Bobcat Fire Update - High Potential for Growth

Update: ABC7 reports that fire officials are saying the blaze has a "high potential for growth" today. https://is.gd/6ttvC0

Despite how close the Bobcat Fire is, the air in Monrovia today is actually “good,” according to the app, BreezoMeter. I guess the wind is blowing away from us. 

I was able to see flames this morning on a south facing slope, from where you see the smoke rising in this photo:

- Brad Haugaard 

Prepare for Evacuations in Face of Bobcat Fire

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports that flames from the Bobcat Fire are now visible and suggests that Monrovians "remain vigilant and on alert," and "have a plan in place and prepare for the possibility of evacuations."

He asks that residents not call the Police or Fire Department for fire updates, but check the City's website at www.cityofmonrovia.org/news. Also, if there is an evacuation order the Police will coordinate the process and every residence will be contacted individually.

- Brad Haugaard

‘Bobcat’ Fire Above Monrovia

The “Bobcat Fire” is burning north of Monrovia, near Cogswell Dam, off of the West Fork of the San Gabriel River. The city reports that there is "no immediate threat to Monrovia." https://is.gd/rJRAxv

Here's the location of Cogswell Dam:

- Brad Haugaard

School Board: Filming at Monrovia High Auditorium? More Money Going Out than Coming In

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/jz3ogm) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ A deal with Real to Reel, Inc. for the company to be the exclusive location agency for any filming to be done at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center, aka Monrovia High auditorium. The district will get a cut of any filming arrangements Real to Reel makes. https://is.gd/d9gLpn

~ The School District is estimating it will be spending $945,925 more than it will take in during its  2020-21 fiscal year. It's ending balance will be $8,031,514, $1,153,954 less than the previous year. https://is.gd/q9WeRt

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Recycling Closes

Swept clean. 

Monrovia Recycling is closing. The large metals, glass and plastics recycling center on the north side of Duarte Road just west of Myrtle announced in Facebook that it closed today permanently. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Starbucks Pays for Barrier to Prevent Illegal Left Turns on Foothill

City Manager Dylan Feik reports (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) that because there have been "issues" with people making illegal left turns into the Starbucks at the corner of Foothill and Madison, Starbucks has paid to have these traffic barriers - approved by the city's Traffic Safety Committee - installed on Foothill. The were installed August 28.

- Brad Haugaard

Weekly Coronavirus Count: 700 Cases, Up 26, 1 More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 9/2/2020. Changes since 8/26/2020.

City of Monrovia: 700 cases (up 26), 37 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 77 cases (up 3), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 2 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Thefts from Cars; Thefts of Cars; Cyclist Hits Car's Side Mirror; Driving in Circles in Intersection; 10 Pairs Levi's Shoplifted; Etc.

 [Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 27 – September 2. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 358 service events, resulting in 59 investigations. 

Graffiti Vandalism
August 27 at 7:58 a.m., a motorist reported seeing fresh gang related graffiti on a wall at the intersection of Chestnut and Alta Vista. After an officer documented the vandalism, graffiti removal was notified. Investigation continuing. 

Petty Theft From a Vehicle
August 27 at 8:44 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Monterey reported her vehicle was ransacked and personal items had been stolen the day before. She said she had left her vehicle unlocked. This investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism
August 27 at 3:24 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of N. Magnolia reported someone had shattered the window on his vehicle sometime during the night. The suspect did not gain entry into the vehicle and nothing was taken. This investigation is continuing. 

Theft From a Vehicle
August 28 at 8:27 a.m., a theft was reported in the 900 block of W. Duarte Road. The victim parked his vehicle outside a business and went inside. He left his windows slightly open. Two subjects were seen by the vehicle. It is believed that one of them reached in and opened the door. The victim’s tools were missing from the vehicle when he returned. The suspects left the area in a white vehicle. Investigation continuing. 

Theft / Fraud
August 28 at 9:48 a.m., the victim is staying at a hotel in the 900 block of W. Huntington and left a fanny pack inside her vehicle. She believes the vehicle was locked. When she returned, the vehicle was unlocked and the fanny pack was missing. Inside the fanny pack was cash and her credit cards. One of the credit cards had already been used at a Target. Investigation continuing. 

Theft of a Bicycle
August 28 at 11:53 a.m., a blue and white Huffy beach cruiser was taken from a residence in the 1800 block of Estrella. When the victim went out to his garage, he found the bicycle was missing. An officer responded and checked the area for evidence and witnesses, but did not locate anything. The investigation is continuing. 

Fraud
August 28 at 2:57 p.m., a fraud incident was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Pomona. A check was written from the company and mailed. Someone intercepted the check, altered the payee line and cashed it. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 5:03 p.m., a possible drunk driver was reported in the area of Linwood and Violet. A resident called police to report a male driver that slowed down to speak to her and a neighbor. The driver’s speech was slurred and he appeared to be intoxicated. He said he was going to 7-11. Officers went to the 7-11 and witnessed the subject driving. He was stopped for committing a traffic violation. The officers could see and smell signs of the subject being intoxicated. After a DUI investigation, he was arrested and held for a sobering period. 

Grand Theft Auto
August 28 at 6:59 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of W. Duarte Road. The vehicle is a gray Nissan Altima and was stolen sometime during the past several days. The owner had not seen or driven the car during that time. The investigation is continuing. 

Vandalism / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 8:06 p.m., an officer was on patrol near Myrtle and Evergreen when he observed a female subject defacing a traffic sign with a permanent marker. He detained her for the vandalism and found she was also in possession of a methamphetamine pipe. The suspect was arrested for the charges. 

Injury Traffic Collision
August 29 at 9:50 a.m., a motorist reported that a large group of bicyclists were riding downhill in the 1100 block of E. Lemon in the opposite direction of traffic when one of them struck her side mirror, causing him to fall off his bike. Officers and paramedics responded and provided first aid to the injured bicyclist. He was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 29 at 7:13 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower for vehicle code violations and determined the driver was intoxicated. Her passenger was her husband, who suffers from Alzheimer's, for whom she is the sole caretaker. Police were not able to find any arrangements to care for the husband. An officer cared for the husband at the station while the driver was being processed and held for sobering. Due to the husband's age and condition, an elder abuse charge was added to the suspect’s charges. 

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 30 at 10:13 p.m., a traffic collision involving a motorcyclist was reported at Myrtle and Pomona. When officers arrived, they found the motorcycle, but no rider. Investigation determined the motorcyclist was involved in a solo traffic collision and the rider fled towards the train station with associates. The motorcycle is registered out of Palmdale. Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputies went to the address to ask if the motorcycle was an unreported stolen, but no one was home. The motorcycle was stored and surveillance camera footage recovered. Investigation continuing. 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 12:48 a.m., police received a call reporting a vehicle stopped near Huntington and the 210 Freeway with the driver slumped over the wheel and the passenger door wide open. While officers were responding, the vehicle was driven away. The reporting party followed the vehicle to Mayflower and Huntington and updated dispatch until officers could arrive. Officers conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance. The driver was arrested for DUI and held for a sobering period. 

Reckless Driving / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
August 31 at 1:34 a.m., police received several calls reporting vehicles driving recklessly in circles in the intersection of Alta Vista and Central. Officers responded to the area and located one of the vehicles driving away northbound. They conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver also had warrants for other traffic offenses. The driver was arrested for reckless driving and the warrants. 

Shoplifting
August 31 at 6:43 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a theft that had just occurred. A male and female suspect entered the store and selected approximately 10 pairs of Levi jeans. The two suspects left the location through an emergency exit with the merchandise they did not pay for and fled. The investigation is continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto
September 1 at 9:16 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle at the location and met a friend nearby for dinner. When he returned to his vehicle, he discovered it had been stolen. The vehicle taken is a 1999 Honda Civic. The investigation is continuing. 

Lunch at Something Healthy

Lunch at Something Healthy, on the east side of Shamrock, just north of Huntington. Got the Cobb Salad with chicken and a side of fruit for $9.25, and an iced tea for $2.75. Very good! Don’t be put off by the name; the food here may be healthy but it’s  also tasty.

- Brad Haugaard 

School Superintendent to Give Update on Distance Learning

Short meeting of the Monrovia School Board tomorrow (Thursday) night. Superintendent Katherine Thorossian will give an update on how distance learning is working out as school starts. https://is.gd/ufjGD1

- Brad Haugaard

$500 Prize for Best Logo for Monrovia's Art in Public Places Program

UPDATE: Submission deadline extended to Oct. 1.

Monrovia is conducting a contest (with a $500 prize) to design the logo for its  Art in Public Places program. Designs must be submitted by 6 p.m. Sept. 18 Oct. 1 and "should reflect the culture, values and characteristics of Monrovia." The painted utility boxes, murals, and Samson the Bear statues were sponsored by the program. Details and application form: https://is.gd/l9bIn8. For questions contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

- Brad Haugaard 

Canyon Park and Wilderness Area Closed Friday-Monday

The city reports that Canyon Park and the Wilderness Preserve will be closed September 4-7, Friday through Monday, longer if it stays hot. Also, the fire department will increase its patrols in the foothill neighborhoods.

- Brad Haugaard

Fans Available For Hot Weekend

It's going to be a flaming hot weekend and if you need a fan to get through it, the Monrovia Community Center has them available for residents to borrow. For more information call 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Blazing Hot Weekend Ahead - 111 Degrees Predicted

Temperatures up to 111 degrees this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning from 10 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday. "Dangerously hot conditions. Highest temperatures in the foothills. Hottest on Sunday." https://is.gd/mLl5fC. The Weather Channel (https://is.gd/AZiFKa) is predicting Saturday will be hotter for Monrovia, 111 degrees, vs. Sunday at a balmy 110. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Virtual Back-to-School-Night Tonight

Monrovia High will hold a virtual Back to School Night today at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Details: https://is.gd/5BLZ3G

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Teens Paint Sports Logos on Lawns

Two Monrovia teens, Zachary and Joshua Menlove, have started a business painting sports team logos on lawns, Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Raiders, Rams and Kings. It made $1,000 in August. LA Lawn Art started as a joke on a family member who is an Angels fan - they painted a Dodgers logo on his lawn. But people liked it and it's grown from there. News story: https://is.gd/vVRmSn. Website: https://is.gd/Vlk8V2

- Brad Haugaard

Toby: Excellent Mood Booster and Cuddle Bug

Toby is a handsome guy with a grin that can lift anyone's spirits. Just look at that sweet face! Toby is also an excellent cuddle bug. If you've had one of those days/weeks/years and need someone to boost your mood, Toby is ready to help. At eight years old, he's pretty cool and calm, but he'd love to be your buddy for walks around the neighborhood (and not to brag, but he walks great on a leash). He even looks great in a bandana, so get ready to be that person who wears coordinating outfits with their dog when you go for your walks!

 

The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

 

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 and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.

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

 

- Brad Haugaard

Announcement of School Board Candidacy of Jennifer Anderson

Being a parent of four Monrovia students for the last fifteen years, I have continuously volunteered with the goal of improving education for all children. I have held a multitude of roles for PTA in Monrovia schools and currently serve as the President for the Monrovia Council of PTAs. I am also the current President of the MASA Parent Boosters and have coordinated our very successful robotics tournaments held at Monrovia High School attracting participation from schools as far away as San Diego. I have worked in conjunction with our Visual and Performing Arts program to support the Arts for K-12 since 2014 and directed the backstage crew for our annual Monrovia Superstars of Music Showcase for the last seven years. I have also served on numerous district task forces and site committees, including the current secondary school taskforce for distance learning and hybrid learning plans. In some cases, I was the only parent representative, to ensure that all children are recognized, valued, and have the same opportunities I would want for my own children.

As a former mathematics professor, education has always been deeply important to me. Since then, I have worked diligently with teachers, parents, and administrators to build relationships and provide support to ensure we constantly expand our students’ experience and receive a well-rounded education that includes pathways for career opportunities and college and university goals.

In this exceptional time, we must find creative solutions to ensure our kids receive a robust education and provide opportunities to further their education or pursue career-ready pathways. 

Currently, as the President of Monrovia Council of PTAs, I am working closely with our principals and administrators on a daily basis to help ensure that our students are being fed, that every child has the devices and internet they need to connect to their teachers, and that communication to parents is timely, informative, and helpful. Because I have three children currently attending MHS, I am intimately involved in the day-to-day issues in our schools. Within days of schools reopening, I identified holes in our plan. Because of my strong relationships with parents and administrators, and by collaborating with our district leaders, I was immediately able to make these issues known and offer solutions, forestalling greater problems. As an advocate for all children, I will continue to listen to the needs of students, parents, and teachers and advocate for the rights of our kids! 

Strong leadership and deep awareness of daily issues are needed to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic. With my experience and proven leadership, I am confident I will help Monrovia Unified thrive through this global crisis and make educational decisions that are innovative, effective, and equitable. 

Please vote for Jennifer Anderson, a Mom, an Educator and a Proven School Leader! www.jenniferanderson4MUSD.com

City Council to Consider Supporting Anti-Rat Poison Bill, 'Nonmaterial' Fixes to Parking Restrictions

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/PhMTrQ) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Consider adopting a letter supporting Assembly Bill 1788, which would ban most uses of rodenticides containing such chemicals as brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone, which, the letter says, "are known to travel up the food chain and kill non-target animals, such as raptors, bobcats, foxes and mountain lions who consume the poisoned rats." https://is.gd/TrBwKy

~ A proposed revision of the "Monrovia Municipal Code Revising Regulations Related to Stopping, Standing, and Parking." The staff report says these are "minor, nonmaterial corrections that are in need of updating to ensure consistent enforcement of the parking restrictions throughout the City." https://is.gd/xDG3ED

- Brad Haugaard

Coronavirus Count: 674 Cases; 1 More Death

Coronavirus cases from LA Department of Public Health as of 8 p.m., 8/26/2020. Changes since 8/24/2020.

City of Monrovia: 674 cases (up 11), 36 deaths up 1
Unincorporated Monrovia: 74 cases (unchanged), no deaths
Glen Park at Monrovia: 2 cases (unchanged), no deaths

- Brad Haugaard