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Boba Shop Coming to Old Town; Red Cross Blood Drive; Street Digging; Oak Crest Wins Award

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

~ Old Town is getting a  T-Pumps, a trendy tea and boba shop with several locations in Northern California and one in Pasadena. The store will be at 510  S. Myrtle Ave., where the old Family Affair Music shop used to be located. Here's the company's website: https://www.tpumps.com/

~ The Monrovia Police Officers' Association will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., in the Library's Community Center. Schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "MONROVIA." Your donation directly supports trauma victims.

~ Construction crews and inspectors from Southern California Edison are continuing an electrical system improvement/relocation project along Walnut Avenue, between Myrtle and Primrose. There'll be a lot of digging, intermittent road closures and the reduction of traffic to westbound vehicles. Please avoid the area for the next couple of weeks,

~  Monrovia's Oak Crest Institute of Science has been chosen by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership to receive its "Success Within Workforce Development" award, which will be presented at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 21, during the Partnership's annual gala.

- Brad Haugaard

Pepper - If You Like Dog Kisses and Squirrel Watching

A mellow six-year old dog, Pepper (A448661) is an affectionate lap dog. He enjoys meeting new people and will roll on his back for belly rubs once he has said hello.  His favorite activity is climbing in your lap to give kisses. Pepper does enjoy walks in the park and watching the squirrels. After a little stroll, he loves nothing more than rolling in the grass and getting belly rubs. Pepper knows some commands like sit, shake and down and is working with our volunteers on learning more. If you are looking for a calm dog who likes to stroll through the park and then go home to cuddle on the couch then Pepper might be the dog for you. Stop by to meet Pepper and learn more about this affectionate dog.

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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

Fire Department Helps Rescue Hiker Monday Night

Monrovia Fire Department reports that late last night (Monday) Monrovia Fire Department helped rescue a hiker who had become lost well off of the trail in Monrovia Canyon Park. With the assistance of helicopters from LA County Fire, Pasadena PD and LA County Sheriff's Department the lost hiker was located and rescued.

- Brad Haugaard

World Whistling Competition Organized By Monrovia's 'Whistling Diva'


Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman, "The Whistling Diva," is organizing The Masters of Musical Whistling International Competition and Festival, coming to the Pasadena Convention Center on Aug. 23 and 24.

More than 60 whistlers from 10 countries will compete for the title of World Champion. The biennial event - the only one of its kind in the United States - attracts professional whistlers and undiscovered talent from all over the world.

Kaufman, a two-time world champion musical whistler, founded the festival in 2015 to establish a meeting place for the global whistling community and promoting musical whistling as fine art.

For event tickets and more information, please visit www.mastersofwhistling.com or whistlers.eventbrite.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastersofwhistling/.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Thanks Neighbors for Saving Her Life

Monrovian Jenny Polizzi posted on the social media site, Nextdoor, that her neighbors saved her life. She writes ...

"I had a stroke as the result of a fall two weeks ago on Monday July 29th around 10 am. I am home recovering now. It was a miracle that I was in the exact right place at the exact right time. That our neighbors were out for a walk. That someone on the ambulance decided to take me Huntington Hospital.

"I owe my life to 2 neighbors, a woman and a man around 10am on N Myrtle. I was out walking my 2 dogs Jack and Flora. They passed us and we said hi. I think I saw a young man with a dog. Next thing I remember I was lying on my back on the sidewalk bleeding. I heard someone say 911. I saw the woman talking to me but I didn't understand what you were saying. I had my Apple watch on and was able to tell Siri call my daughter and then she was there. I don't really remember much. I am forever grateful to you both. So are my daughters, son and my grandchildren. You saved my life.

I do remember that when I was in the ambulance that I was talking but they didn't understand what I was saying. They called a Stroke Code at the Huntington trauma center. They gave me 'the shot' TPA. It immediately broke up the clot and almost entirely reversed the stroke. There is only a 2-3 hour Golden hours that you can get the shot to stop a stroke.

"I am forever grateful to you both. So are my daughters, son and my grandchildren. You saved my life."

- Brad Haugaard

A/C Work at Clifton, Plymouth; Repave Parking Lot Next to Monrovia High

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/lRcWhz) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Having work done on the air conditioning systems at Clifton and Plymouth schools (and gas lines at Plymouth) for about $71,000.

~ Repave the parking lot on 124 S. Madison Avenue, next to Monrovia High for $104,900.

- Brad Haugaard

Where in Monrovia?

How expert are you on Monrovia. What is this flag and where does it fly in Monrovia?

- Brad Haugaard 

Lunch at Monrovia Pizza



Lunch at Monrovia Pizza Company, at the corner of Mayflower and Duarte Road. Got the one-slice pizza lunch special (choice of cheese or pepperoni) with drink for $3.01. Wow! Great price, a nice-size piece of pizza and tasty. 


- Brad Haugaard 

Fine For False Alarms Up to $400

Monrovia Police officers respond to nearly 2,000 false alarms each year. The response to false alarms unnecessarily pulls the responding officers from other endeavors, decreasing the effectiveness of their patrol duties and increasing response times to other calls for service.

Once officers arrive, if there are no signs of forced entry or tampering, Monrovia Police Officers will leave the homeowner a “False Alarm Notice,” informing the home or business owner the police were called to their address regarding an alarm activation.

Monrovia Municipal Code Ordinance 9.47 was established in the best interest of public safety, public welfare, and convenience of the City, as well as fairness to its citizens. The City requires those persons generating an unusual number of false alarms to be deterred from allowing their alarm systems to generate false alarms, which contributes to the City’s expense for responding to those false alarms. The City allows no more than three false alarm responses free of charge in a 12-month period.

Monrovia Municipal Code Ordinance 9.47.050 establishes a service charge to be billed to and paid by the alarm user of a particular alarm system for the following false alarms:

• 4th False Alarm - $200.00
• 5th False Alarm - $300.00
• 6th False Alarm - $400.00
• Subsequent False Alarms - $400.00

This fee is established by resolution for excessive alarm response. Alarms caused by criminal activity, earthquake, weather or conditions beyond the control of the owner would not be considered false.

It is in your best interest to ensure your alarm system is in proper working order and a valid alarm permit is on file with the City of Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Lots of Cars Looted; Phone Thieves Escape in Lexus; Copper Wire Theft; Bomb Threat Scam; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 1-7. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Petty Theft From Vehicle
August 1 at 3:09 p.m., a resident in the 1000 block of Berry walked outside her home and discovered someone had entered and ransacked her vehicle. The vehicle had been left unlocked and miscellaneous items were taken. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft From Vehicle
August 1 at 3:30 p.m., a petty theft incident was reported at a business parking lot in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. When the victim finished shopping and returned to his vehicle, he found it had been ransacked. He could not remember if he locked his vehicle. There were no signs of forced entry and miscellaneous items had been taken. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 1 at 5:58 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of W. Walnut called to report his motorcycle had been stolen from the alley sometime in the last two days. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 12:21 a.m., officers were on patrol in the area of Myrtle and Longden when they witnessed a vehicle drive over the center divider, and then continued on at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was displaying signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft Auto – Vehicle Located
August 2 at 8:17 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Canyon Crest walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen his vehicle sometime during the night. His vehicle had been parked on the street in front of his house. Officers arrived and had the vehicle entered into the DMV stolen vehicle system. Shortly thereafter, it was located unoccupied by the Pasadena Police Department and returned to the owner.

Vehicle Tampering
August 2 at 1:53 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Canyon Crest walked outside her home and found someone had entered her car sometime overnight and ransacked her vehicle, but she did not notice anything missing. She had left her vehicle unlocked. This investigation is continuing.

Vandalism Incidents
August 2 at 9:05 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Colorado called to report someone threw a rock through her apartment window and shattered it. No witnesses were located. Investigation continuing. At 10:02 p.m. that same day, a resident in the 200 block of Linwood called to report that someone threw a rock through his apartment window and shattered it. No witnesses were located. Investigation continuing.

Grand Theft
August 3 at 12:39 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 700 block of W. Huntington. While the victim was shopping in the store, an unknown suspect took her wallet and cellphone from her purse. The wallet contained cash and credit cards. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 10:09 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report he had detained a shoplifter and requested a private person’s arrest. Officers responded and conducted an investigation. The private persons arrest was accepted and the subject was taken into custody for shoplifting.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 3 at 11:55 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the area of Foothill and Mayflower regarding an intoxicated person causing a disturbance in the area. The subject was located and detained. He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held for a sobering period.

Public Intoxication
August 4 at 3:57 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of S. Myrtle regarding an intoxicated person in the area. The subject was located and detained. It was determined the subject was too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Grand Theft
August 4 at 3:37 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. An employee called to report four male Black subjects wearing hooded sweatshirts entered the location and separated upon entry. They each approached display stands, cut the security cables and fled with multiple phones. They were last seen heading south on Monterey in a silver, 2000's, Lexis sedan. Officers responded but were not able to locate the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 12:56 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 500 block of Norumbega when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the vehicle and discovered the driver had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 5 at 11:20 a.m., a traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. One of the drivers failed to yield the right of way to the other vehicle, causing the collision. One of the drivers complained of back pain, but refused medical treatment.

Commercial Burglary
August 5 at 11:33 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported at a business in the 400 block of W. Chestnut. The business is under construction and over the weekend, unknown suspects forced entry into the building and stole tools, equipment and copper wire. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 5 at 12:34 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of N. Canyon called police to report her vehicle had been burglarized. The victim parked her vehicle in the street in front of her residence. When she returned to her vehicle, she found a window had been smashed and her purse, which she had left in the vehicle, had been stolen. There is no suspect information at this time. Investigation continuing.

False Bomb Threat
August 6 at 4:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of S. Mountain called to report he received an email regarding a bomb threat to the business if Bitcoin was not exchanged. The investigation revealed the email was a scam. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 7:16 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Foothill and Melrose regarding a group of subjects drinking beer on the corner. Officers arrived and detained several subjects matching the description. A computer check revealed one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant, and he was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Threatening / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 8:45 a.m., two separate subjects called police to report a male subject had threatened them at a business in the 100 block of W. Duarte. The suspect frequents the business. The victims reported he threatened their lives and they were fearful of him. Officers conducted an investigation and identified the suspect, who also had a warrant for his arrest. He was located and arrested later in the day without incident.

Theft
August 7 at 8:47 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of S. Mountain reported the tailgate to his Toyota Tacoma was stolen sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 10:56 a.m., officers on patrol in the 600 block of E. Greystone saw a vehicle parked in violation of a vehicle code. Officers attempted to contact the registered owner to have her move her vehicle and discovered she had multiple warrants for her arrest. She was arrested for the warrants.

Theft
August 7 at 12:35 p.m., a theft incident was reported in the 200 block of W. Maple. The victim reported his catalytic converter was stolen from parked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Theft
August 7 at 7:59 p.m., a female subject called police to report her vehicle had been ransacked and her purse, which she left in the vehicle, had been stolen. The victim parked her vehicle in the 700 block of S. Shamrock. She had left the vehicle unlocked. This investigation is continuing.

Theft – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of S. Peck regarding a subject possibly stealing automotive parts. After a search of the area, officers located the subject, who was found to be in possession of stolen property. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

MAP Leadership for Youth - Learn to Lead

(Click to enlarge.)

- Brad Haugaard

Learn to Lead - MAP Adult Leadership Academy

(Click to view more clearly)

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's SiLC Technologies Appoints Former Texas Instruments Director as VP of Business Development

Monrovia's SiLC Technologies, Inc. has appointed former Texas Instruments director, Ralf J. Muenster, as VP of business development and marketing to support SiLC's expanding customer base and LiDAR solution integration.

LiDAR, according to Wikipedia, is "a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target with laser light and measuring the reflected light with a sensor." It's useful for autonomous vehicles, biometrics (face and fingerprint recognition, for instance), and robotics. SiLC has squeezed this technology onto a chip.

Muenster will lead SiLC's expansion into Silicon Valley.

Prior to joining SiLC, Muenster was the director of Texas Instruments' CTO office where he was responsible for identifying and developing impactful new growth vectors and strategic technology partnerships for the company. Muenster has held various executive roles in the semiconductor industry, including serving as an intrapreneur and business executive at National Semiconductor, Micrel and AMD, where he was heading the automotive market segment. Muenster holds a master's degree in physics from the Technical University in Munich and is a multiple U.S. patent holder.

Muenster said, "FMCW LiDAR will change the future of autonomous driving, and SiLC is the company best positioned to lead that transition, with its highly integrated FMCW LiDAR solutions and 4D Vision Sensors. I look forward to working with such an experienced team of innovators and silicon photonics specialists as we bring the safest and most cost-effective LiDAR to market."

https://is.gd/NtHfAO

- Brad Haugaard

National Night Out - Cops and Music


National Night Out in Library Park now. Cops, music and food. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia's Xencor Loses Less Money Than Anticipated - Stock Moves Up

Monrovia's biotech firm, Xencor, which is developing antibodies for autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported a second quarter loss of $16 million, or $0.30 per share, but its stock closed higher because the loss was less than anticipated. https://is.gd/21wyA6

- Brad Haugaard

More Camphor Trees Around Monrovia High Coming Down; City Manager Transition Plans; Leadership Training; Wine of Month Club; Wall-E

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

~  Not only have the camphor trees along Colorado in front of Monrovia High been removed, but also the city is also planning to remove the camphor trees located on Madison, between Colorado Boulevard to the south and the high school tennis courts to the north. Why? Because they are an "invasive, inappropriate parkway tree option that damages sidewalk infrastructure, but further, the ones located on Magnolia Avenue are diseased."

~ The City Council will meet in closed session tonight, Aug. 6, to discuss city manager transition plans, as City Manager Oliver Chi has accepted a position as city manager in Huntington Beach. Chi writes: "I just don't have words to describe how much being part of Monrovia has meant to me, and while I am excited about the new opportunity, I've been struggling with the thought of not being part of the Monrovia organization. Many thanks to everyone for supporting the city's efforts to make our community as premier as it can be."

~  Monrovia Area Partnership will hold youth and adult leadership academies this fall. MAP hosts events to train and connect community members to improve Monrovia. Adult Leadership Academy trains residents to recognize and utilize city resources; provide leadership skills; and encourages adults to become engaged in the community. It meets Thursdays, Sept. 12 - Oct. 24, 7 to 9 p.m., in the Library Community Room. Sign up here: https://is.gd/zLVnVr. Youth Leadership Academy is similar but designed for middle and high school aged youth. It meets Wednesdays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 23, 3-5 p.m., in the Library Community Room. Sign up here: https://is.gd/VTMV8w

~  Monrovia-based Wine of the Month Club is ranked second in an online vote being coordinated by USA Today. If you'd like to help vote it up to first place, you can vote here: https://is.gd/9YlAsD

~  Last outdoor movie of the summer, Wall-E, on Aug. 10 at dusk in Library Park. Bring lawn chair, blankets, and snacks.

- Brad Haugaard

For Milo It's Play, Play, Play!

Work hard, and play hard - that's what I always say! My name's Milo (A477088), and I love, love, love to play! Whether I'm chasing after a tennis ball you've thrown me, or going for a run outside, I love the high-energy, fast-paced lifestyle! But I'm more than just the life of the party. I don't want to brag, but I also have my blue ribbon. That means I know sit, down, AND stay! I'm basically the whole package! And I haven't even mentioned my lovable face. If you've been wanting a dog who's the trifecta of beauty, brains, and boundless energy, then come say hi!

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. 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

Financial Peace University at Calvary Chapel

Calvary Chapel Monrovia, 1307 S Myrtle Ave, is offering Financial Peace University beginning Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. This nine-lesson course, ending Nov. 12, uses biblical wisdom and common sense to help you tackle budgeting, pay off debt, and make your money work for you. FPU includes a member workbook and a year of free online resources through Financial Peace Membership The cost is $109. You may register and pay for the materials at: https://www.fpu.com/1096625.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Earthquake Seminar Coming Up - RSVP Necessary

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group and the Monrovia Fire Department will host a free workshop on earthquake preparedness  on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Monrovia Public Library. The keynote speaker with be Margaret Vinci from Cal Tech. Light refreshments will be served. You must RSVP (https://is.gd/6LBRgw) as seating is limited.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Manager Heading to Huntington Beach

Monrovia City Manager Oliver Chi Will apparently be moving on to be city manager of Huntington Beach. According to the Daily Pilot, Chi’s hiring will be official with a vote by the Huntington Beach City Council on Monday.

In a statement Friday Chi said, “I am humbled, excited and grateful for the opportunity to join a city as dynamic and iconic as Huntington Beach. Surf City is simply premier in every way, and I am looking forward to partnering with the mayor, City Council and staff as we work together to help build community and enhance the local quality of life.” https://is.gd/ur9TOZ

In a statement on the Monrovia city website (https://is.gd/2nlnfK), Chi wrote:

“While I am deeply honored that the City of Huntington Beach is considering my appointment, I can’t begin to describe what a genuine privilege it has been for me to serve Monrovia these past five years,” Chi said. “I have been so blessed to have had the chance to work with Mayor Adams and an outstanding team of thoughtful City Council Members, and the amazing array of spectacularly talented City staff here in Monrovia are truly second to none. Our shared mission has been to serve the people of Monrovia to create a community that offers a premier quality of life, and looking back on it all, I feel such immense pride at what we have been able to do together.”

The statement adds:

"The Monrovia City Council will review the matter and determine next steps in a Closed Session meeting on August 6th. If he is confirmed by the City of Huntington Beach to serve as their next City Manager, Mr. Chi intends to work closely with the Mayor and City Council during the next two months to help coordinate the process for identifying his replacement."

Comment: Big loss for Monrovia. Aside from his accomplishments - opening the long-delayed Wilderness Area, the GoMonrovia transportation program that is being imitated around the country, dealing with Monrovia's part in the statewide retirement funding fiasco, and basically re-piping and repaving the city - he's also just an awfully nice guy. Sorry to see you go, Oliver!

- Brad Haugaard