Tough Money Times Ahead

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/9kAfjg) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider making its nondiscrimination board policy more stringent by including more criteria which may not be used for discrimination, particularly immigration status and gender, as recommended by the California School Board Association.

So, the new rules would forbid discrimination on the basis of "immigration status" or "nationality," which has been added to the existing, "national origin."  Also, in addition to forbidding discrimination on the basis of "gender," the new rules forbid it on the basis of "gender expression" and "gender identity." Also new are bans on discrimination based on age, "genetic information," and pregnancy. https://goo.gl/AyZXNE

Comment: What in the world is the difference between "gender" and "gender expression" and "gender identity?" Is gender what you really are, and gender expression how you act, and gender identity what you sorta think? Or what? Things are getting bizarre.

~ Hear a report on the district's fiscal situation, which is not terrible but is not great either. According to the staff report (https://goo.gl/C6q6Dj), "for the 2020-21 fiscal year, the District projects a positive Ending Balance of $1,413,726. However, this positive Ending Fund Balance will be unable to provide the required estimated 3% Reserve for Economic Uncertainties of $2,131,979." This means the district will have to submit a "qualified" (that's not good) certification.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Noodle Stars

Lunch at the new Indonesian/Chinese style Noodle Stars, on the south side of Huntington behind the Burger King. Got the Chicken Satay with peanut sauce and rice cakes for $8.95 and a “Stars Special Drink” (Es Mutiara Pelangi) for $5.75. Very tasty. I especially liked the drink, made of various tropical fruits. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Victims of Double Murder Identified

The victims of the double homicide at an apartment on Colorado Boulevard have been identified as 41-year-old Cecilia Meza and her daughter, 17-year-old Kelsey Meza. https://goo.gl/Ph7cto

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Homicide; Suspicious Recyclers; Man Opens Door and is Hit on Head; Drunk Arrests; Attempted Burglary in Park; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for November 29 – December 5. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 382 service events, resulting in 94 investigations.

Battery
November 29 at 7:16 a.m., a caller reported a family disturbance at a residence in the 600 block of E. Colorado. Officers arrived and located the involved parties. An investigation revealed a mutual combat between family members. One half desired prosecution and the other half refused prosecution. This case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.

Warrant – Suspects Arrested
November 30, at 3:24 a.m., a resident in the in the 100 block of Hidden Valley reported a suspicious vehicle in the area, occupied by three subjects. The resident asked the subjects what they were doing. They stated they were looking for recyclables and then sped off in the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle in the area and stopped it. Two of the occupants had outstanding warrants for their arrest. The two subjects were arrested and transported to the Monrovia Police Jail.

Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
November 30 at 6:56 a.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking in a designated crosswalk in the 300 block of E. Foothill. Paramedics arrived and treated the injured party for non-life-threatening injuries. Officers arrived and spoke with all involved parties. The investigation is continuing.

Attempt Burglary
November 30 at 8:16 a.m., an attempt burglary was reported at the cabin inside Canyon Park. Officers arrived, conducted an investigation and found evidence of forced entry. A window sill on the north side of the cabin had pry marks and the window was partially open. Nothing was missing from inside the cabin. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
November 30 at 8:53 a.m., a victim called to report his vehicle had been stolen from the driveway of his residence in the 400 block of S. Bradbury. He parked his vehicle the evening prior. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
November 30 at 12:50 p.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Chestnut walked outside and saw his unlocked vehicle had been ransacked and several items were missing. This incident occurred sometime between 11/29/18 at 4:30 p.m. and 11/30/18 at 12:50 p.m. The investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
November 30 at 2:03 p.m., an employee of a business in the 100 block of E. Foothill called to report a theft of four salon chairs from an unsecured patio area of her salon. The chairs were used and stored on the patio. Officers arrived and spoke with the employee. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
November 30 at 5:08 p.m., a grand theft was reported in the 900 block of S. Primrose. A catalytic converter was stolen from a work truck while it was parked. The crime occurred sometime between 11/19/18 and 11/26/18. Investigation continuing.

Shoplifting
November 30 at 6:19 p.m., an employee called to report a theft from a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Two subjects entered the store, concealed items, and left without paying for them. They left in a vehicle prior to officers arriving. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
November 30 at 6:22 p.m., a victim called to report his vehicle was vandalized while parked in the 200 block of E. Maple. He parked his vehicle in front of his residence and went inside. He returned a short time later and saw his vehicle had been keyed. Investigation continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 3:10 a.m., a caller reported a subject was causing a disturbance in the 100 block of E. Evergreen. Officers arrived and located the subject, who was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and transported to Monrovia Police Department Jail, where he was housed and held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 9:50 a.m., a heavily intoxicated male subject was causing a disturbance in front of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. After field tests were conducted, it was determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested for public intoxication and held for a sobering period.

Petty Theft
December 1 at 11:35 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Walnut walked outside his home and discovered someone had removed the rear license plate from his vehicle. Investigation Continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collison
December 1 at 12:19 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Huntington walked outside of her home and discovered a motorist had sideswiped her parked vehicle. She had parked her car earlier that morning and it did not have any damage. This investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
December 1 at 12:29 p.m., a motorist reported that he just collided with a parked vehicle in the 100 block of W. Foothill. He advised he hit the door of the parked car when the occupant opened his door into oncoming traffic. The occupant was not cooperative and was refusing to exchange information with the caller. Officers responded to investigate and the party at fault was issued a citation.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
December 1 at 2:17 p.m., an intoxicated male was reported loitering in the parking lot of a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. Officers responded and located the subject. He was too intoxicated to care for his own safety, so he was taken into custody. The subject was so intoxicated he needed the assistance of Monrovia Fire Department paramedics. They responded and the subject was transported to a nearby hospital.

Vehicle Burglaries
December 1 at 2:52 p.m., a Monrovia Park Ranger reported two vehicles had been burglarized in the parking lot of Canyon Park, 1200 N. Canyon. The windows on both vehicles were shattered and personal items were taken. The vehicle owners were contacted. This investigation is continuing.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
December 1 at 7:57 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Cherry had a knock at his front door. He opened the front door and a person he knew struck him in the head with an unknown object. Monrovia paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving. An officer responded to the hospital and spoke with the victim. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto/Resisting & Delaying an Investigation – Suspects Arrested
December 1 at 9:11 p.m., an officer was providing extra patrol in the 2500 block of S. Myrtle when he ran a license plate to an occupied vehicle. The vehicle was reported as stolen. Officers detained the two subjects inside the vehicle. A female adult was arrested for grand theft auto and a male adult was arrested for resisting and delaying an investigation. The stolen vehicle was recovered.

Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
December 2 at 12:50 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle struck a pedestrian who was riding on a skateboard in the 1200 block of S. Magnolia. Officers arrived and spoke with all parties involved. Paramedics arrived and transported the pedestrian to a local hospital. The investigation is continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 3 at 7:45 a.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 3000 block of S. Peck. Officers arrived and spoke with all involved parties. The motorist at fault was issued a citation.

Residential Burglary
December 3 at 8:14 a.m., a caller reported that his residence in the 900 block of Ridgeside was broken into sometime during the night. The house was under renovation and no occupants were inside at the time. The loss was a paint sprayer and saw. Investigation continuing.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
December 3 at 1:38 p.m., a caller reported a traffic collision in the 500 block of W. Huntington. Officers arrived and spoke with all involved parties. The motorist at fault was unlicensed and he was issued a citation.

Vehicle Tampering
December 3 at 3:55 p.m., a victim called to report that his vehicle, which was parked in the 200 block of W. Lime, was tampered with. The victim left the vehicle parked in the street for approximately three weeks. When he returned to the vehicle, he noticed a door handle was damaged. Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft
December 4 at 7:58 p.m., an employee flagged down an officer that was patrolling a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. The employee told the officer he witnessed a male Hispanic adult steal a chainsaw from the business. The suspect fled the scene prior to the employee flagging down the officer. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
December 5 at 6:37 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Poinsettia walked outside his home and discovered someone had smashed a window on his vehicle, made entry and ransacked it. Investigation Continuing.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
December 5 at 10:27 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill reported and hit and run traffic collision. An unknown motorist had sideswiped her parked vehicle. She had parked her car the day before and it did not have any damage. This investigation is continuing.

Homicide
December 5 at 12:52 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of W. Colorado regarding a welfare check on a female adult and female juvenile. Officers went to the location and discovered the two females were deceased. LASD Homicide Bureau is handling the investigation with the assistance of the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau. See Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Bulletin below.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Cancelled

Today's tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade have been cancelled, due to rain. City Councilwoman Becky Shevlin reports that there is the "possibility of a smaller tree lighting ceremony next Wednesday evening."

- Brad Haugaard

Sheriff's Department Looking for Suspect in Double Murder

The LA County Sheriff's Department is looking for Nimrod Perez Guerrero, 33, in connection with the murder of a woman and her daughter, whose bodies were discovered Wednesday at an apartment complex on Colorado Boulevard, across from Monrovia High School. Guerrero is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information about the suspect, contact the LA County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323 890-5500, or anonymously at 800 222-8477.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Puppy Village at Hope Unlimited Church

Hope Unlimited Church will have a Christmas Puppy Village (good photo opp) on Sunday, Dec. 23 at its two Christmas services, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The church is at 1900 Walker Ave, Monrovia. Walker is a block south of Duarte Road on the east side of Myrtle. Details: https://goo.gl/S7iMcJ

- Brad Haugaard

A Musical Production of A Christmas Carol

Centre Stage will present a musical production of A Christmas Carol, Dec. 13-16 at IFGF Church, at the corner of Palm and Primrose. Details: https://goo.gl/t5CaVy

- Brad Haugaard

YMCA Winter Wonderland

A winter celebration with games, activities such as gingerbread house building, and raffles. Friday, Dec. 14, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Santa Anita YMCA, 501 S. Mountain Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas Caroling Dinner

First Presbyterian Church (Myrtle and Foothill) will hold a Christmas Caroling Dinner Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Wear ugly sweater or jammies. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Woman and Girl Killed Near Monrovia High School

An woman and juvenile female were killed in the 800 block of Colorado Boulevard (near Monrovia High School) today at about 1:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD).

UPDATE: The victims were found in a house. The girl had not shown up for school for several days and the bodies were discovered when police went to investigate. https://goo.gl/eJN3cX

UPDATE 2: LASD reports that the victims were "a female Hispanic adult and a female Hispanic juvenile," and that there is "no suspect information at this time."

Here is the original LASD notice:

DATE: Wednesday, December 5, 2018

TIME: 1:30 P.M.

LOCATION: 800 block of West Colorado Boulevard, Monrovia

VICTIMS: Female adult, Female Juvenile

SUSPECT(S): Unknown

UNIT: LASD Homicide Bureau – Lieutenant Alfred

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives are responding to the 800 block of West Colorado Boulevard, Monrovia, to assist Monrovia Police Department personnel investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a female adult and female juvenile.

The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no further information at this time and the investigation is still on-going.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Now a 'Dementia Friendly' City

Monrovia has now become part of the Dementia Friendly America movement, which seeks to develop programming and resources for families that live with dementia.

The Monrovia program, developed by the Monrovia Provider’s Group, a network of for profit and non-profit organizations that provide support services for older adults and their families, was recently joined by a cross section of organizations representing businesses, educators, law enforcement, first responders, health care, the faith community, local government, community members and others to form a dementia committee, guided by Senior Helpers Community Relations Coordinator, Nathan Kirschenbaum, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Public Policy Manager, Kelly Honda and senior-focused individuals, including the Monrovia Public Library and Community Center Staff.

The committee's next meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing, at 606 E. Huntington Drive. For more information see the Dementia Friendly Monrovia Committee Facebook Page facebook.com/DementiaFM

- Brad Haugaard