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Twirly Head Robber Hits Chase Bank; Another Bathing Bear; Historic Walking Tours

~ Twirly head bandit robs Chase Bank on Foothill. https://goo.gl/Zj1m6V

~ Yet another Monrovia bear-in-a-pool video. Samson, you started a trend. https://goo.gl/bsMBvn

~ Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will hold its first walking tour of the summer of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, July 7, starting at 10 am. Cost is $5 per person. Learn about early Monrovia and the buildings that populated Myrtle Avenue when the town became incorporated in 1887. ​Meet at the SE corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

Lime Scooters Coming to Monrovia?


At the city’s bike lane presentation was a display of Lime Bikes, and also of Lime electric scooters. No firm date in when they’ll reach Monrovia but a city worker said the company is rolling them out and he guesstimated they should arrive within a year. 

- Brad Haugaard 

More on One Way Streets

The city demonstrated what it has in mind regarding making Ivy and Primrose one-way streets on a blocked-off section of Fig Avenue. 

City Manager Oliver Chi gave a presentation to a small group of what appeared to be unconvinced residents of Ivy south of Huntington.

The reason for the proposal, he said, is to link the train station area to Old Town, especially as there is so much residential development going on in that area.

Now some details, below each picture. 



Traffic lights would be added at Hintington and Primrose and at Huntington and Ivy.

Primrose and Ivy would be one way for cars but two way for bicycles, as shown in the first picture below. 

The streets marked as blue would have two-way bike lanes. This includes sections of Magnolia and California as well as Prinrose and Ivy. 

The streets marked in green - the one way streets Central and Evergreen - would also have one way bike lanes.

The red streets would just be marked, kind of like the “sharrow” symbols that are around town today.


A mock up of the two way bike lanes, which would mostly be on Ivy and Primrose. (Pretend the area with the baby buggy is actually sidewalk.)


A mock up of the one way bike lanes, that would be installed on Central and Evergreen. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia City Council: Tattoos and a Large Multi-Unit Residential Complex

At its Tuesday meeting (agenda https://goo.gl/kGDSPo) the Monrovia City Council will consider...

~ Tattoo parlors in Old Town. The staff report says “the perception of tattoos continues to evolve” and a poll shows Old Town merchants favor them by 63 percent and Old Town landowners are split 50/50. Here are the details: https://goo.gl/KSxfQr

~ A “transit-oriented, 5-story multi-family residential development consisting of 296 apartment units” on the south side of the train tracks across from the train station. Details: https://goo.gl/2Md5XM

- Brad Haugaard 

Breakfast at Nano Cafe


Breakfast at Nano Cafe, on the north side of Duarte Road just east of Mayflower. Got the Italian Frittata for $11.99 and a coffee for $2.79. It came with potatoes (I substituted cottage cheese) and toast. It also came with bell peppers and I’m not a fan of bell peppers, but that was my own fault as it clearly said “peppers” on the menu. But it was fresh and good and a normal person who likes bell peppers would have been pleased. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Suspect Given Citation, Then Vandalizes Police Car; Gardener Threatened With Knife; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Highlighted Activity for June 21–27. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 399 service events, During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 399 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Grand Theft Auto
June 21 at 9:08 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of E. Duarte Road. The reporting party arrived at work and noticed a U-Haul was missing from the street. The street was checked where the vehicle had been parked and broken glass was found on the ground. The incident was captured on video footage. The investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Resisting & Delaying a Peace Officer / Felony Vandalism – Suspect Arrested
June 21 at 9:19 a.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called to report a male subject had concealed a hammer underneath his jeans and walked out without paying for the merchandise. Officers arrived and searched for the subject, but he was not located. One of the officers viewed video footage and confirmed a crime had occurred. A couple hours later, police dispatch received calls reporting a suspicious male subject walking onto several residents’ property. Officers arrived, located the subject and took him into custody. The officer identified the subject as the shoplifting suspect from the video footage. The suspect was holding a black plastic bag, which contained the stolen hammer. The suspect would not provide officers with his personal information and he did not have identification in his possession. He was arrested and taken into custody. At 3:42 p.m., the suspect was released with a citation to appear in court on the charges. As he was leaving the area, he walked by a citizen patrol unit that was parked along the curb on Lime. He stopped and used a lighter to vandalize the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. Two police employees witnessed the suspect committing this crime. Officers responded and the subject ran north through the public parking lot. The suspect was detained in the 100 block of E. Palm and was arrested.

Vehicle Burglary
June 22 at 7:04 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 100 block of S. Fifth Avenue. The victim came out to his vehicle in the morning and discovered that the window he'd left slightly ajar was now completely broken and his wallet had been stolen out of the glove compartment. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Motorcycle Recovered
June 22 at 4:21 p.m., an officer was dispatched regarding a motorcycle that had been parked on the street for more than 72 hours. He ran a computer check on the identifying number and found the motorcycle had been reported stolen. The registered owner was not able to respond immediately, so the motorcycle was recovered and stored.

Warrant / In Park After Closing Hours – Suspect Arrested
June 22 at 11:42 p.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol at Library Park in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and found a subject loitering in the park after closing hours. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant. He was arrested for the warrant and also charged with the municipal code violation for being in the park after closing hours.

Warrant / In Park After Closing Hours – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 12:16 a.m., an officer was conducting extra patrol at Recreation Park in the 700 block of E. Lemon when he found a subject loitering after the park was closed. A warrant check revealed he had an outstanding warrant. He was arrested for the warrant and also charged with the municipal code violation for being in the park after closing hours.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 23 at 4:09 a.m., while on patrol in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle, an officer saw a male subject at a gas station who appeared intoxicated. He stopped to check on the subject and determined he was too intoxicated to care for himself or others. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 24 at 3:14 a.m., officers were on patrol in the area of California and Fig, when they saw a male subject asleep along the east curb of California. The subject was too intoxicated to care for his own well-being and was arrested for public intoxication.

Violation of Temporary Restraining Order – Suspect Arrested
June 25 at 12:57 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of E. Lime regarding a subject pounding on the back door. Officers arrived and contacted a subject who was recently served with a restraining order prohibiting him from being at the location. He was arrested for violation of the restraining order.

Residential Burglary
June 25 at 3:51 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 1400 block of Alamitas. The residents were gone overnight, and when they returned home the next day, they found a television and clothing had been taken from the residence. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation is continuing.

Traffic Collision
June 25 at 5:46 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Eighth and Duarte. A bicyclist was traveling in the opposite direction of vehicle traffic and was hit by a vehicle traveling at a slow speed. The bicyclist suffered minor injuries.

Commercial Burglary
June 26 at 5:34 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting that a window to a business in the 600 block of S. Myrtle had been smashed. Officers arrived and cleared the business. No suspects were located inside, but the business had been burglarized. The investigation is continuing.

Vandalism
June 27 at 6:13 a.m., a vandalism incident was reported in the 600 block of W. Foothill. The victim called and reported multiple vehicles had been egged and there was video surveillance footage of the incident. Officers responded and determined that the vandalism stemmed from a neighbor dispute. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
June 27 at 7:02 a.m., an officer responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in the 400 block of Foothill. The victim parked her vehicle on Duarte road overnight. The following morning she discovered that her window had been smashed and her backpack containing miscellaneous items had been taken from the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Attempted Robbery
June 27 at 8:56 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the report of an attempted robbery in the 200 block of E. Hillcrest. A gardener was walking out to get equipment from his boss’s truck, when he was confronted by a suspect brandishing a knife toward him. The suspect had cut a rope in the back of the truck as if he was going to remove equipment, but left after the confrontation with the victim. An area search was conducted, but the suspect was not located. The investigation is continuing.

Fraud / Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
June 27 at 5:18 p.m., an officer responded to a business in the 200 block of W. Huntington regarding a female who was attempting to pay for new tires with credit cards that were possibly stolen and someone else's California identification card. The female seemed very suspicious to store employees. The officers determined the subject was in possession of multiple identification and credit cards in other people's names. She was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Suspicious Subject / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 27 at 8:13 p.m., police dispatch received a call reporting a silver Jaguar with a broken window parked on the street. A suspicious male subject was seen walking away from the vehicle and jumping over a wall at the end of the street, which leads to a shopping center. Officers arrived and conducted an area check for the subject, but were unable to locate him. As officers were talking to the reporting party, the male subject jumped back over the wall. Officers contacted the subject, who was extremely intoxicated, and asked him why he jumped the wall. He told them it was a shortcut. The officers could smell alcohol emitting from the subject’s breath and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. After talking with the subject further, the officers determined he was too drunk to care for his own safety. He was arrested for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft Auto
June 28 at 5:04 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of N. Myrtle. The victim parked his vehicle at his residence in the evening. When he returning to his vehicle early the next morning, his vehicle was gone. The vehicle is a white, 2003, GMC passenger van. The investigation is continuing.

Audition for Neil Simon's 'Fools' at Jewish Federation Office

Auditions for Jewish Federation SGPV's JFed Players' Fall 2018 production of Fools, will be held on July 29, 30, and 31, with performances in September.

Fools is a comic fable by Neil Simon, set in the small Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov, around 1890. The story follows Leon Steponovich Tolchinsky, a schoolteacher, new to the village, who becomes tutor to Sophia, the daughter of Dr. Zubritsky and his wife, Lenya. Leon senses something odd about the little hamlet and soon learns that there is a curse on the village that makes everyone in the town stupid and unable to fall in love until the curse is broken.

Complications ensue when Leon falls in love with his pupil.

Audition dates and times:
Sunday, July 29, 2-4 p.m.
Monday, July 30, 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday, July 31, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

All auditions will be held at the Jewish Federation, 114A Lime Ave., in Monrovia.

More information can be found at https://www.jewishsgpv.org/our-community/community-calendar or by contacting the Jewish Federation at 445-0810.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Reports Great Quarter; Stock Jumps

Monrovia drone maker, AeroVironment, has reported fourth-quarter net income of $18.3 million, or 85 cents per share, exceeding Wall Street’s guesstimate of 52 cents a share. https://goo.gl/pqjKWd

As a result the company’s stock jumped up today, by 6.83 percent at this writing. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Meeting Set To Explain Making Primrose and Ivy One Way; GoMonrovia Plan is a Model for Others; Art Walks


Monrovia's one-way street proposal.

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

~ If you are interested in hearing about the city's plan to make one-way streets out of sections of Primrose and Ivy,  the city will explain at a block party on Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m., on the 100 block of East Fig Avenue, just off Ivy Avenue. The idea of one-way-streeting Primrose and Ivy between Lime and the 210 Freeway is to make room for physically separated bicycle lanes, in an effort to connect Old Town with the train station.

~ Chi writes that the city has learned that its "GoMonrovia partnership program is officially the biggest partnership program that has been developed by Lyft.  Ever!" He adds: "In total, over 7,000 people have signed up for the GoMonrovia program through Lyft, and the participation rate has both stunned and delighted Lyft, who are using Monrovia as a model for how to engage effective mobility partnerships!"


~ Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host Art Walks along the sidewalk in the 400 block of South Myrtle on the last Saturday evening of June (on June 30), July (on July 28), and August (on August 25).

- Brad Haugaard

Max the Chihuahua Needs a Home


Max (A460360) is a friendly, 4-year-old Chihuahua who’d love a new home. Max enjoys going for walks in the park and hanging out with volunteers. He’s very treat motivated and eager to learn. Sadly, Max came to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, along with his 14-year-old doggie sister, Nana (A460359), because his owner could no longer care for him. Max is ready and waiting for his second chance. Could it be with you?

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.

* Looking to add a new furry friend to your family? The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold its 5th Annual “Free Adoption Day” on June 29. Adoption fees for all available animals— including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles—will be subsidized. The shelter, located at 361 S. Raymond Ave in Pasadena, will be open for adoptions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Joseph Play Coming Up in July



July 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th at the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka Monrovia High auditorium). Details: https://goo.gl/ogdTFg

- Brad Haugaard

Moon and Jupiter at Myrtle and Lime - Saturn Later

The sidewalk astronomers will have their telescopes set up at the corner of Myrtle and Lime this evening about 8 p.m. to view the moon, and, if I understand, Jupiter.

Jane Houston Jones of the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers adds, "Saturn won't rise until about 8:30 tonight, and won't be visible above the Myrtle Street rooftop and trees until after we shut down. So, if you step out at home after 10:30 p.m you'll see Saturn to the Southeast (left of) Jupiter and the moon. It's a gorgeous lineup."

- Brad Haugaard

Summer School Schedule for Monrovia Schools

Monrovia summer school schedule (https://goo.gl/Ythk8y):

Canyon Early Learning Center - June 14-July 12, 8:30-11 a.m. 

Plymouth Elementary School - June 14-July 12, 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Wild Rose Elementary School - June 14-July 12, 8 a.m.-noon.

Clifton Middle School - June 14-July 12, 7:45 a.m.-noon. 

Monrovia High School - first term, June 14-29, 7:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.; second term, July 2-18, 7:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Sakura Sushi


Dinner at Sakura Sushi House, on Foothill at May. Had the Seafood Salad for $14.95 and a beer for $3.95. Very nice.

- Brad Haugaard 

Uber Fat Cat Adopted by Monrovia Woman

Monrovia woman adopts 29 pound Internet rock star cat ... nicknamed Chubbs. https://goo.gl/XLpYLE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Screwdriver Robbery at Train Station; Store Robbery; $60,000 Embezzlement; Motorcycle Wheelie Injury; Victim Beats Up Robber

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 14–20. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 425 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 6:24 p.m., employees of a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male suspect had just ran out of their store with stolen merchandise. Officers searched the area and apprehended the suspect. The merchandise was returned to the store and the suspect was arrested.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 9:44 p.m., security at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported that they were following a male suspect who had just stolen merchandise from their store. Officers arrived and apprehended the suspect. The merchandise was returned to the store.

Violation of Court Order – Suspect Arrested
June 14 at 10:00 p.m., residents in the 100 block of N. Encinitas reported two suspicious subjects loitering on the street. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. A computer check revealed one had a domestic violence restraining order against the other. The offender was immediately arrested.

Warrant / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 12:25 a.m., a sergeant was patrolling the 300 block of W. Evergreen when he saw a female subject run into the yard of an abandoned house. The subject was detained and a computer check revealed she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody. She was also found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine, which was added to her charges.

Residential Burglary
June 15 at 6:53 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of E. Greystone reported someone had gained entry into her home and the locked home safe. The suspect took jewelry and miscellaneous important paperwork from the safe. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 7:04 p.m., a resident in the 1600 block of S. Mayflower reported her boyfriend had just hit her after they had been arguing. Officers responded, and after an investigation, they arrested and took the male subject into custody. The female subject was provided domestic violence victim’s resources.

Vehicle Burglary
June 15 at 7:33 p.m., the customer of a store in the 700 block of W. Huntington exited the store after shopping for a few minutes and found her vehicle’s window had been shattered. The suspect stole her backpack containing a camera, money and her work identification. Officers searched the area for a suspect, but did not locate anyone. This investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 15 at 10:05 p.m., a caller reported someone yelling at a house in the 200 block of Valle Vista. Officers arrived and contacted the male and female residents, who had been arguing. After further investigation, it was discovered that the female had hit the male numerous times, so she was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 9:08 a.m., a caller reported seeing a male subject looking into car windows in the 600 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest, so he was taken into custody.

Counterfeit Money
June 16 at 11:33 a.m., a business in the 700 block of E. Huntington reported one of their customers had used a counterfeit bill to pay for services. The bill was not discovered immediately. Officers responded and collected the bill. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 6:56 p.m., security at a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject had entered their store, took jewelry from a counter and left the store without paying. She refused to stop for store security. Officers responded and apprehended the suspect. She was arrested and the jewelry was returned to the store.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 16 at 8:53 p.m., residents in the 700 block of Wildrose reported that their son was standing in their driveway refusing to leave. They said he does not live at their house. Officers arrived, and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant and taken into custody.

Shoplifting / Fraud / Drug Possession – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 10:25 a.m., employees of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported a male subject was removing security tags from merchandise. Officers responded and stopped the subject as he was leaving the store with the stolen merchandise. The subject was also in possession of methamphetamine and someone else’s identification. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Armed Robbery – Suspect Arrested
June 17 at 12:16 p.m., a male subject reported he was just robbed at the train depot in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. The suspect had threatened to stab the victim with a screwdriver, then took personal property from the victim. Officers responded and apprehended the suspect. The stolen property was returned to the victim and the suspect was arrested for armed robbery.

Trespassing – Suspects Arrested
June 17 at 7:37 p.m., a resident in the 700 block of Wildrose reported their son had previously been advised not to return to the property or he would be charged with trespassing, but he was back in their front yard. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, then placed him under arrest for trespassing.

Strong-arm Robbery
June 18 at 10:31 a.m., a male subject entered a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain with a receipt. He removed items from a shelf that matched the items on the receipt, then attempted to return the items for cash. When the cashier called store security, the subject forced the merchandise from the cashier’s hands and ran out of the store with it. Officers responded and stopped the subject. The merchandise was returned to the store and the subject was arrested.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 12:33 p.m., a caller reported a male subject was behaving strange, punching trees in the parking lot of a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain. Officers located the subject and found him to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Embezzlement
June 18 at 3:41 p.m., the owner of a company in the 200 block of E. Huntington reported one of the employees was taking money from the company. The theft was discovered to be over $60,000. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 7:25 p.m., an employee of a business in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle reported an intoxicated male subject in their parking lot that was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. They found him to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 7:25 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Duarte when he saw a bicyclist commit a violation, so he was stopped. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Influence of Narcotics – Suspect Arrested
June 18 at 10:44 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 700 block of W. Duarte when he saw a male subject behaving suspiciously. He stopped to speak with the subject and found him to be under the influence of narcotics. The subject was arrested.

Mail Tampering
June 19 at 9:52 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of W. Foothill discovered all her apartment complex mailboxes had been forced open sometime during the night. Officers arrived and found that two residents in the building had their mail stolen. This investigation is continuing.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 19 at 11:42 a.m., a motorcyclist accelerated too fast through the intersection of Myrtle and Huntington, causing the front of the motorcycle to lift off the ground. The rider was thrown from the bike, causing injuries. Officers and paramedics arrived. No other vehicles were involved. The rider was transported to a nearby hospital.

Robbery
June 19 at 12:30 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Duarte agreed to sell his phone to a stranger he met on a phone app used to sell items. They met in front of the victim’s residence. The buyer took the phone, but refused to pay for it. The suspect ran and the victim chased after him. A fight ensued and the victim was able to regain possession of his phone. Officers responded to the area, but the suspect could not be located. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 2:50 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 100 block of W. Foothill when he saw a male subject he recognized from previous contacts. A computer check revealed he had several warrants for his arrest. The subject was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody.

Vehicle Pursuit / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 19 at 7:46 p.m., an officer was patrolling the area north of Foothill when he saw a motorist fail to stop for a stop sign. He attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver accelerated, leading the officer into a pursuit. The vehicle yielded eventually in the 1000 block of Briarcliff. The driver had recently been arrested and was out on bail. A computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest and he was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine. The driver was arrested.

4th of July in Monrovia



Monrovia’ Staar Surgical Gets All Clear Signal From FDA

Monrovia’ Staar Surgical, which had received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration, has now received a letter from the FDA lifting the warning letter, and its stock bounced up more than 11 percent today at this writing. 

“The lifting of the Warning Letter is the result of a comprehensive remediation program that not only addressed the issues raised by the FDA in the 2014 Warning Letter, but included the assessment, remediation and upgrade of all aspects of STAAR’s quality systems to assure compliance with Quality System Regulations (QSR),” said Caren Mason, President and CEO. “We have steadfastly initiated and promoted a Culture of Quality which emphasizes prevention and accountability throughout the organization. We are committed to continuing and strengthening this companywide emphasis on excellence.”  https://goo.gl/sseoHN

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Author Describes Finding Hope Following Throat Cancer Diagnosis

Monrovia author describes finding hope following throat cancer. https://goo.gl/Rz5Vi8

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Has Largest Graduating Class Ever

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, celebrated a record-breaking number of graduates during its 102nd annual commencement ceremony on June 16.

With 1,674 students applying for graduation, the Citrus College class of 2018 includes 270 more students than the class of 2016, which holds the previous college record. This is the largest graduating class in the college's history.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Cat Wants Monrovia Home


Abbey (A456125) is a 3-month-old domestic shorthair looking for a new home. She was found as a stray in Monrovia about a month ago and has been looking for the right people to come along to take her home. She currently has two roommates whom she likes to cuddle and play with. She is a bit timid, but enjoys ear and face rubs. Come visit Abbey and her kitten friends today at the Pasadena Humane Society.

The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.

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.

* Looking to add a new furry friend to your family? The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold its 5th Annual “Free Adoption Day” on June 29. Adoption fees for all available animals— including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles—will be subsidized. The shelter, located at 361 S. Raymond Ave in Pasadena, will be open for adoptions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: Pasadena Humane Society

- Brad Haugaard

Big Developments Planned; One-Way Streets; Tattoos; Higher Trash Fees; 4th of July


AvalonBay (top) and TownPlace (bottom), two new planned Monrovia developments.

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

~ The Planning Commission unanimously approved a 296-unit multi-family housing development for just south of the Gold Line station. The City Council will consider the proposal on July 3.  Also, two more big projects (shown above) are in the works: a 113-room Marriott TownePlace Suites Hotel on the southwest corner of Myrtle and Huntington, and a 154-unit AvalonBay project on the northwest corner of Myrtle and Chestnut.

~ Here’s a new web page the city has set up to track development projects: https://goo.gl/RZQnpn

~ There will be a block party at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 “to facilitate gathering community feedback” on making South Primrose Avenue and South Ivy Avenue one way streets to add bicycle lanes. It will "likely take place off of Ivy Avenue by East Fig Avenue," but details next week.

~ The Planning Commission unanimously approved regulations that would allow tattoo services in Old Town. They will have to be a secondary service of non-tattoo businesses, they’ll need a conditional use permit (i.e. special permission) from the city, and they’ll need the building owner’s permission. 

~ Trash fees are going up 5 percent starting July 1 - by $1.50 for a typical residential customer, from $30.03 to $31.53 a month.

~ The 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show will be held at Library Park. The Stefan Poole Band will perform at 7 p.m. followed by a free 20-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. 

- Brad Haugaard

Amada Miyachi Appoints Stephen Shea As New Sales Manager

Monrovia-based Amada Miyachi America Inc., a leading manufacturer of resistance welding, laser welding, marking, cutting, and micro machining equipment and systems, announces the appointment of Stephen F. Shea as Southern Regional Sales Manager. Mr. Shea will provide sales and technical support for all products in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas.

Prior to joining Amada Miyachi America, Shea served as president of Shea Manufacturing Solutions, an authorized representative for Amada Miyachi products and a provider of comprehensive contract engineering support in the areas of lean manufacturing implementation. Mr. Shea has a Six Sigma Black Belt, and significant lean manufacturing experience focusing on operations, quality, and continuous improvement. He has been responsible for high volume production floor operations for more than 20 years.

"We are so pleased to welcome Steve, who has been an Amada Miyachi sales representative for four years and a customer for more than 10 years," said Kurt Tolliver, Vice President Sales. "Steve has used the company's equipment on a variety of automotive sensor assembly lines, and will be able to help customers select the right equipment to optimize their processes."

Source: Amada Miyachi America press release

- Brad Haugaard

Free Fuzzy Friend Adoption Day June 29

Looking to add a new furry friend to your family? The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will hold its 5th Annual “Free Adoption Day” on June 29. Adoption fees for all available animals--- including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles—will be subsidized. The shelter, located at 361 S. Raymond Ave in Pasadena, will be open for adoptions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As the shelter fills to capacity during the warmer months, it is important to find new homes for pets as quickly as possible. This is especially true before 4th of July, when dogs, cats and other animals are easily frightened by the loud booms and bursts of fireworks and may run away. The shelter hopes to free up as much kennel as possible to prepare for the increased number of stray and lost pets arriving around the 4th of July.

Free Adoption Day is the shelter’s largest adoption event of the year. In 2017, 152 pets - 71 cats, 56 dogs and 25 critters - found a home on Free Adoption Day. The shelter hopes to exceed that number in 2018.

“Visit us on Free Adoption for the best deal of the year,” says Julie Bank, President/CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. “Not only are you saving the life of a homeless pet, but you are bringing home a new family member.”

All dog and cat adoptions include the spay or neuter surgery, a microchip and age appropriate vaccines.New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam, as well as a packet filled with information about how to care for your pet.

The event is open to residents of any city looking to adopt a pet. Regular adoption process applies. To expedite the adoption process, print an adoption application in advance on the organization’s website. To view animals at the shelter or to make a donation towards a subsidized adoption, visit pasadenahumane.org.

Source: Pasadena Humane Society

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council to Consider $40 Million Budget

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/Er6dG5) the Monrovia City Council will consider...

- a 2018-19 budget of about $40 million. Property tax is a strong revenue source, as is retail sales tax, however, “Consumer goods sales are starting to level out, as more sales shift to online sales.” Details: https://goo.gl/Er6dG5

- Consider a three-year lease and operating agreement with Community Media of the Foothills, which runs KGEM, so it will continue broadcasting city meetings and events. This will cost the city $160,000 in FY 2018/19, $175,000 in FY 2019/20, and $190,000 in FY 2020/21. Details: https://goo.gl/uGTz3Z

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi

Dinner at Mikomi Sushi, on the east side of Myrtle just south of Line. Got the Salmon and Avocadi Sashimi Salad for $16.50 and a beer for $3.95. Delish!

- Brad Haugaard 

Two Injured In Shooting In Monrovia County Area

Two people were injured today in a shooting in Monrovia county area. https://goo.gl/L6L45s

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drunk Driver Stops Cop to Ask Question, Arrested; Plus Assault, Drugs, Alcohol, and Shoplifting

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for June 7–13. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 443 service events, resulting in 77 investigations.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 1:01 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 800 block of E. Olive when he saw a male subject in Recreation Park after closing hours. He stopped the subject to issue a citation and found him to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety. The subject was arrested for being drunk in public.

Residential Burglary
June 7 at 8:56 a.m., a resident in the 600 block of Parker walked outside her home and discovered she had left her garage door open all night. She noticed several things were stolen from the garage and from inside her unlocked vehicle, which was parked in the garage. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 9:45 a.m., a caller reported a male subject walking down the middle of the street in the 1600 block of S. Myrtle. Officers located the subject and found him to be too intoxicated to care for his own safety; he was arrested for public intoxication and taken into custody.

Shoplifting / Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 2:09 p.m., a male subject was detained by employees of a store in the 500 of W. Huntington because they had observed him shoplifting. Officers arrived, arrested the suspect and the merchandise was returned to the store. The subject was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 7 at 6:26 p.m., a caller reported that two vehicles had collided in the 500 block of W. Foothill. Officers arrived and found one of the drivers was complaining of pain, so she was treated by paramedics. After investigation, the driver at fault was issued a citation.

Vandalism
June 7 at 6:51 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Hidden Valley returned home and discovered someone had pried open his locked mailbox. The mail had already been delivered and collected earlier in the day, so no mail was stolen. This investigation is continuing.

DUI – Suspect Arrested
June 7 at 11:56 p.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 found the driver to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Drug Offense – Suspects Arrested
June 8 at 1:02 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of E. Olive when he saw a male subject loitering in Recreation Park. He stopped the subject for being in the park after closing. The subject was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 2:26 a.m., employees of a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington reported a female subject sleeping in a vehicle in the hotel parking lot. Officers contacted the subject and a computer check revealed she was on parole. She claimed she had a room in the hotel. When officers checked the room, they found another female subject in the room that was in possession of heroin. That subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 2:54 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a bicyclist commit a violation of the rules of the road. He stopped the bicyclist and a computer check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest. The subject was arrested and taken into custody.

Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 3:42 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 1600 block of S. Primrose when he saw a suspicious male subject loitering near the train depot. He stopped the subject and found he was on probation for robbery and in possession of tools commonly used to commit burglaries. The subject was arrested.


Grand Theft from a Vehicle
June 8 at 1:37 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Lemon walked outside his home and found someone had stolen power cables from his unlocked vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Parole Violation – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 1:39 p.m., a male subject entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington, removed merchandise from a shelf, and then fled the store without paying. Officers apprehended two subjects one block away from the store and recovered the merchandise. A computer check revealed the subject was on active parole and had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 4:40 p.m., employees of a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported they were detaining a male subject for shoplifting from their store. Officers arrived, and after an investigation, the subject was arrested. The merchandise was returned to the store.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
June 8 at 10:04 p.m., a husband and wife living in the 500 block of Los Angeles began arguing. The male subject hit the female subject in the face, causing her lip to bleed. Officers arrived and after an investigation, the male subject was arrested. The female was offered social services and received medical care.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
June 9 at 4:41 a.m., a male subject reported he was at a bar in the 1500 block of S. Myrtle earlier in the night and was held down on a pool table in the bar and threatened with a knife. After being threatened, he left the bar, but did not immediately report the incident. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspects Arrested
June 9 at 7:40 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington when he saw security from a store chasing two male subjects. The officer apprehended both subjects, and after an investigation, took custody of them for shoplifting. The merchandise that had been stolen was returned to the store.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 9 at 11:51 p.m., officers were stopped in the 900 block of W. Duarte when a motorist stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road, exited and approached the officers to ask a question. The officers noticed the subject was intoxicated, so field sobriety tests were conducted. The subject was arrested for DUI.

Drug Offense – Suspect Arrested
June 10 at 12:31 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of W. Lemon reported an occupied, suspicious vehicle parked in front of her house with the engine running. Officers responded and contacted two male subjects in the vehicle. One was in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine and he was arrested. The other subject left the area when officers were done investigating.

Vandalism
June 10 at 9:18 a.m., a resident in the 500 block of Los Angeles walked outside her home and discovered someone had scratched the hood of her car sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 12:11 a.m., residents in the 100 block of N. Alta Vista reported a male subject on the street in front of their houses, yelling and causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject. They found him to be heavily intoxicated and too drunk to care for his safety. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Trespassing / Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 7:19 a.m., officers were patrolling the 800 block of E. Olive when they saw a male and female subject on private property in violation of posted no trespassing signs. The male subject had been warned several times by officers to stay off the property over a week period, but chose to disregard the notices. He was arrested and taken into custody. The female subject had not been advised; however, she had warrants for her arrest, so she was arrested and taken into custody, as well.

Injury Traffic Collision
June 11 at 1:06 p.m., a caller reported two vehicles had collided in the intersection of Myrtle and Central. Officers arrived and after an investigation, issued a citation to the motorist who committed a vehicle code violation. The driver and passenger in the vehicle not at fault both complained of pain and requested transportation to a nearby hospital.

Residential Burglary
June 11 at 4:16 p.m., the owner of a home in the 600 block of Anita returned home and discovered several things missing from inside her house. The resident had recently rented her home through a phone app service that rents to strangers for a few days at a time. This investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
June 11 at 10:40 p.m., a caller reported they were following a possible drunk driver in the 300 block of W. Foothill. Officers located the motorist and stopped the vehicle. When they contacted the driver, they found him to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Obstructing & Delaying Officers / Parole Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 12 at 10:21 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Park Rose returned home and saw a male subject standing in her driveway. When he saw the resident, he fled the area. Officers located the subject a few blocks away and he told officers he did not remember his name. A fingerprint reader revealed his identity, which also revealed he had a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 12:19 p.m., a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a male subject loitering in their parking lot, drinking alcohol and refusing to leave the private property. When officers arrived, they located the subject and found him to be heavily intoxicated. It was determined he was too drunk to care for his safety, so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 13 at 3:02 p.m., security for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington reported they were detaining a male subject who they witnessed shoplifting from their store. Officers arrived and after an investigation, they arrested and took the subject into custody. The merchandise was returned to the store. 

Monrovia Schools Added to Honor Roll

Monrovia High, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet, and Plymouth Elementary have been named to the California Honor Roll. https://goo.gl/etyJvr

- Brad Haugaard 

Suicide Prevention Legislation Advances

Senate Bill 972, suicide prevention legislation authored by Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Monrovia, has apassed the Assembly Education Policy Committee. SB 972 would require public, charter, and private schools to print the suicide prevention hotline number and/or text crisis lines on student identification cards for grades seven through all college institutions.

- Brad Haugaard 

Summer Entertainment in the Park

Saturday Concerts 7 – 8:30 p.m., Station Square Amphitheater (1601 South Myrtle)
July 7 - Nolan Shaheed Quintet, Jazz Band
July 14 - Bumptown, Old School/Disco/Latin Band
July 21 - Ocho-X, Jazz Band
July 28 - The Answer, Classic Rock Band
August 4 - Upstream, Reggae Band
August 11 - Cold Duck, Motown/Soul Band
August 18 - Kelley Huff Band, Country Band
August 25 - Boxcar 7, Jazz Band

Sunday Concerts 7 - 8:30 p.m., Library Park, Rotary Club Bandshell
July 8 - The Tom Nolan Band, Motown Band
July 15 - Alumni Acoustic, Classic Rock Band
July 22 - Soto Band, Top 40/Latin Band
July 29 - Ad & The Soul Co., Blues/Soul Band
August 5 - Just Dave Band, Country-Folk Band
August 12 - Nolan Shaheed Quintet, Jazz Band
August 19 - Disney Tribute Band, Children's Music
August 26 - Yachty by Nature, Yacht Rock Band 70s & 80s

Movies - Saturdays at about 8 p.m.
July 21 – Space Jam at Julian Fisher Park
July 28 – The Sandlot at Recreation Park
August 4 – Back to the Future at Library Park
August 11 – Coco at Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue

Source: Becky Shevlin's excellent calendar

- Brad Haugaard

296-Unit Residential Complex Considered; Free Y Membership For Teens; Rebates for Water-Saving Devices; Etc.


Proposed 296-unit residential complex next to Station Square.

In his weekly update City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The Planning Commission will consider an application for a 296-unit multi-family housing project located just south of Station Square, at the northeast corner of Duarte and Magnolia.

~ The YMCA is offering free membership to teens 12-17 years old on June 1 through July 31. Teens can also enjoy Final Friday Teen Nights each month (June 29, July 27, and August 24). After closing at 8:30 p.m. on those days, the Y will chuck out all adults except staff and teens will have full-run of the place - pool, gym, teen fitness classes, karaoke, etc. - until 11 p.m.

~ The drought is still serious, but there are rebates available for water-saving devices, here: https://goo.gl/1CDWkm

~ Monrovia Area Partnership will celebrate its twelfth anniversary at  Julian Fisher Park (915 S. California Avenue) from  5-10 p.m. this  Saturday, June 16. The movie, Wonder, starts at 8:00 p.m. There will also be community booths and free food.

~  The Monrovia Historical Society's Steve Baker will again tell the history of Monrovia on four air-conditioned bus tours:

Tour 1: Northwest Monrovia, Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m.
Tour 2: Northeast Monrovia, Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m.
Tour 3: Southeast Monrovia, Saturday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.
Tour 4: Southwest Monrovia, Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.

Tickets at the Monrovia Community Center ($40 per tour for Historical Society members; $50 for non-members), at the Community Center. Or, contact the Monrovia Historical Society (monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com, 256-3423).

~ Organizers of the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act, which Monrovia has advocated for, have gathered enough signatures to qualify it for the November 2018 ballot. It would reclassify currently "non-violent" crimes, such as rape of an unconscious person, sex trafficking of a child and 14 other serious crimes, as "violent" to prevent the early release of inmates convicted of these crimes. It would also stop the early release of violent felons, expand parolee oversight, strengthen penalties for parole violations, change theft laws to restore accountability for serial thieves and organized theft gangs, expand DNA collection to include those convicted of drug, theft, domestic violence and other serious crimes. Details: https://keepcalsafe.org/

- Brad Haugaard

Bronson - Good Side Kick Dog

Bronson (A459074) is a very affectionate, lovable dog. He is a good side kick, and likes to be only a few paws away at all times. He has been on a few Wiggle Waggle Wagon field trips and volunteers report he is energetic and friendly to people of all ages. He loves going for walks, runs, and is looking for a new best friend. Come visit Bronson at the Pasadena Humane Society today.    
 
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 

Where Are The Black Black Bears?


I’ve seen a lot of black bears in Monrovia but I’ve never yet seen a black black bear. Most of them are just brown, except this blonde one, which I saw today near a crowd of people in Canyon Park. So why call them “black bears?”

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board: Replace Natural Gas Buses With Diesel? New Playground Equipment at Monroe, Plymouth; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda) the Monrovia School Board will consider, among other things ...

~ Swapping out five buses powered by compressed natural gas for five buses powered by diesel. Cost, $853,762. Link

~ Replacing playground equipment at Monroe and Plymouth Elementary schools due to continued growth. Link

~ Adopting a 2018-19 budget of $54,105,387, up from $51,219,116 for 2017-18. Next year revenue is expected to slip to $53,817,727. Link

~ Taking on a mentor paid for by a grant from Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching. "The purpose of the grant is to transform good teachers into great teachers. This transformation occurs through a program in which proven educators receive coaching and mentoring to achieve the highest levels of teaching excellence." Link

~ Hiring the architectural firm NAC Architecture, Inc. for $135,840 to update the district's master facilities plan. Link

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe X2O


Dinner at Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just west of Melrose. Got the Chicken Kebab over spinach instead of over rice (an extra $2) for $14 and an iced tea for $3.  Very good. Note: people sometimes smoke hookahs here, so you may catch a whiff. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Carnival Tomorrow at Calvary Road Church


Carnival tomorrow,Saturday, June 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calvary Road Baptist Church, 319 W. Olive. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: $50k in Jewelry Stolen from Backpack; Sprinkler Theft; Power Tool Theft; Employment Scam; Drunks and Drugs; Pharmacy Robbery; And So Forth

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 31 – June 6. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 464 service events, resulting in 76 investigations.

Shoplifting / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 9:45 a.m., a male subject entered a store in the 100 block of W. Foothill and removed merchandise from a shelf. He ran out of the store without paying for the merchandise. Officers were called and apprehended the subject as he was running east on Foothill. The merchandise was returned to the store and the suspect was arrested. A computer check revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest from previous crimes.

Violation of Court Order
May 31 at 1:58 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Foothill reported her ex-husband had just been in her front yard in violation of a restraining order. When officers arrived, the male subject was gone. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
May 31 at 2:51 p.m., a resident in the 300 block E. Olive walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen several sprinklers from his front yard garden. He told officers this was the second occurrence. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 7:41 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1800 block of W. Duarte when he saw a subject who appeared suspicious. He stopped to speak with the subject and discovered he was an admitted gang member and he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication / Resisting Arrest – Suspect Arrested
May 31 at 8:59 p.m., residents in the 200 block of E. Colorado reported a male subject lying on their front lawn. Officers arrived and contacted the subject, finding him to be heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself. As they attempted to take the subject into custody, he began fighting with the officers, causing minor injuries to the officers. The subject was arrested.

Shoplifting
May 31 at 10:43 p.m., an employee at a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported that a male subject had entered the store and began removing power tools from a shelf. He left the store without paying for the merchandise and fled in a vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud
June 1 at 1:25 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Cherry reported that he was the victim of internet fraud. He had responded to an ad for employment in which he received a check to deposit in his personal account. He was then required to send money to numerous people from his account and could keep the remainder of money from the check; however, after the money was sent, he discovered the check he received was fraudulent. This investigation is continuing.

Petty Theft
June 2 at 1:17 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of W. Hillcrest walked outside his home and discovered someone had stolen the license plates off his vehicle sometime in the morning or during the night. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting
June 2 at 2:23 p.m., a male subject entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and removed speakers from a shelf. He left the store without paying for the merchandise, and when confronted by security outside the store, he dropped the speakers and fled the area. This investigation is continuing.

DUI – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 12:48 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 2600 block of S. Myrtle when he saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. He stopped the vehicle and found the driver to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI.

Traffic Collision / DUI – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 2:32 a.m., a motorist was traveling east in the 700 block of E. Foothill when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a parked car and a gate. Officers arrived and found the driver to be intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted, the driver was arrested for DUI.

Shoplifting
June 3 at 10:55 a.m., a female subject entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington, removed items from a shelf and left the store without paying for the merchandise. She was stopped outside the store by officers and taken into custody for shoplifting. The merchandise was returned to the store.

Vandalism
June 3 at 12:59 p.m., the owner of a restaurant in the 100 block of E. Lime arrived to work and discovered someone had cut his decorative outdoor string lights. The lights had not been cut when the business closed the night before. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
June 3 at 7:46 p.m., a male subject entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and used plyers to remove security tags from merchandise, then left the store with the items. Store employees stopped the subject outside the store and recovered the merchandise. Officers arrived and took custody of the subject. He was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine.

Drugs for Sale / ID Theft / Possession of Stolen Property – Suspects Arrested
June 3 at 10:20 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 400 block of W. Duarte when he saw a motorist commit a driving violation. He stopped the pickup truck and contacted the driver. The driver did not have a license and was found to be in possession of heroin for sale. A search of the vehicle revealed reported stolen property and identification belonging to several different people. The female passenger and the driver were both arrested.

Public Intoxication / Battery – Suspects Arrested
June 3 at 11:37 a.m., a caller reported seeing two male subjects fighting in front of the Monrovia Community Center in the 100 block of W. Palm. Officers arrived and contacted both subjects. One was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety and the safety of others. After further investigation, it was determined he was the aggressor. Officers arrested the intoxicated subject.

Domestic Violence
June 4 at 12:30 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Walnut reported her ex-boyfriend had just shoved her to the ground and threatened her with a baseball bat. He fled the home when she called the police. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. This investigation is continuing.

Embezzlement – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 10:50 a.m., the security for a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain discovered one of their employees had been taking money from the register over a period of time. Officers were called and after an investigation, the employee was arrested.

Hit & Run Traffic Collision
June 4 at 5:11 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of W. Palm walked outside her home and discovered fresh collision damage to her car, which had been parked on the street. Officers arrived to investigate. It appears the damage was caused by another vehicle and no note was left. This investigation is continuing.

Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 7:34 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 500 block of W. Duarte when he saw a bicyclist commit a violation, so he was stopped. The bicyclist was found to be in possession of a pipe that had been used to smoke methamphetamine; he was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 8:44 a.m., a resident in the 1100 block of E. Lemon reported a male subject on the street in front of her house yelling. Officers arrived and found the subject, who was heavily intoxicated. Field tests were conducted and it was determined he was too drunk to care for his own safety; he was arrested and taken into custody.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
June 4 at 11:11 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of E. Royal Oaks reported a male subject lying half in their bushes and half on the sidewalk. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He was heavily intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety; he was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 5 at 7:39 a.m., an officer was patrolling the 800 block of S. Shamrock when she saw a motorist driving while talking on their cellphone. She stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver. A computer check revealed the driver had a warrant for their arrest and was driving with a suspended license. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Armed Robbery
June 5 at 9:39 a.m., employees of a business in the 200 block of W. Foothill reported that two male subjects had just entered their store wearing gloves and masks, and they were armed with handguns. They took cash from the registers and multiple bottles of prescription opioids. The suspects fled the location. This investigation is continuing.

Mail Tampering
June 5 at 4:50 p.m., a resident who lives on Hidden Valley reported seeing two male subjects park their car in front of his driveway, then pry open his mailbox with a crowbar. No mail was taken. This investigation is continuing.

Fraud – Suspect Arrested
June 5 at 8:02 p.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 contacted the driver, who was found to be in possession of items connecting her with fraud. A computer check revealed she was on probation for welfare fraud. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Armed Robbery
June 5 at 11:32 p.m., a caller in the 800 block of W. Walnut reported seeing two male subjects with guns and masks, trying to take an occupied vehicle. The suspects fled the area as officers responded. Officers were not able to locate the suspects, who had stolen money from the victim inside the vehicle. This investigation is continuing.

Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 12:22 p.m., a female subject entered a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington and took merchandise out of the store without paying. Store security detained the female and recovered their property. Officers arrived and took custody of the subject.

Shoplifting
June 6 at 4:40 p.m., a male subject entered a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain and took merchandise out of the store without paying. Officers responded, but did not locate the subject. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 5:49 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1100 block of S. Mountain when he saw a motorist driving while talking on their cellphone. The driver was stopped and a computer check revealed they had a warrant for their arrest. They were arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft
June 6 at 6:47 p.m., an employee of a store in the 100 block of S. Myrtle had placed $50,000 worth of personal jewelry in her backpack, then went to work with the backpack. Sometime during the day, someone had taken the jewelry out of her backpack. This investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
June 6 at 10:57 p.m., residents in the 100 block of Montana reported a female subject in the street, causing a disturbance. Officers arrived and located the subject. A computer check revealed she had multiple warrants for her arrest; she was arrested for the warrants and taken into custody. 

City Considering Making Primrose and Ivy One Way Streets; Etc.

Primrose one way south and Ivy one way north?

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

~ The city is considering making Primrose Avenue one-way southbound and Ivy one-way northbound. The reason: to make room for bike lanes that are physically separated from regular traffic lanes and link Old Town with the train station. Chi writes that there would be no loss of parking, it would encourage traffic to move slower, and it would "facilitate the 'greening' of South Primrose Avenue and South Ivy Avenue." He said it could be paid for by a CalTrans Active Transportation Program grant. Chi said Metro likes the idea so much that it "has hired grant writers to prepare our overall ATP Cycle 4 Grant Funding application!"

Comment: One really simple and dirt cheap thing the city could do if it wants to encourage bicycling is to put at least one bike rack on either side of each block on Myrtle in Old Town, or even just around the corners on the side streets. Right now there are very few racks, except those reserved for LimeBikes.

~ The state is cutting off funding for the Veterans Resource Center at the library, but the city is going to pick up the funding so the center will remain.

~ Monrovia has hired a code enforcement officer to work on Friday, Saturday, and Monday to pull down signs that have been posted on utility poles, stop unpermitted construction, and look out for abandoned shopping carts, abandoned items in the public right of way, and unpermitted yard sales.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Ranked High for Hispanics

Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, is ranked seventh out of more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States for awarding associate degrees to Hispanic students. Hispanic Outlook on Education recognized Citrus in its annual "Top 25 Community Colleges for Hispanics" issue. The publication has included Citrus in its ranking for the past 11 years. The college also ranked number seven in 2017.

Source: Citrus College press release 

- Brad Haugaard 

School Board Member Rob Hammond Honored for Cross Country Bike Ride


At an informal Welcome Home event at Jake’s Roadhouse on Myrtle, Mayor Tom Adams presented this award to School Board Member Rob Hammond (shown here) in honor of his Pacific to Atlantic bicycle ride that has so far raised more than $5,000 for the Monrovia PTA. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Shy Velvet Needs Home




Velvet (A455879) is a 4-month-old girl who just graduated from our foster program! She came in with some littermates in May and was one of the shyer kittens. She really blossomed in her foster home, coming out of her shell, playing with her siblings. She is still a bit timid but once she gets to know you, she becomes curious and playful. If you would like to foster a kitten like Velvet, email volunteer@pasadenahumane.org.
 
The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted.
 
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 

Monrovia's AeroVironment Sells Its Electric Car Charging Business

Monrovia-based AeroVironment has agreed to sell its electric vehicle charging business, called "Efficient Energy Systems," for $35 million to a company called Webasto Group. https://goo.gl/ABJfNh

- Brad Haugaard

Photos of 2018 Monrovia Music Festival

A photo report on the 2918 Monrovia Music Fest at Gem City Images: https://goo.gl/ZyC5CH

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Baseball Loses Title Game

Monrovia loses to La Quinta in title game.  https://goo.gl/VFTxuN

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia May Consider ‘Protected’ Bike Lane System

At a 5 p.m. study session on June 5, the Monrovia City Council will examine the possibility of the city creating a “protected bike lane system” in Monrovia. The agenda (https://goo.gl/QghTxj) does not explain what that is but from earlier reading I believe it is a system comprised of bike lanes that are physically separated from regular traffic lanes rather than just painted on the roadways. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Missing Monrovia Man


From Monrovia Police: Richard Gebhardt 70 years old 5’11 163 Brown hair, Blue eyes.  Subject left his home at Leven Oaks 120 S Myrtle Ave last night unknown time, unknown clothing.  Known to wear button up shirts and black pants.  He’s known to frequent the Vons in Monrovia and the Walmart in Duarte.  If you see him please call the police at  (626)256-8000.

- Brad Haugaard 

Blood Drive Tomorrow at Clifton Middle School